It is the season for landscape weeds. That means people will be pulling and spraying weeds to keep the yard pretty and neat. Please remember to clean your sprayer after each use to keep it working effectively and efficiently. Failure to clean your sprayer can cause harm to unintended targets. Plus, leaving chemicals in your sprayer for long periods of time can cause deterioration, cracks, and grime to build up. Pesticides and chemicals that are not compatible together can cause a sludge to form. Prevent this by taking a few minutes to clean your sprayer correctly. Triple rinsing is a great way to accomplish this.
Backpack sprayer.
Katie Moore, ©2024, Clemson Extension
To Clean a Pesticide Sprayer:
- Fill the sprayer 1/5 to ¼ with water.
- Replace the closure and rotate the container.
- Drain the rinsate in an area approved to treat on the label. Using like the full-strength pesticide.
- Repeat these steps two more times.
It is also a good idea to take off and clean the nozzles, screens, and filters separately.
Clean your sprayer away from children and pets. Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to protect yourself from pesticide exposure.
For more information on pesticides safety see: HGIC 2751, Pesticide Safety.
