Keeping your Norwex cloths in good shape can help you get the most use out of them. Following proper care and laundering instructions is an important part in allowing the cloths to work most effectively and efficiently around your home. So let’s get to it!
In between laundering, slightly dirty cloths can be rinsed well under warm running water and hung to dry.
Cloths that have been heavily soiled or used to clean a high bacteria load (e.g. raw meat, toilets, the kitchen sink) should be laundered before their next use. I always err on the side of caution and throw a cloth in the laundry when I’m feeling iffy. Better to wash too often than not enough!
Wash your Norwex cloths in HOT water – this allows the fibers to swell and release all the dirt and grime trapped in the cloth. Wash the cloths either by themselves (if you have a large enough load) or launder with non-linty loads (such as sheets). I highly recommend using Norwex laundry detergent, but it’s not required – you can can use any laundry detergent you have.
Do not use bleach, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets, as these products will coat and damage the cloth fibers, reducing their ability to clean effectively.
If you find your Norwex cloth has not been cleaning as well as it used to or begins to become stiff or smelly, you may need to do a deep clean.
Step One: Fill a pot with enough water to cover your cloths and bring to a boil.
Step Two: Drop your cloths in the pot and turn the heat down to a low simmer. Optional: Add about ½ to 1 teaspoon of powder laundry detergent.
Step Three: Boil your cloths for 10 minutes, gently stirring every so often. The hot water and agitation work together to allow the fibers to swell and release dirt and debris.
Step Four: Let the water cool completely before draining. Give cloths a final rinse under running water, then wring out and hang to dry or toss in the dryer.
You may be surprised at what comes out in the water! Your Norwex cloths work extremely hard around your home to pick up all sorts of dirt, grime, and debris. A deep clean may be needed every so often to make sure the cloths themselves are staying clean and therefore able to work most effectively.
Deep cleaning can be performed two or three times a year to keep your cloths fresh and in tip-top shape. If you find you are needing to perform a deep clean more often, make sure you review the proper care and use instructions. Norwex cloths should never be used with any type of soap or cleaning chemical. Don’t pair your envirocloth with pine-sol to clean the floors, don’t use it with dish soap to clean the showers, etc. The beauty of Norwex is that you are able to clean entirely with water!
There are two exceptions: 1) Norwex cleaning products that have been specially designed to work with the microfiber cloths such as the cleaning paste or Blue Diamond bathroom cleaner; and 2) certain kitchen items such as the dish cloths or spirisponges can be used with dishwashing liquid.
Also ensure that you are properly rinsing and hanging to dry used cloths in between laundering. The most important thing is that the cloths not stay damp for long periods of time. Allowing the cloth to fully dry lets the BacLock® agent go to work, inhibiting the growth of bacterial odor, mold, and mildew. Following these instructions should keep your Norwex cloths in great shape for years to come!
As always, leave a comment or contact me with any questions!
