How To Tell When It’s Time To Replace Face Mask
A vaccine is on its way, but we still have a long winter ahead battling the coronavirus, which means continuing to mask up. But now that we’re months into the pandemic, is it time to toss some of your most frequently worn cloth masks and replace them with new ones?
Posted — UpdatedHere are five signs that it’s time to trade out your mask for a new one:
It’s Been Through Several Wash Cycles
If you don’t wash your reusable fabric mask daily and after every use, this can lead to a build-up of dirt debris on the mask which can make it less effective, Olulade says.
“A mask that has been washed repeatedly over time may also lose its effectiveness but more research is needed to quantify how long you should keep reusing a cloth mask,” Olulade says.
As a general rule, though, she says that if your mask begins to break down after several washes and becomes thinner and more worn, then you should err on the side of caution and change it.
There Are Holes Or It’s Frayed
The Loops Lose Elasticity
The Mask Isn’t Fitting Properly
In addition to losing elasticity, masks can stretch out of shape or shrink and no longer fit your face, Poston says. If your mask isn’t securely covering your nose and mouth, toss it.
The Mask Is Dirty
From makeup to food stains, if your mask is visibly soiled and washing doesn’t take out the stain, it’s time to replace your mask, Poston says. Not only is it not a good look, but it could also signal that the mask has been overused.
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