Detergent allergy and hotel sheets

[lexmas]

Okay, I have no idea what to do in this situation, and we leave in 2 weeks! So, I figured, SOMEONE on the DIS has to know what to do!

We just recently found out that DS is allergic to pretty much every laundry detergent other than Seventh Generation. It messes with him in lots of ways, and even just being around other people who have washed their clothes in "normal" detergent is enough exposure for him to have a small reaction. Not the worst...as long as our clothes and his clothes are good, he's mostly fine.

But what do I do about the sheets in the hotel room? I assume we have to bring our own, but just being in the room with Disney's sheets isn't going to be good. I mean, it's do-able if he's not going to be playing on them...maybe I can shove them in the closet? Mousekeeping probably won't like that... Plus, we're staying at ASMovies, and i know those closets aren't big.

Anyway, I think the more pertinent question is does anyone have a compact solution for bringing our own sheets? I'm thinking this is going to take up a lot of valuable souvineer room in our luggage... I'm generally not worried about germs or anything, so I've never even thought about bringing my own sheets! There has to be someone out there who does this though!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm kind of at a loss, since just being in disney might mess with him, all those people! I'm hoping that it's "open air" enough that he'll be fine.

Thanks again!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I would call the hotel and let them know the issue. It can't be the first time this has come up. Have them take all the bedding out of the room before you get there. I would bring my own sheets (full sized) and a mattress pad and he should be fine.

 

[jaycns]

NO NEED to bring your own sheets! Call and have an allergy note placed on your reservation. Disney can and has in the past laundered our sheets and towels both without detergent. I don't know what they used, but it was chemical free (I believe it was baking soda?). Our towels and bedding were laundered separately and kept separate from the rest of the guests' throughout our entire stay. Disney works wonders by helping those who cannot otherwise enjoy a vacation safely do just that.

Our son does not need this any longer (we have eliminated most commercial detergents from his allergen list) but we do have our room "VIP cleaned". Basically they use only water/baking soda/vinegar, change out the comforters, clean the curtains, upholstery, use a dust mite treatment on the floor, do a very through cleaning to eliminate (as much as humanly possible) dust and molds and then it is checked by the mousekeeping manager before we arrive. This obviously should be set up before you arrive (it takes much longer than a regular cleaning).

Before we discovered the fact that Disney would do this for those with health reasons, we ended up in the ER twice while on vacation and one of those times he went by ambulance and spent countless other vacations with him at a doctor's office getting breathing treatments.

I am unsure as to if you would need to request the entire "VIP Cleaning" but I am sure if you called Disney and explained your son's allergy issues and what you needed in order for him to be able to enjoy his vacation that they would be able to take good care of you. In our experience our room has been highlighted on the mousekeepers list and I have seen our son's needs listed right next to our room number on the list. I have also bumped into the mousekeeping manager double checking our room during our stay.

From one mom of a child with allergies to another, good luck and enjoy your vacation!

**If you get a CM that tells you that a special laundering or "VIP clean" is not available on rooms, ask for their supervisor. This is something that Disney does but we have in the past had trouble with a few CMs not knowing about it when we booked. We have an upcoming stay in one month that we have this arranged for and our last three stays have all been healthy ones because of this service. This is a free service.**

ETA: If you need more information about an allergy cleaning (also called a VIP Clean) you can search here on the DIS and more info pops up (IF the search feature is working...which I am not having any luck with right now). HTH!

 

[lexmas]

This is VERY exciting news, thanks so much for all the info! I'm going to call ASAP!

 

[jaycns]

This is VERY exciting news, thanks so much for all the info! I'm going to call ASAP!

Please post and let us know how it all works out! From your ticker we will be arriving just a week after you guys enjoy your time there!

 

[zumbergc]

If you have problem with air freshners, make sure to note that none be used in the room. Last trip, even though noted, along with the same cleaning procedures as someone mentioned above, we also have noted, no not use air freshner in the room.

Unfortunately, they sprayed it in the room. My Dh called the front desk on the room phone, they said to wait in the room until a manager can call us back. We waited a couple minutes then went back to the front desk. When you call the button on your phone, you are not actually speaking to someone at the resort's front desk. So, if you have a problem, and want to be re-assigned, go back to the front desk, or things may not be fixed, or you could be waiting in a room not friendly to your health for a while.

From what I understand about the bedding, they wash it in hot water, and don't use detergent at all.

 

[Schmeck]

Baking Soda is a chemical - NaHCO3. So is vinegar, water, etc. It's my pet peeve when someone says something is 'chemical free' - they're talking about nothing!

I'd still pack at least one sheet for your son - fold it in half, sew the open side up, and he can sleep in it like a sleeping bag inside the other sheets, after the cleaning.

He should also avoid walking barefoot on the carpeting, and I would think you'd have to avoid the pools too, as that is 'chemical soup' for certain.

He probably shouldn't get too close to the characters either - you won't have any control over how they clean the costumes.

 

[Lilogirl]

Wow! Some people are just less than helpful!

As someone with CHEMICAL allergies and sensitivites, I can tell you WDW is wonderful with the allergy clean. I call ahead of time and they don't use any strong or harsh chemicals in my room. I have been asked what the triggers are. I have been asked if baking soda was ok and the bathroom was cleaned with it. In my case baking soda doesn't cause any problems (which is why I think most people don't consider baking soda a chemical in the sense of it triggering allergies). Sheets can be washed with no detergent.

The last time I checked in, the maid met me personally and asked which cleaning products would be ok. She used no fragrances and no harsh chemicals.

As far as the pool, I am VERY sensitive to pool chemicals and I am able to swim in the pools at Disney.

 

[dezimber]

I haven't been to WDW and reading this thread has me wondering about my allergies. I too can't handle strong scents, especially spray airfresheners. But secondhand smoke sends me over the edge. On past vacations dispite requesting a non-smoking room there is a lingering odor of an ashtray. Would this be something to address when I make my reservations. We are more then likely staying at a value resort. If my friend gets preggo we will try to get a suite so we have somewhere to keep baby food/formula,etc.

 

[ChristusG]

Wow, I had no idea about the VIP cleaning! I'm sensitive to smells as well. And I have allergies but dont know what the triggers are yet. I need to see an allergist. My reactions just lead to really bad sinus infections. It is REALLY nice to know about the VIP cleanings. Once I figure out what my triggers are, it may come in handy!

 

[Schmeck]

Wow! Some people are just less than helpful!

As someone with CHEMICAL allergies and sensitivites, I can tell you WDW is wonderful with the allergy clean.
As far as the pool, I am VERY sensitive to pool chemicals and I am able to swim in the pools at Disney.

Explaining that everything is a chemical is less than helpful? People can have reactions to just about anything (my daughter is allergic to some bubble solutions) because every single thing on this planet is a chemical. There was a story on the TV about a girl whose skin was allergic to water, good old H2O. She would have a reaction to her own sweat, and suffered a bath once a week at the most. Think about what would be in a container if it was advertised as being "chemical free" As I stated above, I consider it a pet peeve of mine that people use the word chemical like it means something bad.

It's good to know that even sensitive-skinned people can enjoy the WDW pools, and that the allergy cleaning is effective.

 

[Lilogirl]

Explaining that everything is a chemical is less than helpful? People can have reactions to just about anything (my daughter is allergic to some bubble solutions) because every single thing on this planet is a chemical. There was a story on the TV about a girl whose skin was allergic to water, good old H2O. She would have a reaction to her own sweat, and suffered a bath once a week at the most. Think about what would be in a container if it was advertised as being "chemical free" As I stated above, I consider it a pet peeve of mine that people use the word chemical like it means something bad.

It's good to know that even sensitive-skinned people can enjoy the WDW pools, and that the allergy cleaning is effective.

If you are going to pick at me, you might what to get your facts straight. I never said anything about being "sensitive-skinned". My chemical allergies are not contact allergies like your "bubble" allergy.

 

[jaycns]

Explaining that everything is a chemical is less than helpful? People can have reactions to just about anything (my daughter is allergic to some bubble solutions) because every single thing on this planet is a chemical. There was a story on the TV about a girl whose skin was allergic to water, good old H2O. She would have a reaction to her own sweat, and suffered a bath once a week at the most. Think about what would be in a container if it was advertised as being "chemical free" As I stated above, I consider it a pet peeve of mine that people use the word chemical like it means something bad.

It's good to know that even sensitive-skinned people can enjoy the WDW pools, and that the allergy cleaning is effective.

No explanation was needed for me on what a chemical is (I have a strong background in chemistry). I was not saying that chemicals are of the devil and yes, I know that even water and even oxygen are chemicals. However, in the context of the OPs original question, stating that Disney gives items a chemical bath and chemical drying treatment when they wash them in only water (and maybe use baking soda) and then pop them in the dryer without fabric softener is not helpful in relaying what I am trying to say (even though it is technically accurate). I was using commonly used terms to as clearly and as simply possible convey information that would hopefully help someone address a family health concern. I find no reason to split hairs over word usage in this situation.

I am hoping that we can all stick to helping the OP by responding to her questions on the topic that she chose for this thread.

 

[jaycns]

I haven't been to WDW and reading this thread has me wondering about my allergies. I too can't handle strong scents, especially spray airfresheners. But secondhand smoke sends me over the edge. On past vacations dispite requesting a non-smoking room there is a lingering odor of an ashtray. Would this be something to address when I make my reservations. We are more then likely staying at a value resort. If my friend gets preggo we will try to get a suite so we have somewhere to keep baby food/formula,etc.

You should have no problems with secondhand smoke now. All rooms (and in fact all indoor areas period) and most outdoor areas (with the exception of a couple of designated outdoor smoking areas) including room balconies are now smoke free. This doesn't mean someone might not have broken the rule right before you checked in or someone in the next room might not light up while you are there, but in both cases you have recourse. In the first case, insist on being moved for health reasons and/or the fact that you were guaranteed a smoke free room (every room is smoke free guarantee now) and in the second, call the front desk. Guests are charged a stiff recovery fee if they smoke.
HTH!

 

[Schmeck]

I was using commonly used terms to as clearly and as simply possible convey information that would hopefully help someone address a family health concern. I find no reason to split hairs over word usage in this situation.

I am hoping that we can all stick to helping the OP by responding to her questions on the topic that she chose for this thread.

And I was trying to point out the misleading term "Chemical Free", as people can be allergic to just about any chemical (as I pointed out before) and who knows if someone else could be allergic to the very things WDW uses in their so-called "Chemical Free" cleaning? That's also why I suggested the OP bring a sheet from home and use it like a sleep sack for her child. Bring a pillowcase too, and remove it each day before you go to the parks so mousekeeping doesn't take it.

 

[imthatgirl]

i would bring my own and have them take everyhting out of the room.

having them wash the sheets in just water isnt going to help if he is so severely sensitive that he cant be in the same room as them. what ever dtergent theyve used in the machine will still be in it, unless of course they have the machine sanitized, but i wouldnt put all my eggs in that basket.

and then what about the mattress, theyve touched the sheets for years. so if putting them in the closet, like you said, could still be an issue, thne the mattress could too. wow, this must be very difficult i couldnt even imagine, school friends houses, nust be a nightmare. my heart goes out to him

i dont know what to tell you....maybe talk to his dr?

 

[jaycns]

And I was trying to point out the misleading term "Chemical Free", as people can be allergic to just about any chemical (as I pointed out before) and who knows if someone else could be allergic to the very things WDW uses in their so-called "Chemical Free" cleaning? That's also why I suggested the OP bring a sheet from home and use it like a sleep sack for her child. Bring a pillowcase too, and remove it each day before you go to the parks so mousekeeping doesn't take it.

I fail to see how the information I passed along to her was misleading. I did point out that water and baking soda are what I believe that Disney uses. She can (and should)get the specifics of their current "chemical free" cleaning process straight from Disney if she is interested in seeing if this would work for her son's situation. It is up to the OP's doctor and her own knowledge of her son's condition as to if her son can or cannot be exposed to those things.

Let's just agree to disagree, you would bring sheets from home, I would use Disney's special services VIP cleaning. I am sure we would both do what we felt was best for our own children while on vacation. I would expect that the OP does no less and I am glad she has many options to chose from. I was simply sharing information about a little known service that is available and has been of great value to my own family. I wish someone had shared this information with me before my son ended up in the ER.

OP if you do happen to be interested in any more information about my family's experience with the services Disney offers to those with allergies please feel free to PM me. No matter what you figure out, enjoy the magic and soak up the pixie dust! Hopefully without any allergic reactions!

 

[Lilogirl]

And I was trying to point out the misleading term "Chemical Free", as people can be allergic to just about any chemical (as I pointed out before) and who knows if someone else could be allergic to the very things WDW uses in their so-called "Chemical Free" cleaning? That's also why I suggested the OP bring a sheet from home and use it like a sleep sack for her child. Bring a pillowcase too, and remove it each day before you go to the parks so mousekeeping doesn't take it.

In my experience, Disney does not call the cleaning "Chemical Free". I have heard it referred to as "VIP Clean" or "Allergy Clean". Much the same as noting a food allergy on an ADR-once the allergy clean request has been made on my room reservation-I am asked what the allergy is.

To the OP-I would suggest you call and request the allergy clean. You can the discuss your needs with them.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[dezimber]

You should have no problems with secondhand smoke now. All rooms (and in fact all indoor areas period) and most outdoor areas (with the exception of a couple of designated outdoor smoking areas) including room balconies are now smoke free. This doesn't mean someone might not have broken the rule right before you checked in or someone in the next room might not light up while you are there, but in both cases you have recourse. In the first case, insist on being moved for health reasons and/or the fact that you were guaranteed a smoke free room (every room is smoke free guarantee now) and in the second, call the front desk. Guests are charged a stiff recovery fee if they smoke.
HTH!

Thank you for your reply. That is good to know.