QUESTION: I bought a very expensive down-filled parka last year. It sheds feathers on my clothes every time I wear it. I have put it in the dryer on cool and hardly any feathers were in the lint trap. Then I brushed it and used sticky tape all over it. I still look like a badly plucked chicken every time I wear it. It cannot be returned as I do not have the bill for it. Is there a solution? .
Another question: We live in a 30-year-old house. The dust in this house is unbelievable. We moved in 10 years ago and had the ducts cleaned three times by three different companies. We change the filter every month; we have bought expensive ones and cheap ones, still no difference.
The only carpet we have is in the family room and it is 10 years old, the rest of the house has hardwood flooring. In the summer with the air on, I only have to dust every two weeks but in the winter we "should" dust every two days. The furnace is gas and one year old. It is cleaned and serviced every October. Is there a solution or a reason for all this dust? Thanks C., Winnipeg
ANSWER: Both expensive as well as inexpensive down-filled jackets have a tendency 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 refund your money or exchange it. If the jacket cannot be returned, pull escaping feathers toward the inside of the jacket when they stick out. If you pull feathers out, the holes become larger and more feathers will escape.
You can attempt once again to put your jacket into the dryer and run the no-heat fluff cycle for about 15 minutes. This works 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 beneath 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. I had the same challenge, so I wrapped the jacket in a bag and returned it without a receipt, I too felt like a badly plucked chicken.
Even though you are taking smart steps to reduce dust, sometimes excessive dust is a result of the location of your home and completely out of your control. Other possible causes: Dryer vent plugged -- check the back of the dryer as well as the front lint trap. Is your dryer vented to the outside? The attic may not be properly sealed. Pay special attention to sealing the return duct. Dust leaking out of vacuum-cleaner bag or an inefficient vacuum. Dust caused by wood stove or wood fireplace.
If none of these factors applies, call a professional air specialist to analyze your home. Here is a quick tip to reduce some of the dust before you clean, spray the air with water before you vacuum because wet dust can't fly.
QUESTION: Are paper towels a sanitary product for wrapping food such as veggies, or cooking in the microwave? Lucille, Winnipeg
ANSWER: How you store and cook food such as fruit and vegetables affects taste and texture. Certain veggies such as asparagus, beets, horseradish, parsnips, artichokes, herbs and lettuce can be stored in either dry or damp paper towels (depending on the vegetable) without unsanitary consequences.
However, in my view a clean tea towel does the same trick and is less expensive and more environmentally friendly. When using paper towels in the microwave, choose solid white paper towels, avoid paper towels with imprinted colour designs.
QUESTION: I swim in a chlorinated pool two to three times a week. I use a bathing suit intended for exposure to chlorine. The manufacturer recommends washing these suits in special soap, which costs $10 per small bottle. Apparently, regular laundry soap or detergent is likely to damage the fabric. Would you know of a cheaper alternative? Thank you. Kathy, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Soak the suit in hot water and borax. Borax contains no phosphates and no bleach and is wonderful for fabric care. If you cannot locate borax, use a generous amount of Oxy Clean, vinegar or baking soda. Another option is to use Tide TotalCare as soon as possible after wearing the suit. Never put your bathing suit in the dryer. Never wrap your wet swimsuit in a towel, air dry after wearing.
MANITOBANS SHARE
Re: Uses for an old tire
Dear Reena,
I had so many tires lying around the yard and my wife kept nagging me to get rid of them. I ended up making a giant climbing wall for the grandkids by bolting the tires together and attaching them to the side of the barn. I used the remainder to make a tree swing. Yup, I had a lot of old tires. Submitted By: Cornie (Steinbach)
Whenever my car smells, I sprinkle pet stain cleaner on my car mats to get rid of the smell. Submitted by Jane
In order to prevent ceiling fan blades from collecting dust, I wipe them with furniture polish and a soft cloth. With this little trick, I only need to dust them a few times a year. Submitted by Carla
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a motivational speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my website Reena.ca.
