Despite official advice that we should have a clean mask every time we put it on, a YouGov poll found that only a third of people (32%) are washing their mask after each use and one in seven people (in Britain), have never washed their reusable mask.
Masks should be washed regularly. With a strict rule, experts say that it should be washed after each use, even if you only put it for 10 minutes in a store.
Meanwhile, Professor Wlliam Ristenpart, chemical engineer says for The Guardian:
"Of course, you can not wash the mask every 20 minutes, but it is not normal to wash it every 5-6 days."
According to Yves Van Laethem, an infectious disease expert who spoke to the Brussels Times, "face masks should be washed at 60 degrees Celsius."
If you do not prefer the washing machine, Lathem suggests putting the face mask in a pot of boiling water.
Whichever way you wash the mask, you should expect it to dry completely, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness.
The more you leave it unwashed, the greater the risk.
As for the types of masks, doctors say that the "best" is N95, but everyone agrees on one point: "A mask, anyway, is better than no mask at all."
Other tips to keep in mind:
- The mask should be suitable for the face. A large mask, falling from your face, would have no effect.
- Do not touch the mask too much while putting it on.
- Wash your hands before placing it and make sure to cover your mouth and nose.
