Question from Sadie I use my dishwasher about once a week with natural products to clean, but not a rinse aid. The Ecover dishsoap tablets I recently bought recommend using one. I was wondering if I can use vinegar or if it would damage it. Any suggestions? I see...

Question from YH How do you know if a textile is permanent press or rayon? They seem similar to me. Does rayon emit formaldehyde? Debra's Answer Permanent press is a finish and rayon is a fabric. Rayon is made from natural cellulose and chemicals. It usually doesn't...

Question from YH Does steam cleaning makes the carpet outgas even more? I think hot temperature makes plastic outgas, right? Debra's Answer Hot temperature does make plastic outgas more, however, steam cleaning is the best way to clean a carpet. It would only outgas...

Question from Rita Hi Debra, My husband and I live in New York City and find ourselves ordering takeout all the time. The piping hot food often arrives in plastic containers. Should we be concerned about the plastic leaching into the food? Many thanks, Rita Debra's...

Question from Ruth Ruddock Recently the Landlady in my building said she was having the hall carpets professionally cleaned...I requested that they not use fragrance if possible. She said that they were going to use a dry method and she explained my issue to the man...

Question from Marcia Here is an excellent article on what cars are more toxic than others - regarding the various materials they used in different cars that are rated: it's Toxic Cars: Is your car making you sick?. Marcia California USA Debra's Answer [button...

Question from Melissa I have successfully used Oxyclean laundry spray for years with no reaction. Today I used a new bottle and the fragrance was so overpowering that I had to rewash the entire load. I called the company and the customer service rep told me that she...

Question from nelly Hello, Does anyone have any first hand experience w/ the Gaia Hotel in Napa, or any of the "eco friendly" hotels in the San Francisco Bay area? www.gaianapavalleyhotel.com Thanks Debra's Answer I've stayed at the Hotel Triton in San Francisco,...

Question from P I must admit. I've been looking like a bit scruffy lately, but I refuse to use toxic makeups and threw mine all away this year when I learned the dangers. I have been frustrated b/c even the natural makeups have stuff that I can't pronounce. I'm just...

Question from YH Most houses around where I live have carpet. It is really hard to find houses that have hardwood floor. I am looking for a 4-month sublet, and was wondering if it is worth it to remove carpet for 4 months and then put it back. Can I do it all by...