Raid is an everyday household staple that can be used to kill bugs, but you may wonder if it’s safe to use on your clothing.
While you “can” spray raid on your clothes, wearing this clothing may prove harmful to your health. The chemicals in Raid are designed to kill insects by contact.
When these chemicals come into contact with your skin, they can cause irritation, redness, and burning. In some cases, people have had severe reactions to Raid that required medical attention.
So while you can technically spray raid on your clothes, it’s not recommended.
Getting rid of insects these days have been made easier. Pest and insect killer manufacturers are now adapting to new technology, formulations, and techniques that make their products more user-friendly and effective.
In the past, people would have to spray a large number of chemicals for it to be effective in killing insects. But with the new technology, all you need is a small amount to get rid of those pesky critters.
One of these is the Raid Insecticide. It’s been around for years and has been trusted by many homeowners to kill insects inside their homes.
This insect killer is designed to be used in your home to kill bugs and keep them from coming back. Raid is available in aerosol cans, pump sprays, and foggers.
You can use Raid in your kitchen, bathroom, basement, or anywhere else you’ve seen bugs.
It is exceptionally potent that it leaves a residual effect on the area where it is sprayed, killing any insects that come into contact with the chemicals long after you’ve sprayed.
This means you don’t have to keep reapplying Raid to keep bugs away. However, this also means that when you get Raid on your clothes, it’s going to stay there for at least four months without being washed.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Spray Raid in Your Clothes
Technically, you can spray Raid on your clothes, but we don’t recommend it. Here’s why:
May Cause Skin Irritation
Raid mostly contains pyrethroids, which are a synthetic version of the natural insecticide pyrethrin. Pyrethroids are designed to attack an insect’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
But when pyrethroids come into contact with human skin, they can cause irritation, burning sensation, and redness. In some cases, people have had severe reactions to pyrethroids that required medical attention.
Can Leave a Residue on Your Clothes
When you spray Raid, the chemicals will stay on your clothes until you wash them. This means that any time you wear these clothes, you’re exposing yourself to the chemicals.
And if you have sensitive skin, this can be a problem. Additionally, the chemicals in Raid can damage some fabrics. So if you spray Raid on your clothes, be sure to wash them as soon as possible.
May Be Dangerous When Inhaled
When Raid is left in your clothes, the chemicals can be released into the air when you move or wear the clothing. And if you’re not careful, you may end up inhaling these chemicals.
Inhaling pyrethroids can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. It can also irritate your eyes and nose.
Unless absolutely necessary, we don’t recommend spraying Raid on your clothes. If you must use Raid, be sure to wash your clothes as soon as possible and avoid inhaling the chemicals.
It’s Not Necessary
If you’re using Raid to get rid of bugs, eggs, and larvae, you don’t need to spray it on your clothes. Raid is designed to be used in your home, not on your body.
There are other products that are specifically designed for use on clothing, like mothballs and cedar oil. Washing your clothes in hot water will also kill any bugs that might be on them.
Related Topics: Can you Spray Rid on Stove.
Alternatives for Killing Pests That May Be on Your Clothes
Whether we like to admit it or not, pests are a part of life. Whether they’re hiding in our carpets, buzzing around our doorknobs, or scurrying across our clothes, these pests can be incredibly frustrating and difficult to get rid of.
But while most people turn to chemical solutions when trying to eliminate pests that may have hidden in our clothes, there are several less conventional options that can help to eradicate pests without leaving behind a toxic residue.
Use Borax or Diatomaceous Earth
One of these alternatives is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of algae. It’s sharp edges cut through an insect’s exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die.
And because it’s a powder, it’s easy to sprinkle on your clothes and get into all the nooks and crannies where pests might be hiding.
Neem Oil
If you’re looking for a more natural solution, neem oil is a good option. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and has been used for centuries in India to control pests. When applied to your clothes, it will kill any insects that come into contact with it.
Lavender Oil
There are many different alternatives for killing pests like moths, fleas, and other unwanted intruders on your clothing.
One popular option is lavender oil, which has natural insect-repelling qualities and can be easily incorporated into a variety of home remedies.
To use lavender oil, simply add a few drops to the wash cycle along with your usual detergent, or place a drop or two on a cotton ball and put it in each of your drawers, closets, or storage containers.
The Standard Trick: Wash in Hot Setting
No matter how resilient these pests may be, one thing is for sure: they can’t survive a trip through the washing machine on the hot setting.
For an extra level of protection, you can also add a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle, which will help to kill any eggs or larvae that might be present.
Related Topics: Can You Spray Raid on Bed Sheets.
Final Thoughts
Spraying Raid on clothes is okay – but it is not recommended. Without giving it a good wash, these chemicals may stay on your clothes for 4 months at most, leaving it there may cause skin irritations, allergies, and other respiratory problems when worn.
It is best to avoid spraying Raid on your clothes and go for other methods like borax, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, lavender oil or even the standard hot washer cycle with vinegar.