How do I handle clothes with poison oak on them?

I need to wash clothes with poison oak oil on them, should I wipe my washer with Tecnu after washing them? Some say to use cold water to rinse or hottest water, some say only detergent. What do you say?

Key is not washing contaminated clothes with other clothes, not overfilling the washer with clothes, using hottest water and longest time, using a high efficiency detergent and running an empty cycle to remove any residues in the washer.

Here is a reference:

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Poison-Ivy-or-Poison-Oak-Off-Your-Clothes

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Healthy Homes

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

Thousands of box elder bugs on structures annoy homeowners in fall

Box elder bugs – the annoying visitors that swarm on the surfaces of structures by the thousands – are out in force this time of year when temperatures drop. Though they don’t cause damage to plants, structures or ...

Nicole Sanchez | Oct 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Cómo mejorar la calidad del aire interior causado por el humo de los incendios forestales

Las partículas de humo más pequeñas pueden llegar a la parte más profunda de los pulmones y ser absorbidas por el cuerpo. Para maximizar la efectividad del filtro de aire, manténgalo encendido continuamente o en la mayor ...

Glenda Hyde, Catalina Sanchez-Frank | Sep 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Protecting indoor air quality from wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke can damage your lungs, heart, eyes, nose, throat and immune system. You can protect yourself by staying indoors, but only if the inside air is clean. Learn simple, low or no-cost steps that can keep smoke out of your home and protect the air you breathe.

Glenda Hyde | Sep 2020 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Living with termites in Bend!

I am trying to assess whether my exterminator is giving me accurate information about termite activity in Central Oregon. I am a new home owner of a house built in 1936. Termite activity was discovered during inspection and ...

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jul 2017 | Featured question

Mold is not a welcome roommate.

What is the best way to treat a very large amount of mold that has accumulated on my walls and windows of my apartment?

Jeanne Brandt | Mar 2013 | Featured question

Pandemic leads to unprecedented burst of questions to Ask an Expert tool

Questions have ballooned to 6,625 in the first half of 2020, more than all of the questions answered in 2019.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 29, 2020 | News story

Will glyphosate poison us or our pets?

We live in a large condominium between NW Naito Parkway and the Willamette River. Our property extends to the banks of the river. Our landscaper has been using a diluted version of glyphosate to control weeds on the ...

Chip Bubl | Jul 2016 | Featured question

Looking for Frog-Friendly Moss Control

Does moss treatment that is typically used on roofs hurt frogs?

Weston Miller | May 2019 | Featured question

During spray season, should we stay or should we go?

We live next to a filbert orchard and they seem to be spraying a lot at this time. Is there any danger from being in our yard while they are spraying? How often can we expect them to be spraying?

Nik Wiman | Apr 2016 | Featured question

When can I open my windows?

We have been dealing with wildfire smoke/ash and low air quality for over a week. Given the clearing that has occurred just today after a much-appreciated rain, can we open our windows (as opposed to our filtered air system)? If not, how will we know when it is safe to do so?

Diana Rohlman | Sep 2020 | Featured question

Heavy metals in urban soils: Best practices to stay safe

Given the recent news on emissions of heavy metals in Portland, I'm looking for information on which vegetables take up these pollutants from the soil. What else should I be concerned about?

Weston Miller | Mar 2016 | Featured question

Any tips on how to safely remove my roof carpet?

What do you recommend for removing moss from roof composite shingles in the least toxic way? I have disconnected all downspouts and storm water from roof now flows into rain gardens planted with NW natives; rushes, sedges, ...

Jean R. Natter | Dec 2015 | Featured question

Is living in a sawmill town harmful to my health?

I live in a town with a couple of sawmills. I am concerned about the emissions that are emitted from their production facilities. I can see the steam and wonder if there is a risk from chemicals that may used or from...

Scott Leavengood | Mar 2015 | Featured question

Why is my patio turning black?

My pergola and wooden fence, even rocks and stone are getting black residue. Is it mold?

Diana Rohlman, PhD | Mar 2019 | Featured question

Toxic landscape? Can children graze my bushes?

I am a childcare provider in Benton County. This summer a friend came over to visit and informed me I had poison hemlock growing in my garden. I had no idea!! In addition to daycare children I also have two little ...

Debra Lauer | Nov 2014 | Featured question

Finding and Removing Variegated Carpet Beetles

This beetle is one of the most common pests of dry organic materials found in homes and warehouses.

Jessica Green | Oct 2018 | Article

Mold Control: Home Inspection Checklist

Guidelines for inspecting your home for sources of moisture and steps for control.

Jeanne Brandt, Susan Busler | Mar 2007 | Article

OSU-invented wristband reveals pollution risks

Silicone bracelet can detect 1,200 chemicals in air, water and food

Kim Anderson | Jun 2021 | Impact story

Have a question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question