Harnessing the natural power of enzymes to effectively eliminate stains and odors
When it comes to household and personal care products, we’ve long been advocates of combining time-honoured botanicals and plant-based science with contemporary research to create effective formulas that are gentle on the environment and safe for every member of your household. Enzymatic cleaners have been gaining traction for their impressive ability to cleanse clothing and surfaces, but what exactly is an enzyme and how does it work?
What are enzymes and how do enzymatic cleaners work?
Plant-based enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.
In the case of enzymatic cleaners, these chemical reactions are geared towards breaking down certain molecules (such as wastes, stains, soils, and odours) into smaller particles, leaving behind two basic compounds: carbon dioxide and water. Enzymatic cleaners are able to effortlessly penetrate the fibres of clothing, upholstery, and carpet, making them a natural choice for removing stains from porous garments and surfaces.
There are over a thousand types of enzymes, however, a select few are best geared towards cleaning. With that in mind, it’s essential to check the ingredient label of your enzymatic cleanser. Not all formulas are created equally; with many enzymatic cleansers only up to tackling certain stains and odours.
How does our Natural Laundry Wash work?
Our Natural Laundry Wash is available in three scent combinations: lemon scented eucalyptus & rosemary, mandarin & peppermint and rosalina (which is ideal for fabrics such as silk, lace, satin, chiffon, and pure wool). Our Laundry Wash contains a variety of powerful plant-based enzymes, carefully selected for their ability to remove a wide array of stains, messes, and odors.
These enzymes — amylase, lipase, pectate lyase, and protease — work in tandem with the properties of pure botanical essential oils to ensure your garments are thoroughly cleansed and gently scented.
The ultra-concentrated nature of our Natural Laundry Wash means that just two capfuls (10mls) are all it takes to effectively tackle an entire load of washing. Here’s how each ingredient in our laundry washes works to ensure a gentle yet efficacious clean.
Plant-based enzymes
- Protease: Targets and breaks down protein-based stains such as blood, sweat, and dairy products.
- Amylase: Effectively removes carbohydrate-based stains like sauces, baby food, and chocolate.
- Lipase: Dissolves fat and oil stains, including grease and body oils.
- Pectate Lyase: Breaks down pectin for stubborn fruit-based stains like tomato, berry juice or jam
Surfactants
Surfactants — which means ‘surface active agent’ — such as glucosides help trap impurities and lift them off surfaces, making them an apt addition to many cleaning products. They’re also responsible for the light foaming action you see when handwashing your garments using our non-toxic laundry washes.
As with all our ingredients, the surfactants in our Natural Laundry Wash are derived from plant-based sources like coconut and sugar, and are selected for both their efficacious cleaning properties and gentleness on the skin; the latter property makes our formula a go-to for those with skin types prone to sensitivities or irritation.
Essential oils
The cornerstone of all our formulas, pure botanical essential oils work synergistically with the enzymes and surfactants in our Natural Laundry Wash to ensure a thorough clean and impart a beautiful sensory experience with every wash.
With our Natural Laundry Wash available in Mandarin & Peppermint, Rosalina or Lemon Scented Eucalyptus & Rosemary, there’s a formula for every mood.
- Mandarin: joyful and uplifting, mandarin is a familiar scent in many Australian households. Evocative of a quiet sense of contentment and calm, mandarin complements the refreshing scent of peppermint in our Natural Laundry Wash.
- Peppermint: akin to a sensory rebirth, peppermint is an invigorating and revitalising scent.
- Lemon-Scented Eucalyptus: vibrant and zesty, this fresh, creamy, lemony scent is the ideal complement to the herbaceous, woody notes of rosemary.
- Rosemary: a circulatory and mental stimulant, with its woody and herbaceous aroma working to relieve stress and enhance cognition with every breath.
- Rosalina: strikes the ideal balance between calming and energising, suffusing delicate garments with the subtle scent of the Australian bushland.
