If you have received one of the fabric face masks made here at Kate’s Threads, I want to share a little information and a few suggestions.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
- These are not surgical-grade masks and don’t provide that level of protection. However, when used wisely they do offer a buffer between you and those around you.
- Be sure to wash your hands before you put on the mask and when you are about to remove it. If you have long hair, pull it away from your face.
- When removing the mask, carefully loosen it from one ear and then hold the mask by the elastic as you remove the rest of it from your face.
- Do not touch your face with your bare hands until you have had a chance to wash them.
HOW TO WASH THE MASKS:
- Ideally, masks should be washed after every use, but no less than once a day.
- You do not need to boil or bleach the masks or wash them in scalding water. Regular soap and hot water is adequate.
- It is not necessary to use a machine to thoroughly clean your mask. It IS important to wash your mask well and often. If you don’t normally do a load of laundry every day, there’s no reason to wash the mask in the machine all by itself. You will be more likely to keep the mask clean if you develop a routine of safe and sanitary washing by hand.
- If you do use the machine, the best way to maintain the shape of your mask is to first put it in a small nylon bag (like the kind sold for washing delicate items, or a small nylon mesh bag sold in the paint department of hardware stores). Don’t throw in a lot of heavy items (like towels) into the same load.
- Dry, don’t fry: You can use your dryer on high heat, but be sure to keep the mask in its “lingerie” bag. Otherwise, follow these steps for air-drying:
- After rinsing the soapy water from the mask, press it between two layers of a clean thick towel until the excess moisture is removed.
- Drape the mask over a clean towel bar, or lay it on a clean rack such as a metal rack like the ones you use for cooling cookies.
- With clean hands, put the mask into a plastic bag until you intend to use it again.
- It is not necessary to remove the filter/insert when washing. If you do remove it, here’s the easiest way to put it back in place:
- Place the filter on a clean, flat surface with the smooth side facing down. Place the mask next to it with the decorative fabric facing down.
- Fold the tip of the mask down about 30% toward the center and crease.
- Slip the filter into one side of the pocket, and reach into the other side to pull it into the position.
- Use a clean object such as a stainless steel kebab skewer, knitting needle, etc. to poke the tip of the filter back up into position.
- Gently smooth the filter into place along the contour of the mask.
GETTING A GOOD FIT
- Adjust the knot placement on the elastic ties to provide a snug fit without being uncomfortable.
- Before putting on the mask, slide the elastic bands so the knot is close to the bottom edge of the mask.
- If the fit is tight, don’t be afraid to stretch the elastic loop. The elastic is super-stretchy and strong, so if you need another inch or so to make the fit better, give this a try.
- If you still need a longer cord than the one provided, you can thread a piece of clean ribbon, twill tape, elastic, etc. through the channels on either end of the mask by using this method:
- Cut the new cord at least 12″ long (the elastic in your mask is 11″ long).
- Use a very small safety pin to pierce the cord about 1/2″ from the end.
- Close the pin and insert it into one end of the channel. Push on the end of the safety pin and slide it toward the opposite end, bit by bit until you reach the other side.