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I have often thought that old clothing would be good, cheap insulation, since it abounds, but have resisted because of fire hazard. However, were the clothing to be treated with a fire retardant (and maybe an insecticide), perhaps it could work. Maybe it wouldn’t be as predictable as commercial counterparts, but it would be better than nothing, or assist an under-insulated attic. Is there a cheap fire retardant that would bring cotton, wool, or a 50%polyester blend, to the appropriate fire protection rating? Does anyone have any experience using clothing as insulation? It certainly is widely used in third-world countries, but then often those little houses burn down.
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I have often thought that old clothing would be good, cheap insulation, since it abounds, but have resisted because of fire hazard. However, were the clothing to be treated with a fire retardant (and maybe an insecticide), perhaps it could work. Maybe it wouldn't be as predictable as commercial counterparts, but it would be better than nothing, or assist an under-insulated attic. Is there a cheap fire retardant that would bring cotton, wool, or a 50%polyester blend, to the appropriate fire protection rating? Does anyone have any experience using clothing as insulation? It certainly is widely used in third-world countries, but then often those little houses burn down.