Coronavirus: where to buy and how to wash washable masks?
Considering the shortage of masks in Italy and the urgency for all of us to protect ourselves from the virus, the use of protection has become mandatory. If you don't know how to sew and want washable masks, here's where to find them online! They are made according to the established rules and try to protect us from the transmission of Covid-19 through the respiratory tract.
- · Help small local businesses!
- · How to wear a face mask?
- · How to wash the cloth mask?
A multitude of small companies based in Italy have started producing washable fabric masks in all colors and sizes.
Plus, as these fabric masks are reusable, we support local businesses and protect each other from the coronavirus in an environmentally friendly way!
See all options on Amazon
See also
Calzitaly masks
Made with a double layer of antibacterial fabric. Q-Skin yarn, with silver ions that allow you to regulate bacterial proliferation with lasting effectiveness. Space between the two layers of fabric, which allows the insertion of additional filters. Mask washable at 50-60 °, the use of washing bags recommended. Multi-purpose and one-size-fits-all garment. With less than 12 € you can buy 5!
Buy them on Amazon
Relaxsan masks
Made in Italy, washable in boiling water with double antibacterial fabric. With raised stitch to increase its thickness and absorbency, creating air chambers for better ventilation. A set of 5 costs € 14.90.
Buy them on Amazon
Help small local businesses!
Also on etsy.com/it, a portal dedicated to handicrafts, many small Italian producers have put on sale masks in high quality fabrics such as linen and cotton at modest amounts.
There are all kinds and fantasies and by buying them you will help a small trader to earn something after this financially difficult period!
Check out the washable masks on Etsy
They cost about € 5 each and are made of cotton, a great price considering the fabric and the great help that a small purchase can give to a small company.
Buy them on Etsy
Check out men's masks on Etsy
How to wear a face mask?
This information might seem ridiculous, but do not be under any illusions, the use of a mask and especially its application requires some precautions, otherwise its effectiveness would be null!
Put on the mask:
- The mask is worn on bare skin (without strands of hair against the face).
- Before positioning, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or with hydroalcoholic gel.
- The mask must be washed before use / reuse.
- Place the barrier mask on the face, grasp it only from the outside with the rubber bands.
- Lower the mask under the chin and check that it completely covers the chin.
- Pinch the nose clip with both hands to fit the nose.
- Once in place, do not touch it with your hands. To grab or replace it, wash your hands again.
Remove the mask:
- Wash your hands with soap and water or hydro-alcoholic gel.
- Grasp the mask by the rubber bands without touching the front of the protector.
- Put the mask in a specific container
- Wash your hands (again!)
How to wash the cloth mask?
First of all, of course, avoid contact between a freshly worn mask and clean clothing, as it could disperse the residues.
A fabric mask must be washed for at least 30 minutes (soaking, washing and rinsing) at a temperature of 60 ° C. Softeners should be avoided as they can weaken filtration.
Drying must be done within two hours of washing to avoid leaving the fabric damp.
Why do you have to wear a mask?
Usually reserved for assistants, the mask is becoming a product for the general public. There are two types of masks: the surgical mask and the ffp category mask (1, 2 or 3). The ffp mask contains a filtering mechanism that protects both the wearer and the people around it. It can be stored for 4-8 hours before being thrown away. The surgical or fabric mask does not protect the wearer from the risk of contamination by the covid, but prevents bacteria from being pushed out.
How long can the cloth mask be worn?A surgical mask is a medical device designed to protect the people we meet from contamination. It is for single use only and should be discarded after 4 hours.
The washable cloth mask is an alternative to the surgical mask, considered by the government as an effective complement to containment and social distancing. Before putting on a cloth mask, make sure it has been washed at a temperature of 60 ° C.
Once the hands are washed with soap and water, the mask is placed on the face (from the bottom of the chin to the center of the bridge of the nose). Avoid touching the front of the mask and only hold it with the rubber bands. Once in place, the washable mask can be worn for up to 4 hours. It must be changed after each contact with a person potentially affected by the coronavirus.
To maximize the effectiveness of the containment, it is essential to be able to protect yourself and avoid the emission of microbes through the airways when encountering other people. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear a mask as soon as you leave the house, whether you go to a public place, to closed rooms with other people or to the workplace. Wearing a mask prevents the emission of germs and has a "filtering" effect.
Where to buy it?Before purchasing a face mask, make sure it is made according to government guidelines. In addition to drugs, household stores and parapharmacies, you can find them online at reasonable prices.
