The skin is our body’s largest organ and protects us from the environment. While it is not true that everything we put on our skin enters into it, many things do. Here are some reasons why we should choose organic plant-based products for our skin:
-there is evidence that a number of synthetic ingredients may be contaminated with carcinogens;
-plant extracts obtained from plants not grown organically may be contaminated with pesticides;
-many synthetics, especially various substances used for fragrance and preservatives can be irritating and allergenic;
-many products are preserved with parabens – there is quite a bit of evidence indicating that parabens are absorbed through the skin and they were found to accumulate in breast cancer tumours (this doesn’t say they caused cancer, but it really doesn’t look very good for them!)
-if not preserved with parabens, the next greatest preservative agents used are formaldehyde releasers such as DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidiyl urea, diozolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3 diol, tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane, and hydroxymethyl glycinate (personally, I hardly agree with preserving our bodies AFTER they are dead, so I am in no hurry to get a head start).
-organic cultivation protects not only the people using the product and the environment at the point of end use, but also protects the environment where the ingredients are grown and the people growing, harvesting, and processing those ingredients;
-in many respects, using all natural ingredients also helps to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels -many synthetics are based on components derived from petroleum; and
-many are simply of the opinion that nature does it best!
There are many definitions and criteria used to define natural and organic products and the use of the term “organic” on personal care labels is not regulated in the same way as it is for foods. This can make it difficult for consumers to identify truly organic personal care products. This is one reason why all of our new personal care products are not simply labeled natural or organic, but are actually ECOCERT® certified organic. ECOCERT® is considered to be the most important organization in Europe in setting the criteria for natural and organic cosmetics – their requirements for an organic product are as follows:
*a minimum of 10% of the total ingredients must be certified organic
*at least 95% of the ingredients must be of vegetable/plant origin; and
*while the product may contain a maximum of 5% synthetic ingredients, none of these must be included on the negative list.
ECOCERT’S ® negative list includes:
-mineral oil and silicon;
-synthetic emulsifiers like PEG (polyethylene glycol);
-viscosity controlling agents like carbomer;
-preservatives such as formaldehyde releasers, parabens, or phenoxyethanol;
-synthetic perfumes;
-synthetic dyes;
-synthetic solvents like propylene glycol.
In addition, the Swiss plant extracts used in our products are also certified organic by Bio Suisse. Bio Suisse is an association of more than 30 organic farming organizations and about 6300 farms engaging in organic production in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Bio Suisse quality seal is by far the most important seal for organic products in Switzerland and Bio Suisse requirements are far stricter than even those of the European Union.
A number of e-mails questioning the difference between our new organic Day and Night creams have been received. A quick look at their labels suggests they are quite similar, however, if we take a closer look you will see that:
Day Cream is much higher in antioxidant extracts, including those from Butterfly Bush, Thyme, Artemesia, and Edelweiss – none of these are in the Night Cream;
Day Cream contains more emulsifier, jojoba oil, and macadamia nut oil than Night Cream; and
Night Cream contains Imperatoria and sodium hyaluronate (attracts and retains moisture within the skin) – neither of these is in the Day Cream.
Both creams contain a number of similar emollient (skin softening) and nourishing ingredients such as aloe, Shea butter, and macadamia nut oil etc., but there are still quite a few differences, especially in the primary active ingredients.
In summary, the Day Cream’s primary function is to provide antioxidants and nourishment, while the Night Cream results in the skin appearing fresher and brighter. As we do most of our regenerating while we sleep – it is the perfect time to apply!
Please be advised that the following new organic products contain Macadamia nut oil: Organic Day Cream, Organic Night Cream, Organic Lifting Serum and Organic Hand Cream, and that our Organic Body Lotion contains both Macadamia nut and Sweet almond oils.
Why? These are incredible ingredients which work to soothe, nourish, and soften the skin. Macadamia nut oil is the richest natural plant source of palmitoleic acid, which very closely resembles our own sebum (the oil naturally produced by our skin for protection). Please note, people can be allergic to anything, and there are far more issues with synthetic cosmetic ingredients than there are with organic nut oils. Also note that ALL ingredients are listed on our products.
Is this a problem? It may be a problem for those with peanut and/or tree nut allergies (approximately 1.1% of the population). These allergies can be quite severe and, while the majority of serious reactions are from eating nut products with high levels of nut protein, the organic unrefined oils in our products may still contain a little of the allergenic proteins and could therefore result in a reaction. Because people with peanut or tree nut allergies may become sensitized to other tree nuts, (such as macadamia or almond) we should not recommend these products for those with either a peanut or tree nut allergies. However, for the remaining 99% of the population, we are offering then the finest skin care ingredients nature has to offer.
An important misconception that requires addressing is that the silver in our cloths is NOT responsible for how well they work! It is an added benefit, because it reduces bacterial levels and odours within the cloth; however, it is not why the cloths work so well and it is not the primary reason why they do not cross-contaminate.
The cloths work because the fiber in them is so fine (less than 1/100th of a hair in thickness) and because there is so much fiber in each cloth (more than 2.9 million meters in 1 small Enviro Cloth!). The result is a huge microscopic surface area, and the very many little spaces within the cloth that are able to tightly grab and hang onto dirt and bacteria – this is why the cloth can remove the bacteria and why it is held tightly within the cloth.
The lack of cross-contamination was demonstrated using an Enviro Cloth the proper way – as follows: the cloth was dampened with water, wrung out well, and folded twice to form a square. After the first side was used, the cloth was flipped to a new, fresh side. By the time all 8 clean sides of the cloth had been used, the testers found that the cloth could be flipped back to the original square without dropping the bacteria it picked up previously. Why? Because the microfiber had enough time to wick up the bacteria into the deeper portion of the cloth, so that it was not sitting on the surface, where it could be left behind.
The benefit of silver is to dramatically reduce the bacterial load in cloths after use (over a period of time). This allows the cloths to remain fresher for longer and further reduce any risk of cross-contamination upon future uses of the same cloth.
People often ask what the difference is between Norwex Microfiber Cloths and the ones you can buy elsewhere for a fraction of the price.
Quality is the biggest difference. Norwex Microfiber is the perfect blend of polyester and polyamide. The fibers are 1/100th the size of a strand of human hair, and 2.9 million meters of microfiber is used to make one small enviro cloth. When this high quality Microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning cloth that has the ability to hold up to seven times its weight in water. Unlike many other types of cloths that smear dirt across the surface being cleaned, our Microfiber cloths act like bionic sponges, removing the dirt and bacteria to leave a clean, highly-polished surface.
A comparative example is the thread count of bed sheets – a thread count of 180 is a nice set of sheets; however, 600-thread count sheets are higher quality, feeling softer and lasting longer than sheets with a lower thread count. A good test for the amount of microfiber in a cloth, and consequently the cloth quality, is a stretch test – the easier a microfiber cloth stretches the less actual microfiber in the cloth. Norwex cloths have very little stretch.
Another advantage to Norwex Microfiber is the antibacterial properties that make our cloths one of the most innovative products in the industry! The unique technology imbeds a silver-based agent inside each microfiber strand that results in germ-killing, ionic activity. In independent testing, Norwex Antibac Microfiber has been proven to be effective against strains of pathogenic bacteria, yeast and viruses.
A third major advantage is the Norwex two-year warranty against manufacterer defect.
The silver-based agent used in our cloths is based on micro, not nano, technology. The agent is physically embedded into the cloth to prevent it from leaching out during repeated use or washing. When microbes come into contact with this agent they die quickly, and there is a measured 99.9% reduction in microbes after 24 hours ( although the agent is working well before then to destroy bacteria) leaving the cloth fresh and clean after washing.
If ANY cloths, however, develop an odour, this could be due to a resistant group of organisms, or perhaps soap/oil residue preventing organisms from coming into direct contact with the silver agent. Either way, to further help remove embedded residue, the remedy is the same– boil the cloth in a pot on the stove for 10 minutes in enough water to which a little Norwex Dishwashing liquid or Ultra Power Plus has been added if you like. Launder immediately in hot water and dry in hot dryer. This will effectively deep clean the cloth, removing the residue (grease/dirt/microbes) that my be trapped within. You now have a “fresh” cloth that is ready for use.
When cleaning with Norwex cloths, do not use any oils or oil based cleaners–water is REALLY all it takes!
Norwex Mattress Spray contains the dormant or resting stage of live bacteria. When they find a food source, and other growing conditions are right, the bacteria become active, producint enzymes (a type of protein) that break down accumulated dust mites, dust mite fecal matter, pet dander, dead skin cells, or any organic matter which causes unpleasant odours, allowing this matter to be consumed. They will continue to consume this material until all organic matter is removed, converting it into carbon dioxide and water. Once there is nothing left for them to feed on, the bacteria disintegrate.
The spray is safe for children and pets because there is nothing in it different from what is around us on a daily basis. We are surrounded by a micro-world of bacteria and other microbes that keep each other in balance, and this same micro world exists on our skin, in our mouth, and throughout our body.
Although the Mattress Spray does not contain acids, alkalis, or solvents, it is important to use this product correctly -12 sprays for a queen size bed, 6 sprays for a twin, 1-2 sprays/pillow used between three times per year (non-allergenic home) and 6 times per year (a home where dust mite allergies or asthma is present)- and left to dry. If too much product is used (more than the mattress can absorb), it is possible that an allergy-sensative person may react.
The mattress cleaner has a two year shelf life and should be stored closed, in a cool place.
In many locations, residential pollution plays a significant role in the health of local waterbodies. Many treatment plants are simply not equipped to handle the array of cleaning chemicals, personal care products, and drugs that we throw (or rather flush) at them on a daily basis. The good news is -because we are, at least in part, at the source of environmental problems, we have the power to really make a difference through our daily actions.
Doing the majority of our cleaning with Norwex cleaning products and using only water, is part of a pollution prevention strategy. Not only do we reduce the use of chemicals, which is much better for our health, indoor air quality, and the environment, but we also help to reduce the production and disposal of single use chemical containers. While there are many existing and up-and-coming “green” cleaning products available, there can be no greener way to clean than using a highly durable and reusable product and water!
Norwex Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent is superior, stain-removing detergent that has many advantages besides being biodegradable.
Our laundry detergent dissolves easily in water, does not contain fillers, and does not leave soap residue on clothing. Many laundry detergents contain fillers that often get trapped in the fibers of your clothes, causing clothes to wear out faster. Excess soap residue attracts dirt more easily and can cause dirt build-up, sometimes making clothes harder to get clean.
Another advantage to using Ultra Power Plus is that it does not contain any perfumes, making it gentler to sensitive skin and safer for all ages, from newborn to the elderly.
Norwex Ultra Power Plus is also economical. A Canadian comparison done with store purchased detergent had the following results:
Powdered Tide $7.99 did 40 loads = $.20 per load.
Liquid Tide $7.99 did 30 loads = $.27 per load.
Powdered Ultra Power Plus $23.99 did 140 loads = $.17 per load.
Chlorine levels in a common swimming pool range from about 0.5 to 1 ppm. These levels were shown to affect lung capacity in athletes with no history of lung ailment, who were exercising within or near the pool. The incidence of respiratory trouble was just under 20% at 0.5 ppm, but was over 60% at 1 ppm.
Chlorine concentrations recommended for cleaning/disinfecting daycares are between 500-1000 ppm (approximately 1000 times higher than swimming pool water).
Bleach (chlorine as sodium hypochlorite) is so highly reactive, that it pretty much instantly reacts with substances that it comes into contact with. That is why it is so effective at killing absolutely everything. When it is combined with organic matter, it forms organochlorine substances – many of which can be carcinogenic.
Recent study (Odabasi, 2008) on products that contain bleach together with other ingredients, has revealed that bleach can react with soaps, fragrances, or other ingredients within the bottle to produce some pretty highly toxic substances. These may include relatively high levels of carbon tetrachloride and chloroform and lesser amounts of 1,1-dichloroethene, 1,1-dichloroethane, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform.
The FDA has banned carbon tetrachloride in all residential products, as they find it to be so hazardous that no warning label could adequately protect the householder. Carbon tetrachloride is also a probable human carcinogen, an ozone depleting substance, and a powerful greenhouse gas.
Moral of the story – bleach should be avoided if possible and should NEVER be mixed with any products other than water.
A number of questions and concerns have been expressed regarding the Dryer Balls lately. Most of these are related to the release of toxins during their use. To clarify, dioxins would only be released from the Dryer Balls if they were to catch fire, not an issue under regular use conditions. Another potential issue with regards to them being made of PVC plastic are phthalates, which are ingredients added to plastics to soften them. These can leach out in water, especially under high heat. This is a problem if you are drinking the contaminated water. In the dryer, such leaching is unlikely to occur to any appreciable degree and certainly we are not drinking the water the dryer balls are contacting. The amount of residue, if any, they would leave on clothing is exceptionally small. One study done on the absorption of phthalates into human skin found that, even when added as a concentrated liquid directly onto the skin, very little penetrated – the skin is largely impermeable to them. Certainly, Dryer Balls are dramatically better than other products used to soften clothing and reduce static, which leaves a lot of chemical residue in the fabric! For those presently using dryer sheets or fabric softener, the Dryer Balls would dramatically reduce their exposure to chemicals that are far worse and more likely to affect them. Also, the Dryer Balls reduce energy consumption. There is some environmental cost, as there is with all human activities, the cost of the manufacture and lifetime use of this product would be dramatically less than that of using fabric softener or dryer sheets. I still give them a thumbs-up on user and environmental friendliness over their lifetime.
The new Norwex DeScaler is different from the previous version in that it is entirely natural, made of ingredients that are formed from bacteria found in our very own bodies, as well as orange extract. There are no synthetic colours or dyes. This means that it is more biodegradable and that it is better for our long-term health and the health of the environment. It also means that it isn’t that attractive to look at, but it sure does an amazing job! The trick to using the new DeScaler is to mist it on (it may spread better if the surface is slightly damp first), and wipe it with a damp Enviro Cloth within 5 minutes (1 to 2 minutes is likely enough) – it does not need any more time to work, and if left on the surface for too long, can dry to or even temporarily stain the surface – to fix this, just spray more on, wait a few seconds, then wipe away. You may use far less of this product than our previous version. In true Norwex style, we pursued a better product and this time produced a product that is an even better choice for the environment, and it is also far more effective. Please note that this product is natural, yet some people may still be sensitive to it.
Hard water can result in lime (calcium and magnesium) buildup over time. This may result in your Enviro Cloth feeling harder or perhaps almost seeming to repel water and does not wet easily. One solution is to soak your cloths in undiluted vinegar for a few minutes, wring out well, and then launder. If you add vinegar to the rinse cycle it may help reduce this problem in the future and will soften your other fabrics as well.
For deep cleaning toilet bowls use Norwex DeScaler: pour a bucket of water into the toilet to remove most of the water. Spray the built up area with DeScaler, let sit for about 2 minutes, then clean with the Sanira Brush.
For tough soap scum, hard water marks in your tub and any other difficult job, use Norwex Cleaning Paste and an Enviro Cloth – there’s nothing like it. A little goes a long way!
Because well water does not contain any chlorine, this may result in odour issues with any Norwex cloth(s). To remove, rinse in vinegar, then boil the cloth(s) in a pot on the stove for about 10 minutes to thoroughly remove/kill any bacteria or organisms that may be causing the odour.
We’ve all known about the amazing benefits of microfiber cleaning for a while – hospitals in Sweden and Finland have been using our products, or products very similar to ours for over a decade, yet, North Americans always seem to feel the need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to many environmental innovations.
This spring, the following article appeared in the Journal of Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society Journal (volume 29, Issue 3, author Shelagh Damas) Fighting Costs and Bacteria with Mirofibre Cleaning”. The article discussed how in the past “couple” of years a number of hospital facilities have switched to microfiber cleaning methods with the following results: The University of California Davis Medical Centre found a 60% decrease in lifetime cost savings for mops, a 95% reduction in chemical costs associated with mopping, and a 20% decrease in labour costs when they switched to a microfiber mopping system; Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC found significant savings in energy; The University of Massachusetts Sustainable Hospital Project noted decreased water, sewer, and chemical costs and found that the microfiber mops lasted 10 times longer than their traditional loop mops; and even more importantly, St. Jerome Hospital in Quebec was able to control their previously high levels of Clostridium difficile infection. Eight weeks after changing to microfiber cleaning methods, the number of infections dropped from 39 to 6, and over a year there was a 76% decrease in C. difficile infections in this facility. The problem with C. difficile is that it forms resistant spores and so is difficult to kill – of course – WE know that removing is always the way to go…and the microfiber was simply able to remove the spores from the surface, thereby dramatically reducing infection rates…like you needed another reason to sell Norwex?!
Standard oven cleaners contain lye and petroleum distillates and come in aerosol containers. None of this is good for your health…and certainly not good for the environment. Standard oven cleaners carry a health rating of 3, which means they cause serious health effects and they are known to cause burns to skin, eyes, mouth, throat, and even stomach – on contact! Overspray has also resulted in permanent damage to flooring and countertops.
Norwex Oven and Grill Cleaner carries a health rating of 1, comes in a pump (which sprays very effectively, resulting in less use of product), and is also much friendlier from an environmental standpoint due to its ingredients and packaging.
The primary active ingredients are enzymes and bacteria which do an amazing job of naturally breaking down baked-on fats, oils, greases, proteins, and carbohydrates. Simply heat the oven to 100 F, apply, wait for 5 minutes, and wipe with an Envirocloth. Really tough spots may require a second treatment and/or scrubbing with a Spirisponge. Use of gloves is recommended…as this cleaner is amazingly effective, and prolonged contact could result in some skin irritation.
One testimony that Head Office has received for this product:
I have had absolutely amazing results with the Norwex Oven & Grill Cleaner! Within 10 minutes, from start to finish, my oven was spotless WITHOUT the mess and fumes. My oven and racks look like new – I have never had it so clean! This was a whole new experience with a very positive outcome! From Judy
Given that our lifting serum works so well we have received queries regarding what is in it and how it works. All of the ingredients are listed on the container, so you know exactly what it contains (feel free to Google).
Some of the key ingredients are aloe, macadamia nut oil, hydrolyzed rhizobian gum and acacia senegal gum, extracts from a number of organically grown Swiss alpine plants (Masterwort, Marrubium, Edelweiss, and Artemisia), saccharide isomerate, olive oil, jojoba oil and xanthan gum. Together, these ingredients work to soften, hydrate, tone, restore the
appearance of the skin, nourish the skin, help to retain moisture, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fi ne lines and imperfections. The keys to the “lift” in this product are the rhizobian gum (or rhizobium
gum), acacia senegal gum (also referred to as gum arabic), and xanthan gum. What are these? Rhizobian gum is a mucopolysaccharide (a complex sugar) formed by fermentation of sugars by a Rhizobium sp. bacterial strain.
Acacia senegal gum is a complex sugar; it is a sticky substance that comes from the acacia tree, and xanthan gum is another complex sugar formed by the fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the Xanthomonas campetris bacterium. Once again, we have friendly microbes to thank for the benefit that we derive from our products. The acacia senegal gum and rhizobian
gum work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The xanthan gum also likely helps with this, as well as working to thicken the product… Solutions brought to you by Mother herself.
Apply the Lifting Serum gently to cleansed skin, followed by the day or Nature night cream, and allow to absorb.
Who would have thought that such a simple product could do so much?! With only Dead Sea salt, organic olive oil, organic orange peel oil, organic lemon oil and a tiny bit of vitamin E this product really packs a punch! Note that most other products similar to this do not contain 100% Dead Sea salt. They may also contain mineral oils and synthetic colours and fragrances.
Olive Oil Salt Scrub provides effective, soothing relief for dry, rough skin on hands, elbows, knees and feet. It’s also useful when applied to the back of the arms, back, chest…or wherever dry, itchy skin needs relief, even for eczema
and psoriasis. It can be added to bath water for a soothing soak.
For eczema or dry skin – Our Olive Oil Salt Scrub is enriched with Dead Sea salts and is excellent! The Shea Butter with avocado oil is fantastic for deeply moisturizing and relieving the itch of dry skin, helping to ease the irritation. Our laundry cleaning products are also good to try, as residues left in clothing can often be a source of skin irritation for those with such conditions (the Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent together with our Dryer Balls can replace other harsher detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets).
For allergies to dust mites or asthma – Try the Mattress Cleaner. Note – many asthmatics also have issues with dust mite allergens. Applied every 4 months (10-12 sprays for double bed; 5-6 sprays for single bed), this product eliminates dust mite waste, as well as pet/human dander from pillows, mattresses, couches etc. so those who react to these allergens can breathe more easily.
For those with sensitive skin – For sensitive skin, cleansing with our Body Pack is an excellent way to go as there are no chemicals at all that a person could react to. These cloths are a fantastic way to remove makeup and scrub away blackheads. Also, our Shampoo, Conditioner, and Bath & Shower Gel are extremely gentle on the skin and scalp.
For sensitivities to chemicals/fragrances- Many people today have asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities that can be quite dramatically affected by the use of cleaning chemicals, air fresheners, dryer sheets, and anything with synthetic fragrances. By using Norwex products and getting rid of these chemicals from indoor air, we can improve this situation for our clients!
Norwex DeScaler is now improved! It contains the same basic ingredients it always has: Water, orange extract, sodium gluconate, glutamic acid, and glucuronic acid; however, it is no longer coloured. It does not stain, and works as quickly as before. A little goes a long way, and, in most instances, it takes only a couple minutes to get the job done.
This product has proven to be fantastic at removing scale from toilets and scale and rust from the shower. While the bad spots in the shower may take a couple of treatments, there should be noticeable improvement after each use. Scale is a mineral deposit of calcium and/or magnesium that can leave white spots, and/or result in a whitish crust forming on shower, bath, sink, toilet and tap surfaces etc (this buildup may appear orange in colour if the water is also high in iron). Scale is not black in colour and is not another word for mold – so no, this product will not likely be eff ective to kill or remove mold from surfaces.
There has been some concern lately regarding the recent information that the soft bristles on our Silver Care toothbrush are made of Tynex. The primary reason the Norwex Toothbrush is so effective is because of the silverplating on the toothbrush head and not because of the bristles. It is the silver that is the major benefit. Lab testing conducted by the manufacturer and by independent labs has conclusively shown time and again, that the head of the Silver Care toothbrush
carries a much reduced bacterial load because of the silver-plating. The difference in bacterial loads of the Silver Care brush and a regular brush is not too
noteworthy after 3 hours, but between 3 – 6 hours, the microbial load on the Silver Care toothbrush drops dramatically – resulting in a much cleaner brush the next time it is used. This means that we can remove more of the bacteria from our mouths that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Because harder bristles are known to potentially damage tooth enamel and can be irritating/damaging for the gums, dentists and hygienists will always recommend a soft bristled brush. If people do choose the medium toothbrush, running it under hot water prior to use can help to soften the bristles somewhat.
Many of us know it is better for our health and the environment when we stop using chemicals to clean our homes…but we often don’t consider the products we use in the shower. Norwex Shampoo, Conditioner and Bath & Shower Gel all contain wonderful
natural ingredients that nourish our skin, scalp, and hair and are NOT contaminated with pesticides, nor made of petroleum in labs.
While there are many other natural products, most contain synthetic solvents, artificial colours, fragrances and preservatives, all of which are not particularly good for our skin OR the environment. It is not just the final use of these ingredients at issue, but also their manufacturing process, which is often not that environmentally friendly.
The fact that most of the natural ingredients in Norwex products are grown organically is also a wonderful environmental benefit – protecting not only ourselves, but the people who produce the crops, the wildlife where the crops are grown, and the integrity of the soil. An added benefit is the effect these products have on our skin; by not containing irritating ingredients, our skin retains moisture better, thus reducing the need for moisturizers. The most important benefit is to children, who only require a tiny amount. When using Norwex products, it is reassuring for parents to know their
children are not being exposed to dozens of synthetic chemicals every time they bathe!
It really is amazing how well the Cleaning Paste works! It gets the worst scuffs/marks off fiberglass tubs, marks off vinyl flooring, or that permanent ink that mysteriously may get on the kitchen counter! It will take rust out of stainless steel sinks and off plastic dishwasher walls, and even remove permanent ink off white board. It is fantastic for those “normal” cleaning jobs such as getting the soap scum out of your tub or shower.
Considering you need to use so little…one container of Cleaning Paste really goes a long way! It is nice to use a cleaning product that is not a liquid (eliminating possibility of inhaling while using) – just a damp Envirocloth, a small dab of paste, and you’re good to go! How does this amazing product work? It contains some soaps and a very small amount of sodium laureth sulphate combined with marble flour and chalk (calcium carbonate) which result in a very slightly abrasive product that has the ability to also remove grease. The majority of the work is simply the result of very mild abrasion – similar to the Micro Pad. The paste basically functions like ultrasuperfine sandpaper, with a bit of soap added to it.
CAUTION: Since the Cleaning Paste is mildly abrasive, always test in an inconspicuous spot before using. Not recommended for use on acrylic surfaces, brushed stainless steel, the new enameled or ceramic stovetops or other delicate surfaces. The Cleaning Paste is a physical scrubber and is not intended to be an everyday use product; it is intended only for stains and marks that do NOT come off with regular soap and water or the Enviro and water!
Norwex mop systems have been shown to be far more effective at removing bacteria from floor surfaces than other reusable mops. They are also extremely economical to use when compared to mops requiring disposable pads. Do we really want to create more waste and spend more money every time we clean our floors?
This amazingly efficient and lightweight tool not only makes quick work of cleaning floors, it also turns a previously heavy-duty job into light work. No more buckets to fill, lift, and dump, and no more heavy mops to wring out. As well, nothing preps walls for paint or just cleans them up faster and more easily than our mop system! Similar in effort to using a disposable mop, Norwex mop system is far more economical…and no chemicals are used! There truly can be no greener way to clean floors than using this incredible system over and over again.
The University of California Davis Medical Center found that the lifetime cost of using microfiber mops was 60% less; they could reduce chemical costs associated with mopping by 95% and save 20% in work effort per day. These tests also showed that microfiber was able to penetrate surface pores and remove dust better than traditional mops. Traditional wet mop cleaning reduced bacteria on the floor surface by 30%, but in cleaning with a microfiber mop there was a 99.9% reduction in bacteria!