Maintain the face mask properly - this is how you prevent your mask from becoming a virus thrower

The mouth and nose protective mask has become our constant companion.

If you properly care for and transport your mask, you can use it for a long time.

You should know these tips.

• How is mouth and nose protection properly cared for?

  Is it enough to air the mask out or should it be washed daily?

  Can the wearer get infected with bacteria and viruses when removing the mask?

  There are many questions surrounding the face mask.

• The fact is: If you don't use it correctly, you risk contracting Covid-19.

• Here you can find out what you need to know about wearing and caring for mouth and nose covers *.

Some always have them in their pockets, others neatly stowed in a plastic bag: the everyday mask, FFP2 or surgeon mask.

viralProtect, manufacturer of a self-disinfecting medical 7-month protective mask, clarifies the three biggest mistakes relating to correct mask hygiene.

1. How to take off your mask correctly

The rule is: the less the mask is touched, the better.

The area that covers your mouth and nose should never come into contact with your fingers, as viruses could get onto the material.

Pulling the mask under the chin is also not recommended, as this could transfer potential pathogens not only to the fingers but also to other parts of the face.

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Always wash or disinfect your hands before removing the mask and only grasp your hands by the straps.

2. Transport the mask safely

A worn mouth and nose cover should never just be put in your trouser, jacket or handbag when you are out and about.

It should also not be placed on the office desk, as this could contaminate the surface or other objects on it.

Anyone traveling by car often tends to hang the used mouth and nose cover on the rearview mirror.

From a hygiene point of view, the mask does not have any contact with other surfaces or objects, but it impairs vision and distracts from the traffic, as viralProtect warns.

Better: put

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However, you should not keep your reusable mask sealed for too long as this will prevent it from drying out.

3. Wash or throw away mouth and nose protection

While disposable and FFP masks should be disposed of in the residual waste after use, other masks may be reused.

However, you should wash everyday fabric masks after each use.

The following applies to fabric masks:

The effectiveness of other cleaning methods, such as heating in the microwave or in the oven, is still questionable.

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