Complete Norwex Kitchen Cleaning Guide: How to Clean Your Kitchen with Norwex

The kitchen has to be one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. Think for a second about all the things we’ve been taught we need just to keep a kitchen clean. We’ve got our counter cleaner, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, rinse aid, granite cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, floor cleaner…and probably a whole lot more hiding underneath the sink. ?

After 17+ years of using Norwex in our home, one of the things I appreciate most is how much simpler my cleaning routine has become. I don’t need a different bottle for every surface or every mess, and I don’t automatically reach for a chemical cleaner every time something needs to be wiped down.

So, if you’re wondering how to clean your kitchen with Norwex, I’m going to walk you through exactly what I use in our own kitchen, what I would start with if I were brand new today, and which products I think are worth adding for specific jobs.

And because you know me, I’m not going to tell you that you need every kitchen product Norwex makes. ? I’ll show you what I use, what each product does and where I think it makes the biggest difference so you can decide what makes sense in your kitchen.

Watch How I Clean Our Kitchen with Norwex

If you’re a visual learner, start here! I recently went through our kitchen and pulled out the Norwex products I actually use—from cleaning our granite counters and washing dishes to scrubbing cast iron, washing produce and replacing disposable paper towels and plastic food-storage bags.

If you’re brand new to Norwex, this video is also a great example of something I teach all the time: use mechanical cleaning for the majority of your everyday cleaning, then bring in a specialty cleaner when the job actually calls for one. That one shift can simplify SO much.

If I Were Starting My Norwex Kitchen Today…

If I were getting started today and wanted to “Norwex my kitchen,” I would first look at the current Norwex Kitchen Essentials options because they bring together many of the products I use most frequently in this room.

But bundles and catalog offerings can change, so I don’t want this guide to become outdated every time Norwex changes a collection, color or promotion. Instead, I’ll walk you through the individual types of products I find most useful and you can check the current catalog to see what combination makes the most sense right now.

The first place I’d start isn’t actually with a cleaner at all. It’s with the famous Norwex silver-embedded BacLock® microfiber.

Cleaning Kitchen Counters Mechanically with Norwex Microfiber

What are we constantly doing in the kitchen?

Wiping counters. Crumbs. Honey. Coffee drips. Food splatters. Whatever somebody left behind five minutes after you JUST cleaned it. ?

For everyday counter cleaning, one of my favorite things about Norwex is that I don’t have to spray a cleaner every single time I wipe something down. I can dampen an EnviroCloth® or Kitchen Cloth, fold it, and use the microfiber and water to mechanically clean the surface.

If you’ve watched my other videos where I explain mechanical cleaning, you know this is a big part of how Norwex works. Instead of depending solely on chemistry to clean a surface, we’re using the physical structure of the microfiber, water and friction to lift and remove what is on that surface.

The Kitchen Cloth is essentially the kitchen-specific version of this concept. It’s a little smaller and less densely woven than the EnviroCloth, which allows it to dry more quickly—something I really appreciate in a cloth that lives in the kitchen. And for the vast majority of the everyday wiping I do, microfiber + water is enough. But there are times I want something more.

When I Use Multipurpose Everyday Cleaner in the Kitchen

One of the newer additions I’ve really come to appreciate is the Multipurpose Everyday Cleaner.

This is different from simply wiping a surface with microfiber and water because it uses probiotics that create enzymes to help break down soils. What I particularly like is using it in the places where life happens between cleanings—those little nooks, crannies and areas I’m certainly not walking around wiping every hour of the day. ? And I LOVE that the enzymes continue working for up to seven days! Personally, I love using this for a weekly spritz of my kitchen counters and those little areas where life happens between cleanings.

Our countertops are granite, so surface compatibility is especially important to me. In the video, I show how I use the diluted concentrate in a Forever Bottle, spray the surface, and then wipe with my EnviroCloth or Kitchen Cloth.

I don’t personally feel the need to use it every single time I wipe my counters. That’s actually one of the things I want you to understand about the way I clean with Norwex. More product isn’t automatically better. For my everyday messes, I usually start simple. When I want the added cleaning action of a specialty cleaner, I reach for the Multipurpose Enzymatic Cleaner.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

If your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, you already know that apparently their secondary purpose is displaying every fingerprint ever made by anyone who has entered your home. ?

For regular stainless steel cleaning, I often go right back to my basic Norwex combination: a damp EnviroCloth followed by a dry Window Cloth. I’ve affectionately called those two the “Bert & Ernie cloths” for years because they’re such a great cleaning pair.

The damp EnviroCloth does the cleaning, while the Window Cloth follows behind to polish the surface and remove streaks. If you’ve got heavier buildup, grease or something that isn’t coming off with my everyday method, that’s when I move up to the next level rather than continuing to rub harder and harder with the same thing.

Washing Dishes with Norwex

Dishwashing is one of those jobs where I absolutely still want a cleaning product.

This is what I mean when I talk about specialty cleaners. There are lots of surfaces around our home that I can clean mechanically with microfiber and water, but washing dishes is one of those jobs where I want some chemistry working for me, too.

One of my current favorites is BioZyme Dishwashing Soap, which uses enzymatic cleaning. I mix it according to the current directions in my Forever Bottle and spray it directly onto dishes. One of the things I particularly appreciate is how well it works on food that has dried onto a dish.

If you prefer a more traditional gel-style dishwashing liquid, Norwex has that option as well. I’ve used it for years and still think it’s a great choice. This is one of those areas where personal preference matters—some people are going to love spraying BioZyme directly onto dishes, while others just want their familiar bottle of dish soap beside the sink. Either is fine.

Which Norwex Scrubber Should I Use?

This might be one of the most common kitchen questions because Norwex has quite a few scrubby things. ?

The answer depends largely on what you’re scrubbing and what kind of texture you personally like.

The Spirinett has been one of my longtime favorites, especially for pots and pans. I do a lot of cooking with cast iron, and I love having something that gives me serious scrubbing power. As I show in the video, I can add hot water and use the Spirinett to work away cooked-on food without my scrubber turning into a rusty mess afterward.

The SpiriSponge is another product my customers come back raving about. If you’re someone who naturally reaches for a sponge when you wash dishes, this may feel more familiar.

Then there is the Netted Dish Cloth, which may look a little strange the first time you see it. ? But this little thing is incredibly handy. The netted construction gives you some scrubbing action while allowing food particles to rinse away easily. I especially love it for flour on countertops because it doesn’t gum up the way a traditional cloth can, and if you’ve ever dropped an egg on the floor or counter, it is fantastic for picking that mess up.

Norwex also has heavier-duty scrubbers like the Ultra Scrub Cloth, as well as options such as the Bamboo Multipurpose Cloth and EnviroScrub-type products. I don’t think you need every scrubber. Think about what you naturally reach for now: Are you a sponge person? A cloth person? Do you need serious scrubbing power for cookware? That will usually point you toward the best place to start.

Cleaning Cast Iron with Norwex

Because I cook with cast iron quite a bit, this deserves its own quick mention.

I personally don’t use dish soap on my cast iron. After cooking, I typically use hot water and my Spirinette to loosen and scrub away the food residue, then care for the pan the way I normally would. That combination has worked extremely well for me, and it’s one of those little everyday uses that makes the Spirinett worth having in our kitchen.

As always, follow the care recommendations for your particular cookware. I’m sharing what I do with my cast iron rather than declaring one universal rule for every pan ever made. ?

Cleaning the Stovetop and Tough Kitchen Messes

Sometimes microfiber and water aren’t enough. Sometimes dinner happened. ?

This is where Cleaning Paste has been a longtime favorite in our home. We use it quite a bit on our stovetop and whenever I need a little extra cleaning power or “elbow grease.” The important thing with any more abrasive cleaning product is making sure it’s appropriate for the surface you’re using it on. I always recommend checking the current product directions and testing in an inconspicuous area if you’re unsure.

This is another example of my basic kitchen philosophy: start with the least complicated solution and move up when you need to. Microfiber and water first. Then add the right specialty cleaner for the problem you’re actually trying to solve.

Norwex Dishwasher Detergent and Rinse Aid

For those of us who would rather load a dishwasher than stand at the sink washing everything by hand—?????—Norwex also has dishwasher products. I currently use UltraZyme™ Dishwasher Powder Dishwasher Detergent, an enzyme-based dishwasher detergent, along with Norwex Rinse Aid. What matters most to me with products like these is that I don’t want to choose between ingredients I’m comfortable using and a product that actually WORKS.

Because let’s face it: something can look fantastic on an ingredient list, but if I have to rewash every plate afterward, I’m not terribly interested. ? I want both.

READ MORE ABOUT NORWEX DISHWASHER PRODUCTS

Because formulations, certifications and recommendations can change over time, I always encourage you to look at the current Norwex product information for the most up-to-date ingredient and usage details rather than relying on something I may have written years ago.

Replacing Paper Towels in the Kitchen

This is one of those little changes that can make a surprisingly big difference over time.

Norwex Counter Cloths are designed to be a reusable alternative to paper towels, and I keep ours readily available in the kitchen. They work beautifully for those everyday spills and wipe-ups where you might otherwise grab a disposable paper towel.

Norwex also offers Kitchen Cloth and Towel sets, and the colors and collections change periodically. I love having reusable towels and cloths that actually work hard in our kitchen rather than constantly buying something, using it once and throwing it away.

And since I know some of you have VERY strong feelings about stinky kitchen towels ?, I have more information on the Norwex Kitchen Towel Options here (the tea towels change seasonally):

? NORWEX TEA TOWELS VS. CLASSIC KITCHEN TOWELS

Washing Fruits and Vegetables with Norwex

This is another area where I use two different approaches depending on what I’m washing.

For produce I can physically scrub—think potatoes, sweet potatoes or apples—I love the Norwex Veggie and Fruit Scrub Cloth. It has a scrubby side for produce that can handle a little friction and a softer side for more delicate items such as pears or peaches.

But obviously I’m not going to individually scrub every blueberry or attack a head of broccoli with a cloth. ? That’s where Fresh Produce Wash comes in. I use it for things like grapes, berries, broccoli and other produce where mechanical cleaning with a cloth isn’t as practical.

WHY NORWEX PRODUCE WASH + VEGGIE SCRUB CLOTH ARE KITCHEN HEROES

Foaming Hand Soap at the Kitchen Sink

We wash our hands constantly in the kitchen, so of course I keep hand soap right by the sink.

Norwex Foaming Hand Soap uses a refill system that allows you to mix the refill with water in the foaming dispenser. It makes a nice, rich foam, and I love having it right there for the countless hand washes that happen while we’re cooking, cleaning and moving through the kitchen.

This isn’t something you need in order to clean your kitchen with Norwex, but it’s one of those everyday products we use constantly. And that’s an important distinction throughout this article: there are foundational products, and then there are products I simply really enjoy having. They aren’t necessarily the same thing.

What About Cutting Boards and Microplastics?

Over the last several years, I’ve become increasingly aware of how many disposable and plastic products make their way through our kitchens.

Norwex’s rice husk cutting boards are one alternative I’ve really enjoyed. They come in several sizes and have practical little features I appreciate, including a non-slip base and a groove around the edge to catch juices.

Ours are incredibly easy to clean. Sometimes we wipe them with an EnviroCloth, sometimes we give them a quick wash, and depending on the current product-care instructions, some may be dishwasher-safe. I always recommend checking the directions for the particular board you own.

The bigger point for me isn’t that everyone must immediately throw away every plastic thing in their kitchen. It’s that when something needs replacing anyway, I like looking for a reusable option that helps us reduce unnecessary plastic over time.

Reusable Food Storage

That same philosophy applies to food storage.

Norwex has reusable food-storage options designed to replace some of those disposable zipper bags we can go through so quickly. I use ours for storing food, freezing and marinating.

And I’ve even put the seal to a completely unintended test. ?

Willie and I floated the Comal River recently, and I put my cell phone inside one of the reusable storage bags. Everything around it got wet. My phone did not.

Now, please don’t interpret that as me telling you Norwex sells a certified waterproof phone case. ? That’s definitely NOT what I’m saying. I’m simply telling you that I’ve been pretty impressed with the seal on mine. The actual purpose is food storage—and that’s where I recommend using it.

Don’t Forget the Kitchen Floor!

Eventually, all those crumbs that didn’t stay on the countertop end up somewhere. Usually the floor. ?

I typically dry mop first to pick up crumbs, hair, dust and debris and then wet mop. One of the things I’ve loved about the Norwex Mop System for years is that I don’t need to drag around a bucket of cleaning solution to clean our hard floors. If you’re considering the mop—or wondering whether it’s really worth the investment—I have a complete review where I walk through the system, how I use it and what I think you should consider before buying it.

READ MY COMPLETE NORWEX MOP SYSTEM REVIEW

So…What Norwex Kitchen Products Do You Actually Need?

After reading all of this, please don’t walk away thinking: “Apparently Sonya says I need 37 things to clean my kitchen.” ?

Nope. If I were starting from scratch, I’d think about the kitchen in layers. For everyday cleaning, I’d start with excellent microfiber—an EnviroCloth or Kitchen Cloth—and the right polishing cloth for shiny surfaces.

Then I’d look at dishwashing, because you’re going to wash dishes whether you own Norwex or not. Choose the dishwashing product and scrubber style that make sense for you.

From there, I’d add products based on your actual problems. If you’re constantly dealing with hard-to-clean cookware, get the scrubber that solves that problem. If you go through mountains of paper towels, look at Counter Cloths. If produce is a priority, consider the Veggie and Fruit Scrub Cloth and Fresh Produce Wash. If you have tough stovetop messes, Cleaning Paste may earn its place.

And if the current Kitchen Essentials collection happens to contain several of the products you were going to purchase anyway, then absolutely compare the bundle price with purchasing them individually. In my video, that’s exactly why I recommend looking at the bundle first. But I want you buying products because they’ll solve a problem or make your life easier, not because you feel like you need to own the whole catalog.

My Philosophy for Cleaning the Kitchen with Norwex

If you’ve read much of this website, you’ll notice I come back to the same philosophy again and again: Start simple.

Use mechanical cleaning where it makes sense. Bring in a specialty cleaner when you actually need one. Choose reusable products where they’ll realistically replace disposable ones in your life. And don’t assume that more products automatically mean a cleaner home.

That’s also why I’ve created my T-R-U-E Review™ Framework. After 17+ years with Norwex, I don’t believe serving you means telling you every product is a must-have. I want to help you understand what a product does, where it fits and whether I think it offers enough value to earn a place in your home.

LEARN ABOUT MY T-R-U-E REVIEW FRAMEWORK™

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Your Kitchen with Norwex

Can I clean my kitchen counters with just a Norwex cloth and water?

For many everyday counter-cleaning jobs, that’s exactly what I do. I use a damp EnviroCloth or Kitchen Cloth with water and friction to mechanically clean the surface. The appropriate method can depend on the countertop material, so always follow the care recommendations for your particular surface.

Which Norwex cloth should I use in the kitchen?

An EnviroCloth is an incredibly versatile place to start, while the Kitchen Cloth is designed specifically for kitchen use and dries more quickly because of its construction. I also love the Window Cloth for polishing shiny surfaces and Counter Cloths for everyday wipe-ups where I might otherwise grab a paper towel.

Do I need to use cleaner with my Norwex Kitchen Cloth?

Not for every everyday mess. One of the things I love about Norwex microfiber is being able to mechanically clean many surfaces using the cloth, water and friction. When I want additional cleaning action—or I’m dealing with a job that calls for chemistry—I add the appropriate cleaner.

What should I use for really tough kitchen messes?

It depends on the mess and the surface. Cleaning Paste can be helpful when I need more scrubbing power, while enzyme-based products can be useful for particular food-related soils. I always recommend matching the cleaner to the problem instead of assuming one product should tackle everything.

Which Norwex kitchen scrubber is best?

There isn’t one answer for everyone. I love the Spirinette for serious scrubbing and cookware, while the SpiriSponge is great for someone who prefers a sponge-style tool. The Netted Dish Cloth is one of my favorites for messy foods such as flour or egg, and heavier-duty options like the Ultra Scrub Cloth are available when you want even more scrubbing power.

How do I wash my Norwex kitchen cloths?

Wash them in the washer. Dry them in the dryer. ?

There are a few important care rules—especially avoiding fabric softener, dryer sheets and bleach—so rather than repeat the entire cloth-care lesson here, I’ve created a complete updated guide:

HOW TO WASH NORWEX CLOTHS + DEEP CLEAN THEM

Ready to Simplify Your Kitchen?

If you’re brand new to Norwex, don’t feel like you need to transform your entire kitchen overnight.

Start with the things you do every single day. You wipe the counters. You wash dishes. You wipe up spills. You wash your hands. You clean up after cooking.

Start there.

Then pay attention to the things that continue to frustrate you. Maybe it’s your stovetop. Maybe it’s stainless steel fingerprints. Maybe it’s food stuck to your cookware, the mountain of paper towels your family goes through or produce you’re trying to wash more thoroughly.

Build your Norwex kitchen around your life—not around a catalog.

After 17+ years, that’s still how I think about these products. The ones I love most are the ones that make everyday life easier, simplify what I’m doing and help me reduce things I no longer need. And if you’re brand new and wondering where to go from here, I’ve created a place just for you:

NEW TO NORWEX? START HERE

VIEW THE CURRENT NORWEX CATALOG