Question from Diana S.

Hi,

We are planning on recovering our dining room chairs ourselves. Given that the new fabric will be stapled to the chairs and that we have 2 kids under 4, I would really like to protect the fabric from the kids many spills. I know the old Scotchguard was pulled off the market, I’m assuming the new isn’t much better in terms of chemicals.

Do you know of some more natural solution to protect fabric and make it somewhat stain repellant? I found reference to soaking a fabric in borax somewhere online, but this seems to only be mildly effective…

Thanks for your help!

Debra’s Answer

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Question from dcnormand

Hi Debra

I absolutely love the Honey Mustard Garlic Vinegarette. I would like to make more than 1 batch at a time. Can you please tell me why you suggested we make it just before use?

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

I recommend that you make it one batch at a time because of the method. And I like my dressing fresh. But there’s no reason you should make as much as you want and store it in the refrigerator.

I also like variety in my salad dressing and tend to make different dressings instead of eating the same one over and over.

But I’m happy you love it, so make as much as you want!

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Question from Robin

Hi Debra and All,

I’ve been looking at the sources for buying bulk foods (such as grains, nuts, soup bases, etc) on Debra’s List, but I was curious to know what people’s experiences have been. I’ve look at the Web sites for Shop Natural and Sun Organic Farms and like them both, but would appreciate input from Debra and other readers on which distributors they like using.

Many Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Personally, I buy most of my food locally (unless there’s something I REALLY want and can’t buy it here). So I’m not much help with this.

Readers, what online sources for organic foods do you have good experience with?

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Question from Julie

Hi,

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a natural latex mattress with wool batting, and wool pillows. They have been airing out since I got them, because they smell like little sheeps…

The smell is pretty intense, especially for the pillows. I did many reasearch in the Internet and could not find any customers complaints about bad smell of wool pillows.

I called the company and they said that the smell should be gone after 2 weeks, but it’s not gone yet. They also offered to come and use some kind of “deionizer” process to get rid of the smell if it’s not gone after a while.

Do you know if this smell is normal and will go away eventually? What do you think of the process they suggest to get rid of the smell?

(By the way, the company states that they use Texel organic wool, washed with only hot water and vegetable-based soaps (no detergents, chemicals, or chlorine bleach), certified to the Oko-Tex 100 standard.)

Debra’s Answer

Many natural materials do have natural odors that are not toxic–it’s just the natural odor–and wool is no exception.

I’ve purchased several wool mattresses, about a dozen wool pillows, and a wool comforter over the years, and have never had a problem with a “sheep” odor that was too strong.

By the time the wool is cleaned and carded, it should be odor-free.

I don’t know anything about the process they are recommending, but they should do whatever it takes to make this right for you, or accept your return and give you a full refund.

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Question from Pat

Hi Debra

Just checked your website through the Yoga Journal. Thank you for having it. Getting help in this area of cleaning with less toxins etc., is new and interesting to me. Could you tell me just how toxic going into a pool, and jacuzzi at my spa gym might be to me. I love water aerobics there and yoga too!

Thank you for taking some time to help out when you can answer (I’m hoping this is not one more thing I have to give up as I enjoy the water).

All my best!

Pat

Debra’s Answer

A chorinated pool is pretty toxic. Considering that it is not a good idea to shower in chlorinated water because the chlorine in tap water can be absorbed through the skin (a shower filter is recommended), it’s even worse to swim in a chlorinated pool or soak in chloriated water in a spa because there is so much more chlorine.

I know what you mean about loving the water exercise! I used to go to water aerobics class, but then decided to get my own pool because I didn’t want the chlorine exposure. You can take a look at my chlorine-free pool and read all the details at: My Chlorine-Free Swimming Pool.

If it’s not practical to get your own pool, consider if the benefits of the exercide outweigh the exposure to the chlorine for you. Would exercising in a chlorinated pool or not exercising and avoiding chlorine lead to better health? And is there another option for exercise.

Also take a look at How to minimize risk from swimming in chlorinated pool.

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Question from jeanne

I’m hoping to find info about green campgrounds and/or guest houses in the Pacific NW (I live in Gig Harbor WA) and Southern California within 2 hours of LA/OC (seemingly better weather for outdoor activity). I’m also curious about the green-ness of yurts vs. platform tents vs. traditional tents as camping shelters. Thanks. Take care.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Millicent Meeks

I have a question and I wasn’t sure how to post one. Do you, or any readers, know how to remove plastic fumes from a clothes dryer/washer more quickly? My husband just had to have a new one enough though our old one was fine, and now I am washing my clothes at my mom’s house right now.

My uncle suggested vinegar on the washer, but I know this wouldn’t be an option for the dryer. I tried to find one with as little plastic as possible on the inside and outside, but they all have plastic now I think.

Millicent Meeks

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Alison Philip

I would like to ask for more information from anyone regarding the safety of regular use of mineral oil on the skin especially a child’s skin.

I would like to say that I am reading with interst the for and against the use of it. I do like to think I have an open mind on the use of it on the skin.

I would like to say that as a district nurse for 20 years I worked in a village where many patient’s had skin cancer and I did read an medical article some time ago saying that when the village was in full production of using the by products of paraffin and petroleum that this village had one of the highest incidences of skin care in Europe.

Debra’s Answer

I suggest you read Q&A: Mineral Oil–Is It Safe and Natural? and then post any additional questions you have there.

Please keep in mind that whatever we place on our bodies goes directly into the body via the skin. So I wouldn’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat.

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Question from tracey wick

in our home i use as many non chemical cleaners as possible, although with my laundry i have been using Melaleuca products. I think I need to switch laundry products due to my daughters so so sensitive skin. Aubrey Organics makes an all purpose cleaner that doubles as a laundry detergent, how well does it do with the laundry? also i found the “Sun and Earth” brand, are those totally natural and chemical free? thanks…

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what are your recommendations?

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Question from Carrol

In trying to avoid Stainmaster (Teflon) on my new carpets, I have discovered that all chemicals used for stain resistance are fluoro-chemicals. According to the represenative I spoke with at Shaw, all of these chemicals react the same way. Since this is proprietary information, he could not give me a breakdown of the product they now use (R2X). But he assured me that all anti–stain chemicals are in the same class. He also said that only the cheapest made carpets aren’t treated with stain resistance chemicals. These carpets are meant to be replaced frequently/annually. Of this would cause more outgassing problems and ecological problems.

Do you have any information on this and how to avoid these chemicals? The AFM carpet sealer does not list this as an indication for their product and I am waiting for them to call me. Unfortunately, I can not choose a different flooring.

Thanks,

Carrol

Debra’s Answer

Take a look at Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Flooring for a start. The natural carpets listed there should be free of these finishes. Also check the link there for The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Carpets. These are low-emitting synthetic carpets that would at least be safe-er.

Readers, any suggestions?

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