“We don’t know the long-term side-effects of chemicals as antimicrobial agents, especially when you’re using them with kids,” she said. Abban said there is still not enough evidence proving essential oils will prevent illness during cold or flu season, even though oils have been proven to be effective germ-killers on surfaces.

“This is a question we really need to look at to see (oils’) effects against what we used traditionally,” she said. “Essential oils for relaxation and for the anti-bacterial effects may be more effective in small concentrations.”

The silver liningNorwex towels and washcloths have also become more common in recent years. These products are lined with silver particles that kill bacteria.

“Historically, people used to put silver coins in water to keep it from having contaminating microbes grow in the water,” Richards said. “Silver can work.”

Mandy Christol sells Norwex products throughout southeastern Wisconsin and business is booming.

“I sell it because it makes my cleaning a lot easier and reduces the number of chemicals I use in my house,” Christol said. “I haven’t bought a bottle of Windex in three years. It’s money-saving and it’s nice to know I’m not having my kids ingesting all that. They can even help clean.”