How to Wash a Sleep Mask: A Manta Sleep Guide

Learn how to wash a sleep mask with this comprehensive guide. Read on for detailed washing instructions for every Manta Sleep mask. Plus, how to handwash any sleep mask.

The sleep mask has improved shut-eye quality since its invention by Edward and Elsie Hemphill. According to Google, their file for a patent was granted in the 1930s⁽¹⁾. Since then, the sleep mask has evolved with many iterations. And it's only gotten better through the years.

Many people rely on sleep masks and for good reason. They block out light, the nemesis of sleep. In case you were wondering, darkness tells your body to wind down. It also triggers the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone. The darker your sleep environment, the deeper and more restful your zzzs.

What kind of sleep mask you wear and how often you do depends on you. But one thing is certain: cleaning your sleep mask is a must. Whether you own one or are considering it, this guide tells you how to wash a Manta Sleep mask.  

Here’s what this article covers:  

• Why You Need to Wash a Sleep Mask

• How often should I wash a sleep mask?

• 100% Machine Washable Eye Masks from Manta Sleep

• How to Wash Manta Sleep Mask

• How to Wash Manta SILK Sleep Mask

• How to Wash Manta PRO Sleep Mask

• How to Wash Manta KIDS Sleep Mask  

• How to Wash Manta COOL Mask

• How to Wash Manta STEAM Mask

• How to Wash Manta WEIGHTED Mask

• How to Wash Manta SOUND Sleep Mask

• How to Handwash a Sleep Mask  

We’ll start with the reasons you need to prioritize sleep mask hygiene.  

Unless they’re non washable (one reason to steer clear), sleep masks need a good cleaning every now and then.  

Here’s what may happen if you don’t wash your sleep mask:  

• Rashes or irritated skin  

• Acne breakouts

• Eye infections  

Think. It’s a personal article of clothing that you wear next to your skin. Like your sheets or pillowcases, dead skin, oil and bacteria accumulate on a sleep mask.  

And here’s the clincher. That “skin” we’re referring to is on your face. And any mask that claims to be for sleep should cover your eyes. These are two of the most sensitive parts of the human body.      

That’s why, we can’t stress enough that you need to wash your sleep mask.

How often depends on 3 things: skin type, existing conditions and care instructions.

People with sensitive, acne-prone skin should consider washing theirs after every use. This means fewer bacteria and sebum buildup on your skin (and mask).

Some sleep masks have a dual purpose, such as heated or cooling eye masks. They're worn to ease symptoms of eye conditions while blocking out light as you snooze.

Examples of these include pinkeye, which is contagious. Or eye itchiness from allergies. When you have any type of eye secretions, we recommend cleaning your mask after each use.

Other sleep masks are more delicate than others. For instance, silk sleep masks. In a case like this, always check your mask’s care instructions. If they’re made from sub-standard fabric, frequent washing will speed up wear and tear.

If none of these apply, wash your sleep mask 2-3 times a week. Frequency depends on how often you use it and how much you sweat, too. Now if that’s buckets and you use your washable sleep mask every night, clean it daily or as often as possible.

While most Manta Sleep Masks are machine-washable, others have special cleaning instructions. We created this one-stop guide for all our products.

We designed our sleep masks with hygiene top-of-mind. Most of them are machine-washable. And this goes for the head strap and detachable eye cups.

Here are our 100% machine-washable sleep masks:

Four of these sleep masks come with a mesh laundry bag, which also doubles as a storage case. Meanwhile, Manta KIDS Sleep Mask can be put in any laundry bag before machine washing.

These step-by-step instructions apply to the Manta Sleep masks listed above:  

• Step 1: Place the head strap and eye cups inside the mesh laundry bag and zip it up. Place the bag inside your washing machine.

• Step 2: Machine wash cold with mild detergent, using the delicate wash cycle.  

• Step 3: When done, remove the bag from the washing machine.

• Step 4: Remove the mask from the bag and detach the eye cups.  

• Step 5: Gently squeeze the cups and the mask. Avoid wringing them dry.

• Step 6: Lay the head strap and eye cups to air dry flat.

Do NOT tumble dry any Manta Sleep Mask as the heat may damage the head strap and eye cups.  

And by the way, if you don’t have the Manta Sleep mesh case, any laundry bag will do.

Unlike the 100% machine-washable ones, the 4 masks listed below have special cleaning instructions.    

These sleep masks have dual functions. Yes, they each have a light-blocking feature. But they have another, which is specific to the type of mask.  

Their construction and materials differ from our 100% machine-washable products. And that’s why their care instructions vary from the rest.

Both have similar care instructions and are partially machine-washable.  

Follow these instructions when washing Manta STEAM and Manta COOL Masks:  

Note that their head straps are 100% machine-washable.  

• Step 1: Remove the eye cups and place the head strap in the laundry bag. Put it into your washing machine.

• Step 2: Machine wash cold with mild detergent, using the delicate wash cycle.  

• Step 3: When done, remove the head strap from the laundry bag. Gently squeeze it to remove excess water but do not wring it dry.

• Step 4: Lay out the head strap to air dry flat. Do not use a dryer.  

The eye cups are handwash only. Using an appliance may tear the fabric of the cups and cause the beads to spill out, damaging your washing machine.  

• Step 5: Fill a wash basin with cold water mixed with mild soap. Place the eye cups in the basin and allow them to soak for 3 to 5 minutes.

• Step 6:  Swish them around to release dirt and grime. Then rinse until there are no more suds

• Step 7: Lay out the eye cups flat to air dry. For Manta STEAM Eye Cups, wait 24 hours before the next use.  

If you have questions on how to use either mask, read these articles:  

• How to Use Manta STEAM Mask: Everything You Need to Know

• How to Use Manta COOL Mask: Your Complete Guide

Follow these instructions to clean Manta WEIGHTED Mask:  

The head strap is handwash only. The weights are housed within the head strap. Machine washing may damage the fabric and cause the glass beds to spill out and damage your appliance.  

• Step 1: Mix mild soap with cold water in a sink (or bowl). Place the head strap in the sink, allowing it to soak for up to 5 minutes. Then gently move it around the water.

• Step 2: Rinse the strap until there are no more suds.  

• Step 3: Gently squeeze the strap to remove excess water.    

• Step 4: Lay out the head strap to air dry flat. Do not wring it dry or use a dryer.  

The good news is the eye cups are 100% machine-washable.    

Step 5: Place the eye cups in the mesh laundry bag. If you don’t have a Manta Sleep bag, any laundry bag will do.  

• Step 6: Put the bag into a washing machine. Machine wash cold with mild detergent, using the delicate wash cycle.  

• Step 7: When done, remove the eye cups from the laundry bag.

• Step 8: Gently squeeze the eye cups. Lay them out to air dry. Do not tumble dry.

Most sleep masks with headphones are nonwashable. Water damages the circuitry and electronics. But not to worry. Manta SOUND Mask has a 2-layer head strap. The inner layer, which rests next to your skin, is removable and washable.  

Follow these easy instructions:  

• Step 1: Separate the outer layer of the head strap containing the speakers. Note that the outer layer nonwashable.

• Step 2: The mask comes with its own mesh laundry bag but any will do. Place the inner layer of the head strap and the eye cups into the bag.

• Step 3: Machine wash cold with mild detergent on the delicate wash cycle.  

• Step 4: Lay the mask and cups out to air dry flat. Gently squeeze them to remove excess water.

• Step 5: Do not wring or tumble dry.        

Tip: If you need to wash the outer layer of the head strap, spot-clean it with a damp cloth. Use plain water only.

No washing machine? No problem. Handwashing clothing, including sleep masks, is way gentler. It might take more elbow grease, but it helps your mask look and feel new for longer.  

Generally, sleep masks are delicate articles of clothing. It all depends on construction, quality and fabric. (By the way, if yours is silk read our article on how to wash a silk sleep mask.)  

Make sure to check your mask’s care instructions to see if it's washable. If it isn’t, head to your nearest dry cleaner.  

Here’s a safe and effective way to handwash most sleep masks:  

• Step 1: Fill a clean basin or sink with cold water. It’s gentler on your mask versus turning up the heat.  

• Step 2: Mix in about a teaspoon of mild liquid detergent. If you have extra sensitive skin, you might want to go for hypoallergenic soap.

• Step 3: Submerge the sleep mask. Let it soak up the soap and water for up to 5 minutes. Then move it around. (Easy does it.)  

• Step 4: Remove the soapy water from the basin or sink. Fill it again with cold water and place the sleep mask inside. Move the sleep mask gently in the water. Repeat the process until all suds are gone.

• Step 5: Lay the sleep mask on a towel (white to prevent color bleeding). If it’s sopping wet, gently squeeze the mask to remove excess water. Do not wring it dry or you could wind up stretching the fabric.  

• Step 6: Lay it out to air dry flat in a room with good ventilation. Resist the urge to tumble dry or put it on top of a heater. This could result in shrinkage or bacon strap.      

Tip: If your mask has detachable eye cups, remove them before handwashing for easier and more thorough cleaning.  

We hope we covered everything you need to know on how to wash a Manta Sleep Mask and then some. Still got questions? Check our FAQ page or click the chat button to speak to support or send an email.

Sources:  

(1) “Sleep eye shade." Google Patents, https://patents.google.com/patent/US1924315A/en. Accessed 28 December  2022.

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.