Tips for Washing Eye Masks Without Damaging Them

Identify the Fabric Used in the Eye Mask

Once you learn what the mask is made of, you can start washing it safely. Some of the common materials used for the masks are cotton, silk, microfiber, and memory foam. Cotton is the easiest to care for since it’s durable and can withstand washing machines. Silk, on the other hand, is sensitive and will need to use a very gentle cleaner that doesn’t contain alkaline. Microfiber is usually what you will find in the masks used for cooling or moisturizing, so it will need low-temperature water to keep it from deteriorating in quality. Memory foam, however, you need to be extra careful about since it will soak a lot of water and will take a long time to dry which can lead to mold. You can always look at a care label or product description to find out what material is used for the mask so you can be sure of which washing method needs to be used.

How to Pick the Best Cleaning Products

Cleaning products get to decide how much an eye mask will last. Strong scented cleaning products, fabric softeners, detergents with bleach etc. can all breakdown the material, irritate skin, and lose color. For most materials, it’s best to use a liquid detergent that has a sensitive skin formula and is free of fragrance. It’s a gentle cleaner that will get the material clean without damaging the fabric. For silk or other sensitive cleaning products, silk specific cleaners and baby shampoos will keep the material soft. Do not use a powdered detergent because it has a high chance of leaving a residue on the material that could get uncomfortable to wear. 

Techniques to Hand Wash Properly

Washing an eye mask that is delicate can prove to be more challenging, and hand washing is the best way to clean it. The first step is to fill a separate container or basin with water that is not too hot or too cold. When water is too hot, it can warp and shrink the material. Just the same, if it is too cold it can cause the same problems, so lukewarm is the right temperature. Put mild detergent big enough to create a bubble. after gently putting the eye mask in the solution, and pressing down lightly, rub and twist the eye mask together without too much force or it could tear. Let the mask sit for a few moments to allow the cleaning solution to lose and soften to the fabric. When it is done washing, keep and gentle with the rinse and the squeezing to not lose the shape of the eye mask.

Using Washing Machine Correctly (If Applicable)   

If you have sturdier eye masks like ones made of cotton, you can wash them, but be careful when doing so as this can damage the item. Always remember the following steps before putting it in the machine. First, place the mask in a mesh washing bag. This way, it won't get tangled with other items or get caught in things like zippers or buttons. Then, make sure to put the washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or a little lukewarm water. Try to use very little mild detergent and avoid putting in anything like fabric softener. If you wash the mask with something really heavy like jeans or towels, the material can weaken. Once the cycle finishes, to avoid the mask getting wrinkled, remove it right away.

The Right Way to Dry Your Eye Masks  

To keep the shape and texture of your eye mask, proper drying is essential. You should lay your eye mask flat on a clean, dry towel and blot it to remove the additional moisture. You don't want to hang it to dry, as the moisture in the mask will stretch the fabric. You should also try to avoid putting it in the sunlight. Your eye mask should dry in a room where the air can circulate. Make sure to never put your eye masks in a clothes dryer, as the heat will quickly ruin it and will especially ruin it if the masks have memory foam in them. You also should never use it again before it is fully dry, as it could promote growth of unwanted organisms.

Common Eye Mask Mistakes  

Many individuals do not realize that they are ruining their eye masks with careless mistakes. One example of this is overusing detergent on the eye mask, resulting in detergent buildup that can irritate one's skin. Leaving a mask to soak for too long can also ruin it; extended soaking is also likely to weaken the fibers, bleeding the colors in the mask. Gently rubbing or twisting the mask instead of stretching the material, using hot water or high heat when drying can also ruin the mask. Other mistakes include ignoring stains or washing the eye mask too late, as this can make the problem even worse.

Care to Extend Eye Mask Longevity

With proper care, eye masks can last an extended period. It is recommended to wash underused masks after 2-3 uses, or wash more frequently if the mask is dirty or has been sweated on. For masks with removable inserts like cooling gel pads, it is important to remove the inserts prior to washing the fabric cover. Store the eye mask in a clean, dry area, and avoid places like bathrooms that could collect mold. Decorative features like plush or embroidered surfaces may need gentle handling during the wash to keep the details in good shape, as they could come lose. Eye masks can last a long time if they are cared for.