Question from Adica

Hi Debra,

I was wondering if you know of any safe electric griddles. I’ve been wanting one because cooking pancakes on the stovetop in a pan is just frustrating for me. However, many of them have nonstick finishes on them, which worries me. I want a nonstick one, but I want a safe one. If you don’t know of any brands, do you know the sorts of things I should look for? Like types of materials used in the nonstick finish? Or would you just suggest I get a well-made stovetop griddle made of cast iron or some other material?

Thanks!

Adica

Debra’s Answer

Just get a well-made stovetop griddle. Cast iron is fine. I have one I like made from soapstone, but I don’t think they are available anymore. I also have one made from cast iron that fits over two burners, with a flat griddle on one side and a grill on the other. I really like it.

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Question from vibranthealth

I have severe mcs and mold sensitivity. I recall reading that front load washers can have a mold problem. Is there a specific brand/model of washer and dryer that anyone would recommend for me? Many thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from TZ

With the recent epidemic of bedbugs that is spreading across this country, I was wondering if any knows of a non-toxic way to get rid of them.

Debra’s Answer

There is a product made from cedar oil at the Cedar Oil Store that will KILL bedbugs. It’s just cedar oil and nothing else.

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Question from dd

I have a severe ant and roach problem and I want to know which things are the best to use, so I can get rid of them for good.

Thanks a lot.

Debra’s Answer

This question is completely answered in the pest control chapter of my book Home Safe Home.

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Question from lohrn4

My husband KNOWS I am against using chemical poisons anywhere in or near my home, so he hides the RAID. About a week ago it finally started raining (nonstop) in sunny California and the ants started pouring in. This morning, before I got up, he sprayed my kitchen and “cleaned” the counters, opened windows and doors (it’s cold outside). But when I came home after dropping him off at work, I could smell the RAID. He also sprayed in a cabinet that has dishes and such things as my juicer and blender. What is my best solution for cleaning everything, even for items that have intricate pieces to them or are not supposed to be immersed in water? Thank you, Ali

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know the answer, but I can tell you how to find out.

Every pesticide has a substance used to “clean up” the pesticide. Contact Raid and ask them how to do this.

I did this once before and the clean up substance turned out to be ordinary household chlorine bleach. Though the bleach was toxic, it did remove the pesticide and then the bleach quickly dissipated.

So call Raid and find out what to do.

Question from revkwd

What can you tell me about the safety of this product? I have a new puppy and am also green and concerned about anything toxic. Thanks in advance for any help. Rev kwd

Debra’s Answer

What you want to do to find out the safety of this product is consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). You can find it by searching “Bonide systemic house plant insect control MSDS” in your favorite search engine.

Bonide systemic house plant insect control MSDS

It says the pesticide is Imidacloprid.

Under HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION it says:

ROUTES OF ENTRY: Inhalation, Eyes, Skin, Ingestion.
EYES: Causes moderate eye irritation.
INHALATION: Avoid breathing dust or vapor.
SKIN: Harmful if absorbed through skin. Avoid Contact.
INGESTION: Harmful if swallowed.

It also says there is no antidote to treat poisoning by this pesticide.

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Question from svw

Hi, was wondering if anyone knew where to buy covers for cars seats? If one were to have them made what would be the best fabric, canvas etc.? Thanks s

Debra’s Answer

What kind of car seat covers do you want? Do you want to replace your seat covers or put a cover over the existing covers?

I once reupholstered the seats in a sports car with cotton canvas. I just bought the fabric, washed it, and brought it to an auto upholstery shop.

I’ve also had sheepskin covers which went over my existing seats.

Currently I have leather seats in my 2001 PT Cruiser, so no seat covers.

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From Environmental Working Group:

Halloween is spooky enough without having to worry about the toxins in your decorations and costumes. That’s why we’ve created a simple tip sheet to help you have a greener, safer holiday this year.

Take a look at Tips to Green Your Halloween.