Are you wondering about the differences and similarities between hydrogen peroxide and enzyme cleaners?
The American Journal of Infection Control compares a hydrogen peroxide-based detergent with enzymatic cleaners in this study.
They concluded that the hydrogen peroxide-based detergent has excellent microbial-inactivating abilities and cleans just as well as enzymatic detergent formulations.
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent. This means that it obtains electrons from other substances, which causes the other substances to break down. The result also results in hydrogen peroxide breaking down into water and oxygen.
On the other hand, enzymes are typically substances acting as biological catalysts. They can control the speed of chemical reactions. When using them as cleaners, the enzymes from suspended ‘good’ bacteria break down the messes you are cleaning up.
So, let’s dive deeper into enzyme cleaners and hydrogen peroxide and learn all about them!
What Are Enzyme Cleaners?
Enzyme cleaners are simply cleaning agents that utilize biological enzymes to break down soils and stains quickly and effectively.
These cleaners are full of non-pathogenic bacteria, which multiply fast and produce these enzymes as soon as you spray the cleaner onto a surface. They work at a neutral pH of about 6-8.
All enzymes belong to the protein class. In enzymatic cleaners, various enzymes are used, such as amylases, lipases, and proteases.
They work by making a biochemical reaction more likely to occur by simply lowering the activation energy value of the particular response. Ultimately these reactions proceed thousands of times faster than compared without a catalyst.
Uses of Enzyme Cleaners
Enzymes are very specific as the molecules are of a certain ‘shape’ or prototype. They work exclusively on their target, eliminating any side effects or significant warning labels.
Even though you can use enzyme cleaners widely, you can always be sure that the final cleaned surface is food contact safe.
Cleaning Drains
Commercial cleaners use toxic, harsh chemicals that can reduce your drain pipes’ durability. You can instead opt for bio-enzymatic cleaners to unclog drains efficiently and keep your pipes flowing smoothly.
They require a few hours to work properly, so it is best to use them overnight to give the enzymes enough time to do their job.
Cleaning Carpets
Enzymatic products are renowned for cleaning carpets as they will not discolor the beautiful carpets or cause roughness.
The natural pH levels can make the cleaner penetrate soft surfaces without damage. The enzymes effectively dissolve or remove odors and stains caused by organic materials. It is perfect to use in households with kids or pets who tend to soil carpets.
Cleaning Restrooms
You can mop floors with a mixture of enzymes and warm water. After leaving the diluted solution for some time, the enzymes will react with the bacterial matter and absorb it into the floor mortar joints.
This allows for deep odor removal. However, ensure not to use a disinfectant cleaner simultaneously as it may kill the live organisms of the enzymes.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide An Enzyme Cleaner?
While hydrogen peroxide and enzyme cleaners share similar qualities, they are two different compounds. Hydrogen peroxide is an impressive cleaner as it can break down stains. Nonetheless, it does not use enzymes like lipases and proteases.
It is rather the acidic property of hydrogen peroxide, which works as a stain remover. Hydrogen peroxide is more diverse as it can clean soils from various organic compounds. On the other hand, each enzyme can only break down a particular molecule, making it effective only on certain stains.
The Journal of Membrane Science conducted a study that indicated that cleaning strategies could be tailor-made with different protein compositions, depending on the target cleaning area and the time required.
Can You Make Peroxide-Based Enzyme Cleaners?
You can easily make your peroxide-based enzyme cleaner at home.
All you need is one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide, three parts of cold or room-temperature water, and a few drops of clear liquid dish soap mixed into an empty spray bottle.
After shaking well, spray the stained area with your DIY spray until saturated and leave it for a few hours.
Hydrogen peroxide is not an enzyme cleaner itself, but it can readily be combined with enzymes to make an effective cleaning solution.
You can choose to add some fruit peels and scraps, brown sugar, and yeast to a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
This solution will take several days to ferment before being ready to use, but it would work just as effectively as a commercial enzyme cleaner.
This study discusses how a peroxide-based cleanser solution can effectively reduce the number of microorganisms in a dental setup.
Hydrogen Peroxide vs. Enzyme Cleaners — What’s Best For You?
As discussed earlier, enzyme cleaners are highly specific when working on their target areas. If you recurrently have a certain type of use or cleaning requirement, you would be better suited to enzyme cleaners.
On the contrary, if you analyze your cleaning routine and find that you have multiple stains and soil sources, you will benefit better from hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners.
Hydrogen Peroxide — Pros
Hydrogen peroxide can be used in numerous areas around your house to efficiently remove most microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, spores, yeasts, and bacteria.
It does not produce any gasses or residues. This powerful oxidizer is completely water soluble and great for the fast removal of stubborn mildew, mold, and mysterious crust on household surfaces.
Hydrogen Peroxide — Cons
The disadvantage of hydrogen peroxide is that the chemical composition makes it an unstable substance. When exposed to heat, it breaks down and separates into water and oxygen elements.
This feature reduces the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, it can react with other chemicals present in commercial cleaners and cause damage to surfaces or irritation to the skin and eyes.
Enzyme Cleaners — Pros
Enzymatic cleaners contain microbes that can reach and target the tiniest of cracks on surfaces, eliminating soils that traditional cleaners cannot.
The microorganisms are non-pathogenic, making them safe to use in a household with elderly individuals, children, and pets.
Enzyme Cleaners — Cons
The long duration of time required is a large drawback of enzyme cleaners.
Specific forms of enzyme cleaners can even worsen the odor than it originally was while it sits and works on the stain.
Final Words
Overall, enzyme cleaners and hydrogen peroxide are both excellent cleaners. The effectiveness is multiplied when the two compounds are combined together.
By following proper methods and time durations, you can safely use it to clean many surfaces around your home, overcoming the need for commercial cleaners.
So, give peroxide a try and order your set today!
