Ways to Remove Poison Ivy from Footwear and Clothing

Project Summary

  • Duration of Work: 10 minutes
  • Overall Duration: 2 to 10 hours
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate
  • Projected Expense: $0 to $20

Understanding how to remove poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac from footwear and clothing is relatively simple and efficient, but it does involve certain precautions. The uncomfortable rash resulting from contact with poison ivy is triggered by a clear, sticky, oily substance known as urushiol. This resin is present in all parts of the plant and can remain potent on dead and dried specimens for a period of two to five years. Additionally, unwashed clothing, shoes, and other contaminated objects can lead to reactions for a year or even longer.

The sole method to eliminate urushiol is by thoroughly washing with soap and water. Here’s what you should understand about removing poison ivy from your footwear and garments.

Prior to Starting

When it’s necessary to clean items that have come into contact with poison ivy, make sure to wear vinyl or heavy cotton gloves. Alternatively, you can use a clean, sturdy cloth to pick up the contaminated items to prevent skin contact. Keep in mind that urushiol can transfer from surfaces and can even seep through rubber, making thin latex gloves insufficient for protection. If gloves are unavailable, wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water right away, or use a specialized wipe, like Cutter Poison Ivy Wipes, to eliminate the poison ivy oils.

Additionally, remember to thoroughly clean the laundry basket or hamper that held the clothes after placing them in the washing machine. Use detergent and hot water to scrub it down. If others share your laundry area and supplies, make sure to inform them about any items that may have come into contact with poison ivy.

rubber gloves and cleaning solution

Ways to Eliminate Poison Ivy Stains from Clothing

The simplest method to eliminate urushiol is by washing washable items in a washing machine.

Wear a Pair of Gloves

Wear vinyl gloves when dealing with clothing that has come into contact with poison ivy.

Shield your hands and wrists from possible contact with urushiol by wearing vinyl or heavy cotton gloves (avoid rubber or latex gloves). You can wash vinyl gloves with hot water and soap afterward, while cotton gloves can be tossed directly into the laundry with the contaminated clothing. With your gloves on, place the affected garments into the washing machine.

Select the Washing Machine Options

selecting a washing temperature

Adjust the washing machine to a prolonged or heavy-duty cycle using the hottest water that the garments can tolerate (refer to the care label for guidance). Pour in your usual laundry detergent into the water. Make sure to choose a load size that matches the quantity of clothes you’re washing—neither excessively large nor too small—to guarantee effective agitation in the washing water.

Clean Once More

Run the wash cycle again with a fresh amount of detergent right after the initial cycle finishes. If you believe the urushiol contamination is considerable, consider doing a third wash.

Tip

If a member of your household is particularly sensitive to urushiol oils, it’s advisable to run a cleaning cycle in your washing machine after laundering any contaminated garments. Additionally, make sure to thoroughly clean the exterior of the machine using a solution of chlorine bleach and water.

recleaning the clothing item

Hang the Laundry to Dry

Air drying fabric

To ensure safety, opt for air-drying your garments on a clothesline or a drying rack. Typically, two or three washes will eliminate urushiol, but if any residue persists, using a dryer could contaminate the appliance. After wearing the clothes without any issues, you can wash and dry them normally alongside your other laundry.

Ways to Eliminate Poison Ivy Stains from Footwear

When dealing with footwear such as shoes and leather or sheepskin boots that aren’t suitable for machine washing, it’s essential to clean them manually to eliminate harmful oils. During this process, it’s crucial to wear sturdy gloves to safeguard your hands and wrists.

supplies for cleaning shoes contaminated with poison ivy

    Get the Footwear Ready

    managing the footwear while wearing gloves

    Wear protective gloves, then loosen the laces of each shoe and extend the tongue as much as you can. If the insole is detachable, remove it.

    Clean with a cleaning agent.

    utilizing a brush to clean the footwear

    Combine 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent to create a cleaning solution. Utilize a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub both the interior and exterior of the shoes, as well as any removable insoles. Take care to avoid soaking the items, while ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

    Wash and Dry

    allowing the shoes to dry naturally in the air

    Wipe down all areas of the shoes and insoles using a cloth moistened with water. Set the shoes in a well-ventilated, cool location, avoiding direct sunlight and heat, and let them dry thoroughly, which could take a few days. If the leather feels rigid afterward, apply a leather conditioner.

    The most effective way to protect yourself from poison ivy is to avoid the plants altogether or to eliminate them entirely from frequently used areas. This perennial plant regrows from its roots annually and can spread through underground runners, facilitating its proliferation. Although it may require multiple attempts, it is feasible to eradicate poison ivy from most residential gardens.

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