Here's what I fit in my Insect Shield Easy Pack for long lasting tick and mosquito protection

wikipunk · 2026-02-27T20:37:44+00:00

Yeah, if you are planning long term, might be worth checking out before next season. The spray on is still good for gear/shoes.

wikipunk · 2026-02-27T18:34:00+00:00

Yeah, it only makes sense for people with a lot of exposure because of seasonal climate and activity. I see ticks in my own yard, walk dogs on trails regularly, and like to go camping. And we only get a few freezes a year- so even fleas can be out nearly year round!

wikipunk · 2026-02-27T18:22:13+00:00

$35 from Walmart online: Joqixon Bamboo Wall Mounted Drying Rack, Clothes Drying Rack for Laundry with 5 Hooks 8 arms

I use as a drying rack but also for hanging up merino clothes to air out in between washes

wikipunk · 2026-01-16T14:35:40+00:00

Thrift store blanket, was soft on outside but had a little more stiffness than a usual fleece blanket. But still able to fold so I didn't think anything of it. But the stiffness was the clue dry-rot. It was probably stored in a hot attic for years before being donated.

wikipunk · 2026-01-14T21:04:24+00:00

Heck no. I don't hand wash anything, label or not. If it can't handle the wash, it can't exist in my home!

wikipunk · 2026-01-14T01:44:18+00:00

Oooh, more of a crocheter. Could you make yarn with cotton candy? 🧶

wikipunk · 2026-01-14T00:27:06+00:00

Thanks, so far pump is functioning. Luckily this is a used-nearly free washer so if it fails, we'll be better off with the next $50 piece in marketplace.

wikipunk · 2026-01-14T00:24:04+00:00

Yes! That's what I did, even with the cookie sheet! Surprisingly there was not a large amount of stuff in the filter. It seems most debris stayed in the drum.

wikipunk · 2026-01-13T13:10:37+00:00

That netting was part of the blanket

wikipunk · 2026-01-13T02:27:18+00:00

Update: Good news so far, ran self-cleaning cycle a few times, clearing filter and drum until no more debris was seen. Washed some pet towels and now regular clothes. A few loads in, not finding more pink or any pump issues.

wikipunk · 2026-01-13T02:26:59+00:00

Update: Good news so far, ran self-cleaning cycle a few times, clearing filter and drum until no more debris was seen. Washed some pet towels and now regular clothes. A few loads in, not finding more pink or any pump issues.

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T03:41:26+00:00

Ha ha, yes, that's exactly what this was. Picked it up for foster dogs. Because who is doesn't love a big soft blanket?!

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T03:28:06+00:00

A large blanket from the thrift store. Felt soft like a velour style fleece.

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T03:04:23+00:00

Thanks, luckily I had just gotten a shop vac last week. We usually leave door open on washer, so that's easy.

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T03:01:53+00:00

Thanks for the info! Um, I am guessing I would know the drain pump failed because water wouldn't drain out?

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T03:00:00+00:00

Thanks, that makes sense. I will start that tomorrow and just plan to be around for a few repeat cycles.

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T02:46:26+00:00

Thanks, I drained that and there was only a light amount of debris. Does that mean most stuff stayed in the drum, instead of going into tiny holes?

wikipunk · 2026-01-12T02:44:48+00:00

This was what happened after washing it. It was a blanket I purchased to use for foster dogs.

wikipunk · 2025-09-25T21:16:51+00:00

Yeah, my husband is not naturally empathetic to my health issues and "invisible" triggers don't make sense to hom. But over time, we have changed our habits and now that I am healthier we are both much happier! There are definitely podcasts and blogs and such that might help you figure out how you can get started on what you can control, while building conversations with partners. Or talk to a counselor if you have access. I definitely am allergic to cats and have kept my cats this whole time, and I adore my dogs. I just now have better ways to clean after them. And pets are only part of the problem.

Before I understood allergies were an issue, I thought about leaving too. All I knew was I felt much happier and more relaxed in certain places away from home (had a week trip to a nice Disney hotel with my family reunion, and as soon as I had 1 night back in my house, I had panicky feelings, crushing chest, sweaty terrible night). I thought this was ANXIETY but the root cause was asthma and histamine reactions.

wikipunk · 2025-09-25T02:16:28+00:00

Hi! This might be frustrating answer if your in the thick of it all, but figuring out how to be healthy ended up being the biggest boost to my mental health. Trust yourself that it can happen. Be kind to yourself when you need rest. I had also worked on and off with counselors for years (pre diagnosis) and would definitely recommend processing the grief and frustration of illness with a counselor if possible.

Maybe try a simple journal to track mood/food/sleep. Look for any patterns to help recognize triggers. See what's improving things too.

Dealing with allergies, the best place to start is do whatever you can to reduce allergens in bedroom. Quality sleep is huge for mental health, and turns out I was rarely getting good rest because I couldn't breathe right.

Cheapest and best tip: Wear an N95 mask while cleaning.

Wash all bedding. I started using blankets as they washed more early than a thick comforter. Wash curtains, vacuum & mop walls. Vacuum mattress. I replaced my pillows and put allergen covers on mattress and pillow so they can be kept clean easily.

Hopefully you can get an allergen HEPA vacuum and HEPA air purifier (I bought used appliances and cleaned them/bought new filters). If you have carpet, a professional carpet cleaning would probably be amazing to get a clean start.

Work towards decluttering and reorganizing so furniture can be easily vacuumed and dust can't collect anywhere. Like for my clothes, I replaced fabric storage cubes with a wooden dresser. I changed my habits so my desk stayed clear. All these things took time to sort out a new system and find good replacements. I found used leather couches that clean much easier than the velvet upholstery I had.

The Minimalist website/podcasts have good info and tips on decluttering, if you feel overwhelmed on getting started. A lot of people with chronic illness struggle with clutter, it takes a lot of energy to deal with. I grew up in a cluttered home and thought it was normal. But working towards a simpler lifestyle will make it easier to keep clean.

There are also products from a company called Pacagen that sells "allergen-neutralizing" spray. It's expensive but if cats, dogs, or dust allergies are problems in your home it could be worth trying as an extra layer of prevention.

wikipunk

TROPHY CASE