FAQ: How Should I Clean and Reuse My Handmade Mask?
Here’s all you need to know about cleaning your handmade masks before reusing them.
Irrespective of which part of India you are living in, wearing a face mask, preferably a handmade one, is mandatory in all public spaces. While we have learnt how to make our own face covers, the dos and don’ts of wearing the same – are we cleaning the mask properly before reusing them? How does the government recommend we clean our handmade masks?
Here’s a short primer.
How should I clean my handmade mask?
The advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare earlier in April recommends three ways of cleaning a handmade mask.
- Wash the mask in soap and warm water. Then, dry it in the sun for at least five hours
- Place the mask in water (preferably with salt added) inside a pressure cooker. Boil for at least 10 minutes, and leave to dry
- Wash and clean with soap. Apply heat on the face cover for up to 5 minutes by using an iron
How often should I wash my handmade mask?
The health ministry advisory recommends that you clean your mask after every use.
How should I store my handmade face mask?
The face mask, after being cleaned, can be sealed in a clean plastic bag or a zip-lock cover.
What other should I keep in mind while using a handmade mask?
- Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds before wearing the face cover
- When your homemade face cover feels damp, immediately clean it and switch to another mask meanwhile
- Never share your mask with anyone else
- Do not reuse the face cover without cleaning it
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