In order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, cities across the U.S. are now advising everyone to wear cloth face masks while out in public. At Shutterfly, we wanted to do what we can to contribute by leveraging our manufacturing resources to produce as many non-medical cloth face masks as possible to keep you, your loved ones, and our communities healthy and safe. For every mask that is bought with us until August 31, 2020, we will be donating a face mask to Feeding America to help with its COVID-19 relief efforts.
Whether you’re planning to buy our cloth face masks or put your crafting skills to the test by creating your own DIY face masks, we want to share some of the best practices when it comes to properly wearing, cleaning, and sanitizing your reusable masks. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your cloth face masks.
We know how important it is to stay connected to each other and to acknowledge, support and thank the people around us, especially right now. From providing inspiration to our community, to supplying equipment to our front lines, Shutterfly For Good is committed to making a positive impact in any moment.
Help Slow The Spread With New Shutterfly Cloth Face Masks
Searching for where to buy face masks? You can find our selection of soft, breathable face masks here to help keep you and your family healthy and safe. Designed with a pocket to hold any filter of your choice, these non-medical face masks are perfect for everyday use – from walks around the block to trips to the market. Unlike a disposable single-use mask, a reusable face mask can be disinfected or washed after each wear, minimizing your exposure and optimizing your safety and ease – as well as the safety and ease of others.
Multiple Layers Of Protection
Our cloth face masks are designed to cover the mouth and nose to slow the spread of pathogens in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. It has thoughtful features, such as comfortable, stretchy ear loops and double-layer fabric design with a filter opening (filter not included). Available in grey, teal, and pink as singles or purchase the variety pack of four to receive the additional heart pattern mask. These cloth masks are machine-washable, sustainable, and quite stylish as well! For more information about our masks, we’ve listed the details below:
- Cloth face mask 50% Cotton / 50% Polyester. Elastic ear loops 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex
- One size fits most (7” x 4.5” flat dimensions)
- Double-layer fabric designed with filter opening. Filter not included
- Wash before initial use and after every use
- Detailed use and care instructions included with each mask
- Designed for adult use only. Not recommended for use by children
- Additional precautions are recommended if you are sick; including staying home and away from others
- Manufactured in USA with imported components
- Product does not ship outside the USA
Buy A Mask, Donate A Mask
We have partnered with Feeding America so that every time you buy a reusable face mask, you’re also supporting the donation of face masks to local essential workers in need. Our efforts to use our manufacturing resources don’t just allow for more people to buy face masks for personal use, it prevents them from purchasing the medical-grade materials our everyday heroes on the frontlines require to do their jobs safely. For more ways to help your community during these uncertain times, make sure to visit our Coronavirus: Ways You Can Help Others.
Why It’s Important To Wear A Face Mask During These Times
Along with practicing social distancing, staying home, and washing your hands frequently and properly, wearing a cloth face mask while going out to grab essentials helps protect you and the people around you. Due to how far our respiratory droplets travel when we talk, cough or sneeze, cloth face masks help contain the range of those droplets. Wearing a mask can also keep you from touching your face and mouth, thus slowing the spread of the coronavirus. With a shortage of N95 masks still ongoing, the best thing you can do for your essential workers is to save surgical masks for them and opt for reusable cloth masks.
How To Wear, Clean, And Reuse Your Face Mask
Making or buying a face mask is just the half of it. To ensure that you and your loved ones are staying as safe and healthy as possible, it’s important to know how to wear and clean reusable face masks regularly to limit the spread of germs. The CDC urges that you give cloth face masks the same level of care as your regular laundry, which means you should wash and dry them often.
When You Should Wear Face Masks
Health authorities are suggesting everyone to wear a mask outdoor, in a public place when exposed to others. Wearing a mask can prevent asymptomatically infected persons from spreading disease in public.
How To Effectively Wear Cloth Face Masks
Before putting on or taking off a mask, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent any germs from nearing your face. For most effective results, face masks 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.
If you wear glasses and want to prevent your mask from fogging up your lenses, a simple solution is to tape your face mask across the bridge of your nose and across your cheeks!
How To Safely Clean A Cloth Face Mask
Machine washing or hand washing should suffice to properly wash a cloth face mask with regular laundry detergent. Face masks should be washed with hot water in the washing machine, and tumble dried on high heat. More delicate masks that are handsewn may need to be washed by hand. If so, lather masks with soap and scrub them for at least 20 seconds with warm to hot water before tossing in the dryer.
How Often Face Masks Should Be Cleaned
There aren’t any hard and fast rules regarding how often you should wash face masks but it is recommended to be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. If you want to be extra cautious, clean your face mask after each use.
How To Store Reusable Masks
Masks should not be placed in pockets for later use. Once you have a clean mask, to store or transport, carefully fold the mask so the contaminated outside is folded inward and against itself. Place in a clean or new closed plastic container or zip-close bag by itself, and perform hand hygiene.
Wrapping Up
There are so many ways to help people during the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you’re donating money, volunteering your time, or simply wearing a face mask to protect others — you’re doing your part to make a difference. While our cloth face masks ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and fun prints to choose from, you can be rest assured you’re doing good while protecting yourself and others. For even more information on coronavirus, make sure to visit our related resources below:
