Fabric Allergies and Washing Fabric- PLEASE DO
#22
Banned
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 7,286

Originally Posted by Gerbie
I know there have been several posts in the past on this subject, but I need to add this to all others. Sat. when I was in Hancocks, my husband had to leave the store, because something in the store was bothering his allergies. The floor manager was cutting my fabric at the time and related this story to me about washing fabric. She has a friend who was sewing and cleaning up in the evening when she scratched her finger on the needle in her machine. The skin wasn't broken, so she didn't think anything about it. The finger begin to show some infection a day or so later and she went to her doctor. He put her in the hospital with a staff infection. He asked her what she was doing and when she told him, the Dr. told her to always wash all of her fab. before using it in any way, because of the dyes and what ever else might be on it, since most of the fab. comes from overseas now. Their processes may not be the most sanitary. She spent 5 days in the hospital and almost lost her finger the manager told me. She (the manager) saw the finger after the hospital stay and said it looked horrible, her finger had split open and really looked bad. SO PLEASE folks take the time and effort to WASH your fab. before using it. We just can't be too careful, and we don't want any of our other sewing friends to have any problems. I almost always wash mine, but I certainly will wash any of it now.
#23

I wash my fabric because of my kids. After having two of them break out in a rash. It's not germs that scare me it's chemicals. There's more diseases now them before. I have 2 children with asthma. What I've been told is that it is on the increase. I'm not saying its from the fabric. I'm just saying its just something more. Reaction most of the time are more then one thing. It's just one more thing that, do we realy need? So many poeple are going organic and eating right and exercising. Why can't we think about the cemicals we put on our clothse and sheets and fabric?
#24

I too live on a farm,and get small scraps from others,It is not always a possibility to wash but I always wash the final product.
I am a critical care nurse and beleive me fabric is not even a concern compared to all the germs lurking in our communities,hand washing is number one prevention,cleaning grocery cart handles also is a biggie especially for those of us living where flu season is getting ready to get active.
I am a critical care nurse and beleive me fabric is not even a concern compared to all the germs lurking in our communities,hand washing is number one prevention,cleaning grocery cart handles also is a biggie especially for those of us living where flu season is getting ready to get active.
#27

I've got to say that the staf infection thing sounds like an urban legend to me. When I think of how many things we touch inside and outside our homes that may have bacteria on them, we'd be washing our hands constantly.
And I think I remember reading somewhere that the ink that money is printed with has an antibacterial ingredient in it.
And I think I remember reading somewhere that the ink that money is printed with has an antibacterial ingredient in it.
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,694

During a recent visit to my LQS I had a rash break out all around my waist. I had to leave the store. I know it was some fabric. They were looking at me strangely for all my scratching. The owner said they never had anyone allergic. I've never had allergies but there it was.
It went away later that day.
Quilter68 (who is really 69 now.)
It went away later that day.
Quilter68 (who is really 69 now.)
#29

Originally Posted by Jan in VA
OMIGOSH! After of 30 years of washing and not washing fabric, it never occurred to me to think of overseas, 'dirty' environments, multiple hands handling, infections and germs, ALONG with the yucky dyes and starches and finishes and other chemicals that make me feel all gummy-eyed and itchy! My washer will definitely be getting more of a workout these days!
UUUUUKEY!!!
Jan in VA
UUUUUKEY!!!
Jan in VA
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 273

You know their are germs on everything and you can catch
almost anything by just opening your door. I try to keep my house clean and I wash my hands a lot. I don't wash my material because that is my choice it is your choice if you want to wash it both sides have good reasons for their choice, but if we as careful as everyone tells us to be we
would never get out of bed. Most of my colds and virus are caught from my grand children and they take a bath every day. I guess I could quit holding them and kissing them NOT!!!!! To each his own
almost anything by just opening your door. I try to keep my house clean and I wash my hands a lot. I don't wash my material because that is my choice it is your choice if you want to wash it both sides have good reasons for their choice, but if we as careful as everyone tells us to be we
would never get out of bed. Most of my colds and virus are caught from my grand children and they take a bath every day. I guess I could quit holding them and kissing them NOT!!!!! To each his own
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