Outdoor Itch Resource Center

How to use Tecnu on clothing.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes are caused by your body's allergic reaction to the resinous oil produced by the plants. This oil is called urushiol (pronounced oo-roo-she-all). This oil can rub onto your clothing when you encounter the plants and stay until it is washed off. It is common to get a rash while handling or wearing clothing that has come in contact with the oil. Consider cleaning all clothing that may have touched the plants. This might also include jackets, gloves, and shoes.

It is important to wash your clothing with a detergent that can break up the oil. This video shows how to use Tecnu Original Outdoor Skin Cleanser to remove poison ivy, oak, and sumac oil. Remember to use Tecnu Original like you would a stain remover. Apply it to dry clothing before you launder the items. It is suggested that you wash contaminated clothing separately from other laundry.

Check out the video above or follow these simple 2 steps below to effectively use Tecnu Original to remove poison oak/ivy oils from your clothing:

Step One: Check for color fastness on a concealed corner of the fabric, then saturate contaminated unwetted clothing with Tecnu in a bucket or dish pan. Allow this to soak for a few minutes.

Step Two:  By itself, wash clothes as normal in a washing machine with high-quality detergent in hot water.