How To Keep Your Face Mask Clean | Tips For Wearing, Washing & Storing

Just as important as wearing a face mask? Keeping it clean. That’s right – wearing a mask is only half the battle. Now that we’re masking up on the daily, we’ll need to add keeping them clean to the routine. Read on for the latest tips, straight from the experts …    

How To Remove

Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops. Handle only by the ear loops or ties. Fold outside corners together. Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

How To Clean

Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. You can include your face covering with your regular laundry. Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering. If using the dryer, use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry. If air drying, lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.

How To Wear

Wash your hands before putting on your face covering. Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face. Make sure you can breathe easily. Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect​.

How To Store

Masks should not be placed in pockets for later use. To store or transport, carefully fold the mask so the contaminated outside is folded inward and against itself. Place in clean or new paper bag, and perform hand hygiene.

Want to learn more about all things laundry care? Check out our FAQs.