3/12/2010

Hello Victoria:

I think this product will accomplish what I need to make my office chair more comfortable. I have one concern, however, and that is cleaning. After a time it will smell from my head (hair) being against it and will also get discolored. What do you recommend as the best way to clean it (get the smell out). For the most part I think this is a very clever item, and I wish you great success. Thanks, Howard

ANSWER TO HOWARD:

Hello Howard,

Thank you for your feedback. The fabric itself is machine washable and won’t shrink or bleed, BUT that’s not a desirable option because you’d have to empty all the buckwheat in order to wash it. Then you’d have to refill it with the buckwheat you removed. It’s probably not an exercise you’d want to perform. (You can open Headbone through the zipper on the side seam of the neck. But be careful if you do, since the filler is loose.)

Therefore, I suggest to surface-clean it with a damp cloth. For example, put light soap on a cloth and lightly rinse and squeeze it out so it’s not sopping wet or sudsy. Then wipe the surface clean. That should eliminate odor, but a disinfectant spray like Lysol would also help.

Note also you can put a sachet inside Headbone. Use a regular sachet that you buy from the store OR make your own, like this: 1) get a small piece of light fabric like muslin or cheesecloth; 2) remove some buckwheat — about a tablespoon or so — and place on the fabric; 3) spray or dab the buckwheat with your favorite cologne; and 4) secure the fabric closed and put it inside Headbone. (Sewing the sachet closed would be better than tying, since the latter would be bulky.) Then your Headbone will smell nice and also transfer the scent to you when you use it! (I’ll offer these as an accessory soon — do you want a sample? I’ll send you a prototype if you want to try it.)

I doubt discoloration will occur, especially since you got black.

I’m considering options for a cover that could be easily washed, but it’s tricky since a double-skin-type cover would affect adjustability and firmness.

I hope these are satisfactory solutions to your questions. Thanks again and regards,

Victoria