If you’ve come into contact with poison ivy, you know how uncomfortable and itchy it can be. Poison ivy can cause a rash that can last for weeks. One of the most important things you can do to prevent the rash from spreading is to wash your clothes as soon as possible. But, how do you wash poison ivy clothes? Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Remove Your Clothes
The first step in washing poison ivy clothes is to remove them as soon as possible. Be careful not to touch any part of the clothes that may have come into contact with the poison ivy. If you can, have someone else remove the clothes for you. If you must remove the clothes yourself, wear gloves to protect your skin.
Step 2: Shake Off Any Loose Debris
Before washing the clothes, shake off any loose debris, such as dirt, leaves, or twigs, that may be on the clothes. This will prevent the debris from getting into your washing machine.
Step 3: Rinse the Clothes with Cold Water
Rinse the clothes with cold water to remove any remaining debris and to help remove the oils from the poison ivy plant. Be sure to rinse both sides of the clothes thoroughly.
Step 4: Wash the Clothes in Hot Water
Wash the clothes in hot water to kill any remaining oils from the poison ivy plant. Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent and run the clothes through a full cycle in the washing machine.
Step 5: Dry the Clothes on High Heat
After washing the clothes, dry them on high heat in the dryer. This will help kill any remaining oils from the poison ivy plant. Be sure to clean the lint trap after drying the clothes.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when washing poison ivy clothes:
- Wash the clothes separately from other laundry to prevent the oils from spreading to other clothes.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the poison ivy clothes.
- If possible, wash the clothes outside to prevent the oils from getting into your home.
- Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling poison ivy clothes to prevent the rash from spreading to other parts of your body.
How long does the poison ivy oil last on clothes?
The poison ivy oil can remain on clothes for a long time, even after washing. It’s important to wash the clothes as soon as possible after coming into contact with poison ivy to prevent the oil from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people. If you can’t wash the clothes right away, you can put them in a plastic bag and wash them later.
Can you wash poison ivy clothes with other laundry?
No, you should not wash poison ivy clothes with other laundry. The oils from the poison ivy plant can spread to other clothes and cause a rash. Wash the poison ivy clothes separately from other laundry.
What laundry detergent should I use to wash poison ivy clothes?
Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent to wash poison ivy clothes. This will help remove the oils from the poison ivy plant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the detergent label and run the clothes through a full cycle in the washing machine.