Tips for Laundering Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing
Air
Hang garments outdoors to
air.
Prerinse
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.
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.
Prepared by Charlotte
Coffman, College
of Human Ecology
Home
|
Sitemap
|
Back to top
© 2007 Cornell University