What is Zeolite?

 

Zeolite is a type of rock. The zeolite that is used in several NonScents products (the Cat Litter Deodorizer, Refrigerator Deodorizer, and the Shoe Deodorizers) is a naturally mined mineral that’s in small pieces. There are actually a bunch of different varieties of Zeolite, which all have a common structure: complicated networks of micropores running through them like tiny tunnels.

Why are Micropores Important?

Because zeolites have these tiny tunnels, they are a rock that can be used to filter or absorb/adsorb things. It also means they have a very high surface area, making them perfect for our special odor-eliminating coating.

While zeolite itself does have some odor-control absorbing properties (well, technically adsorbing) like charcoal, they’re relatively weak. The NonScents coating is doing the work, with the Zeolite acting as a carrier for our technology.

How Zeolite Helped Us Discover Our Odor-Fighting Superpowers

Zeolite is often used in water filters and softening systems. Our coating technology was originally applied to zeolites because we were hoping to use them in water filtering & purification, but unfortunately the results weren’t commercializable.

NonScents’ very first product, the Cat Litter Deodorizer, actually grew out of the realization that another common use for zeolite is in kitty litter products. It’s cheap, absorbent/adsorbant, and relatively durable. We tested our treated zeolite in litter boxes and discovered that it had an incredible ability to destroy odors generated by cat waste, extending the life of the litter.

Over time we refined our zeolite coating technology further, and found that it could be used in other applications as well – our Refrigerator Deodorizer and Shoe Deodorizers actually use the exact same zeolite mixture, just packaged in a different form to suit their specific applications.

What Else is Zeolite Used For?

Zeolites are prized for ion exchange applications and use as a catalyst in manufacturing. They can also trap radioactive compounds – so they can be used in radiation cleanup situations. They make cement mixtures they’re added to more energy efficient, and are becoming ever more popular in the detergent industry as a phosphate alternative.

Where Does Zeolite Come From?

The zeolite used in NonScents products is mined as naturally occurring ore (as are some other varieties), but many zeolites are manmade and can only be synthesized in the lab. These lab zeolites are produced for certain applications because of their purity and/or unique properties.