My Chemical-Free House
A Guide to Creating a Healthy Home
Freezing temperatures and the hot sun affect concrete birdbaths – if you leave yours in the elements without a sealant you will likely get pitting and cracking. Sealing the surface with a non-toxic sealant helps your birdbath to be less porous so it holds water well and limits the freeze-thaw effects. Of course, we want …
There are two main ways to go with garden-safe sealants (and stains) for raised garden beds or planters. The first option is to use a non-toxic water-based sealer/stain on the exterior with a safe water-based painted-on membrane on the interior of the box. (The water-based sealers/stains used on the exterior won’t hold up inside the …
This article digs into non-toxic and natural options for staining and sealing wood decks as well as most outdoor wood like fences, furniture, windows, doors, play gyms, and planters. Penetrating sealers require that older decks and outdoor wood be sanded all the way down, but the film-forming options can be applied to lightly sanded older …
Fully updated in August 2025 This is a complete guide to non-toxic decking – types, materials, additives, and brands. For most people, the main choice is between composite decking and solid wood decking. For the chemically sensitive, you will have to get samples yourself of the decking materials as well as the stains needed for …
The following eco-friendly paints are made for the exterior of the home. They are more durable than interior paints. Exterior paints are always more potent in odor than interior paints – these are the top no-VOC and low-VOC options. Exterior paints are used on wood, cement, and vinyl siding, and concrete porches and decks.
A Review of Chemical Additives, Toxins, and Off-Gassing in Siding/Cladding Those avoiding toxins or who have chemical sensitivities will want to consider the initial chemical off-gassing, toxins in the dust, as well as upkeep of the siding. How often the siding needs to be repainted, and how healthy the paint is could be a critical …
