"How to Make and Care for Increasingly Popular Fabric Masks Amid Ongoing Mask Shortages"

[Hay fever] Masks are necessary, but they're sold out.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are sold out everywhere. Although high-price reselling has finally been regulated, there are people who made a profit of 8 million yen from mask reselling, and the situation of low stock at stores continues.

Moreover, masks are not scientifically proven to be effective for infection prevention, so the topic of "there's no point in preventing COVID" often comes up.

(It's also important to consider the choice of "not buying" in situations where masks are in short supply, so that they can go to those who really need them, since for healthy adults wearing masks may not have much significance.)

Instead of prevention, they are effective for preventing saliva from being spread when coughing or for hay fever prevention.

(It is said that masks can block about 70% of pollen, right?)

However, given the current situation, it's rare that masks are actually available even when they are truly needed.

Therefore, [cloth masks] have become a hot topic.

＜About Cloth Masks＞

Compared to disposable paper masks, cloth masks are relatively in stock, and ready-made ones can be purchased for around 1,000 yen for three pieces.

➡ Buy cloth masks on Rakuten

Additionally, you can make your own using gauze napkins, and everyone is creating them with their favorite fabrics, making them colorful and vibrant ♡

Here's how to make them.

＜Video on How to Make Cloth Masks＞

This video shows how to make a three-dimensional mask using gauze napkins from a 100 yen store. You can download a free pattern for it on YouTube, which helps in making it neatly.

This is a pleated mask made using gauze from a 100 yen store. It has a wire at the nose part, allowing it to fit snugly on the nose.

This video shows how to make a disposable mask using kitchen paper and masking tape. It is hygienic because it can be disposed of after use.

Recently, some regions have been experiencing shortages of kitchen paper too, so make sure you have enough before starting.

Rakuten also sells "handmade mask kits" which you can use to make your own masks.

➡ Handmade mask kit available on Rakuten

[Important] How to Wash Cloth Masks

The best thing about cloth masks is that they can be washed and reused multiple times. However, if not washed properly, they become ineffective (and may even become counterproductive by harboring viruses), so it’s vital to know the correct care methods when using them.

Here’s the washing method for cloth masks recommended by Kao Attack.

＜How to Wash Cloth Masks＞

Soak in detergent of standard concentration for 10 minutes ➡ Soak in a solution made by dissolving chlorine bleach (approximately 15ml) in 1 liter of water for another 10 minutes ➡ Rinse with tap water ➡ Absorb moisture with a clean towel ➡ Dry. It may take some effort, but let’s take proper care to use them hygienically.

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If you don't have a mask, consider cloth masks as an option.

It can be tough when you have hay fever and don't have a mask, or if you're coughing. It's really sad that there are no masks when they are so needed.....

Trying to make a [cloth mask] with your favorite pattern seems like a good option too.