What is an Enzyme?
Enzymes are protein molecules in the cell that work as catalysts or to speed up chemical reactions without getting used up in the process.
“There are thousands of enzymes involved in everything from the cellular processes in your body to the decomposition of your trash, but enzyme cleaners are made using a few specific enzymes that break down biological substances like fats, oils, proteins, and starches. That means that instead of just wiping away the food on your kitchen counter or the mildew on the shower curtain, enzyme cleaners break down those stains into elements like oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Enzyme cleaners are non-toxic and biodegradable, meaning they are safe to use in any area of your home.” (1)
Enzymes are perfect for cleaning our homes because our household messes are all organic in nature and therefore act as the substrate (or the substance that starts the chemical reaction) for the enzyme to do its job. I love that Norwex has developed enzyme cleaners… they do an amazing job, without the need for harmful chemicals.
How do Enzyme-based cleaners work?
There are thousands of different enzymes and they all have their own job. Enzymes specific action (or job) is only activated when their specific substrate is present. Enzyme-based cleaners use specific enzymes in their solutions to create the desired action and preferred performance… many cleaners combine enzymes to create a product they desire. For example, “modern detergents typically contain several enzyme activity types to ensure optimal cleaning of complex soil substrates.” (2)
Amy Cadora, Norwex Chief Marketing Officer and author of the Norwex Movement Blog, gives a quick overview of different enzymes and how they can be used in our everyday cleaning. They provide an all-natural, environmentally-friendly, toxic-free alternative to the chemical-laden cleaners we find in the supermarket.
“Proteases break down protein stains, like grass, egg, blood, coffee, tea, dairy, wine and fat, as well as odors.
Amylases help break down starch-based stains, like those from pasta and potato dishes, and cereals.
Lipases accelerate the breakdown of fatty and oily stains. They help remove body stains on cuffs and collars, as well as stains from lipstick, butter, gravy, vegetable oils and other non-mineral oils and fats.
Cellulases help maintain brightness by reducing pilling and fuzzing that can trap dirt. In other words they help your whites and brights stay that way.
Mannanases break down food stains caused by thickening agents like guar gum and locust bean gum.
Pectinases disintegrate stains from fresh fruits and berries, as well as processed foods, tomato-based foods and sauces, jelly, and more.” (3)
How to Use Norwex Enzyme Cleaners
While both Norwex Sportzyme and Odour Eliminator look the same from an ingredient standpoint, they are actually quite different. Using the same enzymes in varying concentrations allows products to solve specific problems. For instance, Sportzyme contains a higher microbial count and a very high concentration protease… an enzyme that tackles protein-based odours that contribute to smells, perspiration or sweat. In the Odour Eliminator, the microbial counts and enzyme concentrations differ and are designed to fight a broader range of odours which are generated in the laundry room, bathroom and carpets. Each formula is unique and has been developed with a different application in mind. Check out all of the Norwex enzyme-based cleaners!
Mattress Cleaner
How to Use:
- Twin Mattress: 5 Sprays
- Double Mattress: 8 Sprays
- Queen/King Mattress: 10 – 12 Sprays
- Fabric Couch: 5 Sprays
Carpet Stain Remover
Have a pet, or potty training a toddler?… This enzyme-based Carper Stain Remover spray will come in handy! But seriously, it can handle any tough carpet stains. The testimony below is from one of my personal customers… I’m so glad I was able to offer this solution to fix her problem.
“My customer had just moved into her new condo. Her friend stopped by with a puppy, to check it out. The puppy had a bout of diarrhea on her white carpet. (She was not impressed.) She cleaned it up with a “home” carpet cleaner, but the carpet was still stained and rough in texture. Six weeks later at a presentation she bought the Carpet Stain Buster, to her DELIGHT… the carpet became totally clean and back to its original soft texture.”
Odour Eliminator
Microfiber Cleaner Laundry Booster
Sportzyme
Enzymes vs. Chemicals to Clean
Traditional cleaners use chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrances, stinky soaps which can all contribute to hurting our environment and hurting us. Norwex has a radically different way of cleaning. Most of the jobs in our homes only require an EnviroCloth and water to clean. Did you know? Norwex Microfiber has the ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface when following the proper care and use instructions. But for some jobs, enzyme-based cleaners are required. Enzymes keep working until its job is done. Different enzymes digest different materials which are why Norwex has different products to complete different jobs.
What enzyme-based cleaner will you try first?
Resources:
(1) http://www.greenhome.com/blog/a-guide-to-enzyme-cleaners
(2) http://www.aboutcleaningproducts.com/science/ezyme-science/
(3) https://www.norwexmovement.com/enzymes-beat-chemicals/
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Delores VandenBoogaard is an Independent Norwex Sales Consultant from Edmonton, Alberta Canada with customers and consultants throughout Canada and the United States including; New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Ontario. She also has customers and team members in; Michigan, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, Missouri, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, New Hampshire, Iowa and Maine.