Durable ‘Deluxe Cloth Face Mask with Antimicrobial Cover’ in Very Good Condition After 25 Laundry Cycles
Brown Sales continues to test the long-term durability of our Deluxe Cloth Face Mask with Antimicrobial Cover. Based on real test results now available, we are thrilled to announce that we expect our cloth face masks to endure a minimum of 25+ laundry cycles and remain in “excellent” or “very good” condition! We help our customers save money and keep disposable masks out of the landfill by manufacturing a durable cloth face mask.
Ross Brown, Vice President, formally launched our product durability test by hosting a Facebook Live event on April 27, 2020. That night, Ross completed five wash cycles live on camera over the course of 3½ hours. Viewers of that live video (posted below) watched our face mask endure laundering and had the opportunity to inspect the product in between wash cycles. As anticipated, our face mask held up beautifully during the live event.
Since that night, product durability testing has continued. Ross’ prototype face mask has now endured 25 laundry cycles identical to those seen in the live video stream. Photo evidence and analysis of product durability are below.
Durability Test Results #1: Overview
This prototype (version #9) mask has been personally worn by Ross Brown on a daily basis for more than two weeks. It has also been the test subject of product durability evaluation. This durable cloth face mask has endured 25 laundry cycles and remains in very good condition.
(Most mask users are unlikely to launder their mask 25 times in two weeks. This mask has been subjected to additional washings in a short period of time for product evaluation purposes only.)
Durability Test Results #2: Drawstrings and Tie Strings
The ends of drawstrings (and tie strings) are showing a small amount of fraying. This small amount of fraying has been present since early in the testing process and does not appear to be worsening after 25 laundry cycles. The fraying has occurred to the nylon drawstring material itself; the stitching within the drawstrings remains in excellent condition.
Durability Test Results #3: Sure-Chek Antimicrobial Medical Fabric (outer layer of mask)
The purple Sure-Chek antimicrobial medical material is holding up well. It remains soft, supple, and intact. A small amount of wear is seen at a “point” location on the outer shield (circled in green above). No other wear or tear is visible anywhere on the antimicrobial material after 25 laundry cycles.
Durability Test Results #4: Dual-Layer of 100% Cotton Broadcloth Poplin (inner layers of mask)
The cotton fabric on the inside of the mask remains in excellent condition after 25 laundry cycles. The cotton fibers are clearly “broken in” but no pilling is occurring. The fabric remains fully intact and soft to the touch.
Durability Test Results #5: Soft Metal Noseband Piece
The soft metal noseband piece (embedded inside the top portion of the mask) remains in excellent condition after 25 laundry cycles. It remains soft, comfortable, and pliable. It holds its shape when conformed to the face and still minimizes blowback towards the eyes (thereby also preventing foggy glasses).
Durability Test Results #6: Stitching and Overall Construction (product right-side view)
Overall construction remains in excellent condition after 25 laundry cycles. Stitches remain strong and fully intact. Some “extra” threads from normal manufacturing procedures (e.g. bobbin changes) have worked their way out from the mask during laundering, but zero construction stitches have failed.
Durability Test Results #7: Stitching and Overall Construction (product left-side view)
Overall construction remains in excellent condition after 25 laundry cycles. Stitches remain strong and fully intact. Some “extra” threads from normal manufacturing procedures (e.g. bobbin changes) have worked their way out from the mask during laundering, but zero construction stitches have failed.
Durability Test Results: Conclusion
We conclude that Ross’ Deluxe Cloth Face Mask with Antimicrobial Cover remains in very good condition after enduring 25 laundry cycles. The small bit of wear evidenced in Durability Test Results #3 above is the only reason why we grade this mask as “very good” instead of “excellent” condition.
The overall functionality of the mask is unhindered by the bit of wear. Ross will continue to use this mask on a daily basis. Laundry cycle testing will also continue to see if/when product failure finally occurs.
Final Notes About Product Durability
Our Deluxe Cloth Face Mask with Antimicrobial Cover is to be laundered in a washing machine using normal detergent on gentle cycle with cold water, then allowed to air dry. Using heat to wash or dry the item will negatively impact its durability.