Tips for Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing

Tips for Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing
Air
• Hang garments outdoors to air.
Pre-rinse
Use one of three methods:
• Hose off garments outdoors
• Rinse in separate tub or pail
• Agitate in automatic washer
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 degrees 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 contaminate 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.
• Clean gloves, aprons, boots, rigid hats, respirators, and eye wear by scrubbing with detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and hang in a clean area to dry.
Take these precautions when handling contaminated clothing:
• ventilated area
• avoid inhaling steam from washer or dryer
• wash hands thoroughly
• consider wearing chemical-resistant gloves