Cotton is a 100% natural fabric. It's soft, fluffy fiber makes it breathable to wear and won't irritate the skin. It’s hypoallergenic and odour free which is why it's a go-to choice for many consumers. The skin on and around our eyes is extremely sensitive and delicate, it's the thinnest part of the skin anywhere on the face which makes cotton a perfect material for eye masks.
There is one catch though; it needs a little more TLC when it comes to keeping it clean and free of unwanted bacteria. Since the fabric is so delicate, hand washing is the much-preferred choice. If you want to know more about how to wash a heated eye mask, we've got you covered.
Why it’s important to wash your heated eye mask
We protect our eyes in many different ways, like wearing sunglasses to block out UV rays or safety goggles when working on construction sites. When it comes to applying something directly onto our eyes why wouldn't we take similar precautions? Something simple as picking up the eye mask with our dirty hands can transfer thousands of bacterial particles. With our eyes already dry and inflamed, treating the cleaning process like you are going into surgery is not overly dramatic. You don't need to sterilize your instruments but it's not a bad idea to thoroughly wash your hands. Also, like a face mask, if you start getting acne or rashes on your face, a dirty heated eye mask could be the culprit.
We recommend washing your cotton eye mask only when necessary since it’s a delicate fabric but if you notice any stains act fact before they become permanent.
How to wash a heated eye mask; The only way
Handwashing is essentially the only recommended way to wash your heated eye mask and is the safest way to clean delicate fabrics. Throwing it into the washing machine is just asking for trouble, even the most delicate wash cycle could potentially ruin the eye mask for good.
Depending on the mask, there is usually a type of infrared red liner inside the zipper pouch. This detachable piece can NOT be washed. You will need to remove it before you begin any type of cleaning as this is the main component that heats the mask so getting it wet could ruin the electric wiring.
Here is what you will need to get started:
- A small bowl or Tupperware bin
- Cold or lukewarm water
- Very mild soap (Baby shampoo works best!)
- A dry towel
Once the liner is removed and your cleaning station is prepped, check for tough-looking stains. You can easily make your own remover using a little white vinegar or lemon juice with lukewarm water to make a solution. Baby shampoo would also do the trick since the chemicals are less harsh. Important: test a small area of the sleep mask to see how it reacts before treating the stain. Remember, the side of the mask that goes over your eyes is the side that needs the most cleaning. Take a washcloth and dip a corner into the mixture using your index finger and gently blot the mask. Avoid rubbing it.
Once you see there is no reaction to the solution, fill the Tupperware bin with more of the cleaning solution. Cotton synthetic can be washed in hot water but it's best to err on the side of caution when it comes to warmer water. (using lukewarm or room temperature water is always the safest option). Squirt in a couple of drops of baby shampoo and gently swirl it around a few times. Take your washcloth and dabble it across the back and front of the mask, covering all areas. Make sure to not soak the mask and rinse the washcloth thoroughly.
Grab the towel and gently dry the mask with a few pats. Lay out your mask on a paper towel to dry. Do not wring your sleep mask as the Cotton could get damaged.
There you have it! A simple guide to keeping your heated eye mask clean as a whistle. Never worry about unwanted bacteria again.