#Vacuum wood kiln

[leesalisaleesa]

Designing with Curvature with Yuri Kobayashi

I spent my 8 weeks spring concentration with Yuri and Sayer H. , her studio assistant, learning about bent lamination, using a vacuum form, coopering, and various methods of steam bending. Yuri gave us optional assignments for each curvature technique and also mentioned how the last two weeks were going to be open studio in which she encouraged us to choose a technique and make a piece during that time. My first exposure to steam bending was with Yuri in the summer of 2021. It was my first time at Penland and my first time meeting Yuri, and so taking this concentration with her was a real treat.

The first assignment was for an LED light sculpture. She had us steam bend strips of ash to understand the feel of steam bending. She gave us each an LED strip and then instructed us to create a light sculpture using the strips of 3/16 ash to sandwich the LED light inside. Yuri also made us a steel base in which the wood and wires sat in. heres mine:

We learned coopering, this is a squiggly bookshelf and is meant to be hung on the wall:

I made a couple coopered trays:

I commend those who understand compound coopering, I'm almost there, kinda.

And for the last couple weeks, I focused on making a lounge seating piece that included bent lamination, coopering, and steam bending. I went back and forth on if it should include Leo, my cat, or if it should only focus on one specific technique. In the end, I decided to include Leo and also to incorporate several of the techniques into the chair because I really wanted to take advantage of the time with Yuri. A couple things I would do differently is to make the spacing between the slats on the seat smaller and to have a thicker, chunkier legs. Yuri suggested next time I steam bend the slats for the seat and then use bent lamination to create thick legs instead of using bent lamination for the seat and steam bending the legs. There were man unsuccessful bends using the steaming method because the wood was so thick and we were using kiln dried ash but I am still happy with the end results. here she is:

This was the thickest the kiln dried ash could bend without creating major cracks but honestly at this point my material fee was getting high and so Yuri suggested to sandwich the cracks with bent lamination. And so I did with walnut.

I'm hoping to borrow a resident's cat for photos!

[chuckschmalzried]

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile http://chuckschmalzried.com/porcelain-vs-ceramic-tile/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=porcelain-vs-ceramic-tile When choosing a tile refresh for any room, such as a kitchen or a floor, keep ceramic and porcelain tiles in mind. These materials are known for their clean-lined appearance and durability and can be used in various styles and colors. However, some key differences between these two types of tiles are their cost and porosity. The pros and cons of porcelain vs. ceramic tiles are discussed in this article. We can help you choose the ideal option for your home by providing you with the necessary maintenance instructions. Porcelain Tile Clay is used to making porcelain tiles characterized by their natural elements and refined appearance. They can be left in their original state or turned into something similar to concrete, wood, or stone once kiln-fired. Due to the clay-based construction, porcelain tile is a ceramic tile that is more durable and complex than other types. Two types of porcelain tiles are available for homeowners: unglazed and glazed. The former, which is full-bodied, has vibrant colors throughout its entire thickness, making it more resistant to chip damage. Compared to ceramic tiles, porcelain is the most durable type on the market. It is denser, more complicated, less porous, and almost impervious to water damage, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or patios. Since porcelain tile can endure long periods of exposure to traffic, it can be used as a countertop and flooring material. Although porcelain can be prone to scratches and spills, it’s relatively easy to keep clean and maintain. To support its appearance looking its best, vacuum and sweep it once or twice a week, depending on how frequently it gets used. To remove dirt and build-up, use a commercial cleanser or a vinegar-and-water solution once a month. Ceramic Tile Compared to porcelain tiles, ceramic ones are made at a lower temperature, making them less dense, harder, and more porous. Due to the composition of the clay used, ceramic tiles are more affordable. Most homeowners choose ceramic tiles as flooring as their natural cooling effect becomes more apparent in summer.  Ceramic tile is a good choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile flooring material. It’s also easier to install than porcelain and significantly less expensive. The soft texture and clean-lined appearance make it an ideal choice for any room. Ceramic tiles can be cut with a tile cutter, and they can be customized with a variety of patterns and colors. The post Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile first appeared on Chuck Schmalzried|Michelle Construction. via Chuck Schmalzried|Michelle Construction http://chuckschmalzried.com April 25, 2023 at 07:46AM

[tree-services]

Pros and Cons of a Vacuum Kiln

The Pros and Cons of Vacuum Kilns for Drying Wood

https://www.trucoservices.com/post/tree-service

Using a kiln for drying wood is a great way to get rid of mold and insects. Kilns are closed chambers that allow you to control the temperature, humidity, and air circulation in the kiln. This ensures that the lumber is dried properly and uniformly.

Types of Kiln

There are many types of kilns available, including those that are vacuum systems. The vacuum is a good insulator, which helps to keep the temperature and moisture inside the chamber constant.

Contact the Manufacturer

While a kiln can be beneficial for drying, the quality of the end product may not be up to par. If you are experiencing problems with your kiln, you should contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Cost of a Kiln

Vacuum kilns are known for their ability to quickly dry wood. These kilns also help to maintain the color of the wood. However, a kiln can be expensive.

A dehumidification system for wood in a kiln uses electricity and heat pump systems to extract moisture from the wood and then recycle the heat back to the kiln. Although the system is more expensive than gas, it can be a good way to reduce environmental impact.

The disadvantage of using a Kiln

Another disadvantage of using a kiln is that there is a greater chance of splitting the wood. This can be a problem if the lumber is too wet or too dry. Besides, the kiln's temperature can be too high.

Some people also do not understand how to use a kiln, which can cause problems. Those who are new to kilns should seek assistance from a kiln manufacturer.

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https://posts.gle/KGXFPv Disclaimer: This is not professional advice and is simply an answer to a question and that if professional advice is sought, contact a licensed practitioner, or professional in the appropriate administration.

[lofthomebilly]

Fabric Bed Frame – EULIA This bed's a real looker. Plush fabric upholstery hugs Eulia curved headboard, customizable fabric material, and the angled oak wood legs feel so on-trend. It's fitted with sprung slats, so you know you're getting premium comfort with all that style—beauty sleep, literally. DIMENSIONS & PRICES: Queen: W1690 x L2240 x H1050mm S$669 (Suitable Mattress Size: W1500 * L2000mm) King: W1990 x L2240 x H1050mm S$719 (Suitable Mattress Size: W1800 * L2000mm) -Fabric upholstered headboard offers exceptional comfort and support for late-night reads. -Easy on the air. Fill in with high-density foam and fiber emitting low or no formaldehyde. -Whole Kiln-dried piece of hardwood internal structure, solid and stable. -Slats mattress support system is made of solid pine wood. The slats will adapt to the weight exerted on them, providing your mattress a just right support. And it can allow air to pass freely, keeping your mattress fresher longer. -6 points leg support, strong and steady—weight load 800kg. -The legs are made of solid oak wood in original wood color, natural & steady. -150mm height elevated platform design makes it easy for floor maintenance. In addition, a robot vacuum can pass through. 👁‍🗨Lofthome.com #furniture#furnituregoals#interiorstyling #interiordesign #livingroominspiration #condo #furnituredesign #homedesigns #furniturestyling #Singaporewedding #Livingroomdesign #furnitureinspo #SGdecor #sghdb#homeanddecor #homefurniture #lofthomefurniture #livingroomgoals #SingaporeTatler #renonation #sgfurniture (at Singapore / Singapura / 新加坡 / சிங்கப்பூர்) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl5DDbLSnv1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lofthomejoel]

Start and end the day in bliss. The Miller bed's gentle curves and padded headboard offer just the right support and comfort.​ The nice-looking high headboard, slim steel legs, and padded upholstery – Miller bed hitting all the right bedroom notes. This dreamy frame is a revival with a modern twist. Back to bed? Sure. ✔️NAME: Fabric Bed Frame – MILLER ✔️ DIMENSIONS & PRICES: Queen: W1910 x L2210 x H1120mm S$989 (Suitable Mattress Size: W1500 * L2000mm) King: W2210 x L2210 x H1120mm S$1039 (Suitable Mattress Size: W1800 * L2000mm) ✔️ FEATURES: -Fabric upholstered headboard offers exceptional comfort and support for late-night reads. -Easy on the air. Fill in with high-density foam and fiber emitting low or no formaldehyde. -Whole Kiln-dried piece of hardwood internal structure, solid and stable. -Slats mattress support system is made of solid pine wood. The slats will adapt to the weight exerted to them, providing your mattress a just right support. And it can allow air to pass freely, keeping your mattress fresher longer. -6 points leg support, strong and steady—weight load 800kg. -The slim tapered legs in silver grey are made of electroplated solid steel. They are heavy, shiny & anti-rust. -The 150mm height elevated platform design makes it easy for floor maintenance. In addition, a robot vacuum can pass through. ✔️ COLOR: The fabric cover is available in 13 colors. Color samples & color codes you can refer to the picture or find the physical one in our showroom. 👁‍🗨lofthome.com #bedframe #furniture #furnituregoals#interiorstyling #interiordesign #livingroominspiration #condo #furnituredesign #affordablefurniture #homedesigns #furniturestyling #Singaporewedding #pinteresthomes #Livingroomdesign #furnitureinspo #SGdecor #sghdb#sgid #homeanddecor #minimaliststyling #homefurniture #lofthomefurniture #livingroomgoals #SingaporeTatler #renonation #sgfurniture #SGevents #bto #sginteriors (at Singapore) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClYSeiLJVrG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[skywardsylphina]

Hello there! 😄 I’m a current teaching artist and professional ceramicist. I apologize if this is more info than you asked for, but I hope it’s helpful.

First thing i’d be remiss not to mention, as not all studios teach this to students working within their facilities, you should do is one make sure that when working you’re doing so safely. Silicosis is the disease of the lung that ceramist can get if their work areas are not set up and maintained properly. It is irreversible and can be deadly with enough exposure. As such it is not something to be messed with. I say this, not to scare you, but to instill the importance that you take care. Ceramics isnt dangerous as long as you take proper precautions but those precautions are important. Make sure you’re working in a well ventilated space (outside or a garage is ideal but an easily wiped down space with no carpet and a window also is good) and cleaning with water frequently (ideally every time you’re done working for the day, and especially the floor). For cleaning do not vacuum or sweep, use a sponge with water. The dust in clay that of concern is too small to see and easily swept into the air when dry. I also do not know how your studio stores their clay but if you can, purchase premixed, wet clay, I would do that rather than buying dry clay. The same goes for glazes. Eventually, when you have access to proper equipment (like a fume hood and a respirator) glaze chemistry and clay mixing is magical, but it is not safe for the beginner in a new home studio.

As for firing and glazing, I would recommend learning from your studio first before trying to purchase a kiln or fire on your own. Previous supervised education and experience is important both to make sure you get the right kind of kiln for the type of firings you want and to make sure you do not damage either the kiln or your self (most kilns need special electrical fitting in homes where I live and firing often produces fumes that are harmful to breathe in and thus require ventilation that more complex than how you fight clay dust). Look into what local internships or student studio technician positions are open in your area. If nothing is publicly posted a lot of the times studios are willing to take on dedicated high school or early collegiate student for a few months if you ask around. You can do this either in person or by sending a quick polite email to either the artist or studio manager explaining your interest and situation.

Additionally many local ceramists and studios are willing to allow artists to fire work made outside of the studio in their kilns for a small fee or if you purchase clay through them. This not only will allow you to gain more experience from teachers who know the craft of loading a kiln (because loading a kiln is a skill of its own), but will potentially also grant you access to different types of firings you wouldn’t be able to do at home. I would not recommend a gas kiln for example to somebody relatively new to pottery (I’d say a small electric with preprogrammed firing schedules to start off with once you get experience loading and firing) which limits you to just oxidation. Firing with a studio or professional ceramicist will likely give you access to both oxidation and reduction as well as potentially raku, wood, and or pit fires, depending on where you are and what is available. All of these give you different options for surfaces and colors and are just a ton of fun.

To transport work thrown at home you should load your pieces in between foam sheets (old mattress toppers or upholstery foam in couches are great for this), and nestle them snugly so that they will not shake around while in transit or knock against each other in a box. (Crumpled newspaper can help cushion too, but foam I’ve found is the best) I know of several professional ceramist who drive through bumpy rural roads with bone dry pieces in the back of their trucks that, because they pack well, don’t often break their work.

I know a lot of this is likely frustratingly vague, and I am sorry for that. So much of firing in particular is best with in person visuals and doing rather than words to start out. I hope what little I was able to share was helpful without being overwhelming.

Congratulations on your wheel and have a ton of fun!

New-ish to pottery, need help!

So I have taken a pottery class. I have the basic skills and knowledge on throwing and whatnot.

My parents bought me a wheel recently. That is all of the equipment I have. I know I need a kiln and glazes but know absolutely nothing about those since they were provided and fired for us in the class.

Does anyone have advice on getting into building a studio as a hobby and just general information?

Thanks!

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[earthytimber-blog]

Earthy Timber offers a truly unique service: as we are also a wood yard, we source, vacuum kiln dry, design and handcraft all our solid wood, Live Edge Tables, Worktops, Natural Edge Breakfast Bars, Waney Edge Kitchen Island tops, Bathroom Tops in Sussex, England

[decorishing]

[gallery] Color:Navy BlueThe Lexington collection effortlessly combines comfort and classic style. Whether you need a sitting chair for lounging or a cozy couch, this collection has it all. High-density cushions, durable pocket coils, and a kiln-dried hardwood frame make this accent chair truly unique. From the moment it arrives, you’ll be surrounded by comfort. The assembly instructions are simple, and the piece can be put together in just a few minutes. When you’re done, you’ll have a gorgeous tufted chair that will last for years to come. To spot clean, use a cloth with soap and water in circular motions. Flip the cushions every so often to make sure they stay fluffy and comfortable. With proper care, this upholstered chair will become a cherished staple in your home. Whether you need some apartment furniture or you’re looking to furnish your new house, Lifestyle Solutions has options for you. Regardless of the price point, we ensure that each piece is crafted with care to be comfortable and durable. Quality and comfort are our top priorities. We believe that when you invest in your home, you invest in yourself. Craft your perfect space with Lifestyle Solutions. COMFY READING CHAIR: We craft every piece of our furniture with love. This chair is so comfortable, it’ll feel like a hug. It’s made with our Dream Coil Component for maximum comfort and durability. STYLISH ACCENT CHAIR: When you craft your perfect room, you should never have to sacrifice style for comfort. With our furniture, you get the best of both worlds. This chair for small spaces is the perfect way to tie your room together. SPECIFICATIONS: This decorative chair measures 39.8'' width x 31.1'' depth x 33.5'' height. The quality fabric and huge cushions rest on a solid kiln-dried hardwood frame and rubber-wood legs. CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Vacuum occasionally, and use the soft brush attachment to remove particles that could cause the fabric to wear. Spot clean with a dry cloth, soap, and water. OUR BRAND: Lifestyle Solutions has crafted elegant, comfortable furniture with endless possibilities for over 25 years. From design to delivery, we obsess over the details. [amz_corss_sell asin="B01MYDY0NV"] https://www.decorishing.com/product/lifestyle-solutions-lexington-armchairs-39-80-w-x-31-10-d-x-33-50-h-navy-blue/?feed_id=30828&_unique_id=627137ab4487b

[hfvacuumwoodkiln-blog]

GOOD Drying results feedback from the Indonesia user - HF vacuum kiln. #highfrequency #rfvd #woodkiln #kiln #dryer #woodslab #wood #wooddryer #radiofrequency #mahogany #teak #hfvd #haibo7 #hardwood #hfvacuumkiln #h#rfvacuumkiln #woodtable #furniturewood #furnitureslab @furniture_slabs https://www.instagram.com/p/BosH0ASgyEm/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=roladlvo1bg1

[rootsgardens24]

Here's Why Kiln Dried Logs and Firewood are More Environment-Friendly

There are several options to choose from if you want to keep your home warm. But if you’re going to go on the more eco-friendly route, logs dried through wood drying kilns are a great choice. This article tackles why. Why Dry Wood? To better appreciate the value of log drying kilns, it’s important to know why wood must be dried first. Wood has a certain moisture content. If it has 60% moisture content, it means that 60% of the wood’s weight is water. This statistic can be brought down when the wood is exposed to dry air or an environment with low humidity. Dried wood has several advantages. These include the following: They produce less smoke They burn hotter They smell better when burned The problem, however, lies in the amount of time it takes to dry a plank of wood. Though cheaper, the traditional air-drying method can last anywhere between two to 12 months, depending on your location. If you live in a more humid area, it will take longer for wood to dry out. The Advantages of Wood Drying Kilns Kilns used for drying wood produce an output that can be readily burned as soon as the process is finished. This saves you a significant amount of time instead ofair drying’s 2 to 12 months. In kiln-drying, wood is subjected to a vacuum chamber. The chamber is negatively pressurized and has controls to let you set the air temperature. Both the heat and negative pressure take moisture content out of the wood. The result is dry wood with about 15% less moisture content than air-dried ones. The Eco-Friendly Choice One of the environmentally friendly characteristics of dry wood from log drying kilns is that they produce less smoke. If a block of wood is burned and it produces too much smoke, it will create the so-called localised particulate pollution hot spots. Significant levels of harmful chemicals will be released into the air and negatively impact the immediate surroundings. It will also affect the health conditions of those who will be exposed to it, even if the exposure is short-term only. Apart from triggering asthma symptoms, exposure to wood smoke can also cause other respiratory illnesses (e.g. Acute bronchitis). On a practical level, kiln-dried wood also produces less creosote. This makes it easier for you to clean your chimney and prevent a fire accident from happening. Another reason to choose kiln-dried wood is that it’s free of mould, fungi, and bugs. If these are present in your wood and you store them in your home, it can cause water damage (from mould spread) or infestation issues. Both aren’t just hazardous to your immediate environment. They can also negatively affect the structural integrity of your home. Another bonus of using kiln-dried wood is the aromatic wood fire they give off. They’re also pleasing to the eyes, giving your home that warm and cosy vibes while enhancing its aesthetic value. Considering all these perks, this type of dry wood is the greater, more cost-effective and eco-friendly choice in the long run.

[tahliasbathtime]

Week 6: Tuesday

I had had an idea to take the actual pattern from the museum front and incorporate it into the inner walls of my design. I am picturing the pattern engraved in stone, but only appearing faintly, as a modern interpretation of the bold Victorian design.

I made an attempt to replicate the pattern from the photo of the museum above, which of course is not perfectly aligned since the perspective warps the lines. But I took this upstairs and spoke to technicians in both the woodworking lab and 3D lab, and was advised it was best to have the pattern etched with the laser cutter. I took a piece of ply wood from the scrap bin and this worked quite well, I’m really amazed at how wonderful the test looks! I asked Matt if the laser can cut plaster, as my plan was to use plaster or clay to spread over a wooden piece with deeper grooves to achieve a more natural texture, however Matt then gave me plenty more options. He suggested I come back the next day if possible and we can roll out clay, create a deeper cut in some wood and then press that into the clay to make a mould - or alternatively I could use the vacuum form, or clay and fire it in the kiln also. I have been working on redoing the pattern to make it perfectly lined up (although my photoshop skills are testing me) and will go back to try out the different possibilities.

[lovemychinchilla]

Are Chinchillas Hypoallergenic?

One of the best things about chinchillas is that they don't trigger allergies as easily as other pets. But is it true to say that they're hypoallergenic? Can they cause asthma attacks, or worse?

Can you be allergic to chinchillas? You can be allergic specifically to chinchillas. They produce very little dander, but you can also be allergic to their urine or saliva, or to the hay they eat or the dust they bathe in. They can trigger severe asthma attacks in those already prone to them. Owning a chinchilla is not hypoallergenic despite what other guides say.

If you only have slight asthma, a chinchilla won't trigger it worse than anything else. But it is possible to be allergic specifically to chinchillas. Read our comprehensive guide below to learn more!

Are Chinchillas Hypoallergenic?

Other sources state that chinchillas are perfectly fine for people with allergies, but that's not true. They aren't hypoallergenic. That's because:

You can be allergic to chinchillas themselves

You can be allergic to a chinchilla's hay, urine, bedding or bathing dust

There are specific tests that check whether you're allergic to other pets or foods. While it isn't commonly used, there is a blood test that can be done to check whether you're allergic to chinchillas. This is different to a general dander allergy test. Many doctors aren't aware of this, so you might have to ask for it specifically or talk to an allergy specialist. A doctor can also diagnose you as likely to be experiencing a chinchilla allergy based on what you tell them and their observation of your symptoms.

Whether you'll have a reaction to chinchillas depends on the extent and type of your allergies. They are definitely better than other pets, but you shouldn't get a chinchilla if you need an entirely hypoallergenic pet.

Do Chinchillas Get Dander?

Dander is associated with other pets, and it's true that chinchillas hardly produce any.

Most sources say that chinchillas don't produce dander, and this is true in a sense. People with allergies to animal dander don't have as severe a reaction to chinchillas as to other animals.

But dander isn't a mythical, magical substance—it's dead skin, and chinchillas have skin. Chichillas don't (or more accurately, can't) use Olay anti-aging cream, so their skin cells gradually die and are replaced like in any other animal. And when a chinchilla's skin cells die they have to go somewhere. They aren't whisked away into a portal to another universe.

What's really happening is that the chinchilla's thick coat of fur catches the dander. When another animal shakes or rubs itself against something, it leaves behind dander. But a chinchilla's dander stays in its fur instead. This makes chinchillas better for people with dander allergies, but it's not true to say they're completely hypoallergenic.

Owners suggest keeping the chinchilla in a clean cage with no bedding or accessories in it for an hour or so, and spending some time around it. This will tell you whether your allergy is from the chinchilla or its cage setup.

Can You Be Allergic to Chinchilla Food (Hay)?

A chinchilla for people with asthma is as bad as other pets. That's because you can be allergic to a chinchilla's cage.

Chinchillas eat hay, which is dried grass. 'Hay fever' isn't just a reaction to hay; it's actually relatively uncommon to be allergic specifically to hay. But you can be, and if you are, a chinchilla isn't for you. Hay dust can also trigger asthma attacks. Unfortunately, there's nothing else that can form the cornerstone of a chinchilla's diet.

You would have to replace this hay every once in a while so that your chinchilla has enough to eat. But you would also need to feed it hay pellets, roughly a tablespoon per day. These and hay cubes are better than fresh hay because they give off less loose dust, but they could still cause a reaction. There would be no way of avoiding handling hay and breathing in any dust that comes from it each time you feed your pet.

Can You Be Allergic to Chinchilla Urine?

Most people think you can only be allergic to a pet's dander, but that's not true. You can also be allergic to its urine. Scientific studies show that urine can have allergens all of its own, distinct from those found in dander. While the chinchilla's allergen profile hasn't been looked at by scientists, it's likely that chinchilla urine gives off allergens too.

With pets that go to the toilet outside, that's not a major problem. But your chinchilla will either go to the toilet in a chosen corner of its cage, or in a litter box if you've provided one. Unless you constantly spot clean your chinchilla's cage, it will sit there, and you can have a reaction to it. The urine can also soak into the bedding you use, which makes it doubly dangerous if you're highly allergic.

On top of the allergy to your chinchilla's urine, you can also be allergic to its saliva. You can come into contact with this saliva either by handling your pet or by touching something it gnawed on. Again, saliva can contain unique allergens, but it can also share the same allergens as are found in dander.

Can You Be Allergic to Chinchilla Bedding?

There are several common kinds of bedding people use for chinchillas, including kiln-dried pine ('KD pine'), aspen and CareFresh. KD pine and aspen are made of wood that you can be allergic to. CareFresh is marketed as hypoallergenic.

It is possible to keep chinchillas with beddings other than these, which you won't be allergic to. But this is still something you must be aware of.

Can You Be Allergic to Chinchilla Dust?

Chinchillas don't bathe in water, they bathe in dust. There are two main kinds of dust available, which are pumice and aluminum silicate. Blue Cloud dust, which you might have heard of, is the aluminum silicate kind.

These kinds of dust can cause asthma flareups. Some owners note that they aren't allergic to anything other than their chinchilla's dust, which indicates that the problem isn't a pet allergy, but a generic asthma issue. If you want hypoallergenic chinchilla dust, there are specialists who make it. But as for whether they'll have any available is another question.

Are Chinchillas Allergy Friendly Overall?

Yes and no. They don't produce anywhere near as much dander as other pets. But they also need to bathe in dust and eat hay, which other pets don't. So, if you've got existing allergies and especially if you have asthma, a chinchilla might not be a good choice.

Our advice is to talk to a medical professional about the extent of your allergies. If it's safe to do so, you could also benefit from handling a chinchilla in a pet store or visiting a friend who has them to gauge how serious your reactions are. There are lots of people with mild allergies who keep chinchillas and seem not to mind.

Chinchilla Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms you'll experience if you're allergic to your chinchilla (or anything in its cage) are similar to those you get with other allergies. The severity of these symptoms can vary. On the less serious end of the scale, you can expect:

A stuffy nose

A runny nose

Sneezing & coughing

Slight itching

But the more serious symptoms include:

Tightening of the throat and difficulty breathing

Lots of itching

These symptoms can be scary. If you have ever experienced these symptoms with other pets, you'll know how bad they can be. But if you've never had asthma or an allergy to pets, it's highly unlikely that you'll experience them for the first time with a chinchilla.

How to Keep a Chinchilla If You're Allergic

If you have asthma or allergy issues that aren't severe, you may still be able to keep a chinchilla. We would recommend against it as you shouldn't play games with your health. But if you're going to do it anyway, there are things you can do to keep reactions to a minimum. These things are possible because most reactions stem from the chinchilla's cage rather than the chinchilla itself.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia. CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Buy an Air Purifier

HEPA air purifiers suck in air and get rid of any allergens in it. These work best for dander, but can effectively help with dust, urine and bedding allergens too. You can sit one in the room that your chinchilla lives in, and it should make the effects of your allergy less serious. You'll likely have to change the filters regularly as the bathing dust, especially, could clog them up. The only drawback is that good models are expensive, but if your allergies are a constant pain, the price might be worth it to you.

You can also keep the air clean in other ways. Frequent dusting and vacuum cleaning helps.

Use Fleece Bedding

Owners use many different kinds of bedding. Perhaps the most common is fleece. This doesn't give off dust like wood- or paper-based beddings, and can be laundered easily.

Don't Keep Your Chinchilla in Your Room

Proximity makes allergies worse. You can therefore keep your reactions under control by keeping your chinchilla in a room you don't go in frequently.

The problem with this is that your pet will be lonely, and you won't even enjoy having it. So, if your allergies are this serious, you should think twice about whether you would even have fun owning a chinchilla.

Wear a Mask & Gloves when Cleaning

To keep your chinchilla's cage clean, you'll have to spot clean it every day. This means swapping out litter trays and soiled bedding, and sweeping up poop. If this will make your reactions flare up, consider wearing a respirator and/or gloves.

You can buy masks like these from hardware stores. Look for ones that block out particulates, or marked particulate respirator. These are for contractors who work around lots of dust, and they filter that dust out.

Again, if you have to wear gloves and a mask to even handle or be around a chinchilla, you should consider a different pet! But if you have allergies and are still going to get a chinchilla, you must consult a medical professional beforehand. It's your health condition and your choice, but make that choice fully aware of what's facing you.

Below, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new posts for further reading, and a signup for our Chinchilla Newsletter!

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