Since the coronavirus pandemic started, cloth masks have been visible in just about every setting. But are those masks being properly cared for?
Flint Hills Community Health Center Chief Operating Officer Amanda Dreasher says mask care starts with washing them in the clothes washer.
Masks should be washed regularly, and Dreasher says you should avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth at any time in the mask-washing process. If you’re handwashing, which is another option, you can use a bleach solution to soak the mask for about five minutes. Masks cleaned by this method should be totally dry before use.
The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says masks need to fit snugly against the sides of the face without gaps. They also need to cover both nose and mouth. The CDC says it’s evaluating the effectiveness of face gaiters and face shields at this time.
If you need masks for children, see if you can get one specifically for kids or make sure it fits snugly. Children under age 2 should not wear masks, according to the CDC.
Emporia’s mask mandate continues until Nov. 12. Lyon County does not have a mask mandate at this time.
Guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How to wash masks
Washing machine
*You can include your mask with your regular laundry.
*Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask.
Washing by hand
*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.
*Use bleach containing 5.25%–8.25% sodium hypochlorite. Do not use a bleach product if the percentage is not in this range or is not specified. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
*Ensure adequate ventilation.
*Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
–5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) of 5.25%–8.25% bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
–4 teaspoons of 5.25%–8.25% bleach per quart of room temperature water
*Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
*Discard the bleach solution down the drain and rinse the mask thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
*Make sure to completely dry the mask after washing.
How to dry masks
Dryer
Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Air dry
Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the mask in direct sunlight.
Graphics courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
{gallery}101220 Mask Graphics CDC{/gallery}
