Question from Em
Hi Debra,
Are clear vinyl clothes covers used in closets to protect clothes from dust safe to use? These are the covers that go over the rod and cover the shoulder part of clothes. The product labels says “complies with California Prop 65” but when I check the website it states has listed AC Prop 65 chemicals. I find this confusing. I purchased this product from Bed Bath and Beyond – Closetware – Closet Rod Cover.
I am allergic to dust and I would like to cover my clothes in my closet to prevent dust settling on them. Even a few days of dust accumulation which is not notifiable to the eye will create allergic problems for me.
Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
The Product Information clearly states that the product is made from “PVC,” which is considered the most toxic plastic by the environmental group Greenpeace.
This is akin to a vinyl shower curtain, which emits fumes that pollute the air.
In a small enclosed area such as a closet, these fumes could concentrate to very high levels.
I don’t recommend using this product.
If you can sew at all or know someone who does, clothes covers are easy to make out of any cotton fabric, and using old sheets or pillowcases works well. Just trace the shoulder shape of the garment you want to cover, cut out the shape from fabric, adding a narrow seam allowance to the edges of the shape, stitch with right sides together, leaving a small space at the center top. Trim seams, turn and press. Then put the cover over the hanger.
It’s sometimes even easier, depending on the size of the garment to be covered. Just fold a pillowcase in half to find the center, trim a small hole for the hanger (you can overcast the edges if you want, or you can just leave it) and use that as a cover.
You can dust over the tops of the covers, or remove, fold inward and shake them outside if they’re not too dusty. Or you can remove and wash them as often as you like. Easy, lasting and uses no plastic, ever!