Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing

All clothing worn while handling or applying pesticides is contaminated!

Handling

Handle all contaminated clothing with gloves

Air

Hang garments outdoors to air

Prerinse

Use one of three methods:
o Hose off garments outdoors
o Rinse in separate tub or pail
o Agitate in automatic washer

Pretreat

(heavily contaminated or heavily soiled garments)
Use heavy-duty liquid detergent or a prewash product

Washer Load

Wash garments separately from family wash
Wash garments contaminated with the same pesticide together

Load Size

Wash only a few garments at a time

Water Level

Use full water level

Water Temperature

Use hot water, 140°F or higher

Wash Cycle

Use normal 12-minute cycle

Laundry Detergent

Use a heavy-duty detergent
Use amount recommended on package or more for heavy soil/hard water
[There seems to be no advantage to using bleach or ammonia]

Rinse

Use two, full, warm rinses

Dry

Line dry (to avoid contaminating dryer)

Clean Washer

Run complete, but empty, cycle, using hot water and detergent


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Published by CALS 2/2/1998      Most recent verification: 3/14/2001
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