This comprehensive guide on How To Clean Poison Ivy Off Clothes will detail the best way how to thoroughly wash away the urushiol and keep your clothing poison-ivy free.
As a rule, you should wash your clothes using the hottest water setting available. Regular laundry detergent will work. I like to use the soak feature for at least 30 minutes. If you have been in direct contact with poison ivy, a double wash cycle is recommended. Finally, allow freshly washed clothes to air dry versus using the dryer. This reduces the risk of urushiol oil contaminating your next load of clothes.
There’s nothing quite like a scenic trek through the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This area offers plenty of hiking opportunities, whether you prefer a leisurely walk through the picturesque Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area Preserve outside of Parksley, or exploring the vast landscapes of Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve or Kiptopeke State Park near Cape Charles.
That is, of course, until you unknowingly brush against some poison ivy plants and bring home an unwanted souvenir.
This nasty plant can be a real nuisance, particularly when its pesky oil, urushiol, latches onto your clothes, turning a day of hiking into weeks of itchy discomfort. Fortunately, cleaning poison ivy off your clothes is straightforward and effective if you take the right precautions.
This comprehensive guide will detail how to thoroughly wash away the urushiol oil and keep your outdoor gear poison-ivy free. Let’s get started!
What is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is an unassuming plant that can cause a painful and irritating rash. The leaves of this plant are covered with an oily resin called urushiol.
This substance, invisible to the naked eye, can lead to a rash that’s notoriously itchy and uncomfortable when it comes in contact with the skin.
It’s important to note that every part of the plant contains urushiol, even dead or dried specimens, with the potency of the irritant capable of enduring for two to five years.
How to Identify Poison Ivy
Identifying poison ivy is the first step toward avoidance and mitigation.
The old saying, “leaves of three, let it be” certainly applies here, as poison ivy leaves typically come in clusters of three.
The middle leaf usually has a longer stem than the two side leaves. The color can range from green to a reddish hue, depending on the season and health of the plant.
How Does Poison Ivy Spread
Poison ivy spreads in a multitude of ways.
The urushiol it contains can stick to various objects, including clothes, shoes, pet fur, or even gardening tools, thus spreading to wherever those objects are subsequently placed or touched.
It’s a resilient plant, regrowing from its roots annually, and can expand its territory via underground runners.
The plant’s oil is easily transferred from one surface to another.
Bare skin is a common way to come in contact with poison ivy resin. I suggest wearing lightweight, breathable protective clothing. Long pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt are your best option.
If you have been hiking on the trails, it is always a good idea to wash areas of the skin the been exposed during the hike as well as change your clothing.
Is Poison Ivy Contagious?
While it might seem so, poison ivy is not contagious. The rash that poison ivy causes can’t be spread from person to person.
Only direct contact with urushiol will result in an itchy, uncomfortable reaction.
However, if urushiol remains on an item of clothing or a pet’s fur, it can transfer to human skin and cause a reaction.
How to Clean Poison Ivy Off Clothes
Just got back from a hike and suspect you might have rubbed against some poison ivy.
Don’t fret.
Cleaning poison ivy off your clothes can be done in a few easy steps.
Before You Begin
Prior to cleaning your contaminated clothes, I suggest washing your hands with warm, soapy water and putting on thin latex gloves.
Keep unwashed clothes in a plastic bag to prevent further contamination.
A set of vinyl or rubber gloves is recommended over latex, as urushiol can penetrate thin rubber.
Handle all affected items carefully to avoid skin contact. It’s also worth giving a quick clean to the laundry basket holding the potential poison ivy clothes.
A simple scrub with detergent and hot water should do.
What You’ll Need
Collect your usual laundry detergent and set your washer to the hottest setting that your clothes can get. Check the label for instructions on this.
A scoop of laundry detergent
A pair of gloves.
Wear Gloves
Remember to keep your gloves on throughout this process. If they’re made from vinyl, they can be cleaned afterward with soap and hot water; if cotton, they can be thrown into the wash with the contaminated clothes.
Choose The Washer Settings
Next, set the washing machine for an extended or heavy-duty wash cycle. Choose the longest cycle settings you have.
The load size setting should be set to the largest load setting for the most agitation possible. Be sure to use warm water or the hottest water you have.
This ensures a thorough agitation in the wash water, which aids in the elimination of urushiol.
Add laundry detergent to the washer, remove your unwashed clothing from your plastic garbage bag, and begin washing.
What is the best laundry detergent for poison ivy?
Poison ivy stains can be hard to spot. I like to use a deep-cleaning detergent, likeTide Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty 10x. It does a really good job of eliminating both visible and invisible residue.
Re-Wash
After completion of the first cycle, repeat it immediately. In cases of significant contamination, a third wash may be necessary.
If you’re living with someone highly sensitive to urushiol, you might want to run a cleaning cycle in your washer after washing the contaminated clothing.
Wiping down the outside carefully with chlorine bleach and water solution is also a good idea.
Dry Clothes
When it comes to drying, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Air-dry the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack to be certain any potential remaining traces of urushiol won’t contaminate your dryer.
Once you’ve worn the clothes without a problem, you can resume your usual washing and drying routine.
How To Remove Poison Ivy From Shoes
Shoes, especially those made of leather, require a different approach, as they can’t be tossed into a washer.
Prepare the Shoes
Put on your protective gloves. Unlace each shoe, pull the tongue out as far as possible, and remove the insole, if it’s removable.
Wipe With a Cleaning Solution
Mix a solution of 2 cups of hot water and 2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent
Scrub the inside and outside of the shoes and any separate insoles with a soft-bristle brush.
Thoroughly clean surfaces, but avoid getting the items soaking wet.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse all surfaces with a clean cloth dampened with water. Place the shoes in a breezy, cool spot out of direct sunlight or heat to dry.
This might take several days. If the leather seems stiff after this process, treat it with a leather conditioner.
Conclusion
The prospect of coming into contact with poison ivy might seem daunting. However, knowing how to identify this plant, understand how it spreads, and know how to effectively remove it from your clothes and shoes, you can confidently explore nature. Remember, proper precautions can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for your hiking excursions.
