How often have you seen new products that would
help improve overall cleaning operations, are
cost-effective and are user friendly? Enzyme
digesters are gaining popularity and are viewed
by some as a possible replacement for other
types of formulations in certain cleaning situations.
Digesters work by eating (digesting) protein
matter in organic soil or waste. Their enzymes
are especially effective in controlling odors
caused by a buildup of organic soils in restrooms,
plumbing, carpets and floor.
UNDERSTANDING ENZYMES
Enzymes are proteins created by living cells
that exist in organisms such as plants, animals
and bacteria and are used to digest waste. When
added to organic material like dirt, grease
and oil, they immediately go to work breaking
down the organic material within these substances.
This natural “dust to dust” process
that constantly occurs in our environment keeps
waste material from overrunning us. The four
basic enzymatic systems are those that break
down fats and greases (lipase); proteins (protease);
cellulose such as wood, cotton and paper (cellulase);
and carbohydrates and starches (amylase). Dirt
has layers of fine film composed of “substrate” such
as grease, oils, fats, bacteria, germs, dust
mites, non-organic material and organic
microorganisms. These films are bonded to each
other and to the surface by amino and fatty
acids (organic acids composed of proteins,
fats
or fatty oils). Most cleaners emulsify some
of these dirt films but may not break down
the
lower levels held together by amino and fatty
acids. Usually the top layers of the films
are
removed but some of the lower levels are left
to collect bacteria. As a result, re-soiling
can occur much faster.
HOW THEY WORK
When activated, enzymes attack or digest the
amino and fatty acids that bond the films of
dirt together. They also emulsify them so they
can be completely removed from the surface.
Researchers believe that in the activation process,
when the substrate and enzymes come in contact
with each other, the enzymes physically curl
and twist—in what is called a “conformational
change.” This physical change initiates
the contact between the enzyme and substrate
which is necessary to “catalyze”
the reaction. A catalyst is a substance that
speeds or slows a chemical reaction without
being involved in the reaction itself. Put another
way, enzymes are chemical catalysts that accelerate
the natural biodegrading, or breaking down,
of organic substrate, which comprises most soils.
Enzymes dissolve and break down protein and
organic matter, diminishing odors caused by
staining agents such as urine, feces, vomit,
pet odors, spoiled foods and mildew. Enzymes
are derived from living organisms and are harmless
to humans, animals, marine life and general
ecology. They are non-toxic, non-irritating,
non-gaseous, non-flammable, non-pathogenic and
typically safe to use. There are thousands of
different enzymes, each having specific, individual
characteristics. Since an enzyme that breaks
down proteins (protease) will not react on fats
or oils, and effective enzymatic cleaning system
must contain enough different classes and types
of enzymes to assure proper catalytic reaction.
In concentrated form, this greatly speed up
the natural “dust to dust” process.
One way to demonstrate the effectiveness of
enzyme digesters is to mix warm water and the
enzyme product in a small cup (per recommended
dilution ratio). Then place a few pieces of
dry cat food into the cup. After 10 to 15 minutes,
the cat food will be totally dissolved. This
breakdown of protein will demonstrate, and
help
you more fully understand, how the chemical
works on other microscopic bacteria and proteins.
WORK USE AREAS
Drain Openers. Follow label for correct mixing
instructions, then pour into clogged drains
Always start by working on lower level floors
drains first. If your workers start at the upper
levels, the dislodged and dissolved protein
will further plug lower level plumbing. It is
best to use drain openers at night or over a
weekend to give the enzyme several hours to
do its job. Enzymes are not fast acting like
acid-type drain openers and they require a few
hours to work properly; however, they are much
safer for workers and plumbing.
Carpets. Enzymes work well for blood stain
removal and they are very effective in reducing
(or in most cases, eliminating) odors caused
by urine, vomit and other organic-related odors.
When odors are in carpet backing, use a carpet
syringe and inject 1 ounce of undiluted enzymes
through the backing onto the sub-floor. Several
injections are required to cover a large area.
Each injection should cover a 3-foot diameter
area. Enzymes can be used on all other water-safe
fabrics that contain odor or stains caused by
the same organic matter that also stain carpeting.
Restrooms. When mopping, mix
enzymes with warm water to the correct dilution
ratio and mop
floors. Do not rinse floors, but air dry, allowing
the enzymes time to react with bacterial
matter.
Enzymes will be absorbed into the floor mortar
joints, allowing deep odor removal. Remember
that you cannot use an enzyme digester at
the
same time that a disinfectant cleaner is applied.
The residue of the disinfectant will kill
the
live organisms of the enzymes. Use one or the
other—never both digester and disinfectant
together. You can also spray enzymes on and
around urinals and other odor-producing fixtures.
Regular applications of enzymes will eliminate
the source of the odor. When spraying, use
a
stream, not a mist. Enzymes applied as a mist
can easily be inhaled into the lings. Enzymes
are living organisms and could cause medical
problems if inhaled.
Cost Effectiveness. Enzymes are not costly;
however, care should be taken to correctly use
these products. You need to identify specific
areas that are present or potential problem
areas. You can then work the enzymes into your
present program at proper frequencies to ensure
desired results. Using enzymes in a haphazard
manner with no scheduled routine will not only
waste product, but also more importantly will
waste valuable labor. Enzymes are economical
and safe to use within a wide work-use area.
They can be injected directly into mattresses
to reduce urine smells or poured into kitchen
or restroom drains to unclog grease or hair
deposits. The primary caution is not to permit
inhalation of sprayed (misted) product. Some
good candidates for bacteria/enzymes digesters
are health care facilities, schools, industrial
plants, health clubs, correctional facilities,
restaurants, and food service operations. The
list can be expanded to include any and all
areas that have stains and odors from protein
or organic matter. Work use areas for enzymes
are expanding, and new applications open up
daily in the sanitary maintenance field.
