{"id":345,"date":"2020-10-08T15:36:58","date_gmt":"2020-10-08T15:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/?p=345"},"modified":"2024-01-07T18:19:30","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T18:19:30","slug":"how-to-sanitize-face-coverings-masks-and-avoid-germs-and-covid-most-effectively","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/10\/08\/how-to-sanitize-face-coverings-masks-and-avoid-germs-and-covid-most-effectively\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sanitize \ud83d\ude37 Face Coverings\/ Masks and Avoid Germs and Covid Most Effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for more details.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Dr. Annie has a new experiment about sanitizing face coverings (for simplicity let\u2019s just call them masks). Boiling was best but keep in mind, she isn\u2019t concerned with toxicity, so I don\u2019t recommend boiling disposable or synthetic fiber masks; only cotton or natural fibers. Disposable masks are not meant to be reused and other sources say not to try to spray or wash them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Machine washing and drying was not perfect but removed most germs. Hand washing was not effective! She didn\u2019t test sunlight which would have been interesting. How often to change masks? It depends how long you wear them, but a whole day at the longest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

http:\/\/www.dranniesexperiments.com\/home\/face-masks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I discuss why and how to avoid laundry germs in my post here. The dryer is important:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/CleanGreenToxicantFree\/photos\/a.616614228964849\/623124934980445\/?type=3&source=54<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. A huge tip is you\u2019re not supposed to touch the outside of face masks because they are germy. It\u2019s mainstream science and recommendations. Remember that the outside of the mask is like a germ collection plate; touching it gets hands all germy\u2026 which can then infect you or spread the germs on surfaces, which can negate the point of wearing masks! Wash hands immediately if you touch the outside of the mask. Here are three links about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-my\/health\/medical\/study-shows-why-you-should-never-touch-the-outside-of-face-mask\/ar-BB12iwYF?fbclid=IwAR0K4_ddLQivOqSMew4jGeF5x_rSXpPN55UzMTsty9yS9RTG3IuDpCq09y8<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/mistakes-to-avoid-wearing-a-face-mask-coronavirus-2020-4?op=1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Here is a document from Covid experts including from the WHO, about how covid is usually spread (close contact\/ enclosed spaces):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1fB5pysccOHvxphpTmCG_TGdytavMmc1cUumn8m0pwzo\/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR3eIbFDQ6WedcrvM_6GRUc5gjzo1UKM9H8-QP7-YuwoMHoBO4ke2OpY-D4#h.k10zp34x5s0p<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Here is a recent article about whether we need to be preoccupied with disinfecting surfaces. Being clean is always good, but it\u2019s important not to lose sight of the most important actions (avoid enclosed spaces with groups, wash hands), and recognize that many disinfecting products are toxic themselves, so we should not be over-using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWorrying about the small stuff exhausts people from focusing on things that do matter. Maybe a person feels so confident in the disinfection methods around them that they eat indoors [at restaurants] without a mask, despite the much more substantial known risks. Or perhaps someone feels they don\u2019t need to quarantine themselves after traveling because they wore disposable gloves and booties over their shoes on the plane. \u201cWhen you ask more of people than what is needed, they grow tired of doing what actually matters,\u201d Marcus says.\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/its-time-to-talk-about-covid-19-and-surfaces-again\/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=onsite-share&utm_brand=wired&utm_social-type=earned&fbclid=IwAR0-TfMtrph3vrZiSO04xwwIwuI0OosopXhOIzZxQWKFDhrqZ2DzVPki1Ho<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I discuss things along these lines in my Halloween post too: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/CleanGreenToxicantFree\/photos\/a.616614228964849\/638869933405945\/?type=3&source=54&ref=page_internal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mask Brands I Recommend<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Definitely organic cotton masks<\/a> (link to article) because you are literally breathing through them, so quite important to avoid chemicals and synthetic materials. Here is an affiliate link to ones I have bought: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3rJM7ck<\/a>. And here is a post I made about mask brackets<\/a> that help make masks more breathable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, synthetic fibers (used in both disposable and synthetic cloth such as polyester) are basically plastic. You\u2019ve probably heard of micro plastic pollution in water, but it also happens through the air, as these synthetic fibers create micro\/nano plastic dust (also contains heavy <\/a>metals<\/a>) that can be inhaled<\/a> (hyperlink to scientific paper). Additionally, masks usually have dyes and the disposable surgical masks are sprayed with PTFE ( polytetrafluoroethylene), a synthetic fluoride found in Teflon (see my cookware post<\/a> for why that\u2019s toxic).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also check out my post about why organic cotton is less toxic than non-organic cotton:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/10\/26\/resources-for-finding-truly-organic-clothing\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone asked about mask filters. I hear that coffee filters or even tissues can work as a less toxic option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Dear Pandemic\u2026 specifics on filters and effectiveness. https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/105606064401383\/posts\/174874687474520\/?extid=8lUT226t4c00FCio&d=n<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/homemade-mask-using-hydro-knit-shop-towel-filters-better-2020-4<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To check out new and additional posts, please visit and \u201clike\u201d my Facebook page<\/a>. Thanks!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

***Thank you for visiting Clean Green Toxicant Free! I started this site simply because I want to help people and share information. I dig deep and seek the most truly non-toxic products, without bias. I am not paid to write anything and I don\u2019t sell anything. In 2022 I became an Amazon Associate, which does NOT bias my recommendations. I may earn small dividends from purchases made after clicking my clearly labeled amazon affiliate links (even if you don\u2019t buy those specific items), which covers the costs I pay to maintain this site, at no cost to you. More info is on the About This Website <\/a>page.***<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for more details. 1. Dr. Annie has a new experiment about sanitizing face coverings (for simplicity let\u2019s just call them masks). Boiling was best but keep in mind, she isn\u2019t concerned with toxicity, so READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2247,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/img_8534.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":50,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/08\/28\/cleaning-and-disinfecting\/","url_meta":{"origin":345,"position":0},"title":"\ud83e\uddfd Cleaning and Disinfecting, Avoiding Germs and Toxicants!","date":"August 28, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated January 2025 I was trying to decide what to do as my first post, and realized this would be a perfect combination of the title themes: Clean, green, and toxicant free. Update: This post may contain carefully selected affiliate links including Amazon Associates, that I may earn small amounts\u2026","rel":"","context":"With 2 comments","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/photo-output-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2462,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2022\/09\/29\/homemade-organic-non-toxic-playdough-recipe\/","url_meta":{"origin":345,"position":1},"title":"Homemade Organic Non-Toxic Playdough Recipe","date":"September 29, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"This post may contain carefully selected affiliate links including Amazon Associates, that I may earn small amounts from. More info at the bottom of this page. Ingredients: 2 Cups of Organic Flour (I used all purpose which contains gluten, but you could experiment with a gluten free flour blend that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"play doh\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/b1311356-5211-4b22-aa0b-86d356ba0cba.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":346,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/10\/16\/master-list-of-truly-non-toxic-products-i-use\/","url_meta":{"origin":345,"position":2},"title":"\u201cMaster List\u201d of Truly Non-Toxic Products I Use","date":"October 16, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated September 2025 Introduction: - I do not sell any MLM type of products. - Not every product from any given brand is the same level of toxicity, so be sure to check ingredients in you\u2019re interested in other products than the specific ones listed. - I avoid all citric\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"beauty\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/img_8481.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":166,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/09\/non-toxic-toilet-potty-training\/","url_meta":{"origin":345,"position":3},"title":"Toilet\/ Potty \ud83d\udca9 Training: Clean, Green, Toxicant Free","date":"September 9, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated February 2021 This may seem to be off-topic, it is relevant because of the materials of training toilets (I despise the word \u201cpotty\u201d), and of course, germs. This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"potty\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/C3AEB086-60CD-4511-A4CE-232E1201D44F.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":295,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/24\/halloween-conscious-of-covid-19-toxicants-and-health\/","url_meta":{"origin":345,"position":4},"title":"Halloween \ud83c\udf83 \ud83d\udc7b: Conscious of Toxicants, Health, Sugar, the Environment, and Germs","date":"September 24, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated October 2023 I originally wrote this post in 2020, during the height of Covid. There was much discussion happening on mom forums about how to celebrate while avoiding Covid, but every single suggestion about trick or treating alternatives still involved lots of candy and sweets, and there was no\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"covid\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_0023.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":74,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/02\/non-toxic-diaper-guide\/","url_meta":{"origin":345,"position":5},"title":"Non-Toxic Diaper \ud83d\udc76 Guide Including a Crucial Consideration that Other Guides Miss","date":"September 2, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated September 2025 INTRODUCTION: I\u2019m honestly shocked at most of the \u201cnon-toxic\u201d diaper recommendations out there. I think there is a lot of paid sponsorship behind many of them, which might explain why diapers that aren\u2019t actually so great are often recommended. There also might be lack of understanding of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Babies and Kids"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ea6209c4-0920-42ab-8898-571038432b06.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/345"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=345"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/345\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3141,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/345\/revisions\/3141"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}