“Mask Mistakes You’re Making Now”

YOU DON’T WASH UP BEFORE (AND AFTER) MASKING UP: You likely have handwashing down pat. To keep germs at bay and help your mask do its job, wash your hands, or use 60%-alcohol hand sanitizer before putting it on and anytime you need to adjust it on your face. Handle your mask by the loops or ties -- don’t touch the front or your face. To take it off, grab the ear loops or untie the strings, bottom ties first. Then clean your hands again. 

YOU DON’T WASH A NEW MASK: It may be brand-new, but many things have touched your latest mask before you get it, especially if it’s handmade. So, wash it in hot water (160 F) with residue-free detergent or soap. Rinse it well with fresh water. Then hang to dry. Or soak your mask for 5 minutes in a quart of water with 2 tablespoons of bleach, or a gallon with a third of a cup of bleach.

YOU DON’T STORE IT RIGHT: It’s easy to toss your mask onto the dashboard or seat when you get in the car. But your mask needs a clean place to stay when it’s not on your face. If it isn’t wet or soiled, put it in a dry paper or mesh bag so it won’t mildew or sour. If you’re out to eat, you can stash it in a clean pocket or purse in a pinch -- but never on the table. After your meal, wash your hands and then put your mask back on with the same side facing out. 

YOU DON A DIRTY MASK: Masks are magnets for bacteria and viruses. They can let in infections if they’re worn against your face for a long time. After each wearing, toss your mask into regular laundry with hot (160 F) water. Or hand-wash it in steamy, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Tumble dry on high or air-dry in direct sunlight. Meanwhile, wear a clean spare.

YOUR MASK HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS: Maybe it’s specially monogrammed. Or it’s your favorite cat print. Still, if your mask has tears, holes, or is worn, sprung, or soiled beyond help, it’s time to retire it. To make your masks last longer, don’t let them get wet from saliva, sweat, makeup, or other stuff -- the fabric can get moldy if not washed ASAP. (Also, damp masks don’t work as well.) Stash dirty or damp masks in a plastic bag until you can wash them. 

YOU REUSE DISPOSABLE MASKS: Disposable masks are “one and done” deals. Make sure it fits right, just like a reusable one. It should cover your nose and mouth, with no big side gaps. The colored (usually blue) side should face out. Be sure to pack extras to go. When you’ve worn a disposable mask once, toss it safely into a trash can. If you take your mask off to eat, replace it with a fresh one when you’ve finished your meal.

YOU DON’T TWEAK YOUR MASK TO FIT: If your mask’s too big, don’t crisscross the ear loops behind your head. Instead, make a knot in each one to shorten it a bit. Put the knots behind your ears so the mask doesn’t cinch and gap at the sides. If the loops are too short, extend them with a string or a shoelace. If you wear a hijab, put the mask on over it and fasten the loops in back with a safety pin or paper clip. (This works if your mask puts pressure on your ears, too.) 

YOU USE A COFFEE FILTER: Sometimes, more is more. Adding a filter to your mask does protect you better. Look for filters rated PM (for “particulate matter”) 2.5. The tight weave blocks tiny droplets and particles. A paper coffee filter’s pores measure in at 20 micrometers -- too big for it to be an effective barrier. If your mask doesn’t have a filter pocket, use one with more than one fabric layer or wear two masks. 

YOU PULL IT FROM YOUR FACE TO TALK: It feels strange at first to talk with a mask on. So, it can be a natural reflex to touch or tug at your mask to make sure you’re heard. Others can understand you OK, though, if you wear your mask loosely enough to breathe freely and move your mouth and talk. 

YOU WEAR YOUR MASK BELOW YOUR NOSE: The reason you wear a mask is to make sure mucus and saliva don’t escape from your nose and mouth and spread to someone else. It also shields you from other people’s droplets that might infect you. If your glasses fog up, make your own nosepiece to keep warm breath from escaping the top of your mask. Twist a few wire twist ties together. Cut a small slit at the top band of your mask, insert the twist ties, and mold to fit your nose.

YOU WEAR YOUR MASK ABOVE YOUR CHIN: Your mask should fit snugly over the whole lower half of your face and chin. When your chin’s left uncovered, viruses can creep in and reach your mouth, nose, and eyes. They can also escape from your mouth and pass to others. It can also let your mask ride up on your face, which can fog your glasses or even block your vision.

YOU DON’T BABY YOUR FACE: To keep your face breakout- and rash-free, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Follow up with a moisturizer -- it adds an extra layer of protection. (If your skin is oily, use a gel.) Your dermatologist can help you choose a product with the best ingredients for your skin. For example, dimethicone can make a barrier that helps calm riled-up skin. And take a mask break every 4 hours for 15 minutes, when you can step away or outside. 

REVIEWED BY: Brunilda Nazario, MD, WebMD, on February 08, 2021

SOURCES:

Johns Hopkins: “Coronavirus: How to Care for Your Face Mask,” “How to Properly Wear a Face Mask: Infographic,” “Coronavirus Face Masks & Protection FAQs.”

American Academy of Dermatology: “9 Ways To Prevent Face Mask Skin Problems.”

Hackensack Meridian Health: “5 Mask Mistakes People Make.” 

CDC: “How to Store and Wash Masks,” “Considerations for Wearing Masks,” “Your Guide to Masks.” 

Nebraska Medicine: “15 Mask Hacks to Make Your Mask Fit Better.” 

Consumer Reports: “Your Most Pressing Questions About Masks, Answered by CR's Chief Scientist.” 

University of Utah Health: “Face Mask Cover Guidelines.” 

Cedars-Sinai: “COVID-19 Update: Should You Wear a Mask?” 

NHS Oxford University Hospitals: “COVID-19 Staff FAQs: Wearing Face Masks In Our Hospitals.

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Best Household Cleaners for Different Jobs”

 

NEW CORONA VIRUS (SARS-CoV-2): According to the CDC, most household cleaners will effectively disinfect. Natural products like vinegar or tea tree oil won’t kill coronaviruses though.

DISINFECTANTS THAT WORK INCLUDE:

• Bleach solution (4 teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water)
• Rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol or wipes with 70% alcohol or higher (vodka and other liquors lack enough concentration)
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol
• Soap and water (wash hands for at least 20 seconds)
• Hydrogen peroxide 

Soak the cleaning solution on countertops or other surfaces for 30 seconds or longer before wiping it down. Diluted bleach loses strength with time, so mix only what you need for the day.

TOILET RING: Ever wonder why the ring in your bowl is pink? The reddish slime is the pigment from moisture-loving bacteria called Serratia marcescens. The germs cause urinary, respiratory, and other infections. But the stuff in your toilet or shower stall is pretty harmless. A good scrub with a cleaner with bleach ought to banish it. 

NOROVIRUS: Some people call it the stomach bug. It spreads easily, so clean and disinfect doorknobs, toilet flushes, and other surfaces you touch often right away. Norovirus can survive rubbing alcohol and some chemicals. A mix of bleach and water or a bleach-based cleaner are your best bets. Also good are hydrogen peroxide and wipes made with a different type of alcohol called ethyl alcohol. Wash dirty laundry in hot water and bleach if you can.

PET ACCIDENTS: The key is to act quickly before the mess dries. Blot wet stains with paper towels and scoop up as much of the solids as you can. Avoid rubbing, which pushes the mess in deeper. Spray water mixed with a bit of liquid dish detergent. You may add vinegar to help neutralize the ammonia odor. Blot to rinse and repeat as needed. Then pile on baking soda and vacuum the next day. Some experts say vinegar may encourage your pet to mark the area. Tough jobs may call for professional carpet and furniture cleaning. 

WATER MARKS: A hazy white stain on your wood furniture means that moisture is trapped under the top finish. That’s easier to get out than black stains, which go deeper into the pores of the wood. The safest way to dry out the white rings is with a hair dryer on low heat. Keep it several inches away from the wood and check often to prevent damage to the sheen. Mayonnaise is another proven standby. Dab it on a rag and gently massage the stain. You also can let the mayo sit for a few hours, then wipe away. Always test a hidden spot on your furniture before you start.

SOAP SCUM: Store-bought cleaners work well to break down this stubborn mineral deposit. If you like to DIY, mix baking soda and white vinegar into a paste. Or pour equal amounts of vinegar and water and a tablespoon of dish soap into a spray bottle. Squirt it on your tub and shower and wait 15 minutes before you scrub and rinse. To help prevent soap buildup, you might skip the bar soap for liquid body wash, which is actually a detergent, which doesn’t form scum.

ELECTRONICS: First, turn off your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Wipe off dust with a soft cloth. You may sanitize it with a cloth slightly dampened with 70% rubbing alcohol. If you simply want to clean your device, you can use water instead. Avoid getting openings like speakers and charger ports wet. Don’t use bleach, cleaning products, or anything abrasive that might mar the coating.

GREASE: You can’t go wrong with warm, soapy water. Ammonia is safe for removing grease and grime from glass and stainless ovens or ranges. You may follow up with a cloth dampened with water to prevent hazing. You can pop many vent hood filters in the dishwasher. Or make your own degreaser by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to hot soapy water. Vinegar also can take off sticky residues.

GROUT: It’s mostly cement and sand -- and very porous. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and hard scrubbing may etch away the top layer of the grout. Instead, reach for alkaline cleaners like baking soda or borax. Dip a toothbrush in soapy water and then into the cleaning powder. Rub gently to loosen the oily dirt. The key thing is to rinse thoroughly to remove any trace of soap film. If you can, use a shop vac to remove dirty water, which may soak into the grout and damage it.

GRIMY WALLS: Fingerprints and smudges on your painted walls? Prep them for cleaning by dusting with a tack cloth or cheesecloth. Next, wipe gently with mild soapy water, followed by clean water. Easy does it -- you don’t want to strip the paint. For grease marks, swipe an equal mix of white vinegar and hot water, wait a few minutes, and then dry with a rag. Or rub a paste of baking soda and water on the stain and wipe clean.

COFFEE AND WINE STAINS: Both stains can turn colorless if they’re “oxidized,” and one of the most effective oxidizers is chlorine bleach. That might be OK for your white tablecloth. For carpet and colored fabrics, quickly soak up the stain with paper towel. For coffee, cover the area with a pad soaked in a bit of vinegar mixed with water and dish detergent. Blot and repeat, then flush with water. Do the same for wine stains, except you can use ammonia in place of vinegar.

COMPUTER KEYBOARDS: Dislodging the food, dust, and other gross stuff stuck in between the keys the right way can save you an expensive repair. Unplug your keyboard or turn off your laptop and detach the charger. Turn it upside down and shake it gently. Hold the keyboard almost vertically to tap gravity and spray back and forth with a can of compressed air. Rotate the keyboard like turning a wheel and spray again. Moisten a paper towel with rubbing alcohol and wipe the tops of the keys.

COOPER POTS: This beautiful cookware tarnishes easily. Reach in your fridge or kitchen cabinet for stuff to restore the shine. Citric acid reacts with the black copper (II) oxide so it can wash off. Worcestershire sauce works. Another option that takes some elbow grease is lemon juice and salt. Dip a half lemon into table salt, scrub, and rinse with soap and water.

REVIEWED BY: Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, WebMD on October 05, 2020

SOURCES:

CDC: “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Detailed Disinfection Guidance,” “Norovirus,” “Chemical Disinfectants.”

EPA: “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.”

Rutgers University: “The Best Ways to Kill Coronavirus in Your Home.”

Cleveland Clinic: “How to Clean Up After Norovirus.”

Bob Vila: “How To: Remove Soap Scum—Once and For All,” “How To: Remove Water Stains from Wood.”

Mrs. Clean: “The Best Way to Clean & Remove Soap Scum.”

Merry Maids: “How To Remove Water Stains From Wood,” “Top Ten Pet Cleaning Hacks.”

Patterson Plumbing & Heating, Inc: “How to Prevent Pink Stains in Toilet Bowls.”

North Dakota State University: “Red Substance in Tub, Toilet is Bacteria.”

The Humane Society of the United States: “How to remove pet stains and odors.”

Iowa State University: “Removing Grease from Painted Walls.”

Sherwin-Williams: “How to Clean Painted Walls.”

Stanley Steemer: “How to Clean Tile and Grout.”

Maid Brigade: “How to Clean Grout: What You Need to Know.”

Proline: “How To Clean Range Hood Filters.”

Michigan State University: “COVID-19 – Disinfecting with Bleach.”

Michigan State University Extension: “Home Maintenance and Repair - 01500631: Homemade Cleaners.”

University of Rochester Medical Center: “In the Kitchen: Prevent the Spread of Infection.”

New Mexico State University: “Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products.”

Kiwi’s Cleaning and Restoration Services: “How to Prevent Hard Water Stains.”

Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County: “Bathroom Cleaning (cleanbathroom).”

University of Illinois Extension: “Stain Solutions: Coffee,” “Stain Solutions: Wine.”

Cornell University: “Your Computer Keyboard Is Covered With Germs.”

GFC Global: “Keeping your computer physically clean.”

Cornell Cooperative Extension: “Cleaning Products You Can Make at Home.”

Clemson Cooperative Extension: “Cookware Safety.”

Mr. Maid: “5 Quick Ways To Clean Copper Cookware.”

Apple: “Cleaning your iPhone,” “How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro.”

Minwax: “Removing A Water Mark.”

Green Mountain Soap: “Bar & Liquid Soap FAQs.”

Victoria and Albert Museums: “Cleaning metals: basic guidelines.”

University of Kansas: “The Chemistry of Stain Removals.”

Sub-Zero: “Clean Stainless Steel and Platinum.”

Coit: “Cleaning Pet Stains Off Furniture and Bedding.”

Gwinnett County (Georgia): “Facts About Serratia Marcescens: The Pink Stuff in Your Toilet, Shower, or Sink.”

Living Science Chemistry: A Book of Science and Technology.

Tile Council of North America: “Grout.”

New Mexico State University: “Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products.”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“When to Toss Common Household Items”

 

SPONGES: It doesn’t take long for sponges to become a hotbed of bacteria. They can spread germs to your hands and then to your food. Or if you have a cut on your hand, bacteria can enter your body that way. Even if you boil or microwave your sponges after each use, scientists say it’s best to replace them once a week.

PILLOWS: Your nightly neck and head prop loses shape and firmness over time. It also absorbs the sweat, oil, and skin cells you shed while you sleep. Trade in old pillows for new ones every 2 years -- sooner if they’re flat, lumpy, or stay folded after you bend them in half.

TOOTHBRUSH: Twice-a-day scrubbing sessions really do in your toothbrush’s bristles over time. For best cleaning results, switch to a new one every 3 to 4 months.

NONSTICK COOKWARE: Nonstick pots and pans with scratches, grooves, or flaking polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) should be on your kitchenware move list. Luckily, Teflon flakes won’t hurt you if they get in your food. Still, they're a sign you’re due for something new.

MAKEUP: While products vary, a good rule of thumb is to restock cosmetics around the 6-month mark to keep bacteria at bay. Always replace makeup after you’ve used it on infected skin or eyes.

MAKEUP BRUSHES: Wash applicators regularly with warm water and a mild soap to keep them clean enough to use for a good while. Follow this schedule: once a week for tools that apply wet makeup; twice a week for eye makeup applicators. Brushes for dry makeup can go a month between cleaning. Toss them once they look frayed or worn.

AIR FILTERS: Your HVAC system’s filters should come with instructions that tell you how often to replace them, but the EPA recommends every 60-90 days as a general guide. If they seem extra gunky when you switch them, change them out sooner next time. 

MEDICATIONS: Manufacturers are required to put expiration dates on their meds. Some studies show they work much longer than their stamped shelf life, but the best option is to keep your medicine cabinet contents current. Most expired medications will lose strength over time. When you toss drugs, be responsible: The FDA’s website can give you guidelines for what to trash, what to flush, and where to look for take-back options in your area.

EXTENSION CORDS: Any sign of wear on an extension cord means it’s time to throw it out. Cracks, damage, or problems with the plug or prongs can be a fire hazard. Inspect cords before use, and don’t run one under a rug or overload it with too many appliances.

SMOKE ALARMS: Check the manufacturer’s date on your smoke alarm. If it’s 10 years ago or more, get a new one. This goes for alarms powered by 9-volt batteries, lithium batteries, or those that are hardwired into your home.

CONTACT LENS CASE: To keep your contact case clean, rinse it with fresh saline solution, not water, after each use. Chuck it for a fresh one every 3 months. Cracked or damaged cases make a great home for bacteria, so replace them right away.

ELECTRONICS: Ready to get rid of your computer, TV, cellphone, or other gadget? Do it right: Check with the manufacturer first to see if they have a recycling or donation program. Or call your local recycling center so your gadgets don’t end up in a landfill.

BATTERIES: It’s safe to toss regular batteries (AA, AAA, manganese, and carbon-zinc) in the trash, but it’s worth a call to your local recycling center to find out other options for these single-use power supplies. Nickel-cadmium or small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries have toxic metals in them that are bad for the environment and the human body. You’ll need to find a drop-off facility or recycling event.

PAINT: Leftover water-based latex paint that hasn’t been stored in an airtight container at room temperature can break down in a matter of months or sooner. If you notice the can bulging, there’s probably a buildup of gas-producing bacteria inside. Call your local government or public works to find out how to get rid of it safely.

REVIEWED BY: Nayana Ambardekar, MD, WebMD on September 09, 2020

REFERENCES:

Scientific Reports: “Microbiome analysis and confocal microscopy of used kitchen sponges reveal massive colonization by Acinetobacter, Moraxella and Chryseobacteriumspecies.”
National Sleep Foundation: “When Should You Replace Your Pillow?”

American Dental Association: “Toothbrush Care: Cleaning, Storing and Replacement.”
The University of Illinois College of Medicine: “Safe Use of Cosmetics.”

Cleveland Clinic: “Think Makeup Makes You Break Out? It Might Be Dirty Brushes.”

EPA: “Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home,” “Frequent Questions on Recycling.”
Harvard Medical School: “Drug Expiration Dates — Do They Mean Anything?”

FDA: “Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know,” “Don’t Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines.”

Consumer Product Safety Commission: “Limit Extension Cords To Reduce Risk of Fire.”

U.S. Fire Administration: “Smoke Alarm Outreach Materials.”

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “How to Take Care of Contact Lenses.”

Consumer Reports: “How Long Does Leftover Paint Last?”

Tibbs Bioscience Blog: “Ask a Toxicologist: Is it safe to use Teflon pans?”

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.