"Also, cold showers after fiberglass work help close your pores and wash off fibers without embedding them deeper—hot water makes it worse, trust me on that one..."
You're spot-on about the cold showers—learned that lesson the hard way myself. But honestly, I've had decent luck with disposable coveralls when I upgraded to the heavier-duty Tyvek suits. They're pricier, sure, but the thicker material holds up way better than those flimsy painter's ones. Curious if you've tried those or just the standard disposables? Might make a difference in your experience...
Tyvek suits are definitely a step up, but honestly, I've found them a bit overkill for quick attic jobs. They're great if you're spending hours up there, but for shorter stints, I just layer up with long sleeves and gloves, then toss everything straight into the wash afterward. Saves money and hassle. Cold showers are still the real MVP though—nothing beats that relief after dealing with fiberglass itchiness...
Totally agree with you on the Tyvek suits being a bit much for quick attic visits. I've done my fair share of attic inspections and quick insulation checks, and honestly, layering up with old clothes has always been my go-to as well. I usually keep a dedicated set of long sleeves and pants just for attic work—nothing fancy, just something I don't mind getting itchy or dusty. Tossing them straight into the wash afterward is definitely key.
One thing I'd add from experience: goggles or safety glasses can be a lifesaver. Fiberglass particles floating around can really irritate your eyes, even if you're only up there for a short time. Learned that the hard way after spending an afternoon blinking like crazy and rinsing my eyes out repeatedly... not fun.
Cold showers are indeed great, but I've found that using baby powder or talcum powder beforehand can help prevent some of that fiberglass itchiness from sticking around. It sounds odd, but it creates a barrier that makes cleanup easier afterward. A contractor friend recommended it years ago, and it's been surprisingly effective.
Also, if you're dealing with fiberglass regularly, investing in a decent respirator mask isn't a bad idea. Even short exposures can add up over time, and protecting your lungs is worth the slight inconvenience. They're not too expensive these days, and you can reuse them multiple times.
But yeah, for quick jobs, keeping things simple usually works best. No need to break out the full hazmat gear every time you peek into the attic...
Good call on the goggles—I learned that lesson too after a miserable afternoon of itchy eyes. Curious though, have you tried disposable nitrile gloves? They're thin enough to keep your dexterity but still block most fiberglass particles. I used to skip gloves entirely, thinking they'd be too bulky, but these have been a game changer for quick attic checks. Might be worth giving them a shot if you haven't already...
I've used nitrile gloves before, and they're decent for quick jobs. But do you find they tear easily around sharp edges or nails? Wondering if there's a sturdier alternative that's still budget-friendly...
