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Although they aren’t a new technology, bio-enzymatic cleaners are gaining popularity and getting looked at more closely by cleaning professionals, and rightfully so. However, many people question: What are they and how do they work?
What Are Bio-Enzymatic Cleaners?
Bio-enzymatic cleaners are cleaning products that use non-pathogenic, “good” bacteria to digest wastes, soils, stains, and malodors. The bacteria do this by producing enzymes specifically designed to break down certain molecules (wastes/soils) into smaller pieces. Contrary to popular belief, enzymes are not alive. They are produced by live bacteria and pave the way for it to work. Enzymes operate as helpful tools that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions between bacteria and soils, making the bacteria more efficient. Enzymes work to break down complex waste particles into smaller pieces that bacteria can more easily consume. These smaller particles—organic wastes, urine, grease, stains—become “food” for bacteria to digest and break down into two basic compounds—carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The bacteria grow in number and continue to consume the soils until their food supply diminishes (the soil is gone), then the bacteria population levels off or decreases, and can be washed away during the next cleaning or continue to work against new soils.
Typical enzymes can be categorized into four main groups, based on the types of soils they react with.
- Proteases break down protein-based soils including blood, urine, food, feces, wine and other beverages.
- Lipases break down fat molecules like oils and grease.
- Amylases break down starch molecules like eggs, sugars, sauces, ice cream, gravy.
- Cellulases are used to soften the fabric and restore color to fibers made up of cellulose material. They also remove particulate soil and reduce fabric graying and pilling.
Each type of enzyme is different and will catalyze only one type of reaction (known as a ‘lock and key’ mechanism). They are highly specific to the type of surface or material they can work on and are only active when conditions are correct.
How Bio-Enzymatic Cleaners Work?
In Bio-enzymatic cleaners, Both bacteria and enzymes work together to clean, relying on each other to get the job done. When applied to surfaces, soils, stains, and malodors are broken down by the enzymes, then consumed by the bacteria. As long as the soil is present and surfaces are sufficiently damp, these microscopic “cleaners” multiply, continuing to remove traces of grime and odor from surfaces hours or even days after the initial application.
Enzymes can also be used without bacteria in certain cleaning products (although they are initially harvested from bacteria). Enzymes in laundry detergents, for example, work to catalyze the chemical reactions of other ingredients in the detergents. In wash water, they help to break down soils so that water can more easily wash it away.
When using bio-enzymatic cleaners in your facility, it’s important to select the appropriate product for the type of soil you are cleaning. Bio-enzymatic formulations work particularly well for many cleaning applications such as carpet cleaning, laundry detergents, degreasing, drain maintenance, general surface cleaning, restroom cleaning and odor elimination.
Benefits of Bio-enzymatic cleaners
There are various benefits to using bio-enzymatic cleaners:
1- They are often safer for the environment and human health compared to other chemical products.
2- One of the major differences between traditional cleaners and enzymatic cleaners is that enzyme-based cleaners perform residual cleaning; that is, they continue cleaning well after the product has been applied. This improved product performance contributes to improved productivity. The bacteria and enzymes can keep working for up to 80 hours after application, ensuring that soils and malodors are fully removed.
3- The micro-organisms (bacteria) can penetrate into very small cracks and crevices and eliminate soils and malodors that traditional chemicals often cannot remove.
4- Bio-enzymatic cleaners eliminate the need to use harsh chemicals. Additionally, the waste consumed by the enzymes is converted into carbon dioxide and water.
5- Through natural competition for food and resources, the non-pathogenic “good” bacteria can help to displace pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, which benefits human health.
Fortunately, there are plenty of safer alternatives available today, but deciding which ones are truly healthier or just designed to look that way isn’t so easy. That’s why the safest choice with guaranteed results would be using products that are certified and authorized by governmental institutions. For example in Canada where I live, Ozaclean products (manufactured by Ozymes Inc. Canada) which are enzyme-based cleaners are one of the best options in this case. In fact, all these products are certified that they are biodegradable and approved by Health Canada for safe use.
Bio-enzymatic cleaners are a high-performing choice to include in your cleaning arsenal for specific types of surfaces and soils. For cleaning applications like restrooms, drains, and malodors, let these tiny organisms do the dirty work in your facility.
