How Should I Clean And Store My Face Mask?How should I clean and store my face mask? \n\nCloth face masks worn during the coronavirus pandemic should be washed regularly, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. \n\nPublic health experts recommend wearing a mask made from cotton fabric, such as T-shirts, or scarves and bandannas, when you are outside and unable to maintain social distancing from others.\n\nThe covering should be washed daily after use, says Penni Watts, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Nursing. \n\nIt is best to clean your mask in a washing machine or with soap and hot water. The mask should be dried completely. Dry it in a hot dryer, if possible.\n\nWatts advises storing the clean, dry mask in a new paper bag to keep it safe from germs.\n\nThe CDC has urged people to use washable cloth coverings to ensure there are enough surgical and N95 masks for medical workers.