Switch To Reusable Face Mask — Save Earth & Yourself

on Sep 09, 2020 0 comments

With the mounting new cases & deaths of CoronaVirus every day, India is also hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemics. This invisible enemy cannot be controlled by the government, the general public has to give their 100% participation to fight against Coronavirus.

Looking at this horrible situation, the Indian Government has made the wearing of masks compulsory for every person as a preventive measure but it does not mean everyone needs N-95 or medical grade surgical masks. Though they have higher protection against the virus as compared to cloth masks, the general public does not need that high protection, social distancing, and cloth mask would suffice.

There is already a shortage of medical-grade masks as a huge number of the general public has bought them, factories are closed so supply is also limited. Unfortunately, the doctors and front-liners who are there to save us have to compromise with their safety and have to use reusable cloth masks. It has been recommended by the government also that the general public should use reusable cloth masks, maintain social distancing, and leave the surgical masks or N95 respirators for the health care workers.

Switch to Reusable Cloth FaceMask

Image for post — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The wearing of reusable masks by the public could avoid 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste being generated in a year
Disposable masks cannot be recycled because they are composed of different plastic materials
People throw face masks anywhere and in fact along with plastic bottles now the face masks are also found on the coastal areas
They break down into microplastics and it will be transferred through marine life through the food chain to human beings

What fabric is suitable for a facemask?

Cotton fabric is the perfect material for a facemask.
With an ideal thread count of about 200 with up to three layers of fabric it makes cotton as the best for cloth masks
This material is effective in filtering out the virus as well as blocking any pathogens from entering
The cotton fabric provides the right amount of breathability and comfort
It is also recommended to use white color masks that can be washed in higher temperatures as the dark colors tend to fade with washes

How to wear Cloth Face Mask ?

Cloth face mask should

Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Should be secured with ties or ear loops
Include multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Benefits of Choosing the Reusable Cloth Face Mask

Cloth masks are breathable & comfortable with full protection
It minimizes cross contamination with plastic filter shield
It fits snugly & perfect on the face
Cloth masks are environmentally friendly as it is reusable
You can personalize cloth masks by attaching identification to it directly
You can save money with reusable mask
Reusable Face Mask Lasts Longer

How to put on and take off your Mask properly

Wash your hands thoroughly before wearing the mask
Once on, the mask should fit snugly around the nose and mouth
Avoid touching the mask while using it
If you do, wash or sanitize your hands immediately
While removing the mask, do not touch the front or any surface of the mask, hold it from the strings
Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes, and wash your hands immediately after removing it
Drop it into a solution of soap and water and clean it thoroughly

How to wash, dry & store Reusable Cloth Face Masks between uses?

A cloth face mask should be washed after each use as apart from the virus, the mask collects sweat & oil as well, which may affect your health
It is good to have more than one face mask in case, you wear a mask every day, this way you’ll always have a clean one available
After each use, soak your mask in hot water and detergent and clean it thoroughly with hands
For delicate handmade masks, hand washing is the best way to go. Soak the mask in hot water and detergent, then scrub it for at least 20 seconds and rinse with hot water
The other way is to put the mask in a small laundry bag and wash it in a washing machine along with your other laundry using regular detergent in hot water
Viruses cannot withstand high temperatures; therefore, washing face masks at a temperature of more than 60 degrees helps disinfect the mask
After washing the mask, just hang your mask up or lay it flat in direct sunlight to dry. Sunlight is an excellent natural sanitizing agent.
You can dry it in your washing machine dryer also with a high heat setting.
Store your clean cloth face masks in a clean or new paper bag or covered container until you use them again
Make sure the mask is completely dry before putting them away, to prevent mold growth