Quality (cleaning) Microfiber is constructed of a very thin filament that has been extruded with two synthetic polymers - polyester and nylon (commercial nylon is also known as polyamide). After it's extruded, it's processed mechanically and chemically to be broken into finer parts. A quality Microfiber cloth will be at least 1/100th the diameter of a human hair. However this is not the case for most Microfiber cleaning cloths, in fact the average Microfiber cloth is only 1/6th of a human hair. Buyers beware.

Polyester-nylon blend is by far the most common for cleaning. The fibers are woven or knitted into cloths, mops and other materials for the janitorial/sanitation market. Microfiber is considered superior to standard fibers for cleaning applications because it has more surface area, and the smaller fibers can get into cracks and crevices too small for other materials. Also, the split fibers add cleaning power. The Norwex Antibacterial Microfiber cloths can be rinsed or washed to remove the embedded particles and reused hundreds of times. The ratio of the polyester and polyamide blend is important. While 80% polyester and 20% polyamide is typical, a 70/30 blend will absorb water faster. As polyamide is much more expensive than polyester, you can expect to pay more for a 70/30 blend. This highly magnified cross section view of a microfiber thread shows why microfiber towels are thirsty and clean so well.

Microfiber Vs. Cotton

2. Why Norwex Microfiber?

Norwex Enviro Products is the global leader in microfiber cleaning technology, offering a range of antibacterial microfiber cleaning products. Norwex has developed a unique technology that combines an antimicrobial agent (commonly known as silver) to the microfiber. The antibacterial (silver) agent is both FDA & EPA approved. Providing the ability to disinfect your home with water and Norwex microfiber. All Norwex microfiber has a two-year warranty with an expected life span of 7-10 years

With the exception of the Antibac Enviro Cloth all Norwex Microfiber is 1/100th the diameter of a human hair. The Antibac Enviro Cloth is 1/200th of a human hair; one cloth contains 2.9 million meters of fiber. The silver technology is based on the natural ability of silver to inhibit the growth of a wide range of harmful microbes.

3. What makes Norwex microfiber Antibacterial?

Norwex has developed a unique technology (patent pending) that combines an antimicrobial agent with microfiber. The Antibacterial agent (commonly known as silver) is embedded inside the fine microfiber the size of 0.3 Denier or smaller. The Antibacterial cloths will make the surface you clean "disinfected" by removing microorganisms. The silver technology is based on the natural ability of silver to inhibit the growth of a wide range of harmful microbes.

Silver interrupts a bacteria cell's ability to form chemical bonds essential to its survival. When bacterial cells make contact with silver, they take in silver ions. The ions inhibit several functions within the cells and damage them. The damaged cells are unable to recover because the ions reportedly disable the enzymes that one-celled bacteria, viruses and fungi need for their oxygen metabolism. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies. Silver attacks primitive single-celled life thus silver is absolutely safe for humans.

4. How does Norwex Antibacterial Microfiber kill bacteria?

Laboratory tests have concluded Antibac Enviro Cloths and water (no chemicals) can pick up more bacteria than household bleach and a regular cotton cleaning cloth. After washing the cloth 300 times it still removes 99% of the bacteria!

When cleaning with a Norwex Antibac Cloth you are removing 99.94% of bacteria from a surface in comparison to "killing the bacteria" when cleaning with chemicals. Norwex Antibac Microfiber has been tested and proven to be effective against Escherichia coli* (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureas* (Staph) but also kills various yeasts as well as K. Pneumonia, SARS and H5N1 (Bird Flu).

5. I like the products I used to clean my home, why should I switch to Norwex microfiber?

The answer is easy… Time - Money - Your Health - The Environment

Norwex Antibacterial Microfiber offers a safe, fast and cost effective alternative to cleaning with chemicals. You no longer have to expose yourself or your family to dangerous carcinogens that can be found in cleaning chemicals.

Women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work away from home. The 15-year study concluded it was a direct result of the much higher exposure rate to toxic chemicals in common household products (Toronto Indoor Air Conference 1990).

Did you know that in order to disinfect a surface with a cleaning chemical, the surface must remain wet with full concentration of the chemical for as long as fifteen minutes? Even after repeated rinsing a residue of the cleaning chemical will be left on the surface. This residue will attract dirt and bacteria back to the "clean" surface.

According to the National Research Council, "no toxic information is available for more than 80% of the chemicals in everyday-use cleaning products. Less than 20% have been tested for acute effects and less than 10% have been tested for chronic, reproductive or mutagenic effects".

Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and cosmetics as triggers. In one decade, there has been a 42% increase in asthma (29% for men; 82% for women) Source: Center for Disease Control) Methylene chloride, the propellant used in many aerosol products, is carcinogenic. Some products containing methylene chloride have been pulled from the market, but the carcinogen continues to be found in many consumer products. Source: Cancer Prevention Coalition c/o School of Public Health University of Illinois Medical Center.

6. What is a carcinogen?

A carcinogen is a chemical known or believed to cause cancer in humans. The number of proven carcinogens is comparatively small, but many more chemicals are suspected to be carcinogenic. Carcinogens. In plain language, carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer. They do it by altering or damaging the cell's DNA - the basic coding system of cells - or by impairing the body's natural defenses that protect against the formation of cancerous cells.

7. Is it true that there is no risk of cross contamination when cleaning with Antibac Microfiber?

The germs picked up by a Norwex Antibac Microfiber cloth are eliminated within the cloth however the process may take up to 2-3 hours. It is recommend to clean your Norwex microfiber by rubbing the cloth together under warm water. For deep cleaning, launder in the washing machine in a hot water cycle. IMPORTANT: Avoid using bleach or fabric softener when laundering microfiber.

8. Cleaning with Microfiber is new to me, where to I begin?

The top five Norwex Microfiber products are;

The Antibac Enviro Cloth; disinfect your entire home with just water and the Enviro cloth. You can literally remove all of the cleaning chemicals from your home.
The Antibac Window Cloth; no more consumption of paper towel or window cleaner required. Spray your windows with water and wipe clean with a dry Antibac Window Cloth.
The Antibac Dusting Mitt; attracts dust while polishing your furniture. Also effective in cleaning venetian blinds, electronic equipment, and plants.
The Superior Mop Package; includes both a wet and dry Microfiber pad, telescopic wand and mop base. The mop is available in two different mop pad sizes. Disinfect your floors with just water. Also ideal for cleaning windows, walls and ceilings.
Body Pak Face Cloths; Antibacterial Microfiber designed to remove bacteria, excess oils and make-up. Ideal for acne and blackheads.

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Questions about the Magnet Ball

1. What is the purpose of the Magnet Ball and how does it work?

The term `hard water' is used to describe particles in the water which are smaller than the eye can see. Calcium carbonate and magnesium particles form clumps of minerals that have jagged edges. The particles attract detergents and form lime scale buildup.

The Magnetic Ball can be used in a dishwasher and washing machine. By improving the quality of the water 50%-70% less detergent is required and also eliminates the need for a rinsing agent.

The magnetic field created inside the Magnet Ball causes a realignment of the electrons of the particles so that the clumps break up and the particles disassociate with each other. As the molecular charged water passes over surfaces and in the appliances, it causes existing scale buildup to disassociate and float away.

2. What is the warranty of a Magnetic Ball and how long does it last?

The Norwex Magnetic Ball has a five-year warranty, however the lifespan can be extended when the Magnetic Ball is maintained regularly. Simply running a rag through the magnetic ball approximately every 3 months. If a build up appears in the small holes of the ball use a pipe cleaner to remove the debris.

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Questions about Cleaning Wood Surfaces

1. What Norwex product is best used for dusting?

The Antibac Microfiber Dusting Mitt functions as a magnet on dust. Dust and dirt are attracted and bound to the micro fiber surface by static electricity and absorb rather than spread dust particles. The dusting mitt is ideal for removing dust from all surfaces including electronic equipment, venetian blinds, all wood surfaces, etc.

The Antibac Enviro Cloth is also effective in removing dust from a surface. However the Dusting Mitt is recommend for cleaning high gloss wood surfaces. Use the Enviro Cloth wet to clean window screens and walls.

Another great option for removing dust (even drywall dust) from walls is the Norwex Dry Mop Pad. The Dry Mop will also bring the shine back to hardwood floors while removing pet hair, dust a debri.

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Questions about Personal Care Products

1. What are the most popular items in the personal care line?

Top five personal care products are;

Body Pak as a cleanser to remove makeup and oil reducing the risk of acne and blackheads. A softer more gentle microfiber weave then found in the Enviro Cloth.
Aloe Vera Face and Neck Gel, the perfect daily moisturizer regardless of your age. Great value and very effective.
Shea Butter ideal for repairing damage skin and deep moisturizing. Use as a nighttime face and eye moisturizing treatment. This product can also be used all over the body.
Silvercare Tooth Brush available in both soft and medium bristles.
Crystal Deodorant a safe and gentle way to eliminate the challenge of body odor.

2. How is the Body Pak Microfiber Different From The Enviro Cloth?

The Enviro Cloth contains 2.9 Million Meters of Microfibre, the Body Pack is 1.5 million meters. The Body and Baby Body Pak are a looser weave for a softer finish and will dry faster.

3. How long is the Crystal Deodorant expected to last?

The Crystal Deodorant is guaranteed to last at least one year. However many clients have used their crystal deodorant for much longer.

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Questions about the Enzyme Products

1. What is the difference between the Mattress Cleaner, Sportzyme and Odor Eliminator?

Each product contains a different variety of enzymes designed for different situations. There are 57 various strengths of enzymes used in the different products.

2. Why is it important to reduce the number of dust mites in our homes?

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in your home. Dust mites feed off of pet and human dander, and their waste is a major cause of allergies and asthma. This is why mattress cleaning is so very important.

3. How does Norwex Mattress Cleaner work to get rid of dust mites?

The mattress spray contains dormant bacterial spores. When in contact with a food source such as dust mites, dust mite feces (waste), pet dander, and dead skin cells, they release enzymes. The enzymes are proteins, which break down the dust mites the dust mite feces, and dander converting them into carbon dioxide and water.

4. What is house dust mite allergy?

House mite allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in the excretion of dust mites. The protein attacks the respiratory passages causing hay fever and asthma. It will aggravate atopic dermatitis in people who have a tendency to this problem.

House dust mites are found in all homes. They are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm and humid houses with lots of food - human skin. The mites prefer to live in beds and, because we spend about a third of the day in bed, we inhale large quantities of dust mite allergens.

5. How do you become allergic to house dust mites?

The excretion of the mites contains a number of protein substances. When these are inhaled or touch the skin, the body produces antibodies. These antibodies cause the release of a chemical called histamine that leads to swelling and irritation of the upper respiratory passages - typical asthma and hay fever symptoms. The predisposition for allergy is often hereditary.

6. How often do you reapply the Mattress Cleaner?

As little as every 6 months, allergy sufferers may choose to reapply every 3 to 4 months.

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Questions about Norwex Products & Allergies

1. How can Norwex Products improve the quality of life for allergy sufferers?

If eczema or dry skin is an issue for you?
Consider the 100% Shea Butter. Many clients have found relief and increased healing with this product. In our home this is the #1 cream of choice for everything from poison ivy to sunburns, dry heels and elbows and even as an eye cream (I find that it reduces puffiness).

Are you allergic to dust mites?
You should know about our Mattress Spray. Sprayed twice a year this product eliminates dust mites and all organic material from your pillows, mattress, couches etc. This quality product is 100% natural and works wonders for those with allergies and offers great piece of mind to the rest of us. We spend such a large part of our lives in bed; let's not have dust mites in there with us.

Sensitive Skin?
For sensitive skin or any skin type I highly recommend the Body Pak (large) or Baby Body Pak (small): a package of 3 face cloths. They allow you to wash without soap which reduces irritation to sensitive skin. These face cloths are a must for teenage skin or for anyone with acne as they remove excess oils which clog pores. They deep clean and exfoliate your skin, reduce blackheads, acne and also removes makeup - all with just water. Remove your mascara fast and easy and save money on expensive cleansers, toners and makeup removers. Many of you have seen the "real me" when I take off my makeup during presentations with these great face cloths. I love them!

Also great for all skin types is the Ultra Plus Laundry Soap This product is a favorite as it cleans so well, but also because it does not contain fillers and is unscented. Ideal for sensitive skin, safe on infant clothing and suitable for cold water wash.

2. Could someone who is allergic to peanuts also be allergic to Shea Butter?

Shea Butter is created from the nut that comes from the Karite tree in Africa. Please know that research has to be done to indicate that it is possible for people who suffer from peanut allergies can possibly be allergic to tree nuts.

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Questions about the Silvercare Toothbrush

1. What makes the Silvercare Toothbrush more effective than a regular one?

The Silver Plated Silver Care Toothbrush Head: A true marvel and what separates the Silver Care Toothbrushes from anything else on the market. The head is plated with 99.9% Pure Silver. Silver has been known for centuries as a natural antibacterial agent. In fact before the discovery of Penicillin, silver was widely used to treat bacterial infections. And what better place to put the natural bacteria fighting power of silver to work than the toothbrush?

On contact with water the Silver Care toothbrush head releases Active Silver Ions that substantially reduce the bacteria on the toothbrush. In Clinical Studies examining the residual contamination by the Streptococcus Mutans bacteria (the most important cavity-forming microorganism) it was found that the Silver Care toothbrush head reduced the bacterial load by well over 80% over 24 hours, while the standard toothbrush had actually increased its' bacterial load over that same time period.

Of course to complement the great Silver Care Toothbrush Head you need an equally remarkable handle. The Silver Care Plus Toothbrush has that covered. The handle is ergonomically designed for ease of use. The offset angle between the head and the handle makes it easy to reach and clean all the teeth in your mouth (including the hard to reach back teeth.) The degree of flexibility of the handle makes it easy to maintain just the right amount of pressure on the head. The non-slip rubberized handgrip is beefy and fits comfortably in any sized hand. The ridged thumb grip is perfectly placed and gives the user complete control of brush angle and pressure.

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Questions about the Effects of Chemical Exposure

1. What's so bad about fabric softener?

Fabric softeners are designed to reduce static in synthetic fabrics. They serve no purpose with natural fabrics. Fabric softeners may contain quarternary ammonium compounds (quats) and imidazolidinyl, both of which are known formaldehyde releasers. For about 5% of people, quats are an extreme sensitizer.

They may cause a variety of asthma-like symptoms, including respiratory arrest. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause joint pain, depression, headaches, chronic fatigue and a variety of other symptoms. In lab tests, formaldehyde has caused cancer and damaged DNA. Both quaternium and imidazolidinyl can cause contact dermatitis.

Fabric softeners work by leaving a residue on the fabric that will never completely wash out. It can cause allergic reactions through skin contact and inhalation.

Fabric softeners may also contain carcinogenic coal-tar dyes, ammonia and very strong scents. When fabric softeners are exposed to hot water, heat from dryers or ironing, vapors may be emitted which can be deeply inhaled, increasing their impact.

2. How much chemical exposure do we really get indoors?

Indoor air is often two to five times more contaminated than outdoor air (American Lung Association). "In addition to industrial and outdoor air pollutants, the Canadian Lung Association highlights residential pesticides and indoor chemical pollutants found in many common household products as causes and triggers of respiratory illnesses."

The toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than air pollution.- Environmental Protection Agency, 1985.

Recent medical and scientific studies suggest that chronic exposure to low levels of synthetic chemicals and "toxins" found in indoor air pollution may be linked to numerous health concerns, including but not limited to: allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, cancer, Alzheimer's, ADD ( Attention Deficit Disorder ) ; and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Unfortunately, people overlook the cumulative effect of repeated exposure to cleaning chemicals since no one is really affected by a single exposure of handling them.

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Visit Norwex's official web site at: www.norwex.ca