How to wash fabric mask

The fabric face mask has become a frequently used item. Practical, easily accessible and available in various designs and prints, the protection can even be made at home.

As a kind of filter, it helps prevent the inhalation of infectious microorganisms suspended in the air. But to work efficiently, the mask needs to be perfectly clean. Fortunately, proper sanitization is easy, as long as you follow a few recommendations. In this article, you will know:

• The importance of the face protection mask
• How to wash fabric mask
• How often to wash the mask
• How to wear a fabric mask correctly

The importance of the mask

The face mask is an ally to prevent contamination by viruses and bacteria contained in microscopic droplets, expelled by breathing and speaking of infected people. The correct use of protection helps prevent the spread of the most diverse respiratory diseases, from influenza flu to more serious infections.

While health professionals and patients with suspected or confirmed cases of contamination should wear surgical masks, all other people who transit in public places should wear reusable fabric protective masks, recommends the Ministry of Health.

Here's how to wash fabric mask

Proper cleaning of the mask is important for it to fulfill its filtering role. It can be done in the washing machine or by hand, but the water needs to be at least 60 °C, capable of killing viruses and bacteria. In the machine, you can wash it together with other items that tolerate hot water, such as bath towels and sheets. If you prefer to wash by hand, use warm water and scrub with a clothes washer for a few minutes.at least 20 seconds.

After sanitizing, to eliminate remaining germs, place the mask in the clothes dryer with hot air or iron it if drying naturally. Finally, store in a closed plastic bag and individually.

Read also: Do you know what the washing symbols on clothing labels mean?

Products for washing fabric masks

As viruses bind to fat and protein molecules, some people try to wash the protective accessory with dish detergent, known for its degreasing power. Other methods circulating on the internet talk about heating the piece in the microwave oven or placing it in a pot of boiling water. All these measures are unnecessary and can damage the material. The World Health Organization (WHO)only recommends boiling when washing with hot water is not possible, in which case boil the mask for 1 minute after sanitizing at room temperature.

Powder or liquid laundry detergents are suitable for disinfection, provided that the sanitizing is done at high temperature. To enhance cleaning, bleach and stain remover can also be used.

Always follow the correct sanitizing steps and try to opt for suitable products instead of homemade products, to zero the risks of damaging the fabric of your garment!

How to wash white fabric mask

If the label on the mask allows the use of bleach, leave the mask for 30 minutes in a mixture of bleach and drinking water, in a ratio of 1 to 50, for example, 10 ml of bleach to 500 ml of drinking water. Then rinse the solution thoroughly and machine or hand wash with warm or hot water, following the instructions and proportions indicated on the packaging of the laundry. Fordo not stain or absorb pigments from colored fabrics, wash separately.

How to wash black or colored fabric mask

As it is only recommended for white fabrics, skip the pre-wash step in bleach water for black or colored masks. But be sure to use hot or warm water to ensure proper disinfection, as well as using high temperatures in the dryer or iron, always respecting the indications on the label.

Black and colored fabrics do not like hot water, but there is no way, high temperatures are important for the disinfection of the mask. To mitigate the risk of fading, add table salt to the first wash.

How to wash fabric mask with stains

Rub a little of the washing-up liquid on the stain and leave to soak for 15 minutes, then wash as above. But if the stain is more resistant, use a powder or liquid stain remover. Test the colorfastness first by dampening a small area with a small amount of the product diluted in warm water. If after 10 minutes there is no change, proceed as directed on the label.Follow the remaining sanitization steps as described above.

Read also: How to remove grease stains from clothes?

How often to wash a fabric mask

Fabric masks should be changed whenever they are dirty or damp, says the Ministry of Health. When this occurs, it means that the fabric is saturated with moisture or impurities and ceases to function as a barrier, and may even help to spread microorganisms instead of filtering them. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises washing each piece at least once a day, in addition tocheck for tears or holes and discard where damaged.

How to wear a fabric mask correctly

The WHO recommends washing your hands thoroughly before putting on and removing the mask and never touching it while wearing it. The accessory should be well adjusted to cover the mouth, nose and chin, without leaving gaps on the sides, and the removal should be done by grabbing behind the ears. Another fundamental guideline is not to share a mask with other people.

Ypê has a complete line to sanitize your masks and other fabric accessories. check out.

Read also: How to wash and preserve winter clothes

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