When it comes to doing laundry, using a detergent with enzymes can make a big difference in getting your clothes clean. Enzymes are proteins that break down organic stains and soils to help remove them from fabric. In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of enzyme detergents and recommend some great options.
What Are Enzymes in Laundry Detergent?
Enzymes are natural proteins that target and break down specific stains. Common enzymes used in laundry detergents include:
- Protease – breaks down protein-based stains like food, grass, blood, sweat
- Amylase – tackles starches like pasta sauce, gravy, potato residue
- Lipase – dissolves fatty oils found in cosmetics, lotions, butter, sauces
- Cellulase – goes after cellulose fibers from fruits, veggies, wine, mud
- Mannanase – removes food stains containing carbohydrates
By including a combination of these enzymes, laundry detergents can be extremely effective at removing all kinds of tough, organic stains.
The Benefits of Enzyme Laundry Detergents
There are several key reasons you may want to use an enzymatic laundry detergent:
1. Better Stain Removal
The enzymes target and break down staining substances at a molecular level. This makes them much more effective than detergents that rely solely on surfactants and chemicals to remove stains.
2. Cleaner Clothes
Along with tough stains, enzymes also break down invisible organic residue stuck in fabric. This leaves clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter.
3. Gentler Cleaning
Enzymes provide an alternative to harsh bleach and other chemicals. They can give you stellar cleaning results without being as abrasive or irritating. This helps maintain the quality and lifespan of clothes.
4. Greener Formula
Most enzyme detergents use biodegradable ingredients derived from plants. They contain fewer hazardous chemicals compared to conventional laundry products. This makes them better for the environment.
5. Safe for Colors/Fabrics
The enzymes target stains, not dyes or fabrics. So they can give you spotless clothes without fading colors or damaging delicate materials. This allows you to clean a wider variety of items.
The Best Enzyme Laundry Detergents
If you want to reap the perks above, here are some top-rated enzyme detergent options:
Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release
- Contains protease, amylase, and mannanase enzymes
- Lifts away 10 tough stain types
- Greener formula than original Tide
- Works well in all water temperatures
Persil ProClean Power-Liquid
- Has biodegradable protease and amylase enzymes
- Includes stain-fighting technology
- Can tackle set-in stains in one wash
- Works for both front and top load machines
Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean
- Infused with Oxiclean to boost enzymes
- Eliminates over 100 stain types
- Can treat tough set-in stains
- Helps prevent graying and fading
Seventh Generation Free & Clear
- Uses plant-derived enzymes and ingredients
- Removes stains without dyes or fragrance
- Dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formula
The Takeaway – Use Laundry Detergents with Enzymes for Better Results
If you want superior stain removal, gentler cleaning, and brighter clothes, switching to an enzyme-powered detergent can make a big difference. The options above all harness the stain-fighting benefits of enzymes using greener formulas. Give one a try next time you have a tough laundry load and see it refresh your clothes!
References
[1] The 8 Best Enzyme Laundry Detergents of 2023 – The Spruce https://www.thespruce.com/best-enzyme-laundry-detergents-4686103
[2] Understanding Enzymes in Detergent – Seventh Generation https://www.seventhgeneration.com/blog/understanding-enzymes-detergent
[3] How Do Laundry Detergent Enzymes Work? | Whirlpool https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-do-laundry-detergent-enzymes-work.html
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.