Allergies to cloth that's been stored in bins in the closet. ?????
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 673
Allergies to cloth that's been stored in bins in the closet. ?????
I know I'm weird. But I'll ask anyway.
Does anyone else have a problem using cloth that's been stored in bins. That's partly why I don't have a stash.
Even if I wash it when I buy it, after it sits I have a problem using it. When I start handling it and cutting it I get a funny sensation on my lips. And sometimes my throat bothers me.
Rewashing isn't a option because a lot of it is scraps.
SVAL
Does anyone else have a problem using cloth that's been stored in bins. That's partly why I don't have a stash.
Even if I wash it when I buy it, after it sits I have a problem using it. When I start handling it and cutting it I get a funny sensation on my lips. And sometimes my throat bothers me.
Rewashing isn't a option because a lot of it is scraps.
SVAL
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,659
Yes, I've gotten a runny nose and itchy eyes from handling stored fabric. Just happened yesterday, in fact.
Scraps can be washed. I've done it many times.
You can get a lingerie bag and put them in that and toss it in a washer.
or
You can wash them by hand in a basin, sink, big kettle - rinse them - I use a colander if the pieces are little -
lay them out on towels to dry.
Depends on how much you want to keep and use the pieces.
The main thing would be to wash like colors together in case one of the pieces is a bleeder.
Scraps can be washed. I've done it many times.
You can get a lingerie bag and put them in that and toss it in a washer.
or
You can wash them by hand in a basin, sink, big kettle - rinse them - I use a colander if the pieces are little -
lay them out on towels to dry.
Depends on how much you want to keep and use the pieces.
The main thing would be to wash like colors together in case one of the pieces is a bleeder.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Pratt Kansas
Posts: 1,222
It might be the bin itself. I have plastics issues (possible MCS). Take everything out of your bin. Stick your head in your bin & sniff. I have to sniff bins at the store before I buy.
When the fast food restaurants gave away stinky-plastic toys, my daughter's had to go straight in the trash. Couldn't even bear to have them in the house in the donation box.
When the fast food restaurants gave away stinky-plastic toys, my daughter's had to go straight in the trash. Couldn't even bear to have them in the house in the donation box.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,657
I know I'm weird. But I'll ask anyway.
Does anyone else have a problem using cloth that's been stored in bins. That's partly why I don't have a stash.
Even if I wash it when I buy it, after it sits I have a problem using it. When I start handling it and cutting it I get a funny sensation on my lips. And sometimes my throat bothers me.
Rewashing isn't a option because a lot of it is scraps.
SVAL
Does anyone else have a problem using cloth that's been stored in bins. That's partly why I don't have a stash.
Even if I wash it when I buy it, after it sits I have a problem using it. When I start handling it and cutting it I get a funny sensation on my lips. And sometimes my throat bothers me.
Rewashing isn't a option because a lot of it is scraps.
SVAL
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 673
I don't think it's the bins. I have the same issue with "off season clothes". I've always had to wash everything before wearing it at the change of the seasons. Maybe dust mites or something gross like that?
I wondered if I could tumble them all in the dryer awhile if that would help. I have 70 10" squares ready to sew into a DHG. But I can't even think about handling them.
So is that how people manage their stash? Have to wash it right before they use it?
SVAL
I wondered if I could tumble them all in the dryer awhile if that would help. I have 70 10" squares ready to sew into a DHG. But I can't even think about handling them.
So is that how people manage their stash? Have to wash it right before they use it?
SVAL
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 191
It may be the bin. It also could be one of the pieces of fabric that you are allergic to a chemical or a dye. Plus, when chemicals are stored in a bin and they gas off, it could be impacting all of the fabrics. You may want to consider storing scraps in something else that is more breathable for a while to isolate whether it is the fabric or the bin.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 673
I'm so relieved that I'm not alone in this. Sorry for all of you to be dealing with this issue as well. I've used up all the scraps in the bins. So my only stash is on comic boards on a shelf out in the open. I don't have much cloth. I just tend to buy for a particular project and don't store a lot of fabric.
I know. I'm weird. Have been all my life. Seems to be getting worse with age. LOL SVAL
I know. I'm weird. Have been all my life. Seems to be getting worse with age. LOL SVAL
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
No, you shouldn't feel weird. There are all sort of allergies. When I am around the donated Robert Kaufman fabric, I sneeze up a storm. I should wash it but most are strips and I don't have any laundry room since I am living in an apt complex.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,487
I don't have problems with fabric stored in bins as I still have a few bins full yet. But outdoor fabric I am allergic too. Last year when I was making new cushions for my porch furniture I was wheezing and coughing the entire time. I still have it in the sewing room but over in a corner. Think its only when I'm man handling it that it effects me. I'm also allergic to my kitty but I'm not getting rid or her either.
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