What should you use for cleaning application equipment?

• A. Water and a small amount of detergent, if necessary.
• B. Pure bleach solution.
• C. Only water.
• D. Organic solvent.

Answer: (A)

The best approach is to flush the equipment with clean water and use a small amount of detergent only if needed. Water alone often won’t remove oily or stubborn pesticide residues, while a mild detergent helps break down and emulsify those residues so they can be rinsed away more effectively. Avoid using pure bleach because it can corrode metals and degrade rubber seals, and some pesticides react with chlorine to form hazardous byproducts. Organic solvents are risky too: they’re flammable, toxic, can damage seals and plastics, and may leave residues that contaminate future applications. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the equipment to dry before storage.