Safe Collaboration
GotMasksMA requires all collaboration to be done using social distancing. Please arrange for a safe way to pick up or drop off masks without human contact (e.g., leaving masks on a porch). You’re welcomed to have the masks sit in a bag for a few days before exchanging them so the germs die off. We also recommend you get 2 masks per person (so you have one to wear and one in the wash).
When you get your reusable masks: what to do?
Even though everyone is practicing safe practices while making masks, DO NOT just put on your mask as soon as you get it! You must wash your new mask(s) in hot water and dry on high heat before using it for the first time.
In between wears?
The best bet is to wash your reusable mask after each use in hot water and dry on high heat. Some other options (vetted by a nurse): If you live somewhere sunny, place it in sunlight for several hours (if lying flat, make sure to flip and do the other side!). If you won’t be using it for a while, place it in a cool dry place (brown bag is good) for 3+ days and the germs will die off on their own.
Some Reusable Mask Patterns
- Craft Passion face mask sewing pattern
- Sarah Maker — how to sew a surgical face mask free pattern
- Skip To My Lou face mask pattern

How to Use a Surgical Mask
Putting on the mask:
- Perform hand hygiene (wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer)
- Put on clean gloves (if available)
- Identify the inside of the mask and locate the top of the mask, which will have aflexible piece of metal to form over your nose
- Place your fingers inside the loops, and place the loops over and behind your ears
- Place the inside of the mask against your face and pinch the top of the mask overyour nose to form to your face
- Pull down the bottom of the mask to cover your face and chin
Removing and storing the mask:
- Identify a safe place to store the mask where it will not be damaged or contaminated. Examples of good storage locations include a Tupperware container(without the lid), or on a paper towel on top of a shelf or cabinet
- Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves (if available)
- Remove mask by grasping the ear loops with both hands, stretch loops and pull from behind your ears and directly away from your face. Avoid turning the external side of the mask toward your face or touching the inside of the mask
- Place the mask in the storage location with the external side facing down. Lay the straps out to the sides so they do not touch the inside or outside of the mask
- Remove gloves and discard
- Perform hand hygiene
Reusing the mask:
- Perform same steps as Putting on the mask
- Carefully remove the mask from storage by grasping the ear loops. Avoid touchingthe inside of the mask!
- Inspect mask integrity the mask should be clean and dry
- If storing on a paper towel, dispose of the paper towel and disinfect the surface beneath it. If using a container, disinfect the container.
- After putting on mask, remove gloves (if applicable) and perform hand hygiene
- When ready to remove mask, repeat step #2 for mask removal and storage
**Note: you should always consider the outside of the mask to be contaminated, so avoid touching it as best you can and if you do touch it, make sure to sanitize your hands after!
Compiled by two clinical research assistants from a local health clinic