Representative Image. (Credits: AP)

NEW DELHI: A protective mask can be made with simple household materials. However, as per World Health Organisation, masks are effective only when they are used in combination with other hygienic routines. Maintaining cleanliness of DIY (Do It Yourself) masks is of utmost importance to fulfil its purpose. Thus, cleaning a homemade mask every day is mandatory.

While a disposable mask (surgical mask) cannot withstand washing and has to be thrown after single use, a handmade mask (cotton mask) can be cleaned and reused.

Here's how you can clean your homemade mask:

Option 1: Thoroughly wash the mask in soap and warm water and leave it to dry in the sun for at least 5 hours.

Option 2: If you do not have access to sunlight, place the mask in water in a pressure cooker and boil it for at least 10 minutes and leave it to dry. Adding salt to the water is recommended. In the absence of a pressure cooker, you may boil the cloth mask in hot water for 15 minutes.

Option 3: If you do not have access to a pressure cooker/boiling water, wash and clean the mask with soap and apply heat on the mask for up to five minutes. You may use an iron.

(Sourc e: Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India)



In Video: Watch: Simple way of making cloth mask within seconds