Natures Most Powerful Cleaners
Enzymes are Safe & Effectiveby: Dennis Voss
For more than 200 years, all cleaners have pretty much worked the same—acids to break down alkaline, alkaline to break down acid, detergents to reduce surface tension so the dirt separates from the surface it’s stuck to, and surfactants to encapsulate the dirt for transfer to the mop, sponge, or bucket.
Recently, leading green manufacturers have started using enzyme blends as a new and more effective way to clean around your home. They’re safe for families and safe for the environment, but the real surprise is how well they clean. Similar to amylase, protease, and lipase found in many nutritional supplements, these blends rapidly biodegrade away starch, protein, fats, oils, and greases that form most common household soils.
For example, one of the more difficult household cleaning challenges is black glass electric stovetops. Grease splatters are quite routine, and most cleaners leave the surface dull, filmy, and streaked. But enzymes actually biodegrade the grease away leaving the surface completely clean. It’s because the enzymes have broken the grease down to the point that it’s no longer grease.
What are Enzymes?
You’ve probably tried green cleaners that use different approaches to remove harsh or toxic chemicals from their formulations, but have not been thrilled with their job performance. To really get the job done, we often end up with an arsenal of toxic chemical-based cleaners. Natural cleaners typically use the same chemistry as traditional cleaners but get their acid/alkaline and detergent/surfactant from natural sources like oranges or corn. Toxic chemicals work well because they’re strong acids and alkaline, and green cleaners are typically less effective because they’re weaker acids or alkaline.
Enzymes are large protein molecules found in all living things. They are nature’s workers, speeding chemical processes and rapidly biodegrading materials like grease, foods, oils, and grime into their basic elements like carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Enzymes completely remove (not just mask) odors by breaking down the organic materials that are causing the odor. The key is finding the right enzymes suited for each task.
What can Enzymes Clean?
Enzymes can clean an extremely wide variety of surfaces around the house. One of the more surprising tasks is removing mold and mildew stains, not by killing the fungus, but by breaking down and removing the organic materials that mold and mildew grows in. Not only is it clean, but the mildew won’t return as quickly because there’s no home for it to grow in.
Hard surface floors are another cleaning task for which enzymes are particularly well suited—you can use one bucket to clean everything from hardwood or laminate to ceramic tile and natural stone. There’s no need to rinse any surface, and there’s no film or residue left behind. Lastly, enzymes are pH neutral, making them safe for sensitive floors like marble and safer for you. Most can also be mixed in a spray bottle for regular touch-ups. And that bucket of floor cleaner can be dumped down the garbage disposal to remove odors and keep drains from clogging. Enzymes also clean kitchens, tubs, tile, and toilets; pre-treat laundry stains; clean and deodorize carpet and upholstery; and clean glass, including flat screens and computer monitors.
Safe for Your Family, Pets & the Planet
Experts agree that toxic elements in our environment are largely responsible for the increased occurrence of cancer and serious health issues in our world today. In fact, cleaners are typically one of the two most toxic things regularly brought into the home. Opting for a natural cleaner is one of the easiest changes you can do today to make your home safer for you, your family and pets, and the earth.
Enzymes are present in all biological systems. When they finish their job they are readily absorbed back into nature—they’re biodegradable. Enzyme cleaners are nontoxic, non-caustic, hypoallergenic, and safe for human, animal, and plant life. They should contain no petroleum-based ingredients and often use all-natural ingredients and are free of harsh fumes and vapors, phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum surfactants.
Enzymes are not corrosive and can safely be used on any surface not harmed by water. This makes them safe to use, with no side effects and no need for warning labels. Have you read the caution labels on most cleaners lately? Rubber gloves, ventilated work areas, and poison control contact instructions. Is that stuff safe? Enzyme cleaners are safe and effective, though they are not disinfectants. And of course, responsible manufacturers would never test on animals. Also look for those who keep everything local with all the components from the USA, including the enzymes, bottles, and packets. Even the labels can be printed with soy-based inks.
Easily Concentrated
Enzymes can be easily concentrated into formulas and packet-refill systems and reconstitute in tap water, meaning they can be part of a more sustainable lifestyle. There’s less packaging waste and you save money by reusing the bottles, simply refilling with the contents of a small packet and adding water. This reduces the products’ carbon footprint by shipping less weight. The packet system means no measuring and no complicated dilution formulas, just pour, fill, and mix.
If you haven’t tried an enzyme cleaner yet, we encourage you to give it a try. Make your home safer, greener, and more sustainable today.
Note: I order a concentrated, unscented cleaner- Organic Cleaner/Degreaser from www.EnviroSafetyInc.com. We mix 3 Tbsp. in 1 qt. of water for general cleaning- counters, mirrors, etc. I also order an unscented hand soap from them.
Dr. Zeeb
