How to keep a cloth face mask clean amid coronavirus – wash it, don’t touch it, throw damaged ones away

US officials have said cloth masks, if used correctly, can reduce the transmission of coronavirus between people

They should be washed after each use, or at least daily, with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle – and should be thrown out if damaged

Reading Time:2 minutes

A US restaurant employee wears a cloth face mask. The use of cloth face masks, which can be washed and reused, is being encouraged by governments around the world – but how do you keep them clean? Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:30pm, 1 May 2020Updated: 8:30pm, 1 May 2020

Governments around the world are recommending that people wear face coverings or masks when out doing essential tasks, such as grocery shopping and going to medical appointments.

But how do you keep your coverings clean?

The California Department of Public Health in the United States recommends frequently washing cloth face masks – ideally after each use, or at least daily. Place the coverings in a bag or bin until they can be washed with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle (or at least washed with hot, soapy water).

If you have to wear the covering again before washing it, wash your hands immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face. And throw out any masks that no longer cover your nose and mouth, have stretched out or damaged straps, can’t stay on your face or have holes or tears in the fabric.

A home-made face mask in a shop in Germany. US officials have said people should not use medical or surgical masks. Photo: AFP

Following the lead of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, officials have said people should not use medical or surgical masks, which are desperately needed by medical personnel. But they say cloth masks, if used correctly, could reduce coronavirus transmission among people with no symptoms and reinforce physical distancing regulations.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x