Can You Wash Fiberglass Out of Clothes? The Complete Guide to Staying Safe

Fiberglass is useful in insulation and construction — but when it gets on your clothes, it can be itchy, irritating, and even dangerous. The big question is: can you wash fiberglass out of clothes?The short answer: sometimes yes, but with caution.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely remove fiberglass from clothing, protect your skin from the dreaded fiberglass itch, and prevent contamination in your home.

1 What Exactly Is Fiberglass and Why It Makes You Itch

Fiberglass is made of extremely fine glass fibers, thinner than a human hair. These microscopic strands are woven into insulation, filters, and construction materials because they’re strong, lightweight, and heat-resistant.But here’s the problem: when fiberglass touches your skin or gets stuck in clothing, those sharp little fibers irritate your skin and make you itch. This is what people call the “fiberglass itch.”

On clothes, fiberglass looks like:

• Shiny or glittery specks.
• Fine, hair-like strands.
• Dusty, almost invisible particles that sparkle under light.

On skin, it feels like:

• A prickly, burning, itchy sensation.
• Red patches or rashes.
• Sometimes even swelling if left untreated.

So, while fiberglass is a fantastic building material, it’s a nightmare when it comes into contact with your body.

2 Can You Wash Fiberglass Out of Clothes?

Yes — but only under the right conditions. Washing fiberglass-contaminated clothes is risky because:

• Fibers can spread to your washing machine and contaminate other loads.
• Washing doesn’t always remove every fiber — some embed deeply into fabric.
• Drying in a regular dryer can release fiberglass into the air.

Best practice:

• If clothes are heavily contaminated (like work overalls covered in insulation dust), don’t wash them — discard them.
• If only lightly contaminated, you can wash them safely by following specific steps.

3 How to Wash Fiberglass Out of Clothes (Step-by-Step)

If you decide the clothes are worth saving, here’s the safest way to wash fiberglass out:

3.1 Shake Clothes Outdoors

• Take the clothing outside and shake it out vigorously.
• This removes as many loose fibers as possible before washing.

3.2 Use a Lint Roller or Tape

• Roll a lint roller or press adhesive tape over the surface to lift fibers.
• This prevents them from embedding deeper in the wash cycle.

3.3 Rinse Separately in Cold Water

• Put the clothes in the washer by themselves.
• Run a cold rinse cycle to loosen particles. Cold water keeps fibers from digging deeper into fabric.

3.4 Wash on Hot With Extra Rinse

• After rinsing, run a full cycle with hot water and mild detergent.
• Use an extra rinse to flush out fibers.

3.5 Skip Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners coat fibers and trap fiberglass instead of removing it.

3.6 Air Dry Outdoors

• Don’t use your dryer — heat can spread fibers into the air and machine.
• Hang clothes outside in sunlight to dry naturally.

⚠️ Pro tip: After washing, clean the washing machine drum with an empty hot cycle to prevent fiberglass from transferring to your next load.

4 When to Just Throw the Clothes Away

Some clothing is just not worth the risk. You should discard clothes if:

• They’re covered in heavy fiberglass dust.
• They’re porous fabrics (wool, fleece, or knitwear) that trap fibers easily.
• They’ll be worn by children or sensitive individuals.

Instead of trying to save them, invest in fiberglass-resistant clothing or disposable coveralls for your next project. These are designed to keep fibers off your skin and out of your laundry.

5 How to Get Fiberglass Out of Skin

If you’ve worked with fiberglass before, you know the itch can drive you crazy. Here’s the correct way to remove fiberglass from skin:

5.1 Resist Scratching

Scratching makes things worse. It pushes fibers deeper into your skin and increases irritation.

5.2 Cold Water Rinse

Rinse the affected area under cold running water for a few minutes. Cold water keeps pores closed so fibers don’t dig in further.

5.3 Tape Application

Take a piece of duct tape or medical tape, press it gently on your skin, then peel it off slowly. This lifts surface fibers. Repeat with a fresh piece of tape each time.

5.4 Tweezers for Strays

Use sterilized tweezers to remove any visible fibers that tape can’t catch.

5.5 Soothing Cream

Apply aloe vera, calamine lotion, or petroleum jelly to reduce redness and irritation.Optional: Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching if you’re very uncomfortable.

6 Beyond the Skin: Contamination Control

Fiberglass particles don’t just stay on your skin or clothes. They can spread around your home, onto furniture, and even into your air.To control contamination:

• Wash exposed clothes separately.
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter — never a regular vacuum, or fibers will blow back into the air.
• Clean surfaces with damp cloths (not dry dusting, which redistributes particles).
• Shower immediately after exposure to avoid spreading fibers around.

If you work with fiberglass regularly, investing in a fiberglass cleanup kit or service may be worthwhile.

7 The Unseen Dangers of Fiberglass

Fiberglass isn’t just about itching. Prolonged or careless exposure can cause:

• Eye irritation if fibers get transferred from your hands.
• Respiratory irritation if particles are inhaled.
• Skin infections if fibers remain embedded too long.

For most people, fiberglass exposure is temporary and manageable, but it’s not something to ignore.

8 When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if:

• Itching or redness lasts more than a few days.
• You notice swelling, pus, or signs of infection.
• Fiberglass gets in your eyes.
• You experience breathing difficulties after exposure.

9 Prevention: Your Best Defense

The best way to avoid fiberglass problems is to prevent exposure in the first place:

• Wear protective clothing (coveralls, gloves, long sleeves, pants).
• Use safety goggles and masks to protect eyes and lungs.
• Wash work clothes separately — or better yet, use disposable suits.
• Shower and change clothes immediately after working with fiberglass.

👉 If you frequently handle fiberglass, consider investing in fiberglass-resistant clothing and protective gear. It not only keeps you comfortable but also protects your family from secondary exposure.

Conclusion

Fiberglass is useful, but it’s a hassle when it gets on your clothes or skin. Lightly exposed clothes may be washed with care, while heavily contaminated ones are safer to discard. On skin, quick steps like rinsing, using tape, and applying soothing cream can stop the itch.

Prevention is always best — with proper protective clothing and safe handling, you can avoid the fiberglass itch altogether.