How to clean your face mask properly to help stop spread of coronavirus
FACE masks are becoming an increasingly frequent sight across the UK as lockdown eases. In particular, face coverings have been made mandatory on trains, buses, ferries, and aircraft from today to prevent a second peak of coronavirus in the UK. Health officials have strongly urged the public not to buy surgical masks, which are vital for frontline health workers […]
FACE masks are becoming an increasingly frequent sight across the UK as lockdown eases.
In particular, face coverings have been made mandatory on trains, buses, ferries, and aircraft from today to prevent a second peak of coronavirus in the UK.
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Health officials have strongly urged the public not to buy surgical masks, which are vital for frontline health workers to protect themselves while treating patients.
Instead, the Government have recommended people make their own homemade mask or purchase a cloth mask online.
Cloth masks won’t offer the same protection as medical-grade masks, but experts say they still work to some level.
And, just as you would with clothes, it is important that cloth face masks are washed regularly to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading…
How to clean your face mask
According to UK Government advice, face masks should be washed “regularly.”
The Government says: “It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises people to wash their masks in soap or detergent “at least once a day”.
If you bought your mask from a shop it’s wise to check the washing instructions your mask came with.
However, ultimately people should aim to wash them at 60 degrees Celsius and use detergent to kill the virus.
Most viruses won’t survive in temperatures over 60C, so you could opt for this setting
Deyan Dimitrov
Experts say the higher the temperature you wash your mask in – the more likely you are to kill of any signs of Covid-19.
Laundryheap CEO Deyan Dimitrov says: “Our core body temperature runs at an average of 37C, and provides the ideal conditions for bacteria and viruses to thrive.
“This means if you’re looking to fight off the dreaded coronavirus, the much revered 30C wash might not always pack the punch needed.
“Most viruses won’t survive in temperatures over 60C, so you could opt for this setting.”
Deyan recommends drying your cloth mask by putting it in the tumble dryer and then using an iron.
He adds: “Extreme heat and freezing temperatures can stop bacteria from multiplying, so if you’re doing laundry, take the extra steps and throw your washed items into the tumble drier for 20 minutes for some added heat and germ killing action.
“Equally, if you’re looking for the motivation to iron, this is it! Iron temperatures can reach over 100C – not much can survive that.”
If you don’t have a tumble dryer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US recommend placing the cloth face covering in direct sunlight to dry.
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases discovered that 90 per cent of coronavirus particles deactivated within ten minutes when exposed to ultraviolet light from the midday sun.
Store the face cover in a clean, plastic, resealable bag so it’s fresh and ready for when you next need it.
How to wear a face mask safely
Before putting your face mask on, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser and repeat after taking it off.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them.
Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose.
Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched.
How to make a homemade mask
If you're unable to get your hands on a mask you can make your own at home.
Homemade masks won’t offer the same level of protection as medical-grade ones, but it hasn’t stopped DIY tutorials popping up online.
One of the simplest ones involves using two layers of kitchen roll and one tissue cut in half.
You then cover each end with masking tape – and you can even tape down some wire to stiffen the mask, if you have any.
Finish by punching holes in each end and threading elastic through to fit around your ears.
If you don’t have elastic bands you could also use a hair tie.
Who should wear a mask?
The Government had previously said that face coverings should not be used by children under the age of two – but it updated its advice on June 4.
It now says that face coverings should not be used by children under the age of three or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly.
For example, primary age children unassisted, or those with respiratory conditions.
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Children should also only wear a face mask under the supervision of an adult.
Experts say the best way to protect yourself is still to wash your hands with soap and water for the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
Happy Birthday takes about 20 seconds to sing twice and is said to be the perfect number to clean your hands to thoroughly.
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