Which of the following is part of proper washing clothing after pesticide application?

• A. Do not dry clothing in the dryer
• B. Use cold water for washing, never hot
• C. Do not wash clothing at all
• D. Run only short wash cycles

Answer: (A)

After pesticide application, the goal is to remove residues from clothing and prevent spreading them. Washing with detergent in hot water helps dissolve and flush pesticide residues from fabric, and running a full cycle ensures thorough cleaning rather than leaving residues behind. Short or cold washes won’t remove as much, increasing the chance of recontamination. Drying in a regular household dryer can push residues into the dryer drum, lint trap, or air, spreading contamination to other clothes or exposure to others. Air-drying the clothing or using a dedicated dryer for contaminated items minimizes this risk. That’s why not using the dryer for this laundry is the best practice.