What's in my Quick n Brite? Quick n Brite Ingredients

In 2009, Seattle Times writer Erik Lacitis wrote a piece on Quick n Brite salespeople and the trade of being a "pitch man." (You can see the article here). In his article he called on professor Jeff Harwell, of the University of Oklahoma's School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, and an expert on cleaning formulations, to dissect the list of ingredients on our Quick 'n Brite container and explain what they actually do. Mr. Harwell did a fantastic job of thoroughly explaining the ingredients in terms everyone can understand! Harwell says, "It's a good formulation, a state of the art formulation," and states the ingredients have been around for a long time. Quick n Brite is non-toxic, biodegradable and contains no know carcinogens or harmful chemicals. Here is Mr. Harwell's explanation:

Biodegradable nonionic nonyl-phenoxy-polyethoxy-ethanol: "Common chemical called surfactant. Used in everything from toothpaste to dish-washing liquid. This particular surfactant has been around for 50 years and is generally considered to be both harmless and biodegradable. There has been some controversy in Europe about some of its biodegradation by-products having estrogen-mimicking properties, but research has not generally borne out those concerns. Surfactants help the cleaning solution wet oily surfaces, reduce the amount of force that you have to apply to detach the dirt from the surface being cleaned, and help keep the dirt suspended until it can be rinsed away. Surfactants are the main active ingredient in most cleaners, whether you're talking about laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, and hand soap."

Sodium EDTA: "We call this a sequestering agent. It is a water-soluble salt that makes hard water act like soft water by complexing with the water hardness ions. It's kind of like having a built-in water softener in the product. Very safe material that is found in products like cosmetics and soft drinks and is used in foods as a preservative. This makes the surfactants work better."

Sodium tripolyphosphate: "Same function as the sodium EDTA, but having both is generally synergistic. Again a very safe compound used with products like seafood to prevent them from drying during storage and shipping. But again, the main purpose is to make the surfactants work better."

Water: "No comment necessary, I assume."

Pure natural coconut oil surfactant: "Probably a surfactant like sodium lauryl sulfate, which is made from coconut alcohol. Very common in toothpaste, laxatives, pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, hand and body soaps, etc. This is one of the oldest surfactants known and is accepted as generally safe. Many studies of the toxicity have shown no ill effects. This type of surfactant is also a salt and is classified as an anionic surfactant. The first surfactant listed, the nonionic nonyl-phenoxy-polyethoxy-ethanol, is classified as a nonionic surfactant. We generally find that mixtures of anionic and nonionic surfactants, such as you have here, give better cleaning results. They also allow the same cleaning system to work in over a wider range of cleaning temperatures, from cold water to hot water."

Natural kelp alginate: "A natural biopolymer that is used just as a thickener. If you've ever had a milkshake from a fast-food restaurant you've probably had some of this. It also helps keep small particles from being redeposited on a surface. It would be classified as an anti-redeposition agent. Bottom line is that it keeps the surface from becoming recontaminated from the wash solution!"

Dye: "Primarily just for aesthetic purposes, but actually helpful in giving you visual clues about how much dilution has occurred and whether there is any of the cleaning compound left on a surface after rinsing. Provides a good visual clue for when you're done rinsing."

We love being able to offer a cleaning product to families that we know is safe and works well. Quick n Brite has been family owned and operated since 1952 with the same non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. Quick n Brite has also been backed with a 100% money back guarantee for over 60 years! 

Cyber Monday Specials

www.quicknbrite.com   |   p: 425-778-8285   |   p: 800-223-9187    Take Advantage our Cyber Monday Sales!     Cyber Monday Special TODAY ONLY: Receive Free Shipping on ALL orders placed before midnight (CT)! SHOP NOW Use Coupon Code: MONDAY at check-out To place an order over the phone please call: 425-778-8285 and mention the Cyber Monday Special. Office hours are from 8 am- 4 pm PST, if after office hours order must be placed online to receive the discount.    Cyber Monday Special TODAY ONLY: Receive a FREE 12 oz paste with any order over $50.00 placed before midnight!  SHOP NOW  Use Coupon Code: CYBER at check-out (Discount will appear as $0.01 savings) To place an order over the phone please call: 425-778-8285 and mention the Cyber Monday Special. Office hours are from 8 am- 4 pm PST, if after office hours order must be placed online to receive the discount.  Check out our Quick n Brite Blog for Easy Cleaning Tips and Directions   How to Clean Your Oven the Natural Way Without Harsh Chemicals Even if you have a self cleaning oven, the self cleaning cycle can take hours and fill your home with a thick cloud of black, smelly smoke, not to mention the energy the cleaning cycle consumes. Whether you have a quick "spill-over" to clean up, or months of baked on food Quick n Brite can tackle any size job without using chemicals. READ MORE   How to Clean Fireplace Soot from Stone, Brick and Glass We received this great customer video showing how to clean your fireplace screen that has soot and creosote build up using Quick n Brite READ MORE     How to Clean a Fish Tank using Quick n Brite Cleaning a fish tank is an easy process if you have the right products and you know what to do. If you maintain your fish tank cleaning on a regular basis the process is much easier and is less upsetting to the fishes habitat; but if you need to do a deep clean or are starting fresh with a new fish tank Quick n Brite makes cleaning your fish tank much easier! READ MORE

How to Clean Fireplace Soot from Stone, Brick and Glass

We've published a blog post with directions "How to Clean Your Fireplace" before, but just received this great customer video showing how to clean your fireplace screen that has soot and creosote build up using Quick n Brite and thought we'd touch on the topic again. With fall and winter bringing colder temperatures many people are preparing to use their fireplaces and getting them clean before the season is great to prevent any dangers.  

In the video they use the heavy solution of Quick n Brite to spray the clean the soot and creosote build up on the fireplace screen, but we'll include a few more directions if you'd like to clean your entire fireplace.

Materials Needed:

1. Quick n Brite Paste (About 3-5 ounces)
2. Stiff Nylon Brush or Sponge
3. 1 gallon bucket or bowl of HOT water
4. Dust Pan and brush/Shop Vac or Household Vacuum with hand held attachment
5. Spray Bottle to mix Quick n Brite heavy solution cleaner in, and/or for water to rinse fireplace bricks
6. Towels to cover surrounding fireplace area to avoid drips of soot 
7. Rubber Gloves (optional) *Quick n Brite is non-toxic and safe and will not harm your skin*

First, begin by removing as much ash and soot as possible using a dust pan and brush or vacuum. PLEASE make sure that there are no ashes or hot embers in the fireplace before beginning this project. Discard of ashes in a yard waste bin. 

Next, using a damp terry cloth towel wipe the fireplace brick and glass clean to remove as much loose soot as possible. This will make the next steps much easier and less of a mess. If the soot and creosote build-up on your fireplace is bad, use your spray bottle of Quick n Brite heavy solution to spray down the entire fireplace enclosure. While the product is sitting, the unique formulation of Quick n Brite is actually breaking down the build-up on your fireplace and doing the scrubbing for you.

Then, get your sponge or brush wet using the hot water and then apply Quick n Brite full strength to the fireplace brick, stone and glass in small 5 to 6 inch circular motions. It is easiest to section the fireplace off into grids and focus on cleaning one section of the fireplace first instead of trying to clean the entire area. It will result in a lot less scrubbing! For stubborn areas, let the product sit about 10 minutes instead of using elbow grease. Quick n Brite will break down soot and creosote while it is sitting on your fireplace surface. Use your bucket of hot water to rinse the brush out during the process.

After letting the product sit for 10 minutes, use a damp terry cloth towel  to wipe away the soot and Quick n Brite. Once the majority of the fireplace surface is clean, use a spray bottle of hot water to rinse off the fireplace surface, glass and stone as the last step.

Quick n Brite is non-toxic, biodegradable and safe for you and your family. There are no toxic chemicals or fumes.

To Clean your Fireplace, we recommend:

The Quick n Brite 80 oz Paste

OR you can order a 12 oz or 30 oz paste by calling: 1-800-223-9187

How to Clean a Fish Tank using Quick n Brite

Cleaning a fish tank is an easy process if you have the right products and you know what to do. If you maintain your fish tank cleaning on a regular basis the process is much easier and is less upsetting to the fishes habitat; but if you need to do a deep clean or are starting fresh with a new fish tank Quick n Brite makes cleaning your fish tank much easier!

New Fish Tanks, Decorations and Plants:

Sometimes when you purchase a new fish tank it needs to be rinsed out with more than just warm water. Use the Quick n Brite light solution (1 tsp to a quart of water) to give the new fish tank a good cleaning. Quick n Brite is non-toxic and biodegradable so it is safe for your new fish!

Large Fish Tanks:

For regular maintenance to your fish tank: 

Start by cleaning the inside of the glass using an algae pad. (Don't use a regular sponge from the store, there can be too many harsh chemicals or detergents in the scrubber). If you come across a stubborn patch you can use a razor blade to scrape off the excess algae. (Be careful!) You can also clean your blade ahead of time with Quick n Brite to remove any grease or residue. If your tank is acrylic make sure and use a plastic blade.

Remove the plants, decorations etc:

After speaking with fish tank experts many professionals recommend a deep cleaning of rocks or decorations on a cycle so you don't remove too much good bacteria from the tank. (Example: Clean half the plants on week one and the other half of your plants on week three). This is where Quick n Brite is especially good to clean the plants and decorations as well as remove harmful bacteria. Soak your plants or decorations in the Quick n Brite light solution (1/8 cup of Quick n Brite to 1 gallon of hot water or 1 teaspoon of Quick n Brite per quart) for 15 minutes. If there is a large build up of algae you can also use your algae pad to help remove build up. After all the algae is removed using Quick n Brite and your algae pad rinse the plants and decorations in warm water.

Siphon the rocks or gravel using a water siphon vacuum:

There are many different types of siphons available on the market to clean rocks and vacuum away debris. We would recommend contacting your local pet store for pros and cons on siphons.

Clean the outside glass: 

After a thorough cleaning of your fish tank, chances are you've dripped some water down the tanks and throughout your house! Use your Quick n Brite light solution (1 teaspoon of Quick n Brite per quart) to clean the outside of the tank, counters and kitchen sink. If you have any trouble with streaking on the outside of the fish tank, just add more water to your Quick n Brite solution!)

Small Fish Tanks: 

Many of the above directions still apply but if you don't have a siphon to vacuum the rocks and they need to be cleaned you can rinse the rocks in the Quick n Brite light solution (1 tsp to a quart of water or 1/8 cup of Quick n Brite to 1 gallon of hot water). Simply soak the rocks in the light solution for 15 minutes then rinse them clean before returning them to the tank.

Product we recommend:

Our 64 oz Quick n Brite Liquid Concentrate is perfect for the job. Quick n Brite is non-toxic and biodegradable so it is safe for your pets and yourself. Since Quick n Brite is an all purpose cleaner it is also great to clean your pet cages or pet stains on carpets! See more Cleaning Tips using Quick n Brite.