Cleaning a new mask- is it necessary?

[sewsleepy]

I hope this isn't a dumb question. I don't usually obsess over cleaning and haven't had any problems. Usually when I get a new mask or nasal pillow, I rinse it with hot water but I don't worry about it too much. In these days of Covid-19, do I need to wash a new mask more thoroughly in case it has been handled by someone with the virus? And, if so, what would be the recommended way?

Or are masks basically sanitized when they leave the plant?

Again, sorry if this is a dumb thing to ask, I'm second guessing a lot of things these days but I'm in the vulnerable group and it's gonna blow straight into my lungs.

[Julie]

I wouldn't worry, especially if it's sealed in the usual plastic bag - likely done long before Covid, but even if not, it should be fine, but is it a big deal to wash it anyway (I imagine you do that weekly regardless of Covid)?

[DreamDiver]

I hope this isn't a dumb question. I don't usually obsess over cleaning and haven't had any problems. Usually when I get a new mask or nasal pillow, I rinse it with hot water but I don't worry about it too much. In these days of Covid-19, do I need to wash a new mask more thoroughly in case it has been handled by someone with the virus? And, if so, what would be the recommended way?

Or are masks basically sanitized when they leave the plant?

Again, sorry if this is a dumb thing to ask, I'm second guessing a lot of things these days but I'm in the vulnerable group and it's gonna blow straight into my lungs.

It's not a dumb question. And Julie hit it on the nose. Pre-pandemic, I'd wash any new mask before using it anyway with just warm water and mild soap. Let it dry on a towel. Good to go.

Remember, the virus is soluble in soapy water. It can't survive a reasonable washing. You don't have to go through any special treatment. Just do the normal wash and dry. It should be fine.

Chris

[palerider]

In these days of Covid-19, do I need to wash a new mask more thoroughly in case it has been handled by someone with the virus? And, if so, what would be the recommended way?

Even if a covid positive patient sneezed on the mask at the factory (which is extremely unlikely, given the typical manufacturing controls), by the time the mask sits in inventory, then shipping, then sitting in inventory again, then shipping to you... anything in there would be long dead.

But, how to wash? just like normal, soap and water, just like what you need for your hands, soap and water

[Sheriff Buford]

Heck, I just use a baby wipe and wipe the mask when it comes outta the package. Is that gross? My wife doesn't think I'm gross.... wait, yes she does!

Sheriff

[palerider]

Heck, I just use a baby wipe and wipe the mask when it comes outta the package. Is that gross? My wife doesn't think I'm gross.... wait, yes she does!

Sheriff

I don't get how that's gross, in any way...

[chunkyfrog]

Heck, I just use a baby wipe and wipe the mask when it comes outta the package. Is that gross? My wife doesn't think I'm gross.... wait, yes she does!

Sheriff

I don't get how that's gross, in any way...

I am certain the sheriff uses a FRESH baby wipe.
Nothing smells better than a fresh baby . . .

[palerider]

Heck, I just use a baby wipe and wipe the mask when it comes outta the package. Is that gross? My wife doesn't think I'm gross.... wait, yes she does!

Sheriff

I don't get how that's gross, in any way...

I am certain the sheriff uses a FRESH baby wipe.
Nothing smells better than a fresh baby . . .

As long as he's not wiping his mask with a fresh baby.

[zonker]

Heck, I just use a baby wipe and wipe the mask when it comes outta the package. Is that gross? My wife doesn't think I'm gross.... wait, yes she does!

Sheriff

I don't get how that's gross, in any way...

I am certain the sheriff uses a FRESH baby wipe.
Nothing smells better than a fresh baby . . .

As long as he's not wiping his mask with a fresh baby.

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