Among the common terms you may find on certain laundry detergent labels is that it is ‘enzyme-based.’ That means its formulation has certain additives making it an ‘enzymatic detergent or cleaner.’
If all this sounds confusing, worry not.
This is what we will be discussing in this article. Read on to learn what enzymatic detergents are, why they are so great, and some of the best examples in the market today.
Enzyme detergents are all laundry agents containing naturally occurring catalyzers, also known as enzymes.
When added to detergents, the enzyme increases the reaction between soil and the washing solution.
This enables the breakdown of soil into tiny bits that can be easily cleared during normal laundry.
The word enzyme is used as a general term to describe these catalytic agents. However, there are different enzymes that act on different soil types and stains.
Below are the six common types of enzymes and their functions.
- Protease– protease breaks down protein-based stains and soils.
- Amylase– amylase reacts with carbohydrate-based stain.
- Cellulase– breaks down tough organic in stains.
- Lipase– works on fats and oil stains.
- Mannanase- dissolves food stains.
- Pectinase– targets fruit-based stains.
6 Great Enzyme Laundry Detergents
Differentiating between enzyme-based and non-enzymes in the market can sometimes be hard. Not all detergents will have the label ‘enzyme laundry detergent.’
But some of the indicators the detergent is enzyme-based include keywords like ‘bio,’ ‘organic,’ ‘plant-based,’ or ‘enzymes-based.’ Here are a few examples below.
Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Detergent
Dirty Labs detergent is among the best and most innovative detergents on the market. Designed to be eco-friendly and hypoallergenic while remaining effective, the detergent contains protease, amylase, cellulase, mannanase, and pectinase.
What that means for you is that you get the benefits of a clean and gentle detergent that retains the potency to remove both stains and soiling from your garments.
The detergent is delivered in an aluminum 80-load refill bottle containing 21.6 fl oz, making it both friendly for the environment and for your wallet.
Presto! Laundry Detergent
Presto detergent is among the best enzyme-based detergents on the market. The detergent is formulated with multiple enzymes such as mannanase, amylase, and protease.
These enzyme additives give it powerful potency to obliterate most protein, starch, or any food-based stains and soil.
A standard pack gives you 96 loads, making presto cost-effective. Plus, it can work with both standard and HE washing machines, meaning it is one of the most versatile detergents on the market.
Rockin’ Green Activewear Detergent
This is another powerful enzyme-based detergent. Packed with several other plant-based ingredients, the detergent boasts of stain-removing power, not found in many other standard detergents.
This makes it harsh on stains on all activewear stains and soil but gentle on the fabric. And the best part is its super concentrated formulation.
From a 45-oz package, you can expect up to 90 loads, an indication it’s a sure money saver.
Biokleen Natural Cold Water Laundry Detergent
Whether on white or color clothes, Biokleen Natural detergent will get the job done. This is courtesy of a combination of plant-based enzyme combinations in its formulation.
One of the strong points of Biokleen natural is it removes not only the soil but clears the odors as well, making it a powerful duo action detergent.
Besides, Biokleen contains no inorganic additives such as phosphates, ammonia, or brighteners. Owing to this, it is truly an eco-friendly detergent of choice.
Persil Proclean Liquid Laundry Detergent
Persil products do not need much introduction. Because they are renowned products backed by years of expertise and research.
And that is why mentioning Persil Proclean laundry detergent evokes images of a power pack capable of dissolving any stain or soil.
This is all thanks to its blend of enzymes, which makes it 2X concentrated for the required oomph. For that reason, you only need a small amount for your normal load.
That is why with an 82.5 oz bottle, you’re guaranteed 110 wash loads. Obviously, this is one of the most economical detergents to buy.
All Stain Lifters Free & Clear
If you’re looking for a real enzyme cleaning power detergent, look no further. All Stain Lifters, free and clear, will not let you down whether you’re cleaning children or pet beddings.
Not only will it break down all soil, but it will kill odor as well.
Behind this cleaning, power is a blend of powerful organic enzyme surfactants that does a terrific cleaning job.
And with an 82.5oz pack giving you 110 loads, due to its 2X concentration, it is as economical as it can get.
With it being free and clear, expect no allergens, dyes, and perfumes. Hence it is one of the safest use detergents for sensitive skins.
Merits of Using Enzyme-Based Laundry Detergents
The use of enzyme-based detergent has several advantages. Let us take a look at a few below.
Eliminates the Need for Hot Water for Stain Removal
Without using enzymes in detergents, most washing methods involve heating water to thaw stains and soil and make washing easier.
While this works, the downside is in the excessive energy consumption, which increases household power bills.
But with enzyme-based detergent, laundry can be done efficiently at normal water temperatures and still remove soils and stains.
Care for the Delicate Clothes
Some delicate fabrics are simply not compatible with hot water washing.
For example, wool, silk, denim, and jeans cannot be washed with hot water without shrinking or bleeding their dyes. What is great about enzyme detergents is they are adaptive to all types of fabrics.
Reduction in the Use of Phosphate Salts and Synthetic Surfactants
The use of these chemicals increases the discharge of environmentally unfriendly chemicals. Some of them have been attributed to the surge in cancers and other health hazards.
For that reason, most countries of the world have put in legislation to curb their use and instead encouraged the incorporation of enzymes in detergent formulations.
More Cost-Effective
With the standard detergent, you may require a higher dosage compared to a smaller amount of enzyme detergent. This means your detergent goes further, which is a great cost-saving feature.
How to Use Enzymatic Detergents
Enzymatic detergents work best when used as a pretreatment on stains and soil before running the normal laundry cycles.
To treat your garment, put water in a basin or the top loader washing machine, and add the required detergent dosage. Next, soak the garment in the solution while ensuring it is completely under water.
Briefly agitate the clothes around the container to ensure uniform soaking of the garment. Then, for a duration of a minimum of 2 hours.
If you can soak overnight, that is even better. Afterward, discard the solution before adding a normal dosage of standard detergent, and wash normally.
As a precaution, be sure to read all wash and soaking instructions depending on the particular garment type.
Frequently Asked Questions
At What PH Do Most Enzymes Function Best in Detergents?
Each enzyme-based detergent is formulated with instructions on the best PH functioning level. But in general, most enzymes function best within the PH range of 7-10.
This is because most enzymes are strongly alkaline.
When Were Enzymes First Used in Laundry Detergents?
Enzymes used in detergents gradually became an additive in laundry from around the 1960s. Prior to that, most detergents used harsh inorganic chemicals for cleaning.
But since then, more and more detergent makers have made it a staple ingredient to differentiate their products.
What Are Enzymatic Stains?
Enzymatic stains are organic stains. These include blood stains, food stains, or plant stains such as green grasses.
These are stubborn stains, but they can easily be removed if soaked in enzyme-based detergents.
Next, you can check out my guide on removing urine stains, which these detergents are particularly effective at.
I’m an expert wardrobe organizer and a bit of a clean freak. I created this website and its YouTube channel to share practical guides about laundry and organizing. My teachings have been featured in multiple large news publications, and I’ve self-published two wardrobe organizing books and an entire course on the subject.
