Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Restore Naturals be found?
Restore Naturals can be found in local grocery stores and co-ops (mainly in the Minneapolis area). Click HERE to find a list of stores. We always recommend you call the retailer first to be sure they carry the specific Restore Natural product you are looking for.
How are the products made?
Restore products are made from renewable, plant-based solvents from soy, orange, corn, and other biodegradable ingredients, which make our products more sustainable and better for the environment. Our ingredients are grey-water, septic and sewer safe and do not create toxic by-products when they degrade.
What makes them different from other cleaning products?
Unlike many conventional cleaners on grocery store shelves and in commercial cleaning closets, restore products contain no hazardous ingredients as defined by osha and contain no known or suspected carcinogens. Many cleaning products contain petroleum solvents, chlorine, ammonia, phosphates or alcohol, butyl ethers or other ingredients that can give off toxic fumes, can irritate the skin, or are even carcinogenic. When tested against 23 other manufacturers who claimed to have environmentally safer products, restore products rated the highest overall score on performance, safety, and environmental standards. We believe that restore products are some of the safest, most effective, earth-friendly cleaning products in the world.
How long have the products been on the market?
Restore products were developed over 30 years ago as our private label line in our retail store. Our customers came directly to us with their cleaning problems and also with their feedback about our products. Through this dialog with our customers we've learned a lot and with every suggestion, we've continually made our products better. Thats why restore products are proven performance leaders and have continually attracted more customers who love the way they clean.
We have recyclable or closed-looped program?
We are always happy to take the components back in order to recycle/reuse them and we have many "local" customers that drop components back off at our facility. Though we accept the components back, unfortunately don't have any programs to assist in returning them (i.e. sending a return label). Our cost structure does not incorporate the shipping expense of sending components back in the mail. Instead we have chosen to keep our initial costs as low as possible in order to get this biodegradable product into customers hands.
Are the products available for sale to businesses and institutions?
Yes, restore products are marketed to many businesses. To inquire about restore commercial products or to receive a commercial product and price list, just email us at sales@restorenaturals.com
How to I get food and pet stains out of my carpet or upholstery?
Nothing works better than Enzaway Stain Remover. Just dilute it 1:1 or use full strength. Blot wet stains with a dry cloth to remove as much of the staining as possible. Then spray or apply Enzaway and leave on the surface until the stain has disappeared. Keep the area wet. You may need to re-apply Enzaway depending on the severity of the stain. After the stain is gone, blot with a clean cloth and plain water to remove any Enzaway or residue. Enzaway removes food stains including mustard, red wine, chocolate, coffee, berries, organic stains including perspiration, blood, pet feces and urine, as well as, outdoor stains from dirt, grass and plants.
How do I remove stains from clothes?
Enzaway can be added directly to your wash, or used as a pre-soak (1/2 cup Enzaway to 1 gallon water). Let soak in a small pan or sink for 30 minutes, even overnight for tough stains.
Are any of the products considered a disinfectant?
Restore Natural’s formulas have been developed to be eco-friendly and we stand by our claims to be derived from plants, non-toxic and bio-degradable. In order to have those qualities, we cannot include the one ingredient that makes a formula a disinfectant. However, the majority act of cleaning is done by spraying and “rubbing and wiping” your hands or a countertop which removes 99% of germs. The disinfect kills the remaining 1% but is synthetically derived and not natural. If we were to add this to our products we would not be considered safe to humans and the environment.
I tried Enzaway on a grease stain from my bicycle chain and it didn't work. Why?
Grease stains, or stains containing foods that contain vegetable oils (pasta sauce, pizza, etc.) need to be removed with a degreasing agent. Enzaway is designed to remove protein and organic based stains, but when there is grease, either from petroleum sources or food, you may need to use restore all-purpose cleaner (dilute 1 part all-purpose cleaner to 1-4 parts water or use full strength depending on the severity of the stain). For clothes, carpet and upholstery, blot carefully with diluted all-purpose cleaner so as not to spread the stain. Rinse or blot with clear water. If some dirt or food residue remains, you may try Enzaway to remove the rest of the stain.
How do I remove mold from my bathroom fixtures?
Controlling the humidity in your bathroom is the key to preventing mold. Make sure you have a fan that vents to the outside of the bathroom and that you use it when taking a shower or bath. To remove the mold that has developed, use a weak solution of bleach (1 part bleach to 5 parts water) and apply it to the area where there is mold. Even though we do not like to use bleach, it is the only sure solution to eliminating mold. Please use gloves and make sure the area is well ventilated. If it is on the grout, apply to grout with small brush and let sit. Scrub the area afterward with diluted all purpose cleaner or all surface cleaner and rinse. Remember that the mold will return if the moisture problem or humidity is not corrected.
How do I remove lime and scale buildup on my fiberglass shower and door?
Spray or apply Bathroom Lime & Scale Remover with a rag until well coated. Let sit on the surface for at least 30 minutes. You may need to re-apply and repeat the process for stubborn lime & scale buildup. Rinse well with plain water. For ongoing problems and to prevent scale buildup, use Bathroom Lime & Scale Remover between regular cleanings with all purpose cleaner or All Surface Cleaner. Remember Bathroom Lime & Scale Remover must be rinsed and is for use only where mineral buildup is the problem.
How can I safely clean my oven without burning my hands and inhaling noxious fumes?
Grill & Oven Cleaner is designed to do the job without the hazardous ingredients. It is important to apply the product liberally to the inside of the oven or grill. The product can sit from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the severity of the problem. After the grease and soot is loosened, scrub with a fine steel wool or 3M pad designed to pick up the gunk, without scratching the surfaces. This process may have to be repeated. Grill & Oven Cleaner has worked very well in commercial kitchens where oven cleaning is a weekly job. In order to best maintain your oven, wipe up spills between use and even use Grill & Oven Cleaner immediately after a spill or splatter occurs. Be careful not to get Grill & Oven Cleaner on painted or wood surfaces.
My hands and body seem to get very chapped and dry from washing them. Could it be the hand soap I use?
For people with sensitive skin, it's hard to continually be washing their hands or skin. The irritation of the water alone, when done repeatedly, can be irritating. Restore Gentle Soap is a time tested product that really works to get skin clean without drying it. Our ingredients are gentle and we've got the testimonials to prove it.
Would the All Surface Cleaner work on floors?
In other words, using All Surface Cleaner can effectively remove dirt and grime from floors, but it won't provide a polishing effect. This versatile product is suitable for various hard surfaces, such as sealed wood and tile. However, it's crucial to ensure that the sprayed areas are thoroughly wiped and dried to avoid any lingering moisture on the floor.
Can you tell me if Gentle Soap is effective as a shampoo?
Absolutely! It has proven to be a great option for many people, especially those who have experienced allergic reactions to various shampoos. The soap's base formula includes similar hair-cleansing ingredients typically found in shampoos. However, it's important to keep in mind that Gentle Soap does not function as a conditioner. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in combination with a conditioner for optimal results. Another noteworthy aspect is that it doesn't produce a foamy lather or suds like traditional shampoos, so it's best to adjust your expectations accordingly.