Is Norwex Worth the Money?

Norwex cleaning products are very popular and claim to give amazing results without harsh chemicals but is Norwex worth the money? 

I started testing Norwex products in the summer of 2017. Here are all my thoughts about the products and I will share with you which ones are worth the extra money, and which ones you can skip.  This post only reviews a few products, but the rest will be coming eventually!

Be sure to read to the end of this post to find out how you can get extra savings!

FULL DISCLOSURE

When I first wrote this post I was not a Norwex consultant. I was interested in switching to natural cleaning products but was surprised at how expensive the different options were. I decided to test out different products to figure out the true cost. While testing Norwex, I loved the products so much I have since become a Norwex consultant. This has not changed any of my opinions about which products are worth buying and which products you should skip.

P.S.- This blog is all about saving money. Click HERE to find out more about how I give personalized financial help at all price points (starting with FREE).

What is Norwex?

If you are unfamiliar with Norwex, it is a multi-level marketing company that sells products free of harmful chemicals for the home.  They are most popular for their Envirocloths and other products that clean using only water. For each product that I evaluated, I looked at how the Norwex product compared in price and performance to whatever I was already using.

How did I compare products?

My main focus for testing the Norwex products was to see if they worked as well as other products, and how the prices compared.  When comparing prices, I used the prices listed in the Norwex catalog and an estimate of what I spend per year on other products.  If you’ve followed my blog, I am a couponer and deal seeker, so my prices are probably going to be lower than the average person.

Many Norwex products come with a 2-year warranty but most should last longer than 2 years.  Just for comparison though, I assumed you would only use the product for 2 years. (Note- all products also come with a 60-day money-back guarantee)

Here are the results! Is Norwex Worth the Money??

Envirocloth & Window Cloth:

Price:

Enviro cloth $18.99

Window Cloth: $19.99

Buy together as the “Basic Package”: $35.99

Product Description:

Envirocloth:

Superior-quality microfiber combines with Norwex’s unique BacLock®* antibacterial agent to create a multipurpose cloth that can be used wet or dry to clean everything. The super-versatile EnviroCloth is the perfect replacement to chemical-laden, all-purpose cleaners. It eliminates the need for wasteful paper towels, so it’s also more sustainable for the environment! Highly effective and easy to care for; between launderings, simply rinse, wring out and hang to dry. Available in five colors, allowing you to color-code for different purposes or rooms. Norwex Microfiber has the ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface when following the proper care and use instructions.

https://carriebutler.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/1512?categoryName=Best_Sellers

Window Cloth

Need an easy, chemical-free, window-cleaning solution? Try the silky, tightly woven microfiber Window Cloth to get your windows, mirrors, jewelry, and other shiny surfaces sparkling clean without leaving unsightly streaks or residues using only water. Eliminating the need for harmful chemical cleaners, it works great with the EnviroCloth® and Dusting Mitt. It can significantly reduce the use of cleaning chemicals in your home! Just like with the EnviroCloth, Norwex Microfiber has the ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface with only water when following the proper care and use instructions.

https://carriebutler.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/1518?categoryName=Best_Sellers

Basic Package

Two of our top-selling Norwex microfiber products! Together, the EnviroCloth® and Window Cloth handle most of your cleaning projects using Norwex Microfiber and water only.

https://carriebutler.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/1505?categoryName=Best_Sellers

Replaces:

Rags (free), paper towels ($25/year), all-purpose cleaning spray ($5.00/year), Windex ($5.00/ year), furniture polish/dusting spray ($2.00/year), disinfecting wipes ($2.00/year), Magic erasers ($5.00/year)

Total Cost of other products for 2 years: about $88.00

Thoughts:

The Envirocloth cleaned everything I tried in my house.  I used it on my hardwood floors, bathtub, countertops, toilet bowl, car (inside and out), dishes, sink, microwave, stovetop, and the list goes on.  I even used it to remove really old sticker residue from wood furniture.

It seriously was able to clean EVERYTHING. When combined with the window cloth, I cleaned my windows, mirrors, and shined all the metal faucets and fixtures in the house.

The Envirocloth did get stinky a few times, but that was because I did not properly rinse it out and hang it up.  I really think you need to own 2 sets so that one is being cleaned and one is ready to be used. I might even suggest 3 sets if you want to keep a separate one for the bathroom.

Because you only need to use water to clean, and it works on so many surfaces I find myself cleaning much more often. There isn’t the hassle of getting out several cleaning products to clean something- just 1 cloth and water.  

Three Year Update: I have now designated a “bathroom Envirocloth”.  I’ve used it to clean the inside of the toilet and it works great!! (I do this step last when cleaning the bathroom.) I still have my original cloths and they still work great even though they are heavily stained.

Want more info on how it works??

Watch the video below to see a comparison of Norwex vs. Disinfecting Wipes.

https://youtu.be/-ccKrDl_jmw

Here is a video I made showing how the Envriocloth can clean raw meat:

Overall:

One Envirocloth greatly reduces the number of paper towels I use.  I will also no longer be buying any of the other cleaning products listed above except for an all-purpose cleaner for the really nasty kid/pet messes.  (I have switched to the Young Living thieves cleaner!)

Is it worth it?

100% yes.  Over the span of 2 years, the cost of 3 Envirocloths and 1 window cloth is less than what you would spend on other cleaning products.

Cost of 3 Envirocloths and 1 Window cloth: $73.97

Cost of other products for 2 years: $88.00

Savings: About $14.00

This doesn’t even factor in that you will be reducing the number of harsh chemicals in your home!

Ultra Power Plus Laundry Detergent:

Price:

$24.99 per bag.  If you are using 1 tsp per load this comes out to roughly  $0.05 per load!!

Product Description:

This highly concentrated, superior stain-fighting powder contains biodegradable surfactants and is free from phosphates and fillers. Designed for both high-efficiency (HE) and conventional washing machines. This formula gets your whites even whiter, your brights even brighter and dissolves grease and grime. UPP is safe on all fabrics, including hand-washables and Norwex Microfiber.

https://carriebutler.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/1125?categoryName=Best_Sellers

Free From:

• Phosphates • Sulfates
• Chlorine • Dyes
• Fragrances • Fillers
• Phthalates • Bleach
• Ammonia
• Optical brighteners
• No testing on animals

Key Benefits:

• Removes even the most stubborn stains on all types of fabrics
• Can be used on any type of fabric, including cotton, nylon, wool, linen and synthetics as well as the most delicate hand-washables
• Color safe
• Can be used with both conventional and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines
• Requires just a fraction of the amount of most typical store brands
• Using less means you save money—one compact bag washes up to 100 loads in an HE machine and up to 66 laundry loads in a conventional machine.
• Dissolves quickly and starts working immediately
• Works well in all water temperatures
• Effective in hard water
• Contains environmentally friendly water softeners 
•  Non-toxic, with biodegradable ingredients
•  Suitable for septic tanks

Replaces:

Your regular laundry detergent which can cost anywhere from  $0.03 per load if you use coupons to $0.20 a load if you pay the full price for a detergent like Tide.

Thoughts:

First, Let me tell you that many Norwex consultants will tell you that you NEED to buy this detergent.  I was turned off by the idea that I would need to buy a $25 bag of laundry detergent to make my cloths work properly!!  You don’t NEED the detergent.  The most important thing is that you use a laundry detergent that is free of “fillers”.  You can test for yourself how “free” it is by dissolving some of the detergent in a jar of water.  If the water is clear, the detergent is good to use on your Norwex items.

Another key part of properly taking care of your Norwex cloths is to be sure to wash them in the washing machine and dry with other non-linty items. That means do not wash them with other towels, fleece items, blankets. etc. Sheets and jeans are great to wash with your Norwex.

As a couponer, my favorite detergent to stock up on was All Free & Clear because you can get a bottle that will wash 32 loads for $0.99.  It claims to be free of fillers, and it does dissolve clear in water. I washed all my laundry and my Norwex cloths with this for several months before testing the Ultra Power Plus Detergent (UPP).

What happened when I tried doing all my laundry with UPP?

The directions on the bag say to use 1/3 to a full scoop but I found that to be WAY too much!  After a little research, I found that most people use only ½ to 1 teaspoon! I had the best luck with 1 tsp for a regular size load of laundry.

My Norwex items came out super clean feeling and returned to the soft fluffy feel they had when I first bought them.

My really really dirty laundry like my husband’s work laundry and clothes and sheets that had been peed on by my kids did not come out very clean smelling at first.  However, after several washes using vinegar as fabric softener, they became completely odor-free.  The most amazing this is that now they always odor-free on the first try.  I think it took a few washes to really get them clean and perhaps my old detergent was covering up some of the stink with its scent.

The “normal dirty” clothes came out just as clean as they usually do.  I could not tell any difference between the Norwex UPP detergent and my regular detergent.

A few extra notes:

I have a front load washer.  Since switching to only Norwex detergent it no longer gets the gunky mess in the front that needs to be cleaned.

I do not use any fabric softener but have found adding a little vinegar to my loads every few washes. This helps with really stubborn smells (like pee) and the overall softness of my clothes.  Note- we have really hard water.

In addition to using this as a laundry detergent, I discovered it makes a really great carpet and fabric cleaner if you mix a little with water in a spray bottle!

I had the best results when I 100% switched to the Norwex UPP.  After about a month all my laundry became softer and completely free of any scent- good or bad!  There is no longer fragrance covering up bad smells so I can be confident that things are coming out clean.

Is it worth it?

Yes! I highly recommend buying this.  Using only a tsp per load, you should be able to wash almost 500 loads!! To cut the cost, you could even split a bag with a friend.

If you are a couponer, you may be able to get your detergent for cheaper than the UPP.

IF you are NOT a couponer, using the Norwex UPP most likely be cheaper than what you usually buy.   

IF you are looking for a free & clear detergent that is free of harsh chemicals and still cleans your clothes you 100% should switch to the Norwex detergent.

Body Cloths:

Price:

$21.99 for a pack of 3

Product Description:

Replaces:

Wash cloth ($1.00) Soap & body wash ($10.00/ year), shaving cream ($1.00/year), makeup remover ($5.00/year)

Cost over 2 years: $34.00

Thoughts:

I was HIGHLY skeptical of this cloth.  It claimed that I would no longer need soap or shaving cream.

The results: For me and several others who tried it, it did effectively replace soap and shaving cream.  For my husband, who comes home super stinky and dirty from work, it couldn’t quite get rid of his stink BUT it did remove the tar and dirt from his skin better than a regular washcloth.  He said he still prefers shaving cream though.

I have very bumpy skin (Keratosis Pilaris aka chicken skin) and found the cloths are actually making my skin smoother.

I have found that I need to be washing the cloths once a week to keep them from getting stinky! (Especially in the summer) Because I like the smell, I do still use my body wash occasionally. I also still use my microdermabrasion wash once a week.

Is it worth it?

Maybe.  You probably won’t end up saving money since most people will still buy soap, but they feel super amazing and do work really well.  I like that they only need to be cleaned once a week and that they will replace the majority of the soaps with harsh chemicals I was using.

If you are willing to stop using soap and shaving cream, these cloths will definitely save you money.

Three Year Update- I haven’t used shaving cream for about a three years now!!! I also have not used any soap except for the rare occasion when I feel like smelling pretty. I don’t THINK I stink- surely someone like my hubby or Mom would have told me by now lol! 

Overall- Since I have been able to eliminate soap and shaving cream, they are saving me money.

Hand & Bath Towel:

Price:

Hand Towel: $18.99

Bath Towel: $49.99 for 1

Product Description:

This luxuriously touchable towel dries your hands and inhibits bacterial odor, mold and mildew growth within the towel.  Safely dry your hands with the luxurious Hand Towel! Extra-soft Norwex Microfiber contains our exclusive BacLock®* technology to keep it fresher, longer.

https://carriebutler.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/309025?categoryName=Personal_Care_Microfiber

WHY IT’S BETTER

• BacLock* offers continuous protection against microbes and odors within the cloth.
• BacLock* within the cloth makes it mildew-resistant, keeping it cleaner and fresher, longer.
• Save money since you don’t need to wash it as often.
• Beautiful on-trend colors can be mixed and matched.
• Colors complement our Bath Towels and our Body and Face Packs.
• Super-soft and absorbent so you simply pat dry.
• Rubbing action helps with exfoliation.
• Super compact- great for homes with limited storage.

Replaces:

Your regular bath towel ($5.00) and hand towel ($3.00) that typically last several years.

Thoughts:

I love the bath towel!  It is super soft and does an amazing job at drying my hair.  The towel dries super quick which is nice when you want to shower twice in one day.

I’ve been washing it once a week, and so far it has not gotten stinky.  Before using this towel, I would alternate bath towels every other day and would usually have to change them before the week was over.

The hand towel is great for high traffic bathrooms where people are often washing their hands.  The towel not only dries quickly, but it will completely dry your hands.

Is it worth it?

Probably not.  The towels are amazing products. However, since regular bath towels are so cheap you can afford to buy enough towels so that you can switch them every few days. You can also totally replace your towels every couple of years and still be cheaper than the Norwex towels.

The only exceptions would be if:

1. You have trouble with your bath towels getting the stinky mildew smell, then these would be worth the money.
2. Space is an issue. These towels are incredibly compact compared to normal towels.

Three-Year Update- I love my towels and hand towels, but unless you can get them during a sale, I would suggest saving your money.  My husband does not like the towels. He prefers a thicker towel.

How can you get these products for cheaper?

Good News! Norwex has specials and discounts every month which makes all the products super affordable.  I have discovered, that if you are patient, just about everything will go on sale eventually.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can clean your own in ways that are safer for you and the environment while saving money, I have a special Facebook group dedicated to “Green cleaning” which you can join here. You’ll also be able grab exclusive discounts!

Want to view all the products Norwex has to offer? Go to  https://carriebutler.norwex.biz/

Thoughts on a few other products:

I am slowly working my way through the entire catalog. I will eventually post more product reviews in a “Is Norwex Worth the Money part 2” post.  In the meantime, here’s a quick look at a few more products I’ve decided are worth purchasing (and a few not worth buying!).  Please feel free to contact me for more details on why!

Norwex Items worth purchasing:

• Descaler- Use for tough hard water stains. Perfect for when you need something stronger than vinegar or baking soda. Replaces lime-way or CLR
• Bathroom Scrub Mitt- Used to clean the inside of showers and tubs with just water. Replaces paper towels, surface cleaners and scrubby brushes.
• Counter Top cloths- Similar to envirocloth but work better at removing greasy messes from your counters. Replaces paper towels.
• Lint Mitt- Amazing at removing pet hair from clothes and surfaces. Replaces disposable lint rollers that use a sticky surface.

Norwex Items MAYBE worth purchasing:

• Mop System- The mop is basically an envirocloth with a handle. You can clean your floors on your hands and knees with an envirocloth, or even attach an enviro cloth to a Swiffer mop. If want to save a little effort though, the mop might be a great option for you.
• Cleaning Paste- This paste works great at cleaning tough messes, but it is only slightly better than a homemade baking soda cleaning paste. If you are ok with using extra elbow grease to clean, skip this product. If you want to make cleaning things like your oven, sinks, grill, grout etc. easier- you’ll want this product.

Norwex Items NOT worth purchasing:

• Bath Mat- Great product, but skip for the same reasons as the towels.
• Envirosponges- This product does the same thing as an envirocloth.
• Wool Dryer Balls- You can get wool dryer balls cheaper on Amazon. HERE are my favorite.

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