| Enzyme
and Bacterial Cleaning Chemicals |
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.
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The
Janitech Companies
106 High Street
Cumberland, RI 02864
(Tel) 401-724-4300, (Fax) 401-724-4900 |
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