It's extremely important that you wash your cloth face mask after very use.
Cloth face coverings are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with preventive actions and social distancing.
They became mandatory on public transport in Northern Ireland on July 10.
The government urges that face coverings are not the same as the surgical masks and these should be reserved for those who need them at work.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given some advice on how you should wash your reusable face covering.
How to clean them by washing machine
- You can include your face covering with your regular laundry.
- Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face covering.
How to wash them by hand
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Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water.
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Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection.
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Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
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Soak the face covering in the bleach solution for 5 minutes.
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Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
To dry, use the highest heat setting in your tumble dryer and leave in until completely dry.
Alternatively you can air dry by laying it completely flat.
