Enigmatic Enzyme Cleaners

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So, enzymes come out of the ground and, upon returning from whence they came, provide food for other living creatures. That seems harmless enough, right? Almost. “Some of those enzymes, particularly proteases, could be more of a risk than other enzymes like a lipolase or an amylase,” Davis says. Continually inhaling protease enzymes can trigger asthma and other respiratory allergies, which is why Davis advises against using enzyme cleaners on carpets. “The enzyme will stay there, and you will get exposed to them when you vacuum,” she warns.

Also, because ready-to-use enzyme cleaners are diluted with water, they require the use of preservatives, and many companies use harsh chemicals like propylene glycol, a skin and eye irritant, and other neurotoxic glycol ethers such as butyl cellosolve. But you can avoid harsh preservatives to a certain degree, Davis advises, by purchasing enzyme concentrates, which, because of their lower water content, require fewer preservatives. Do be aware that, as a general rule, enzyme cleaners have a relatively short shelf life, as little as three months, depending on the formulation.

Regarding those claims of biodegradability, “that all depends on whatever surfactants cleaner manufacturers combine the enzymes with,” Davis says. Look for products with vegetable-based, not petroleum-based, surfactants and cleaning agents, as you would with any other cleaner. The enzymes themselves dissolve dirt and grime particles, essentially reducing those particles to water, and then are washed down the drain, where they are eaten by other living matter.

Enzyme cleaners are definitely a better alternative to petroleum-based, chemical-laden cleaners, but, as with any household product, take all manufacturer claims with a grain of salt and learn to read labels like a pro. Enzyme-cleaner manufacturers like to lure you with phrases like “non-toxic” and “ecologically friendly,” but after a thorough search, we weren’t able to find many enzyme cleaners that were free of the same harsh surfactants, chemicals and preservatives that are found in conventional cleaners.

If you’re interested in trying an enzyme cleaner, we suggest Bi-O-Kleen’s Bac-Out Stain & Odor Eliminator ($8.39/32-oz. bottle, drugstore.com). A concentrate that can be used diluted or full-strength, it contains vegetable-based surfactants and no glycol ethers or harsh preservatives.

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