Question from KRB

I have recently found out that some bra companies are using polyurethane foam in the padding. I was shocked to see it on the label. The specific brand is Hanes and Barely There. I am wondering about the use of it in bras. How can this be safe? Are there safe alternatives? Some companies don’t list what is in the padding. Thanks for your input.

Debra’s Answer

Polyurethane foam is a plastic, and so is the polyester fabric used to made padded bras. I can’t help but think that it could be absorbed through the skin.

There are bras made from natural fibers. One website that specializes in natural fiber undergarments is Decent Exposures.

Depending on how much support you need, you might consider not even wearing a bra. I gave mine up years ago.

Question from natalia

Dear Debora,

We bought a new birch closet from Ikea 1 wk ago. I have windows open for a week but it still gives off a strong odor. The closet is in the nursery and I am concirned about the toxic effect of this odor. Also is there a way to eliminate the smell?

Debra’s Answer

It’s hard to answer your question without having more information. Like, is it solid birch, or birch veneer over plywood?

The way to eliminate outgassing in general is to apply heat. Remove it from the nursery and put it in a room that can be closed up with a space heater. Let it “bake” for a few days and a lot of the smell will be released.

It’s difficult to determine from your post if the odor is from the wood itself or if it is some manufactured wood that contains chemicals. Either way, heat will help.

Opening the windows is good for removing the odor from the room, but it won’t do anything to reduce whatever is outgassing from the wood.

Question from Nell

Hi Debra,

I am hoping you or some of the experts who read this site can help me with this problem: The insulation IN THE WALLS of our 37 yr old house has settled about a foot or so below the roof line, so that a lot of heat escapes at the top of the walls during the winter. (House was tested with a special camera.)

Does anyone have a suggestion as to how we could fill this space INEXPENSIVELY? I thought about the spray-in type insulation. Would this work? Any ideas? Someday, we hope to re-insulate the whole house when having the siding replaced, but that will not be in the budget for a while.

Appreciate the help,

Nell

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from RBES

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a natural eye makeup remover?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I personally don’t wear eye makeup except when I’m speaking or on television, and then I just wash it off in the shower.

Readers, your recommendations?

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Question from SBP

I was given a set of china dishes. Several of them are “brown with age”, but in good condition otherwise. Can anyone tell me how to get rid of this brown shadow across the dishes?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from sophia

Hello,

Dear Debra,

Do you know of a natual alternative to the commercial pesticide sprays used to control gypsy moths in the north east, ie western NJ. I am asking for a residence w/a large plot of land that runs into the woods.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Right at the top of the Pest Control page of Debra’s List, under “General”, there is a list of organizations that have lots of info on natural pest controls. Try one of those websites.

Readers, any experience with this? What worked for you?

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Question from Sue McWilliams

I read an article explaining to dip cotton in peppermint oil and place in areas likely to attract rodent traffic. Cleaned up my laundry room and placed several in the room. I used pieces of a cotton t-shirt tied in a small bundle and saturated with the peppermint oil. My laundry room smells nice, but since this is the first time I have tried this, I was wondering how often I would have to do this. Will these last me throughout the winter months? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I’ve never tried this, but I would imagine that you would need to periodically refresh the peppermint oil. Probably every month or two.

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Question from Sunnyside

I’m looking for a non-toxic, low(or no) VOC sealer that can be used to cover our newly installed deck floor. The deck floor is a hardwood (maple)from Brazil light in color. It is a very dense wood and pre-drilling was necessary. If possible, I would like to seal this yet this fall before the Michigan winter sets in.

I did check with Vermont Natural Coatings but they do not have a product for the outside at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? I don’t have experience with this as I don’t have a deck.

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Question from TC

I bought some Dr. Woods black Castille soap with shea butter. It says it is all natural, but “fragrance” (not essential oil or natural fragrance) is listed in the ingredients. It doesn’t smell like a natural fragrance, and 2 emails to the company have gone unanswered. Does anyone know if it is a 100% natural product?

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

“Fragrance” on a label typically means it is synthetic (made from petroleum). If the scent is natural, the label will list the essential oils used (i.e. essential oil of lavender).

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Question from Gayle Ellias

We just pulled up carpet from a house that was built in the 1950’s. Underneath is a beautiful Oak hardwood floor. We need to apply a finish to it. We have a chemically sensitive son, and three big dogs. What finish would you recommend that is nontoxic, yet very strong to resist nail scratches from dogs?!

Thanks so much,

Gayle

Debra’s Answer

Again, I think the finish from Vermont Natural Coatings may be the one for you, too. They are sending me samples this week. Contact them and ask them about durability.

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