Coronavirus: How to safely clean face coverings

ORLANDO, Fla. — Everywhere you look, people are wearing masks. Top health care officials recommend wearing a mask in public, even if it’s homemade, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With surgical masks and N95 masks reserved for health care workers, a cloth face covering may be the best option for protection.

>> Coronavirus: What is best fabric to use for masks?

Dr. Michael Gibson, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, recommends cleaning a mask after every use.

But how do you safely clean a face covering?

>> Coronavirus: How to make fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic

Here’s how you should clean it:

• Throw it in the washing machine on hot. Gibson said the water should be 160 degrees or higher.
• Soap is fine to clean it, there is no need to use bleach.

When taking off your mask, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth and wash your hands right away.

Cox Media Group