Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Fixing and making things, what tools to get and what skills to learn, ...
Post Reply
bostonimproper
Posts: 581
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2018 11:45 am

Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by bostonimproper »

Random question, but of all the internet spaces I frequent, I feel like this one is most likely to have a high quality answer.

Recently replaced a couple fiberglass insulation panels in our basement ceiling. Remembered to put on a face mask and goggles but forgot to wear beat up clothes and now my favorite jeans are covered in fiberglass particles. Whoops.

I've read conflicting info online about whether (1) there's a good way to salvage clothes to completely remove fiberglass particles and (2) whether trying a wash cycle in my front loading washer is going to result in contamination there that may spread to other clothing. I have eczema so while I don't want to be super precious about small amounts of this stuff clinging on, I also don't want to break out forever.

Any suggestions on good fiberglass removal techniques or is it better to cut my losses and toss the clothes?

ZAFCorrection
Posts: 357
Joined: Mon Aug 14, 2017 3:49 pm

Re: Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by ZAFCorrection »

The contamination could definitely spread unless you then wash out the washing machine. You can try washing it in a bathtub or a laundromat if you are feeling douchy. But short of a lot of washing effort, there is not much to be done. Glass is chemically boring and durable.

subgard
Posts: 109
Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2014 12:53 pm

Re: Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by subgard »

Of all the times I've worked with fiberglass insulation, I don't remember it lasting in my clothes beyond one wash cycle.

I don't think the glass fibers are very "clingy" (unlike natural fibers, which are rough specifically to cling to one another.)
And, they're probably brittle and easily broken, so they're very unlikely to tangle up in anything. When broken up, they probably act similar to a fine sand.

Frita
Posts: 942
Joined: Thu Mar 15, 2018 8:43 pm

Re: Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by Frita »

I also have eczema and understand not wanting to trigger a flare. This anecdote is not predictive of your situation, just the results of mine. When I helped DS install fiberglass insulation, it did get on our clothing. Our topload washer did completely remove the particles with no lasting residue. Whatever you decide, I hope that you can salvage your favorite jeans without a breakout.

Gilberto de Piento
Posts: 1942
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2013 10:23 pm

Re: Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by Gilberto de Piento »

Could you hit them with compressed air (100psi or so from a blowgun connected to an air compressor) as a first step to try to get it out?

Riggerjack
Posts: 3182
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2011 3:09 am

Re: Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by Riggerjack »

And don't forget duct tape. Wrap it around your hand, sticky side out, and use it like you want to remove lint.

Then run it through the wash, twice. I always follow up with a load of rags, as I keep some of these around for cleaning before reuse, and they are good for cleaning the washer after I wash something awful.

Fiberglass insulation isn't all that bad. But I am not overly sensitive to it, so please use as much caution as you like.

bostonimproper
Posts: 581
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2018 11:45 am

Re: Washing fiberglass out of clothing?

Post by bostonimproper »

Thanks all. Looks like my husband (who tried to replace the panels before I did) just threw his clothes in the washer and has reported good results so here's hoping a double wash + a vinegar wash follow-up for the washer will do the trick.

Post Reply