Question from Ali
I have custom window seat cushion, which I had made in 2008. The insert is polyurethane foam, and I am concerned that it may be coated in chemical fire retardants. The fabric cover zips off, so theoretically I could replace the insert with an all natural latex one, but I’m wondering about chemical residues on the fabric. Do you know if washing will remove them? Is there any special soap or rinse that would work? I have heard vinegar can be effective but I’m not sure if that’s true. Or is the fabric permanently unsafe (it was very expensive handmade fabric, which is one of the main reasons I’m trying to salvage it)? Thank you for any advice you can offer!
Debra’s Answer
This is an interesting question.
I’m not sure that polyurethane foam purchased separately from a piece of furniture necessarily has fire retardants on it, as the fire retardant laws refer to the item not the materials it is made from. I can’t guarantee one way or the other.
As for removing fire retardants, I think it would be very difficult. Fire retardants, like water repellants, or wrinkle preventors, are designed to be present for the life of the fabric. If it could be washed out, then the fabric would no longer be fire retardant, or water repellant or wrinkle free.
Wish I could give you a better answer.
