Question from Judith

Hi, Debra,

Absolutely love your website!! It is the most informative on the greatest variety of subjects I have ever seen.

I have a new problem. My mom just moved in with us and she purchased a new foam mattress (completely made up of foam, no springs, no other materials) from IKEA to use in the basement of our townhouse where she will be living.

She has been using this type of mattress for decades so this is what she is used to. I never thought that it would offgas enough to smell it even on the second floor of the house. On the main level I am affected enough that my nose and mouth are burning, which are my first symptoms with most synthetic offgassing in the air. AND we have been having several windows open 24 hours a day since the weather is still pretty good here in Virginia. I am dreading the colder weather when we have to close most windows! Do you know of any type of covering (like the emergency blankets made of some type of very thin “space” material?) that would keep the offgassing sealed in? I am so hoping she doesn’t have to give it up as she thinks it is the softest mattress available. Thanks so much for all you do!!

Debra’s Answer

Actually, a space blanket would probably do it, as you would need to have something with a layer of metallic foil.

You would need to seal the mattress completely i.e. use two blankets, top and bottom, then seal the edges with foil tape.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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Question from GingerLou

Just f.y.i.: barley, spelt (which is a form of wheat), oats and rye all have gluten. It has also been suggested that those sensitive or allergic to gluten not eat quinoa, amaranth or teff. There supposedly is an amino acid very similar to one found in soy in these grains that can trigger a gluten response. Did you know that most people who are allergic to gluten are also allergic to soy?

I am down to eating, for flours: sorghum, rice, chickpea … corn. I have my own countertop mill and grind my flours from groats or whole dried corn(not popcorn). Sorghum is the one I use most, chased by a bit of brown rice to clean my mill.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Suzy

I have a very nice old salad bowl, made of one piece of wood. It may be teak, but I’m not sure. However it has developed this sticky coating on the outside, and a little also on the inside. I’m assuming it’s whatever the wood was finished with originally, turned old and sticky. I am wondering how to safely remove this. It seems a shame to sand this nice old bowl. Any ideas?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know if this is a finish decaying or a build-up of an applied finish, such as mineral oil.

I’d start with soap and water, or lemon juice or vinegar.

Just FYI, I’ve purchased several one-piece wooden bowls and they were completely unfinished (hence the need to add your own protection). Some do have finishes of various types.

Readers, any experience with this?

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Question from sophia

Dear Debra,

I enjoy reading your website and blog. I am writing regarding outgassing help for new leather sofa which was purchased by a family member without letting me know about it.

It is Italian Leather and smells very strong and toxic!

I’ld greatly appreciate any thoughts on products that might help it out gass without hurting the leather!

Thanks very much.

sincerely,

Debra’s Answer

Readers, anyone have experience with this?

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Question from joyce

I need new appliances and am wondering about the plastic outgasing problems with dishwashers and refrigerators. In the store, they smell terrible when opened. Would a stainless interior in a dishwasher make the added expense worthwhile?

And how long will the outgasing last?

Debra’s Answer

Plastic on the interior of appliances IS a problem. It does outgas over time–how long that takes depends on the appliance and the manufacturer.

I used to only purchase used appliances. Not only are they outgassed, but there is the added environmental benefit of getting more life out of an appliance that still has life left in it.

In the past ten years, I’ve purchased two new refrigerators because I couldn’t find what I wanted used. I’ve noticed that different brands smell more or less and that the specific units that were delivered to my home actually didn’t smell much at all, and whatever odor there was dissipated in a few months. I don’t remember the brand of the one I purchased ten years ago, but the refrigerator I currently have is a Kenmore Trio.

It would be so great if someone could do some research on the plastics used in appliances and if there is a difference between brands. I just haven’t had the time… (but I’ll be happy to post it here if anyone wants to do it).

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Question from AmyJo

My mother-in-law gave me an old bottle of Scotch Gard Fabric Protector to use on my son’s new area rug. I have researched and found out that this is a very dangerous product that can be fatal and is very bad for the envoronment. I need to dispose of it but don’t know the safe way to do that. Can you give me advice on what to do with this old, unsafe can?

Debra’s Answer

Call your local Hazardous Waste Disposal service. Your county Solid Waste agency should be able to direct you. They should have some place you can drop it off between Hazardous Waste Disposal Collection Days.

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Question from IRENE AMATULLI

Hi Debra,

I love your site. I have ordered your book, can’t wait for it to arrive!

Just wondering if you can recommend some organic children’s vitamins? I don’t know what i can trust online.

Thank you very much for your help!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have children myself, so have no personal experience with children’s vitamins.

Moms, what do you recommend?

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