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Tips for Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing

Air

Hang garments outdoors to air.

Pre-rinse

Use one of three methods:

  1. Hose off garments outdoors.
  2. Rinse in separate tub or pail.
  3. Rinse in automatic washer at full water level.

Pretreat (heavily soiled garments)

Use heavy-duty liquid detergent.

Washer Load

Wash garments separate from family wash.
Wash garments contaminated with the same pesticide together.

Load Size

Wash only a few garments at once.

Water Level

Use full water level.

Water Temperature

Use hot water, 140 ̊F or higher.

Wash Cycle

Use regular 12-minute wash cycle.

Laundry Detergent

Use a heavy-duty detergent.
Use amount recommended on package or more for heavy soil or hard water.

Rinse

Use a full warm rinse.

Dry

Line drying is preferable, to avoid contaminating dryer.

Clean Washer

Run complete, but empty, cycle.
Use hot water and detergent.

Rewash

Rewash contaminated garments two or three times before reuse for more complete pesticide removal.

Other Tips

Remove contaminated clothing before entering enclosed tractor cabs.

Remove contaminated clothing outdoors or in an entry. If a granular pesticide was used, shake clothing outdoors. Empty pockets and cuffs.

Save clothing worn while handling pesticides for that use only. Keep separate from other clothing before, during, and after laundering.

Wash contaminated clothing after each use. When applying pesticides daily, wash clothing daily.

Never use the “sudsaver” feature on your machine when laundering pesticide-soiled clothes.

Clean gloves, aprons, boots, rigid hats, respirators, and eyewear by scrubbing with detergent and warm water.

Rinse thoroughly and hang in a clean area to dry.

Take these precautions when handling contaminated clothing:

  • Ventilate area.
  • Avoid inhaling steam from washer or dryer.
  • Wash hands thoroughly.
  • Consider wearing chemical-resistant gloves.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.