As facial coverings become the new normal, just like your wash cloth or pillow case, you want to make sure that they are cleaned regularly. Sweating all day into a dirty mask isn't doing your skin any favors. The CDC has issued some guidelines on how to clean cloth facial masks.
However, these one-size-fits-all guidelines don't necessarily take into account the different types of fabric and filters used, especially in DIY masks. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, suggests that all face masks should be washed with hot water in the washing machine, and tumble dried on high heat. More delicate masks that are hand sewn may need to be washed by hand. If so, lather masks with soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds with warm to hot water before tossing in the dryer. For peace of mind, iron masks on the cotton or linen setting to kill any remaining germs.
While there are some other cleaning methods floating around the Internet that suggest sanitizing face masks by sticking them in the microwave, oven, or a pot of boiling water, Forte doesn't recommended them since they are nowhere near as effective as standard washing and drying.
goodhousekeeping.com
