Face Mask Care Instructions

Cloth face masks are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. Cloth face masks are not intended to be a replacement for surgical masks or respirators such as the N95. Cloth face masks should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove face masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face mask.

How to Clean

The Patternbase recommends cleaning your cloth face masks after each use. Our masks can be machine-washed or hand-washed.

Washing Machine:

You can include your face masks with your regular laundry or wash separately. We recommend using a mesh laundry bag to keep the masks from tangling with other laundry. Use regular laundry detergent or dish soap and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the face masks.

Machine Dry:

Cloth masks should be dried on the highest heat cycle in an automatic dryer. If using a mesh laundry bag, it can go directly from the washer to the dryer. Afterward, store them in a covered container or clean bag until you are ready to wear them.

Washing by Hand:

Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water. Add approximately one teaspoon of laundry detergent to the water before adding the masks. Submerge the mask in the soapy water and soak. Use gentle movements to swish the item through the sudsy water. Avoid scrubbing or twisting actions that can stretch or damage the fabric. Gently swish the garment through the sudsy water until the item is clean. Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.

Air Dry:

Place the masks on a drying rack in direct sunlight until dry. Afterward, store them in a covered container or clean bag until you are ready to wear them.

Wear your Face Mask Correctly

Wash your hands before putting on your face mask. Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it using the tie straps or elastic ear loops. Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face. Make sure you can breathe easily.

  • Wash your hands before putting on your face mask

  • Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin

  • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face

  • Make sure you can breathe easily

Take Off Your Face Mask Carefully, When You’re Home

  • Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the elastic ear loops

  • Handle only by the ear loops or ties

  • Fold outside corners together

  • Place face mask in the washing machine

  • Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

Use your Face Mask to Protect Others

  • Wear a face mask to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms.

  • Keep the mask on your face the entire time you’re in public

  • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead

  • Don’t touch the face mask, and, if you do, wash your hands

Follow Everyday Health Habits

  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others

  • Avoid contact with people who are sick

  • Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time

  • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

*Please note: Cloth face masks are not intended to be a replacement for surgical masks or respirators such as the N95.