Wearing a face mask correctly means covering your nose, mouth, and chin with a snug fit and handling it only by the ear loops or ties.
Getting the most out of a face mask isn’t just about putting it on. How you handle it before, during, and after wear determines how well it works and how clean your hands stay. Whether you’re using a disposable surgical mask or a cloth one, the routine is the same: clean hands first, check the mask, put it on without touching the front, and remove it from behind when you’re done.
Prepare Before You Touch the Mask
Start with clean hands. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap isn’t available. This keeps germs from your hands off the mask’s surface.
Inspect the mask for tears, holes, wetness, or dirt. A damaged or damp mask won’t filter properly and should be thrown away immediately. If you’re using a disposable mask, check that it’s still sealed in its package or clean and dry.
The Correct Way to Put On a Face Mask
Orient the mask before you place it. Most surgical masks have a stiff, bendable edge at the top — that’s the nose wire, and it goes over the bridge of your nose. The colored side of a surgical mask usually faces out, with the white side against your face.
Hold the mask by the ear loops or ties, not the body. Place it over your nose and mouth, then secure it:
- Ear loops: Hook each loop over one ear, then adjust the mask.
- Ties: Tie the upper straps behind your head first, then the lower ones.
Once it’s secured, pinch the nose wire firmly against the bridge of your nose. This helps the mask sit snugly and reduces gaps. Pull the bottom edge down over your mouth and chin so the mask covers all three. You should feel the mask hug the sides of your face with no gaps — air should pass through the mask, not around it.
This same routine applies to cloth face coverings: secure them over your nose and mouth, pull the bottom under your chin, and adjust the ear loops or ties so the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face. If you regularly deal with clogged pores, you may want to check out our roundup of the best facial mask for blackheads for after your protective mask comes off.
Wearing the Mask and Removing It Safely
Once the mask is on, don’t touch the front of it. The outside surface can collect droplets, and touching it transfers those germs to your hands. If you do touch the mask, clean your hands right away with soap and water or sanitizer.
If you need to take the mask off to eat or drink, keep it clean. Set it down on a clean surface, and wash or sanitize your hands after touching it. Don’t hang it from your ear or push it under your chin — that exposes the inside of the mask to contamination.
To remove the mask:
- Untie or unloop it from behind — never touch the front.
- For disposable masks, throw it away immediately in a closed bin.
- For cloth masks, put it in the laundry basket.
- Wash or sanitize your hands after removing it.
An incorrectly worn mask won’t protect you or others. Never wear the mask below your nose, below your mouth, under your chin, dangling from one ear, or on your elbow. A mask worn this way defeats its purpose.
When to Replace or Wash Your Mask
Disposable masks are single-use. Discard them after one wear, or sooner if they become wet, dirty, or damaged. Cloth masks should be washed at least once a day, or whenever they get wet or dirty. CDC guidance on masks and respiratory viruses notes that a wet or damaged mask can no longer do its job, so replace or wash it promptly.
Masks work best as source control — they help prevent an infected person from spreading virus to others. Wear a mask in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated settings, and if you have or think you might have COVID-19 while sharing space with others.
Some healthcare settings prefer medical masks over cloth ones. For example, some facilities allow cloth masks but recommend medical masks, and they may not permit neck gaiters or masks with exhalation ports. When in doubt, a simple surgical mask is a solid choice for most situations.
The CDC’s mask use guidance and the FDA’s face mask information both cover these same fundamentals. The routine is simple: clean hands, check the mask, put it on snugly, don’t touch the front, remove from behind, and wash up after. That sequence keeps the mask working and your hands clean.
FAQs
Which side of a surgical mask faces outward?
The colored side of a surgical mask typically faces out, away from your face, while the white side touches your skin. The colored layer is usually fluid-resistant, and the nose wire should sit at the top, molded over the bridge of your nose for a snug fit.
How often should I wash a cloth face mask?
Wash cloth masks at least once a day, or more often if they become wet, dirty, or visibly soiled. Toss it in the laundry with your regular clothes using standard detergent, and dry it completely before wearing it again.
Can I reuse a disposable mask?
No. Disposable and single-use masks should be discarded after one wear, or sooner if they become wet, dirty, or damaged. Throw them away in a closed bin immediately after removal, then wash or sanitize your hands.
References & Sources
- CDC. “About Masks and Respiratory Viruses.” Explains when to wear a mask and how masks provide source control.
- CDC/NIOSH. “Proper Mask Use.” Details fit requirements, handling, and replacement of masks.
- FDA. “Face Masks, Barrier Face Coverings, Surgical Masks, and Respirators.” Explains differences between mask types and their intended uses.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.