If it wasn’t for my apple watch allowing me to ping my phone location, I would likely run late to work most days. Now in addition to a purse or wallet, keys, and cell phone, we all need to make sure we have a mask as well. Studies have shown that wearing masks does help curb the spread of COVID-19, and other contagions as well.
So how can you make sure you always have a mask? Store them in various locations.
Where to Keep Face Masks at Home
When it comes to clean face masks, locate them near your car keys or the door where they’ll be easy to grab when you leave the house. Hopefully, this will help you remember your mask! Whether it’s your front door, a mudroom area, or a laundry room on your way to your garage, you need to find a place that will be visible. Then find what type of storage will work for you. Consider using coat hangers, or adhesive removable hooks (Command hooks have lots of options to choose from) that you can hang your masks close to the door. If you want a more decorative look, hang a favorite bag and place the masks in there (as long as you will remember what’s in the bag!)
For larger households, consider an over the door hanger, a scarf hanger, or a belt & tie hanger in your laundry room to keep masks organize and easily accessible. Another option is to use a decorative basket near the front door and have extra masks there.
Etsy has a lot of options like the one pictured here where you can custom make hanging mask holders in various colors and materials…you can even add individual names or an inspirational quote.
Also, develop a system for dirty masks. Use a mesh or lingerie bag to keep used masks so that you can keep them separately until you are ready to wash them. If you want to stay super organized, you could have a different-colored bag per family member to store & wash their masks together. Keep in mind that you should wash your masks after each use which means you will need extras for each person or wash the ones you have frequently.
Etsy, IKEA, the Container Store, and Amazon have tons of options for mask storage bags, mesh laundry bags, pouches, carrying cases & even antibacterial lanyards. One Esty shop had a zippered bag for masks that also had a clip for hand sanitizer so both stay together. For an evening out, consider a zippered purse with a wrist strap that comes in plenty of colors.
Storing extra masks just in case you forget them when the house.
- Hang one on your rearview mirror.
- Put one in a zip lock bag and keep in your glove compartment.
- With the same idea in mind, keep one in a bag in your backpack or purse for easy access.
- Buy a key chain pouch that fits a mask, so you can hang it on your backpack or purse, or better yet, keep it with your house keys.
- Keep one at your desk at work in a ziplock bag or zippered pouch.
- Put a mask in a zip lock bag and store with your lunch or snacks.
Tips for washing cloth face masks:
- According to the CDC, you should wash your face masks daily. This can be done in the washing machine using hot water and laundry detergent. You can either dry in the dryer or hang dry. We put ours in the sun.
- According to HopkinsMedicine.org, you can wash face masks by hand. Scrub them for at least 20 seconds using hot soapy water and then using a hot clothes dryer to dry.
- Consider washing face masks together in a small mesh laundry bag for delicates. This way they don’t get lost among other larger items, and stay together. It also helps them last longer.
- Try to only touch the elastic part of the mask when removing it from your face. This helps to avoid bacteria that could be on a dirty mask.
Helpful Tips
- Do make your mask out of several layers. Two to three layers are ideal. Choose a fabric that is completely washable and breathable.
- If you need to take the mask off temporarily while you’re out, fold the mask in half and place it in the clean baggie for the time being.
- When you put the mask on, try to only touch the ear loops and not the mask itself. Especially avoid touching the inside part of the mask that touches your face.
- Disposable face coverings, should not be washed and re-worn. Discard them after each use.
- Do not share masks with anyone
- Make sure your hands are clean before you go to grab a new mask. Also, clean or sanitize your hands before removing your mask.
- Don’t develop a false sense of security. Hand-washing or the use of alcohol gel is as important as wearing a mask.
Related posts that may interest you:
Wearing Face Masks on a Cruise
Where to Buy Face Masks for Travel
How to Make a Face Mask
