If your sofa was made before the mid-2010s, there’s a decent chance the cushions contain flame retardant chemicals—historically added at 2–5% of foam weight. That’s not a trivia fact; it’s what you and your kids sit on, nap on, and roll around on every day. Those additives don’t stay locked inside the couch either. They migrate into household dust, stick to hands, and end up in our bodies. Choosing a non-toxic sofa without flame retardants reduces a major source of exposure at home. You’ll see exactly how to read the safety label, which materials and certifications actually matter, the right questions to ask the store or manufacturer, and common traps that trip up otherwise careful buyers. It’s the kind of insider detail you want before spending real money on a piece of furniture that lives in your space for a decade or more.
Quick Answer
Check the upholstery label for TB117-2013 and the statement “contains NO added flame retardant chemicals.” Choose cushions made from natural latex (GOLS certified) or polyurethane foam that’s CertiPUR-US certified, and fabric/barrier materials that are untreated or naturally flame resistant (like wool). Ask the manufacturer to confirm in writing that no added flame retardants are used in the foam, fabric, barrier sock, or adhesives.
Why This Matters
Upholstered furniture is a major source of chemical exposure in homes. Older sofas often contained flame retardants like PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP at 2–5% of foam weight, and those compounds migrate into dust. If you have a toddler who plays on the rug or a pet that lounges on the cushions, the contact and hand-to-mouth behavior increases intake. That exposure has real health stakes: some compounds are listed as carcinogens, can disrupt thyroid hormones, and accumulate in the body over time.
Even if you don’t have kids, flame retardants can irritate airways, contribute to indoor VOC levels, and produce more toxic smoke in a fire event. The good news is you can meet safety standards without chemical additives. California updated its rule (TB117-2013) so furniture can pass via fabric or design instead of treating the foam. Picking the right sofa reduces daily exposure, and you’ll still get the durability and comfort you want. A few careful checks before you buy can turn a high-contact item into a low tox, low maintenance part of your home.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Read the law tag under the seat or cushion
Flip the seat cushions or look under the sofa deck for a white tag. Find “TB117-2013” and a statement about flame retardants. The best label says “contains NO added flame retardant chemicals.” If you only see TB117-2013 but no checkbox statement, ask: the tag should say whether flame retardants were added. In California, SB 1019 requires manufacturers to disclose this, and many national products include the same labeling. You might find how to pick non toxic sofa without flame retardants kit helpful.
- Look for manufacturing date; post-2015 models are more likely to be FR-free.
- Take a photo of the tag and keep it for your records.
Step 2: Choose safer cushion materials
For foam, prefer GOLS-certified natural latex or CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam. CertiPUR-US prohibits certain flame retardants (e.g., PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP) and limits VOCs to ≤0.5 ppm. Latex is durable, resilient, and doesn’t require chemical flame retardants when paired with the right covers.
- Batting: Untreated wool is a natural smolder-resistant layer; cotton batting is fine but less protective.
- Down/feather blends can be used, but ensure the barrier fabric isn’t chemically treated.
Step 3: Verify barrier fabrics and adhesives
Many sofas use a “barrier sock” around the cushions. Ask what it’s made of and whether it’s chemically treated. Some barriers use inherently flame-resistant fibers; others are treated. You want untreated wool or fabric engineered to meet TB117-2013 without applied flame retardants. You might find how to pick non toxic sofa without flame retardants tool helpful.
- Adhesives: Request water-based, low-VOC glues. Avoid solvent-based adhesives with strong odors.
- Ask for a component-level statement covering foam, barrier, fabric, and adhesives.
Step 4: Check certifications that actually help
Certifications are shortcuts, but choose ones with meaningful criteria. Greenguard Gold limits total VOC emissions (TVOC ≤ 0.22 mg/m³, formaldehyde ≤ 7.3 µg/m³), CertiPUR-US covers foam chemistry, and GOTS/GOLS cover organic textiles and latex. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is helpful for fabrics—no harmful substances above strict limits.
- Frame materials: Ask for TSCA Title VI/CARB Phase 2 compliance to reduce formaldehyde from engineered wood.
- FSC wood is a bonus for responsible sourcing, not toxicity per se.
Step 5: Ask targeted questions and test at home
Before you buy, get written confirmation: “No added flame retardants in foam, fabric, barrier, or adhesives.” Ask whether stain repellents are PFAS-free. When the sofa arrives, air it out for 24–48 hours and monitor odors; a mild “new furniture” smell should dissipate quickly. You might find how to pick non toxic sofa without flame retardants equipment helpful.
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter weekly to reduce dust-bound chemicals.
- Use slipcovers or washable throws if you’re still phasing in safer furniture.
Expert Insights
Professionals who spec seating for schools and healthcare facilities will tell you: labels and component disclosures matter more than marketing buzzwords. “No added flame retardants” often refers only to foam. The barrier sock or fabric finish can still be treated. Ask for a bill of materials by layer and a statement that covers all components: foam, barrier, fabric, batting, and adhesives.
A common misconception is that leather or “performance” fabric is automatically safer. Leather topcoats and many performance finishes can involve solvents or PFAS. If you want stain resistance, look for tight-weave fabrics, wool (naturally soil-resistant), or PFAS-free finishes—then confirm in writing. Another trap: focusing on the cushions but ignoring the frame. Composite wood can off-gas formaldehyde unless it’s TSCA Title VI/CARB Phase 2 compliant.
Pro tip: slipcovered designs with zippered cushion covers make maintenance and future upgrades easier. You can replace foam cores with safer alternatives later. Also, don’t underestimate dust management; a HEPA vacuum, door mats, and regular handwashing dramatically cut exposure from whatever’s already in your home.
Quick Checklist
- Find TB117-2013 on the law tag and confirm “contains NO added flame retardant chemicals.”
- Ask for a written component disclosure covering foam, barrier, fabric, batting, and adhesives.
- Choose GOLS-certified latex or CertiPUR-US polyurethane foam for cushions.
- Select untreated wool or tightly woven fabrics; avoid PFAS-based stain repellents.
- Verify water-based, low-VOC adhesives are used in cushion assembly.
- Check Greenguard Gold, Oeko-Tex, GOTS/GOLS, and TSCA Title VI compliance where applicable.
- Avoid secondhand sofas made before 2015 unless the label confirms no flame retardants.
- Air out the sofa on delivery and vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly.
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools for how to pick non toxic sofa without flame retardants
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure my sofa truly has no flame retardants?
Start with the TB117-2013 law tag and look for “contains NO added flame retardant chemicals.” Then request a written statement from the manufacturer that covers foam, barrier sock, upholstery fabric, batting, and adhesives. If any component is a question mark, treat it as a red flag and keep shopping.
Are wool barriers safe, or are they treated too?
Untreated wool is naturally resistant to smolder and is widely used to help meet TB117-2013 without added chemicals. However, some barrier fabrics mix fibers or have finishes. Ask whether the barrier is 100% wool and untreated, or if it relies on inherently flame-resistant synthetic fibers without applied treatments.
Does CertiPUR-US or Greenguard Gold guarantee a sofa without flame retardants?
They help, but each covers different things. CertiPUR-US addresses foam chemistry (no PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP; low VOCs), while Greenguard Gold limits indoor emissions for the whole product. Neither alone guarantees that the barrier or fabric is free of added flame retardants, so you still need a component-level confirmation.
Is natural latex better than memory foam for non-toxicity?
GOLS-certified natural latex is a strong choice: durable, resilient, and made without halogenated flame retardants. High-quality polyurethane foam with CertiPUR-US is also acceptable if you confirm no added flame retardants elsewhere. Latex tends to have lower long-term chemical concerns but can feel firmer; try seating in person if possible.
How do I avoid chemical stain repellents without ruining the sofa?
Pick tight-weave fabrics, wool, or microfiber that are inherently stain-resistant, and confirm any finish is PFAS-free. Use removable slipcovers or arm caps for high-contact zones. Keep a fabric-safe cleaner on hand and blot spills immediately—most day-to-day stains are manageable without chemical finishes.
Can a secondhand sofa be a safe option?
Yes, if the label says TB117-2013 and “no added flame retardants,” and the foam isn’t crumbling. Look for manufacturing dates after 2015, which increases the odds it’s FR-free. Deep clean the upholstery or add washable covers, and use a HEPA vacuum to reduce dust-bound residues.
Why did regulations change, and do flame retardants actually help in fires?
California updated TB117 in 2013 to focus on smolder resistance, which better reflects real-world ignition sources. Many legacy flame retardants show limited benefit in typical residential fires and can increase toxic smoke. Modern designs and fabrics can meet safety standards without chemical additives in the foam.
Conclusion
A non-toxic sofa without flame retardants is absolutely doable if you know where to look and what to ask. Start by checking the TB117-2013 label for “contains NO added flame retardant chemicals,” then choose safer cushion materials, verify barrier and adhesives, and lean on meaningful certifications. Get written component disclosures, skip PFAS finishes, and manage dust to minimize exposure. Once you’ve done this once, you’ll shop faster and smarter for every future piece—and your living room will feel better in every sense.
Related: For comprehensive information about WildriseStarter, visit our main guide.