Wish I'd seen this thread before my insulation project last summer. I spent days itching and trying all kinds of weird remedies (vinegar, anyone?). Funny enough, I found duct tape actually helped by gently dabbing the itchy spots—sounds kinda sketchy, but it lifted off some fibers.
"Cold water isn't fun, but it beats itching all night."
Totally agree on cold showers though...painful, but worth it. Maybe next time I'll brave the baby powder route, lol.
I feel your pain on the vinegar thing...tried that once myself and just ended up smelling like a salad for days. Honestly, duct tape isn't the worst idea I've heard—fiberglass fibers are tiny and clingy, so it makes sense that something sticky might lift them off. Still, I'd be careful not to irritate the skin even more.
As for baby powder, I'm skeptical. It might soothe temporarily, but I doubt it'll actually remove the fibers. If you ever have to do this again (hopefully not anytime soon), I've found that wearing long sleeves taped at the wrists and ankles helps a ton. Sure, you look ridiculous, but it beats itching for days afterward. Also, rinsing off with cold water right after exposure is definitely your best bet—warm water opens pores and lets those nasty fibers dig in deeper.
Anyway, live and learn, right? At least now you've got some battle-tested strategies for next time...if there ever is one.
"Honestly, duct tape isn't the worst idea I've heard—fiberglass fibers are tiny and clingy, so it makes sense that something sticky might lift them off."
Duct tape, huh? Can't say I've tried that one myself, but I can see the logic behind it. Fiberglass is nasty stuff, and once it's on you, it's like glitter—just keeps showing up everywhere for days. I've had my fair share of attic adventures, and honestly, the cold water rinse is probably the best advice here. Learned that one the hard way after a hot shower turned me into a walking itch-fest for a week.
Baby powder...yeah, I'm with you on being skeptical there. Seems like it'd just mask the problem temporarily. I've heard some folks swear by using lint rollers—same sticky logic as duct tape, but maybe gentler on the skin? Haven't tried it myself though, so can't vouch for it.
One thing I've always wondered about is those disposable painter's suits. They're cheap enough, and you could just toss them afterward. Anyone here ever given those a shot for fiberglass work? Seems like they'd be breathable enough to avoid overheating, but still keep the fibers off your skin. Or would they tear too easily crawling around tight attic spaces?
Either way, definitely agree on the taped sleeves and ankles. Might look goofy, but I'll take goofy over itchy any day.
Or would they tear too easily crawling around tight attic spaces?
I've tried those disposable painter suits before—honestly, they're decent for quick jobs, but crawling around tight attic spaces usually leaves me with tears and gaps anyway. I'd stick with taped sleeves and ankles like you mentioned... goofy look beats itchy misery every single time.
I've been down that road... those disposable suits are great in theory, but one sharp nail or splinter and you're toast. Agree with this:
"goofy look beats itchy misery every single time."
Better to look like a duct tape mummy than scratch fiberglass bits off yourself for days.
