Little did we know that masks will become such an integral part of our lives in such a short span of time. One year ago, we didn’t quite know how it would be like to be in the midst of a pandemic and what it would take to deal with it. We had read about it in books, heard about it on the television, but never experienced something like this. The year 2020 brought us face-to-face with a pandemic, which they say comes once in a century.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience taught us many new things, including how to take precautions every step of the way. Stepping out without wearing a mask is almost like a sin. In fact, wearing masks is mandatory even in closed spaces where interaction with other people can happen. So whether you are going to the office, to shop, or simply to relax, wearing a mask at all times is the most important step to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Precautions to Stop the Spread of the Virus
The government and medical authorities have shared a list of precautions that help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. These include washing hands regularly, sanitizing your hands and belongings as frequently as possible, and maintaining social distancing wherever you go. Masks, however, have become a constant. They are especially helpful in places where social distancing is not possible.
A mask prevents droplets from falling on random surfaces as we speak. It protects us in case we come in contact with an infected person. Moreover, it also helps protect others in case we are carriers of the virus. Protective face masks have played a significant role in preventing community transmission in India. Wearing masks regularly helped bring down the number of COVID-19 cases in most parts of India.
The use of antiviral face masks provides an extra layer of protection. An antiviral mask protects the wearer by not just preventing contact with the virus, but also destroying it. These masks are treated with the award-winning HeiQ Swiss technology, which can destroy enveloped microbes within minutes of contact. The antiviral technology works to kill viruses and bacteria with 99.9% effectiveness.
Caring for Your Face Masks
The usage of masks is such that having more than one makes life a lot easier. You should also always carry an extra mask in your bag for emergencies. Having extra masks means that you will always have a fresh mask to use when one is in the wash. Most good masks are made of 100% Cotton fabric, which makes cleaning them very easy.
Here is how you should clean your face mask on a daily basis:
- Pure Cotton masks can be washed in a washing machine’s regular cycle. A standard detergent can be used in this case.
- Avoid a scented detergent or soap while washing masks.
- Face masks can also be easily hand-washed. While doing so, make sure you soak the mask in soap water for five minutes and then wash it thoroughly with hot water.
- Leave the mask to dry by hanging it flat.
- Once dried, you can also iron your mask. However, if the mask has elastic straps, do not iron those.
- In case your mask has any filters, remember to remove them before washing them.
- Health experts suggest that washing masks with warm water is the best way to do it.
Always store your mask in a cool, dry place because a moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for germs. When not in use, it is best to store your mask in a washable cloth pouch, disposable bag or a clean space in your almirah. That way, you will not place it on random surfaces which could be contaminated. Similarly, in case you are a carrier of the virus and someone else comes in contact with your mask, they can get infected too.
Maintaining proper care of your face mask can go a long way in keeping you protected and safe from germs. There are no rules on how often one should wash face masks. However, washing them after every use is recommended by experts. This ensures the highest level of safety for you and your loved ones. In case you come in contact with a COVID-19 infected person, washing the mask after use will ensure all germs are washed away. A clean face mask further reduces the risk of transmission.
We hope these tips to take care of face masks come in handy and make your life a lot less hassle-free. Taking out five minutes from your schedule to maintain this hygiene routine will prove to be a blessing for you and everyone in your family.
Do you have any tips that you’d like to share with the world? Tell us in the Comments section below.
