Face Mask Disinfecting Guide: Types & Methods
- Face masks remain a key tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
- Contamination can occur when someone inhales these droplets or touches a contaminated mask, then touches their face.
- Debra Goff, an infectious diseases specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said that cloth masks, including bandanas and neck gaiters, can be safely cleaned and...
Proper face mask hygiene is vital for limiting teh spread of COVID-19. discover how to effectively clean and sanitize your face masks, whether cloth or medical-grade, to ensure continued protection. This guide details the best methods for disinfecting cloth masks,including machine washing and hand-washing techniques,and provides insights into the single-use nature of manny medical-grade options. Learn from infectious disease specialists like Debra Goff about crucial steps like washing your hands before handling any mask. Find out the best techniques to maximize the benefits of your face mask and how to properly clean and maintain them for optimal protection, which may include the use of face shields for enhanced safeguard. For reliable advice about best practices for your safety, News Directory 3 has you covered. Discover what’s next in mask hygiene.
How to Clean and Sanitize Your Face Mask During COVID-19
Updated May 29,2025
Face masks remain a key tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19. They work by capturing respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze, according to Dr. Steve Pergam, medical director of infection prevention at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. These droplets are a primary means of virus transmission.
Contamination can occur when someone inhales these droplets or touches a contaminated mask, then touches their face. Therefore, proper cleaning and sanitizing of face masks is essential.
Debra Goff, an infectious diseases specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said that cloth masks, including bandanas and neck gaiters, can be safely cleaned and reused. She advises washing hands before handling the mask.
To machine-wash a cloth face mask,place it directly into the washing machine,using regular laundry detergent,bleach,and the warmest water setting suitable for the fabric. Dry the mask on high heat until completely dry. Hand-washing involves the same initial steps. For disinfection, soak the mask for five minutes in a solution of four teaspoons of household bleach per quart of water, then rinse thoroughly and air-dry. Goff recommends cleaning cloth masks after each use to maintain effective COVID-19 protection.
Medical-grade masks, such as N95 and surgical masks, are generally intended for single use, according to Kaiming Ye, professor at Binghamton University, State University of new York. These masks should be discarded after use by the average person. However, Ye notes that in professional settings, N95 masks can be disinfected using UVC germicidal irradiation or vapor phase hydrogen peroxide for reuse.
Surgical masks have not been widely tested for disinfection and reuse. Goff advises inspecting medical-grade masks for damage or saturation. If the mask appears clean and intact, store it in a breathable container between uses, but avoid reuse when possible.
Face shields offer eye protection but do not fully protect against respiratory droplets. Goff recommends wearing them with a face mask for enhanced protection. To clean a face shield, wipe down the inside with a cloth saturated with neutral detergent, then wipe the outside with a disinfectant. Rinse with water or alcohol to remove residue and allow to air-dry. Always wash hands after cleaning a face shield.
What’s next
As COVID-19 continues to circulate, maintaining proper mask hygiene remains a critical step in preventing the spread of the virus. By following these guidelines, individuals can effectively clean and sanitize their face masks, ensuring continued protection for themselves and others.