Air Pollution Safety: How to Clean and Store Your Mask Properly

With air pollution levels rising across cities, wearing a mask has become essential for protecting your lungs from harmful particles like PM2.5 and PM10. But simply wearing a mask isn’t enough maintaining proper hygiene is crucial to ensure it continues to offer effective protection. Here’s how you can clean, store, and handle your mask the right way during high-pollution days.

Pick the Right Mask

Choose masks that are designed for pollution protection such as N95, N99, or KN95. These are built to filter out microscopic pollutants. Cloth masks, while reusable, don’t offer strong protection against fine particles.

Avoid Reusing Disposable Masks

Single-use masks are meant for limited wear. Using them repeatedly can trap pollutants, bacteria, and moisture, reducing their filtering efficiency. Dispose of them safely after one full day of use.