PICTURE THIS…

You are just about to start your journey-filled day outside, you grab your essentials (don’t forget!) and you rush out the door in sheer excitement! You went about your day under the nice and warm sun, had an amazing dinner out with friends, but now that evening starts to roll by, it’s now time to head home.

OH NO!

 But once you’ve arrived at your humble abode, you feel that the lower half of your face feels itchy, could it be from the mask? Yes! Now, don’t panic, because we will teach you how to clean your mask and keep it germ-free for your future adventures outside! 

KEEP YOUR MASKS ON!

Understandably, there will be times when wearing masks outside feels irritating on the face, especially during dry and humid weather. But remember, it is highly quintessential to wear your masks when heading outside to not contract viral respiratory diseases. So, no matter how irritating it may feel on your face, keeping your masks on and limiting the times you touch it goes a long way!

ARE CLOTH MASKS EFFECTIVE?

The most effective kind of face mask is made from tightly woven and multi-layered fabric such as cotton. These multi-layered masks prevent more droplets from penetrating and escaping the mask. Wearing face masks does not increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the air you breathe, and it does not retain any more carbon dioxide than usual. This is because oxygen and carbon dioxide are way smaller compared to respiratory droplets and they can easily pass through the mask. 

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Our masks, cloth masks to be specific, are designed to trap respiratory droplets that release as the wearer coughs and sneezes. And at the same time, it acts as a deterrent for the wearer from inhaling droplets released by others.

HOW CAN MY MASK GET DIRTY?

Humid air gets trapped inside the mask whenever we breathe and talk. Masks also trap in humid air brought by the wearer’s breathing. The humid air creates an ideal breeding ground for yeast, bacteria, and especially skin mites. Also, constantly rubbing the mask can promote acne, cause pimples and pus surrounding the nose and mouth, and trigger rosacea flare-ups.

HOW DO I CLEAN IT?

Finally, the question you have all been waiting for, there are two conventional ways of washing your masks or you can either wash them by hand or wash it by using a washing machine.

WASHING BY WASHING MACHINE

Use regular laundry detergent, while you’re at it, set up the appropriate and warmest water setting on your washing machine. Don’t forget to use mild detergent if you have sensitive skin!

WASHING BY HAND

For this way, you’ll need a disinfectant bleach solution. (And your hands too!)

WHAT DO I DO?

 First, you’ll need to completely soak the mask under the solution for 5 minutes. Next, you’ll want to thoroughly wash the mask under cold or room temperature water to properly disinfect and wash away the solution. And finally, you can dry your mask and you’re all set!

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF IT?

Cloth masks ideally, should be washed once a day or immediately if they ever get wet or dirty. Before washing, place your face mask inside a clean and sealed plastic bag to ensure that the mask doesn’t get any dirtier. Once the mask is dry and clean, you can store it in a breathable bag to keep it clean in between uses throughout the day.