Chloe Zhang
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of face masks became mandatory in many countries. As a result, people started looking for ways to reuse masks safely throughout the day. One method suggested by the Ottawa Public Health is to carry a used cloth mask in a plastic bag. This recommendation advises that the mask should be folded in half, with the outer surface facing inwards, and placed in a clean, sealable bag. While this method can help reduce the spread of the virus, it is important to note that the effectiveness of plastic bags as masks or mask containers varies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Keep used cloth masks in a plastic bag | Yes, if you plan to reuse it during the day, as recommended by Ottawa Public Health |
| Folding the mask | Fold it in half so that the outer surface is inwards |
| Disposing of the mask | Dispose of the mask properly in the trash or wash it in the machine upon reaching home |
| Effectiveness of polypropylene bags | 22% of smaller particles and 42% of larger particles |
| Effectiveness of surgical masks | 97% |
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What You'll Learn
- Ottawa Public Health recommends keeping a cloth mask in a plastic bag for reuse
- Fold the cloth mask in half so the outer surface is inward
- Store the plastic bag in your bag, purse, or pocket
- Dispose of the mask in the trash or wash it in the machine
- Polypropylene bags are not as effective as surgical masks but can be layered
Ottawa Public Health recommends keeping a cloth mask in a plastic bag for reuse
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ottawa Public Health shared tips for individuals who wanted to reuse their cloth face masks throughout the day. According to the health unit, cloth masks can be reused if they are not soiled or damaged. When removing your face mask, it is important to use clean hands. The mask should then be folded in half, with the outer surface folded inwards, before being placed in a clean, sealable plastic bag. This ensures that the contaminated outer surface does not come into contact with anything during storage.
The plastic bag can be stored in your bag, purse, or pocket until you are ready to use the mask again. Ottawa Public Health recommends keeping the cloth mask in the plastic bag until it can be disposed of properly in the trash or washed in a machine at home. Disposable masks, on the other hand, should not be washed, reused, or recycled.
It is important to note that these recommendations are specific to the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the guidelines provided by Ottawa Public Health. It is always advisable to follow the latest guidance from local health authorities and experts regarding mask usage and safety protocols.
By following these instructions, individuals can safely reuse their cloth masks while minimizing the risk of contamination. These practices contribute to the overall effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in indoor public spaces.
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Fold the cloth mask in half so the outer surface is inward
When removing your cloth face mask, make sure to use clean hands. Fold the cloth mask in half so that the outer surface is inward and against itself. This reduces contact with the outer surface during storage, as the contaminated outer surface is not in contact with anything. Place the folded mask in a clean, sealable bag. The Ottawa Public Health recommends using a paper bag instead of a plastic bag, as plastic bags create condensation inside. Always store the mask in a clean place, such as a bag, purse, or pocket.
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Store the plastic bag in your bag, purse, or pocket
If you are planning to reuse your cloth face mask during the day, it is recommended to store it in a plastic bag. This is especially important if you are in a public place, such as while at work, shopping, or doing other activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plastic bag should be clean and sealable. When removing your face mask, use clean hands to avoid contamination. Fold the mask in half, so the outer surface is inwards, and place it in the plastic bag until you are ready to use it again. You can then store the plastic bag containing the face mask in your bag, purse, or pocket. This method ensures that the contaminated outer surface of the mask is not in contact with anything during storage and helps to limit the spread of COVID-19. Remember to dispose of the mask properly in the trash or wash it in the machine when you reach home.
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Dispose of the mask in the trash or wash it in the machine
It is important to know how to properly dispose of masks. Single-use PPE, such as disposable masks, should be disposed of immediately after use. They should not be recycled or flushed down the toilet, as this could clog sewers. Instead, place them in a bin. To minimise the risk of contamination, seal the mask in a plastic bag before throwing it away.
If your face mask is washable and reusable, you can wash it in a washing machine. First, check the washing and drying instructions provided by the mask manufacturer. It is recommended to clean your washing machine before washing masks. This can be done by rinsing the machine with bleach or by running it empty at 60°C or 95°C without spinning.
When washing the masks, load the machine with masks and other textiles, such as old sheets or towels, to make at least half of the load. Use detergent but avoid adding bleach or fabric softener as this may cause allergies. Select a strengthening cycle, such as Intensive or Anti-Allergy, with the Cotton 60°C setting.
After washing, dry the masks in the dryer on the "cotton - cupboard dry" setting. Alternatively, you can dry them with a hairdryer. Do not use an oven or microwave to dry masks. Finally, steam iron the masks to remove wrinkles, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Polypropylene bags are not as effective as surgical masks but can be layered
It is recommended that used masks be stored in a plastic bag until they can be disposed of properly or washed. This is to prevent contamination. However, plastic bags themselves are not ideal masks.
Polypropylene bags are not as effective as surgical masks in capturing virus-sized particles. A single-layer polypropylene bag captured 22% of 0.3-micron particles and 42% of 1-micron particles. In comparison, a surgical mask captured 97% of particles. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus measures 0.06-0.14 microns by itself and 5-10 microns when in water droplets.
However, polypropylene bags are highly breathable. They can be layered to increase effectiveness without sacrificing breathability. A two-layer polypropylene bag filtered 34% of small particles, while a triple-layer non-woven polypropylene mask is still more breathable than a surgical mask.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends adding a third layer of non-woven polypropylene fabric to cloth masks. This can be done by inserting a rectangle of spunbond polypropylene between the two outer layers of a cloth mask. The spunbond polypropylene destined for the clothing and furniture industries has a fabric-like feel and is machine washable. It can be washed with the mask or separately and should be hung or laid flat to dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can keep your cloth face mask in a plastic bag if you plan to reuse it during the day. The Ottawa Public Health recommends keeping the cloth mask in a plastic bag until it can be disposed of in the trash or washed in the machine.
When removing your face mask, use clean hands. Fold the mask in half so that the outer contaminated surface is inwards and place it in a clean, sealable plastic bag.
A single-layer non-woven polypropylene plastic bag captured 22% of 0.3-micron particles and 42% of 1-micron particles. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus measures 0.06-0.14 microns by itself and 5-10 microns when in water droplets. Thus, plastic bags are not very effective at filtering out the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
