Question from JC

Does anyone have a recipe for a good wood cleaner/polisher or is there a commercial product available?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Susan H.

Help!!! My inkjet printer leaked black ink on my carpet! It was my fault, but what can be done? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

For something like this, contact the manufacturer first. They will know how to remove their ink from various materials. Once you know what they recommend, you can find a similar less-toxic solution.

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Question from john

My wife has MCS and we are in the process of finding a “safe” house, both insisde and outside. We think we have found a house that fits most of our criteria, except for one area. The homeowner installed pre-finished hardwood floors in part of the home 6 months ago. We’ve heard that this should be OK since the finish is baked on. We were in the home for about 45 minutes and my wife did not detect anything. Her sense of smell is accute and she usually detects things immediately if it is going to bother her. What do you think? Opinions are welcome. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I think pre-finished hardwood floors are fine. I’ve never had any problem with them.

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Question from k sharp

Does anyone know where I can purchase a mattress that has minimal or no chemicals for a reasonable price. Mail order would be preferable since we live 175 miles from any large city.

It seems they are well over 1000.00 for a twin size.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Vtori

After stumbling across your site and reading about process foods, and sweetners, etc… I wonder what are your thoughts or research on Jenny Craig foods…. I just started the program to lose 50lbs, do you have another recommendation?

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t looked at Jenny Craig foods recently, but last time I looked they were standard commercial foods, not organic, with refined flour and refined sugars. I personally wouldn’t eat them as my regular diet.

My best success with weight lost has come from preparing my own organically grown foods and minimizing carbs. If you eat mainly lean proteins and fresh raw vegetables–as much organic as possible–the weight will fall off. If you want something sweet. Eat a little fresh fruit. Drink 2-4 quarts of clean water every day.

Exercise also makes a big difference. Walk as much as you can. Just start with five minutes if that’s all you can do and do a minute more each day.

I also have found that a gentle intestinal cleanse works wonders. Something like Dr. Schultz’s which is made from organically grown herbs. It works best for me to do it for a week and then another week later. What you think is “fat” in the abdominal area may simply be intestinal build-up.

What is most important is not just to lose those fifty pounds, but to make a transition to healthy eating for the rest of your life.

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Question from Susan Hunt

Hi, Debra ~ I have been intrigued by the discussions about using tooth soap. I have been using Revelation Tooth Powder for some time and I am wondering if any of these ingredients might be harming my teeth: “Calcium Carbonate a naturally occurring mild abrasive, Soap from vegetable sources only, natural Brazilian Menthol, pure Wintergreen Oil.”

I love the way plaque no longer forms on my teeth, even overnight, but I don’t want to use anything that may be harmful in the long run.

Thanks for your insightful and reliable information!

Debra’s Answer

This list of ingredients looks fine to me. Notice it is just soap with a little calcium (the same type as in dietary supplements, and flavoring. This is very similar to tooth soap.

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Question from paul wheaton

Hi Debra, I’d like to share an article I wrote about organic flea control with you and your readers. It’s at www.richsoil.com/fleas.

In it I recommend using diatomaceous earth (DE) to kill fleas.

I know there is a fair amount of debate on this. Some people like the idea of creating a cloud of DE, but others, like me, prefer to keep it on the ground and not in the air. I think for cats, a flea comb is the best thing and a paper thin layer of DE goes around the house wherever a vacuum cannot reach.

The impact of food grade DE on the lungs is the same as flour (most flours contain DE), talcum powder or corn starch. I have read anecdotal speculative concerns about DE, but so far all of these concerns pale (IMO) to the scientifically researched problems with pyrethrins and borates. I think the biggest problem with DE to date is that it is … well … dusty! But I think this dust is less worrisome than your average house dust.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Kat Scott

I cannot seem to find a blender with no fumey odors. All of the blenders I’ve checked out so far smell strongly of outgassing soft plastic which is coming from the lid and the gasket. Can anyone help? We’re all having smoothie deficiencies! Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Mike George

I would like to get some tips on detailing automobiles with non-chemical products. In the process of removing chemicals from my home I realized that 25% of them were dedicated to my car(sad I know!). I don’t expect the love affair with my car to end so any advice would be appreciated for interior detailing that includes leather seats.

PS: I have heard vegetable and olive oils are okay for interior panels etc.? any more ideas?

Thanks

Debra’s Answer

You can read about leather care at Q&A: Nontoxic Leather Care and Q&A: Nontoxic Leather Protection.

As for everything else, readers?

And, Mike, if you could add a comment to this post with your specific needs, I and others could give you more help.

Personally, all I do to the interior of my car is vacuum it out and wash the windows with vinegar and water.

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Question from Gina Ryerson

Hi Debra and Everyone,

I discovered Universal Inkjet Refill System from Computer Business Works, Inc. www.colorfastink.com

This stuff works beautifully for me every time. The box says “Refill up to 6 times”, but seems I’ve gotten more than that. Once you get the hang of it, it’s simple enough. And not messy if you’re careful.

The kit includes ink, syringe, tutorial CD-ROM and instruction booklet.

The ink is “high quality” waterproof, so I don’t know how if it’s nontoxic. I don’t see anything on the website to give me a clue.

Gina Ryerson

Debra’s Answer

The ingredients are pyrollidone and urea. pyrollidone is short for polyvinyl pyrollidone (PVP) which is a plastic commonly used in hairspray. I don’t know how this compares to other printer inks, but if anyone wants to send me URLs for printer inks, I’ll be happy to compare ingredients.

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