Poison Ivy removal

[ShineDoc]

I just had a customer call and he tells me his car interior has poison ivy resin on the carpet and seats. Poison ivy is an oily based resin. I was thinking remove seats, use Meg's APC and super degreaser. Agitate with cyclo brush, use the Torador vac to remove.

Do you think I am on the right track? Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Every detailer he has called has laughed at him.

Thank in advance,
James

 

[jsgntulok]

If you are not allergic to poison ivy, then have at it. Otherwise, follow the example of the other detailers and turn down the job. Poison ivy is not fun.

 

[briarpatch]

They probably laughed because they have the same question I do....how the heck did it get in there in the first place? Was this guy transporting poison ivy...or was this part of an elaborate practical joke?

 

[Setec Astronomy]

They probably laughed because they have the same question I do....how the heck did it get in there in the first place? Was this guy transporting poison ivy...or was this part of an elaborate practical joke?

You can get poison ivy on your clothes and then transfer it to other surfaces, and it remains active for a long time. I would imagine the person walked through an area of poison ivy, got it all over them, and by the time they realized it (it takes some time before you break out), had already gotten it all over the seats and carpet from their clothes and shoes.

 

[briarpatch]

Never thought of that....I just read that the oil can remain active for years. I'm guessing that an extractor would be the right course of action here? I've been told that the last thing you want is to disperse this stuff into the air.

 

[Desertnate]

I've been told that the last thing you want is to disperse this stuff into the air.

I've heard the same thing based on anecdotal evidence from someone who tried to burn a pile of cuttings after he removed it from his property line.

Even if you get it out of the upholstery, isn't there a risk of it still being in the foam of the seat cushions?

 

[Cliffnopus]

You can get poison ivy on your clothes and then transfer it to other surfaces, and it remains active for a long time. I would imagine the person walked through an area of poison ivy, got it all over them, and by the time they realized it (it takes some time before you break out), had already gotten it all over the seats and carpet from their clothes and shoes.

Absolutely true. My wife can attest to it.

 

[shagnat]

Poison ivy, or any derivative, is nasty if allergic to it. Burning a pile of poison ivy is dangerous and dumb... I know this first hand.

Personally, I'd decline the job, but, would imagine some sort of disinfectant that would kill the active oils would be required..... but, that's just a WAG.

 

[rmagnus]

Tecnu Posion Oak Cleaner breaks down the oils. Foot detailing I'd think after treatment with Tecnu use steam and an extractor.

Knowing how bad I get this stuff I'd charge an arm and a leg for the service or just decline it. Hell I'm itching already....

 

[PaulMys]

The residual oils can last on inert surfaces for several months.

This could be a tricky job.