What should you do first when preparing to clean pesticide application equipment?

Draining the sprayer tank and lines is the most logical first step when preparing to clean pesticide application equipment. This action removes the majority of the product that was just used, minimizing contamination and ensuring that the cleaning process is effective. By eliminating residual pesticides from the system, you reduce the risk of cross-contamination with subsequent applications and enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning solution you will later use.

The subsequent steps, such as rinsing with clean water or disassembling nozzles and screens, are important, but they are most effective after the majority of the leftover pesticide has been removed from the system. Filling the equipment with cleaning solution should also follow these preliminary steps because introducing a cleaning agent without first removing residual pesticides could lead to ineffective cleaning and potential chemical interactions. Therefore, starting with draining the tank establishes a clean slate for the cleaning process.