FAQ
What is tea tree oil (TTO)?
The modern use of the term “oil” is a bit of a misnomer, as is “tea tree.”
The origin of both comes from Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer who was the first European to encounter aboriginal Australians in 1770. The plant the aborigines used to treat a variety of ailments and looked similar to teh tea plants in India and the extract was a light, oily liquid.
The pharmaceutical-grade of tea tree oil that GermXit® uses today is nearly as clear and light as water.
Tea tree oil (TTO) is a plant extract processed from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australian coastal areas. Melaleuca is a member of the myrtle family. The distilled extracts have numerous uses in cosmetics, topical antiseptics and home medicine.
Tea tree oil has been shown in hundreds of studies to control bacteria, molds, mildew, yeasts and even viruses. All cause odors and attract insects and other pests. More on tea tree oil from University of Western Australia School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Tea tree oil research page. More interesting Q&A about tea tree oil, UWA tea tree oil FAQ page.
How long has tea tree oil been around?
The aboriginal people of Australia have used tea tree oil for more than 200 years as a cure and treatment for infections coming from cuts, insect bites, burns and other wounds.
The modern tea tree oil industry began in the early 1900s, when plantations and processors came on the scene and the distilled plant extract began to be widely available.
Scientific documentation about the efficacy of tea tree oil for controlling microorganisms began in the 1920s and extends to the present .
Read more about tea tree oil:
Australian Tea Tree Industry Association
U.S. National Institutes of Health
What grade of TTO is used for GermXit®?
We only use pharmaceutical-grade, 100% pure Australian tea tree oil. It is all natural, renewable and safe to use in concentrations found in GermXit®. Pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil has the highest percentages of active chemical compounds and is the most effective grade in controlling microorganisms.
What is GermXit®?
GermXit® is a suspension of tea tree oil in a gel form. GermXit® is designed to evaporate when air flows over the gel and carry the tea tree oil molecules with it into the air and throughout the coverage area.
As the tea tree oil comes in contact with bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi spores and other microbes in the area, it pierces the cell membrane and kills them. GermXit® is not a quick fix, its a long term solutions to ensuring the indoor air you breath is cleaner.
How are GermXit® tea tree oil products different from others?
- We use only pharmaceutical-grade, 100% pure natural Australian tea tree oil. Study after study show that only the highest grade tea tree oil is effective in controlling microbes.
- GermXit® contains 10% Pure tea tree oil with water. Test have shown at this concentration, GermXit® is safe to humans and pets but deadly to bacteria and viruses.
- We have conducted testing with leading universities and in real life situations. The tests have clearly shown that GermXit® works. We guarantee it!
- No other manufacturer of tea tree products can back up their claims with independent tests. GermXit® can!
- Over many years, GermXit® chemists have developed and refined a highly efficient method to deliver tea tree oil into indoor environmental air so that it penetrates every corner and every surface in the coverage area.
How is GermXit® used?
There are several ways to distribute GermXit®.
- Place it in the air circulation of the room or area you wish to cover. It works best if there is good airflow over the gel, such as in front of an air conditioner or room fan.
- It can also be placed in the air return of forced air systems.
- We can also supply *free on loan standalone electric dispensers for rooms and smaller areas. (*Conditions Apply)
Will putting oil into rooms and air ducts make everything sticky and hard to clean?
The term “oil” is not quite correct. Highly refined liquid melaleuca extract is very light, almost like water. It is carried into the air in the area, does its job and then degrades and is absorbed into the air or removed by normal cleanings. There is never any residue on furniture, walls, floors, walls, fixtures or equipment.
Our HVAC system has not been cleaned recently. Will GermXit® still work?
Any HVAC system expert will tell you that regular cleaning and maintenance by an experienced company is good practice. But even if you are between scheduled cleanings, GermXit® is effective in your system and the areas you want to treat.
Just introduce GermXit® at any time and keep to your regular cleaning as planned. GermXit® will go through the HVAC system and into the environment and do its job.
We encourage you to speak with our experts, who can advise you about your particular situation. Please fill in our inquiry form and we will contact you at a time convenient to you.
How much GermXit® gel should we use?
Commercial users should contact our experts for advice on how to estimate the amount of GermXit® needed for your particular application.
Home and office users can use this chart to estimate how much to use. You are also welcome to contact us with questions and for advice.
How long does GermXit® gel last?
Generally, GermXit® gel takes 30 to 45 days to completely evaporate.
Variables that affect evaporation:
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
- Air volume over the gel
- Size of the coverage area
- Types of furnishings
GermXit® has developed several methods to regulate the rate at which the gel evaporates.
- Use the proper amount of GermXit® for the area you wish to cover
- Regulate gel evaporation by adjusting the airflow over the gel
- Increase or decrease fan speed
- Open or close down air vents in the gel container.
We advise customers to monitor the GermXit® dispensers until you learn how the gel works in your particular situation.
Our experts can advise you how to get the most efficient coverage using the least amount of GermXit® gel.
If the GermXit® dispenser is empty, is it still working?
Yes! GermXit® normally has a residual life of around 15 – 30 days once evaporate. However, to maintain the best protection possible, we recommend refilling with GermXit® as soon as possible. Contact us to reorder.
How should I dispose of the residue?
The residue and small amount of oil left behind in the dispenser is harmless, 100% biodegradable and can be disposed of in normal trash. The residue is what is left behind after the water in the gel has evaporated and carried GermXit® into the air.
I can’t smell GermXit® anymore. What should I do?
Check the tray containing the GermXit® gel. If all you see is a small amount of residue, then it is time to refill.
If you see light green gel still in the tray, you may need to increase the airflow over the gel by increasing fan speed or by opening the vents to allow more tea tree oil into the air.
Does the GermXit® fragrance come from perfume or added scents?
No! What you smell is natural tea tree oil.
GermXit® comes in two fragrances:
- Forest – The natural fragrance of 100% tea tree oils, no perfume or scent is added.
- Lemon – This is produced by a type of tea tree oil that naturally smells like lemons. Nothing is added.
You can adjust the intensity of the fragrance by regulating the amount of airflow over the gel container.
What if we have a spill?
Don’t worry. GermXit® gel is not toxic to humans or pets.
- Spills can be cleaned by scooping up the bulk and cleaning up what is left with soap and water.
- Ingredients of the gel are similar to cosmetics, body creams and lotions so GermXit® is not dangerous to your skin.
- GermXit® is completely biodegradable and can be washed off with soap and water.
Please see our material safety data sheet here.
Where is GermXit® made?
GermXit® is made in Thailand from pharmaceutical-grade tea tree oil that we import direct from Australia. We use 100% Australian tea tree oil because its the best available. Tea tree oil coming from countries such as Africa, China or Vietnam is cheaper, but it is less effective at killing bacteria, viruses, mould and fungi.
How do I store GermXit® gel and how long will it last if not used?
You can store unopened containers of GermXit® Gel for between 6 to 12 months from the date of manufacture depending on environmental storage conditions. GermXit® should be stored in a cool, dark area, ideally refrigerated as this will extend the shelf life. Internal tests have even shown that you can freeze GermXit®.
Can we try GermXit® before we buy?
Yes! We will be happy to send you free GermXit® samples to try in your home or office. Just click here
Unfortunately at this time we can ship retail samples within Thailand.
Can I use GermXit® in my house or office?
Yes! We make several sizes of GermXit® gel trays for use in small spaces and with room air conditioning units. We also make room-size, standalone electric dispensers. Contact us to order.
How can I obtain a copy of the material safety data sheet?
The GermXit® MSDS is available here.
Does GermXit® affect the environment?
The overall effect on the environment is quite positive.
In indoor environments, tea tree oil helps to eliminate:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Mould
- Yeast
- Mildew
- Smoke (Such as from fires or cigarettes)
- Carbon Dioxide
GermXit® also eliminates unwanted odors around the office or home.
GermXit® also helps repel:
- Mosquitoes, Sand Flies, Ticks, Head Lice and Bed Bugs.
GermXit® gel is made from 100% pharmaceutical-grade Australian tea tree, natural polymers and water. It is 100% biodegradable and all its major ingredients come from renewable sources.
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Interested in becoming a GermXit® distributor
The demand for GermXit® is rapidly growing and we are seeking regional distributors around the globe. If your interested please contact us by clicking here.