12/9/2020	How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask | CDC

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)                                  MENU 

How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask Updated Nov. 27, 2020	Print

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.

Overview DO

● Wear masks to help protect yourself from getting or spreading COVID-19

● Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19

● Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin

DO NOT

● Put masks on someone two years and younger

● Put masks on people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance

● Wear masks intended for healthcare workers, for example, N95 respirators

How to Select

When selecting a mask, there are many choices. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

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12/9/2020	How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask | CDC

How to Wear

Wear a mask correctly and consistently to help keep from getting or spreading the virus.

● Be sure to wash your hands before putting on a mask

● Do NOT touch the mask when wearing it

Do wear a mask that

● Covers your nose and mouth and

secure it under your chin

● Fits snugly against the sides of your face

For more information, visit our How to Wear Masks web page.

How NOT to wear a mask

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12/9/2020	How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask | CDC

How to take o a mask

How to Clean

Masks should be washed regularly.

Always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.

● Include your mask with your regular laundry

● Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask

● Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry

For more information, visit our How to Wash Masks web page
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12/9/2020	How to Select, Wear, and Clean Your Mask | CDC Wash Masks web page.

For more information, see our Masks web site. For information on the sources for our mask guidance, see Recent Studies.

Last Updated Nov. 27, 2020

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