Since the appearance of the COVID-19 virus, face masks have become part of our day to day lives. Considering the important role they play in helping us stay healthy it’s essential that we learn how to properly take care of them. While this may seem a simple concept on the surface, you may be surprised to learn how many people aren’t taking proper care of their masks. They may be reusing the same one over and over again without ever taking the time to clean it, or simply aren’t wearing them properly. This last, typified by those who won’t wear them over their nose, renders them completely ineffective.
Things To Know When Trying To Properly Care For Your Mask
Our masks need to be properly cared for so they can continue providing the protection that makes them so valuable. Masks aren’t self-cleaning, nor are they endlessly effective if certain steps aren’t taken to ensure they can keep working. The sad fact is that many people don’t know how to properly care for their masks. If your goal is to see your family safe and intact through the pandemic, consider the following tips when it comes to caring for your mask.
- Multiple Masks – You should be certain that you have at least two masks, with more being preferable. This ensures you’ll always be able to keep them clean and still have a mask to wear.
- Remove Carefully – Removing a mask should always involve the use of sanitizer. When removing them start by washing your hands, and then remove your mask without touching your face or the front of the mask. Unloop the ties, starting with the bottom in masks with more than one set of ties. Filters should be removed and thrown away prior to the mask being washed.
- Wash Regularly – Your masks should be washed regularly, going into the laundry in a special washable or disposable bag. This will protect them from damage, and the rest of the clothes from contamination.
Once you’ve removed your mask, be certain to wash your hands again. After washing your mask, and before wearing it again, make sure that all the filters are in place. You’ll also want to check it for any damage or thin spots in the fabric. If these are present, be certain to discard the mask and choose another one. If you only have two masks left, it’s time to invest in more so you’ll have extras available.
How Effective Are Masks At Preventing COVID?
Masks are a big deal, and their role in bringing the pandemic under control cannot be overstated. While wearing a mask can protect you from the disease, they are at their most effective when everyone is wearing them. It’s important that you invest in an actual mask, preferably one with built-in filters. While bandanas and other cloth face coverings offer some protection, they simply aren’t as effective as masks specifically made for the purpose. On a final note, research shows that even severe asthma patients suffer no ill effects from wearing masks.
