While some face masks are best left for one-time-use only – think professional-grade N95 masks and those blue disposable masks you see everywhere – many of the best face masks these days are meant to be reused. Cloth face coverings, in particular, are often machine-washable, while others can be easily washed by hand with just a few simple products and steps. According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. Though reusable face masks won’t hold up forever, proper care and cleaning could help extend their lifespan. Here’s how to clean your face masks at home. BLEACH + WATER SOLUTION — you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or formulas to clean your face masks. The CDC recommends a simple bleach solution that you can create by mixing five tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of room temperature water, or four teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water. Pour the bleach mixture in a bowl or tub and let your face covering soak in the solution for at least five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water. Toss your mask in the dryer or lay out to air dry. If tossing in the dryer, the CDC recommends the highest heat setting possible; if air drying, the CDC says it’s best to put the mask in direct sunlight. WARM SOAPY WATER — according to Diann Peart, the founder of cleaning brand, Truce, cloth masks are not only the most commonly used type of face covering – they’re also the easiest to clean. While bleach is great for sanitizing, Peart recommends using warm soapy water instead. “While bleach may be great for sanitizing hard surfaces or cleaning towels and bedding, it can sometimes be a respiratory irritant,” she says. A solution of warm water and soap may be gentler on your skin and the face mask material. This Dr Bronner’s castile soap works up a sudsy lather and is made with all-natural, organic ingredients that won’t irritate your skin or your senses. The company says its soaps are vegan-friendly and safe for everything from laundry to mopping to dishes. WASHING MACHINE — most cloth face masks can be tossed in the washer, and Peart says “machine washing will be sufficient.” After running it for a cycle in the washing machine, Peart says to place the mask in the dryer on the hot setting. Add a detergent that’s strong enough to break down sweat, grime and oils that may be clinging to the mask material. When it comes to laundry, no detergent is proven to eliminate the coronavirus, but the CDC recommends products that contain hydrogen peroxide, which has disinfectant properties. Powerizer is a USDA BioPreferred plant and mineral-based cleaner that contains sodium percarbonate; when mixed with water, it turns into hydrogen peroxide. Non-toxic and made without phosphates, dyes or fillers, Powerizer Complete is a great option for cleaning your face masks safely and effectively. UV SANITIZER — studies have shown the efficacy of using UV light to disinfect your phones and accessories, and Peart says UV rays can also disinfect your mask. While a number of companies now make portable UV sanitizing devices, Peart cautions that it’s important to find one that’s large enough to fit your mask entirely. “Since UV can only disinfect what it shines on, any shadows cast by a mask’s tiny folds might prevent those spots from being decontaminated,” she says. We like this UV sanitizing bag from Homedics, which uses UV-C LED technology to kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses, according to the manufacturer. The unit is large enough to fit your phone, keys, sunglasses, wallet and yes, your face mask too. Tap the power button and in just one minute, the device will zap both sides of your mask with powerful LED lights for a deep and thorough clean. There are a couple of other things to keep in mind. “Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling your face mask in case any virus droplets should be present on the mask’s surface,” Peart says. Also: “Most experts recommend that your mask be washed and dried after each wearing,” she says, “so you might want to have two masks, in case you need one for errands or work while the other one is in the wash.” Another important note: “When your mask is soiled or damaged, you’ll need to discard it,” Peart warns. “Don’t throw your soiled or damaged face mask in the garbage – it may contain dangerous germs. Wash the mask, dry it on the highest setting and then fold it up and place it in a sealed plastic bag – then in the garbage,” she says. And of course, “Always remember to wash your hands before and after you’ve handled the face mask.” The last you want is to have protected yourself from breathing in germs, only to rub them back on your face right after.