How to clean stains from your mask | CNN

Face masks or masks and other face covers are now part of our lives and our closets.

But they need to be washed, just like anything else we wear, and not only to disinfect them but because they will probably stain at some point, like any other garment.

While dark-colored disposable masks are a good choice for people who use makeup, facial hair grooming products that leave a greasy residue or are especially prone to spillage, if you're using reusable fabric face covers, you'll want to check out these tips for cleaning the most common stains.

How to remove common stains from face masks

Masks or masks and other cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. 

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And because they are small items, with straps and ties that can catch other items in the washer or dryer, using protective mesh bags is a good idea.

Bagail Set of 5 Mesh Laundry Bags ($ 8.87;

It's also good to get in the habit of checking your masks for stains before washing, so you can apply a pre-treatment product that helps break down stains better than detergent alone.

Stains are divided into different categories, depending on what caused them, and are best treated with a product designed to break down that particular type of stain.

How to remove makeup from face masks

Felicia Linsky, an award-winning Hollywood spray tan and makeup artist, says her makeup cleanser is OxiClean gel stick;

the same formula is also available in a spray and foam, both effective at removing makeup stains.

Rubbing alcohol, and products such as hand sanitizer that contain a high concentration of alcohol, are also effective in removing lipstick stains and other makeup from fabric.

OxiClean Max Force Gel Stain Remover Stick ($

OxiClean Max Force Garment Stain Remover Spray ($ 7.96, originally $ 10.99;

OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Foam ($ 7.11, originally $ 8.17;

Equate 70% Isopropyl Alcohol ($ 7.87;

How to remove stains from facial hair grooming products

Grooming products for facial hair like beard oil or mustache wax can leave greasy residue on the inside of fabric masks.

Those stains fall into the oil and grease category and are best treated by rubbing a small amount of Pine-Sol or Lestoil on the stain just before washing.

Pine-Sol Multi-Surface ($ 3.66;

Lestoil Multipurpose Cleaner ($ 13.95;

How to remove sweat stains from face masks

Sweat, blood, and other secretions such as saliva or sebum (the oil naturally produced by the skin) are protein stains.

Protein stains should be treated with an enzymatic stain remover prior to washing.

Zout Laundry Stain Remover Spray, Triple Enzyme Formula ($ 7;

How to remove food stains from face masks

Food stains come in such a wide variety that it is impossible to find a perfect stain treatment for all of them, but Shout spray is the most effective product you will find for most food stains.

If red wine or fruits like blueberries, pomegranates or cranberries are a frequent source of stains, a specialty product called Wine Away is a smart buy - it works well on those very stubborn stains.

Yell Triple Action Clothes Stain Remover ($ 13.99;

Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover ($ 9.23, originally $ 9.95;

How to Prevent Makeup Stains in the First Place

Alison Freer, author of "The Accessory Handbook: A Costume Designer's Secrets for Buying, Wearing, and Caring for Accessories", has a brilliant solution to the problem of lipstick staining on the inside of your face covering.

"This is how you wear red lipstick in a pandemic - get a mask holder," she says.

"It makes a little cage around your face, it doesn't ruin your makeup, and it also makes it easier to breathe."

Anesthetic Face Mask Inner Support Frames ($ 15.98 for a 3-pack;

Makeup setting products can also help keep your makeup in place instead of on your mask.

Linsky recommends placing sprays and powders that act as a barrier between makeup and mask.

NYX Professional Makeup Spray ($ 8.49;

Dermablend Compact Setting Powder ($ 29;

Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Setting Powder ($ 38;

While many people give up lipstick entirely, others are not up for it.

To those, Linsky recommends switching to smudge-free formulas, like those offered by Stila, Maybelline and Smashbox, which reduce the problem of lipstick rubbing on cloth masks.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($ 22;

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($ 7.98;

Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick ($ 24;

Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.