How often should you clean your mask?
There’s a small chance you could get some contamination on the outside of the mask when you are outdoors, there are other reasons for regularly cleaning it. You’re probably going to wash it every day.
Soap up
It’s also important to carefully remove the mask when you get home, so you don’t contaminate your hands. If washing hands with warm, soapy water is going to be fine for hands, something similar to that is going to work for the mask.
What temperature will kill the corona-virus?
Cleaning is removing stains or soil from a surface or fabric. When sanitizing, you’re actually destroying microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and yeast. If you want to reduce your risk of getting sick, sanitizing is the way to go.
There aren’t published studies on how COVID-19 stands up to various temperatures, but the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 56 degrees Celsius is hot enough to kill the corona-virus that causes SARS. Other tests found higher temperatures 65º C, are more effective.
Because those temperatures are scalding for human skin, using either warm or cold water and soap for at least 20 seconds is the CDC’s guideline for hand-washing.
When should I get a new Face mask?
Some of these cleaning methods are harder on fabrics than others. Hotter water breaks down fibers more quickly, for example. A mesh laundry bag may help protect it from some of the twisting and turning that can happen as the washer rotates. If you’re noticing holes in your mask, it’s time to replace it.
