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How to Wash Lead Dust Out of Clothes

Edmund Lukavics

If you own clothes that have been exposed to lead dust, it is imperative that you clean them immediately, as extended exposure to lead dust can severe side affects. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to lead dust is one of the leading causes of lead poisoning in the United States. Once properly cleaned, the exposed clothes can be worn again as normal.

Step 1

Remove any exposed clothing and place them into a plastic bag before entering your home. You want to limit the possibility that the lead dust will spread from your clothes into your home.

Step 2

Dump the clothes directly into an empty laundry machine.

Step 3

Add liquid detergent to the load of laundry as directed by the instructions on the specific detergent label.

Step 4

Run the washing machine through a normal cycle, then dry the clothes as usual.