UPDATE: DIY hand sanitizer and cleaner guides have been removed following CDC and FDA suggestion to avoid making your own sanitizer and cleaners.
DIY Surface Cleaner
N95 Masks aren’t exactly easy to obtain, and should be prioritized for medical use. It is suggested even a simple bandana or scarf worn outside to prove some protection, but may only protect a little. Here are some resources to access PPE for yourself, and guides using household materials.
- Smart Air has done tests on what is the most effective material for a DIY mask. The most effective materials are HEPA filters, dish towels, and cotton pillowcases or shirts. Doubling up on the cotton or combining cotton with HEPA filter works best.
- The New York Times (might be behind a paywall) has provided a guide to making your own mask as well.
- Popular Science provides one as well.
- Free Sewing provides a free sewing template for use!
- Open PPE is a Open Source Community provided on creating accessible and low-cost PPE for everyone stressing current resources
- NYC PPE provides PPE for people, but you can also donate masks you make to them.
