Cloth face masks should be washed after every use, ideally at the end of each day. You can clean them in a washing machine or by hand, and both methods work well when done correctly. Here’s how to do it properly and keep your mask effective over time.
Machine Washing
The simplest approach is tossing your cloth mask in with your regular laundry. Use your normal laundry detergent and set the water temperature to hot. The CDC notes that hot water is effective at destroying microorganisms, with 160°F (71°C) for at least 25 minutes being the standard recommendation for sanitizing textiles. Most home washing machines on a “hot” setting will get close to or reach this range.
If your mask has elastic ear loops or a nose wire, placing it inside a mesh laundry bag helps protect those components from snagging or stretching during the cycle. After washing, run the mask through the dryer on the highest heat setting the fabric can tolerate. The combination of hot water and high-heat drying gives you the best pathogen reduction. If you prefer not to use a dryer, lay the mask flat or hang it in direct sunlight until it’s completely dry before wearing it again.
Hand Washing
If you don’t have access to a washing machine or need a clean mask before your next laundry load, hand washing works fine. Fill a basin or sink with hot water and add a small amount of regular laundry detergent. Submerge the mask, scrub the fabric against itself for at least 20 seconds, then rinse thoroughly under clean running water.
For extra disinfection, you can soak the mask in a bleach solution: mix 4 teaspoons of chlorine bleach (check the label to confirm it’s meant for disinfection) into 1 quart of room-temperature water. Soak the mask for five minutes, then rinse it completely. Bleach becomes most effective at water temperatures between 135°F and 145°F, but even at room temperature the solution provides meaningful disinfection. Lay the mask flat to air dry completely before putting it on.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Because your mask sits directly against your nose, mouth, and cheeks for hours, detergent residue matters more than it does for a pair of jeans. Synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives like parabens are the most common triggers for skin irritation from laundry products. Surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate can also dry out skin, though allergic reactions to them are less common.
If you notice redness, itching, or breakouts along your mask line, try switching to a detergent labeled fragrance-free, dye-free, or hypoallergenic. An extra rinse cycle also helps remove lingering residue.
Washing Silk or Delicate Masks
Silk and synthetic-blend masks can’t handle the same hot temperatures as cotton. Wash these on a warm delicate cycle with the water no hotter than 86°F (30°C), and use a mild soap or gentle detergent without enzymes or bleach, which can break down silk fibers. Place the mask inside a mesh bag or an old pillowcase to protect it during the wash.
For hand washing, submerge the mask in warm water (again, no hotter than 30°C), gently lather with a mild soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Hang it up to air dry rather than using a dryer. You can iron a silk mask on a low setting afterward to smooth out wrinkles and help maintain the fabric’s quality. Keep in mind that delicate materials may lose filtration effectiveness faster than sturdy cotton weaves.
When to Wash and What to Do in Between
Wash your mask at least once a day, or sooner if it gets damp or visibly dirty. Moisture from your breath, sweat, or rain reduces the mask’s ability to filter particles and creates conditions where bacteria can grow. If your mask gets wet while you’re out and you can’t wash it right away, seal it in a plastic bag until you get home. Don’t leave a damp mask sitting in the open or balled up in a pocket.
How Many Washes a Mask Can Handle
Research published in the Journal of Aerosol Science found that both cloth and surgical masks maintained their filtration performance and breathability through at least 10 wash cycles. Beyond that, the filtering ability for very small particles (smaller than one micrometer) began to decline, even though the masks still caught larger particles effectively.
Rather than counting washes, you can check your mask’s condition directly. Hold it up to a light source: if you see fading, thinning spots you can see through, or any holes, the fabric has degraded too much. Check that the ear loops or ties still hold the mask snug against your nose and chin without gaps. In cold weather, you can do a quick outdoor test. If your breath visibly travels more than an inch through the fabric, the weave has loosened and it’s time for a new mask.
Storing Clean Masks
Once your mask is fully dry, store it in a clean, dry place away from dust and direct sunlight. A resealable plastic bag or a clean paper envelope works well for keeping it protected between uses. Avoid tossing a clean mask loose into a purse or backpack where it can pick up dirt and germs. Store the mask so it keeps its shape, especially if it has a molded nose bridge or structured fit. Put it away as soon as it’s dry rather than leaving it hanging for hours where it can collect airborne dust.
Keeping a few masks in rotation makes the whole process easier. While one is in the wash, you always have a clean, dry backup ready to go.