I'm keen NOT to wash my face masks - would this work??

[loveyouradvice]

Hi

I don't go out much and probably need to use a face mask 2-3 times a week.

Given the virus dies off in a few days, would it work just to use them once a week without washing? They are pretty and easy to wear and I think will look better if I don't need to wash them

And of course if I needed to wear one more often I can use a disposable

Err of course you have to wash them. That’s like saying you don’t wash your pants because you only wear that specific pair every 7 days

A doctor on the tv said you can steam iron them.I am just getting several and bunging them through the wash.

Why don't you want to wash them?

@TeddyIsaHe

I dont know why but that reply made me laugh.

Wash the mask OP. The virus might die off but you're still breathing on it. You breathe out water. The mask will end up smelling really bad and will have lines of make up on them.

What do you mean they're really pretty and will look better unwashed? They wont look any different after washing and drying if you shape them back nicely after.

How odd, even if you dont wear makeup they will get dirty from the oils on your face.

It isn’t very hygienic, is it?

The virus may potentially die in that time frame but not necessarily the rest of the germs.

If you wear masks that infrequently and don’t want to wash reusable ones, just use disposable masks.

Do you wash your underwear?

I wear my fabric masks once then hand wash.

Hand wash perhaps, if you are worried about damaging the integrity of the mask. They only need a swish and a rub in soapy water, then leave them to dry naturally, or in the sun, even better.

I pretty much just dunk mine in soapy water after every use. I don't go out much either but wouldn't want to put it back on without washing purely because I've breathed on it and made it all soggy

Thanks... for clarity I didnt mean never wash them... Just if I've put one on to pop to the local shop, worn it for 20 minutes without make up etc, it isn't grungy but might be infectious... or not??

I was seeing it more like wearing a summer dress for 2-3 evenings between washes, because it doesn't need washing....

And more interested in whether it could be infectious

Steam iron tip a good one!

As others have said, both sides of the mask will be (invisibly) dirty. The exterior side by outside contaminants, the interior side from your breath/skin. But it doesn’t sound like you care much about hygiene so go ahead

When I only had one mask I would wash it as soon as I got home but sometimes if I'd only worn it for a couple of minutes to run into the local shop in the morning, I would throw the filter away and spray the mask with IPA. It dried really quickly, new filter and it was ready to be used in the supermarket that afternoon.

So you don’t want to wash them because they won’t look as pretty afterwards? . They’re face masks, not haute couture!

guidance is to wash it after every use. Chuck in the machine with whatever else is going in, soap and hot water kill the virus. Or do by hand if you like.

I've made a couple - the video I used made it easy even for a sewing machine novice such as me. One on, one in the wash given I am only shopping once a week. Also have a pack of disposables if I do get caught out.

Wearing masks is nothing like wearing a summer dress for a few evenings. The whole point of the masks is to limit the spread of the virus, so any viral particles (and bacteria etc) get caught by the mask to reduce the likelihood of you and others getting unwell. Completely different function to normal clothing or a summer dress! As soon as a mask is being removed, or if touched whilst wearing it, it should then be deemed contaminated (as well as anything that touches it, such as your hands). So yes, all masks should then be washed properly. How long the virus can hang around for on a surface depends on several factors including the environment it is in. Just because the virus 'dies' after several days (can be more than 3 days depending on the surface) doesn't mean it is ok to not wash masks after wearing them (even for a few minutes).

The issue is not actually the virus - its the breath you breath onto them is warm and humid and makes the mask damp and encourages mould if not deal with - give em a swish in warm soapy water dry and a hot iron - sorted

No, it's not ok.
Please wash them. Not just for covid reasons, but because of all the other stuff that has been breathed through them.
Just wash them after every use.

I'm going to go against the grain and ask realistically how many people would get home and wash their mask after every single use. I only do a load of laundry twice a week and won't be doing a load just for a mask. I also don't know anyone else who would bother. I'll probably wash mine once a week, I see where you're coming from OP.

Haven't they said masks should be triple layer? By they I mean the WHO? In that case surely most fabric ones being sold or made are not going to be effective? I'm trying to think where I read it now but probably bbc news a couple of days ago.

But, yes OP, you need to wash them you dirty minger. Do you wear your socks inside out or just turn over your bed sheets?

@Bercows

Haven't they said masks should be triple layer? By they I mean the WHO? In that case surely most fabric ones being sold or made are not going to be effective? I'm trying to think where I read it now but probably bbc news a couple of days ago.

The guidelines in England just say you must wear "a face covering" in shops. No regulations on how many layers or what material they should be made from.

I have a lot of masks so I steam iron mine between outings and alternate them quite a bit.
I wash them every so often but not every time I wear them.

Do you wear your socks inside out or just turn over your bed sheets?

New around these parts?
MN is the home of change bedding once a month, wash towels every couple of weeks, loo brush in the dishwasher etc. 🤣

I really hope you wash your knickers