What is an enzyme cleaner?

Have you ever tried to clean your kitchen knives or appliances with nothing but water? It’s not very effective, is it? In fact, even a little bit of food can ruin the surface you’re trying to clean and make it impossible to get rid of all of the gunk. That’s where enzymatic cleaners come in.

Enzymatic cleaners are made up of enzymes, which are natural chemicals that help break down the particles on surfaces. They work better than traditional cleaning methods because they don’t damage the surface or leave any residue. In fact, they can even remove oil, grease, and mascara!

What are enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes can be found in all tissues, including the liver, pancreas, and muscles. Enzymes are responsible for digesting food, synthesizing hormones, and removing toxins from the body.

Most enzyme cleaners contain a blend of enzymes that target different types of stains and soils. For example, protease enzymes break down protein-based stains like blood and sweat, while lipase enzymes target fat-based stains like grease and oil. Amylase enzymes are effective against starch-based stains like grass and mud.

Enzyme cleaners are safe to use on all types of fabrics, including delicate fabrics like silk and wool. However, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the cleaner is compatible with the fabric you are treating.

How do enzymes work?

Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes can be found in all body tissues, including the digestive system, where they help to break down food.

Enzymes are specific to the reactions they catalyze and are not used up during the reaction. Enzymes are usually named for the substrate they act upon, such as amylase, which acts upon starch.

Enzyme cleaners work by breaking down dirt, grease, and stains into their smaller component parts. This makes it easier for the cleaners to remove these substances from surfaces.

What are enzyme cleaners?

An enzyme cleaner is a type of cleaning product that contains enzymes, which are biological molecules that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions. Enzyme cleaners are typically used to remove organic stains and odors, such as those caused by pet urine, food spills, and mold. The enzymes in the cleaner break down the organic material into smaller, less offensive compounds, effectively cleaning and deodorizing the affected area.

There are different types of enzymes used in enzyme cleaners, such as proteases, which break down proteins; lipases, which break down fats; and amylases, which break down carbohydrates. The specific enzymes used in a cleaner depend on the types of stains and odors it is formulated to address.

The best enzyme cleaners on the market

There are many enzyme cleaners available on the market that are designed for specific cleaning tasks. Some of the best enzyme cleaners on the market include:

1. Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator: This enzyme cleaner is designed to remove tough stains and odors from pet urine, feces, vomit, and other organic materials.
2. Nature’s Miracle Advanced Stain and Odor Eliminator: This cleaner contains a powerful enzymatic formula that effectively removes stains and odors caused by pets, food, and other organic materials.
3. Simple Solution Extreme Stain and Odor Remover: This cleaner is designed to remove tough stains and odors from pet urine, feces, vomit, and other organic materials.
4. Bissell Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator: This cleaner is specially formulated for use on pet stains and odors, and contains a combination of enzymes and bacteria to break down and remove organic material.
5. Bubbas Super Strength Commercial Enzyme Cleaner: This heavy-duty cleaner is formulated to remove a wide range of stubborn stains and odors, like pet urine, feces, vomit, and other organic material, even protein-based stains.

It’s important to keep in mind that each enzyme cleaner is different and may be better suited for specific types of stains and odors. It’s also worth reading the label and checking the instructions to use before you buy to make sure it’s compatible with the surface you want to clean.

Pro and cons

some of the pros and cons of enzyme cleaners.

Pros of Enzyme Cleaners:

• Highly effective in removing organic stains and odors, such as those caused by pet urine, food spills, and mold.
• Environmentally friendly as they are biodegradable and not harsh on surfaces.
• Safe to use around pets and children.
• Can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.

Cons of Enzyme Cleaners:

• May not be as effective on inorganic stains, such as those caused by rust or hard water.
• Can be more expensive than other types of cleaning products.
• Can be less effective if not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• May not work as well at high temperatures or in the presence of certain chemicals.

It’s worth noting that while enzyme cleaners can be a great option for removing certain types of stains and odors, they may not be the best choice for every cleaning task. It’s important to read the label of the product and check the instructions before use, to ensure that it is appropriate for the surface you want to clean and the specific stain or odor you are trying to remove.

How to use enzyme cleaners

The instructions for using enzyme cleaners may vary depending on the brand and formulation, but here are some general steps to follow:

1. Identify the stain or odor you want to remove. Look for the source of the stain, or the area that smells, before using the enzyme cleaner.
2. Remove any solid debris or excess liquid from the area. For example, you can use a paper towel or a cloth to blot up any excess liquid or solid material.
3. Read the instructions on the enzyme cleaner carefully. Make sure the cleaner is appropriate for the surface you want to clean and the specific stain or odor you are trying to remove.
4. Apply the enzyme cleaner to the affected area. Follow the instructions on the label for the recommended amount to use, as this can vary depending on the product.
5. Allow the enzyme cleaner to sit on the surface for the recommended time. This is typically several minutes to an hour, depending on the product.
6. Scrub or agitate the area gently to help the enzymes break down the stain or odor. A stiff brush or cloth will be enough.
7. Blot up any excess cleaner and stain.
8. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean cloth or towel. You can also use a wet-dry vacuum or carpet cleaner if the surface is carpet.
9. Repeat the process if necessary. If the stain or odor is not completely removed after the first application, you may need to repeat the process again.

It’s important to note that enzyme cleaners are more effective when used at a moderate temperature and with moderate moisture. Additionally, enzyme cleaners require time to work, so it’s best to allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for at least 10-15 minutes before rinsing, and sometimes even longer depending on the product instructions and the severity of the stain/odor.

FAQs about enzyme cleaners

Here are some frequently asked questions related to enzyme cleaners:

How do enzyme cleaners work?

Enzyme cleaners contain biological enzymes that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions. These enzymes break down the organic material that causes stains and odors into smaller, less offensive compounds, effectively cleaning and deodorizing the affected area.

What types of stains and odors can enzyme cleaners remove?

Enzyme cleaners are typically used to remove organic stains and odors, such as those caused by pet urine, food spills, and mold. Some enzyme cleaners may also be effective on certain types of inorganic stains, such as those caused by rust or hard water.

Are enzyme cleaners safe to use around pets and children?

Yes, enzyme cleaners are generally considered safe to use around pets and children. They are biodegradable and not harsh on surfaces.

Can enzyme cleaners be used on a wide range of surfaces?

Yes, enzyme cleaners can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaner to ensure that it is appropriate for the surface you want to clean.

Are enzyme cleaners more expensive than other types of cleaning products?

Enzyme cleaners can be more expensive than some other types of cleaning products, but the cost can vary depending on the brand and formulation. Some enzyme cleaners can be cost-effective since only small amounts are needed for cleaning.

Do I need to keep the surface wet for the enzymes to work?

Yes, Enzyme cleaners typically require the surface to be wet in order for the enzymes to work effectively. Enzymes need moisture and moderate temperatures to work and break down the stain and odor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enzyme cleaners are a type of cleaning product that contains enzymes, which are biological molecules that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions. They are used to remove organic stains and odors, such as those caused by pet urine, food spills, and mold. Enzyme cleaners are considered safe and environmentally friendly and can be used on a wide range of surfaces.