The Canadian Press files
Down-filled jackets, expensive or otherwise, are always a threat to leave a trail of feathers.
Question: I purchased a down-filled jacket. The feathers are leaving an embarrassing trail behind me wherever I go. Feathers fly out every time I remove my jacket. What should I do? — Candy
Answer: Expensive and inexpensive down-filled jackets alike tend to lose feathers. Here are a few suggestions to solve this issue:
If the problem is excessive, you can attempt to return the jacket, even without a receipt. Depending on the label, the store might honour a refund or exchange.
If the jacket is not returnable, pull escaping feathers toward the inside of the jacket when they decide to stick out.
If you pull feathers out, the holes become larger and more feathers will escape.
You can attempt to put your jacket into the dryer and run the no-heat fluff cycle for about 15 minutes. The reason that this works is because as the jacket is worn, the feathers compress and flatten, making them easier to fit through the weave, but if you fluff your feathers they will fatten up and have a more difficult time fitting through the fabric.
If all else fails, wear a thin nylon jacket underneath your down-filled jacket to prevent the feathers from clinging to your clothing. Scotchgard products have proven unsuccessful when it comes to keeping feathers inside jackets.
Question: The air in our home is dry and, lately, I have had to endure very sore hands caused by dry skin. Do you have a homemade skin solution for chapped hands?— Heather
Answer: Here are two easy solutions to soften your sore hands:
Rub the inside of an avocado onto both hands.
You may also melt two blocks of paraffin wax on the stove in a double boiler. Remove wax from heat; when the wax is cool enough to touch, dip your hands into the wax. Allow the wax to set on your hands and dip again. Repeat three times.
Put your hands inside of a plastic bag, and cover with a towel. Leave for 20 minutes before removing wax.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage, resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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