Published

December 17, 2024

Enzymes are ubiquitous in nature. Biological systems—plant, fungal and animal—use enzymes to break down organic materials and extract use from them. Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions. From mushrooms breaking down dead wood to our saliva breaking down starchy foods like cheese puffs, enzymes play a significant role in these often-overlooked processes.

Similarly, enzymes play an important role in everyday cleaning, like removing stains from clothes and cleaning dishes in an automatic dishwasher. In the world of laundry detergents, enzymes have become a game-changer, offering powerful cleaning capabilities that consumers desire.

 Understanding these enzymes and how they work can help consumers make informed choices and achieve the best results for their laundry needs.

What are detergent enzymes - and how do they work?

In the context of laundry detergents, enzymes break down various types of stains and soils, making them easier to remove during the washing process. The most common types of enzymes found in detergents include proteases, amylases, mannanases, lipases, and cellulases.

1. Proteases: These enzymes target protein-based stains, such as blood and grass. Proteases are the most commonly used enzyme class in laundry detergents.

2. Amylases: This class of enzymes help break down carbohydrate-based stains, such as ketchup, sauces, and starches. Amylases are the second most common enzymes found in laundry detergents.

3. Mannanases: These enzymes specialize in breaking down mannan and guar gum stains. Mannan and guar gums are used as thickeners, such as in ice-creams and condiments. Many North American premium laundry detergents use mannanase to deliver exceptional stain removal.

4. Lipases: These enzymes focus on removing fatty and oily stains that end up on our clothes. These stains can be from sources like food, lipstick, and body oils. Lipases are widely used in European and Asian laundry detergents for improved stain removal.

5. Cellulases: This class on enzymes work on celluloses, commonly found on cotton and other plant-based fibers. Cellulases, deliver both anti-graying and color care by removing the microfibrils that are generated during normal wear and tear.

 

Benefits of using enzymes-based detergents

Detergents that incorporate enzymes offer several benefits over non-enzymatic detergents:

• Improved cleaning power: Enzymes work on specific types of stains, making enzymatic detergents better at removing tough stains than non-enzymatic products.
• Cold water washing: Being nature’s catalysts, several enzymes are designed to work better at lower temperatures, enabling consumers to get the same (or better) cleaning outcome even in cold water conditions. By dialing down the wash temperature, consumers can also save on energy costs.
• Extending fabric life: Detergents containing care cellulases can help remove microfibrils from fiber surfaces, ensuring that clothes remain soft and vibrant over time. This can also extend the life of fabrics.
• Sustainable cleaning: By design, enzymes are made from biological sources and are naturally biodegradable. Additionally, their extra cleaning power can reduce the need for harsh chemicals in detergents, making detergents more environmentally friendly.

Choosing the right enzyme-based detergent

To make the right choice of laundry detergent while in the detergent aisle, consumers may consider the following factors:

• Stain types: Consider the most common household stains that end up on clothes and are difficult to remove. Choosing a laundry detergent that contains the right enzyme combination would help to tackle those stains effectively.
• Washing conditions: Preferred wash temperature and cycle are also critical when choosing a laundry detergent. If a quick and cold cycle is preferred in your household, consider purchasing an enzymatic laundry detergent that can clean on such settings.
• Fabric types: The type of fabrics in your laundry load also plays a significant role in selecting the right detergent. For example, if you’re washing wool and silk fabrics, enzymatic detergents formulated specifically for these delicate fabrics would be recommended.

Working with BASF Lavergy®

Enzymes have driven sustainable cleaning in laundry detergents, offering enhanced stain removal, advanced fabric care, and reduced wash temperatures. By understanding the different types of enzymes and their functionalities, consumers can make informed decisions to achieve the best possible laundry cleaning outcomes.

With BASF’s Lavergy®, formulators are well equipped to design laundry detergents that meet consumer needs while maintaining their formulation costs. Reach out to your BASF representative to see how Lavergy® can be the right fit for your brand and consumers.  

Questions?  Contact us