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Norwex Antibacterial Microfiber Information Monday, 14 February 2011 22:08 Testing for Norwex Antibac Cloths 2007 Norwex Antibacterial Microfiber is a microfiber that contains an environmentally friendly antibacterial agent that has passed both FDA and EPA approval. Because the new microfiber and silver agent are both environmentally friendly, one can still clean without chemicals by simply using water and the new antibacterial microfiber. Silver ions play an important role for the bactericidal action of this microfiber. The reasons the new Microfiber cloths are cleaner and safe to handle are: 1. The germs picked up by the microfiber cloths are eliminated within the cloth thus preventing germ transfer to hands and other surfaces. 2. The silver agent itself cannot be transferred from the cloth to the hands or other surfaces. Test Certificates completed by Japan Spinners Inspecting Foundation are also available. Two separate studies were completed, one in May 2003 and one in September 2003. The study tested for the presence of Staphylococcus Aureus and Escheria coli; or simply, the eradication of Staph and E-coli microorganisms. Both studies concluded that both organisms were eliminated by a percentage of 99.9% or more. The three ACT microfiber cloth and mop studies are also available. The studies stated that the microfiber with only water removed 99.94% of all microorganisms. Only conventional cloths in conjunction with a full concentrate disinfectant, which remained wet on the surface for 30 seconds, performed better. The cloths were tested for their ability to remove Staph, E-coli microorganisms and dust as well as for cloth saturation, cross contamination, and the best way to clean the dirty/contaminated microfiber cloths. The tests proved that cross contamination was not an issue – the debris was held inside the fiber of the cloth and was not transferred to another surface. The effectiveness of the cloth’s ability to clean was not reduced even after 10 surfaces were cleaned in succession. In other words, 10 surfaces were cleaned without cleaning the microfiber between each surface. The testing proved that on both smooth and textured surfaces the microfiber was 99.95% and 99.97% effective at removing germs with just water. This outperforms a bleach/water solution, which is recognized as a standard for cleanliness. The smooth surface cleaned with bleach had 20 times more contamination than the surface cleaned with microfiber and water. The textured surface and bleach had 46 times more contamination than the surface cleaned with the microfiber and water. Washing the dirty microfiber cloths in a standard washing machine on the hottest cycle was as effective in removing bacteria from the cloth as was boiling. One study was specific in testing the importance of a disinfectant compound for cleaning efficiency. The results - “It is obvious that the reduction of the number of bacteria is the same in all ‘moist’ methods of cleaning. Thus, the use of a disinfectant doesn’t seem to produce greater bacteria reduction than the ‘moist’ cleaning with water only.” The cleaning method without a disinfectant is preferred because disinfection includes the risk for the development of resistance in bacteria that is a serious issue especially in health care. No disinfectant means no exposure to the person using it to clean and no residues for later exposure. Finally the test concluded that microfiber “with only water, or in certain circumstances with water and detergent, can in many instances be an alternative to disinfection.” The STORE bought microfiber does not have testing proving its effectiveness. Our microfiber comes with a guarantee for performance for 2 full years because of our hospital and independent testing. By: Sheri Gauthier, Norwex Technical Advisor

Mattress Cleaner for Dust mites - it works! Monday, 14 February 2011 22:05 A closer look at Norwex Mattress Cleaner When your mattress isn’t clean, on a microscopic level, it can look like a swarm of bees around your head when you sleep. Dust mites are the culprit! While perhaps not the only cause, these little critters can cause snoring problems and breathing difficulties when sleeping. There are 15 different species of mites that have been found living with us in our homes. Just one ounce of common house dust can host as many as 42,000 dust mites. Approximately 10 million dust mites live in a bed; 8 million in a mattress and 2 million in a pillow. We never sleep alone. The primary food source of dust mites is dead skin cells from humans (which accounts for approximately 80% of the dust in a home). Dust mite populations thrive in indoor environments. They live inside of carpeting, furniture, and especially inside of mattresses, bedding and pillows. Perhaps the worst aspect of dust mite populations is their excrement. Mite feces are one of the most toxic allergens to humans and pets. Each single dust mite can excrete as many as 20 fecal pellets every day. Dust mites and their feces can become airborne simply from walking across carpet, sitting on furniture cushions, climbing into bed or moving a pillow while sleeping. Inhaled fecal matter can lead to eye-ear-nose-throat infections, headaches, fatigue, depression, sleep difficulties, snoring and respiratory illnesses such as sinusitis, allergies and asthma attacks. So you want some help? First you must understand that dust mites cannot be completely eliminated from indoor environments. It is possible however, to effectively control their numbers with the regular use of Norwex Mattress Cleaner! How it works: 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 and they will grow. To eat they produce enzymes that are a type of protein. It is the enzymes they produce while eating 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, they disintegrate. Similar to our other "enzyme-based" or microbial products, our Mattress Cleaner does not "kill" anything (including dust mites). It works by eating up all of the organic matter that the dust mites would feed on, as well as the accumulated dust mite bodies and fecal matter. No food = no more growth of mites......at least for a while.......until there is more food. The overgrowth of the good bacteria at the expense of the dust mites is called competitive inhibition. We simply add enough "good guys" to be sure they out compete the "bad guys". 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. The Mattress Spray does not contain acids, alkalis, or solvents; however it is important to use this product correctly. How to Use: Shake before use. Spray once or twice on the pillow, 5-6 sprays on a single bed, 7-8 on a double bed, 9-10 on a queen bed and 10-12 on a king size bed. Allow to air and dry before making bed with clean sheets. If too much product is used (more than the mattress can absorb) it is possible that an allergy-sensitive person may react. Treat bed once a month for the first three months, then every second month for allergy sufferers, otherwise every three months. The mattress cleaner has a two year shelf life and should be stored closed, in a cool place. Used for: Beds, pillows, comforters, fluffy toys, upholstery, vehicle seats, pet beds, sofas, anywhere organic material collects. *taken from norwexonline.com, Candi Bezte Tech Talks, Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet – Entomology Dept., Norwex Handbook. Dryer Balls Monday, 14 February 2011 22:03 The purpose of the dryer balls is to reduce drying time, reduce wrinkles, naturally fluff (soften) fabrics and REDUCE static. It's important when using dryer balls to reduce drying time. Over-drying will create friction static. The use of laundry soap with fillers will also increase static in the dryer. Drying synthetic fibres, such as fleece, nylon, polyester etc. will produce much more static as these materials dry very quickly and generate quite a lot of static - these items should only be dried for a short time (10 minutes), and then remove, if possible, to reduce the static they generate within the load. Tip: Squeeze dryer balls under water then release, allowing a little water to get sucked into them, and the steam will eliminate static altogether!The reason there are two dryer balls is that the two work together with centrifugal force - lifting and separating the laundry - to allow for more efficient air flow.Norwex dryer balls have a 1 year warranty and the life span is approximately 1100 loads. When using the dryer balls in cold weather, if the dryer is vented to the outside it is best to remove them from the dryer when they are not in use. Extreme cold to hot can crack the dryer balls. You will know when your dryer balls are worn out because the little nubs will fall off of them. Removing Makeup & Cleaning Your Face with Only Water! Sunday, 30 January 2011 16:19 I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE the make-up remover cloths. I was actually really amazed at how well they took off my mascara. Did not think they were going to work that well. Plus, I am no longer using eye make-up remover on the sensitive skin around my eyes. Great product!! -Christina Andrea I want to tell you how great the Norwex Makeup Removal Cloths are for removing my make up with just water! It's quite shocking really! Only water not only do I save money now not having to buy daily make up remover, my skin feels so much cleaner it removes the make up right up to the lash line no problem! Thanks for introducing me to this great cloth! Sian Here's a great way to remove makeup and clean your face using only water - perfect for children in musical theatre and dance productions! The Norwex Body Pack or Makeup Removal Package: Body Pack The antibac Body Cloth is a natural way to clean skin, remove make-up and exfoliate. For dry or sensitive skin including skin around the eye area, leave moisture in the cloth and wipe gently to remove makeup. For oily skin or for a deeper exfoliation, wring out cloth well prior to use. * Removing make-up * Removing excess oils from skin* Removing mascara * Ultra-fine exfoliating* Used for acne/ blackheads * Removing face paints for children* Daily hygiene and skin care Clean your face and body without the use of chemicals.With the Body Pack cloth’s ultra-soft texture you will get a better result in a natural and nonabrasive way. No soaps, abrasive alcohol or cleaning tonic needed; use only water. Follow facial cleansing with hydrating/moisturizing - our Aloe Face and Neck Gel is the perfect post-skin cleansing product.For managing acne, use a fresh cloth each day. 3 cloths: natural or vibrant colours $19.99 Makeup Removal Package This is a new product for more sensitive skin and around the eyes. The tight weave of the fiber allows for the gentle removal of mascara and dark makeup * Makeup is easily washed away from suede between launderings using Norwex Foam Soap or Dish Liquid * Clean until all traces of eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara are removed * This very gentle suede is a fantastic alternative for sensitive skin. * A great choice for conditions like ezcema and dry skin * Designed specifically for sensitive skin and delicate eye areas * 3 cloths: green, blue & purple $19.99 Plastic reusable bag!!! Sunday, 30 January 2011 16:13 “We Don’t Want to Scare Consumers, We Simply Want Stricter Rules.” by Center for Environmental Health on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 8:00am “There’s no excuse for having lead in a bag,” CEH’s own Caroline Cox told CBS 5 News on Monday. Watch the full video to hear Caroline discuss CEH’s discovery of lead in plastic reusable bags, and set the facts straight from the plastics industry-backed propoganda. Norwex products do not contain Triclosan! Sunday, 30 January 2011 16:08 It’s Triclosan Awareness Month! During the last few weeks we’ve seen so many important triclosan-related developments that, here at CEH world headquarters, we’ve begun calling January “Triclosan Awareness Month.” Some of it is good news, some bad, but all is important enough that we want to make sure you’re in the loop. If you’re just tuning in, triclosan is the pesticide that’s added to soap and many other products to kill germs. It’s also toxic enough to disrupt your hormones and decrease your sperm production at the same time. http://www.facebook.com/centerforenvironmentalhealth Gifts under $10.00 – ~ Optic Cloth ~ Dish Cloth ~ Dishwashing Liquid ~ Spirisponge ~~ Spirinetts ~ Micro Pad ~ Loofah Pad ~ Gifts under $20.00 ~ Body Pack ~ Make-up Removal Package ~ Lint Mitt ~ Body Glove ~ Silver Care Toothbrush ~ Enviro Cloth ~ Window Cloth ~ Dusting Mitt ~ Enviro Travel Pack ~ Foot Stone ~ Spa Socks~~3 pack Antibac Kitchen Cloth Set ~ Rubber Static Brush ~ Veggie & Fruit Scrub Cloth ~Dryer Balls ~ Organic Hand Cream ~ For the Ladies ~ From the Organic Line…Shampoo/Conditioner/Shower Gel/Day & Night Cream /Face Lifting Serum/Anti-Aging Face & Neck Gel/Shea Butter/Foot Lotion/Olive Oil Salt Scrub~ Hair Turban ~ Fresh Wash ~ Tea-Towel Set ~ Magnet Ball ~~ The Norwex Mop System ~ For the Men (Boat, Camper & Vehicle) ~ Enviro Cloth ~ Car Cloth ~ Car Wash Mitt ~~ Optic Cloth ~ Bath Sheet ~ Olive Oil Salt Scrub ~ Tooth Brush ~ For those with Sensitive Skin ~ Foam Hand Soap ~ Shea Butter ~ Organic Personal Care Items ~ Crystal Deodorant ~~ Magnet Ball ~ Dishwashing Liquid ~ Ultra Plus Laundry Detergent ~ Mattress Cleaner ~ For the Athlete ~ Crystal Deodorant ~ Sports Towel ~ Sportzyme ~ Odour Eliminator ~ Body Pack ~