My Chemical-Free House
A Guide to Creating a Healthy Home
When choosing a Benjamin Moore paint line first consider where it falls in the quality range, the VOC level, and additional features. Chemicals to be aware of include VOCs, APEs, PFAS, Prop 65 Chemicals, and for some people, preservatives. Colors and VOCs All paint lines on this list except Eco Spec and Ultra Spec can …
These are the six most affordable non-toxic flooring types for residential homes. Please keep in mind I am comparing the cost of the raw materials here by square foot. Some of these flooring types have other components you need to buy (underlayments or mortar for example) and some have higher installation costs than others. 1. …
When choosing products for your baby’s nursery, it’s so important to find safe and chemical-free products! Glider chairs are no exception. In this guide, I will help you through selecting the best non-toxic gliders for your baby’s nursery, focusing on materials and safety standards of each manufacturer. What Are The Main Chemicals To Avoid In …
Richard, a reader of this site, was kind enough to review the Medley sofa. He does have chemical sensitivities so this can help others who are sensitive. We also do a general review of its quality and everything that went along with ordering a sofa online. So even if you are not chemically sensitive this …
I tested superglue which is a solvent-based glue that does cure very fast. If you want something that is lower odor when wet and solvent-free I suggest two alternatives. This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. What is Superglue Ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate and methyl-2-cyanoacrylate are …
I’ve been using Tom’s of Maine Natural Simply White Fluoride Toothpaste in Sweet Mint for 6 months now. Before that, I used the Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Children’s Toothpaste in Silly Strawberry for about 5 months (as an adult because I like the flavor!) This is a first-hand, non-sponsored review of these two toothpastes. Plus …
The biggest concerns of mine with more typical cat litter (clay/bentonite-based) are the level of lead, silica dust, and in some types, wood dust (or walnut shell dust). The following types are non-toxic for cats as well as the person cleaning the litter box. Potential Toxins found in kitty litter Lead: Tamara Rubin has tested …
Natural linoleum is true linoleum. Nowadays, vinyl sheet flooring is often called linoleum, but be aware these are very different products. (And that is technically not the accurate word for vinyl sheet flooring). Genuine linoleum or traditional linoleum is made from all-natural materials in the core of the product, including linseed oil, pine resin, wood …
I tested out both Seventh Generation Dish Soap in Free & Clear, I have also used their scented versions in the past. I look in detail at their ingredients, scents, uses, effectiveness, cost, eco-friendly specs, and more. Overview: Overview Table: Seventh Generation Dish Soap Cost $3.79 per 19 fl oz, and $8.19 for 50 fl …
This article is going to get right to the point. How much does wool carpet cost – how much is the carpet itself per square foot by brand in 2024 and how much does it typically cost when you include the wool padding/underlayment and installation? Wool Carpet Cost per Square Foot, by Brand Brand of …
I went on a search for 100% plant-based cleaning products, or plant and mineral-based – in other words with no synthetic ingredients that are 100% biodegradable. Some products advertise that they are “plant-based” but that can just mean some of the ingredients are plant-based -not all. All of these products are smaller companies, two of …
These days there are many organic mattress options for kids who are sensitive to harsh chemicals and for families who want an eco-friendly lifestyle. Organic mattresses are perfect for little ones transitioning out of a crib, and older children who are sensitive to chemicals. Organic materials are better for the environment and some certifications go …
This article covers the sources of mold growth in vehicles – high humidity storage, spills, leaks, and design malfunctions – and how to clean them up and prevent them. Two engineers Luke Skaff, and Terry Blade, and a car detailing shop helped with the writing of this article. Preventing Mold in the Car Interior Why …
This article covers the biggest sources of mold growth in vehicles – the AC system and heating system. I go into detail on the four methods used to clean the AC/HVAC system out, from the easiest to most involved method. The AC is usually the most difficult area in the vehicle to manage microbial growth. …
This article was reviewed by Kian R. Magaña, lawyer from The Magaña Firm. Threatened with Lawsuits Over Ingredients In the beginning, the company was using a supplier who provided the product but did not provide a fully transparent ingredient list. After questioning, the supplier said that one of the surfactants could be considered synthetic due to …
This is a review of Grove Co’s Concentrate Multi-Purpose cleaner and Bathroom cleaner versus Branch Basics’ Concentrate All-Purpose cleaner. I compare these on their ingredient safety and sustainability as well as cost and effectiveness. I tested these firsthand. This is not sponsored by either company. I bought the products. I will also compare briefly some …
Choosing construction adhesives can be one of the more overwhelming parts of material selection for a build. However, just like with caulking sealants, the same types of low-VOC polymers are also used in construction adhesives, window and door installs, flooring, and roofs. And there are some really good options out there. The article covers the …
This post will go through the techniques used to help promote off-gassing of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a new car. That “new car smell” is made up of VOCs and we can speed up their release or mitigate them with a number of hacks. Not all toxins in new vehicles are gasses (VOCs) …
Less toxic cars have lower interior VOC levels, are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) aka vinyl, brominated flame retardants, and use chrome-free leather. Unfortunately, alternate flame retardants like “tris” are still used in the foam. Metals and Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) are other high-priority chemicals that may not yet be avoidable in car interiors. …
These are the favorite paints and primers, vetted by the chemically sensitive, that have been used successfully to block emissions of VOCs, fragrance, smoke smells, urine, and more. 1. AFM Transitional Primer AFM Transitional Primer has been used for years by chemically sensitive folks to block various odors and chemical emissions in homes. This falls …
New fridges have a number of off-gassing odors that are coming from the glues, rubber seals, and the plastic. If you want to take a look at which new fridge brands have lower off-gassing see the post on appliances for the chemically sensitive. Buying the floor model can also be beneficial for some people as …
The other articles I saw in search results on non-toxic cutting boards all contained misinformation on what really is in these different materials. In this article, I aim to cover all the possible contaminants in the different types of cutting board materials. I have three categories, that start from the purest options to the next …
Contact paper is a flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) product. Contact paper refers to the type of self-adhesive vinyl film that can go over countertops, kitchen cupboards, furniture, and shelves. Depending on what the project is, alternatives could be peel-and-sick acrylic wallpaper or PVC-free craft vinyl/sign vinyl which I talk about at the end of the …
This is a comparison and review of all the mattresses that are GreenGuard Gold. I also compare them on other factors as well like: organic certifications, CertiPUR certification, flame retardants, fiberglass, adhesives used, and more. I talked to almost every company on the list to dig into what kinds of additives they were using as …
