Table of contents:
- How to make a cloth mask
- How to make a cloth mask from a t-shirt
- How to make a cloth mask without stitching
- How to wash and clean a cloth mask
- 1. Remove the mask
- 2. Use hot water
- 3. Dry the mask
- 4. Save and use a mask if necessary
One way to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is by wearing a mask. People are now starting to appreciate medical masks intended for medical personnel as the frontline for handling COVID-19. So, the community finally took the initiative to use cloth masks. Because it can be used repeatedly, of course it is necessary to apply how to wash cloth masks appropriately.
How to make a cloth mask
Cloth masks are now easy to obtain, because many people have taken the initiative to make them. But if you want to be more economical, you can make it yourself at home. Here's how you can apply when making your own cloth masks, based on tips from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How to make a cloth mask from a t-shirt
Material:
- t-shirt
- scissor
Steps to make:
- cut the bottom of the shirt with a width of about 17-20 cm
source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- to make a rope, cut the tops 15-17 cm long, the same as in the picture. Then cut in the middle to separate the rope
source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Try wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, tying the straps around the top of your head and behind your neck
source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How to make a cloth mask without stitching
Material:
- bandana or cotton scarf approximately 50 × 50 cm
- hair ties or rubber bands
- scissors (cut if necessary)
Steps to make:
source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Fold the cloth in half (bandana or scarf), if it is too big, please cut it according to the size above
- Divide the three pieces of fabric. Fold the top and bottom of the fabric to the center
- Insert the rubber into the scarf
- Fold each side to the center of the mask
- Then tuck the edge of the side into the hole on the other side or you can sew it so that the mask can stay in place
- Try on and put on a mask
So, now that you have a cloth mask at home, let's try to find out how to wash and clean it.
How to wash and clean a cloth mask
Many have questioned whether this cloth mask can effectively provide protection? As for a study, it was stated that surgical masks were more effective than masks made of cloth.
But study the journal nature Disaster Medicine And Public Health Preparedness said, homemade masks can be a last resort to prevent transmission of respiratory tract infections (in this discussion the transmission via droplets). The study said at least a homemade mask could provide personal protection, rather than no protection at all.
In this COVID-19 pandemic situation, the use of cloth masks is recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people have started creating their own masks from cloth. This initiative is carried out so that surgical masks are prioritized for medical personnel who directly handle COVID-19 patients.
Cloth masks tend to be more efficient when used because they can be reused at any time. According to Web MD, the use of cloth masks can slow down the transmission of the virus. For those of you who still have activities outside the home, of course, you will often use these cloth masks.
Masks work to prevent droplets of liquid from people who are coughing, sneezing, or talking. Because transmission can only be from liquid exposure to these fluids. Therefore, the virus that might stick to the mask needs to be removed immediately by washing it.
Therefore, know how to wash cloth masks properly.
1. Remove the mask
Remove the mask without touching the front. There are many bacteria and viruses that may land on the mask. Place the mask in the basin or washing machine.
After that, you need to wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap. Do this to minimize bacteria or viruses from sticking to your hands. Next, apply the right way to wash the cloth mask at a later stage.
2. Use hot water
Don't forget to use hot water as a way of washing a cloth mask. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) at least 56 ° C can kill the virus. In more detail, at this temperature around 10,000 units of the virus can be killed for 15 minutes.
In addition to using hot water, you can use soap or detergent when washing in the washing machine. At hot temperatures, soap and detergent do not leave a residual foam that sticks to the mask.
3. Dry the mask
After washing a cloth mask, you will need to heat it dry as another way to kill germs. If using a dryer, don't forget to use hot temperatures.
Another option is to hang and dry in the hot sun. The sun's UV rays can help kill germs that are still on the mask cloth.
4. Save and use a mask if necessary
After drying, don't forget to store it in the cupboard. If at any time you want to wear a mask, don't forget to clean your hands to reduce the sticking of bacteria or viruses on the mask. Nothing but washing your hands for 20 seconds using running water and soap.
