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Enzyme cleaning products are the new trend in domestic products in Australia, and everyone who has used them loves them! They are one of our favourite products for domestic cleaning in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Adelaide.
So, what’s this hype of enzyme-cleaning about?
An enzyme cleaner is a special type of cleaning agent used specifically for biological stains such as food residue, pet urine, stool, stained fabric, and stained clothing, among others. Although they aren’t new on the market, enzyme cleaning products have become quite popular today due to their powerful cleaning action and convenient mode of use.
What are Enzyme Cleaners?
An enzyme cleaner uses biological enzymes (molecules that speed up a chemical reaction) to effectively break down stains quickly. Filled with “good” bacteria, when sprayed onto a surface, they multiply fast and start to produce these enzymes.
Once broken down, soils are consumed by the bacteria with the only by-products being carbon dioxide and water. Enzymes are the same chemicals in your stomach that help to break down foods into molecules that can be absorbed.
Types of Enzymes Cleaning Products
Mannanase
This is a plant enzyme that is derived from sugars. It is useful in breaking down soils from coffee, soup, ice cream, and similar foods.Amylase
Amylase is used to break down starch into sugars, which can then be used for energy by bacteria. It helps to deal with tomato sauce, chocolate syrup, and baby food.Proteases
Proteases help to break down proteins from grass, blood, meat, baby formula, pet urine and more.Pectinase
Pectinase is great at breaking down fruit stains such as would be made by wine, watermelon, fruit juice, and berries.Cellulase
This is a general-purpose enzyme that’s used to break down mud and dust. Cellulase is also used in detergents to brighten up fabric.
How do Enzyme Cleaning Products work?
Unlike chemical-based acidic and alkaline cleaners, enzyme-based cleaners are very specific in action and have no unintended side effects. They deal with very specific soils when all else has failed. This is why enzyme cleaners are often the best choice when it comes to eliminating tough stains and persistent odours.
As chemical catalysts, enzymes help bacteria break down complex molecules in starches, proteins, and other compounds into smaller molecules. The bacteria use these molecules for food. After digestion, they release carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
Once the food supply (aka, the stain or soil) is gone, the population of the bacteria reduces and eventually dies out. However, there will be residual bacteria even after 80 hours which ensures that the stain is completely removed.
These bacteria are so small that they can penetrate fabrics better than most common cleaning products. When you have thick fibres, these are often the only type of cleaner with the necessary deep action to ensure complete success.
Enzymatic Cleaners – What They Are?
Since each enzyme is highly specific, manufacturers like to blend them into mixtures so that these cleaners can have a broad range of useful effects.
They can also incorporate some of these enzymes into traditionally chemical-based cleaners for maximum effectiveness. Household cleaners such as vinegar, lemon, and baking soda are not enzymatic cleaners. However, you can prepare a weak enzyme cleaner at home in Australia by adding some yeast, brown sugar and lemon scraps into some water.
You should always check the labels of commercial cleaners, even in Brisbane and Adelaide stores, to see whether they are truly enzyme-based. Doing this also helps you to confirm what type of soil the cleaner is effective against.
Common Applications of Enzymatic Cleaners in the Average Household
You might be wondering if enzyme-cleaners can be used on surfaces other than fabrics. Here are some other uses for such cleaners around the house:
Floor cleaning
usually with neutral pH, enzyme-based cleaning products are great for taking care of any type of floor (wood and marble for example), leaving a perfect finish.
Mould removal
Selecting the right enzymes can be very effective against mould and mildew.
Clogged drains
Enzyme cleaners can be as effective as acid drain cleaners while also being more gentle and safe for everyone. It’s the best eco-friendly cleaning solution for blocked drains in restaurants and kitchens.
Cleaning pet urine
Pet urine can smell awful and is especially tough to remove from upholstery, clothes, and fabrics. Enzyme cleaners react powerfully against pet urine, eliminating odours and visible stains.
Stain Removal
Some of the best cleaners and shampoos are enzyme-based. They can easily take care of wine stains.
Laundry
Detergent-free laundry cleaner is usually enzyme-based. Regular detergents also use enzymes to improve their effectiveness.
How to Use Enzyme Cleaners? A Step by Step Guide
Step 1
Be sure to remove as much of the original soil as much as you can without using any chemicals. Use a vacuum, a brush, a spoon, or a spatula to break down the stain into chunks and lift it off the surface.Step 2
For stains on fabric, soak the spot with warm water. This helps to dilute and break it down further into smaller molecules that are easier for the bacteria to digest.Step 3
Use a microfiber cloth to blot out the stain as much as possible.Step 4
Use a spray can. Shake the bottle to help activate the enzymes, and spray the product on the stain until it’s sufficiently saturated. Leave it for at least an hour before regular cleaning, and up to 48 hours for stubborn stains such as pet soils.Step 5
For food counters and other such surfaces, wipe down the area clean with a wet microfiber cloth.
Professional Eco-Friendly Cleaning Services
In Australia, enzyme-based cleaners operate due to living organisms, so they are a little technical to use. They are also powerful eco-friendly cleaning, so if they fail to work, you should call in the professionals. At Make It Clean, we are experts in all forms of residential and commercial cleaning across Australia. Our team can use enzymatic cleaners to ensure that you get the maximum benefit of such cleaning solutions while also being eco-friendly. We have teams servicing Brisbane, Adelaide, and Gold Coast.
Get in touch with us today to order our top-notch cleaning services for your home.
FAQs
Are enzyme cleaners antibacterial?
No, enzymatic cleaners contain “good” bacteria which can out compete harmful bacteria and microorganisms. However, these cleaners do not disinfect a surface in the sense of killing bacteria.
Is vinegar / lemon an enzyme cleaner?
Can I make enzyme cleaning products at home?
Yes, but it will not be as effective as commercial versions. Moreover, you need to test them on different surfaces. Mix 2 cups of lemon peels and scraps. Add 4 cups of distilled water, ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of yeast and shake thoroughly. Strain into a spray can.
Can I use detergent and enzyme cleaners together?
No, as the chemical makeup of these two cleaners is very different. The detergent will kill the bacteria in the enzymatic cleaner prematurely. Use one or the other, never both. The same applies to baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and other common household cleaners.
