What is the first step in washing off pesticide residues from clothing?

The first step in washing off pesticide residues from clothing is to wash them separately in hot water. Hot water plays a crucial role in breaking down and effectively removing pesticide residues from fabric fibers. Pesticides are often designed to adhere tightly to surfaces, and hot water can help loosen these chemicals from the material efficiently.

Washing separately is also important to prevent cross-contamination with other garments that may not have come into contact with pesticides. By isolating the soiled clothing, you ensure that any residues are contained and not transferred to clean items.

Using cold water or fabric softeners may not adequately dissolve or lift the residues, while dry cleaning could potentially be effective but is not the recommended first step due to the presence of chemical solvents that may not be suitable for all pesticide types. Hence, starting with a separate wash in hot water is the optimal approach for dealing with pesticide-contaminated clothing.