Healthy Interiors

When choosing a Sherwin-Williams paint line first consider where it falls in the quality range, the VOC level, and additional features like is it washable. Also note, not all paint lines can be tinted to all colors and not all can be mixed with custom colors. All of their colorants are 0-VOC so they don’t add additional VOCs to the base level.

Sherwin-Williams also has more paint lines with added antimicrobials compared to other brands. I don’t know which antimicrobials they add for this feature. (We have to say “added” because all latex paints have antimicrobials as the preservative in very small amounts).

Most Sherwin Williams lines are free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), however, the company will not list out exactly which ones are free of APEs after a number of calls and emails.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology

The zero-VOC interior acrylic paint line, SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology, can reduce VOCs in the home, says the company.

This replaces Sherwin-Williams Harmony which was discontinued at the end of 2021.

What’s in SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology

Based on a patent by this company, it could be that their air-purifying paints contain sodium bicarbonate, zeolite, activated carbon, or cyclodextrin as an odor-absorbing agent. 

The patent also describes possible odor-neutralizing agents like undecylenic acid, undecylenate silicone esters, chloramine-T, and zinc ricinoleate.

They mention that the paint can contain nano-titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or anatase titanium dioxide, which are capable of degrading odors in the presence of UV light. (Note that the white pigment in all paint is titanium dioxide). This process works in theory with some indirect sunlight or light through a window, but this photocatalytic process of breaking down VOCs works best when the sun hits titanium dioxide directly, unobstructed, says Dr. Steven S.C. Chuang who holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.

They also list a possible fragrance added. 

It does have a mildewcide/preservative which is not disclosed.

Note that the patent isn’t proof that that is what is in the paint, but only a possibility. Also, it’s likely the paint would contain just one chemical from each of those groups.

Looking for something similar? ECOS Paint also has an air purifying paint which provides a Declare Label of ingredients. The active ingredients of this 0-VOC acrylic paint are zeolite, non-nano titanium dioxide and vanillin.

Specs

• Zero-VOC, and like all their lines, no additional VOCs are added when it’s tinted
• Available in flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes
• Available in a wide variety of colors, not all colors because it doesn’t come in ultra-deep base, and custom tints
• Antimicrobials added
• GreenGuard Gold
• Quality – middle of the road, same quality as regular SuperPaint line
• Cost (based on their website at the time of writing) List Price: $75.49, Sale Price: $45.29

2. Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint (Interior)

This inter acrylic latex is a low-VOC option at 17g/l with a middle-of-the-road quality The company says “This interior paint and primer in one applies easily, dries quickly, and offers great hide to make color changes easy. In addition to its smooth appearance, SuperPaint coating creates a lasting finish and a surface that holds up to scrubbing”.

Specs

• Low-VOC (17 g/l) and colorants don’t add extra VOCs
• Available in flat, satin, velvet, and semi-gloss sheens
• Available in all colors and custom colors
• No added antimicrobials
• Quality – middle of the line, good scrubability
• Cost (based on their website at the time of writing) List Price: $69.99, Sale Price: $41.99

Get peel-and-stick samples of Sherwin-Williams colors made with real paint here!

3. Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200

This zero-VOC interior latex paint is the higher grade of the two contractor-grade paint lines. Contractor grade means it’s generally used in apartment buildings where they re-paint after every tenant. It’s only available through professionals since it’s not meant to be used in regular homes. It is 0-VOC and it does come in every color.

Specs

• Zero-VOC
• Available in flat, low gloss eg-shel, low sheen eg-shel, eg-shel, semi-gloss, and gloss
• Available in all colors, can’t customize color
• Antimicrobials added
• LEED, MPI, Greenguard Gold, Environmental Institute (GEI)
• Quality – contractor grade a bit more watery and lower grade than SuperPaint, but better than 400
• Cost – List Price: $82.99 is the pro price, based on the website, at the time of writing

4. Sherwin-Williams ProMar 400

ProMar 400 Zero VOC Interior Latex Paint is their lowest-grade contractor paint. This means it’s usually used in apartment buildings where they expect to repaint after every tenant. It has good hide and ability to touch up, plus it’s zero VOC.

• Zero-VOC
• Available in flat, low sheen, eg-shel, and semi-gloss
• Available in a wide range of colors (not all colors), can’t customize color
• No added antimicrobials
• LEED, GreenGuard Gold
• Quality – Lowest quality paint line, ideal for commercial, specifiers, property managers and new residential builders.
• Cost – List Price: $74.29 is the pro price, based on the website at the time of writing.

5. Sherwin-Williams Emerald

This is Sherwin-Williams’ top-of-the-line paint along with Duration (which is more for kitchens and bathrooms). It’s a zero-VOC acrylic latex that offers exceptional washability and coverage with a formula that hides dark colors, resists water streaking, and helps prevent stains from penetrating. It holds color the longest on the wall (more resistant to fading), good chip resistant, self-levels. It’s their most wipable paint.

• Zero-VOC
• Available in flat, matte, satin, and semi-gloss sheens
• Available in all colors and custom tints
• Antimicrobials added
• GreenGuard Gold
• Highest quality paint line with exceptional hide, coverage, durability, and washability. Advanced stain-blocking technology, exceptional scrub, water spotting and burnish resistance. High hiding accent base boosts hiding power and delivers truer colors (matte & satin finishes).
• Cost – (based on their website at the time of writing) List Price: $85.49 Sale Price: $51.29 

6. Sherwin-Williams Duration

This is another of their top-of-the-line paints but this one is more geared toward kitchens, bathrooms and playrooms. It’s got added antimicrobials, advanced stain-blocking technology which helps hide old stains and allows most new ones to be wiped clean with water. This is for high-traffic areas, or areas that need to be wiped down in residential and commercial spaces. It’s good in high humidity.

• Zero-VOC
• Available in flat, matte, satin, semi-gloss
• Available in all colors and custom tints
• Antimicrobials added
• Quality – top-of-the-line
• Cost – List Price: $80.49

7. Sherwin-Williams Cashmere

What’s unique about this line is that it has a silky buttery appearance. The low-stipple appearance looks good from all angles. It has outstanding coverage and hide that you would expect in a high-quality paint. It’s scrubbable for easy cleaning and maintenance. Ideal for residential spaces (not commercial) since it’s a little lower in quality than Emerald and Duration.

• Low-VOC at 12g/l
• Available in flat, pearl, eg-shel
• Available in a wide range of colors
• No Antimicrobials added
• Quality – higher quality but just under Emerald and Duration
• Cost – List Price: $69.99

Other zero-VOC lines: Sherwin-Williams EcoSelect has been discontinued.

Where to Buy Sherwin-Williams Paint & Samples

You can buy their paint at Sherwin-Williams paint stores and online through their website.

Samples: They do sell peel-and-stick and color card samples. Get your peel-and-stick samples made with real paint here. You can stick to them to the wall or tape them and move them around.

There are also quart-sized “color to go” samples, this paint is to see the color not to test out individual paint lines. The paint itself is lower quality than SuperPaint, but better than Promar 200. You can get them online and in-store.

Want to compare Sherwin-Williams to other non-toxic (0-VOC) paint brands? This article compares brands.

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

Many vintage glassware items are not microwave safe; Depression glass can shatter in the microwave, according to the National Depression Glass Association.

So keeping in mind that most vintage glassware is not microwave safe due to the glass itself, let’s take a look at if there is any interaction between the Uranium and the microwave.

Expert Contributors: Bruce Heinmiller, Certified Health Physicist and Dr. Lyle Burgoon, Regulatory Toxicologist.

Uranium Glass in the Microwave

If your Uranium glass is newer and the glass itself is microwave-safe, Dr. Lyle Burgoon, regulatory toxicologist, is not concerned about putting Uranium glass in a microwave. He explains that the microwave should not change the dose of Uranium or the likelihood of breakage (assuming the glass is microwave-safe).

Bruce Heinmiller, Certified Health Physicist, also explained in an email that “there is no risk from putting a glass plate containing Uranium in a microwave oven.”

How Microwaves Interact with Uranium

I asked Bruce Heinmiller if there is any interaction between the Uranium and the microwave waves. He explained further:

“Uranium is mildly radioactive as a result of it having an unstable nucleus (all of its isotopes are radioactive), and irradiating it with microwaves has no effect on this radioactivity.

Glass containing enough Uranium will fluoresce with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a property attributable to Uranium’s electron arrangement; UV has enough quantum energy to excite some of Uranium’s electrons above their ground state, and light is emitted as they return to the ground state. Although UV and microwaves are both electromagnetic radiation, microwaves have very low quantum energy, an energy insufficient to cause this fluorescence.

If there’s any interaction between uranium and microwave radiation it would be either reflection or absorption of the microwaves. The probability of this would depend on the amount and chemistry of the Uranium, but I expect it to be very low. Microwaves are reflected from metal surfaces and are absorbed by polar molecules such as water molecules. Dipole rotational motion results from this absorption and quickly results in the substance containing the polar molecules to be heated.

I’m not aware of glass plates containing Uranium having enough microwave absorption to heat it up significantly compared to substances being heated with it, but I did try it myself.  I microwaved a glass of water on top of a Uranium glass plate. This resulted in hot water, but the uranium plate remained at room temperature, aside from some local heat conducted from the glass to the portion of the plate immediately under the glass.

Any risk from use of a microwave oven does not depend on whether or not the container in the oven contains uranium.”

Thank you to Bruce Heinmiller, Certified Health Physicist and Dr. Lyle Burgoon, Regulatory Toxicologist, for the explanations.

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

This post involved a lot of research! In the end, I have a solid list of non-toxic toaster ovens, which includes convection oven types and air fryer toaster ovens. I have messaged and talked to every company on the list so you don’t have to.

I will also explain the main chemicals of concern found in toaster ovens.

My list of favorite non-toxic toaster ovens meets the following criteria (which is based on my opinion):

• Are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Are made with stainless steel bodies.
• Food contact areas are stainless steel or chrome plated steel (or could be replaced with stainless steel items easily).
• If a food contact area is made with uncoated aluminum or a non-stick surface it will be noted (as you might choose to avoid that model or replace that part).
• I will note if it carries a Prop 65 warning (though this is not a great indicator of real life exposure to harmful chemicals in many cases).

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Chemicals of Concern in Toaster Ovens

1. PFAS

Toaster ovens oftentimes contain non-stick coatings on the inside which are made from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down inside your body or in the environment (source).

But is there a risk of exposure in toaster ovens?

When PFAS like PTFE coatings overheat, “they can produce fumes that are deadly to small birds and may be harmful to humans as well”. This is a real life “canary in the kitchen,” says Graham Peaslee, PhD, a professor of physics, chemistry, and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame who studies PFAS.

So what is overheating? Dr. Peaslee explained in an email that “Teflon/PTFE starts to decompose at about 500℉ (260°C). It releases gases at these temperatures that will kill small birds and cause something call “Teflon flu”. These gases include a fluorinated version of phosgene – the WWI mustard gas component.”  

“Other PFAS behave differently than PTFE (Teflon), but many will evolve as gases and become inhalation hazards,” says Dr. Peaslee.

Some toaster ovens do reach 500℉, though most only reach 450℉, so depending on what PFAS was used, this might not be a risk to the person using the oven.

I prefer to avoid this chemical in toaster ovens, which is based on my opinion of the risks to humans and the environment. All models listed will be free of PFAS (according to manufacturer’s information).

2. Flame Retardants

According to the Prop 65 website, flame retardants can be added to the plastic components of appliances. (Source) My list of toaster ovens focuses on stainless steel models.

3. Non-Stick Ceramic Coatings

“Ceramic coatings” can be made of a sol–gel ceramic, which has a Si–O–Si (siloxane) polymeric structure (source).

Based on the testing that we have so far, it also seems that ceramic non-stick coatings contain various metals. For example, Tamara Rubin’s XRF testing of a ceramic-coated frying pan tested positive for the following metals: Lead: 34 +/- 6 ppm (safe according to all standards — but not negative, she explains), Chromium: 7,837 +/- 284 ppm, Tin: 23 +/- 6 ppm, Platinum: 206 +/- 26 ppm, Zinc: 1,789 +/- 45 ppm, Copper: 4,965 +/- 87 ppm, Nickel: 615 +/- 41 ppm, Iron: 7,795 +/- 196 ppm, Manganese: 480 +/- 148 ppm, Vanadium: 1,039 +/- 230 ppm, and Titanium: 37,700 +/- 900 ppm. (Source).

Another brand of frying pan with a ceramic coating tested positive for Barium: 1,220 +/- 200 ppm, Chromium: 126 +/- 59 ppm, Antimony: 66 +/- 40 ppm, Iron: 2,361 +/- 177 ppm, and Titanium: 51,900 +/- 900 ppm. (Source) (And here is one more “ceramic” coated pan that tested positive for similar metals).

None of these metals would become a gas at 500℉.

However, not all brands with a ceramic non-stick coating are the same. One brand, GreatJones for example, is not free of all PFAS. So I would make sure, if you are avoiding PFAS, that you check that your ceramic coatings are free of PFAS.

If the ceramic coating is in contact with food, it is possible that metals could leach out, though we don’t have full disclosure on what metals each ceramic coating contains and leaching tests to see how much they leach.

4. Aluminum

Some trays and pans in toaster ovens can be made of aluminum. “Cooking wet, acidic foods in uncoated aluminum is particularly to be avoided since they cause more of the metal to leach into the food than dry, non-acidic items.” (source)

“Aluminum cookware that has been anodized … or clad in a non-reactive metal such as stainless steel or a non-stick coating, does not leach into or react with foods.” (source)

I will note if the toaster oven has any uncoated aluminum parts that are in contact with the food.

5. Prop 65 Chemicals of Concern

What is Prop 65?

Proposition 65 is a warning label for Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Any product that is sold in California will have this label even at retailers outside of California. 

The list contains naturally occurring and synthetic chemicals. It is updated yearly and there are currently 900 chemicals on the list in 2023. 

All toaster ovens will have at least one Prop 65 chemical. I would not avoid brands due to this label myself, due to the fact that the exposure limit is often not assessed.

Exposure Limit?

Technically this label is for “significant exposures” and the chemicals need not be listed if “the exposure is low enough to pose no significant risk of cancer or is significantly below levels observed to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.” 

However, in reality, the exposure risk is not usually calculated and you will still see the label if the product contains only trace levels of the Prop 65 chemicals or even when the chemicals are enclosed within the product and there is no reasonable way to gain exposure to them. 

Are Companies Adding This to Everything?

It does seem like there are companies that add this to all their products even though they might not contain a chemical on the list, if the exposure is extremely minimal, or exposure is not expected with regular use. 

There is no penalty for providing an unnecessary warning.

Toaster ovens will contain one or more of these Prop 65 chemicals, but mostly in their internal parts. I will note if the appliance carries a Prop 65 warning. I will not be making a judgment on whether it’s a significant exposure.

Which Prop 65 Chemicals Can Be Found in Appliances:

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, and there may be other PVC parts in appliances.

2. BPA could be found in plastic (PVC or polycarbonate) components of a toaster oven.

3. Styrene is also something I have seen a toaster oven company disclose. This could be a component of SBR rubber, some plastics when heated up, or electrical parts and cords (source).

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. 

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). 

6. Arsenic: Tamara says she often finds trace 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, solder, electrical cords, nuts, painted parts, and more in appliances. 

8. Nickel: is part of stainless steel. 

9. Some PFAS: three PFAS were added to Prop 65: PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA. PFOS and PFOA had been mostly phased out of use in the United States by the time they were listed, but were still used in products manufactured internationally and imported for sale. PTFE (Teflon) is not on the list, but is often contaminated with PFOA (source).

10. 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.

Non-Toxic Toaster Ovens

1. HYSapientia

This is the top pick because it is the only option on the list that is ALL stainless steel/galvanized steel on ALL interior parts and accessories.

Functions: HYSapientia Air Fryer Convection Oven has the following functions: air fry, grill/broil, bake, dehydrate, thaw, rotisserie, toast, fish, pizza, and steak.

Materials:

HYSapientia air fryer oven is made of stainless steel on the outside and galvanized steel on the inside.

All the accessories that are in direct contact with the food, such as grill racks, frying baskets, grill racks for chicken are stainless steel.

Prop 65 warning: No

Price point: They have two sizes, both under or around $150 on Amazon

2. BLACK+DECKER

This is the top pick in the low-cost category, but to meet all of my criteria I would replace the baking pan with a stainless steel version.

Functions: The BLACK+DECKER Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven (8 slice) has the following functions: Bake, broil, toast, and keep warm. You can bake lasagna, brownies, and even 12″ pizzas in this larger true convection model.

Materials:

The exterior of the body of Black+Decker toaster ovens is stainless steel.

All the interior sides of the Black+Decker toaster ovens are made of stainless steel with a zinc coating. The rack is stainless steel (though it might be chrome coated which is also safe, they were not that clear). The baking pan definitely does not have a non-stick coating and is aluminum they said on the phone (but they weren’t 100% sure about that part). If you want to buy your own 12″ stainless steel baking pan, this one looks good (though you might want to measure the one that comes with it first for the best match).

See all the Black+Decker toaster & convection toaster ovens here.

Prop 65 warning : Yes, the company confirmed that their toaster ovens have a Prop 65 warning for styrene and BPA in the cord. The rep advised washing your hands after handling the cord.

Price point: Under $100 on Amazon

3. Oster Digital Air Fryer Oven

This is also a top pick though if you want to avoid raw aluminum in food contact areas, you would have to replace the pans and trays.

Functions: The Oster Digital Air Fryer Oven air fryer, convection oven, broiler, toaster oven, dehydrator, and more. The large interior fits a 12” pizza.

It goes up to 450℉.

Materials: A rep for the company says its interior design is made up of galvanized steel or aluminized steel which makes it easy to clean and is safe (this might be why the Amazon listing says non-stick).

The baking pan, broiling pan, and tray are made of just aluminum without a non-stick coating. You may choose to replace these pans/trays with stainless steel options since aluminum can leach into certain foods with enough contact time. The oven’s interior dimensions are 12 1/4 inch wide and 12 1/2 inches deep.

The air fryer basket and wire rack are chrome plated steel which is safe.

Prop 65 warning: No.

Price point: Between $150-$200 on Amazon

4. Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven

A relatively small and inexpensive choice. Like with some of the others, my preference would be to replace the aluminum baking pan.

Functions: The Hamilton Beach Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Large Capacity has bake, toast, broil and air fry functions. As a toaster oven, it fits 6 slices of toast, a 12″ pizza, or a 9″ x 11″ baking pan.

They also have a toaster oven with bake, toast, broil and convection settings.

It goes up to 450℉.

Materials: The interior cavity is made of galvanized steel. The oven rack is made of chrome-plated steel. The mesh basket is made of chrome-plated steel. The baking pan is made of aluminized steel. This appliance does not feature any non-stick coatings. 

Prop 65 warning: I don’t see one listed on sellers’ sites.

Price point: Under $100 on Amazon

Other options that were on other bloggers’ lists:

The Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer Toaster Oven might contain PFAS coatings, specifically they sent this document about PTFE in one email. In other emails, they said it has no coating. It wasn’t clear, after many emails with the company, if it has non-stick coatings and where they are.

Regarding KitchenAid KCO211BM I could not get passed the canned responses. They said “the material is not DuPont Teflon, PFTE, or PFOE, and is not harmful to birds.” They did not say it’s free of all PFAS.  

The Galanz Air Fryer Toaster Oven has a non-stick coating which is Teflon, a rep said on the phone.

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

Buy me a kofi to support the research behind this blog.

The following four non-toxic cleaners are likely the only products are you will need to clean any type of flooring.

In some cases it’s vitally important to know what kind of finish your flooring has. For example if you have hardwood floors you need to know if it has a synthetic coating or an oil finish in order to choose the right cleaning product.

With each of these products the dilution will also vary depending on what kind of flooring you have.

This post contains affiliate links. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. AFM Super Clean Degreaser

AFM Safechoice Super Clean is a highly concentrated, all-purpose cleaner and degreaser formulated for the chemically sensitive. It can be diluted down to an all-purpose cleaner or used at higher strengths as a degreaser.

It is not toxic, odor-free, dye-free, and biodegradable but it is still strong enough for industrial strength chores. This is the best all-around option for heavy-duty household cleaning.

Use it on: Porcelain or ceramic tile, stone tiles (with a synthetic or penetrating oil finish), painted floors, vinyl, concrete, laminate, natural linoleum, wood floors with a synthetic or natural oil finish, cork, bamboo, or any other hard non-porous surface.

Do not use on: The only surface it’s not recommended for is aluminum because it will stain it.

Dilutions:

• Heavy-Duty Cleaning Jobs – Undiluted. Use on: Heavily soiled shop floors, ovens, lime deposits, soap scum, mold and mildew stains, grills, engines, grout, concrete, laundry (spot test for colorfastness), decks, smoke stains and pet odors. Rinse off.
• Medium Indoor/Outdoor Cleaning – 7:1 dilution. Use on: Floor wax (use hot water), tough food and tobacco stains, house exterior, ordinary oil and grease, and vents. Rinse off.
• Light Cleaning – Most regular household cleaning would be done at a dilution of 20:1 dilution with no special rinsing. You can use it on Marmoleum floors if diluted 20:1 which will give the cleaner a neutral pH. You can also use this on linseed oil finished floors.

Ingredients: Water, Two Non-Ionic Plant-Based Surfactants, Water Softener, Two Plant-Based Emulsifiers, Citric Acid, Sodium Percarbonate.

Need more heavy-duty degreasing options for industrial applications? See the post on non-toxic degreasers.

2. All-Purpose Floor Cleaner – Diluted Dish Soap

Dish soaps also make great all-purpose cleaners. You can use it on almost all flooring types (including most wood), laminate, natural linoleum, tiles, vinyl, cork, and more. Be sure to check the dilution recommendation for each type of flooring, since this varies.

ECOS Dishmate is a good natural dish soap for those that want to avoid those toxic preservatives and most sensitive people do well with this one. Phenoxyethanol is the preservative and they do have a scent-free version.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Lauramine Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Coco Betaine, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid.

Made of Organics is an awesome super “clean ingredient” choice.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Cocos Nucifera Oil, Helianthus Annuus Oil, Ricinus Communis Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Potassium Hydroxide.

Dr Bronners Castile Soap, Dr Bonners is also a great non-toxic formula with no chemical preservatives.

Ingredients: Water, Coconut Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Palm Kernel Oil, Olive Oil, Hemp Oil, Jojoba Oil, Citric Acid, Tocopherol.

3. Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner

Branch Basics is an all-purpose concentrated cleaner with a very pure formula. Many chemically sensitive folks like this brand. The camomile extract in this does not have a scent.

Ingredients: Water, Coco Glucoside, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Phytate.

Use on: You can use this on most hardwood floors with a synthetic finish (acrylic/polyurethane/UV cured aluminum oxide), painted wood floors, luxury vinyl plank/tile, vinyl sheet, ceramic and porcelain tile, stone tile, polished concrete floors with a synthetic finish, laminate flooring, Marmoleum/linoleum, cork and bamboo flooring. Note: Vinyl and linoleum floors should be cleaned with a more diluted formula.

To clean grimy grout use Branch Basics Oxygen Boost on the grout and then spray liberally with their All-Purpose cleaner. Or, mix 1 scoop of Oxygen Boost with 1 tablespoon of warm water and let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour on the grout before scrubbing.

Do not use on: If the floor is finished with a natural oil or wax, don’t use Branch Basics, which is likely to remove natural finishes. You generally can use diluted dish soap, or diluted AFM Super Clean (more below) on tung oil and linseed oil finished floors. You should ask the company that makes the finish what they recommend and you may want to go with their branded cleaners in some cases like with Rubio Monocoat.

4. HOCL Disinfectant

If you need to disinfect marble, granite, or travertine stone floors you can’t use most conventional options like bleach, ammonia (including “quats”, i.e. Lysol), hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar since they all damage stone.

You can use hypochlorous acid (HOCL) which is very affordable (I use this one, pictured, which makes HOCL from water, salt and vinegar), 7th Generation Thymol-based spray, or 70% rubbing alcohol (you can mix 99% isopropyl, with some water, dish soap, and if you like, essential oil).

These options are also good for disinfecting tiled floors.

Don’t Use:

Vinegar – vinegar damages many floor finishes, especially synthetic finishes on wood floors and natural oil finishes on wood or stone. Some flooring companies will even void the warranty if there are any signs that vinegar was used.

Enzyme cleaners – enzyme cleaners can break down natural oil finishes as well as some synthetic finishes.

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

We will start with non-toxic paints and sealers that have full disclosure from the companies on how long the paint or sealer takes to cure and finish offgassing so we know when our reptile pets can safely re-enter their enclosure.

The following are the least toxic paints, clear sealers, and colorful stains that will work on terrariums and reptile enclosures. These are also non-toxic for the person applying them. I’ve personally tested all of the options on this list.

Safety for Reptiles

And all paints have been reviewed for reptile safety by Dr. Samuel Mwaura, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Reptiles exhibit a highly selective feeding behavior and are less likely to nimble on foreign objects such as paint housing. However, there may be instances where reptiles, particularly young ones or those displaying peculiar behavior, will unintentionally consume small amounts of paint or other substances inside their enclosure. Reptiles are also sensitive to environmental chemicals, such as fumes and off-gas from the paint. Using non-toxic paints and sealants, like the ones on this list, for reptile environments is essential to reduce potential concerns, says Dr. Mwaura.

Paints by Material & Environment

We will go over options that can work on all types of materials – wood, high density polyethylene (HDPE), PVC, melamine, metal, rocks, terracotta, and glass.

While these options are water-proof in the sense that they can be wiped down and they can work in humid environments, none of these paints or sealers are for submerged areas.

Expert Review: Dr. Samuel G. Mwaura, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, reviewed and contributed to this article.

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1. ECOS Pet Dwelling Paint

ECOS Paints Pet Dwelling Primer and Pet Dwelling Paint are a 0-VOC acrylic paint and primer that are safe for all animal enclosures including reptile enclosures and terrariums. It’s a water-proof exterior-grade paint that comes in eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss.

Suitable for primed or previously painted metal, wood, vinyl and some stone. Prime wood with the Pet Dwelling Primer and prime metal that has been primed with a factory finish (but not yet painted) with Universal Primer.

ECOS Paint can work on unglazed, unfinished stone but it may be beneficial to prime with Masonry Primer to create a bonding surface for the paint, especially if the substrate is particularly porous.

Not for use in areas that are permanently wet.

You want an exterior grade paint for indoor terrariums because this is the most water-proof, durable and cleanable paint. Semi-gloss and gloss are also easier to clean and more durable than eggshell so if you will be wiping down the area frequently it’s best to go with those sheens. Dr. Mwaura also recommends using an exterior paint because it’s less likely to flake off (and therefore to be consumed).

Because this paint is fast to cure, your reptile buddy can get back to their home quite quickly.

Application:

Step 1 Check the temp and humidity. You need to be between 50°F (10°C) and 70s to lower 80s F and lower than 70% relative humidity.

Step 2 Prime over bare wood, bare or factory finished metal, plastic, dark colors, a higher gloss paint, an oil-based paint, or heavily sanded or scraped surfaces. Use one coat of Pet Dwellings Primer for most wood and allow 24 hours before painting. (The Universal Primer can be used over oil-based paint if you follow the instructions on their website).

Step 3 Paint two coats of Pet Dwelling Paint on primed or previously painted (with water-based paint) metal and wood. It can be recoated in 2 hours if the first coat is fully dry.

If you want to paint the floor of the terrarium, use the semi-gloss or gloss sheens which are more durable.

Step 4 Bring your pet home. Your reptile can re-enter at 24 hours, says a rep for the company. Hardening of the paint continues for up to thirty days and you should avoid wetting it, washing it, or scuffing it during that time.

Colors:

ECOS Paints comes in a large selection of colors, plus they can color match to any other brand. You can order sample pots of the ECOS colors to test them out or to paint small decorative areas.

Cost:

• A quart of Pet Dwelling Primer is $44
• A quart of Pet Dwelling Paint is $46
• A colored sample of ECOS Interior Eggshell is $4

PS. In the UK? This paint is called Lakeland Paints in the UK. Just be sure to select their exterior paint and primer which is the same formula as Pet Dwelling Paint/Primer.

PPS. In Australia? Australians should go with Ecolour Eco Weather Proof Exterior Zero VOC.

Other Acrylic Paint Lines…

You can certainly use other acrylic paints that are exterior grade. The challenge is that most exterior paints are not 0-VOC (and neither are most primers). I don’t know of a paint that beats ECOS Paints/Lakeland Paints, but if you do find a 0-VOC acrylic exterior paint and primer that will be just fine as well.

2. Linseed Oil Paint

Allback Linseed Oil Paint is made with linseed oil, clay fillers, and natural pigments. It’s free of solvents.

This sticks to just about anything – metal, wood, rocks/stone, glass, ceramic, plastics (except a very shiny slipper polypropylene like the inside of yogurt containers, and silicone).

You can use this paint on interior items, wooden framing and if you have a glass terrarium this is perfect for going right over the glass (either on the interior side or outside side).

How long linseed oil paint takes to cure very much depends on the thickness of the paint and the temperature and humidity of the air. It needs a few weeks to fully cure before you can begin wiping it down. If your terrarium is a tropical environment you would also need to wait for it to fully cure before the item gets humid. It’s also a good idea to let it fully cure before introducing the item into the terrarium so that it’s not offgassing any (natural) VOCs says Dr. Mwaura.

Cost:

Allback Linseed Oil Paint 200 ml is $32

3. Milk Paint + Tung Oil

Milk Paint is an all-natural paint, perfect for over raw wood, terracotta and raw stone (that’s not polished/shiny). It does not give off any VOCs. You can leave it unsealed though the paint will flake off with time and not be as easy to clean compared to if you added a topcoat. With a natural protective coat of Tung Oil or Walnut Oil, the finish will be very durable and washable.

Milk Paint

The Real Milk Paint is made from casein (a protein found in milk), lime, a plant-based filler, and earth pigments.

It’s very easy to apply this to raw wood, bare terracotta and bare stone, and these are the best applications for this paint. (I wouldn’t bother using this if you’re painting over an existing paint).

Topcoat of Oil

Milk Paint does much better with a topcoat of oil to be very durable to water. Tung Oil over Milk Paint will make the paint durable enough to be wiped down and cleaned. It is also durable enough for the floor of the terrarium.

The main downside is the Tung Oil darkens and dulls the color a bit. You can see the bright blue with Tung Oil over it above (and then shellac, but shellac is not for use on outdoor wood).

Note: the Tung Oil will also reveal any unevenness so be sure to use 2-3 coats of Milk Paint even if the first coat looks like enough.

Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent are food-safe and pet-safe once cured.

Application of Tung Oil:

Step 2 Apply oil to the Milk-Painted wood, terracotta or stone. Let the oil absorb into the Milk Painted material. For wood, you likely need to mix Tung Oil with Citrus Solvent (and use the half and half mix), unless the wood is very old and dry. (If you’re painting stone or terracotta, you can go with Soapstone Sealer instead if you like which is walnut oil and wax).

Step 3 Repeat until saturation. You repeat the Tung Oil application as many times as necessary until the surface doesn’t absorb any more oil. Once you reach the point of over-saturation, wipe away the excess oil and let the oil begin the curing process. It takes 7 to 15 days to be dry to the touch and 30 days for complete curing before you can wash it down.

Step 4 Bring your pet home. Wait the full 30 days for the full cure so that it’s not offgassing any natural VOCs, advises Dr. Mwaura. (Both Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent give off natural VOCs).

Costs:

• Milk Paint 1 pint under $20
• Milk Paint sample pot under $5
• Half and Half (Tung Oil + Citrus Solvent) 16 oz under $35
• Walnut Oil with Wax 4 oz under $20

4. Chalk Paint

Chalk Paint like linseed oil paint sticks to just about anything. The only downside is that it’s not durable on its own without a topcoat of polyurethane or acrylic. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint sticks to metal, wood, stone/rocks, terracotta, almost all plastics, ceramic, and glass.

And it comes in very small pots so that you can use it on smaller elements or to get many colors to paint your glass (on the outside side of the glass).

It’s extremely low VOC and just needs a few days to cure to be safe.

For the sealer on top, and you can use a natural wax – I would use the non-toxic versions from Real Milk Paint (not the solvent-filled wax from Annie Sloan for a reptile enclosure) or you can use a synthetic clear coat like a 0-VOC polyurethane or a 0-VOC acrylic.

Costs:

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint mini pot $16

5. Clear Wood Sealant & Wood Stain

Stained Look

Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Exterior Wood Protector comes in stain colors like darker browns, lightening colors, and bright colors for the wooden parts of your enclosure.

The graphic to the left shows the stain colors on two different types of wood.

You only need to apply one coat and the cure time without the Part B is 7 days.

Clear Finish

If you want to finish any wood in your reptile enclosure with a clear sealant I would go with a natural drying oil/penetrating oil here on its own.

Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Exterior Wood Protector is an exterior grade linseed oil that comes in clear. This is a one-part system and requires no catalyst or accelerator. (I would recommend using it without the optional accelerator). Curing times without the Oil Accelerator (Part B) is 7 days. So, a much faster cure time than Tung Oil, plus you only need one coat (where Tung Oil requires many coats). You do need to heed the companies’ cure times when it comes to safety for your pets, Dr. Mwaura emphasizes.

This is not as pure as Tung Oil since it’s got modified oils and waxes but it’s still non-toxic, Toy-Safe, food-contact safe, and pet-safe.

Tung Oil, another transparent option, is very safe and very durable once cured. You can follow the same instructions as above (in the Milk Paint + Tung Oil section) but this time it’s going straight onto the raw wood. Tung Oil does naturally darken the wood, though it does not have pigments. Tung Oil with citrus solvent is used on almost all wood unless your wood is very old and very dry.

Costs:

• Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector 20 mil sample under $15
• Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector 100 mil small bottle under $30
• Half and Half (Tung Oil + Citrus Solvent) 16 oz under $35

Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 8 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.

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