Howdy! I’m thinking you probably stumbled upon this post as you were doing a search on Norwex, trying to figure out if it’s really any good and why the heck the silver is in there.
Then, as you were searching, you came across my blog, read a few of my glowing reviews of e-cloth® and said:
“e-cloth®! What the heck is e-cloth? Wow, Kate makes e-cloths sound really great. But gee whiz, they don’t have silver in them like the Norwex cloths do. Kate must be some sort of dingbat. Surely e-cloth can’t be as good as Norwex if it doesn’t have silver in it. Can it?“
But hey, wait now! Let me fill you in on the 3 reasons why e-cloths don’t have silver in them and then you can make up your own mind:
Benefits of Silver-Free e-cloths:
Silver-free e-cloths offer a range of advantages that make them a top choice for effective and sustainable cleaning. Here are some key benefits of using e-cloths without the inclusion of silver:
- Gentle and safe for all surfaces: Silver-free e-cloths are designed to be non-abrasive, making them safe to use on various surfaces. Whether you’re cleaning delicate glass, sensitive electronics, or high-gloss countertops, you can trust that e-cloths won’t cause any scratches or damage.
- Environmental friendliness: Unlike silver-infused cleaning products, silver-free e-cloths contribute to a more sustainable cleaning routine. By eliminating the need for silver, e-cloths reduce the environmental impact associated with the extraction and disposal of silver particles. Choosing silver-free options aligns with eco-conscious practices and promotes a greener planet.
- Versatility: Silver-free e-cloths excel in their versatility, allowing you to use them for a wide range of cleaning tasks. From dusting and wiping down surfaces to tackling tough stains, e-cloths without silver can handle it all. Their advanced fiber technology is designed to trap and remove dirt, grease, and bacteria without the need for chemical additives.
- Long-lasting effectiveness: The effectiveness of e-cloths is not dependent on silver. Instead, their cleaning power is derived from the unique composition and structure of the fibers. These fibers are designed to attract and capture particles, ensuring thorough cleaning and leaving surfaces streak-free. With proper care and maintenance, silver-free e-cloths can maintain their cleaning effectiveness for a long time.
- Avoiding concerns about antimicrobial resistance: The use of silver in cleaning products has raised concerns about the potential development of antimicrobial resistance. By opting for silver-free e-cloths, you can alleviate these concerns and maintain a balanced approach to cleaning. Instead of relying on chemical antimicrobials, e-cloths physically remove contaminants, reducing the risk of contributing to the development of resistance.
Choosing silver-free e-cloths allows you to achieve outstanding cleaning results while minimizing environmental impact and addressing concerns about antimicrobial resistance. These cloths are gentle yet effective, versatile, and designed to withstand long-term use. By incorporating silver-free e-cloths into your cleaning routine, you can experience the benefits of a sustainable and efficient approach to keeping your home clean and healthy.
1) E-CLOTHS DON’T NEED SILVER
The cleaning power of any microfiber cloth depends only on:
- what the fibers are made of
- how thin and strong the fibers are (the thinner and stronger the better)
- how many fibers there are (the more the better)
Did you notice that silver wasn’t in that list? That’s because silver does not clean surfaces! Microfiber does.
When you wipe a surface with an e-cloth, the hundreds of millions of strands pick up the dirt/grease/grime/bacteria and trap it in the cloth. E-cloths are so effective at cleaning that lab testing has proven that they pick up over 99% of bacteria.
So what do you do now that you’ve got an e-cloth filled with a dirty mess and bacteria?
You rinse it. That’s it.
E-cloth® took the lab testing a step further and found that by simply rinsing the cloth well, over 99% of any bacteria trapped in the cloth will be removed. I suspect that the same (or at least very similar results) is true for Norwex cloths.
The only thing that silver in microfiber cloths does is speed up the killing of bacteria IN THE CLOTH.
Yes, you read that correctly. Silver only helps to kill bacteria in the cloth.
But… like I mentioned above, if you rinse your e-cloth after you use it, there is virtually no bacteria left in it. So, B-I-N-G-O, no need for silver in e-cloths®.
2) SILVER CAUSES CONFUSION
I see plenty of comments on-line from happy Norwex customers, stating that they love the silver in their cloths because it sterilized their counter (or other surface) and they only have to wash their cloths once a month.
Yikes. Scary.
But now we know the facts, don’t we!
It’s important to know that:
- Silver in your microfiber cloth does NOT sterilize surfaces or kill bacteria on surfaces
- Having silver in your microfiber cloth does NOT mean that you don’t need to launder your cloths.
If you’re wondering how/when to launder your e-cloths (or Norwex), I posted some tips here.
3) ADDING SILVER IS AN UNNECESSARY STRAIN ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUR POCKET BOOK
Silver. Hmmm, isn’t that something that has to be mined?
Yup.
So there’s that. But there’s also the extra manufacturing processes required to get it into the cloths. The cloths that don’t even need it.
And extra manufacturing means more strain on the environment and…
this is gonna hurt…
Money out of your pocket!
And now you know the rest of the story and hopefully, I’ve answered your question (do e-cloths have silver in them?).
If you have any questions about e-cloths or still aren’t convinced that you can live without silver, please do not hesitate to leave me a comment/question below.
Please do feel free to share this too. Email it to a misguided friend or post it on your facebook page.
Conclusion:
Silver-free e-cloths offer a multitude of benefits for your cleaning routine. By eliminating the use of silver, these innovative cleaning tools provide a gentle yet effective approach to maintaining a spotless and eco-friendly home.
The absence of silver in e-cloths does not compromise their cleaning power. Their advanced fiber technology is designed to capture dirt, dust, and bacteria without relying on chemical additives. This makes them safe to use on various surfaces, including delicate ones, without causing any damage.
Choosing silver-free e-cloths also contributes to a greener planet. By reducing the reliance on silver, you minimize the environmental impact associated with its extraction and disposal. This aligns with sustainable practices and promotes a healthier future for our planet.
