Cloth Face Mask Care

CDC Recommendations for Cloth Mask Care
Columbia Housing - CH Cares

Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.

Wash

• Washing machine
  • You can include your face covering with your regular laundry.
  • Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering.
• Wash by hand
  • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
  • 5 Tablespoons (1/3 cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water.
  • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
  • Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.

Dry

• Dryer
  • Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
• Air Dry
  • Lat flat and allow to dry completely dry. If possible, place the cloth face covering in direct sunlight.

Store

• Masks should not be placed in pockets for later use.
• To store or transport, carefully fold the mask so the contaminated outside is folded inward and against itself.
• Place in clean or new paper bag, and perform hand hygiene.

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