Wash face masks every day at 60C to kill off virus, scientists suggest

‘Our results suggest individuals wearing homemade fabric masks should take care to wash or otherwise sterilise them regularly’

FACE MASKS should be washed daily at 60C (140F) and ideally tumble-dried at a high heat to completely kill off any traces of the virus, experts say.

A recent study by the University of California found that particles can build up and regular washing is important.

Prof William Ristenpart, a chemical engineer at the University of California, Davis, found that while masks do prevent emissions, they also store droplets and aerosols and could be a source of infection.

“Our results suggest that individuals using homemade fabric masks should take care to wash or otherwise sterilise them on a regular basis to minimise the possibility of emission,” he wrote in a recent paper in Nature.

The World Health Organisation recommends that reusable masks should be changed even more frequently than on a daily basis if they get dirty, damp or wet.

They should also be stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag between uses and only touched by the elastic hooks. Previous research has shown that bacteria and viruses can linger on the outside of masks. The Government recommends that people should avoid touching the part of the covering that has been in contact with the nose or mouth, and wash hands after touching a mask.

Face coverings should also not be placed on a table while eating in a restaurant or drinking in a pub.

Experts at Johns Hopkins University in the US, recommend keeping at least two reusable makes, so that one can be in the wash. If washed by hand, they should be scrubbed for at least 20 seconds and then dried on a high heat in a tumble dryer.

The University of New South Wales in Sydney said it was important to wash masks after each wear after they found virus on the inside and outside of both surgical and cloth masks.

Studies have demonstrated that surgical masks can contain and therefore reduce the dissemination of droplets and aerosols produced by a sick wearer by up to four-fold.

Surgical masks can also protect the wearer to some degree by reducing the exposure to incoming droplets and aerosols by up to six-fold.