Did you know there’s actually a right and wrong way to take off a fabric mask? Most of the time we throw it on as we walk into a store or restaurant and don’t think about what we’re doing. But there’s actually a correct way to handle your mask, which we’ve outlined below.
How to put on a non-medical fabric mask
- Clean hands with soap and water for 30 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Select a clean fabric mask. Before applying, inspect the mask for tears or soiling. If the mask is dirty, clean the mask and let it fully air dry before wearing.
- Stretch the ear loops or strings and place the mask on your face, covering your nose, mouth, and chin.
- Secure ear loops or tie straps behind your head.
- The mask should fit over the face snuggly without gaps. It should not be so tight that you have excessive pressure applied to your face or pulling on your ears.
- Avoid touching mask while wearing to minimize contamination.
How to remove non-medical fabric mask
- Clean hands with soap and water for 30 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Lean slightly forward.
- Grasp ear loops or untie straps and remove mask away from the face without touching the front of the mask or your face.
- Wash your soiled mask or place your soiled mask in a designated area where it may be laundered later.
- Clean hands again after removing the mask or touching a soiled mask.
Additional Information:
- You should not share your face masks with others.
- It may take a few tries before you find a mask that feels comfortable to wear. We recommend using a mask with an adjustable nose piece (which makes for a better fit around the front of your face) and adjustable ear straps (which can customize the fit without hurting your ears).
- Your nose and mouth should both be covered by your mask. Covering your mouth while leaving your nose uncovered is not as effective at slowing the spread since both are exhaling breath from your lungs.
- Wash your mask regularly. You can wear the same mask throughout the day if it is not wet or soiled. If it becomes wet or soiled, remove it immediately and replace it with a clean one. When you return home, you should wash your mask, then let it air dry overnight. Once completely dry, you can keep your mask in a clean, plastic, resealable bag to keep it clean.
- You can hand wash your mask or launder it in the washing machine by placing it in a garment bag. Use mild dish or laundry soap that is unscented or has minimal scent, and wash in hot water.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGSkfmctdI0Na-yCTCEKp2CCzIX0j5miahHTQcmoIh-I5SUfnm9Py3BoCBL0QAvD_BwE