Allergie LENOR fabric conditioner
http://www.urbia.de/archiv/forum/th-3691495/babywaesche-mit-lenor-waschen.html
Hint: soak the affected material a couple of days in vinegar and wash
with neutral smelling detergent.
Information from a forum:
JAZZ
Post subject: LENOR fabric conditioner
PostPosted: 21 Feb 2011, 23:13
Hi
I am new to this site :D
For a few months now I have been suffering with extreme allergic
symptoms, post nasal drip, sneezing, coughing and sore throat. I feel that my
symptoms started around
the same time I switched to Lenor. I have visited my GP who has
prescribed various nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets. I have of course
stopped using Lenor.
Is anyone else sensitive in particular to Lenor (the one that has a
fragrance repeats when clothes are rubbed). It actually took me three washes to
get the scent out!!!
Could you please recommend a really good fragrance free clothes
detergent and conditioner.
I seem to be getting slightly better but it's taking a really long
time....and if I come into contact with strong fragrances it sets me back
again.
ukcanary
The chemical sensitivity forum has a number of threads which might help.
buckbybanjoboy
Just like Jazz I couldn`t understand what had caused the same symptoms.
It just felt as if I had a cold all the time.
After pondering what could have caused this very unpleasant feeling, and
as others have said the stink on your clothes (and bed clothes) had started to
make me feel very ill. The one and only change in my life-style had been
changing from Fairy Fabric Conditioner to Lenor as Sainsburys had run out and
Lenor was on special offer.
I thought that they were much the same.
Useful comments on this forum................. I have now thrown the
bloody stuff out.
TonyW
Joined: 14 Sep 2011, 10:15
Same for me.
It happened when Lenor switched to the "Heavenly Comfort"
recipe.
The effect built up over time after sleeping in bedclothes/pillowcases
softened with it.
Never had a problem with Lenor, Comfort (or the rest) prior to this
"Heavenly Comfort" nonsense.
Each morning I would have a terrible tickle in my nose which progressed
over a few weeks to irritated inner nose, resulting in blocked passages and
eventually breathing difficulties and finally bad asthma in my chest.
Googling helped me find this message so I stuck my nose in the Lenor
bottle and *BAM* that was the answer.
Had to strip the bed, wipe down the mattress and wash all the duvet,
pillows, and bedclothes without conditioner many times to reduce the effect.
First wash of everything resulted in a drastic improvement but I am
about five washes in and the effect is still there a little.
I'm never using Lenor products again in my life...
I would like to know what Lenor have done to give me such an allergic
reaction to something I have never had a problem with before.
Also I'm not happy with all the electric I've used lately doing multiple
washes and having the tumble dryer on constantly.
RobHammer
I have this stuff in the house too...... Took a big whiff of it and no
change for me. Can't be that which is causing my problems. Although I am
tempted to get rid of it now, since these things can take time.
JulesP
Well I can confirm the problem is with Lenor heavenly comfort brand. I
have used the old lenor for years with no problem and switched to the new one
as it was on offer and looked interesting. My medical student daughter came
home for the weekend and needed to borrow a jumper and within minutes was itching
which developed into a full blown body rash with swelling - but it also was
very clear it was a contact allergy i.e. this must come into contact with your
skin. After 2 days of high dose antihistamine and steriod cream the rash
subsided.
We came to the conclusion that it was the Lenor by process of
elimination, and this has now been confirmed. She just went to her stepmothers
house (who had been warned not to use Lenor, but forgot). My daugher ONLY put
her hand on the sheets and her entire hand swelled up along with her eyes and
lips (probably because she must have touched them); the reaction was more
intense with this contact. The only thing of interest is that the only other
known allergy my daughter suffers is to penicillin. I worry about the level of
reaction from a casual touch (someone wearing Lenor washed clothes), and the
potential for anaphylaxis if the allergic reaction continues to strengthen.
P&G were more worried about deniability when we contacted them after
the first time; this time we will try and get some formal allergy testing done
to prove it to them because I think they really need to look at this product
and its safety again. Scouring the net it seems that this is not an uncommon
problem although rare - however, my daughters reaction was quite severe and I
now believe that she may need to consider carrying an epi-pen judging by the
severity of the most event from a tiny, very casual contact.
TonyW
I sympathise with your daughter. Although my reaction is nowhere near as
severe (I get what is equivalent to intense hayfever symptoms - terribly itchy
inner nose, dry eyes, sneezing and torrent of nose dribble). I have found that
whatever chemical is causing this in the Lenor Heavenly Comfort is quite
insidious and also able to transfer from surface to surface.
I have had to wash pillowcases and sheets many, many times at high
temperatures (80° and with high soap content - I actually add a small squirt of
dishwashing liquid to my washer drawer) in order to reduce the problem. This
means multiple rinse cycles to get rid of the high soap levels used afterwards.
Also I found that the problem chemical must also linger in the
conditioner section of my washing machine drawer as putting my nose over that
bit set me off immediately even after having stopped using Lenor for a few
weeks. I removed the drawer and cleaned it with a cotton bud and turpentine and
then washed in the drawer in dishwashing liquid solution and rinsed well in
water. My nose told me the "bad stuff" seemed to have gone after that.
I have just today thought to check the clothes horse we sometimes use
and - yep - sniffing the wire frame instantly triggered the problem (it would
be funny if the symptoms weren't so awful).
So my advice -> think where the Lenor could have gotten to by contact
and clean those areas thouroughly -> with turps if the surface won't be
ruined by using it (plastic or metal), or high soap level solution followed by
good rinsing.
We have also complained to Proctor and Gamble and received a letter
denying responsibility but giving us a voucher for £7 of P&G products for
our trouble. I've probably used £100+ of electricity in washing and drying over
the last month trying to identify and then eliminate this problem!
This is a terrible product for some individuals - provoking severe
responses. It needs an awareness campaign and P&G need to do retests as to
its suitability for general sale.
JulesP
Detergent allergies are quite common and usually cause little more than
a contact rash, which is easily fixed by switching brands and a dose of
antihistamines (aka dhobi rash); this however is altogether different and is
prompting a severe reaction in my daughter. The chemical involved is insidious
and is probably part and parcel of the product and
its ability to stay 'smelling fresh' for longer; every person who has
washed their clothes in this product that she subsequently comes into contact
will be a potential trigger of
a severe reaction.
If there are other individuals in whom there is an allergic reaction and
especially if the allergy is severe, I hope that they find this site & that
they will take the time to comment here; P&G need to know how big a problem
this is (or is not.) I cannot imagine my daughter will be an isolated case but
it may take some time for a larger scale problem to emerge as more individuals
become sensitised through repeated exposures. I also know that allergy UK has
good contact with the medical profession; I hope GPs are reporting any
associated problems that they see where Lenor is the suspect allergen. This
needs further investigation.
ceilidhquine
I have become aware of a sensitivity to fabric conditioners since my son
returned home after a weekend with his dad who had washed his clothes in something
that smelled
so strongly it almost immediately made my chest feel restricted. Thought
it was a one off but had the same reaction to a person wearing the same
'fragrance' who sat quite
close at work. Begged both parties not to use the stuff which helped.
Unfortunately I now sit next to a girl at work who uses so much of this
ghastly stuff that I'm suffering breathing problems at work and returning home
with a blinding headache as well which only goes if I take powerful migraine
medication. I had migraines under control until this girl started using Lenor
at which point I get them daily.
The stuff is so toxic to my system that the effects have not worn off by
morning and the headache is still there. Going back into the office is fine
until she shows up at
which point I get pain in my chest and the cycle starts again.
Is anyone else affected this way?
CKG-Glasgow
I have been suffering with painful, itchy facial eczema for several
months. It began quite suddenly and my GP has given me steroid creams and
emollients. I've stopped using my usual face creams and make-up, and am taking
anti-histamines daily. I also stopped using fabric conditioner immediately in
an attempt to eliminate whatever was causing the reaction. Although my skin is
slowly improving, I still have days when it flares up with no apparent reason.
However, I've recently started to suspect that the fabric conditioner I'd
previously used is still persisting in my wardrobe and drawers - as I was sure
I could smell it on my hands even after touching hangers etc. But was sure I
must be imagining it. I had a bad flare up last week after wearing a sweater
that smelled of the fabric conditioner. The fabric conditioner I'd been using
for the few months prior to my skin problems was Lenor Heavenly Softness.
Reading this thread has helped so much - thank you, as I know I haven't been
imagining it. I'm going to try to eliminate the traces of Lenor from my
wardrobe. I might even change my pillows, as I guess the Lenor will have
transferred from the pillowcases.
Allergy UK is the operational name of the British Allergy Foundation, a
charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales.
Lenor Fabric Softener
Rowdown
This is my first time posting on this site.
I've always known that I have a slight sensitivity to certain chemicals
- I reacted badly when biological soap powders first came out in the 90's (came
out in welts all over
my body) so have carefully avoided these ever since and have not had any
skin problems.
Unfortunately recent events have changed all that! My flatmate's partner
moved in 14 months ago and after a couple of months I began to notice that I
was feeling nauseous, light-headed and blocked up!
I would often be sneezing for no reason and didn't put my finger on why
this was happening straight away, but then realized that he was using the Lenor
"fragrance burst" range fabric conditioner in the washing machine,
along with a liquid detergent for washing the clothes.
I know from doing research previously that you need to use washing
powders in machines that contain bleach - the reason being that bacteria that
sits around in the left
over water in your machine from the previous wash will otherwise
multiply, resulting in mould and bacteria potentially contaminating subsequent
washes and damaging
the machine's rubber/plastic components. Liquid gel detergents do not
contain bleaches, so do not clean the washing machine effectively.
I did express some concern with my flatmate's partner using this product
so we came to an arrangement where it would be used sparingly, but the damage
had been done
and worse was to come!
This Lenor fabric conditioner is quite indestructable!
In October last year I washed a number of tea-towels in my usual non-biolgical
powder, along with my usual ecover fabric conditioner. There was obviously some
residue of the lenor conditioner in the washing machine as they all came out
smelling of this overpowering flowery stench! I took them to work and they have
been used on and off but not washed since (there are quite a lot of them)! Even
now there are some that have not been used that if you rub the fabric they emit
this "burst" of scent, which is quite vile and overpowering.
When you wash clothes, and especially towels, you end up with small
fibres coming off of them as you use them or wear them, and these can
accumulate into dust and fluff around the house. I have wooden floors so
regularly have to hoover and sweep them as any dust just moves around the room
and collects. These accumulations, be it just dust or a collection of fibres
(fluff) are actually laced with the same lenor conditioner! When I hoover I now
get bursts of this sickly scent!
The flat mate and said partner moved out 2 weeks ago and I had the
pleasure of clearing out the room they slept in - everything, and I mean
EVERYTHING was covered in a film of this conditioner.
The walls, carpet, ceiling, light fittings, wardrobe, bed and bedframe
all reaked of this fabric softener, so everything had to be either thrown out
or painted over. The worst area was on the windows and around the window frames
- dust had accumulated to the effect that there was 1 centimetre of
"flowery-smelling gunge" around the bottom of each window (there are
4 in the room - two small and two large) which basically had to be scraped out
and then thoroughly washed.
I've now got a skin reaction which is similar to impetigo (infected hair
folicles) but only in the areas where clothes come into close contact with my
body (underwear especially) so you can imagine how distressing/embarrassing and
annoying this is!!
I am now having to wash in a bacterial wash twice a week and
systematically clean all my clothes time and time again to remove this chemical
from them - like an earlier post this is costing me a fortune in electricity,
as well as buying new furniture and the time involved is quite draining.
I'm very concerned about the negative impact that this product is having
on peoples' lives, as well as the environmental impact in a product that seems
to be indestructable,
as it must be severely damaging to anything it comes into contact with.
I'll keep you all posted with updates!
Robert
Steve in Kings Cross
Robert:
You are right! The chemicals in fabric conditioner are indistructable!
Here are a few links on the subject -
http://www.world-wire.com/news/0205210001.html
http://www.ourlittleplace.com/fabric.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-toxi ... tener.html
http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetai ... ing-green/
http://www.theecologist.org/green_green ... tener.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/034617_fabri ... undry.html
I bought a new washing machine in Feb 1997. It came with a trial bottle
of fab con. (Lenor or Comfort). Never having used it before, I followed the
dosage instructions to
the letter. I could not wear the clothes afterwards. The stench made me
very ill. I washed the clothes repeatedly in nothing but plain water. The
chemical stench would not come out and after several washes I ditched the
clothes.
Fab con is my most hated product (I cannot be around people who have
used it) and while you may consider Ecover to be safe, you should remember that
it is nevertheless
a chemical formulation and you are breathing in the chemicals 24/7.
Legally, manufacturers do not have to state everything that they put into their
cleaners/powders/air fresheners, so you do not know what you are actually
subjecting yourself to, nor the longterm impact it can have on your health (no
matter how minimal).
Fab con was originally invented to take the static charge out of
synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which were popular in the 1960's
and 70's. When they started
to make a cotton/synthetic mix the need to use fab con declined, so the
manufacturers said it would make our clothes soft - and millions of people
believe it!
I know 4 people who use fab con. They all say their towels are hard and
stiff. I do not use fab con (obviously!) and my towels and clothes are lovely
and soft, despite living
in a hard water area. You can put things like soda crystals in your
washing machine and bicard of soda and white vinegar. All these things are said
to soften water and clothes.
I use nothing, and I don't have a problem.
Until 2002 we used ordinary soap powder in the washing machine. I then
became chemically sensitive and we went over to a non-biological powder (Fairy,
I think).
My problems with soap powder continued, and in Feb 2008 we started to
use Surcare (unscented) soap powder. There was a big improvement in my health.
My partner, however, who does most of the laundry, was using far too much and I
had a bad reaction in July 2012. We went over to Ecoballs and my health
improved dramatically. (Ecoballs clean without chemicals). We have never ever
used bleach in our washing machine. It is now a little over 16 years old. We
have never "cleaned" it. The rubber is showing no signs of wearing
out (the knobs are!!!), it does not smell and out clothes are lovely and soft.
We do only wear cotton (and cotton towels, bed linen etc), so that may make a
difference. I do not know as I am not an expert on laundry. But personally, I
would never use fab con or bleach in my washing machine.
aahavaa
Hi Robert ,so sorry you are going through all that!! It's not suprising
as washing powder fragrances are what I'm battling most at the moment since I
live in a block of flats.
The reactions are awful and despite trying to keep the inside safe the
outside smells from neighbour's laundry are making my life a misery. I cannot
understand how people
can live and breathe the stuff next to their skin every day. Sadly more
and more people are getting affected by these horrible substances. They should
be banned!
Steve in Kings Cross
aahavaa:
The stench from washing powder is terrible. I live in a flat in the
heart of London, but my location is unusual and I do not have to put up with
neighbours washing.
However, I have to walk past another block of flats every day and the
stench is overwhelming! I also visit an elderly neighbour on a regular basis.
She has a very large patio which would be lovely to sit on except that her
neighbours all hang washing on their balconies! The smell is horrible!
With reference to fabric conditioner, I found out today that cotton
towels should not be subjected to it. It makes them hard! (I do not know why).
Apparently the more cotton towels are washed, the softer they become - unless
you use fabric conditioner! I have told my friends this, who all use fab con
and have hard towels, but they are so brainwashed by tv advertising that they
will not take it on board.
Can you imagine what would happen to fab con sales if the manufacturers
actually told the truth about the harm that this dreadful product does?
Yesterday my elderly neighbour asked me to put some Surcare (unscented)
fab con in her washing machine to wash her bedding. She doesn't use it on her
clothes (because
of me) just on her bedding and towels. I did so, and switched on the
machine. I could not smell the fab con but the chemicals were nevertheless
being emitted all over her
flat. I stayed with her for 2 hours. When I got home I was ill all night
after breathing in the chemicals. People should ask themselves if they need to
use fab con. I am living proof that they don't!
bluemouse
Fabric softeners actually damage the fibres so that if you stop using
them the fabric feels hard, especially if dried on a clothes horse or radiator.
I found it took months for my towels to be soft again after I became allergic,
but any new items were nice and soft without using it.
If you need to clean your washing machine, I find that a 95° wash with a
very small amount (anything more than a few drops will result in a room full of
foam!) of washing up liquid works very well.
My old machine used to smell because of stale water left in it, so I
just put in on an extra spin to empty it better. I've never had that problem
with the new machine. I've never used bleach and don't have any in the house as
it makes me ill - like fabric conditioner I think it isn't actually necessary
and is bad for the environment anyway.
Fabric Softeners = Health Risks (from Dryer Exhaust and Treated Fabrics)
Compiled by Julia Kendall (1935 - 1997); distributed by Environmental
Health Network
Chemicals found in fabric softeners by U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA)
"Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer
Products and Common Microenvironments", 1991
Reference: Lance Wallace, EPA. Phone (703) 648-4287
Symptoms of exposure are taken from industry-generated Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS)
Chemicals Found in Fabric Softeners/Dryer Sheets
Alpha-Terpineol - has been linked to disorders of the brain and nervous
system, loss of muscle control, depression, and headaches
Causes CNS (central nervous system) disorders... "highly irritating
to mucous membranes" ..."Aspiration into the lungs can produce
pneumonitis or even fatal edema."
Can also cause "excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination),
hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache." "Prevent
repeated or prolonged skin contact."
Benzyl Acetate - Carconigenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). "From
vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough."
"In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs." "Can be absorbed through
the skin causing systemic effects." "Do not flush to sewer."
Benzyl Alcohol - Linked to headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
depression, as well as disorders of the brain and nervous system. Causes CNS
disorders ..."irritating to the upper respiratory tract"
..."headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS
depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure."
Camphor - Causes CNS disorders. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms:
"local irritant and CNS stimulant" ..."readily absorbed through
body tissues" ..."irritation of eyes, nose, and throat"
..."dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions".
"Avoid inhalation of vapors."
Chloroform - Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. on EPA's Hazardous
Waste list. "Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe
vapors ...Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness."
"Inhalation can be fatal." "Chronic effects of overexposure may
include kidney and/or liver damage." "Medical conditions generally
aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders,
skin disorders." "Conditions to avoid: Heat..."
Listed on California's Proposition 65.
Ethanol - EPA’s Hazardous Waste list for its ability to cause brain and
nervous system disorder
Ethyl Acetate - Narcotic. On EPA's Hazardous Waste list.
"...Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract" ..."may cause
headache and narcosis (stupor)" ..."may cause anemia with
leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys". "Wash thoroughly after
handling."
Limonene - Carcinogenic. "Prevent its contact with skin or eyes
because it is an irritant and sensitizer." "Always wash thoroughly
after using this material and before eating, drinking ...applying cosmetics. Do
not inhale limonene vapor."
Linalool - Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. ..."respiratory
disturbances" ..."Attracts bees." "In animal tests: ataxic
gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression ...depressed heart
activity ...development of respiratory disturbances leading to death."
caused loss of muscle coordination, nervous system and brain disorders, and
depression
Pentane - "Danger - Harmful if inhaled ...Avoid breathing
vapor." "Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness,
drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated
inhalation of vapors may cause CNS depression. Contact can cause eye
irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash)." causes
headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and depression
Read more:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-toxins-lurking-in-your-fabric-softener.html#ixzz3DDAUDQTx
Michelle Schoffro Cook my
article on The Toxic Effects of Perfume
September 8, 2011
About Michelle
Follow Michelle at
@mschoffrocook
If you enjoy the smell of clean clothes straight out of the dryer you
may be shocked to learn that smell comes at a cost. Most commercial fabric softeners–dryer sheets
or the liquid variety–contain many toxic chemicals. Here are eight toxins found in most fabric
softeners (and eight reasons to switch to natural options.) Not sure about your natural options? Stay posted for my next blog.
1. Alpha-Terpineol–This chemical
has been linked to disorders of the brain and nervous system, loss of muscle
control, depression, and headaches
2. Benzyl acetate–Benzyl acetate
has been linked to cancer of the pancreas
3. Benzyl alcohol–Linked to
headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, depression, as well as disorders of the
brain and nervous system
4. Chloroform on the
Environmental Protection Agency’s Hazardous Waste list. It has been identified
as a carcinogen and neurotoxin (toxic to the brain and nervous system)
5. Ethanol–also on the EPA’s
Hazardous Waste list for its ability to cause brain and nervous system disorder
6. Ethyl Acetate–causes headaches
and is on the EPA Hazardous Waste list
7. Linalool–in studies, this
chemical caused loss of muscle coordination, nervous system and brain
disorders, and depression
8. Pentane–causes headaches,
nausea, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and depression
The standard argument of manufacturers in favor of using fabric
softeners is that the amount of the chemicals to which a person is exposed is
insufficient to cause harm. Studies are
showing that even small amounts of these toxins can have serious effects. So, think twice before you add that dryer
sheet or liquid fabric softener to your laundry, particularly for children
whose developing brains are more vulnerable to the effects of toxins.
Read about effective natural options to use in place of harmful
chemical-laden fabric softeners.
Adapted from The Brain Wash by Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM (John Wiley
& Sons)
If you missed my article on The Toxic Effects of Perfume, be sure to
check it out. And, if you want to give
your liver a boost to help it detoxify these toxic chemicals, check out my
article, Spring Cleanse Your Liver.
Michelle Schoffro Cook, BSc, RNCP, ROHP, DNM
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209 comments
Mary P
Mary Pabout a year ago
(People don't understand that companies don't disclose all of their
ingredients on labels and there is no government agency out there making sure
products are safe.
These things are not regulated and no, they don't even have to disclose
toxic chemicals on MSDS sheets. Companies don't care that people are getting
sick.
They use chemicals and fragrances that are addicting so people want more
and more. Where addiction begins, compassion ends.)
There ought to be a law -- against toxic dryer vent emissions. I moved
my family to Colorado for fresh air and wide open spaces. It's gone! I took my
grandson to the park today and we had to leave because of dryer fumes being
emitted by a neighbouring house. This is a very large park but the polluted air
stream wafted over the entire area.
The concentration was so strong that I started retching (and we were
across the park from the houses).
Dryer sheets and laundry products with chemicals that are activated in
the dryer and sent out into our air must be banned! They are polluting our air
more than cars. (note University of Colorado and NOAA study). We have reduced
auto emissions -- we need to eliminate toxic emissions from dryer vents.
If you don't know what is in dryer sheets please go to ewg.org and
learn! Read the studies at http://www.drsteinemann.com/publications.html. A
person's right to smell fragrant ends where other peoples' right to breathe
(and live without being poisoned by what their neighbour is
Ok there are toxins everywhere u go. You cant just live under a rock to
hide from it all. Im sorry to say but my grandma has always used softener an
soap an my dad an mom do too an i do. I am a bit obsessed with my clothes
smelling like my softener. I am perfectly fine an so is my grandma. I will
still use softener till its not sold anymore.
I don’t get headaches my kids an i a rarely ever sick. So i am fine. I
guess we shldnt drive cars now since our car has lots of toxins in them. My
point is there is toxins everywhere u go and u can not hide from it all.
SEND
Rachel Elson-Ockwell
Rachel Ockwell6 years ago
I stopped using dryer sheets a while ago. I use a couple drops of
essential oil in the wash instead, and that helps. I have a friend that made
her own wool dryer balls, and loves them.
Interesting, since so many modern day items are filled with toxic
things. One person suggested hanging out the clothes to dry, works well when
one has a yard to do this and not in a small apartment where there is little
room (in my case) to use hanging racks and we are not supposed to hang clothing
from the balcony.
Baking soda or vinegar sounds interesting to try in the wash.
I used to be able to smell dryer sheet use a block or so away. And
perfumes from a mile off, or it seemed that way. I can also smell a smoker
every time. I think it is the ammonia in the cigarettes. When my son heard
there was ammonia, along with the dozens of other chemicals, he said, "No
wonder you get headaches!" For the record,
I am a non smoker.