A reader sent me this question recently: Are you worried about bed bugs when purchasing used items?
Answer: No, but I do inspect items very carefully before bringing them into my home. With furniture that has cushions or stuffing, I take the cushions apart to make sure no little creatures are living inside it first. Bug infestations, especially spiders for some reason on wood furniture, are common. With wood furniture, I just clean it with white vinegar. White vinegar on a cloth rag is a great way to wipe grime off of newly “acquired” furniture. Any treasures that I pick up off of a sidewalk or from a garage/estate sale go directly into our garage. This is sort of “quarantine” program. With clothing, I just wash the garments before wearing them. I always add white vinegar to the wash water when I’m washing used items.
Are you considered about bed-bugs? Do you have any tricks to share?
Go Gingham related links:
Using nature to decorate your home – frugal and fancy decorating
Dumpster diving woes: please don’t put a cover on dumpsters!
Green living: once a month garbage collection
Found treasures for decorating your home
A free chair – that was rejected!
Wrapping presents with free maps makes for pretty gifts
Green and frugal living – the sweet spot where green and frugal meet
Go Gingham 