Cleaning and Sanitizing Face Masks or Face Coverings

Due to COVID-19, people have been encouraged to practice continued social distancing measures and to wear face masks. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), it’s imperative that people wear face masks anytime they are out in public and unable to practice social distancing. Face masks effectively filter large air particles and protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain harmful germs.

Making Your Own

Many people have opted to create their own masks out of materials found around their homes. There are dozens of tutorials and how-to guides for making your own mask, but it’s essential that homemade or purchased face masks are constructed in a way that is compliant with CDC standards for face coverings. Face masks and coverings should fit snugly against the sides of the face and tie securely either behind the ears or at the back of the head. Another great feature that face masks should have is the ability for them to be laundered and dried for multiple uses.  Use fabrics that can withstand warm and hot water temperatures for reusable masks.

How to Clean or Sanitize a Face Mask

These are unprecedented times, and it’s important to do whatever you can to protect yourself from getting sick and to prevent others from contracting the disease. Do your part. Wear a mask. Clean and sanitize it frequently. Below, you can find steps on how to clean or sanitize a face mask.

To clean a mask, you’ll need:

1. Washing Machine
2. Dryer
3. Mesh Wash Bag (Optional)

How to wash a face mask:

1. Insert your masks into a mesh wash bag
2. Wash the masks in the hottest water setting that the fabric will allow.
3. Dry the masks in the mesh bag in your dryer on high heat

Adding a small amount of a sanitizing agent, like liquid bleach or pine oil, sanitizes your mask. Then, follow the instructions above. Do not wash or sanitize disposable face masks. Follow these instructions only for reusable face masks.

Contact Flair Cleaners for questions about dry cleaning or laundry services. Check the Los Angeles County and the State of California COVID-19 websites for the latest public health updates on COVID-19. If you don’t have a mask, we have reusable masks available free to customers at each Flair Cleaners. Per guidelines, we do require masks at all our locations.