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Reviewed 5/4/2023
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<h2>Do's and don'ts of cloth face masks</h2>
A face mask that's handled the wrong way minimizes its effectiveness. Follow these do's and don'ts to avoid spreading and catching germs while wearing a cloth face mask. 

DON'T: Wear your mask below your nose or under your chin. 

DO: Wear your mask so it fully covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face. 

DON'T: Touch your mask while wearing it. If you do, wash your hands immediately. 

DO: Wash your hands before putting your mask on and after you remove it. Handle your mask only by the ear loops or ties. 

DON'T: Wear a dirty or soiled mask. 

DO: Clean your mask in the washing machine after it becomes soiled or at the end of each day's use. In general, cloth face masks should be washed using water and a mild detergent, then dried completely in a hot dryer. 

DON'T: Share masks with others. 

DO: Store your mask in a clean container or bag when not in use. 

DON'T: Put masks on children under 2 years old. 

DO: Make sure that you and any children age 2 and older are able to breathe easily while wearing your masks. 

DON'T: Use a mask as a replacement for getting vaccinated or social distancing when needed.

Keeping your hands clean is another good way to cut down on the spread of germs&mdash;if you wash the right way.
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Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Source
<ul>
 <li>Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "Use and Care of Masks."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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Do's and don'ts of cloth face masks

You're wearing a face mask. But are you using it properly?