ALLERGY TO FURNITURE: UNTREATED COTTON FABRICS

Posted on Thursday, April 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 am

Untreated cotton fabrics for upholstery use are available, but they need to be combined with a pure cotton interliner which meets fire safety regulations. It is possible to do this in a combination which minimises exposure to chemicals and meets the fire safety regulations.

One way to use totally untreated materials and meet the fire safety regulations is to re-upholster furniture made before 1950, to which the regulations do not apply. You can legally buy older (pre-1950) or antique furniture in totally untreated materials, or you can re-upholster yourself, or have it re-upholstered in untreated materials of your choice.

Your first problem in doing this is to obtain the materials. Sources of fabrics are given in Fabrics (page 387). John Cotton manufacture cotton wadding and will give names of stockists. Your second problem is to persuade an upholsterer to do the work if you do not do it yourself. Many are reluctant to use untreated materials on old furniture, even though it is legal, because they may be liable in case of accident. It is legal, however, and you can persist in persuading them. Contact the Association of Master Upholsterers for specialists in upholstery who may be able to help.

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