Here’s how to care for your reusable face mask so it lasts longer

But first, do give the reusable mask a wash before putting them on, just as how you would with your newly-bought clothes.

This helps to remove any harsh chemicals and colour dyes that may cause skin irritation, and you don’t know for sure how many hands have touched the mask during the manufacturing process.

When washing, do be careful not to mix it with other clothes, as an Instagram user commented on a post that the mask’s colour will run after the first wash.

The reusable masks that were given out by the government come with instructions by Gov.sg on how to wash it, and it’s as simple as using warm soapy water to wash it after every use and leaving it out to dry under the sun.

While we know that the coronavirus can remain active on stainless steel for up to three days, and up to 24 hours on cardboards, there is still no study on how long the virus can live on clothing and fabrics.

However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that clothes that have been worn outdoors should be washed immediately, “using the warmest appropriate water setting” according to the clothes manufacturer’s instructions and it should dry completely.

It also notes that flu viruses can be killed with temperatures above 75 degrees, along with the use of common household cleaning products like detergents.

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This article was first published in AsiaOne.