Just an fyi - Be careful when microwaving cloth masks to sanitize them

[eleny]

If polyester thread is used for sewing it, the thread might melt in the microwave.

I sew microwave-safe bowl cozies and have to use cotton for everything - the fabric, the thread and the batting inside.

I've read that polyester can also off-gas in the microwave.

So to be on the safe side, to err on the side of caution, I always recommend washing in suds to deal with the virus. That might be the safest method to insure your masks stay intact.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I've read that the CDC thinks washing masks is better than microwaving them

because it's the soap that breaks down the virus's protective coating. You need soap.

[eleny]

2. Right

The viruses coating is protein and fat. So soap is the sure way to get the job done.

[Jarqui]

3. I would suggest you read this over:

https://news.stanford.edu/2020/04/01/researchers-show-how-to-decontaminate-reuse-n95-masks/

If they're cloth masks, that's one thing. Might be ok.

If they're N95 or something like that, that is another. You don't want water on those.

[Rorey]

4. What I also do

I put them in a pillowcase and secure it with a rubberband, and just toss it in the wash with another load. A lingerie bag would probably be better. Then I hang them to dry. Detergent kills the virus, so I don't use bleach or any other sanitizer.

I use that pillowcase trick for all kinds of things that I don't want bashed around too much in the wash. It works great for stuffed animals. The eyes don't get scratched and the seams don't get tugged apart.

[Mendocino]

5. The elastic can also

create fumes when used in a microwave. I use somewhat hot but not boiling water, dawn soap, rinse several times, air dry.

[eleny]

6. I look at dish soap in a whole new way these days

[Rorey]

7. And bowl cozies - I'm going to make some too!

Thanks for the idea!

I'm not really a seamstress, by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm kinda getting used to using my mom's old sewing machine, and thinking about other handy things I can make.

[eleny]

9. Let me share one trick to bowl cozy sewing

Cut your batting smaller than your print fabric. You sew all the layers together with right sides facing. Then you turn them right side out and top stitch all around. Well, that last top stitching is difficult because by then there are so many layers. A sewing machine can even balk. But if the batting is an inch smaller to begin with you eliminate all those layers and still have a good, functioning cozy.

You can skip that step altogether, too. Just sew together the pieces with the pretty sides facing outward. Stitch around the edges but not too close. Then use some pinking shear scissors to cut the edges. The zigzag pattern of those shears make it really cute. They get a little funky with laundering. But for a quick sew method that won't be for a gift it's an easy way to learn to make them.

PM me any time if you get stuck.

[Rorey]

11. Thanks for that tip!

I'll have to see if I can round up enough fabric.

[eleny]

12. You don't need much but you'll need all cotton batting like for quilts

Some are packaged now saying they're microwave safe. If you have a Joann fabrics near you, look for coupons since you can get the batting at half price or less.

[IcyPeas]

8. and don't forget the metal nose wire in some masks

don't want to microwave that.

[eleny]

10. ! amen !