What should you do with work clothes after applying pesticides?

After applying pesticides, it is essential to wash work clothes separately from other clothing to prevent any potential contamination. This practice is crucial because pesticides can linger on the fabric and may transfer to other garments or household items during a normal wash cycle if mixed. Washing these clothes separately minimizes the risk of exposing yourself and others to any residues.

Moreover, a separate wash ensures that the proper precautions, such as using hot water and a suitable detergent, can be taken to effectively remove any pesticide residues. This step is important for both personal safety and environmental health, as it reduces the risk of unintentional pesticide exposure.

While some may consider disposing of them immediately, this is not typically necessary unless the clothing is heavily contaminated or damaged, as proper washing can generally mitigate risks. Storing them in the garage does not provide a solution to the contamination concern, and washing with other clothes may lead to cross-contamination. Therefore, washing separately from other clothing is the best practice for maintaining safety while handling pesticides.