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! 

Spring Cleaning Tips and Savings of up to 30%

p.800.223.9187    www.quicknbrite.com  Spring Cleaning Time is Here!  To make your spring cleaning job easier we think more is better and free is the best! That's why we made a great spring special kit! When you buy 2 of our 64 ounce liquids you save $5 instantly, plus we also include a FREE 12 oz paste and FREE 18" sponge that you can cut into 5 pieces!  Retail:  $63.85        Your Price: $44.90       You Save: 30% Off! Order your Spring Special Cleaning Kit now and Save $18.95! This kit won't be around for long so hurry and take advantage of our great spring special. See More Spring Savings Deals Although spring cleaning is not always everyones favorite time of the year, you must admit that when it is done it is a great feeling! Walking into a sparkling clean house and a freshly manicured yard is very rewarding and stress relieving! We are here to make your spring cleaning "job" less of a "job."   5 "Spring Cleaning" tips Steam Cleaning the Carpets: If you are really in the mood for spring cleaning, a deep cleaning of your carpets makes a huge visible impact and helps get rid of germs and pet dander in the carpets creating a healthier environment.   For carpets and upholstery mix 1 cup Quick n Brite liquid to 5 gallons of water in self contained units, or 2/3 cup to 1 gallon for units that attach to the faucet. Do not add a defoamer or spot remover. For bad stains, apply Quick n Brite paste full strength or spray heavysolution on stains and let sit for a few minutes allowing Quick n Brite to go deep down into the stain. Then begin your steam cleaning or shampoo process following machine instructions. WHEN CLEANING CARPETS, FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. SPOT CHECK FOR COLOR-FAST FIRST.  Clean your Fireplace Brick: For some people cleaning soot and creosote from your fireplace brick and glass is a chore, if you have Quick n Brite, this job is a breeze! Apply QB paste or liquid full strength with a very wet stiff brush, or a wet scrub sponge on glass. Work in a slow circular motion. Spray with clear water to rinse and wipe with a terry cloth. Quick n Brite will remove smoke, soot, creosote and pitch. For extremely bad areas, repeat the process, if necessary. Outdoor Windows: Throw away the old squeegee, don't worry about towels to dry the windows and put away the gloves. You can clean your outdoor windows in half the amount of time and effort with Quick n Brite. Choose a cool morning when the sunlight isn't directly on your windows. Using a garden hose, wet your outdoor windows. Apply Quick n Brite heavy solution with a wet sponge or pole brush then simply hose your windows off. Water will sheet dry from windows with no streaking, no squeegee and no drying. Clean your couch cushions: This is one of those jobs that you rarely think about doing, but once it's done, you can notice a huge difference! If you have removable fabric on the cushions of your couch you can wash them in the washing machine using a 1/4 cup of Quick n Brite. If the fabric is not removable follow the directions below. Apply Quick n Brite heavy solution using a terry cloth in a slow circular motion, giving cleaner time to emulsify dirt and grime. If you have a hand held steam cleaning machine, run the Quick n Brite heavy solution through the machine then wipe dry with a clean terry cloth. D0 NOT USE 0N RAW LEATHER OR SUEDE. AS WITH ANY FABRIC, ALWAYS TEST FOR COLOR-FAST AND FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. Cleaning your house siding: This is another great project to tackle when the weather is nice in the springtime and really helps prolong the life of your siding. Quick n Brite is safe on any siding surface such as vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, or stone and will safely and quickly remove moss, weathering, dirt and build up. Using a garden hose wet the surface of your house and apply Quick n Brite heavy solution with a brush or scrub sponge. For a heavy build-up, let it sit for about 5 minutes, brush, and hose off. See more Cleaning Tips and Videos