It’s the 2020 fashion accessory everyone loves to hate: the cloth mask. Masks are meant to keep us all safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, but if you don’t practice cloth mask safety, they could cause even more problems.
There are simple rules for reusable mask safety and using a cloth face mask. Follow these to wear your reusable face mask the best way possible.
Reusable Mask Safety Tips
Whether you are reusing respirator masks due to a shortage or wash-and-wear cloth masks, there are important steps to take to stay safe.
Don’t Share
Usually in life, sharing is a good thing. But when it comes to germs and a deadly pandemic, sharing is out.
Sharing masks can be dangerous due to the exhaled particles clinging to the inside of the mask. From coronavirus to influenza, you don’t want to be breathing in the exhaled saliva of anyone else.
Don’t Touch the Outside
This is particularly important with masks that are respirators. If droplets have landed on the outside of your mask from others’ exhalations, they may contain live coronavirus.
When you take your mask off, slide the band over your head or off your ears, letting the mask fall forward. Catch it by the ties and place it down on a surface you can disinfect later.
Avoid touching the inside of your mask, especially if you will need to put it on again later without having a chance to wash it.
Bag It
Early in the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses and doctors were advised to rotate their personal protective equipment by removing them and placing them in paper bags.
You can do this, too, to stretch the life of a disposable mask or to keep it safe while out and about. Find a paper bag or check out this face mask container to keep your mask in when you are not wearing it on the go.
Wash It
Wash your cloth mask regularly. Use a gentle detergent that will not irritate the sensitive skin of your face. Also, avoid overpowering scents in detergents if you will have to wear your freshly washed mask for a long time.
It is recommended that hot water be used in wash cycles where coronavirus contamination is suspected. Cycle your mask through a hot, soapy wash to keep it clean.
Take Care of Your Skin
Maskne. Is. Real. People all over the world are breaking out due to round-the-clock mask-wearing.
Take care of your skin by cleaning your mask as best as you can. Prep your skin with washes and oil-free moisturizers.
At the end of the day, you will want to cleanse your skin to kill any trapped bacteria that can lead to outbreaks. Balancing your skin to avoid excess oils will also fight acne.
Practice Cloth Mask Safety
It’s up to you to practice cloth mask safety. Keep others safe by wearing your mask. Keep yourself safe by wearing it properly.
There are many products available to make wearing a mask easier. Shop masks and mask containers to keep yourself safe and organized while wearing a reusable mask.
