The living room couch is one of the most important pieces of furniture in our homes! This is where we relax and watch our favourite shows with our family and friends. We spend a lot of time here, and therefore, it's important to choose a non-toxic couch that won't make us sick so we can enjoy every important moment with our friends and family.
Signs that your couch may be making you sick include:
- Fatigue as soon as you sit down
- Headaches
- Skin rashes (if skin comes in contact with the couch)
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Sneezing
The problem with couches is that they may contain flame retardants and a whole host of other chemicals that can potentially make you sick.
On top of that, think of all the dust and other debris that gets trapped deep inside the couches over time! You can vacuum and steam clean, which can do amazing things in terms of keeping them clean. However, unless you have a super-powerful machine, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get everything that gets trapped deep down.
A cover can help to keep the dust from entering deep into the couch.
Leather couches may also be a solution to the dust problem. However, leather can be very toxic as well because a lot of chemicals are used to treat the leather. On top of that, leather couches require regular treatments to keep the leather new. And these treatments are toxic as well.
Even vegan leather can be toxic as it’s a synthetic material.
So knowing what to look for is key to finding the right couch for you!
Tips For Choosing a Non-Toxic Couch
Don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. There are safe alternatives to the above and we can all enjoy our couch if we know what we're looking for! Here are a few tips to keep in mind regardless of whether you prefer leather or fabric.
Natural fillers such as cotton, wool or natural latex. These materials are a great option for those who do not have allergies to natural materials.
Solid wood, instead of pressed wood. Pressed wood contains high volume of glue, formaldehyde and other chemicals and toxins that you do not want in your home. Natural wood is more expensive, but it will last you a lifetime if you take care of it.
GOLS and GOTS certified. Check the labels for the GOLS and GOTS labels. These labels indicate that the material is organic and free from harmful chemicals.
Other terms you might find on the labels are Eco-Friendly or Chemical Free.
Love the idea of non-toxic living? If so, here are more ways how to eliminate chemicals from your home.
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