How to Safely Clean Clothes Exposed to Chemicals: A Guide for Dads and Families

When a family member, like your father, works with chemicals and accidentally uses your clothes, you might wonder how to proceed. Should you throw these clothes away, wash them again, or handle the situation in a different way?

Should You Throw the Clothes Away?

No, you absolutely should not throw away clothes that were briefly exposed to chemicals. Your father likely doesn’t discard his clothes after just one wear. If you did, you would miss out on a valuable pair of pants or shirt.

Do You Need to Rewash the Clothes?

Not necessarily. Typically, the chemicals will go down the drain, leaving nothing to worry about. However, it's a good idea to follow a few steps to ensure there's no lingering residue.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Before washing again, run an empty cycle of water and detergent to clean the washtub of any chemical residue. This step is crucial to ensure that the next load of laundry is clean and safe.

Wash the clothes in warm or hot water, depending on the fabric's instructions. Make sure you use enough detergent to clean the clothes thoroughly but not overly much. Overloading can leave residue.

Use Fabric Softener and Clean Your Dryer

Add fabric softener as you normally do. After washing, clean the dryer thoroughly. Use Lysol wipes or any wipes you have on hand to wipe down the dryer and the lint trap. This step helps remove any remaining chemicals.

Also, check and clean the center cup of the washing machine. This area can collect debris and should be wiped down to prevent any issues.

Stick to Separate Laundry

Washing the clothes separately from your father’s clothes is a good practice. This helps avoid any cross-contamination and ensures that everyone’s clothing is as safe as possible.

Conclusion

Your clothes should be fine after these precautions. Good luck with the cleaning process! Stay safe and keep your family's laundry routine worry-free.