Using the WIPE-IT
Make sure you have read, understand and comply with the requirements
on the label of the herbicide you are using. When you use the WIPE-IT
for the first time, don't plan on being out for more than an hour or
two. Unless you are in good shape, you will be using arm and hand muscles
that you might not normally use on a regular basis. To avoid fatigue,
try switching between the hand you use to hold the WIPE-IT and the hand
holding the spray bottle. Give yourself a little time to get the hang
of it: the best pinching pressure, the amount of herbicide to apply
to the wicks, the most affective wrist action, etc. After about an hour
you should feel very comfortable with treating individual plants without
affecting non-target plants or dripping any herbicide.
1. Supplies needed - the WIPE-IT, nitrile gloves and other required
personal protective equipment as specified by the label of the herbicide
being used, herbicide in the spray bottle, clean-up rags in case of
drips, and optional pruning shears.
2. Opening the nozzle on the spray bottle for a direct jet stream seems
to work best to apply the herbicide on the wicks and avoid a drifting
mist. Squeeze the handles of the WIPE-IT so the wicks touch each other
while you spray the herbicide along the intersection of the wicks. Do
not overload the wicks to the point where the herbicide is dripping
off.
3. With the handle in the open position place the wicks on either side
of the plant. Pinch the handles together, turn your wrist a little to
slightly bend the plant. Draw the WIPE-IT up the plant and off the top.
If additional herbicide is desired wipe again or try using more pressure
in your grip, twisting your wrist to a greater angle or grabbing the
plant from a different direction.
4. If herbicide inadvertently gets on any non-target plants immediately
clean it off with a rag, or if needed, prune the plant.