Why do Norwex cloths sometimes smell?
If your Norwex cloth smells sour, feels coated or suddenly starts smearing, I do not recommend boiling it or throwing every laundry trick at it. Start by figuring out why it is happening.
Most microfiber problems fall into a few categories: the cloth stayed damp too long, it is carrying grease or heavy soil, detergent or fabric products have built up in the fibers, it was washed with lint-producing laundry, or the care method does not match the textile.
The goal of a deep clean is not to punish the cloth with more heat and more product. It is to remove the problem without creating a new one.
Start with the simplest explanation
Ask four questions: Was the cloth rinsed after use? Did it dry completely? Has it been exposed to fabric softener or dryer sheets? Was the last job greasy or unusually dirty?
If the answer points to routine care, correct the routine first. A cloth that simply needs normal laundering does not automatically need a specialty soak.
If the cloth smells musty or sour
Rinse it thoroughly, then machine wash it according to the care directions for that exact microfiber. Dry it completely.
Do not rely on BacLock® as a substitute for cleaning a soiled cloth. BacLock helps protect certain products, but odor can still develop when a cloth stays wet, carries heavy soil or has residue trapped in the fibers.
If the cloth feels waxy or starts smearing
Fabric softener and dryer-sheet residue are common suspects because fabric softener and dryer sheets can coat the fibers and reduce cleaning effectiveness.
Too much laundry product can also leave residue. Correct the routine and rinse thoroughly before assuming the cloth is ruined.
When I would use Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster
For heavily soiled Norwex microfiber or persistent buildup that routine laundering has not solved, Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster has a specific deep-clean method for compatible, heavily soiled microfiber.
Use one full 30g scoop of Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster in one gallon of hot—not boiling—water. Add no more than ten heavily soiled microfiber cloths. Soak for 30 minutes, rinse well, then dry according to the textile’s directions or launder normally with a Norwex laundry detergent.
The numbers matter. I would not double the powder, use boiling water, pack in extra cloths or extend the soak because “more must work better.” That turns a labeled method into an experiment.
Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster review
Important: The hot soak will not work for lyocell
Important: Do not assume the hot soak is right for lyocell
Lyocell microfiber has its own cold-water, gentle-cycle and low-heat care limits. I do not automatically apply a hot deep-clean soak to lyocell.
Check the exact textile and care instructions before using a specialty deep-clean method. When in doubt, use the gentlest method that fits the label.
What I would not do
I would not boil microfiber as a default deep-clean method.
I would not use bleach, fabric softener or dryer sheets.
I would not restore retired liquid or probiotic Microfiber Deep Cleaner directions to a page about the current powder.
I would not promise that one deep clean can rescue every cloth. Heat damage, permanent staining or years of residue may not be reversible.
How to keep the problem from coming back
Rinse microfiber well after dirty jobs, hang cloths so they can dry completely, machine wash after heavy soil, keep them away from lint-producing laundry and coating products, and use the correct care path for standard versus lyocell microfiber.
Deep cleaning should be occasional troubleshooting, not the routine required to keep a normal cloth usable.
My bottom line
A stinky cloth is usually a clue, not a reason to panic. Fix the routine first. Use a specialty deep-clean method only when the problem actually calls for it and the textile is compatible. I would rather help you diagnose why the cloth smells than give you a dramatic cleaning recipe that could shorten its useful life.
Ultimate Guide to Norwex Microfiber
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Norwex cloth smell?
Common causes include trapped soil, incomplete drying, residue from non-Norwex laundry products, fabric softener residue, bleach, or a care routine that does not match the textile.
Does BacLock prevent all odor?
No. It helps protect certain products, but a wet, dirty or residue-coated cloth can still develop odor.
Can I boil my Norwex cloths?
I do not recommend boiling Norwex microfiber.
What is the current deep-clean method?
For compatible heavily soiled microfiber, use one full 30g scoop of Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster in one gallon of hot—not boiling—water for up to ten heavily soiled compatible microfiber cloths. Soak for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Can I use that hot soak on Lyocell microfiber?
Do not assume so. Lyocell has cold/gentle/low care limits; verify compatibility for the exact textile first.
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Can deep cleaning be done with Norwex Liquid Detergent or does one have to use Norwex Powder Detergent?
Hi Therese! For the specialty deep-clean method described in this article, use Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster exactly as directed. I would not substitute liquid or powdered laundry detergent for that labeled method. For routine laundering, use a Norwex laundry detergent and follow the care instructions for the specific microfiber textile.
I love my Norwex cloths and this community has helped me so much! Thank you Norwex representatives and company!
What is the enviro cloth meant for? My new addition! Thanks?
So happy to hear! You can learn more about the EnviroCloth here: https://healthyhomecleaning.com/norwex-microfiber-enviro-cloth/
I’ve only had my envirocloths for a few weeks. Since day 1 of needing to clean them I’ve been washing them using this method with norwex’s detergent and I still get smelly cloths a day or so after regular use. I use them on the kitchen counters and that’s it. Always ringing out after each use and air drying. Making sure they’re well rinsed from the deep method before tossing them in a dryer. What gives? It’s crazy to me when I read that other customers have been smell free of their cloths for months because mine started smelling a week or two after using them! It’s so frustrating because I feel like I baby them and take care of them exactly how you recommend!
Please help!
Hi Jordan! When an EnviroCloth develops odor quickly, begin with the routine: rinse it thoroughly after use, hang it open so it dries completely and machine-wash it after heavily soiled kitchen or bathroom jobs. Wash it separately or with other lint-free laundry, use a Norwex laundry detergent for best results and avoid bleach, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
If correct care does not solve the problem, check whether odor or residue in the washing machine may be transferring to the cloth. Clean the machine according to its manufacturer’s instructions. For a persistent problem with a relatively new cloth, contact your consultant or Norwex Customer Support about the two-year microfiber warranty.
Can I wash my face/body clothes in hot water using my sanitize setting on my washing machine along with my dusting and my blue enviro clean clothes? Should I was them separately? I’d like to save water and electricity and wash them altogether, but if I can’t, that’s ok, I just can’t seem to find an answer!
Hi Mary! I would not use one universal hot or sanitize setting for every Norwex microfiber product. Check the care instructions for each textile first. Standard microfiber can be machine-washed separately or with other lint-free laundry, and dark colors should be washed separately. Lyocell microfiber requires cold water, a gentle cycle and low heat. If the items have different care requirements, wash them separately rather than using the hottest setting for the entire load.
I will have to try this with mine. I absolutely love my Norwex cloths. Can’t imagine cleaning without them!
I have purchased a number of Norwex products and have been satisfied with most of the cleaning cloths; however, every body cloth and the shower mit has mold spots. I would never feel comfortable using these products again. Has anyone else had this problem and what is the cause?
Hi Dee! Spots that may be mold or mildew are different from ordinary cloth odor. I would stop using the affected personal-care cloths while you address the problem. Launder them according to the care instructions for the exact textile, dry them completely and do not use bleach, fabric softener or dryer sheets.
If the spotting remains or returns, I would replace the cloth rather than continue using it on your skin. You can also contact your consultant or Norwex Customer Support if the product may still be covered by its warranty. Check where the cloths are hanging or being stored as well, because they need enough airflow to dry completely between uses.
My enviro cloth smells fine but if I use it to wash anything it makes it smell. Like right now my cupboards smell rank and my enviro cloth smells fine. Do I need to deep clean the rag? I rinse out with dish soap as needed and launder once a week. Frustrated. But not sure since cloth smells fine.
Hi Sarah! A cloth can carry soil or laundry-product residue even when it does not smell strongly while dry. Because you are using this cloth in the kitchen, machine-wash it according to its care instructions and dry it completely.
For lightly soiled standard microfiber, Norwex Dish Soap may be used under warm running water when needed, followed by thorough rinsing. After greasy or extra-dirty jobs, machine washing is the better choice. If the cloth continues transferring odor after proper washing and drying, stop using it on your cupboards while you troubleshoot the cloth, washing machine and cleaning routine.
I make my own laundry detergent with washing soda, borax and Ivory bar soap. Will this harm my Norwex cloths? Thanks
Hi Deb! I would not automatically approve a homemade laundry mixture simply because it does not contain bleach. Soap-based ingredients can leave residue in microfiber. For best results, I recommend using a Norwex laundry detergent and following the care instructions for the exact textile. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and dryer sheets, and rinse the microfiber thoroughly.
Thanks so much, I’m so glad I found this website, I love my norwex cloths and now I know how to better care for them!!!
hi, I have found your site very informative. Thank You. My question is: when you refer to NOT leaving the kitchen cloth in soapy water, as the soap will/can coat the silver, do you also mean Norwex Dish Detergent? I thought Norwex Dish detergent had no fillers/ etc . I use the Norwex dish detergent, but have to admit over time my cloths do smell !!!!! I was pretty bummed about that!!!! I have since done the deep clean and all is good in my Norwex world again, would still like to hear if I can put my kitchen cloth in the sink with Norwex dish soap?????
Thanks again”………………..Bev E
Hi Bev! Norwex Dish Soap may be used when hand-washing slightly dirty standard microfiber under warm running water. Rinse the cloth thoroughly afterward and hang it open to dry or dry it completely in the dryer.
I would not leave a Kitchen Cloth sitting in a sink of soapy dishwater. It is designed primarily for wiping kitchen surfaces. After greasy or extra-dirty jobs, machine-wash it separately or with other lint-free laundry according to its care instructions.
Can I use bi-carb to wash or deep clean my kitchen scrub cloth?
Hi Suzie! I would not use baking soda as a general deep-clean method for Norwex microfiber. For a tough stain, pretreat with Laundry Stain Remover or use Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster exactly as directed, provided the method is compatible with that specific textile.
Hi, I’m new to Norwex and I’m trying to find information that actually proves and shows that the surface I wipe with my enviro cloth is actually clean. I’m just new to not spraying a disinfectant on my counter after getting raw meat, or eggs on my counter. I want to be sure I’m not putting my family in danger. I love my cloth so far, but I have this little twinge of worry that I’m not killing the bacteria. I understand the silver and microfiber, but have you seen any reports that could help me understand a little more? Thank you so much!
Hi Amber! The important distinction is between cleaning and disinfecting. Norwex’s qualified claim is that its densely woven microfiber can physically remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface using water alone when the proper care and use instructions are followed. Remove does not mean kill, and an EnviroCloth is not a disinfectant.
For raw-meat residue or any situation that specifically requires disinfection, clean the surface first and then use an appropriate disinfectant according to its label.
I have used the deep clean method to clean my dish cloths, but they fade terribly in the Norwex Laundry Detergent. Regular hot water doesn’t cause them to “bleed” their color, but the Norwex Detergent always causes this. My dish cloths are now lighter in color than their matching dish towels! I have the latte and red ones.
Any suggestions or comments why this is happening and what I can do about it? Thanks for your imput!
Hi Linda! Some color change may be cosmetic, but unusual fading deserves a closer look. Wash dark-colored microfiber separately and follow the care instructions for the exact textile.
If the fading continues specifically when you use the detergent, document the product, amount used, water temperature and affected cloths, then contact your consultant or Norwex Customer Support. I would not increase the detergent concentration or experiment with harsher treatments.
I have black mold that grows daily in my bathroom window. Can I wipe the window down with my enviro cloth and window cloth or will the mold damage the cloth?
Hi Pam! I would not use the Window Cloth for mold cleanup or present an EnviroCloth as a mold-remediation tool. Mold that returns daily indicates that the moisture or ventilation problem also needs to be addressed.
Follow appropriate mold-cleanup guidance for the size of the affected area and the window material. Extensive or recurring growth may require professional help. If a microfiber cloth contacts suspected mold, launder it promptly according to its exact care instructions and dry it completely. If it remains stained or questionable, I would retire it rather than continue using it throughout the home.
Hi there, how many times can I use my dusting mit before I have to use the brush to go against it to get the dust off? I know that sounds dumb, but I wasn’t sure each time? One other question a friend of mine said her enviro cloth got a hole in it. Can that happen is there a life time guarantee? Or does she just need to get a new one. She said she used it a ton.
Hi Anne—not a dumb question at all! There isn’t a set number of uses. Shake the Dusting Mitt vigorously outside or use the Rubber Brush whenever you see dust building up. Wash it when it becomes dirty, following the microfiber-care directions.
Norwex microfiber carries a two-year warranty, not a lifetime warranty. If your friend’s EnviroCloth is still within that period, have her contact her consultant and review the product-guarantee details to see whether the damage qualifies.
How do you get the cloth replaced? Mine has a hole in it as well.
Hi Amanda—start by contacting the consultant you purchased it from. Norwex microfiber carries a two-year warranty, but coverage depends on the product-guarantee terms. It will help to have your order information and a photo of the damage available.
I made a mistake and left my Norwex cloths wet in a plastic bag for a week! Now they have red spots on them – I assume it’s mold. How can I get them out?! Will the cloths always be stained?
Hi Terisa—I’m sorry that happened. A damp cloth sealed in a plastic bag for a week can develop discoloration and odor, but I can’t confirm from the color alone that the spots are mold.
I would not use the old boiling-water method. Machine-wash the cloths with a Norwex laundry detergent according to the current microfiber-care directions, then dry them completely. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and dryer sheets.
If the spots or odor remain—or if you are uncomfortable using the cloths—stop using them and contact your consultant or Norwex Customer Support for guidance.
I’m having a terrible time with keeping my kitchen cloths stink free. I do the deep soak and they smell great, but after 3-4 days in the kitchen, gross again. I hang them away from the kitchen sink on a separate towel bar so I don’t get them in the soapy water. I only use hot water and wipe counters and appliances with them. I’m so disappointed! I really thought they were the answer to the stinky cloth/stinky counter problem. The gal that sold them to me says she had the same cloth in her kitchen for 2-3 weeks. I just don’t understand what I’m doing wrong… I like the way they clean, so I keep trying.
Hi Lisa—I understand why that’s frustrating. A kitchen cloth that begins smelling again after a few days may have food, grease or soap residue trapped in it, or it may not be drying completely between uses.
Rinse it thoroughly under warm running water after each use, wring it out well and hang it open to dry. After an especially greasy or dirty kitchen job, machine-wash it instead of continuing to reuse it. I also recommend rotating several cloths rather than expecting one cloth to remain in use for weeks.
BacLock helps inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria in the cloth, but it does not replace regular rinsing, drying and laundering.
I just bought my norwex dish cloths and they started smelling a few days after I started using them to wash dishes/counters, etc. I seriously doubt they need a deep clean…any suggestions??
Hi Betty—because your cloths are new, a deep clean should not be the first step. The odor is more likely connected to food, grease, soap residue or the cloth remaining damp between uses.
For wiping counters, use a clean, damp cloth with water. Afterward, rinse it thoroughly under warm running water, wring it out well and hang it open to dry. If you hand-wash it with Norwex Dish Soap, rinse until all of the soap is removed. After cleaning a greasy or extra-dirty area, machine-wash the cloth and dry it completely.
If you primarily want something for washing and scrubbing dishes, the Norwex Netted Dish Cloth is designed for that job.
How do I pick up the dirt after using my dry mop? Do I need to use my old broom and dust pan? I know it sounds silly but I really don’t know.
Deb, that isn’t a silly question at all! Yes, you can use your old broom and dust pan to collect the dirt – I often do. If you have a Norwex microfiber cleaning cloth, you can also use that, damp, to scoop up the dirt and dust from your floor. And some people use their vacuum, and then clean the dust bunnies from the mop pad with their vacuum as well!
Would it work to nuke the damp cloth in the microwave? I tried boiling them but I am concerned ed about the pretty salmon color fading.
Hi Linda—do not put Norwex microfiber in the microwave. The cloth can overheat and create a fire or burn risk.
To address odor or buildup, machine-wash the cloth with a Norwex laundry detergent, rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Really? I have to buy another Norwex product to clean my other Norwex product? So are you telling me that nothing else on earth will clean them?
Hi Lori—you do not have to buy another Norwex product simply to wash your microfiber. I recommend Norwex laundry detergent for best results, but the most important care rules are to wash microfiber separately or with other lint-free laundry and never use bleach, fabric softener or dryer sheets.
Use only the amount of detergent needed, rinse thoroughly so residue does not remain in the fibers and dry the microfiber completely before storing or using it again.
Thank you thank you thank you! I had stopped using my cloths because I couldn’t get the smell out; just tried this and they smell clean and fresh again!
Thank you so much for sharing this info – I shall try this! I’ve been doing some SERIOUS cleaning with my ONE Enviro cloth all over the house – I think it needs a deep clean b/c I was so bummed when it started to smell like other cloths do.
Thank you so much for this added tip! Norwex cloths are absolutely amazing…but over time they just need that little “pick me up” to go again. They’re like NEW all over again!