A step-by-step guide to simple homemade masks
Even when following stay at home orders and avoiding going out as much as possible, it is inevitable that once in a while, people need to make runs to the grocery store, take their dogs out for walks, and attend to other essential errands. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings, or masks, when in public settings, especially in places where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Wearing a face mask should not replace social distancing. You should still stay at home as much as possible and maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people when you are out in public. However, face masks can help protect you and the people around you if you are infected with COVID-19 but do not have symptoms. Masks can also help keep you from touching your face and infecting yourself.
How to make a face mask
If you are unable to purchase a face mask, they can be easily made with household items. You will need:
- A scarf, T-shirt, or bandana in a tightly knit cotton material that is big enough to fold several times and cover your nose and mouth
- Two rubber bands or hair ties
- Coffee filters
There are many tutorials for how to fold and tie or sew your mask, but for an easy, no-sew, solution, follow the instructions below:
- Fold the fabric square in half.
- Fold the top down and fold the bottom up to create a thin rectangle. Fold your coffee filter inside the rectangle.
- Place the rubber bands or hair ties around the fabric, about six inches apart.
- Fold the fabric on the outsides of the rubber bands or hair ties in and fold them into each other.
- Place on your face and wrap the rubber bands or hair ties around your ears.
For more methods of making CDC approved face masks, click here.
How to keep a face mask clean
It is important to keep your facemask coronavirus-free, so washing it often is paramount. When removing your face mask, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth and wash your hands immediately after removing. Take the coffee filter out from inside the mask and throw it away. Then, wash your face mask in the washing machine. Face masks should be washed as frequently as you wear them.
Resources:
• www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
• www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-a-cloth-face-mask/
• www.nytimes.com/2020/04/10/well/live/coronavirus-face-masks-guides-protection-personal-protective-equipment.html
• www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
