You’ve heard by now that the CDC officially recommends you wear a mask covering your nose and mouth when you’re out in public.  Lots of DIY masks out there… but this one seems to be the easiest AND the best at actually filtering particles.  One study showed that the blue shop towels (like paper towels on steroids) filter up to 93% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers compared to the (at best) 60% from cotton masks.

So Shannon braved Lowes, bought shop towels and made a bunch.  They are easy to make and comfortable to wear!!! So… here’s what you need

Stapler

Tape

2 rubber bands

paper clip

shop towels

Open the paperclip up and tape it to the middle of the top of the piece of shop towel.

Fold the towel over the paper clip 3 times (basically roll it to cushion the clip… it’s going to be your nose piece)

accordion fold the rest of the way and staple each side about 1 inch from the end.

Tear the end at the middle to insert your rubber band ear loops and secure with 2 staples

And there you go!  Pinch the nose piece to seal around your nose, pull under your chin, strap to ears and voila!