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.

(Photo Courtesy: Erum Gour/The Quint)

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