How To Clean Cloth Face Masks? | Daily Care Routine

For the full breakdown, see our best Cloth Face Masks guide.

Cleaning cloth face masks doesn’t require special products or complicated steps. The CDC’s guidance is straightforward: wash them with your regular laundry using the warmest water the fabric allows, then dry them completely.

This article covers recommended washing methods, how to handle a wet or dirty mask between uses, and mistakes that can make a clean mask unsafe again.

How Often Should You Wash A Cloth Face Mask?

Wash cloth face coverings after every day of use, per the CDC and Mayo Clinic. If the mask becomes wet, visibly dirty, or contaminated, wash it immediately rather than waiting for the end of the day. After wearing one, remove it by the ear loops or ties without touching the front, then wash your hands right away.

The Best Way To Wash Cloth Face Masks

The easiest and most effective method is tossing the mask in with your regular laundry, which works for cotton and cotton-blend masks that hold up to machine washing.

• Use your normal laundry detergent — no special soap required.
• Select the warmest water setting safe for the fabric; check the care label if unsure.
• Dry completely in the dryer on the highest heat the fabric allows, or lay flat to air-dry before storing.

Mayo Clinic confirms that a washing machine with regular detergent is sufficient; no bleach or strong disinfectant is necessary for routine cleaning. If a mask has a filter pocket or nose wire, check whether the manufacturer recommends hand washing before machine washing the whole thing.

For delicate masks, hand washing works as a backup. Use hot tap water and detergent or plain soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, and press out excess moisture with a clean towel before air-drying completely.

How Should You Store And Handle Masks Between Uses?

Handling matters as much as washing. A clean, dry mask can be kept in a breathable bag for same-day reuse, so you can take it off for lunch and put it back on safely. For a wet or dirty mask, place it in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash it. Two habits cause most cross-contamination problems:

• Letting a damp mask air-dry on a dirty countertop or shared surface before wearing it again.
• Touching the outside of the mask while removing it and then not washing your hands.

If reusing a mask the same day, fold it with the inside facing itself and store it in a paper bag. A dirty mask should never sit loose in a purse, pocket, or car.

Common Mistakes That Make Masks Less Safe

Knowing what not to do is half the battle. These errors cancel out the work of washing:

• Rewearing a mask that is still damp, stained, or visibly soiled. Dirt and moisture both degrade the fabric’s filtration.
• Treating a quick shake-out or spritz as cleaning. Washing with detergent is the only routine method the CDC recommends.
• Assuming a mask can be left openly on a nightstand after use.

If you handle a used mask and then touch your face or food before washing your hands, you’ve undone the mask’s protection. Keep a sealed bag near your door for dirty masks and make hand washing part of the removal routine.

Cleaning cloth face masks is a simple daily habit. Machine wash with regular detergent, dry completely, and store a clean mask in a breathable bag to keep the fabric filtering properly and ready every time you head out.