I hate writing this post. I really do. I haven’t blogged in ages, and here I go writing about face masks. It has been quite the controversy…to wear a fabric face mask or not. Will the hospitals wear them, does it actually help? There are so many questions and concerns during this time, and we are all simply doing the best we can while following the authorities in charge. That being said, do we really need another face mask DIY post at this time? Not really. There are already some pretty great ones out there. And in case you were wondering, I have tried my hard at making some of them:
Face mask DIYS:
- Craft Passion Face Mask DIY, with free pattern (my fave, click for link)
- Rectangle face mask pattern, with pleats (not my fave, but better for a beginner seamstress, click for link)
- And the CDC has resources for no-sew versions as well HERE
Threads Monthly also compiled a list of all face mask tutorials and patterns put out by hospitals, which can be found HERE (link).
Perhaps this is obvious to some, but another thing to mention is please – WASH YOUR FACE MASK BEFORE YOU WEAR IT FOR THE FIRST TIME (if purchased). And pre-wash your fabric prior to making one handmade.
My questions arose when I realized I needed to figure out how to care for these masks after wearing them.
How to care for your Face Mask
* Please note, I am not a healthcare professional. If after writing this, new information is released that contradicts this message, please disregard and follow the guidelines of the CDC or other health officials.
- Wash after wearing – The CDC says that face masks should be washed immediately after wearing. Personally, this means that I return from the grocery store and immediately put my face mask in the laundry…all with trying not to touch my face and immediately afterwards washing my hands.
- A regular machine wash should clean the face mask – I personally use the hottest water my machine will allow, then hang up the face masks to air dry.
- LINGERIE BAGS – Say what? Ok, let me explain. After trying a few face masks out, I found that I was not a fan of the elastic around my ears. It just hurt after a while, so I am making face masks with ties. That being said, the ties were getting tangled in my laundry and it was annoying constantly having to unknot them. By using lingerie bags with the face masks tucked neatly inside, I do not have to worry about untangling my face mask ties from the rest of my laundry.
Where to purchase or find a good DIY for Lingerie / Laundry Bags
After some quick good searching, here is what I was able to find…
Where to purchase lingerie bags:
- Mesh Laundry Bags, Set of 4 Washer Bags With Zipper (Includes 2 Medium 2 Large) By Everyday Home online at WALMART
- Lingerie Bags for Laundry, Zippered Mesh Wash Bag (2 Pack Medium) online at Amazon
Laundry Bag DIY:
Just to reiterate, the information in this post is based on facts that have been released to date. As things progress / change / shift, please adjust accordingly. Reference the CDC for all further information, and to make sure that guidelines are being met for your safety. Thank you so much, and stay safe.
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