This post is an overview of the different types of weatherstripping for doors and windows, what they are made of, and which materials are the less-toxic options that are low in odor and do not contain PVC.
[Read more…] about Non-Toxic Weatherstripping (PVC-Free)healthy interiors
Non-Toxic Degreasers for All Surfaces (The 3 Best Options)
These three heavy-duty cleaners will cover all household needs for safer degreasers. They are all biodegradable, non-hazardous, and non-toxic.
Ranked by the strength of the cleaners, and their ability to act as a degreaser ECOS PRO is the mildest, AFM Superclean is in the middle, and Crystal is the toughest (truly industrial) degreaser and cleaner on the list.
Super clean and Crystal are fragrance-free and ECOS comes in unscented or with natural fragrance.
[Read more…] about Non-Toxic Degreasers for All Surfaces (The 3 Best Options)5 Non-Toxic Radiator Paint Options
The usual paints recommended for radiators include enamel paints and oil-based paints. These are often higher in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and that won’t be suitable for everyone.
If you are repainting your radiator then you need to find out if it has an oil or water-based paint on it. If it has an oil-based paint on it, we have to use special paints or primers to go over that. It could also have a varnish on it and not a paint.
In some cases, a rust-resistant paint is needed and you generally want the paint to be able to withstand 200 degrees F.
This post goes over the VOC-free, non-toxic options that will work on new and old radiators.
[Read more…] about 5 Non-Toxic Radiator Paint OptionsSmoothing the Seams in Mobile Home Walls (With Non-Toxic Materials)
Walls in mobile homes have a vinyl layer on the wallboard and battens covering the seam gaps. It is possible to remove the battens and mud over the seams. It is also a good idea to prime the walls with BIN Shellac primer to stop any offgassing or leaching of plasticizers from the vinyl.
[Read more…] about Smoothing the Seams in Mobile Home Walls (With Non-Toxic Materials)What are Non-Fluorinated Stain Guard Chemicals?
Fabrics, especially those for furniture, and carpets are typically treated for soil, stain, and water resistance with per and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Scotchguard is one well-known brand.
But many people have health concerns and environmental concerns with these “forever chemicals”.
Some companies make stain-resistant upholstery fabrics and carpets that are free of PFAS, but they do not list which chemicals they have used to replace them.
A review of the literature shows that non-fluorinated stain guard treatments are most likely acrylic, polyurethane, or silicone-based coatings.
[Read more…] about What are Non-Fluorinated Stain Guard Chemicals?Non-Toxic Furniture for the Bedroom, Living Room & Dining Room
I also take a deep dive into furniture, starting with the specialty brands – those are mostly high-quality solid wood options with zero-VOC finishes.
Then on to simple and affordable furniture made of non-toxic materials like glass, hard plastic, metal, and seagrass.
This post was originally written for those highly sensitive to chemicals as well as those very sensitive to dust and mold.
[Read more…] about Non-Toxic Furniture for the Bedroom, Living Room & Dining RoomNon-Toxic Paint Strippers (All Types Compared)
First, a History of “Whack A Mole” on Toxic Solvent-Based Strippers
Pre-1970s benzene was a popular paint stripper, it was later determined to be carcinogenic. It was replaced by methylene chloride, a very fast and effective paint remover. Methylene chloride/dichloromethane (DCM) is now considered a neurotoxin and a possible carcinogen that has caused many fatalities. It is banned in the US and many countries.
The latest replacement, NMP (n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), which is not as harsh as Methylene chloride, and is actually quite tolerable for many chemically sensitive folks, does have a Prop 65 warning for birth defects or other reproductive harm. I list only one paint remover with this chemical alongside the best alternatives.
In the mainstream realm, new formulas are being sold with acetone, turpentine, toluene, and xylene. I don’t list any paint strippers with these solvents because their higher VOC levels emit the strongest fumes and they are challenging to use.
An Alternative – Safer Solvents?
There are better options now, lower (and even zero-VOC) formulas. Safer more environmentally friendly solvents include dibasic ester, bio-based solvents, and alcohol solvents.
In this article, I look at those options along with “soy-based” and “citrus-based” paint and varnish strippers – though these terms are misleading because they don’t refer to the active majority ingredient. (Often the majority ingredient is NMP, but I list brands with safer solvents).
You still need to wear protective gear including safety glasses, gloves, and a mask. Though all of the options here can technically be used indoors.
These safer solvents are effective but they take considerably longer on most coatings than the harsh solvents of the past.
Solvent-Free Options to Remove Paint
Depending on what kind of paint or varnish you are removing and what the substrate is, there may be other (solvent-free) options. In this post I discuss – boiling with baking soda, mechanical options, and eco-friendly water-based options.
PS. Paint strippers and paint thinners are different solvents. Paint thinners can be found here.
[Read more…] about Non-Toxic Paint Strippers (All Types Compared)Durable Natural Finishes for Tables & Desks
Achieving a natural or non-toxic finish that is durable enough for a table or desk top is only possible with a few select brands and products.
We can’t quite get to the same level of durability as an oil-based polyurethane, but we can get quite a good level of durability with either of these options.
There are two ways to go, the all-natural route with drying oils, finished with a wax for extra durability, or with a non-toxic water-based polyurethane. Both options are food safe, relatively durable, but differ in their application, odors, offgassing, and maintenance.
[Read more…] about Durable Natural Finishes for Tables & DesksAir Fresheners for the Chemically Sensitive
1. Simmering Recipes for the Home
I tried various natural DIY air fresheners including the popular Pinterest post on simmering vanilla, rosemary, and lemon.
This method was so-so at producing a noticeable aroma (if you grate the lemon rind before adding it you will get more lemon scent out).
I also tried simmering black tea with spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg), which worked, but it was mild.
Mild can be good for the chemically sensitive!
[Read more…] about Air Fresheners for the Chemically SensitiveNon-Toxic Closet & Shelving Systems
Non-toxic healthy closet, storage, and organization systems should be made of materials that do not offgas VOCs or are extremely low in VOCs.
The following options can be considered for the chemically sensitive or those avoiding toxins for health reasons.
[Read more…] about Non-Toxic Closet & Shelving Systems