I keep mine next to my sunglasses. I've made several and will be making some more, now that I have more cotton fabric. We have to wear ours whenever we go for a walk in our neighborhood, and I will be wearing mine also when I go for bike rides, but I need one that is fairly breathable for that. There is a street near our house that has never had much in the way of traffic, and after it crosses a more major street, it goes past empty lots to a dead end. It's a good way to avoid people.

While driving it hangs out in a paper bag ... keeps it clean before wear and then keeps germs contained after wear. Masks go down to the washer for cleaning when they come home and get washed with whatever's going in next, which is usually a heap of kitchen towels or a load of socks, etc., which is usually within a day or two. They get partially dried in the dryer and then air dry the rest of the way (better for the elastic) and then go back in the clean mask bin.

There's a secondary reason for washing masks, even if you don't think you got external germs on it: your breath is hot and moist and its in contact with your face. You want to make sure you're not making an environment that could harbor bacteria, and just like pillowcases, we probably should wash more than we think ... or at least more than I think to do it, but maybe that's me.

I keep mine in my car. Just had to tell DD to do the same — she forgot hers when she went to pick up our take-out dinner last night. She said “everyone was staring” at her. The world has changed so quickly. A few weeks ago they would have stared if she HAD worn a mask.

If you have multiple people in the house, how do you define whose is whose? (My guys can’t even remember whose towel is whose.) I’m getting tired of the bandanas and ponytail holders, they fit too snug, so I think I will buy some cloth ones locally. Some local people, some dry cleaners, and even the Chicago theater community, are selling them.

If it ever warms up around here I can put the baskets of hats and gloves away and have room for a basket of masks on the back bench!

Blueberry, another reason to wash them is that my makeup comes off on them! Yes, I’m wearing my tinted BB through all this.

"Blueberry, another reason to wash them is that my makeup comes off on them! Yes, I’m wearing my tinted BB through all this."

LOL. The made my first couple of masks with a white lining, but quickly realized that was a bad idea!

I keep mine in an open baggie, in the top part of my purse so I can grab it without looking through my purse.

Terriks, the extra cord is brilliant.

I'm hanging ours in the sun when returning from the store. This week has made that possible. We have two each of the cloth, and I have some more coming that I ordered as that clothing company was donating a mask to a healthcare worker for every mask purchased. And, the fabrics were great ;0)

If its been more than a quick dash into a store, I wash in a lingerie bag, washing machine.

I can't imagine forgetting one just now. Each trip out is an exercise in preparation. Mask, gloves, hand sanitizer, alcohol spray for shoes and debit card.

As far as telling them apart — my neighbor made us masks in different fabrics. Mine is red/orange polka dots. 😃

I ordered masks through etsy and they were finally delivered. 2 each of 2 different colors for my dh and I. I went grocery shopping for the first time in 2 weeks yesterday morning. I put the mask on before exiting my car, and took it off before getting back in the car. I have some baggies in my car for disposable gloves, so I dropped the mask in one. I hand washed it in the hottest water I could stand with soap and hung it up to dry outside in the sun. I don't take my purse or phone out of the house anymore. Credit card in my pocket. That's it.

@terezosa /terriks great idea about the neck cord - I need to add that to mine. Did you use a pattern and if so which one? I just made my prototype as a test run but I'm struggling because I don't have elastic and my hair ties are too short. I actually Frankensteined PJ elastic which is ok but I want to make several to sent to my kids and don't want to lose all my PJs!

bpath I've been using an N95 mask that I keep in my car but I hate it - does not fit my face well and hurts even for the few short times I've worn it grocery shopping. I have some on order (hope they get here soon) and figure I'll wash with delicates in a bag as needed. I'm cautious but not overly so and wouldn't hesitate to leave one in my car for re-use since I have so very little wear time. I'll go to the grocery store on Tues - that will have been 2 weeks and I haven't had a reason to wear a mask in between.

I leave mine in the car. I also keep a supply of disposable gloves there too.

I made two each for DH and me—-all from different fabrics so we know who they belong to. We leave two in the car. I’ve only worn mine once—into JoAnns to buy more mask fabric. DH is doing all other shopping/errands. I will wash them when I’m doing the regular wash but not every time they are worn since trips out are few and far between and I think the any germs have enough time to die off between wearings.

Dlm......I used a different pattern for ours with no filter or nose pinch, but I found this youtube video and will try this one next time, although I probably won’t make it with the filter pocket or nose pinch since they won’t be worn much. I like the design and that you can let it hang from your neck. Have yet to see any video that addresses rusting of the wire nose pinch when washed. I used three layers of cotton in the masks I made.

https://youtu.be/zm_NmpdgWWA

Dangling from the rear view mirror like fuzzy dice.

Sigh, even in different patterns I don't trust my guys. I have to remind DH that the PINK towel is mine.

I made the elastic in one loop, and it is tacked down on one side of the mask only, where the elastic is sewn onto itself to make the loop. On the other side, the elastic can slide through the channel made for it, and so when you put it on, you can enlarge the loop at the bottom to get it easily on your head, and then adjust the top strap over the top of the head. You can also easily move the top elastic down to your neck (below your chin) so that you can wear it around your neck when not needed. I used a similar pattern to Terriks.

I tried a few patterns, and finally settled on this one, but I changed it a bit. This pattern fits both me and my husband, and the few friends that I have given masks too. I extended the ends 1.75 inch, because I had a ton of hair elastics to use, and I needed to get the mask closer to the ears to use them. I use the skinny elastics, and find the mask very comfortable to wear. I also made the inside using two pattern pieces, which overlap about 1.5 inches, instead of identical to the exterior. This creates a pocket, and a channel for the nose wire. I use pipe cleaners folded and twisted for the nose wire. I like the softness of the pipe cleaners, but found them to be too flimsy to use without doubling them.

So far, I've rarely won a mask, because I have been out so few times. We've driven around a good bit, but with only the two of us, no masks. We have cloth masks and keep them in a zip lock baggie. Before wearing the mask is put in the microwave for 30 seconds. After wearing, same thing, then goes in a clean baggie.

I wash mine immediately upon returning home, being careful to remove it by the elastic cords. Then hang it to dry in the bathroom. I have two, so one is always clean and ready to go, which is more necessary now that our county has passed an ordinance that it should be worn whenever you are outside the house.

I ordered 3 for me in fuschia, and 3 for DH in black, so they can be rotated and washed. I only put mine on for a few min when I went to the drive-up for groceries, but I'll still rewash it anyways.

The first set I ordered from Etsy never arrived, it was a scam. Then a neighbor made everyone in the neighborhood a mask, then I ordered some from a local seamstress. I have five new summer masks coming from Johnny Was, courtesy of this site posting. Adding that I wash as needed but have disposables as well.

I'm still using bandanas and elastic hair ties. Bought some extra large ties and they're easy to adjust for a more comfortable fit.

Bought a couple handmade masks from a neighbor. Dh's fits fine. The elastic is too tight on mine. Would love to find a good online source if any of you have one. Don't care for the florals on the Johnny Was site. Would love to find a solid light color.

zinnia, I saw masks on the Zulilly site.

DLM2000-DW

You can make ties for a facemask out of most t-shirt material (just find an old shirt to sacrifice).

Cut a piece about 1/2" X several inches long, then pull the ends.....and release. The material will curl up into a soft cord that won't fray:

Tried 2X, but picture will not attach.

Bestyears, thanks. I'll take a look.

I forgot to mention in my post above, that rather than hair ties, you could use a cord or elastic to thread through the casing to attach behind your head.

I made several for each family member (we don't each have our own, but we have enough that we have several available). I put the mask on when I leave the house, and I don't untie the top tie until I know I've made my last stop. I try very hard not to touch the mask, or adjust it, after I make my first stop. Each mask is worn once, and then it and the filter are placed in a bag which hangs in the laundry room. When we have several to wash, I remove the filters, soak and swish the masks in a mild bleach solution, rinse well, then roll in a clean towel to absorb excess moisture. After a few minutes I iron them dry, with the iron on the highest setting.

(OT--Anyone remember when we used to do the same for our cotton clothing, or use a sprinkler bottle, then roll the item until time to iron it? I always think of my mother when I am ironing our masks. ;)

I've read that they can be tossed in with the regular wash, which makes sense, as our clothing is also being exposed to the same air as the masks, but I like keeping them separate.

I read somewhere that if one cuts open a bungee cord, it has a bunch of elastic pieces that work well for masks ... might be a better solution than dismantling PJs, unless the PJs have other flaws that make them terminal.

I did cut up a bungee cord, the stretchy stuff in ours would not work for a mask. It’s like very thin rubber band material. Breaks easily when not encased in the cloth of the bungee.

I pulled out my sewing machine the other day and made a few masks. I haven’t had to use one yet because we aren’t going anywhere.

Not to hijack, but has anyone thought about their purse getting contaminated? I switched to a nylon one that I can wash in addition to a mask.

terriks thanks for that link. It's similar to the one I used and I think I can actually combine them to have an adjustable piece to go around the ears.

Joanie it's personal preference but I do not like the ones that tie up on my head. Not the the behind the ears thing is so great either! I used copper wire so no worry about rusting when washed.

honibaker I had seen that on one of the million tutorials I watched but forgot - it would probably work for behind the ears, too if it's thin enough.

Ideally I'd like to have the elastic cording but that's not part of my stash at the moment.

Trying to convince my son to shave his beard - that's not bloody likely! But there's no way a mask will be effective at all on him otherwise. He's the designated shopper for his little family so of course I'm concerned. What he needs is a gator that he can pull up over his mouth and nose - maybe I can convince him to wear one.

Arapaho I have not worried about my purse - the one I've been using lately is a nylon crossbody so it's not touching anything but me. Car keys go in my pocket, as does cash. Purse is just there in case. Other than my wallet with driver's license I probably don't need to bother with it and probably won't next time I go out.

I throw one of mine on the passenger seat of my car. I keep the fabric one in my purse. I have ten clean paper ones on the kitchen counter. I have to admit I reuse the paper ones. I no longer bring my purse in the store. I bring my phone that has a pocket for my credit card and some cash. It stays in my pocket along with my shopping list. I wear my latex gloves, too.

I have quite a ritual going on. I keep some disposable and some cloth masks in the car. When I am going to wear a mask I sanitize it inside and out. I put a filter in it which has been through the laundry. The filter is what is against my face and it is flannel. I then sanitize my hands let them dry put on my gloves and sanitize my gloves. I sanitize up to my elbows if my arms are bare arms. Then I'm finally ready to go.

Although it was hard to make myself do it at first my ritual when I get back is to wipe down everything that I have on me before I get in my car or touch my car door. I sanitize a lot these days.

I take all my clothes off in the laundry room and throw my clothes and mask filter right into the laundry. I then wash my purse shoes and cell phone down. I now keep a change of clothes in the laundry room.

I truly hope I'm not going to be paranoid after the covid-19 scare has passed.

I am folding tube scarves in half , from skiing. I have it around my neck when walking in town or to the beach but have not needed to pull it up for we can usually stay at least six feet away from others. I toss them in the wash each use for we have tons. I do only delivery shopping and have do wear a medical n94 mask to my medical appointments and tests.

I have a N95 construction mask that is non washable and beginning to fall apart. I hang it from the door knob of my apartment so I don't forget it and from the phone holder on my car vent. I spray it with alcohol every time I get home. I have very bad allergies so I have another N95 left for when this one falls apart. I bought them last fall when I developed some breathing problems and the doctor said I needed to wear them when cleaning or walking outside in the spring.

Does anyone know of a source that has quality disposable non-N95 masks in stock?

Arapaho, good idea on the washable purse. I do have a cordura cross body organizer bag that's washable. I think it's really a small camera and accessory bag but it works for touring gardens when I want note pad, pen, reference book, credit cards along. And kleenex since I can sneeze in gardens ;0)

What I've been doing recently is taking nothing in my gloved hands into a store other than my debit card and shopping list. Handbag stays in locked car - out of sight.

I no longer find a need to bring a handbag with me when I go out. I just go in and out of the grocery store so all I need is my license, debit card and car key and I put those in my pocket along with my list/pen. I also take my phone in case of an emergency but I leave it in my pocket.

I wash mine by hand in dawn and hot water and hang to dry.

I too don't bring a purse to the store...only stick my license and cr card in my pocket.

Arapaho, I stopped bringing a purse to the grocery store for 2 reasons. One, it took up precious room in my cart, which I now fill. Two, I did not want to contaminate any more items than needed. I only bring in my phone, for Apple pay, a printed list, small wipes and sanitizer.

First I carried them in a tote bag, but the clerks mistook my "purse" for a grocery bag and each time would start explaining that we have to use plastic. So then I looked around, and I always keep nice shopping bags for things i might have to carry, and I found this, below. This is my new "purse." I had to laugh to myself that I still carry a "designer purse."

PS, FWIW, the FDA seems to think we should not worry about virus on surfaces.

Great idea, Mtn. Love your "purse" :) Creature of habit carrying a purse which you're right - not a necessity. I've tried using my grocery store-purchased shopping bags in place of a cart but the load gets way too heavy and limits what you can buy. I've always cleaned the cart even before covid - handles and top rim. Does anyone clean the entire cart?

Mtn, how is that different than carrying a small purse?

My theory on cleaning the whole cart would be that unless I'm going to clean the groceries as they go into the cart, what's the point? Parts that I am going to grab onto make sense to clean, but if only the groceries are going to touch it? Not worth it To me. When reusable bags were permitted, that might have touched the cart, but it also touched plenty of other things, so still not really justifying cleaning the whole cart. I don't really see people manhandling the bottom of the cart anyways ...

I put my unused fabric mask on my face before I get out of the car. When I get back in the car, i carefully remove it and fold it up so that the outside is folded into the center and put it on the passenger side floor and sanitize my hands. Then I put it on a shelf in the garage until I’m ready to wash it and sanitize my hands again before going in the house. I so rarely go out - not even once a week - that I don’t need to have multiples at this point. I don’t wear gloves.

People with masks, please read the comments, I laughed till I cried lol. Click on each photo https://www.facebook.com/SuccessfulStayAtHomeMoms/posts/1648561291949510

I thought this idea for a no-sew mask was brilliant:

mask from a sock

Mine hangs from my phone holder so I can grab it when heading into Food distribution duty or the once a week shopping trip. If elastic is an issue hair pony tail holders can be cut, super glued to the proper length then glued shut. Flat elastic is sooo much faster and easier to just sew shut but these are desperate times and time we have!! haha We found knotting to result in the knot not fitting in the casing.