Enzyme cleaners have been around for some time, but a vested interest in sustainability has fueled demand.

The biotechnology industry is experimenting with enzymes and bio-enzymes to create high-performance, targeted cleaning solutions for commercial applications without toxic chemicals.

One of these solutions is bio-enzyme cleaners, a blend of enzymes and microbes that further elevate enzyme effectiveness, particularly for tough cleaning. As enzyme technology advances, its role in commercial cleaning continues to expand.

But what exactly are enzymes, how do they work, and why are bio-enzymes gaining so much popularity? I will answer these questions below!

Guide to enzyme cleaners: Enzymes vs. bio-enzymes

What are enzyme cleaners, and how do they work?

Enzymes are proteins produced by living organisms that speed up biochemical reactions. They act as catalysts in cleaning products, breaking down organic soils like proteins, fats, starches, and oils.

Enzymes are particularly useful for tackling fabric stains, grease on kitchen surfaces, and odours caused by organic matter like urine or food waste.

Traditional household cleaners, such as vinegar, lemon, and baking soda, often struggle to remove this soiling. However, enzymatic cleaners specifically target them, leading to a deeper and more thorough clean.

How enzymes work

Enzymes bind to organic matter, break into smaller components, and are rinsed away with water. Unlike traditional chemicals, enzymes are not consumed during the process, so even small amounts of enzyme cleaner can handle large quantities of dirt.

1. Enzymes bind to the soiling
2. The enzyme-soil complex initiates the breakdown of organic matter
3. The organic material is broken down into smaller particles
4. The particles are washed away, leaving surfaces clean
   

Illustration of the enzymatic process

Enzymes are highly specific, meaning each enzyme targets a particular soil type. For instance, e-Flush Toilet Bowl and Urinal Cleaner/Deodoriser effectively removes odours and stains from human urine.

These are the different enzymes:

Protease: Breaks down protein-based stains like grass, blood, and eggs.

Amylase: Targets starch-based stains from pasta, potatoes, and baby food.

Lipase: Breaks down fat-based stains such as butter, oil, and human sebum.

Cellulase: Improves fabric cleanliness by reducing soil redeposition.

Mannanase: Targets mannans in stains from sauces, chocolate, ice cream, and toothpaste.

Pectate Lyase: Breaks down pectin-based stains from fruits, vegetables, and jams.

Because each enzyme targets a specific type of soil, incorporating multiple enzyme strains ensures products can tackle a wide range of stains. This is particularly important in commercial cleaning, where diverse stains are common.

This targeted action makes enzymatic cleaners more effective and eco-friendly, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and excess water.

Cleaning even better with bio-enzymes

Bio-enzyme cleaners contain billions of microbes (bacterial spores) which produce enzymes when diluted and sense organic matter. These enzymes break down the organic matter with the microbes digesting the waste, creating an ongoing cycle. Additional synthetic enzymes are sometimes added to boost the initial cleaning speed.

These cleaners are highly effective in removing both the stain and the associated odours, making them ideal for tough cleaning tasks. Products like e-Surface-X Multi: Surface Cleaner are a godsend in high-traffic areas like kitchens.

How bio-enzymes work

Activation: Bacteria become active when the cleaner mixes with water or contacts organic matter.

Enzyme production: Bacteria reproduce and produce enzymes to break down waste.

Waste breakdown: Enzymes break down soiling into smaller compounds. Bio-enzymes are particularly effective in breaking down the uric acid crystals found in cat urine, ensuring thorough cleaning.

Consumption: Microbes consume the broken-down organic material, converting it into carbon dioxide and water.

Cycle continuation: This process continues until all organic matter is consumed.

This continuous cleaning process ensures that commercial cleaning environments are hygienic, safe and non-toxic.

Cleaning benefits of bio-enzyme cleaners

High-performing: Bio-enzymatic cleaners break down organic soils like proteins, fats, and starches at a molecular level, ensuring cleaners are more efficient than traditional chemicals.

Targeted cleaning: Each enzyme in a cleaning product is designed to act on a specific type of soil, making them highly effective at removing even the most stubborn stains.

Long-lasting action: Unlike traditional cleaners, which stop working once rinsed, bio-enzyme cleaners persist, breaking down waste until all organic matter is eliminated. This makes them ideal for tough commercial cleaning tasks.

Odour control: Bio-enzyme products remove odours by breaking down the organic materials responsible for bad smells. These solutions are highly effective in breaking down the compounds found in human and dog urine, ensuring long-lasting odour control.

Environmental benefits of bio-enzyme cleaners

Eco-friendlier

Bio-enzyme cleaners are biodegradable, reducing the reliance on harsh chemicals making them gentler on the environment and safer for humans and animals. Compared to other enzyme cleaners, our cleaning products prioritise plant-based ingredients to lower environmental impact.

Energy Savings

Traditional laundry detergents often require hot water, contributing to CO2 emissions. Enzymes perform well at lower temperatures, helping reduce energy consumption. This makes enzymatic cleaners a key to making sustainable changes in commercial settings.

Efficient resource use

Concentrated enzymatic formulas allow for effective cleaning with fewer resources, reducing packaging, transport emissions, and waste. Phosphates, which are harmful to the environment, are being replaced by enzymes in many cleaning products.

Safe for people and pets

Enzymes have a low toxicity level. Though some enzymes may cause respiratory sensitisation in rare cases, modern formulations are designed to minimise this risk.

Benefits of enzymatic commercial cleaning products

Enzyme cleaners offer numerous benefits essential for maintaining clean and hygienic commercial buildings.

Here are some of the advantages:

Effective stain and odour removal: Enzyme products contain protease enzymes that break down protein-based stains, such as pet urine, feces, and vomit, leaving spaces smelling fresh and clean.

Safe for pets and humans: Enzymatic cleaning products are non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making them safe for pets and humans, including children and people with allergies.

Environmentally friendly: Enzyme cleaners are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products.

Versatile: Enzyme formulas can be used on various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, hardwood floors, tiles, concrete, natural stone and pet bedding.

Cost-effective: Enzyme products are often more cost-effective than traditional cleaning solutions, as they can be used to clean a variety of surfaces and stains. Concentrated formulas offer further savings.

Our enzymatic, microbial range for commercial application of enzymes

We have partnered with microbiologists and chemists to identify enzyme strains that target specific cleaning functions and enhance commercial cleaning. You can reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

e-Washroom X

All-purpose washroom cleaner

Microbes (lipase, protease, uricase) colonise washroom areas, produce enzymes and establish self-renewing biofilms. This cleaning product often goes deep inside inaccessible surfaces, providing residual cleaning action and long-lasting, effective odour control.

e-Z-Kleen X

Enzymatic concentrate for cleaning and degreasing hard surfaces

Combining free lipase enzymes and plant-derived surfactants, e-Z-Kleen X provides a heavy-duty and fast-acting multi-surfactant degreasing system that quickly lifts and emulsifies soil, dirt, and grease.

e-Odourize

Specialist enzymes to break down organic odours and remove stains

Free protease enzymes quickly penetrate porous surfaces and fabrics, accelerating the breakdown of hidden organic deposits. This ensures immediate and long-lasting odour control and optimal stain removal.

Switching to enzymatic cleaners

Enzyme and bio-enzyme cleaning solutions target specific stains, provide long-lasting results, and minimise environmental impact, making them excellent choices for commercial applications. As biotechnology advances, the use of enzymatic cleaners will continue to grow, replacing traditional chemicals in various industries.

Join the movement of smart businesses making a clean change!