How to Properly Wash Cloth Masks to Avoid the Corona Covid-19 Virus

Kapanlagi.com - To prevent the transmission of the corona covid-19 virus, everyone is advised to always wear a mask. One of the most commonly used masks is cloth masks. Cloth masks are considered practical because they can be used repeatedly as long as they are cleaned properly by washing cloth masks.

In addition, in terms of quality, cloth masks are also believed to be sufficient to repel droplets of the corona covid-19 virus. So there is no reason not to use this type of mask, amid the scarcity of medical masks. By using cloth masks, medical masks can be specifically used to meet medical needs.

In addition to being reusable, cloth masks are also relatively easy to make on our own. That means we can save our expenses. So, how to properly wash cloth masks so they can be used repeatedly?

Here is how to properly wash cloth masks, quoted from instagram kawalcovid19.id:

1. Prepare the Required Equipment

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It turns out that washing cloth masks correctly cannot be done carelessly. There are several equipment that must be prepared beforehand. Some of these equipment are as follows:

- Running Water or Warm Water

- Detergent or cleaner

- Basin or bucket

- Clean towel

- Clothesline

- Iron

2. Washing Hands

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The initial step in washing cloth masks is washing hands. Wash your hands first as usual. Make sure you wash your hands using soap. Follow the proper handwashing rules and movements. Also, make sure you use running water.

The purpose of washing hands at the beginning is to ensure that when washing hands, they are clean, so as not to potentially expose the corona covid-19 virus to various equipment used.

3. Dissolve Detergent or Cleanser

Next, dissolve the detergent or laundry cleanser that you use in a bowl that you have prepared. The method is the same as when making regular laundry water.

However, because each detergent or cleaning liquid sometimes has its own rules, it's a good idea to also read the instructions for using the detergent or cleaning liquid that you use.

4. Soak the Mask

Just like when washing clothes. After the detergent or cleaning liquid is dissolved and becomes laundry water, soak the mask in the water. Leave it for about 10 minutes.

5. Rub the Mask

After soaking, gently rub the fabric mask. Do not rub too hard as it can damage or tear the mask. Make sure every part of the mask is clean afterwards.

6. Rinse the Mask

After scrubbing, rinse the mask until clean. Rinse with running water to make the fabric mask cleaner and to wash away dirt and viruses with the flowing water.

7. Dry Using a Towel

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The next step in washing the mask is slightly different from washing other types of clothing. So, if usually after rinsing, clothes are squeezed and dried in the sun, it's different with fabric masks.

After rinsing, dry the fabric mask using a towel. Don't forget to use a dry and clean towel. You can dry the fabric mask by wiping or patting it with a towel. Do it until the water in the mask reduces significantly.

8. Hang the Mask

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The next step in properly washing the mask is to hang it in a place exposed to direct sunlight. This is because there are opinions that suggest the coronavirus COVID-19 cannot survive in direct sunlight.

Although this opinion still needs to be proven. It doesn't hurt to apply it. Also, make sure the place where the mask is hung has good air circulation.

9. Hand Washing

Although the mask has been washed and dried, there is still an important way to wash fabric masks, which is washing hands. Don't forget to wash your hands after washing the fabric mask. This is because we never know what kind of dirt was previously stuck to the mask. 

10. Ironing Masks

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After washing, it is advisable to iron your fabric mask. In addition to smoothing it out to make the mask more comfortable to use again, ironing can also ensure that the virus and bacteria on the mask are killed. As we know, the coronavirus COVID-19 virus cannot withstand heat.

It is possible that during washing, dirt on the mask may transfer to your hands. Therefore, it is advisable to wash your hands again as a preventive measure. Make sure to wash your hands with running water and soap, and wash them properly.

That's the correct way to wash fabric masks. By following these steps, you can reuse your fabric mask multiple times without worrying about the coronavirus COVID-19 virus sticking to the mask. Additionally, it is recommended to have more than one fabric mask so that you can use them alternately.

(kpl/psp/gen)