The following are dishwashers without bitumen (and therefore with less off-gassing of VOCs) as well as options without a Prop 65 warning.
Less Toxic Dishwashers
1. Dishwashers with Stainless Steel Interiors
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 or fully encased, recently a Miele rep told a reader that part of the bitumen was not enclosed (2024).
However, chemically sensitive folks continue to report consistently good results with this brand.
Sensitive folks can pick up off-gassing odors from the brands like Bosch, Whirlpool and others that use bitumen, as it has quite a noticeable odor and off-gasses VOCs, especially for the first little while when heated up by the dishwasher.
You may not notice it until the dishwasher is in action.
Some bitumen layers are between blanket reflective sound barriers, others are baked or sprayed on.
2. Dishwashers with Plastic Interiors
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.
But generally, the plastic interiors are better for sensitive folks because they are (usually) not encased in bitumen/ashphalt.
Polypropylene does not usually contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates.
This is a safe plastic for most people who are chemically sensitive.
They do often have fiberglass insulation around the plastic instead, which has very little to no off-gassing.
A plastic interior 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 if you are sensitive to fragrance.
Better Brands of Dishwashers
Some brands that sensitive folks have liked include Electrolux, Frigidaire, and GE Integrated models.
I had 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 based on a report.
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 who bought it.
Another reader reported that LG Dishwasher LDTH7972D (black, stainless) contained bitumen in 2024.
Another reader recently said Maytag dishwasher model #MDB4949SKZ claims to be free of bitumen – they said they use polyester or fiberglass insulation, she was happy with it but it didn’t seem like she was chemically sensitive.
Unfortunately, the company reps do not always give accurate information on whether a dishwasher contains bitumen or how well encased it is.
Test it for Bitumen Before Installing
You can not return a dishwasher that you have used, so first inspect your dishwasher for bitumen around the outside (black baked on layer) when you receive it (even if the company told you it doesn’t have bitumen) and use a hair dryer to heat up the outside to see if it will off-gas when heated (that idea came from a reader!)
How to Off-gas A New Dishwasher
I have an article on how to speed up the off-gassing of a new dishwasher here. (Whether it’s a type with bitumen or not).
Wire Rack Plastics
Look for nylon-coated wire racks (not PVC).
Most racks are now made with nylon (polyamide) and most with nylon will state that. Polyamide can contain bisphenols, though it does not contain phthalates.
If it doesn’t state what type of plastic is coating the racksm then it might be PVC, which does off-gas and contain plasticizers, potentially phthalates.
Leak-Prevention on Dishwashers: Miele and Bosch have internal leak detectors. You should also install a metal pan with a drain under the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Brands With & Without Prop 65 Warnings
If you are more interested in avoiding dishwashers that have a Prop 65 warning (and you are not chemically sensitive) then this list may be more helpful.
With Prop 65 Warning: Whirlpool, Samsung, GE, Maytag, LG, Frigidaire, Bosch, KitchenAid, Mielle.
Without a Prop 65 Warning: One brand I have seen without the warning is Mueller.
Which Prop 65 Chemicals Can Be Found in Dishwashers:
1. Phthalates may be present in plastic components of appliances (specifically in flexible vinyl) according to the Prop 65 website. Electrical wiring is often coated in vinyl, wire racks are sometimes coated in vinyl, and there may be PVC tubes or hoses made of vinyl.
Mielle says that some of their dishwashers will expose people to chemical oils such as Diisononyl phthalate (DNIP) or Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP).
2. BPA can be found in plastic (epoxy or polycarbonate) components of an appliance.
3. Styrene – this could be a component of rubber or of insulation in some appliances.
4. Flame retardants may be present in plastic components of appliances according to the Prop 65 website. Electrical wiring and cords also usually contain flame retardants. Flame retardants could also be found as a contaminant of recycled plastic use (especially black plastic) (source).
5. Antimony: Tamara Rubin has found that most appliance electrical cords will test positive for Antimony (as a component of added flame retardants).
When she tests electrical cords of appliances, she normally finds the level in the range of 5,000 to 15,000 parts per million (ppm). Antimony is also used in solder (source) and can be found in recycled plastics (source).
6. Arsenic: Tamara says she often finds traces of Arsenic in black plastic handles of kitchen tools and appliances. She believes it is likely a contaminant of the black pigmentation.
In one test she found extremely low levels of Arsenic in the black plastic handle of a kettle (3 +/- 1 ppm). This is safe, by any standard she explains, though it’s still a Prop 65 Chemical.
7. Lead: is almost always a component of brass parts, and it can be found in plastic (intentionally added or as a contaminant in black plastic), solder, electrical cords, nuts, painted parts, and more in appliances.
8. Nickel: is part of stainless steel.
9. Bitumens: is used in the surround of many dishwashers.
10. Short-chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) were listed by one company on their washers and dryers company specifically. They are used as lubricants for metal, plasticizers in flame retardant plastics, in electrical equipment, and some rubber.
12. Other Proposition 65 chemicals may also be present in enclosed components of the appliance (such as printed circuit boards). During normal use, consumer exposure to these chemicals is expected to be negligible according to the Prop 65 website.
More information on when the Prop 65 label is used and how to limit exposure to Prop 65 chemicals can be found here.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Karen
WTF is safe then? Im not sensitive to smells talkedabout, I j7st want a dishwasher that cleans my dishes, drying would be a nice perk too
We will run at night after going to bed in the back of the house. The Dbs will not be a concern. I just want an energy saver that does not leave or put off any cancerous fumes or leave a residue on my dishes but will be using a non toxic, approved detergent. It is a simple answer. If that is not at all possible, say so, and give examples that would be better options, now in 2026 for 3025 or less machines.I have spent way to much time researching this and cannot even get a straight answer from a professional. Ugh.
Karen
Forgive the typos, I’m researching dishwashers!
Lara Barragan
Did you decide on one? I am going down research rabbit hole too on dishwashers.
Beatrice
I appreciate how you highlighted the hidden impact of bitumen and off-gassing—most people wouldn’t think to look that closely at materials. Those details really do affect indoor air quality.
Karen
We purchased a home back in September, unfortunatley no dishwasher is here. I’ve been keeping an eye out for Bosch sales, and honestly never jad one or a Meihl. These are two very expensive dishwashers I thought I might get the Bosch 800 stainless steel with the third wrack due to the new drying technology, which I belive is for plastics which I converted to glass now so maybe I don’t need the 800 series. My husband and I have been around dishwashers our whole lives, and who would have known that even now-a-days that these things can be toxic. I’m doing my best to keep my home non-toxic as possible and have never really been around dishwashers of this caliber. I’ve been looking since September. Can anyone AT ALL tell me which brand is better in terms of toxicity, and performance. Don’t think either of us is sensitive like others here but that does not mean I want a dishwasher with a prop65 warning hanging out in my kitchen. Please, please, I’m losing my mind over this. Can s9meone point me in the right direction. I’ve researched, and over researched, count less hours of reading and researching to no avail. Please, any information is better than none. There are tons of machines listed above. It’s overwhelming to us. Thanks for reading.
Linda
Hi! I have not found any dishwasher with a stainless steel interior that says it has nylon racks. Perhaps there isn’t one?
Thank you!
Linda
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Oh yes, stainless steel with nylon racks definitely exists. there’s quite a few of them. nylon is, is pretty standard right now, more so than PVC. I just did a search and found some.
PassiveaggresiveIntentions
Since the author just said she “did a search and found some” but didn’t list any, and since you were specifically asking for that info, here it is. It is not a comprehensive list, but these are the ones that have what you are looking for. Only takes a second to post it so you don’t have to hunt for it. 😉
Bosch 300 Series (SHE43P05UC / SHE53C85N): Features a stainless steel tub, high-quality nylon-coated racks for durability, and 46-52 dBA noise levels.
GE 24″ Dishwasher (GDF650SYVFS/GDT655SSJSS): Known for Dry Boost™ technology, stainless steel interior, and durable, adjustable nylon racks.
Maytag Built-In (MDB8969SDM): Offers a 47 dB sound rating, stainless steel tub, and nylon-coated racks with specialized clips.
GE Profile (PDW7800RCC): Features stainless steel interior with premium, platinum-colored nylon-coated racks.
Shower Rental
This is a fantastic guide for anyone looking at healthier dishwasher options — thanks for sharing! For folks planning events or renovations where you need temporary dishwashing solutions without sacrificing hygiene, a mobile dishwashing trailer can be really helpful too. It’s especially useful for outdoor gatherings, food events, or remodeling projects where regular appliances aren’t practical.
Jason A Cornish
I just had success with this model:
24″ Stainless Steel Tub Dishwasher with CleanBoost™
Model: GDSH4715AF
It only made me sick for one day. I put it outside in the sun for a day and in the garage for a day. It is currently installed! This model did have some sort of detergent sample in it, but I did not smell any leak out (and I threw it away).
BIG NOTE: I brain retrained for many weeks before we got this unit. I have to credit this to my success. I have a history of having appliances in the garage for months and years before my body will accept them.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
that’s great! and nice job. so do you feel confident now that this one does not have bitumen?
Jason Cornish
That is the $800 question (which was about the price of the unit). The representative said that this model did not have bitumen, while other models did. I don’t know what bitumen looks like. Either way, some people with MCS may have success with this unit as I have.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
you can see it before installing it is the black layer that is baked on. if it’s a black layer thta is not baked on and looks more like a foam that is foam. a fluffy layer is likely fiberglass. also the first few times it runs it has a distinct smell but looking at it before installation would be the best sign.
Chelsey
Jason, is this dishwasher still working for you? I am thinking about ordering it based on your review. Thanks!
Jason Cornish
It is, which I am very grateful for. I was worried for over a year about how we needed a new dishwasher when that came in for me. Make sure you brain retrain around it.
Jason Cornish
That is… I was afraid for over a year about what a new dishwasher could do to me (lose my ability to sleep in my house). But yes, all is well. I think brain retraining helped a lot.
Sarah
Can you explain a bit about the nuts and bolts of “brain retaining?”
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I talk about it quite a lot in Substack since I’ve seen a lot of progress from the mind-body programs.
Shawn
It baffles me that with a general awareness in society these days about the importance of indoor air quality combined with more efficient homes with less draft etc, that there are literally no options for a new, bitumen-free dishwasher, even at the highest price points. Is heating up pavement really the best they can do?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
There are options without bitumen.
Shawn
The couple listed in the article seem to be old models no longer in production. Which ones produced today are bitumen-free? Thanks!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there are 6 listed in the article, and 3 are still available
Shawn
Have you received all 3 of those and verified yourself that they’re free of it? I made the mistake of buying the LG listed in this article because of this article and then LG customer service also telling me it didn’t have bitumen and then it showed up with bitumen on all sides. I should’ve listened to the other articles and Reddit posts saying that LG is consistently wrong about that. And where there are so many other articles and Reddit post etc. where nobody can find anything and they go through every brand under the sun, I find it hard to believe that you have three options where no one else has any.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it says in the article:
“Unfortunately, the company reps do not always give accurate information on whether a dishwasher contains bitumen or how well encased it is”
And to test the dishwasher for bitumen before using so you can return it.
And also that the models that were or are bitumen free, are based on reports from others, one was one I used to own, or they are based on a specific date. That is also clear in the article. And yes there are certainly brand without bitumen available, especially if you don’t go with the stainless steel type.
So it is up to you to take responsibility for your own research since it’s clear in the article that they reports are based on what other sensitive people have told me or are based on dishwashers from a certain year.
Shawn
Pardon me, 2 options (since 1 is verifiably incorrect.)
T
why not just list them here? you seem to keep dancing around the issue
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
bc that is the main part of the article and i keep them up to date there
Jennie
So I feel like I should just plan on washing dishes old school.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
appliances and electronics are never perfect so it’s just up to you. If I live somewhere with a dishwasher I definitely use it
Jason A Cornish
This is a tougher buy for sure! I wonder if there is a business online that sells old models of dishwashers?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would look locally for a used one and go see it to see if it might work for you
Sarah
I wonder if appliance repair businesses sometimes wind up with old appliance models….
Nicole
Which would generally considered to be worse/more offensive… PVC racks or a dishwasher with bitumen inside the door only (not around the tub)? All the fully plastic tubs (with plastic door) have PVC racks. There are some plastic tubs with a stainless steel door (bitumen in door) that have nylon racks.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it depends on how well the bitumen is encased in the door. That type does work for some sensitive people. If it’s not well encased it’s likely worse than PVC.
Diana
I cannot understand why anything manufactured for use in kitchens would have an off gassing product in it and especially a dishwasher that heats up and has bitumen in it’s sound dampening wrapped around the unit and glued onto it. The bitumen imbued blanket wrap has no chance of ending its off gassing because it would have to disappear completely since bitumen itself is a petroleum product and it is an integral part of the sound dampening so is a permanent part of the appliance not even amenable to removal and replacement with a safer material of which there have to be almost endless alternatives in the world today.
Le
Disappointed to say my LGTH7972S Smart Top Control Dishwasher arrived today-I had contacted LG and they promised it did not have bitumen when in fact it does have sprayed on the exterior of the stainless steel. So when the tub heats up, so does the bitumem and the smell just goes all over the house-gives me horrible headaches. Luckily I was smart enough to test-with a blow dryer. I don’t know why the company lies.
So frustrating!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Yeah that is frustrating and has happened to others. It’s just that the reps don’t know the products and they tend to have to give you an answer to they make something up.
Deb Radkin
Hi, even though you consider this a safe plastic as compared to others, does it still result in the accumulation of microplastics in the human body? Or does this type of plastic not release microplastics when hot? Thank you so much. Trying to heal my child who has been very ill with cancer.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
microplastics are produced in a plastic interior dishwasher. safe on my website refers to what the chemically sensitive do well with.
Annette Cunniffe
Hello,
Does the Bertazzoni cooktop stove with brass burners have lead in it?
Thank you!
Laura Lane
The Mueller dishwasher racks are composed of vinyl. Should that be a concern?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i talk about it in the post
Laura
Then why don’t those dishwashers have the prop 65 warning?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
PVC is not a prop 65 chemical. some of the phthalates are but not all phthalates and not all PVC uses phthalates.
Kristen
Hi. Your blog is so useful. Can you comment on how you’re liking your Frigidaire dishwasher? Any feedback would be helpful: wash, dry, smells. I had stainless and it flooded my house. Not looking forward to buying a new one because of the offgassing. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with all of us.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it was in a rental and worked fine while i was there. no longer there.