Question from joyce k.

I have an interior bedroom that only has one window. Outside the window the air flow is blocked by an added on bathroom. There is still air flowing, but the window is near the ground and if left open is a security hazard (someone could enter the house.)

I cannot even go in the room without a mask or holding my breath because of the build up of stale air. An air filter helps, but does not of course provide fresh air.

The wall of the bedroom that leads to the rest of the house cannot be taken down because it is a supporting wall.

Does anyone have experience with this type of problem? How can I ventilate this room?

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Question from Mark

My wife is sensitive to many chemicals and plastics. Until recently she has tolerated Dove soap, the one that is for sensitive skin, which states “fragrance free” stated on the label. She has not tolerated the soap for the last two or three months and finally contacted Dove to complain. Dove customer service stated they now use a masking fragrance in the soap.

I am writing just to inform readers, this soap is no longer suitable for anybody that needs to avoid fragrances.

Mark

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Question from Perri

Hi, I love your website and use your Shopping List almost daily!

I decided to start making my own candles so I can have fun trying different scents. Also, I want to know for sure that my candles are safe for my home.

Do you or any readers know where I can find 100% organic soy wax and organic cotton wicks? I have searched online with no luck. Thanks!

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Question from Stacy D

Does anyone have any information about the safety of dental sealants? Our dentist wants to put them on my son’s teeth to prevent cavities but I am suspect of putting plastic in his mouth. I could not find that much information about them.

Thanks.

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Question from Laura

I have severe MCS but am living with famiy who think I’m “loony” After many months and many seizures there is at last a change being made in the laundry detergent!

When transitioning from using a heavily fragranced laundry detergent to All Free and Clear what can be used to “detoxiify” the washer and dryer? They are Fisher Paykal Ecosmart with a metal tub but the newer porous looking plastic elsewhere. Also, will the clothes eventually lose the fragrance from the previous detergent or will they need a special treatment?

Thank you.+

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what is your experience with this?

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Question from PJ

Dear Debra,

When I read suggestions from yourself and readers about various cleaning products (hand soap, dish soap, dishwasher soap, laundry soap etc.) I have noticed that Trader Joe’s brand products are seldom mentioned. I am wondering if you are unfamiliar with them, or if they have been found by you to have questionable ingredients? I have found them to be more reasonably priced than other organic products. Please comment.

I also wondered if you are familiar with Country Save brand laundry detergent? The powdered form has NO odor. I am sensitive to many fragrances, including plant based ones, and have been so happy to find a non-toxic product without added fragrance. When I read about people taking the time to make their own laundry detergents, I wonder if Country Save would be a good alternative for them? (Their web address is: www.countrysave.com) I buy it locally in a 10 lb. (80 load) box for $12.99. Ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium borate, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonate, linear alcohol ethoxylate, coconut diethanolamide.

Thank you for your dedication to making the world we share a healthier place.

Debra’s Answer

I am familiar with Trader Joe’s cleaning products and they are fine. I haven’t put them on Debra’s List because they do not sell their products on a website and Debra’s List is geared mainly to online sources of nontoxic, natural and earthwise products, though many of them are also sold in stores. Also, I don’t have Trader Joe’s here in Florida, though it was one of my favorite stories when I lived in the San Francisco area.

Country Save is also fine, and I’ve added it to Debra’s List.

However, neither of these are organic (as you stated in the title of your post), to the best of my knowledge (haven’t looked at Trader Joe’s recently) but they are natural.

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Question from Debbie Saleh

Hi Debra –

I normally use non-toxic products to clean my home, I bought Kaboom shower cleaner over the weekend since I was completely out and didn’t want to make a trip to Target to get Method shower cleaner (which I really like…)

What is your take on Kaboom products? They say the cleaner will not release toxic fumes, but is the product itself non-toxic?

Debra’s Answer

At the website for

Kaboom Shower, Tub and Tile Cleaner, there is a little link that says “View Safety Information.” When you click through it says:

Inhalation…remove to fresh air, consulta a physician. Hmmmm. And your supposed to use this product in a little tiny unventilated shower enclosure? I wouldn’t.

No MSDS sheet is given on the website.

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Question from Tim

My outdoor swing on a covered porch has persistent mildew on the fabric (not sure what it is), but is there a solution to kill the mildew, while not discoloring the fabric?

Thank you (and so does anyone who sits on the swing)

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Question from Jerri Jetter

Debra,

Does your book Home Safe Home include natural products I can use to bleach or dye my hair? I am a 52 year old natural blond whose hair has darkened and begun to gray. Consequently, I get my hair highlighted and colored every 8 weeks to lighten & brighten the color. But I want to stop putting chemicals in my body this way! Any suggestions or resources would be appreciated.

Jerri Jetter

jjetter@cox.net

Debra’s Answer

My book Home Safe Home has some do-it-yourself natural formulas for hair coloring, but I would suggest checking our the Natural Hair Dye website. They carry all the safer hair colors and can advise you on choosing one. All they do is nontoxic and natural hair color.

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Question from Melissa

I seem to have little green bugs on my herbs (mainly the oregano) which I’m assuming are aphids. Is there some concoction I can mix up at home to spray on the herbs to kill the aphids that is non-toxic? If not, what type of non-toxic spray do you recommend? Thanks!!!

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