Archive for the ‘Betty’s Blog’ Category

Norwex Naturally Timeless Skincare Is Here!

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

Norwex Naturally Timeless Skincare is here!  Discover this amazing, cutting edge, breakthrough technology, plant stem cell technology. Watch these videos for more information.

Norwex Naturally Timeless Skincare To buy this skincare, go to http://BettyKnutson.Norwex.biz

&bspn;

 

Norwex has a gift for you!

Monday, August 29th, 2011

Norwex has a gift to share with you!  Have you thought you would like to become a member of the  incredible Norwex family?

Do you like saving time and money, protecting your health and environment and making money in the process?
Consider joining my team!

With Norwex, you don’t pay anything for your Starter Kit up front ($200 value), and it remains FREE as long as you have $2000 in sales within your first 3 months. Most people reach this in 4-6 parties or less. To get started, you fax in a contract and starter kit agreement, then we schedule your launch show, where I come and do the presentation, “introducing” your new business to your friends and family. The is also a good education tool for you, a demo party. The sales for the launch party go in under your consultant number, counting toward your $2000 qualification (keeping the kit free). Plus you keep all commissions, bookings, and recruit leads from your launch!

You can pretty quickly start making $150-$200 per party, or more. By doing one party a week, you can make $600-$800 a month. We need help in getting the word out about the wonderful world of Norwex! Ideally, we would like to “Norwex” every home in America.  And now it is a global business. And yes, there is a generous shopping spree from Norwex for joining.  Every time I go to work, I go to a party!!

If this is not the right time in your life for you to start a Norwex business, but you know of a friend or relative that would like to get started, I would be delighted to get a referral from you. And yes, I do give a generous referral bonus! Or, if this IS the right time in your life to get started, AND you know of a friend or relative that would like to get started also, they can sign up under you, you will receive the company’s bonus shopping spree for starting a team member, and you will be on your way to earning team commission! It can be very nice to have a “buddy” to get started with, as you can learn together and encourage each other.

We invite you to join us in our effort to improve quality of life in a profound and practical way!

More info..just give me a call..605-873-2603.

Please contact me to see if this could be right for you! I would love to share this gift with you.

Betty

Your generous Norwex starter kit

 

Betty Knutson, Estelline South Dakota

 

What is the best way to purchase Norwex products?

Monday, August 29th, 2011

A question that is often asked is, “What is the best way to purchase Norwex products?”

There are 3 great ways to buy Norwex.

  1. Shipping is only $4.95 when you order Norwex products directly online here.
  2. Host a Norwex party!  A great fun way to receive many Norwex products free while partying with your friends.
  3. Come to my home and pick up product!  I stock many Norwex products so it is handy for local customers.

What I usually have for purchase in my home are these Norwex products.

  • window polishing cloth
  • enviro cloth (four colors)
  • dusting mitt
  • travel size enviro cloths
  • bathroom scrub mitt
  • body cloths (vibrant and neutral colors)
  • make-up removal cloths
  • optic cloth
  • car washing mitt
  • car polishing cloth
  • superior mop system
  • superior mini mop system
  • sanira toilet system and refills
  • odor eliminator
  • mattress cleaner ( excellent product that removes dust mites)
  • rubber brush
  • carpet stain remover
  • cleaning paste
  • micro hand pad
  • ultra laundry power plus laundry detergent
  • magnet ball (softens water)
  • dryer balls
  • dishwashing liquid
  • spirinetts (stainless steel scrubbers)
  • kitchen cloth sets
  • kitchen scrub cloths
  • fruit and veggie scrub cloths
  • crystal deodorant
  • silver care toothbrush
  • drain care
  • oven and grill cleaner
  • descaler
  • super jet dishwasher detergent
  • bathroom towel
  • bathroom mat
  • enriched hand cream
  • face and neck gel
  • leather shine (new item)
  • fridge so fresh (new item)
  • refresh odor neutralizer (new item)
  • kids cloth set
  • kids mop
  • kids all natural bubble bath (new item)
  • baby cloths
  • baby towel and cloth set
  • Naturally Timeless Firming Face Serum (new item)
  • Naturally Timeless Day Cream (new item)
  • Marine Organics Bath Shower Gel (new item)
  • Marine Organics Body Lotion (new item)
  1. Just call me for more information at 605-873-2603.  Cash and carry.

How To Get Sparkly Clean Dishes?

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

How do I get  sparkly clean dishes?

Most of us have an automatic dishwasher, but if you’re like us, there are some dishes that you still choose to wash by hand. Washing dishes with Norwex is a bit different than the conventional way..with a cotton cloth and liquid detergent.  With Norwex, we use the Norwex netted dish cloth when using a liquid dish soap (I love the Norwex dish liquid. Though low sudsing, which takes a bit of getting used too, it does a  great job of cleaning the dishes).  The reason being, it doesn’t retain a soap buildup, so remains odor-free. It also has a nice scrubbing effect without scratching dishes. We recommend using the Norwex kitchen cloth or Norwex enviro cloth with just water. This Norwex cloth is excellent for wiping counters, stoves, microwaves etc. If used with soap, the soap coats the silver agent in the cloth fibers and makes the cloth less effective. If the cloths have been used with soap, boil them in a pot of water on the stove for about 10 minutes.  Adding a dab of Norwex detergent to the water is a good idea.  Then wash as usual in the washing machine.

A very common error when using Norwex products

Clean Dishes With Norwex!

is when our customers use our Kitchen Cloths to wash their dishes!  They then tell me that their Kitchen Cloths have gotten very smelly!  We all hate the “stinky dish cloth”!   But if you’ve been to one of my Norwex parties, you already know that I educate you in using TWO separate cloths in your kitchen.  One for washing dishes (the Norwex netted dish cloth) and one for wiping counters, tables, etc, using JUST WATER (either a Norwex Enviro Cloth or Kitchen Cloth).  Yes, this takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s very exciting to discover a “stinky-dish-cloth-solution”!!

You will want our fantastic Norwex spirinettes.These are our amazing no-rust stainless-steel scrubbers, that provide some serious & quick “elbow grease” for cleaning pots and pans!!  (Spirinetts should NOT be used on surfaces that scratch easily, such as Teflon or porcelain though!)  Not only do customers love these for cleaning pots & pans, but also for oven cleaning (AWESOME in combination with our Oven & Grill Cleaner!)! If you’re a “sponge person”, you will likely love our Spirisponge.  It can be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher (as can the netted dish cloth & the spirinetts).  It is a more disposable item than our cloths, so you’ll occasionally need to replace it.  Some people even use this sponge to scrub their flat-top stove.  The Norwex Sponge is safe to use on Teflon & porcelain.

The Norwex Suede Envirotowel (mint green) makes a great dish-drying towel, especially if you’re a flour-sack dish towel fan!  I love the Tea Towel as a “hand towel” for wiping hands in the kitchen or bath!!  And I use the green Kitchen Cloth to wipe counters (again, NOT for washing dishes!).

I mentioned above how most of us have automatic dishwashers.  So I’ll take a moment to talk about the Norwex Dishwasher Detergent.  This is one Norwex product that I get some mixed reviews on.  In certain homes/water, it seems to work beautifully, and customers are thrilled with it!  (I must add that most of my customers who love it also use the Norwex Magnet Ball in their dishwasher.)  And some people simply aren’t so crazy about it!  If you’re purchasing it, you have to remember that it does not have all the chemicals that you’ll find in many other detergents, so it is a safer choice, but also may not be quite as effective as those with bleach, etc.

Our Dishwasher Detergent is NOT recommended for dishwashers that have a stainless steel interior, as it may lead to discoloration of the stainless.   The Magnet Ball works great in all dishwashers!!  I have found it has really decreased my water spots on my glasses and I no longer need to use Jet Dry!  WooHoo!!  :)    When you use the Magnet Ball, be sure you are DECREASING the amount of detergent you are putting in!  This is whether or not you’re using the Norwex Dishwashing Detergent.

When I was using the recommended amount of non-Norwex dishwasher detergent in combination with my Magnet Ball, I got a soap buildup on my dishes!  But when I decreased the amount, they began coming out beautifully clean!  (The Magnet Ball is sort of a crazy little thing, but it can really save you a lot of money given that you cut your detergent use by about 1/2!!  It pays for itself very quickly.  It can also be used in a standard (non-HE) top-loading washing machine.  Again, cut your laundry detergent approximately by half.)

I hope this has been helpful!  Please contact me if you have any questions or would like assistance with placing an order.  And if you want to help us share Norwex across the USA and help us get chemicals out of our kitchens, our homes, and our environment, while earning a very good income, I am very honored to help you start your very own Norwex business!

Betty

My New Norwex Website Is Live!

Saturday, June 4th, 2011
Save time, save money and save your health!

Betty's Norwex

I now have a new website I’d like to share. http://bettyknutson.norwex.biz/ If you sign up for an account here, I will put you in a drawing for a Norwex window polishing cloth. The drawing will be June 30th so get signed up today. Just go here to sign up.

 

Another testimonial came in today so I will share it with you.

Dear Betty…I have the dish liquid and love it. I first used it for stain removal on a very expensive white cotton blend blouse that had a 5 year old blood stain on it from a scratch, over 5 years  I tried everything to remove the stain with no luck. I applied the dish liquid full strength to the spot and let it sit for a little while before washing it in Norwex laundry detergent…the stain was gone when I removed it from the washer! I love Norwex products and plan to try more of them in the near future. Thank you in advance for the gift you sent.  It is also a sunny and beautiful day here in Pittsburgh, PA too!    Ann Marie

 

Norwex Frequently Asked Questions

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Questions About Bacteria

Don’t we need exposure to bacteria in order to boost our immune system?

I’ve heard it said that  household cleaning is over-exaggerated because human beings have lived with bacteria and dust for thousands of years and survived? Do you just want to survive or do you want to be healthy?

Living  today versus  living in the past is that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, which, unlike the outdoors, does not have the benefit of rain or wind to clean the environment. Indoor plants do have help to clean indoor air, but most of us don’t have many indoor plants.  Therefore, in order to maintain a natural ecological equilibrium and healthy bodies, we need to clean our homes.

The Enviro ClothDust MittMops, and Mattress Cleaner are a great starting point to approach this balance within our primary living space.

Yes, it is true there are good and bad bacteria and when we use only water to remove microorganisms, we encourage a more favorable environment for good bacterial growth. By helping to maintain a more favorable balance, we are not contributing to the “Super Bug” dilemma.

 


Questions About Norwex Microfiber

What makes Norwex microfiber different than other microfiber?Shop Norwex Online!
Oh, so many things!

1. Imagine a human hair split lengthwise 6 times, so that each of the 6 splits is a “grabber” that picks up dirt, debris and bacteria. That’s a microfiber cloth. Now imagine that same hair split lengthwise 100 times so that each of the 100 grabbers does the same. That’s a Norwex microfiber cloth. Norwex microfiber is superior to all others on the market, and can remove 99.9% of bacteria using only water. You can actually feel the microfiber grabbing at the surface as you wipe!

2. Norwex microfiber is the world’s only Antibac microfiber. It has a patent-pending silver agent woven into the cloth itself, enabling it to kill bacteria left in the cloth after rinsing within a few hours. No other microfiber can claim this feature.

3. A Norwex Antibac microfiber cloth still picks up 99.4% of bacteria after 500 washings!

3. Norwex microfiber can go in the dryer (no fabric softener or bleach). Most other microfiber cloths cannot go in the dryer, which means you have to remember to fish them out of the wash before drying your load. This may seem like a small thing, but functionally speaking, it’s a pretty handy feature!

4. All Norwex microfiber products have a full 2 year money-back guarantee. This means that if in that period of time your Norwex Antibac microfiber cloth degrades in some way with normal use and proper care, Norwex will replace it.

 


Does Norwex antimicrobial microfiber kill bacteria?

Yes. The first step is that the Norwex Antibac microfiber cloth (wet with just water) removes 99.9% of the bacteria from the wiped surface and into the cloth.  Then, once you’ve rinsed the cloth thoroughly, the Antibac silver will actually break the cell wall of bacteria remaining in the cloth.  This KILLS the remaining bacteria in the cloth!


If my chemical cleaner kills bacteria, why should I switch to Norwex microfiber?

Reason 1

When cleaning with Norwex Antibac microfiber, you remove 99.9% of bacteria, and then bacteria left in the cloth after rinsing is killed by the silver. The 0.01% of bacteria left on your surface after you wipe it is left undisturbed and is considered to be insignificant.

When you clean with chemicals, you are may kill 99.something percent of the bacteria, but there is a difference here! First, chemical cleaners kill the beneficial bacteria in our homes along with the harmful bacteria. On top of that, the tiny percentage of bad bacteria that are left behind are not left undisturbed. Rather, because they are exposed to but not killed by the chemical cleaner, the bacteria are given the opportunity to grow ever-stronger and more resistant.

The response to these super strains of bacteria is to develop ever-stronger chemical cleaners.  This contributes to ever-more resistant bacteria, aptly named “Super Bugs”, that can not only make your family sick, but are extremely difficult to kill. This  spells serious danger for human and animal health.

Reason 2

If Reason 1 doesn’t compel you to make the switch to non-chemical cleaning methods, think about this:

Every single capful of non-biodegradable chemical cleaner that goes down a drain anywhere in the world goes into our watershed. And stays there. Forever.

If we don’t make a change to non-chemical cleaners, will there even be such a thing as clean water for future generations?

 


So how can I sanitize things like change tables and cutting boards?

The best way to sanitize hard, smooth surfaces is to do a final wipe with a  damp Antibac Enviro Cloth – which removes the bacteria (this will remove more than 99.9% of the bacteria, which is as good as, or better than sanitizing with any chemical.  Furthermore, it does not result in any bacteria becoming resistant to chemicals, nor does it prevent good bacteria from coming back).  For things like cutting boards or more porous surfaces – flood with straight white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes, or rub with salt and ½ lemon for a couple of minutes.


If my Antibac cloth kills bacteria in the cloth, why does it sometimes get stinky?

The Antibac cloth kills the bacteria it picks up. But your cloth also picks up other things while you wipe – like food, for example. If there are minute bits of food decomposing in your cloth, it will get stinky! The best remedy is to rinse your cloth well after wiping, then wring it out thoroughly and hang it over your sink to dry.  If it does get that funky smell, boiling it in a pot of water (with a slosh of white vinegar) for 5-10 minutes will have it smelling like new again!  You may also want to occasionally wash it on the hottest setting available on your washing machine.

 


Is it true that I can wipe my toilet with an Antibac cloth and then wipe my kitchen counter?

No! It’s true that the Antibac cloth kills bacteria remaining in the cloth after you’ve rinsed it, but the effect happens over the course of 2-3 hours. It is not immediate, and you could contaminate your work surface if you wipe it with the same cloth you just used to clean your bathroom.

Many people purchase the Rainbow Pack of Antibac cloths so that they can use one color for the kitchen, another for the bathroom, etc.

But even if you only have one Antibac cloth, please wash it regularly and keep in mind that the bacteria in the cloth is not killed on contact!


Questions About the Magnet Ball

Norwex Magnet BallHow and why does the Magnet Ball work?

Hard water is water containing a high level of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Hard water reduces the cleansing power of soap and produces scale in hot water lines and appliances.

The idea of the Magnet Ball is that by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ions are altered in such a way that they lose their ability to cause scale.  Although the water is not technically soft, it has the useful properties of soft water, which has a number of benefits;  it won’t reduce the effectiveness of your laundry soap, or dishwasher detergent, and is effective in reducing scale buildup in your pipes,which improves energy efficiency and reduces cost. The Magnet Ball tricks your hard water into thinking it’s soft!

Doug Greene from Magnetizer Industrial Technologies, Inc. says:

“I would agree that ion exchange reduces hardness from a chemical standpoint and magnetic water treatment does not remove hardness; however, magnets reduce the impact of the hardness minerals which is why magnetic water “acts” like soft water, since the negative effects of the minerals are controlled.

The fact remains that salt softening brine discharge has been banned in many areas due to the negative environmental impact and more and more plumbers are offering magnetic treatment systems as an environmentally sensitive alternative.

Here is a partial transcript from the Radio National Science Show “Sensors & Magnets”  Broadcast Saturday 30/09/00

Robyn WilliamsBefore I let you go Michael Coey, last year I interviewed you about the magnetic cleaning well of water systems which are clogged full of all that calcium carbonate scale. What’s been the progress on that?

Michael CoeyWell I learned one interesting thing a few months ago when I was in Poland. They had found an electrical power station and they installed one complete heat exchanger through which they ran water on an industrial scale which was being magnetically treated and they had another one in parallel which was using untreated water. They ran the experiment for four months and they found that there was an absolutely spectacular difference. I mean there was a factor of 20 perhaps in the amount of the deposit and the chemical nature of the deposit was quite different. So that was satisfying because you can get results.

Guest on this program:

Professor J.M.D. (Michael) Coey
Professor of Experimental Physics
Trinity College
University of Dublin
Dublin 2 Ireland

 


Can I use the Magnet Ball in a front loading washing machine?

Magnet Balls are NOT recommended for front load washing machines for a couple of reasons…

1. They actually aren’t necessary as front load washers already require such a small amount of soap.
2. There is some concern that because of the way the water circulates in a front loader, that they could possibly damage the inside of the drum OR the glass on the door.

 


Are there any other places that I can use the Magnet Ball besides my washing machine?

The Magnet Ball can also be used in dishwashers (on the top shelf), toilet tanks (to reduce hard water build up in your toilet bowl), and I have even heard of some people who use them in their tub while drawing a bath!


Do I need to clean my Magnet Ball?

Yes, it is a good idea to periodically clean the inside of your Magnet Ball.  This is especially important if any member of your family works in an industrial  setting, where they may get metal filings in or on their clothes (ie. welders).  The Magnet Ball will draw these out of the water and into it’s center, and unless the ball is cleaned out, these metal filings will rust.  To clean your Magnet Ball, simply run a microfiber cloth through the center hole of the ball a number of times, until you notice it is coming out clean.

 



Questions About Skin Care

Does Norwex have a skin care line?
Norwex OrganicsYes!  Norwex’s skin care cleaning system consists not of skin cleaners and toners, but rather a simple microfiber cloth. The Antibac Body Pack microfiber facecloth removes makeup and even mascara with just water. Because the Norwex Body Pack cloth removes 99.9% of bacteria on the skin and also exfoliates, it’s a great alternative for people with acne or sensitive skin.

Norwex also carries a wonderful line of Organic Personal Care Products: organic day and night cream, organic shampoo and conditioner, organic shea butter, body lotions and much more. The product line is certified by ECOCERT® – a company which is based in Europe and is responsible for governing the criteria for the organic industry.

 


How is the Body Pack Microfiber Facecloth Different From The Envirocloth?

The Body Pack is a very different weave than the Envirocloth – much looser and gentler on the skin.

 


Questions About the Mattress Spray

Why Is It Important To Reduce the Number of Dust Mites In Our Homes?

Dust mites are microscopic. About 50 of them can fit on the head of a pin. Dust mites eat the fungus that grows from dead skin cells and animal dander. The average adult sheds about 15 lbs of skin cells per year; 80% of that is shed in bed.

One dust mite produces, on average, approximately 50 fecal pellets daily.  Their fecal matter is the most common cause of dust -related allergies. Approximately 80% of asthma sufferers are allergic to dust mites.  What you may not know is that it’s not the Dust Mites causing the allergies; it’s the feces they leave  behind.

There are millions of dust mites in your home, which live in your furniture, carpet, bed, bedding, and even your child’s stuffed toys. To help prevent and treat asthma it is important to get rid of them!

 


How Does Norwex Mattress Cleaner Work to Get Rid of Dust Mites?

The Mattress Cleaner has live, non-pathogenic (not disease causing) bacterial organisms in it, which use “enzymes” to rid the mattress of debris.  The enzymes feed on the dead dust mites, dust mite feces, pet dander and dead skin cells, yeast and fungi. These enzymes are like a protein that feed on all the above and will continue to until all are eradicated.  The end product is carbon dioxide and water – completely safe. Once there is no longer anything left for the enzymes to feed on they disintegrate.

There is a misconception that the Mattress Spray kills dust mites; the truth is that the mattress spray doesn’t actually KILL anything!  It works by eating up organic waste such as dead dust mites and all of their accumulated fecal matter…as well as eating up all of the stuff the dust mites want to eat; i.e., it eats their food too…so dramatically limits their growth – a process microbiologists refer to as competitive inhibition!

HOW TO USE

•Use 2-3 times per year. 10 sprays does a twin mattress, 15 sprays does a queen-size mattress. (Use every 2 -3 months in asthmatic homes)
•Must be sprayed directly on the mattress (no need to flip), pillows, stuffed animals, furniture or carpet.


Is the Mattress Spray safe to use around children and pets?

The spray is perfectly safe for kids and pets because it is nothing different from what is around you on a daily basis.  All around us is a micro world of bacteria and enzymes that keep each other in balance.  What the makers of the  Norwex mattress spray have managed to do is bottle up the good guys to eat up the bad guys!

So what is in the bottle, is really no different that what they are putting in their mouths all day long anyway!  In fact, we have this same micro world in our mouths, on our skin, and throughout our body.  The point of the mattress spray is to add more of the good micro-organisms to eradicate the bad ones.

 


Questions About Norwex Products & Allergies

Could someone who is allergic to peanuts also be allergic to shea butter?
This is possible. Norwex has not tested its shea butter products for people with peanut allergies and makes no claims of safety in this regard. Please know that there is research to indicate that people with peanut allergies are also sometimes allergic to tree nuts. The shea nut is a tree nut. As always when dealing with possible nut allergies, please use caution and common sense.


Will the silver agent in some Norwex products affect people with silver allergies?

The silver in Norwex products is a silver particle metal. It does not contain nickel. This silver does not leach, and therefore does not come out of or off of the products containing it. Silver is actually considered to be hypoallergenic. Most often, people with an allergy to silver in jewellery are actually allergic to an alloy.

 


Questions About the SilverCare Toothbrush

Is this toothbrush worth the money?

To answer your question in a nutshell, I have included a recent article published in the Winnipeg Free Press

Dangers Lurking in Lowly Toothbrush 

Tue Apr 17 2007

THAT ubiquitous bathroom standby — the lowly toothbrush — is likely giving houseroom to some pretty nasty inhabitants.

We’re taking germs here, folks. Microscopic bacteria, viruses and fungi — and you’re putting them daily into your mouth.
“We have millions and millions of bugs,” says Dr. Tom Glass, a professor of forensic sciences, pathology and dental medicine at OklahomaStateUniversity in Tulsa . “A toothbrush has everything a bug needs: it has food, it has water. And most people put it in a place where it’s warm and damp, like the bathroom, so the bugs just go wild.”
Rinsing a toothbrush under even the hottest water from the tap won’t put a dent in all the germs lodged in the bristles and head, nor will antiseptic mouthwashes or putting the brush in the dishwasher, maintains Glass.

In part, that’s because the bristles that make up the brush head are made of materials that allow the bugs to snuggle in and multiply.

“The problem is that while the bristles look smooth, they are very, very porous and the organisms get lodged down in there,” explains Glass, who advises replacing toothbrushes every two weeks.

“Our studies have shown that after two weeks the bristles that were smooth and end-rounded, at least two-thirds of those bristles are sharp and jagged. And therefore when you brush you have a way of getting them into the tissue, into the body.”

One of those studies involved using toothbrushes to clean the teeth of dogs under tightly controlled conditions. During the first month, the scientists used new, sterilized brushes each day on the animals’ teeth. Even so, those new brushes caused trauma to the soft tissues in the animals’ mouths.

The second month, the brushes were sterilized daily, then contaminated with the bacteria that cause cavities or periodontal disease. Not only did the canines get a number of oral infections, “but also we began to see an occasional organism in the blood,” says Glass.

During the third month, each dog had its teeth cleaned with its own toothbrush without sterilization, “just like you’ve been doing with your toothbrush,” he said.
“Cut to the chase: this was the worst-case scenario by far. We got many, many more lesions in the oral cavity, on the tongue … to the point we had one dog, she was so sick, we had to take her off the study and get her well.”

Glass says research has shown that toothbrushes can retain viruses like influenza and herpes for up a week, and he suggests any time someone is sick, they should not keep using the same old toothbrush.

“We recommend that people change their toothbrush at the beginning of an illness, when they first start feeling better and when they’re well, otherwise they’re going to recontaminate themselves.”

For some, such precautions may seem a little extreme.

Dr. Wayne Halstrom, president of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), says he’s not aware of any evidence that people can contaminate themselves with bacteria from toothbrushes or reinfect themselves with cold or other viruses.

“Essentially the issue is that you don’t want to cross-contaminate,” says Halstrom, who practises in Vancouver . “It’s something like shared needles. You wouldn’t want to share a needle, well you certainly wouldn’t want to share a toothbrush with somebody because the bacteria that we find on an individual toothbrush are very specific to you or I that use them.”

Both the CDA and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association advise that toothbrushes should be replaced about every three months. After brushing, the brush should be rinsed thoroughly, then stored upright to dry in the open air. — Canadian Press

© 2007 Winnipeg Free Press. All Rights Reserved.

NOTE: This article has been properly credited and is included here under the Fair Use act to educate the reader.


Is the Silvercare Toothbrush safe for young children to use?

Norwex has issued a statement regarding this question:

Hazard Identified

As a result of the investigation into complaint received on February 6, 2008 where the improper use of the toothbrush led to the swallowing of the removable head. A health hazards evaluation determined that the device may pose a possible choking or swallowing hazard to children under three or individuals that would normally require supervision or assistance while brushing their teeth. Norwex has determined that a warning should be added to prevent reoccurrence of such an incident. The warning label will read

This product is not intended for individuals requiring assistance brushing their teeth. Not recommended for children under 3.”

 


Questions About the Effects of Chemical Exposure

What’s so bad about fabric softener?
Fabric softeners are EXTREMELY toxic! They contain chemicals (like chloroform, benzyl acetate and pentane) that are known to cause cancer and/or damage to lungs, brain, and nerves. These chemicals are even more dangerous when heated in clothes dryers.

Fabric softener chemicals are made to stay in clothes fibers and slowly release for a very long time. That slow release of chemicals into the air affects the health of those wearing the clothes and of people around them.
Some symptoms caused by fabric softener fumes are tiredness that is not cured by resting, difficulty breathing, nervousness for no known reason, difficulty concentrating and remembering, dizziness, headaches, sick stomach, feeling faint, rashes and/or difficulty controlling body movements.

FYI - Did you know that if a dryer sheet has not yet been used, it must be taken to a Toxic Roundup station and disposed of as toxic waste?  After it has been used (and the toxic waste has been rubbed all over your clothes), it can be recycled with your regular paper garbage – Scary!

 


How much chemical exposure do we really get indoors?

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

  • allergies
  • respiratory problems
  • eczema
  • recurring headaches with no known source

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your body may be showing the effects of a toxic environment. The National Cancer Society strongly suggests that one of the best ways to prevent cancer is by removing indoor toxins.

Exposure to toxic household hazardous chemicals from ingestion, inhalation or skin contact can produce acute (immediate) or chronic (long term) health effects such as:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Chemical Sensitivity
  • Cardiac Damage
  • Burning Eyes
  • Skin Rashes
  • Runny Nose
  • Cancer
  • Respiratory Tract Irritant

The air in our homes is filled with fumes from petrochemical solvents that have been added to cleaners to dissolve dirt. The average household contains anywhere from 3-25 gallons of toxic materials, most of which are in cleaners. No law requires manufacturers of cleaning products to list ingredients on their labels or to test their products for safety.

 


Questions About the Smell of Clean

If I use only water and a cloth to clean my house, won’t I really miss the clean smell of my home after I clean it with my usual chemical cleaners?
We need to redefine our idea of what clean smells like. The smell left behind by your chemical cleaners and laundry detergents is NOT the smell of clean. Clean does not smell like chemical cleaners – clean smells like NOTHING!
Here is an excerpt from Fragrances in Cleaning Products, Fabric Softeners and Laundry Detergents by Pamela Lundquist, Children’s Health Environmental Coalition

“What does clean smell like? Many of us would say, lemony or pine-scented or floral. These are the scents used by manufacturers to make their cleaners smell pleasant rather than like their chemical ingredients. Fabric softeners and laundry detergents are among the most highly scented products, imparting fragrance to clothing and other laundry. But nearly all other cleaners, including dishwashing liquids, floor cleaners, furniture polish and bathroom cleaners, typically contain fragrance, too. 

While these scents may seem natural, in most cases they are created using complex blends of chemicals that can cause health effects. During use, fragrance and other chemicals can “volatize,” or become airborne and are easily inhaled. What’s more, residues from laundry products remain on clothing and linens after washing. These residues can be inhaled or can irritate skin.

For most people, fragrances in many products are unlikely to cause symptoms when used alone or in a well-ventilated area, but using a product excessively or many products together can cause the chemicals to concentrate in the air to levels that become bothersome, especially to children because their airways are more sensitive than those of adults.

Limonene, a lemon or orange scent used in many cleaning products, as well as other aromatic compounds found in pine and other essential oils can cause difficulty breathing. Solvents used in cleaners, such as ethanol and styrene, can cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness. Styrene is a possible human carcinogen. Phthalates, used to lengthen the duration of a scent, are suspected hormone disruptors.

Because manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on the labels of cleaners, it is difficult to determine which chemicals may be used in any given product for scent. In most cases, you will see no more than the word “fragrance”.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the only agency that has any regulatory power over household cleaners, except when they contain antimicrobial agents. (Antimicrobials, such as disinfectants, are considered pesticides and are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.) CPSC regulates household cleaners based on the following “hazard categories”: toxic, flammable, caustic, irritant, sensitizer, carcinogen, nerve or reproductive toxin. And though many fragrance ingredients fit one or more of these categories, CPSC does not consider fragrance ingredients specifically when determining a cleaner’s hazard level, nor is the agency concerned with the multiple and cumulative exposures of fragrances that occur in most homes due to the use of numerous cleaning products.*

The government also does not regulate the term “fragrance-free”, according to a CPSC spokesperson. It is purely an industry invention. Many companies offer so-called “fragrance-free” products as an alternative to consumers who object to scent. However, the label is misleading. A product labeled “fragrance-free” may still contain fragrance ingredients, even if the scent cannot be easily detected. That’s because fragrance may be needed to mask the unpleasant odor of some chemical ingredients.

To reduce the fragrance overload in your home, try switching to mild cleaners that don’t have a heavy scent, such as those that are environmentally friendly or are made for the chemically sensitive.”

 


Are all of Norwex products “safe”?

Comments like “Norwex products are completely safe – you could drink them” and “Norwex products contain nothing harmful for children” allow for personal liability and are actually incorrect.

“Completely pure” and “natural” are quite different than “safe for consumption.”

Our products follow Environmental Safety Standards for biodegradability. We are in accordance with European and North American standards and laws. Too much of anything is bad – this includes things considered safe.

Technically speaking soap can be dangerous and all soaps should have a warning label on them. We choose to have the warning to seek medical attention because ingested soap of any kind can lead to suffocation at the cellular level. This means that oxygen and nutrients can’t be passed to a cell and that is a dangerous situation. Soap surrounds the cell and has no way of ridding itself of the filmy layer so medical intervention is usually required if very large amounts of soap are ingested. All detergents and soaps should have the warning on their labels but most companies choose not inform, afraid it will concern consumers. Our company’s first concern is our clientele and education so they took the initiative to advise particularly because our soaps are concentrated with no fillers.

Technically our enzyme products can also be dangerous. The Sportzyme, Odor Eliminator and Mattress Cleaner can cause problems to the very few who are sensitive to them. Most consumers will never have a problem with any of these products, but those that do can have some pretty nasty symptoms. Again liability is the concern.

Shea butter is 100% pure so again those very few who may have problems will certainly know quickly they cannot tolerate the butter. Most will love this amazing emollient and repeatedly purchase but advising that it will be great for everyone is not the advice we suggest you give.

Just because something is pure, natural, low or no chemical does not imply that it is safe for everyone. Safe in the sense of environmentally friendly does not mean it may not cause problems if ingested.

Making general statements implying that every item we sell is absolutely safe is not always accurate. More accurate comments would be ones like the following:

  • “Norwex products are environmentally-friendly and biodegrade quickly in the environment. We are proud that our products comply with our company Mission statement to reduce the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning products.”
  • “When compared to commercially available products, our customers can be assured that Norwex provides carefully selected products with the highest quality that follow our mission on reducing chemicals in homes and caring for the environment. We comply with strict environmental standards and take pride in the fact that we are offering unique products that allow customers to make better, healthier choices Worldwide.”



Questions About the Norwex Laundry Detergent

How much Norwex Laundry Detergent should I use per load?
The recommended amount of detergent per load depends on 2 factors;  Do you have hard or soft water, and are you using a top or front load washing machine? Below are the general recommended quantities.

  • Top Load with Hard Water – 2 Tbsp of detergent
  • Top Load with Soft Water – 1 Tbsp of detergent
  • Front Load with Hard Water – 1/2 – 1 tsp of detergent
  • Front Load with Soft Water – 1/4 – 1/2 tsp of detergent

 


 

What are the fillers in other laundry detergents?

While it’s become difficult to find direct listings of ingredients used as fillers in detergents (just references to soaps with ‘no fillers’), the general consensus seems to be that ingredients such as lime stone, chalk and animal bones are all used because they are calcium based. Calcium works along with phosphates to increase suds in the water, and make you feel that your laundry is clean.  Fillers also add bulk to the product.  These fillers, however, leave clothes dingy and contribute to itching, allergic reactions, and pre-mature fading and wear of fabrics.  Norwex laundry detergent contains no fillers, perfumes, or dyes.



Why choose Norwex Microfiber cloths?

Monday, May 9th, 2011
Why choose Norwex Microfiber cloths?

Norwex microfiber is a blend of polyester and polyamide. This fiber is 1/100th the size of a strand of human hair. When this high-quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it creates an extremely effective cleaning material. This material can hold up to seven times its weight in matter. Unlike many other types of cloth that smear dirt across the surface you are trying to clean, microfiber cloths remove dirt, germs, bacteria and debris from the surface.  Used dry the static effect created enhances the microfiber’s ability to attract dirt and dust particles. As you lightly wipe the surface, the microfiber attracts and draws up even the smallest particles of dust, trapping them in the fibers. Used wet the microfibers work together to give an excellent cleaning effect.  Wet, wring and wipe away dirt and debris from all washable surfaces.  For spot removing, spray water on the surface being cleaned.  In Laboratory testing Norwex microfiber has been proven to remove up to 99.9% of the bacteria from surfaces. Norwex microfiber is backed with an exceptional Warranty of 2 years or 500 washings.

The Norwex Dusting Mitt saves time!

Friday, April 15th, 2011

Norwex Dusting Mitt

The Norwex Dusting Mitt is a phenomenal product!  Here are some testimonials that will convince you that it is a must in every household and office!

I have a testimony… not a jaw dropping one… But none-the-less, its what I got…the first time I went to a show, you were the demo-er :) of the dust mitt, and you said “I know people that like to use one on each hand when they clean” and I thought to myself..whatever, she just wants to sell each of us 2 :) I never thought about it again until I started cleaning with my mitt, and I thought about what you said and I thought to myself that I do now own 2 mitts and decided to try it…WOW, it has cut down on my dusting, soo much!
Sometimes I take my water bottle and spritz one of my mitts, so it gets a better grip, on knick-knacks, fan blades, picture frames, and all the things we own that have little grooves. The dust mitts forms to your hand and thumb, and you don’t realize until you try it, but that thumb helps work in little areas and grabs more! Then when/if it gets too dirty, I just turn them around and put them on opposite hands and keep going!!
So anyways, I started sharing all that at my shows and one lady says to me “well that all makes sense, that’s why I always use oven mitts instead of pads.”  –Kate W., IA

Because of the capacity of the Dust Mitt, I was able to dust a 4500 square foot home in its entirety without ever washing the mitt.  When one side filled up, I turned it over and kept going.  – Laura L., NM

My best “dusting mitt customer” (she’s bought
probably a dozen) has this to say (Laurie T):
The dusting mitt became my new
friend when I purchased my first one because it takes the time out of
dusting.  I can dust (which is a task I dislike anyway) in ½ the time it
used to take me.  After I purchased my first one I soon realized it was
a perfect gift for teachers, friends and family.  I have everyone
“hooked” on the dusting mitt now.  Love, love, love it!”  –Casey P., IA

I think the dusting mitt is awesome. I used too use pledge too get the
great shine but I feel you get the shine without the residue.   –Kayla V., IA

I was one of those skeptical people.  When offered to try the “Cleaning
Pack” (enviro cloth, window cloth, and dusting mitt) for free I said,
“No thanks I’m good.” Then when I remodeled my master bathroom I
was desperate for help.  After eight days of sanding dry wall and green
board I had a major task and would only have two days to clean a four
level house.  I was now willing to give Norwex a try.

The dusting mitt was able to dust my entire master bedroom with all that
white dust, without having to shake out the dusting mitt even once in
the process.  Wow, I was amazed more than words can say.  That was
followed up with Enviro Cloth and Window Cloth for areas that needed
washed, like the mirrors.  I was so impressed by Norwex that a couple of
weeks later I drove over 800 miles one way to check out more of Norwex
products. –Rita H.
“I did a show a couple of months ago and wanted to show how the dusting
mitt worked. The house had quite low ceilings so I stretched up to reach 

for the ceiling fan. The hostess started spinning in her chair, screaming – nooooo!!  But, it was too late – I had already started dusting the fan. The guests all held their heads as they were
expecting a ton of dust to drop down on their heads and the food..
Which of course it didn’t; it all stayed on the mitt. It was quite funny to see their faces of horror first, and then the disbelief when it didn’t all drizzle down on the food and their heads.. Safe to say I sold  a fair bit of dusting mitts that night:-) The hostess told me she hadn’t dusted there for over a year!!”  –Cathrine H., Florida

“I live out near the country…we have fields on two sides and get lots of cottony, seedy type things in my screens.  I don’t have to haul them to the tub or hose them  off any longer.  I just wipe the dusting mitt over both sides and they’re  clean again.  LOVE it!”   Stephanie S., South Dakota
I do have several customers who rave about their dust mitt. One of
them actally uses it on her foot do to her base boards.. She thinks
it’s fab that she can do her base boards in a fraction of the time than
when she had to go on her hands and knees.
–Cathrine H. 

“I  love all my Norwex products, but I have to say your Dust Mitt is unbelievable.  Dusting is one of my least favorite household chores, but now days, once I get started, I am looking for places that need to be gone over.
Using the “Mitt” is so easy and quick, plus there are no streaks or dust particles left behind on surfaces.  The area I really notice the difference is our glass top TV stand, as well as the
flat screen TV.   Before I found the Norwex dust mitt, I would worry that the products I was using may cause some damage to the TV or the nice wood surfaces.
I am never afraid to recommend this or any of your fabulous products to my friends and co workers.“  –Carol M., South Dakota

I have been told by a daycare provider that the little fingerprints all over her furniture used to be so difficult to remove: now she lightly mists the Dusting Mitt  and the finger prints are removed with ease.

My sister actually puts it on her foot and dusts her baseboards!!!!   -Chris
H., Iowa

I LOVE the dusting mitt, especially for my wooden blinds.  I dusted one set of blinds in my study with the
dusting mitt 3 weeks ago, and left the other set of blinds so my party guests could see the amount of dust that was on the blinds.  The blinds I dusted with the dusting mitt are still dust free after 3 weeks!!  I love how easy the dusting mitt is to use and how the dust clings to the mitt.
-Connie J., TX

 

 

Wow, Norwex Power Plus Laundry Detergent To The Rescue!

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

Wow, Norwex Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent to the rescue!  I cannot believe it’s stain removing power!  While visiting our daughter and family this week in California, I was once again wowed by the power of Norwex Power Plus Laundry Detergent!  I washed a quilt that had marker stains on it…heavy marker stains that had been there for some time..and wala…after pretreating with the Norwex Laundry Pretreat and washing with Norwex detergent, the stains came completely out.  It was truly amazing!  How I ‘love’ our Norwex detergent that is so effective.  With a normal size load, I use only 1/2-1 tsp. of the detergent and my wash is clean.  There are no perfumy odors to the cloths.  After all clean doesn’t smell!  This detergent is fantastic in HE washers, like mine. One bag will wash 400 loads. The beauty of this detergent is  there are no fillers, perfumes, dyes, phosphates etc. so it is gentle on sensitive skin.

Easily remove eye makeup with just water!

Sunday, March 6th, 2011

Our Norwex make-up removing, soft cloths and water will easily remove even waterproof eye makeup. The cloths are a soft, suede microfiber and gentle on mature skin. The stains rinse out well with just a dab of dish soap, and they are ready to be used again. This package of three cloths is one of our new fall items, and very popular!  You can save many dollars this way!  Next you will want to dab on a bit of our luscious face and neck gel.  This is a product your man will love as well.  It makes a great after shave soother.