Right now masks are being encouraged to use when in public places like the supermarket. It is impossible to purchase disposable masks currently because they are all going to the hospitals. You have probably resorted to making or purchasing a homemade mask.
Things to look for in a homemade mask. Does it have a built in filter or a filter pocket for an insert? If no, keep looking. If yes, get one! Honestly, it isn’t a bad idea to have one for the entire family as you never know when you may need it. You don’t plan to bring the kids out of the house but someone gets hurt and has to go to the Emergency Room. Do you have a mask for them?
You may say, what would I do with this mask after this pandemic? Why waste my money when I’ll never use it again? You never know when a mask may come in handy. Here are 5 other uses for masks that maybe you didn’t think about.
#1: Do you have a pet? When you are cleaning up or sanitizing your pets living quarters, you could use a mask to protect against dander, waste particles or fluid that may get stirred up.
#2: Anytime you are using a strong smelling chemical or cleaning. Dust goes flying or in my case I use chemicals for experiments with my classes. This can help protect you against inhalants that could be dangerous or strong and irritating.
#3: If you ride bike or motorcycle or a car with a removable top. This could keep bugs and dust off your face and out of your mouth.
#4: It is a great addition to any emergency kit. It is a good idea to have an emergency kit for each member of your family that contains things that could be used in a disaster situation. I will be adding ours to our emergency kits. Why not keep them around for the next scare or for international travel when you just don’t know what you may face there. We went to the Philippines and needed them for volcanic eruption and didn’t have them. They would have been an easy thing for us to throw in the suitcase just in case.
#5: Donate them to a hospital, nurse friend or care giving facility. They can always use cloth masks instead of paper and can provide some added fun or character if they are interesting designs like mine above.
Do you have any additional uses for your masks after this pandemic is over? I’d love to hear your ideas if you have them! Leave me a comment below.