How to Care for Your Mask or Respirator

Wear a mask or respirator on public transportation

 

  • For everyone’s safety, CDC recommends that everyone 2 or older—passengers and workers—wear a mask or respirator (such as an N95 or KN95 respirator) on public transportation and while in airports and stations.
  • Wear a mask or respirator with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.

 

Wash your cloth masks

 

  • Wash reusable cloth masks regularly.
  • Don’t wash your respirator or put it in the oven or microwave to try to sterilize it.
  • Consider having more than one mask or respirator on hand so you can easily replace a dirty one.

 

Store your mask

 

  • Wash or sanitize your hands after taking your mask or respirator off and again after you put it back on.
  • If your mask or respirator is clean, you can store it for later use.
  • Store cloth masks that are dirty or wet in a plastic bag until you can wash them.
  • Put your cloth mask in a dry, breathable bag (like a paper or mesh fabric bag) to keep it clean between uses. When reusing your mask, keep the same side facing out.
  • Replace your respirator when the straps are stretched out and it no longer fits snugly against your face or when it becomes wet, dirty, or damaged.
  • Learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus