|
|
Post by SGT. Darcness on May 12, 2008 17:22:38 GMT -5
Well, as usually the case, I've contracted poison ivy some where in the woods already this year. As I'm highly allergic to poison ivy, I've decided to do a thorough cleaning/washing of all my gear to purge any oils that may be still there from the plants. I've already washed all my BDU's, helmet covers, gloves, etc.
However, I'm unsure of what to wash my vests with. I have one crossdraw vest and a chest rig and don't know if they are washer/dryer friendly. Anyone have any tips for washing such things? I don't want them to rust or get beat up in process. Also, should I even be worried about the ivy being embedded into the vests? Not sure how potent or resilient the stuff is. I just know it can and will get into clothes if you expose them to enough of the plants.
|
|
Clampitt
New Member
When's the last time you lifted a 17000 lb gun?
Posts: 576
|
Post by Clampitt on May 12, 2008 18:40:22 GMT -5
Well for my gear, usually I just fill up a bath tub, put some soap and such in it. Then throw the gear in, let it soak for a little, come back with a nice stiff brush and go to town. Then rinse it all out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Talisman on May 14, 2008 8:34:40 GMT -5
Yes, if you get poison ivy on gear it will last forEVER. I mean, seriously a long time (years). I did some research last year after SFOD gave me some ivy, and I believe you can use rubbing alcohol to neutralize the oil w/out washing everything - soap and water actually wont do anything to it, it's an oil. (Urushiol). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urushiol-induced_contact_dermatitis"To remove the plant oil, it is best to first use a solvent that can separate the oil from your skin surface. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is very effective, as are gasoline, acetone, or a commercially available solvent (Tecnu). After wiping your skin with rubbing alcohol, you should rinse thoroughly with water. If you do not have a solvent available, it is still helpful to rinse thoroughly in water as quickly as possible after your contact with the plant." Courtesy of www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/7945/8214/7770.html?d=dmtJHE%20A home remedy I uncovered - if it's itching, take a washcloth and run it under the hottest water that you can stand, then apply it over the ivy area. It'll itch like crazy for a minute or 2, then it wont itch anymore. The hot water fires all of your histamines, causing the crazy itch, but when the histamines are done it wont itch anymore. That is, if you're still suffering from it =) Back to the original topic - your vest and gear should be fine in the washer/dryer, they're made a hell of a lot tougher than your clothes. |
|
|
|
Post by Bundeswehr on May 14, 2008 9:56:22 GMT -5
Good information there Holly. Now we know to soak our vests in gasoline, hehe. Who's up for a smoke?
|
|
-=Hollywood=-
New Member
<3's the fruitbasket
Born 1337r Then U
Posts: 613
|
Post by -=Hollywood=- on May 14, 2008 10:24:55 GMT -5
Good information there Holly. Now we know to soak our vests in gasoline, hehe. Who's up for a smoke? Tali is my puppet! I put out information through him! hahah! |
|
|
|
Post by Koenig on May 14, 2008 19:08:24 GMT -5
I'm also deadly allergic to the stuff, so much so that I ended up in the ER after a game a few years ago. I was told (by the doctor) to add isopropyl alcohol to the wash and use cold water on it after a game. As far as I can tell, it's been working, haven't contracted it since.
|
|
|
|
Post by SGT. Darcness on May 14, 2008 19:15:51 GMT -5
How much alcohol do you normally use for a full load in the washer?
|
|
|
|
Post by Chaseman on May 14, 2008 21:33:07 GMT -5
I would fill a spray bottle and spray the gear with the alcohol. Then you can take it to the woods too and if you need it, spray yourself there too.
|
|
