This post covers less toxic options for all kitchen appliances including fridges, trash compactors, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, and washing machines. I also take a look at less toxic sinks.
This article contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Non-Toxic Refrigerators
Offgas it First
I left mine running in a garage for a month before using it. Some people find stainless fridges offgas less than the plastic ones, others disagree.
Buying the floor model is beneficial for some people.
Washing out all residues from new fridges can help. Wiping it down with vinegar specifically helps the offgassing. But be sure to remove the vinegar with water so nothing rusts.
Brands that are Lower in Offgassing
Even top-of-the-line glass door fridges don’t necessarily offgas less than regular cheaper ones. You will want to sniff as many brands as you can.
One very sensitive blogger, Janis, reports that Sunfrost Refrigerators use fiberglass instead of plastic. But, they will bake it at high heat before they ship it to offgas it in advance. Their fridge uses less electricity than a normal fridge (fewer EMFs). They are pricey at $3000-$4000.
Recently (2019) I have heard reports of GE being a more tolerable brand but I would go and sniff them yourself unless you are only mildly sensitive. In 2023, another reader reported the same.
Some like the Whirlpool brand two-door stainless models.
Some sensitive folks reported that the LG French Doors line has a lower chemical odor (source).
A couple people reported the Fisher & Paykel (floor model for one) to be good in the beginning of 2024.
If you’re wondering why all fridges have a Prop 65 warning on them, this article explains that.
Smaller Sizes
Consider using a bar-sized, or apartment-sized refrigerator to save on your electric bill and cut back on offgassing. My fridge is 3.1 cubic feet and it’s a perfect size for me.
Propane
A propane-powered refrigerator should be OK if you do not have enough amps to power an electric one. Propane-powered fridge vents fully to the outside and could be acceptable in a trailer with a small electrical load.
Less Toxic Dishwashers
Stainless Steel Interior
Dishwashers with a stainless steel interior like those made by Bosch, Miele, and Whirlpool use bitumen or asphalt as an insulation and sound-dampening layer. Though Miele’s bitumen is partially encased (and some sensitive folks have done well with it). Recently a Miele rep told a reader that part of the bitumen was not enclosed (2024)
Many sensitive folks can pick up offgassing odors from these.
Some bitumen layers are between blanket reflective sound barriers, others are baked or sprayed on.
They used to use fiberglass or mineral wool on stainless steel dishwashers.
Plastic Interior
The other option is a plastic (polypropylene) interior. Not everybody sensitive has done better with the plastic option, and some do prefer the stainless steel dishwashers.
Polypropylene does not usually contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates. I consider this a safe plastic. This option should not have asphalt or bitumen sound insulation like the stainless steel interior options. They do often have fiberglass around the plastic.
It could pick up secondary orders more easily than stainless steel – so if you’re in a rental or if you’re buying secondhand this may not be ideal.
Better Brands
Some brands that sensitive folks have liked include Electrolux, Frigidaire, and GE Integrated models. I have the Frigidaire FFBD2406NB which is plastic on the interior with no bitumen on the exterior, only fiberglass (this was 2021).
Another very sensitive person recently found this model to be good: Samsung Storm Wash 24 stainless steel, model number: DW80R5061US.
GE GDP630PYR5FS is also free of bitumen.
A reader in the comments said that LG Smart Top Control Dishwasher Model # LDTH7972S is free of Bitumen in 2023 according to a rep and someone that bought it. Another reader reported that LG Dishwasher LDTH7972D (black stainless) contained bitumen in 2024.
Wire Racks
Look for nylon-coated wire racks (not PVC). Most racks are now made with nylon (polyamide). Polyamide does not contain bisphenols (source) or phthalates (source).
Leak-Prevention on Dishwashers
Miele and Bosch have internal leak detectors. You should also install a metal pan with a drain under the dishwasher.
Non-Toxic Sinks
Some stainless steel sinks have a sound absorption layer under the sink which you can see very clearly when looking at the underside. It could be a foam and/or bitumen layer. It does completely offgas with time, in my experience. Other than that possibly being an issue when new for chemically sensitive folks, stainless steel sinks are great.
Porcelain and enameled cast iron sinks have glazing that can contain lead. Sinks made prior to the 1980s are a higher risk, but current-day sinks can still contain heavy metals. As the glazing wears down these toxins can leach. The lead testing post has more detail. If you test the sinks for heavy metals (as outlined in that post) this can be a great option.
Stone (marble etc.) sinks are great in theory. You just need to think about the sealer used there. Dark stones are ideal because then you can use an all-natural walnut oil sealer. Light stones require a synthetic sealer – the best one is listed here. (I personally would never go with a light stone sink, as they stain easily and the only sealer options are synthetic and they don’t always protect it from stains).
Composite sinks will be fine for most people, but the extremely sensitive will definitely want to check those out. They do offgas rather quickly, so it’s not a long-term problem. The countertop post goes over these composite materials and what they are made of.
I have no problem with copper sinks, though personally I do not drink or eat out of anything copper (like copper pipes, copper mugs, etc.), I’m fine with it as a sink.
Non-Toxic Trash Compactors
Many trash compactors come with a built-in deodorizing system that may contain VOCs in the form of formaldehyde, phenols, or paradichlorobenzene.
Less Toxic Ovens
All new ovens that I have seen have a fairly prominent offgassing odor. I have heard from one person that Mielle ovens have minimal offgassing.
If you’re in a rental I would certainly clean out any harsh cleaning products that may have been used before you turn on the oven.
If it’s brand new I would suggest that the chemically sensitive run this in a garage or outside of your space to offgas it for as long as needed. Before moving into my tiny house, my new oven was offgassed for a month. It needs to run to offgas. How many hours you need to run it would very much depend on your level of sensitivity. Be sure to take safety precautions and not run it for too many consecutive hours.
I do not know of any ovens that don’t have PFAS-based non-stick walls.
Two oven brands sold in North America are RoHS certified which is “Restriction of Hazardous Substances”, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products The substances banned under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and four different phthalates (DEHP, BBP, BBP, DIBP). The brands are Liebherr and Blomberg.
Self-cleaning ovens produce carcinogenic polynuclear aromatics.
Non-Toxic Toaster Ovens
My article on non-toxic toaster ovens looks at brands that don’t have PFAS coatings, don’t use aluminum in contact with food (or have easily replaceable aluminum parts), and even don’t have a Prop 65 warning.
Offgassing Stoves
The chemically sensitive person might want to avoid gas and propane appliances. Especially gas stoves, which will be the largest emitter of fumes.
While some highly EMF-sensitive folks prefer gas appliances, like gas stoves, most chemically sensitive folks prefer electric.
Note that natural gas used in such as some ranges, dryers, and hot water heaters, may emit benzene, carbon monoxide, or formaldehyde when in use. “Benzene is present in natural gas, and carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are created when natural gas is burned. Consumers may be exposed to significant amounts of these chemicals, especially if the appliances are not properly vented.” Prop 65 website.
Gas appliances can also release carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrous oxides into the air.
It’s a good idea to have a range over your stove that vents to the outside to reduce humidity and prevent mold in the home.
It might be better for some to use a two-burner hot plate and small convection oven.
Less Toxic Washing Machines & Dryers
With washing machines, it’s best to go with a top loader.
Though a front loader can be carefully maintained and cleaned in many cases for mold prevention.
For a top loader, it is best to use a model with a metal drum. Look for gear drive, not belt drive, if you’re super sensitive.
Some of the Samsung models have been recommended by chemically sensitive folks. Many very sensitive folks like the Speed Queen washers. The dryers by them are also well-liked.
Many washing machines or dryers come with samples of dryer sheets or detergent that are scented so be sure to ask about that. Maytag, GE and Whirpool can come with dryer sheets. Also, Electrolux washing machines have added fragrance to their gaskets. GE uses Microban in the gasket and drawers.
If you’re looking for brands without the Prop 65 warning, this post covers that.
Non-Toxic Air Conditioners
Frigidaire through the wall, and Frigidaire winder air conditioners have been recommended by highly sensitive people in 2024.
Corinne Segura holds certificates in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
If you would like to support the research behind this blog you can make a donation via Kofi!
Sarah
Anyone with input on Fisher & Paykel dishwasher?
Sarah
Anyone have experience with Miele dishwashers? I’ve read that Miele’s bitumen is encased somehow so there’s no off-gassing. I’m suspicious but will look into this further, but if Corrine or any readers have anything to say about this brand for a dishwasher, I’m all ears!
Sarah
Corrine. Feel free to delete my question. I just read on your overview that Miele presumably encases the bitumen. Sorry. You spend so much time researching and reporting. I hate to have missed something and then ask a question you’ve already answered. Sorry. And thanks for deleting these two posts (though I would still be curious to hear if any readers have had any experiences with the Miele.
David
Miele has communicated to me that their dishwashers have exposed bitumen on the top of the stainless tub. They have (to some extent) enclosed bitumen in other locations on the machines. People who are sensitive to bitumen emissions have reported problems with Miele dishwashers.
Sarah
Thank you so much for replying and sharing this info. I really appreciate it. I called Miele and they were not forthcoming with information (which is a red flag in itself), so it helps enormously to read what you wrote. If you’re inclined to share, I’d love to hear what you and your wife bought to replace the stinky LG. My husband and I are struggling to figure out what to buy and is made that much more difficult because no one will accept the machine back for a refund if it’s been used, but you can’t really know if it off gases badly until it’s used (though your hair dryer trick was clever).
Mike
Hello! I’m also in the process of looking for a dishwasher for a new kitchen. In this thread [1], it shows the Miele dishwasher and that the “enclosure” is just the sides of the dishwasher as opposed to the bitumen being sealed in with a vapor-proof seal.
We’re thinking about seeing if we can get AFM RoofGuard to seal the bitumen in, but it’s a little difficult to get the full range of AFM products in Europe.
[1] https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6218831/any-suggestions-for-dishwashers-free-of-bitumin
Sarah
Thank you for checking this thread and replying!!! I appreciate all your help. I think I would be nervous about trying to seal something in, especially in a machine that gets very hot and has water running in it. It sounds like you’d like to try. I hope you can get the product(s) you need in Europe.
PS It’s interesting how many of these companies don’t seem to know the specs for their products and/or don’t want to divulge. Very annoying and frustrating.
David
Just today (03/02/24) received (and returned) an LG Dishwasher LDTH7972D (black stainless), as I had been led to believe it had no bitumen cladding (by LG staff). It is in fact clad with bitumen on top, back, and sides (and possibly within the door). Tested the suspected bitumen by heating with a hairdryer for a minute: intense asphalt odor. This test saved me the trouble of installing it and running it and stinking up the entire house. The fumes make my wife and me acutely ill. Will probably have to get a plastic tub/plastic door interior dishwasher. LG was responsive and authorized return and refund through Home Depot (which must be handled within 48 hours of appliance delivery).
Corinne Segura
thanks for sharing your experience
David
Might my post be amended to just have my first name used?
If not, can it be deleted, so that I might re-post with just a first name? Thanks!
Sarah
Your post was so helpful and very timely as my husband and I need to replace our dishwasher and are going round and round trying to figure out which will be the least offensive odor-wise. We had LG on the list (I think because a commentator here had positive things to say about it), but after reading your post we’re reluctant to try it.
Your trick to prompt off-gassing was also brilliant (though sorry to hear you and your wife got ill from the toxins being released).
It’s very challenging to sort all of this out because you can’t return a dishwasher if it’s been used and other than the darned thing stinking right out of the box, you can’t know until you run it/heat it up. So we appreciate your work around to test the off-gassing w/o installing the unit and using it, which means you can’t return it at that point.
Gera
Hello corrinne,
I bought two kitchen appliances.The first one is a vitamix 2500 and the other one is a weber e-315 gas barbecue.I have mcs but wasnt overly sensitive.After I painted using a wrong wood paint(benjamin moore aura satinwood) ,I started reacting to even christmas ornaments and things I never reacted to.I already used to react to and get cold sensations with devices like phones and laptops .I do appreciate what you do and hope you can help me.My questions are:
1)I turned on the new vitamix blender for just few mins in the kitchen without anything in it to test that it was working about 3 times and it had a smell and I reacted badly to that smell for days even though I packed up the blender away.I have not been able to use it again for fear of reacting to it.I read that it doesnt have prop 65 so I am confused as to what to do .any advice for me?or would a kitchen aid with metal base and glass jar be better?
2)I bought an exdisplay shop floor e315 gas barbecue and now wondering If it the gas canister will be suitable for me since it will be outdoors or if I should sell and go for electric instead.
3)I am looking to replace a broken TV with an lg or samsung .Does it need offgassing If I will be sleeping in the same room.Pls help with advice and I will truly appreciate if you answer my questions.
Blessings
Lozy
Caroline
Hi! Have used your site throughout our whole-house remodel and am stuck on the last area. Although I would prefer a top loader, due to the constructs of our current set-up, our washing machine & dryer options are limited to the GE all in one or a stackable Miele. GE advertises microban “protection” in the gasket, drawers, etc. Despite repeated attempts to get information regarding what the microban protection is to Microban and GE, nobody has shared what Microban Technology is utilized. The Miele is definitely smaller. I do like that the GE would eliminate wet clothes sitting. Any input on which direction you would head? Need ventless dryer & 120V and limited footprint.
Corinne Segura
Microban can just be silver without knowing what it is there is no way to know if it’s good other than to try to check one out for yourself.
Kris
HI,
You had this linked in your article can you give me the toxic free run down on it? IMUSA USA GAU-80306 Electric Double Burner 1750-Watts , Black.
Corinne Segura
it’s just one i found to be good when I was highly sensitive, in terms of offgassing.
Jessica
Hello! Please Help! Hi! Corinne, I saw you are on vacation from emails, but I need help. So if anyone out there in the community can help, I’d appreciate it. Our old washer completely broke so we just purchased a new one on sale. I read your above posts and went with a brand without a Prop 65 warning; an Electrolux Washer, Model: ELFW7637AW. We got it delivered 4 days ago and I guess the gasket has an antimicrobial treatment on it (or built into it? I’m not sure). It smells strongly of a perfume smell when it’s working and when I leave the door open to dry it out, and even when it’s not working. I have tried vinegar and the washing machine self-cleaning cycle (still need to try baking soda next), but the strong chemical perfume smell still is there. I have MCS and the smell makes my eyes burn and makes me feel a little light-headed. However, the floor model in the store where we purchased it did not smell, I would have noticed. I am emailing Electrolux, but I am not sure they will be helpful.
All this to ask, does anyone have experience with this brand? Will the smell off-gas? And more importantly, will the chemical treatment stay in the gasket, therefore affecting my clothing and linen which goes into the washer? (and which I use special non-toxic detergent for). I am really debating if I can return or not, possibly for a SpeedQueen (but another post deterred me) or a Miele? Any help is so much appreciated. Thank you! 🙂
Posts that helped me feel less alone (but no solutions or solid facts):
1. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2827108/electrolux-perfumed-smell
2. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6151235/antimicrobial-gasket-in-electrolux-627-and-lg-4000-washer
🙂
Corinne Segura
If we don’t know what the chemical is we really can’t answer that. Will it go down with time, yes certainly, all scented things do. heat and time help. you can also run things like borax or ammonia through. will that be enough to bring it down for you, no one can answer that unless they have the exact same level of sensitivities as you.
Jessica
Corinne, thank you so so much for replying! I really appreciate it! 🙂 Your website and home consulting have helped me so much over the last few years.
I will contact Electrolux tomorrow during their business hours and will update you if they can hopefully tell me what chemicals are used in the gasket treatment. I am hoping nothing harmful, since it specifically does not have a Prop 65 Warning, as you stated in your post. I will try ammonia or borax as well. If these cleanings don’t work, I may return it if I can manage that, and hope that I can do better with a Speed Queen, as I know you said many people with sensitivities do well with them. (It was just the Prop 65 Warning and another post in here that made me second guess). I was also looking at a Top Load LG (if anyone has has any info about LGs, I’d love to know), but I know they have a Prop 65 Warning as well. Prop 65 Warnings are so tricky. I will update and share with this community again tomorrow once hopefully Electrolux gives me more answers.
Corinne Segura
ok thanks for the update and make sure a non sensitive person uses the ammonia. also if the gasket is visible maybe you can just replace that part.
Jessica
Thank you Corinne! Will do, thanks. And I tried chat and a phone call today with Electrolux. The chat agent said they add a lavender scent but could not provide further details. On the phone, a supervisor said she will ask the engineering department and get back to me by January 2nd. I will update again when I hear back. I am unsure if I should return it for a Speed Queen or keep it and see what else I can do.
Corinne Segura
im glad they said there is a scent added
Jennifer
I have owned two different LG top loads and there hasn’t been any smell from scented products. The last one was purchased two months ago.
Jupiter Moon
So, I have finally found a new dishwasher model without bitumen, that has a stainless steel interior. An LG. I am not sure if all newer LG’s have moved away from bitumen or just some models. But, this model in this link, in the Q & A, the company spokesperson stated that it contains NO BITUMEN. See the Q & A for details. Finally, after a 3 year search, we found a model. We ordered it and it’s being installed next week. You can find this model at your local Lowes or Home Depot stores.
This is the specific question and answer as listed on this model:
Q: ??? Concerning dishwasher Model #LDTH7972S:
1-What is the tub insulation damping sheet made of?
2-Does the dishwasher have any bitumen in it?
3-Is there a Prop 65 California warning on this model?
Mahalo
Susie74
7 MONTHS AGO
1 ANSWER
A: Hi Susie74. Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is a sticky, black, liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum that’s widely used in dishwashers as a sound-deadening insulation. It is not used on the LG Smart Top Control Dishwasher with 1-Hour Wash & Dry, QuadWash® Pro, TrueSteam®, and Dynamic Heat Dry™, Model # LDTH7972S.
Foam felt, and fiberglass insulation are some of the most common types of dishwasher insulation and the newer insulation material available on the market is ceramic fiber. This material helps to provide good sound, heat, and vibration insulation.
Prop 65 can also be found for electrical cords for appliances so the dishwasher has aProp 65 warning as is required for all products that might find their way to California…^Ivan
LG Digital Care
7 MONTHS AGO
https://www.lg.com/us/dishwashers/lg-ldth7972s-top-control-dishwasher
Sarah
Need to buy a new dishwasher. In addition to everything Corrine has researched and shared, your post was also very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to write that up!
David
I also received info from LG saying LDTH7972 was bitumen-free. In fact it has exposed bitumen mats (under the felt insulation pad) on the top, sides, and back. It probably has a bitumen mat inside the door as well. One cannot rely on what this manufacturer states.
Corinne
Thanks for sharing. Yeah the reps can be wrong as they tend to not have all the info and rarely have ever seen the product. What was the letter at the end of the LDTH7972 code?
Jennifer
Hi Corinne,
I need to purchase a new clothes dryer and wondering if it matters if I buy a dryer with an Aluminized Alloy Steel drum vs a Stainless Steel drum. Are both of those options safe? Do you have a recommendation of one over the other?
Thanks!
Jennifer
Corinne Segura
It doesn’t matter either way
Kaye B
Thank you so much for your work and website. It is so refreshing to have your site pop up first thing when I googled nontoxic washing machines. EI for 30 years and used to have to dig and dig for such info. Bravo! And many thanks.
Diane Perez
If doing a new build, is it ok to run all of the appliances at the same-ish time to do the offgassing or do you recommend putting them someplace else to run ?
I would not be able to run the dishwasher or washer in a garage.
Corinne
Depends on how sensitive you are and how much ventilation you can get going while running them inside. Plus how much time you have to wait for everything to offgas. But the key to offgassing them inside would definitely be ventilation.
Pam
I just had a Speed Queen Classic washing machine delivered today, and it smells very strong. I’m not overly concerned about it because it’s just the first day, but the Whirlpool I bought a few years ago didn’t smell this strong. I’m slightly worried that there could be formaldehyde somewhere in the washing machine (although I have no reason to think that, other than my throat is so scratchy and my head hurts. But that is a reaction I get to a lot of chemicals.) The only reason I’m worried about possible formaldehyde is because I bought a computer a few years ago that made me feel this way, and I learned that it actually DID have formaldehyde in it. Who would have ever though a computer would have it in there. No other computer has ever bothered me like that. So, I’m a little jittery about this new Speed Queen. Hopefully, it will offgass quickly! I wanted one that would last a long time, which is why we bought it. If any other readers have had one, I’d love to hear your experience.
Corinne
oh wow ive never heard of someone doing badly with it before. please update with how it goes.
Pam
Hi Corinne, I would love to update you. Do you mind emailing me? I am very, very sensitive, so I’m not surprised I reacted to a new appliance. The machine is wonderful and built like a tank, has amazingly short cycles and would probably last forever, but I am so very sensitive that I react to the tiniest bits of things.
Corinne
Please update here once you offgas it or don’t offgas it. because it’s for the readers who might now not want to go with that brand. that brand has been a go-to for many years.
Pam
I don’t want to publicly bash a well loved brand, which I know Speed Queen is. I hear, often, how much people love theirs and how well made they are. I am extremely sensitive, even to some very innocuous and harmless smells, so I did return mine, as the new appliance smell was too strong for me. It killed me to return it because I loved it in every other way. I then bought a brand I’ve had before, but I am reacting to it, too. I’ve closed the door to the laundry room, and luckily there’s a window in there, so I’m hoping it will offgas quickly. I hate having these sensitivities. Mine seem to be worsening, as I didn’t react to the washer I bought a few years ago.
Sarah
I have a Speed Queen washer and dryer. Purchased around 2018. Bought them for the simplicity of design vs a bunch of bells and whistles I don’t want. Have had no issues with either one at all regarding smell. Also, have found Speed Queen customer service to be very responsive (though haven’t need to call them for a few years so who knows how it is now). Hope the problem cleared up.
Chelsey
Hi! Thanks for this post. For the washing machine, I am wondering why belt drive is worse than direct motor for extra sensitive folks? I’ve just purchased a washer with belt drive (without even thinking much about it), and I’m wondering now if I’ll have regrets…
Corinne
im not sure but I’m assuming it’s the rubber material of the belt. could be something else as this is just the experience of the super sensitive.
Jean
I have a new GE freestanding electric range and can’t get rid of the toxic smell. I did the burn off six times so far and no difference. Even had the broil element changed I’m ready to throw it out to the curb.
I’m going to try to return it to the store….but what else would I get??
Are there any makes that don’t stink?? I’m open to any suggestions.
Thanks.C
Corinne
I offgassed mine for a month when highly sensitive
Sarah
Went through a similar thing. It eventually off-gassed, at least to a tolerable point, but it took a while. I’m highly sensitive. Keep in mind that anxiety heightens all our senses and smell especially, so it can be a challenging cycle for those of us who are sensitive in these ways. Hang in there. I think you’ll get there and it won’t take months and months and months.
Kaye B
I found the toxic smell was coming from label adhesive residue left on top of oven door. Once it was removed it was fine.
Rachel
Hello, The house that I’m living in had a new dishwasher installed in February. I hand washed everything for a few weeks, but eventually started using the dishwasher which I believe was a mistake and I think I’m having a reaction to it. I don’t smell any tar smell but there is a distinct chemical smell every time I open the dishwasher. When it was first installed, I reacted, even just by standing next to it.
Would it be sufficient to just stop using the dishwasher and wash everything by hand? Or do I need to have it uninstalled and stored in my garage?
Corinne
I can’t make that call for anyone it depends on how sensitive you are. Ideally you use it once in a while to slowly offgas it, if you have the desire to use it in the future.
Carol Pfeifer
My 2 year old Bosch 800 series stinks every time i used it. To unload, I have to open it, open the windows and leave the room.
Sarah
So glad you posted that. My old dishwasher broke and I was considering buying another Bosch, but was concerned about dealing w/the very problem you mention. And after reading about how dishwashers need to be run several times a week to keep them in good working order, I’ve been unsure about what to do. I hate to spend money on a new dishwasher only to discover it sinks, but if I don’t use it on some kind of regular basis, parts will start to deteriorate. If you see my post, can you let me know how long it seems to take for the smell to dissipate? It’s very discouraging that you’re still having this issue 2 years post purchase. ugh.
Sarah
PS Did/does the appliance smell if not used?
Sarah
Ditto to what Corinne said, especially about the option to use it in the future. Apparently dishwashers need to be run about 5 days per week to remain in good working order. So if you plan to stop using your dishwasher for an extended period of time, you could be setting yourself up for parts deteriorating and such. There’s a lot of info out there on the internet about it so you may want to familiarize yourself.
Rae
Do you have any information on chest freezers? I recently bought a small chest freezer and it smells so bad inside. It smells of chemicals though not a typical plastic smell. I cleaned it really well and aired it out. I turned it on empty for a day to make sure it worked but when I opened it again the smell was back just as strong. It has the CA warning label on it as well. I don’t want to put food in it!
Are there any safe models?
I scanned previous posts and I am sorry if you already covered this.
Thank you
Sarah
Had a similar experience last year after buying a chest freezer. What helped enormously was washing it out with baking soda and water. I don’t recall if we did it once or had to do it twice, but it made a significant improvement that suggested to me that most of what was off-gassing was on the surface and not a material that was going to continue to off gas for a really long time on it’s own.
Jonathan Farrar
Thank you so much for your awesome work, you have helped my family immensely.
In terms of furniture and appliances would you recommend getting them secondhand to prevent from offgasses?
Thank you!
Corinne
You could if that works better for you… if you’re not super sensitive to cleaning products, chemicals or mold from other people’s houses.
Marcy
Are IKEA appliances overall any better? I always appreciate shopping at IKEA because I don’t detect as many harsh chemical smells overall in their buildings and products.
Corinne
They tend to be ahead of the curve on toxin removal but I don’t have any specific info on their appliances.
Amanda
Hi Corrine,
I just purchased a Whirlpool 2-in-1 washer and matching dryer. I have had it less than one day and it is offgassing a lot of fumes and emitting strong EMF (I disable WiFi like the guy at the store said I could do with this model but low and behold it keeps reconnecting). So sad and disheartened by all this. I really thought it would be ok because it seemed totally fine at the store.
Do you have recs on gear driven brands of washers besides Speed Queen? Seems all the new generation washer/dryers are belt driven.
..Also do you have any recs on cell phones for chemically/EMF sensitive? I have an iPhone 6 I seem to be ok with but when it inevitably stops working I don’t know what to do. I have tried upgrading a few times to newer iPhones but each time I had to return immediately because they made me sick esp once activated.
Elizabeth c Upton
Do you know of any ovens with no PFAS inside? I was PFAS poisoned before birth and trying to figure out if my oven is now contributing more. 😛
Sherry
Hi, Is there a stove/oven without a proposition 65 warning that would not make a sensitive person sick, or is it best to buy used stoves, and if so, how old should they be to not have off gassing anymore? Thank you so much for any help you can give.
John Quinn
Same question
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
here are the options without prop 65 but this does not correspond to brands that are better for the chemically sensitive in terms of offgassing. All new ovens are going to have new offgassing odor and how long it takes to offgas depends on the exact oven and how sensitive a person is. It can take a month of full time use for many people and for the most extremely sensitive it might take years. For used ovens you have to be aware of toxic self cleaning chemicals and other chemicals used to clean it.
Alex
Thanks for the post!
In terms of non-toxic sinks, you say what is toxic but what is the best material to go for? I need both a bathroom and kitchen sink, I’d love a farmhouse style for the kitchen – is stone or cement or marble safe?
Corinne
I’ve updated the sink section of the article!
Alex
Thank you!
Tami
Corinne, Thank you for your work you do and all the knowledge its So appreciated! I would have thought stainless choice for a dishwasher was better. So surprising to see that no a Polypropylene tub is a better choice. When a Polypropylene tub inside a dishwasher is in dry cycle does it heat up enough to cause toxins off gassing? I read that a dishwasher heats to 140 degrees, and Polypropylene is not a problem, until it heats to something like 240 degrees? I wondered if you could shed more light on this. Stainless steel is 2 x the cost of the Polypropylene tub of a dishwasher so its good to know, before I buy a stainless steel one “thinking” I was buying a healthier option. THANK YOU Corinne!!!!!
Corinne
PP is quite stable, I don’t have any problem with or notice any offgassing off hard PP. If you are extremely chemically sensitive you will have to test this.
Emily
Hi Corrine,
Any brand you recommend for dishwashers without bitumen and/or with nylon coating?
I am trying very hard to get this information form manufacturers but customer service representatives do not have the answers, nor do sales persons.
Thank you for your help!
Emily
Corinne
I mention the ones I know about in this post
Michael Mac.
Hello, thank you for so much great information! My question is in regards to this portion about clothes washers: “ Many very sensitive folks like the Retro Speed Queen.” I have searched high and low and cannot find any reference to this model, so I am wondering if you can recall who recommended it, and where they found it? OR, is it that the suggestion was to find a retro model, and not that the actual model NAME was “retro”? Thanks so much for your time!
Corinne
Oh yeah sorry about that, I think it’s just the speed queen that ppl do well with. Definitely the most recommended.
Jessica Marickovich
Hi! I’m trying to decide if I should invest in a convection oven for my counter. You did include an Amazon link to one in the post & I appreciate that (I currently have it in my cart waiting!) but I guess my question is are they actually less toxic/safer than a regular electric glass top stove/oven? What would be the reason we would want to use a convection oven over a regular oven?
emjay
I have electric oil filled radiator heaters in a couple places in my older house that don’t have any other heat. My old heaters worked fine, but new ones off-gas horribly, I tried to off gas one for a year in a separate storage shed and it didn’t work! I could still smell it, irritating my lungs and swelling bronchial passages–I have asthma and chemical sensitivities that make me dizzy and brain fogged. I would love to know if there any any brands that do not offgas or offgas less even. I have gone to Goodwill and St. Vinnie’s and managed to find older heaters and when these break, I’m not sure what I can do.
Corinne
There is a post on heaters. But yes for the most extremely sensitive I have heard that before about radiator-type portable heaters.
Corinne
In the pull down hose? I would use pex there.
Kristi
Dear Corrine, I have a serious problem with new refrigerators, and while I noticed that you no longer cover appliances, could you steer me toward any possible sources of help and information? I’m desperate – and I have no idea where to start! Could you connect me with others who have had experience with this problem? We in the MCS community should all join together and write to someone who could help us. Healthier appliances are needed for everyone. But who can we write to? Thank you so much for the much-needed help you are providing so many!
Corinne
I would join the Facebook group EI Safe Housing. I do keep track as best I can the appliances that folks do well or better with but this was never a topic I could cover as I would need to have a lot of experience seeing all these appliances when brand new myself.
Nicole
Kristi, I have extreme chemical sensitivities, allergies and autoimmune diseases. After fretting and hunting for months for a new fridge, I nervously selected a pure stainless (not smudge proof) Whirlpool side by side. I found an appliance store willing to remove all packaging and plastic, wipe it with water and baking soda only, start it and run it at their store for a week.
Other than a very slight ‘new’ plastic scent ‘only’ when opening, there was NO issue for me. And that vanished in weeks. I have been thrilled with this fridge and no smells or issues. Now to find a new stove and dishwasher. Ugh. It should not be this hard.
Btw, as keep our stainless fridge clean with damp cloth to clean, then wipe ‘on’ olive oil with clean cloth- then buff… This keeps it looking new and no nasty chemicals they recommended.
Tom
I purchased a Bosch SHEM63W52N dishwasher in Alberta, Canada. It arrived last week. I noticed odor like a tar last week when I run for the first time. It’s the sixth day and the odor is so strong I get a headache when I’m downstairs in the house. I will be retuning it to the store this week. It appears to me it is the sound proofing coating on the stainless-steel tub of the dishwasher is the source. I will be installing my old Inglis dishwasher back as it runs fine but it’s a bit noisy, but I can live with that vs the smelly toxic odor. What a shame Bosch, I though the German engineering could do better.
Corinne
Yes it’s the bitumen around it that smells.
Kayleigh
No, it’s not the surrounding insulation only. We through that out immediately and thought our new LG dishwasher wouldn’t stink if we opted out of that outer fluff.
3 weeks later and the smell while running was still so strong my husband moved out of the house because the smell at night would make him sick. Having to sleep out in the trailer is ridiculous for such a “high-end” appliance. Getting a new one. Came here to get some insight on one that hopefully doesn’t stink so much…
Kayleigh
Sorry disregard. I reread the article and realized the bitimum is different from that gross fluff around it.. maybe we screwed ourselves by taking that off.. sheesh.
Julielu
Editing needed? * DRIVE * ?
“For a top loader it is best to use a model with a metal drum. Look for gear *dry*, not belt *dry*.”
Also why so?
So glad to stumble onto your site. I had no idea that such materials were being used as insulation in dish or clothes washing machines!
Carla
Hi,
My husband just purchased a Galanz Retro top mount refrigerator 12 cu ft (red stainless steel front) for our basement game room area. It has a Califronia residents only warning sticker on box: says cancer and reproductive harm. http://www.P65Warnings.ca.gov . The warning made me nervous but a local appliance store said all appliances have that warning and it likely is the rubber cord. We are not chemically sensitive but just want to buy a non toxic appliance. Can you tell us if this is a safe choice and if there are any questions you would ask to ensure the refrigerator doesn’t pose any harm?
With much gratitude! Thank you!!
Ashley
Hi Carla, my family and I just bought a Samsung fridge that came with that same warning. What did you end up doing? I’m a bit nervous about it but all the other fridges I saw on Home Depot pretty much have it too… not sure if it’s something we should worry about. Would appreciate it if anyone had any more info on this too! Thank you!
Danielle
Hi- is it possible to find a large toaster oven air fryer combo that does not have toxins? most seem to be coated in nonstick materials or enamel which aren’t safe. thank you
George Seurat
Same issue here. Have owned two Cuisinart TOA-60BKS Convection Toaster Oven Airfryers now, and both times I have had to gas them off over 10 hours to prevent them from making us sick. One of them died after 7 months, so gassing it off for a month could be 10% of its utility used up…really someone needs to set a higher bar than inserting toxic burning things like this into my kitchen.
Marie
Hi there,
Thank you for this. I learned a lot, but also do not have any reassurance as there is sort of lots of doom and gloom and not many options.
When you say “most recommend” where do you get your data?
When you suggest to clean any harsh chemicals from previously-owned appliances, how would you go about doing this (and safely)?
Many thanks!
Corinne
If it says recommended by chemically sensitive folks that comes from polling the most sensitive of the sensitive over the last 8 years. More on what data I use on this site
Hailey
I arrived at this article because we just purchased a GE dishwasher (happens to be a portable model, but I believe the only difference is that it’s in a case, rather than installed beneath the counter.) The new GE dishwasher is off-gassing HORRIBLY! The first time we ran it, we were instantly overwhelmed with the odor, and even opening every window and vent/fan/purifier couldn’t mitigate it. Subsequent cycles are just as bad. I’m SHOCKED by how strong it is, and it makes us feel ill. Upon a google-search, I found that G.E. calls this a “newness odor.”
Has anyone else had this experience with a new (stainless drum) dishwasher? I am appalled that this is “normal,” and I can’t forsee a time that we can run it safely indoors.
Corinne Segura
not all GE dishwashers are going to be the same, stainless is almost always going to contain bitumen which does offgas. Also there def can be a difference between a portable dishwasher and a regular under the counter one.
Kimberly A Leeman
I really appreciate the information you provide and I refer to you often. Thank you for all you do. Oh, I just bought a Haier refrigerator and it stinks pretty bad. I have MCS and the plastic smell on the inside is very strong.
Corinne
Thank you for the report.
julielu
Kimberly, I feel for you greatly.
At the end of 2020 i was also faced with purchasing a new fridge and dreaded each store visit that had to be spaced out due to the effect.
I couldnt manage the Haier, Hisense or Westinghouse odours (& forgotten other brands too), but finally found joy with a Samsung (which I just love to bits. (It did have some odour that I didnt detect at the store. So not from the internal walls/fittings, but i believe was from the fan circulating air passing by the insulation as it was running 🙁 It probably took a month before i stopped noticing it and it got used more frequently over the holiday & Aust. summer period which would have helped.
Because the odour is inside the unit and you would be exposed many times a day i recommend to bite the bullet now and sell. I don’t think it would be enough to air it out if it smells like the insides of the ones I came across and they weren’t even running! Running it with door open is the only way for it to gas out – not very practical!
Marc Halusic
Hi, thank you for creating such a valuable resource!
I recently developed MCS and am trying to eliminate natural gas appliances from my home. If I replace my gas range for an electric one, is it common for offgassing or burning off coatings from the factory to become a problem? I was thinking of a modern glass-topped unit, I’m concerned because I tried an induction hot-plate for the past 2 weeks and it’s fan still gives off a faint but intolerable burning plastic smell whenever I use it.
Also, should I do away with my gas fireplace completely, or am I likely to be pretty safe if I replace it with a glass covered insert?
julielu
I would recommend short term solutions before investing deep with any appliances as many will bring up unseen issues. This can give you a learning period while adjusting health-wise. Sometimes it’s very hard to gauge (unless a serious reaction occurs) odours in other spaces that sometimes seem fine until they come home. So, introduce new things slowly and one at a time helps to discern culprits-sometimes a lot of detective work is required!
A bit of background that may help for comparison.
Ive had MCS many years (incl. collapse from gas escaping during igniting gas burners), and have used electric oven & cook top options. Recently both appliances needed replacing but now, with only 2 at home outside of celebrations, I have opted for several smaller appliances.
I have successfully used the PIC by “Nuwave” (Amazon) without issue ~4 years, Around the same period I have returned a Tefal “Opti-Grill” due to its intolerable chemical odour. More recently I have also been using Breville Smart Oven, Tefal C4M+ Pressure cooker, and Philips Airfryer. The latter was not been a plastics emission problem but is Terrible for smoking due to fatty meats in particular. (I will sell this asap.). Sometimes there is a residual styrene packaging odour that disappears quickly if left outside awhile.
I would investigate non-gas option heating unless the heater was located externally and fumes could not leak inside. The “Coonara” wood heater here was replaced with Gas Central Heating located in the roof space. Newer “climate change” options may become available…
Martha
I have been using a portable two-burner induction cooktop for about 20 years or more. I started with a one-burner model. It uses electricity, but much less than an electric cooktop. Induction is awesome and very easy to control. Unlike gas, no combustion products and, unlike electric, it works really well.
marc
i am looking for a non- toxic dishwasher. Your article is from 10/2019, Any good suggestions since then? Do i still need to avoid stainless tubs with bitumin?
Corinne
This was recently updated!
jayne yee
Is there a dishwasher without a prop 65 warning?
Mary
Wash dishes by hand with latex gloves