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Need to Sanitize a Face Mask? Don’t Nuke It

If you put a face mask into a microwave to clean and sanitize it, even an ordinary cloth mask, you risk causing a fire.

The Center for Disease Control says cloth masks can overheat quickly and catch fire. Disposable masks also have a metal nose wire and can cause sparks, a fire or break your microwave.

To properly sanitize your face mask, a hot spin in your washing machine is the best way to sufficiently clean and sanitize cloth face masks. CDC officials recommend washing with a high-grade detergent and a small amount of bleach to disinfect the mask of any germs.