As masks become parts of everyday life – even becoming mandatory in many places, CBC News recently reported on useful tips to maintain their cleanliness and effectiveness. Dr. Zain Chagla, a professor and infectious disease specialist at McMaster University, revealed that keeping your mask under the chin is “probably the worst thing you could do with the mask” as it risks getting droplets or germs accumulated on the outside of the mask onto your chin and lower lip. This practice could easily prove the mask ineffective.
Another practice that may be advised against is hanging your mask from your rear-view mirror between uses. Not only should one be ideally changing and washing reusable masks after every use, but you should also take into consideration the level of risk you’ve been exposed to before deciding to leave the mask in your car. Dr. Anand Kumar, a professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba, as well as the Canadian federal government recommend that masks should be stored in a paper bag, envelope, or something that won’t retain moisture or allow bacteria to grow on the mask. Between uses, Kumar also recommends that a mask is left in the moisture-free bag for at least three days to allow any virus on the mask to decrease.
Overall, as masks become a bigger part of a safer daily life, it’s recommended that you keep a supply of reusable masks available to minimize risk of infection. Stocking up on reusable cloth masks will also allow for a supply of disposable, medical masks to be maintained for essential and healthcare workers that need them.
