Toxic Window Cleaners
Did you know that some of the most basic household cleaning products are among the most toxic?
Cleaning agents differ in their classification of health hazards; some cause serious or immediate dangers such as skin irritations, respiratory and eye irritation to illness such as reproductive and respiratory disorders as well as major diseases such as cancer. A health hazard commonly associated with using window glass cleaners would be inhalation of the mist emitted from the bottle or getting the chemical into your eyes. Ingestion of the chemicals could pose a serious health risk.
What’s in your window cleaner?
Some of the chemicals typically found in window cleaners include ammonia and isopropanol. Ammonia is known to be a powerful chemical agent that is diluted for household cleaning products and is highly poisonous. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can cause burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract and can result in blindness, lung damage or death. Inhalation of lower concentrations can cause coughing, and nose and throat irritation. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. Skin or eye contact with concentrated ammonia can also cause irritation and burns. *
Are your antibacterial wipes helping or hurting?
Antibacterial wipes are very common these days, and can be found almost anywhere.
Your favorite grocery store is most likely dispensing them for wiping down carts, your local gym may have them on hand for cleaning exercise equipment, and your school may be handing them to schoolchildren to scrub their tables and chairs. I was shocked to find that our local elementary school requested that each child bring antibacterial wipes as a “school supply.” These “convenient” products have hidden hazards that should worry us, in addition to the fact that they are disposable, thus creating throwaway garbage.
What are they made from?
The most common ingredients present in these products are quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats” for short, and chemicals such as alky dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride. The American Medical Association (AMA) discourages manufacturers use of antibacterial compounds in consumer products as they can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Additionally, the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, a leading international organization on asthma, considers these harmful chemical compounds to be what they call “asthmagens” that trigger asthma attacks in people even if they haven’t presented with the illnesses previously. Actual studies revealed that the multitude of fragrances emitted by antibacterial wipes are composed of untested chemicals like phthalates and synthetic musks which are considered to be hormone disruptors and whose use can lead to hormonal disorders.
Reports from studies organized in the United Kingdom stated that antibacterial wipes commonly used in hospitals to kill otherwise harmful infections were actually responsible for the spreading of drug-resistant bacteria. The research was presented at a conference organized by an American Society of Microbiology in Boston, USA. The discussion concentrated on bacteria such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA and VRE, or Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, both which have been associated with outbreaks of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections.
Norwex Cleaning Paste is Elbow Grease in a Jar
When I first heard about Norwex Cleaning Paste, it was described to me as “elbow grease in a jar.” Essentially…the cleaning paste makes so many everyday jobs easier!
The Norwex catalog describes Cleaning Paste as: “An Environmentally friendly paste that cleans, polishes and protects chrome , stainless steel, aluminum, porcelain and similar surfaces in one application. Comes as a solid. Rub damp enviro cloth on product to create paste and apply to surface. Safe for use on coffee pots, glasses and most foodware products. Not for use on soft metals such as brass or silver.”
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With Norwex, Doing Laundry is Quicker, Easier, and Cheaper
Laundry has never been something that I “LOVE” to do, but Norwex absolutely makes it quicker, easier, and we save money!!
We have allergies in my home, so I love the fact that the Norwex Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent is filler-free and unscented, and will not leave residue in your clothing. It has superior stain removing properties, whitens whites, brightens colored fabrics, and cuts through grease and dirt leaving clothes soft and fluffy. One bag washes approximately 80 loads in a standard machine or 250+ loads in high efficiency.
Think your laundry detergent is natural or filler-free? Check out this incredible photo. The glass on the left shows an organic laundry detergent, the glass on the right shows another popular brand. The middle glass is the Norwex Ultra Power Plus! 
Norwex Helps Remove Lint, Pet Hair and More
Norwex has some handy helpers that are just what’s needed to remove pet hair or lint from carpeting and clothing.
The Norwex Rubber Brush removes hair, lint, crumbs and dust from textiles, pets, furniture and carpeted stairs. It is great for removing debris from dry mop pads and dusting mitts by sweeping the brush in a downward motion.
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