Detail suddenly appearing on laundry detergent bottles will actually make a difference for stain removal
If you’ve spotted the word enzymes appearing more often on laundry detergent bottles and getting frequent mentions in clothes washing advice, you’re not imagining it. Enzyme is the latest buzzword in the world of laundry, and with good reason – they actually make a difference for stain removal.
Laundry expert Nicole Gibson from Soka Australia told nine.com.au laundry detergents have contained enzymes for years, but the push for eco-friendly products and concerns about some detergents containing chemicals and synthetic fragrances means the inclusion of enzymes has been getting more attention and promotion.
Laundry detergents with enzymes are great for removing stains from clothing, even in cold water. iStockphoto
“Many shoppers buy massive bulk tubs of powder thinking they get better value, but much of that volume consists of laundry fillers. Eco-brands are shifting toward concentrated formulas, relying on active enzymes rather than fillers to do the heavy lifting,” she said.
“Consumers want effective detergents with fewer harsh ingredients, so the word enzyme signals a powerful clean without relying on heavy bleaches.”
The excitement about enzymes in laundry detergent is also due to the push to use cold water to wash clothes, sheets and towels.
“Enzymatic detergents work exceptionally well in cold water. Washing in cold saves energy, which reduces electricity bills and protects clothing, whereas hot water can damage fabric fibres over time.”
So, what are enzymes? Enzymes are in all living things, including us humans, and they speed up chemical reactions.
In terms of cleaning, enzymes are proteins made from microorganisms obtained through processes like fermentation. The action they have on stains has been likened to scissors, because they break stains down into tiny pieces so they can be removed more easily.
“Without enzymatic detergent, you would need significantly more regular detergent, much hotter water and a lot more manual labour, such as scrubbing the fabric against itself, which can damage the fabric fibres if done incorrectly,” she said.
There are five main types of enzymes; protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and mannanase. When shopping for an enzymatic detergent it’s useful to look for these specific words in the ingredient list, or the words biological or bio.
“Protease targets protein stains; for example, blood, sweat and grass,” Gibson explained.
“Lipase breaks down fats and oils; think of body oils around people’s collars where it gets quite grimy, makeup oil stains and cooking oil or butter stains from various food sources.
“Amylase targets starches and carbohydrates; think pasta sauce, chocolate and potatoes. Starchy residues like pasta water can turn a bit gluey and leave a film on clothes, so amylase breaks those down.
“Cellulase targets the fuzzy bits on cotton fabric; the pilling and trapped dirt in the fabric fibres. Breaking those down makes clothes look brighter, feel softer and smoother.
“Mannanase handles complex food sugars, such as those found in fruit juices and food dyes.”
Enzymes are best to use when you have stained clothes, sheets and towels but aren’t needed for every load. Always check the care instructions on the tag for best advice on how to wash and dry.
Woollen and delicate items should be washed with a detergent specifically designed for them and these detergents are made without enzymes.
Taking action as soon as possible after spotting a stain gives you the best chance of successfully removing it. Getty Images/iStockphoto
“Enzymes break down the molecular protein structure of wool, which degrades its thermal properties and stops it from keeping you warm,” Gibson explained.
Clothes that aren’t stained and haven’t gotten that dirty because they’ve just been worn relaxing around the house or working at a desk don’t need an enzymatic detergent.
“A standard, regular detergent is fine. Save enzyme detergents for heavier, soiled loads with food stains, sweat, body oils and kids’ messes.”
People with sensitive skin also might prefer enzyme-free detergents, Gibson said, so be mindful of what is in the detergent you’re using, or run an extra rinse cycle to ensure there is no detergent residue.
When using detergent with enzymes it’s recommended to pre-treat stains and use a longer wash cycle as “enzymes need time to work”.
But even with the incredible abilities of enzymes, stain removal is easiest if you take action straight away.
“If you deal with a stain right when it happens by spot cleaning or diluting it, you won’t have to rely as heavily on aggressive wash treatments later,” Gibson said.
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