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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