How to Wash Reusable Face Masks

Last Updated: November 14, 2021 References

According to the CDC, it's important to wash your reusable/cloth face masks often, ideally after each use.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} This can either be done by hand, or using a washing machine. This wikiHow will explain how to complete both of these methods.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using a Washing Machine

1
Make sure your mask can be machine-washed. Most reusable face masks can be machine-washed, however, some cannot. You should be able to find whether or not your face mask can be machine-washed on its label. If your mask has no label, either check with the person you bought it from, or, if you bought it from a business, look on their website.^{[2]
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2
Collect all your dirty masks. Avoid touching the fabric directly to prevent the transmission of any virus (instead, grab them by the ear straps or use a paper towel). You can wash masks with your other laundry, though you might consider drying them separately so that the masks aren't damaged.^{[3]
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Research source}^{[4]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- If there are any filters in your mask, take them out before you wash them, and dispose of the filter. (Filters can't be reused.)^{[5]
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- Try putting a container or bag right by your front door, so that you can place any used reusable face masks in there right away.
- Put wet or otherwise soiled masks in a sealable plastic bag, and wash them as soon as you can to prevent the growth of mold.^{[6]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  Go to source}
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3
Use the correct washing machine setting. If your mask was purchased at a store, the correct settings are usually found on the mask's label. Or, you can either ask the person you purchased it from directly or research it on the website of the company you bought it from.^{[7]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
4
Choose a laundry detergent to use. Masks don't require any special laundry detergent, so you can use any kind.^{[8]
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Research source}^{[9]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
5
Dry the masks after they're done washing. In the majority of cases, you can fully dry your masks using a dryer on either the dryer's hot or warm setting.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} However, keep in mind that heat can cause your mask to break down quicker, especially if it has any elastic. Therefore, if you'd rather not use a dryer, then you can also hang your masks on a drying rack, or use a hairdryer.^{[11]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Washing by Hand

1
Grab all of your dirty masks. Don't touch the fabric that goes over your nose and mouth, as it can harbor viruses or other bacteria.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} Instead, pick it up by the ear straps or use a paper towel.
- If there are any filters in your mask, take them out before you wash them, and dispose of the filter. (Filters can't be reused.)^{[13]
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  Research source}
- Consider placing a bag or container by your door, so that you can place masks in there right away once you arrive home.
- Put wet or otherwise soiled masks in a sealable plastic bag, and wash them as soon as you can to prevent the growth of mold.^{[14]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  Go to source}
2
Fill up a sink. Find a sterile, clean sink (if you have to, clean it beforehand), and fill it with regular tap water. You'll then want to add soap or laundry detergent of your choice.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- If you can't find an adequate sink, you can also use a large bowl or container.
- Using hot water isn't necessary; COVID cells are killed by soap or detergent, not water temperature. Warm or cold water is fine.^{[17]
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3
Move your mask around in the water. This will help completely cover it in the detergent/soap and water.^{[18]
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4
Rinse the mask. Using clean water, rinse the mask thoroughly to remove all of the remaining soap/detergent.^{[19]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}^{[20]
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- If you aren't sure whether the mask is clean, pour water on the mask. If any soap drains out, the mask is not fully rinsed.
5
Drain all the water. Once you have finished washing the mask, drain all the water, or dump it out if you used a container or bowl. Repeat the above process if you are washing more masks.
6
Allow the masks to dry. Once you've finished washing the mask, either place it outside if the weather allows, or lay it flat or hang it up inside. Allow the masks to fully dry before using it again.^{[21]
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Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- You can also choose to dry your mask in a dryer, if available.^{[23]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Warnings

Don't try to wash a disposable or single-use mask. Put these in the trash.^{[25]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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Only wear your mask if it's dry. A damp or wet mask doesn't offer as much protection against COVID-19. ^{[26]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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