Art | Resources
How Can I Get This Perfume Out Of My Hair?
Question from Alicia
Hi Debra,
I had my hair cut in a salon yesterday and the fragrance from the product they put in my hair will not come out. The scent is driving me crazy.
I spent most of the day yesterday trying to wash it out. I showered, I soaked in the tub. I submerged my hair in a 75% vinegar 25% water solution. I used everything from different non-toxic shampoos to dry shampoo, baking soda, orange juice, tea-tree oil + coconut oil, tomato juice, many different vinegar rinses, and a mint/alcohol tincture, among other things. The smell is only diminished about 50%.
It is musky and smells like a cheap men’s cologne from the 70’s. I fell asleep last night with baking soda in my hair and a winter hat covering my hair. Woke up this morning and tried again. It still stinks. My voice is scratchy from irritation. Help!
Debra’s Answer
Order EnviroKlenz Hand Soap and Deodorizer.
It’s a liquid Castile soap that utilizes the EnviroKlenz patented earth mineral technology to neutralize the odors at the source without the use of masking agents of fragrances.
Need Sensodyne Original toothpaste replacement!!!
Question from Anne
Hi Debra,
Sensodyne Original is being discontinued. I need a NON-MINT flavored toothpaste with the 5% potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth or another de-sensitizer that is just as effective. I live in constant sinus headaches and my teeth are super sensitive. Any specific help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know of a toothpaste off-hand that meets these qualifications.
Readers, any suggestions?
Densshield Tile Backer Board
Image from video at https://www.buildgp.com/densshield-tilebacker-board
Question from Janice
Hi Debra,
Does anyone have any information or experience with the Densshield tile backer board? My contractor wants to use this for our bath remodel around the shower walls. Can’t find any info online regarding odors or offgassing.
Any other moisture resistant options for tile backer boards?
Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
I’ve always used Hardibacker or Durock. These are cement boards.
The DensShield website says it’s the first backer board with a built-in moisture barrier, and it’s mold-resistant. Their product video reveals that the moisture barrier is an acrylic coating, and the gypsum core is “specially treated.”
So this tells me that this is NOT cement board, it’s a coated gypsum board. I don’t recommend other coated gypsum boards because they smell horrible and their coatings tend to fail.
I would tell him you want a CEMENT BOARD. That will give you a higher quality, as well as toxic-free installation.
LunchSkins
Plastic-free sandwich and snack bags. There are two types. The recyclable and sealable paper sandwich bags are made from “all natural glassine (pure wood pulp) sourced from FSC-certified forests.” The reusable cloth bags (with zipper or Velcro closing) “are made from a quick drying fabric that is coated with a food-safe polyurethane liner. This unique high-quality fabric was originally manufactured for pastry bags used in bakeries, restaurants and home kitchens. Additionally, LunchSkins are grease-proof and moisture proof making them ideal for messy sandwiches and snacks…All LunchSkins products have been rigorously tested by independent, third-party labs for the presence of lead, Bisphenol-A (BPA), and phthalates to comply with FDA-approved food-safe standards and to ensure the safety, quality and integrity of our bags. LunchSkins meet all federal and state (including California) consumer product safety standards.”
Khala Cloths
Cloth alternative to plastic wrap. “We take organic cotton-hemp blend fabric and infuse it with either beeswax or 100% plant-based waxes and oils, all with natural tree resin…And when you are done using a Khala Cloth wax wrap, they are washable, reusable, and biodegradable.”
Manatee Bags
One simple bag for produce shopping and storage. Made from organic cotton and sustainable dyes. French seams, Machine washable.
WaterCheck
A variety of water test kits for both city and well water. Just choose your kit, send in a water sample, and get your results. NOTE: While it’s always a good idea to know what’s in your water, remember than water tests only show what’s in your water at the moment, and not over time. Because water quality can change, it’s always a good idea to filter your water for a wide spectrum of possible contaminants.
Are Squishies Toxic?
Question from Adrian
Hi Debra,
I was just wondering how safe you think the new kids craze of squishies are? My children really love them! I worked with polyurethane for years and wore air fed respirators but still have sensitivity to it. I can smell the isocyanate in the toys and it gives me an instant headache. What are your thoughts?
Debra’s Answer
Children should NOT be playing with squishes!
It’s interesting that you say you can smell the isocyanate. It’s supposed to completely react and not emit. I’ll look into this more. So just because of that I would say no.
But in addition I see they are SCENTED. So that would be another reason not to play with them or even have them in the house as a decoration.
Tobys Nose Filters
Question from Bonnie Johnson
Hi Debra,
I was wondering if anyone had tried Toby’s nose filters. I have to use a mask when I go outside because of pollen etc and they are supposed to block it. Kind of like an air purifier in your nose. Debra have you looked at them? Wondering how toxic they are. Thanks
Debra’s Answer
I have no experience with this product. Readers, has anyone used them?
Their website states:
The nose units (and clip) are made of a soft, surgical-grade C-Flex plastic (SDS).
Their white basic particulate filter is made of cellulose and polyester.
Their “dual” white and black filter is made of activated carbon with a polyester backing, which does everything the white filter does, but it’s also effective in reducing odors.
They seem fine to me as far as materials go. I don’t know anything about their effectiveness.
Kid’s Wagon
Question from Kristen
Hi Debra,
I am looking for a child’s wagon. There are softer foldable ones that seem toxic, but I am worried about glues/ paint/ finishes on wooden and metal wagons. One review for a wooden wagon said “you could smell it through the box.” Do you have any recommendations?
Debra’s Answer
Debra’s Answer:
Wagons come with all kinds of things these days that just add toxic materials.
Just get a plain old-fashioned Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon or similar wagon that is all metal with a baked-on finished.
The only problem with this wagon may be the rubber tires on the wheels, but there is no getting around that. These should outgas fairly soon.
