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The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Thursday, March 28, 2024

College 101: How Many Times Can a Cloth Mask Be Used?

With face masks becoming a normalized requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many questions are being raised about the effectiveness of each different style mask. Some of the most commons questions asked during this time are "how can I properly care for my mask?" and "how many times can I reuse my cloth face mask?" The CDC and FDA have collected a significant amount of information regarding the cloth coverings. 

If you're looking for an effective reusable face mask, NxTSTOP is the best place to shop. These fabric masks are environmentally friendly and approved by the CDC. These stylish face masks provide a comfortable fit and are made of real bamboo, and are a much better option than disposable face masks. Whether you already have a mask, or are looking for a new mask, be sure to shop at NxTSTOP to get the best face masks to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. 

Wash with regular laundry.

Fabric face masks can be washed in hot water along with your regular laundry. Since these masks are made of fabric, it is safe to toss them in your washing machine. You should try to use unscented laundry detergent when washing your masks to avoid an overbearing or uncomfortable scent. After your fabric face masks have gone through a cycle in the washing machine, you can either place them in the dryer on a low tumble or hang them to air dry. 

Regardless of whether you're washing an old or new mask, the ear loops can be easily destroyed in the dryer if the cycle is too strong. It's also important to take care of any filters you may have place inside your reusable face masks, some of these filters can be washed along with your mask and be reused as often as you'd like. Whereas other filters must be disposed after a certain amount of uses. 

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Photo Courtesy of Scholarship Media

Hand wash with soap and water.

If you don't have enough laundry to justify putting your fabric mask in the washing machine, hand washing is another effective way to clean your masks. By scrubbing your masks with hot water and soap, you should be able to clean them just as well as your washing machine. Once you've washed your reusable face masks by hand, you can either hang them up to air dry or place them in a low tumble in your dryer.

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Photo Courtesy of Scholarship Media

Don't rewear without washing.

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Cloth masks can typically be used as many times as you need, as long as they are washed in between uses and have a filter inserted between the outer layer and inner layer. Anytime you wear your mask in public, even if it's just a quick trip to the grocery store, you should wash it as soon as you get home. Owning multiple masks is helpful as you won't have to worry about running out of your face coverings, especially if you need to go out in public every day. 

If you shop today at NxTSTOP, you can purchase a variety of cloth masks in different sizes, guaranteeing that you'll never run out of face coverings. The NxTSTOP masks come with adjustable ear loops that help ensure a snug fit. Given the current mask requirements throughout most local communities, it's important to have enough masks for your daily needs.

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Photo Courtesy of Scholarship Media

Store safely when not in use. 

If you're not wearing your cloth mask, you should make sure it's in a safe location where it won't be exposed to any harmful bacteria. For example, if you go to a restaurant, you should be sure to have a clean paper bag with you to place your mask while you eat. This will help ensure that your mask will still protect you once you put it back on. 

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Photo Courtesy of Scholarship Media

Given the significance of masks, it's important to take great care of them. By wearing reusable face coverings, you are helping ensure that health care workers will have access to surgical masks and N95 masks to wear at work. If you shop today at NxSTOP, you will be doing yourself and healthcare workers a favor during this COVID-19 pandemic.

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