Thursday, June 04, 2020

4799 - Facemask washing


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html

How to Wash Cloth Face Coverings

Cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings.
Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.

How to clean

Washing machine
  • 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.
illustration, washing machine
Washing by hand
  • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
    • 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water
  • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
  • Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
illustration, bleach and bucket
Make sure to completely dry cloth face covering after washing.

How to dry

Dryer
  • Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Illustration clothes in dryer
Air dry
  • Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.

More links on CDC link.


6 comments:

dellgirl said...

Mike, This is very helpful information and really clear directions. Thank you for taking time to share it. It's going to be a great help for a lot of people.

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you.
Face masks are rare here, but this is good to know anyway.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I wash mine in the machine with a load of clothes but I don't put it in the dryer. I let them air dry instead.

Mike said...

DG - Pass it around.

EC - We have about an eighty percent wearing rate around here. I try to stay away from people without them.

DSWS - I have enough of them, besides not going out that much, that I haven't had to wash any yet. Today could be the day though.

Richard said...

Thank you. I don't like wearing that mask but this is good information.

Mike said...

R - Always good to have the info even if you might not use it.