Be Kind Needham recently began distributing instructions for proper use and care for homemade masks. "We have noticed and are greatly concerned by the number of people who are not wearing their masks properly," Sarah Heath of Be Kind Needham wrote to Hometown Weekly. "We are now handing out instructions with the masks we are distributing during senior shopping hours to help address this situation."
The instructions are as follows:
Lots of people are learning to make their own homemade masks or are now wearing those made by friends and family. To make sure you’re wearing the mask properly and to keep it in good condition, here are a few important tips:
1) Put your name on it. Don’t share!
2) If your mask has pleats, pull the top and bottom parts of the mask apart to enlarge it.
3) Put the elastic around your ears.
4) If your mask has a wire in the top seam, mold the top of the mask to fit your nose and cheeks.
5) Your mask should cover your nose and mouth at all times
How to remove the mask after wearing it:
1) Wash hands thoroughly.
2) Be very careful! Remove by the elastic. Do not touch the outside of the mask. Imagine it is covered in glitter that you don’t want to get all over you or scattered about the house. Remove mask. Place face down on paper towel
4) Put mask in hot wash.
5) Wash hands again thoroughly
6) After hot wash: hot dryer and hot iron to refresh
Your mask should be washed after every time you wear it.
Note that homemade masks are not FDA approved. They will not completely protect you from COVID-19. They provide light protection and remind you not to touch your face. They also help prevent the spread of germs from you to others. Your mask protects others. The masks of others protect you.
