Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the recommended way to clean your washing machine after laundering pesticide-soiled clothing?

1. Run a complete, empty cycle using cold water

2. Run a complete, empty cycle using hot water

3. Run a partial cycle with detergent

4. Use bleach and run a full cycle

The correct answer is: Run a complete, empty cycle using hot water

Running a complete, empty cycle using hot water is the recommended method for cleaning your washing machine after laundering pesticide-soiled clothing because hot water is highly effective at breaking down and removing pesticide residues. Pesticides can be chemically complex and may adhere to the interior surfaces of the washing machine. Hot water aids in loosening and dissolving these residues, ensuring a more thorough cleaning. By using an empty cycle, you prevent any residual chemicals from coming into contact with future loads of laundry, which is essential for maintaining safety and cleanliness. In contrast, using cold water may not effectively remove the pesticides, while a partial cycle with detergent might leave some residues behind, and using bleach could introduce harmful chemicals that may react with pesticide residues. Therefore, the complete cycle with hot water is the safest and most effective cleaning method.