Most heated eye masks are made from soft fabrics like cotton, a 100% natural material that is breathable and gentle on 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 is the thinnest skin anywhere on the face, which makes cotton a perfect material for eye masks.
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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 fast 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.
Remove the Heating Insert Before Washing
Most electric heated eye masks contain an infrared heating insert or liner inside a zipper pouch. This detachable component powers the mask and should never be washed.
Before cleaning your heated eye mask, always remove the heating insert completely. Because this piece contains electrical wiring, getting it wet could permanently damage the unit
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to wash a heated eye mask safely and effectively.
Can You Machine Wash a Heated Eye Mask?
No way! Throwing it in the washing machine is just asking for trouble. Even on the delicate cycle, the agitation and spinning can damage the heating element inside. I know hand washing seems like extra work, but trust me, it beats having to buy a new mask because you ruined yours in the wash.
Always remove the heating insert first, then gently hand wash just the fabric cover with mild soap and lukewarm water like we covered above.
How Often Should You Wash a Heated Eye Mask?
It depends on how often you use it, but here's my rule of thumb:
Daily users: Wash every 1-2 weeks (minimum)
Few times a week: Wash every 2-4 weeks
Wear eye makeup: Wash weekly (oils and makeup transfer quickly)
Have blepharitis or sensitive skin: Wash more frequently
Is It Safe to Get the Heating Insert Wet?
Absolutely not! The heating insert contains electrical wiring and will be permanently damaged if it gets wet. Like we mentioned above, always remove the heating element before you start washing anything. If you accidentally get it wet (it happens!), don't plug it in. Let it dry completely for at least 48 hours before attempting to use it again. When in doubt, it's safer to replace it than risk a malfunction.