Across the country and the world, people are getting into the habit of wearing face masks to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. But what’s the proper way to clean a mask when it may have become contaminated? What should someone do with their mask after visiting the grocery store or working a shift in a warehouse?

Meet a team of Columbia researchers testing out different procedures for sterilizing N95 face masks at home, using common appliances that generate heat. They’re digging through the science to debunk myths about mask use and designing experiments to help people stay safe as the pandemic continues.