When I was first introduced to Norwex, I never thought I would be selling its green cleaning products.
As a recent cancer survivor, I had begun reading a lot about the potential impact of chemicals we use on a daily basis on our health. My goal was to protect my family, in any way that I could, from what I had been through. Eliminating dangerous toxins from my home and the environment became my personal mission.
Knowing this, a friend convinced me to go to my first Norwex Party. The rest is history! When I discovered that I could clean most things just using water and Norwex products, my world changed. While initially, I wasn’t sure about becoming a Norwex consultant, I knew right away that Norwex’s mission of radically reducing chemicals in the environment and in our homes through easy and affordable solutions spoke to me.
As I have learned more, my commitment to this cause has only grown. I recently read about an alarming study by the Environmental Working Group that found contaminants in the environment are already in our children’s bodies before they are even born. EWG researchers detected 287 chemicals in the cord blood of newborns, estimating that everyone alive carries at least 700 contaminants. Of these, 180 have been found to cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.
That’s scary.
It suggests we are already at a disadvantage from before we are even able to make lifestyle and consumer choices. In my mind, these findings confirm how important it is to make eco-friendly changes in our homes to minimize the impact of these contaminants on our health.
The good news is: There are so many green alternatives that make it easy to cut chemicals with the added bonus of saving money.
Five of my favorite ways to cut chemicals at home
Norwex’s cloths, mitts and mops. These tools alone will get your house sparkling clean. Skip the glass cleaners, paper towels, chemical sprays and scrubs. Just use water and Norwex products will get the job done. Most of these are made from Norwex Microfiber, which can remove up to 99 percent of bacteria from a surface if used correctly. In particular, Norwex’s collection of mop pads are miraculous. The dry pads lift up dust and dirt through static electricity. The wet pads absorb water to clean large surfaces. No more lugging around heavy buckets to rinse, and no more ugly streaks or yucky residue left behind by chemical floor cleaners.
Blue Diamond All-in-One Bathroom Cleaner. While many household chores can be completed with your Norwex cleaning tools and water, there are some tough jobs that require a little more – especially in the bathroom! I love the versatility of the Blue Diamond. You can use it on any sealed surface from tub and toilet to your countertops. Just use a little bit, allow it to sit for five or 10 minutes and soap scum, rust rings, makeup and toothpaste stains vanish. Organic salts and citric acid replace the strong corrosive acids in common bathroom cleaners. So, you won’t be exposed to harsh cleaning fumes anymore! If you do need to use a little elbow grease, I recommend the Kitchen Scrub Cloth, especially to help remove stubborn soap scum and grime in corners and crevices.
Norwex Laundry Products. Laundry is a big job in a household with five kids. I was concerned about chemical residue from detergents and fabric softeners being in constant contact with my children’s skin but I also needed something that worked. Norwex’s Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent is highly concentrated and has superior stain and dirt-fighting power. But is also 100 percent biodegradable and free from phosphates and fillers. I use UPP for all my laundry needs, from delicates to the children’s athletic gear. Meanwhile, the Fluff and Tumble Dryer Balls soften fabrics, help reduce drying time, static cling and wrinkles, all naturally, without chemicals. Not only can I feel good about getting rid of chemicals in my laundry room, but I’m also spending a lot less on laundry supplies!
The Norwex Dusting Mitt. This product has made my life so much easier! Wet or dry, I just slip on the mitt and go. I’ve been able to get rid of expensive spray cleaners and furniture polish that usually left a greasy or waxy film or streaks behind anyway. With its thick texture, as well as its dense, plush fibers and unique mitt design, it attracts and holds dust and allergens – and won’t let them go.
The 4-in-1 Kids Wash . I am extremely excited about Norwex’s new personal care products for kids, and I highly recommend the 4-in-1 kids Wash. I know the pain of juggling shampoo, conditioner, body wash and bubble bath bottles while trying to bathe a squirming toddler! With a fresh, happy scent, the gentle foam cleans and conditions from top to bottom with no harsh ingredients or synthetic fragrances. Best of all, it creates enough bubbles to satisfy!