Is Wood Stain Safe to Use? (Hint: it is now!)

Until recently, the only options for wood stains were beautiful but toxic brands. But, not anymore! Our products are plant-based and low odor, so you get all of the beauty without the adverse effects on your health. In this post, you’ll discover why traditional wood finishes can be unsafe to use and why our certified green products are the best choice. 

What Makes Wood Stain Toxic?

All wood stains are toxic in liquid form but become non-toxic after fully cured. This process can take 3 to 30 days, depending on the kind of stain and brand. As the stain dries, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, release into the air. Products with high levels of VOCs create air pollution and can have long-term adverse effects on human health.

 Some health concerns related to wood stain are:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Reduced alertness
• Skin irritation
• Cancer

 What are VOCs?

VOCs are volatile organic compounds. These chemicals break down and evaporate into the air at low temperatures, such as room temperature. The ‘organic’ in VOCs means that it’s derived from natural sources. VOCs are naturally occurring in the environment at very low levels. However, high concentrated amounts in some paint and wood finishes are not considered safe. Some popular VOCs you’ll find on labels of traditional stains include formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and arsenic. VOCs are used to help the color remain stable and perform consistently. They also help preserve the wood and protect against bacteria growth and insect infestation. 

The government regulates wood solvents and preservatives in many countries. If a chemical’s costs outweigh its benefits, it will be banned from use. 

To protect yourself while using stains, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Here are some basic safety precautions: 

• Use non-latex gloves to protect your skin
• Always wear safety glasses and a mask
• Open doors and windows to allow for proper ventilation
• Keep children and pets away from wood stain fumes
• Soak any rags or staining materials in water before disposing to avoid combustion and reduce the impact on the environment

 Are There Natural, Non-Toxic Options?

In 2022, increasing numbers of people are looking for more opportunities for sustainability at home and work. This includes refinishing and repurposing old furniture, decreasing unnecessary spending, and using more sustainable products. 

One of these efforts includes replacing toxic wood stains with DIY wood finishes. Using products like coffee, red wine, and tea, you can stain your wood a darker color. However, these methods give inconsistent results and are not durable.

Though applying a topcoat is a great idea for any stain, they are required for natural methods. You also may never achieve a rich deep coat as traditional wood stains give you. 

WOCA Woodcare Non-Toxic Wood Finish 

More sustainable options help you live in greater harmony with the environment. Our WOCA woodcare products follow strict regulations of the European Union for human and environmental safety. But more than that, our oil wood stain is the safest kid on the block. And that’s because we commit to making the places we live and work safer for everyone. 

Our wood care formulas protect your woods without the harmful effects of those other guys. WOCA products are: 

• Plant-based
• Environmentally friendly
• Safe to use around pets and children
• Don’t require you to vacate your home during drying time
• Certified low-VOC
• Won’t compromise indoor air quality

When it comes to enhancing the beauty of your hardwood floors and furniture, your safety doesn’t have to be a concern. Protect your pieces and your family with WOCA Woodcare products. You can choose from a wide variety of plant-based cleaners, non-toxic wood finishes, and more. We also provide a subscriptions service, so you get your products when you need them, on your schedule. Order yours today.