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