Everything You Need to Know About Homemade Face Masks

Lately, it seems face masks are all the rage. And while we wish we were talking about the exfoliating, wrinkle-reducing, moisturizing kind, we're talking the SLOW THE SPREAD kind.

 

The Recommendation

From NPR.org: "President Trump said Friday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that people wear cloth or fabric face masks, which can be made at home, when entering public spaces such as grocery stores and public transit stations — not only to protect the people wearing them, but also others in the vicinity."

With shortages of basic supplies everywhere, and shipping times being weeks to months out, a lot of people are turning to homemade face masks. We wanted to provide you with some great information and guidance so you and your families can stay as safe as possible at this time. 

 

According to the CDC, Cloth face coverings should—

  • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

  • be secured with ties or ear loops

  • include multiple layers of fabric

  • allow for breathing without restriction

  • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

 

DIY Facemasks

For you sewing machine users out there, we have a Facemask pattern for you here (thank you, sewfinity.com)! Here are some sewfinity tips and tricks! And if you don't have access to a sewing machine or don't know how to use one, the CDC has some no-sew options here.

 

Sanitizing 

Sanitizing your mask is also important. You should routinely wash your mask after use. There are several ways you can do this.

Option 1: Thoroughly wash the mask in soap and warm water and leave it to dry in the sun for five hours.

Option 2: If you do not have access to sunlight, place the mask in water in a pressure cooker and boil it for at least 10 minutes and leave it to dry. Adding salt to the water is recommended. In the absence of a pressure cooker, you may boil the cloth mask in hot water for 15 minutes.

Option 3:If you do not have access to a pressure cooker/boiling water wash, clean the mask with soap and apply heat on the mask for up to five minutes. You may use an iron. Source

 

Making Masks for the Community

If you are making many masks in hopes to share with the community, THANK YOU! Please follow the guidelines below, then fill out this form to tell us what you have. We will do our best to virtually match you with a need in our community!

 

 

Credits and Other Resources