Space solves: Eco-friendly loft insulation and velvet upholstery care

I want to insulate my loft in an eco-friendly way, preferably with wool, but the entrance hatch is tiny and I don't want to make it ­bigger. What's the best alternative? "A visit to ecomerchant.co.uk will give you all the answers," says DIY expert Julian Cassell. "Thermafleece batts – the 60cm x 120cm ones, say – are incredibly flexible and will easily compress to fit through your hatch, although you'd have to pass them through one at a time. Unpacking ­insulation outside a loft is normally not recommended because it can spread ­fibres through the house, but with Thermafleece this problem doesn't exist. If you still want to consider a loose-fibre option, ­Warmcel insulation, made from 100% recycled news­paper, is non-toxic and non-irritant – also from ecomerchant.co.uk ." Is there a cleaner that's safe to use on ­velvet upholstery? Stephanie Zia, our cleaning expert, says, "If there's no care label, start with the gentlest method, but test any application on a hidden seam, and vacuum well: with a damp E-cloth or soft hairbrush dampened in soda water, brush over the pile. If it's very dirty, add a scoop of oxygen bleach (Wizz Oxi Ultra, £2.58, widely available) to five litres of hot water. When dissolved, decant into a spray bottle, lightly mist the velvet, and brush with a soft brush dipped in soda ­water. If the covers are ­removable and washable, turn inside out to protect the pile. To dry without creasing, hang in a steamy bathroom. If you need to iron, do so on the reverse, and use a towel as a base." • Got a question for our crack team of domestic experts? Email [email protected]