May 10, 2010
Enzyme Products Session
Sheri Gauthier
Norwex Global Technical Advisor
Agenda
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5.
Enzyme Basics
Carpet Stain Buster
Oven & Grill Cleaner
Laundry Pre-Wash
Drain Care
Enzyme Know How
• Before we can talk about the Carpet Stain
Buster, Oven & Grill Cleaner, Laundry PreWash or any other enzyme product, we need
to know a thing or two about enzymes.
• What are enzymes?
They're proteins produced by all living
organisms that act as catalysts to speed up
chemical reactions that would otherwise
occur at a much slower rate or not at all.
Catalysts
• Enzymes act as catalysts - They take part in
and accelerate a chemical reaction, without
being consumed themselves in the process.
Once the reaction has gone to completion, the
enzyme involved is set free, ready to be used
again.
• In theory, this could go on for ever, but in
practice an enzyme has a limited lifetime, and
it is therefore necessary to provide a fresh
supply.
Enzymes Unique Jobs
• Different enzymes digests different materials.
• They also have different tolerances towards
heat/cold, pH and the presence of oxygen.
• Enzymes breakdown large particles into smaller
pieces.
• The smaller molecules are digested to carbon
dioxide and water.
• Enzymes are unique because they do not lose their
functionality after having digested one particle but
continue to work on the next one.
– This means that one enzyme protein molecule can act on
many substrate molecules. Eventually, all the substrate is
gone and the enzyme stops working.
Also, the enzyme will eventually break down on its own.
Enzymes in Products
• The use of enzymes in cleaning products
requires the correct organisms for the job.
• A knowledge of precisely which enzyme is
needed to break down any particular material
is what is key.
• Many great products can be created once the
cleaning job is determined.
Enzyme Production
• Enzyme molecules are far too complex to synthesize
by purely chemical means. The only way to make
them is to use living organisms.
• The problem is that enzymes produced by microorganisms in the wild are often expressed in tiny
amounts and mixed up with many other enzymes and
proteins. These micro-organisms can also be very
difficult to cultivate under industrial conditions, and
they may create undesirable by-products.
• So it is best to produce enzymes for each product as
needed.
Enzyme Production
Enzymes are created using dried or
frozen micro-organisms.
These produces large amounts of the
enzymes when cultivated.
HOW
The organisms are cultivated with
nutrients and agar and incubated at
the optimal temperature for the
organisms to grow.
In a large tank containing previously
sterilized raw materials and water the
organisms reproduce and adapt to
the environment and nutrients that
they will encounter later on.
LATER they are transferred to a larger
tank where temperature, pH and
dissolved oxygen are carefully
controlled and additional nutrients
are added to optimize enzyme
production.
Enzymes = Sustainable Environment
• Microorganisms occur in all biological systems.
• They stem from natural sources, and when
broken down simply return to nature without
posing a threat to the environment.
• All Norwex products are based on natural
born microorganisms/enzymes (found
everywhere in nature) and consequently
harmless to human beings, animals and
nature.
Carpet Stain Buster
• A 100% natural and complete carpet cleaning
solution - deodorizes, has a neutral pH, and is
safe for use on all carpets, but should be tested
on an inconspicuous area first, especially on dark
coloured area rugs.
• The product has a shelf-life of two years.
• INGREDIENTS: Orange extract, ascorbic acid,
Yucca shidigera, water, microbes.
• The Carpet Stain Buster has vegetable based
enzymes. The enzymes are stable up to 170º F
degrees and can freeze and thaw several times
without destruction to the enzymes.
Carpet Buster
• Although it comes in a spray bottle it is highly concentrate.
• For spot removal, spray directly on the spot, scrub the area with
a damp Enviro Cloth; blot out as much moisture as possible.
Note: If stain is deep in the carpet, it may appear larger after
the first treatment. Repeat the procedure, first with the
product, then with water.
• If you are finding you have soapy residues or dark staining
where you removed a spot we would recommend to dilute
product (about 1 Tbsp/cup, spray on stain, mix in, let sit for at
least 10 minutes, then blot with Enviro cloth – for tougher
stains, you may want to try a higher concentration).
• To use as a cleaning agent and spot-pre treatment prior to
carpet cleaning dilute/ mix 1:20 with water; 15 ml (1
tablespoon) or 5 sprays per 250 ml (8 oz.) cup.
What Stains?
• Great for coffee and wine stains along with
ground-in dirt, grass stains, vomit, feces,
urine, food, mold, mildew, blood, body odour
etc. Enzymatically neutralizes odours and
bacteria to eliminate old and new stains.
• It is an excellent pre-treatment for heavilysoiled traffic areas prior to extraction cleaning.
SOME cleaners leave a soapy residue which
attracts new soil. The soil will cling to the
soap residue and re-soil the carpeting quickly.
Carpet spots??
• This product may react to form a darker colour
on areas previously treated with Scotchgard™,
although this effect should not be permanent
(removed by steam cleaning, which can be
done with water alone).
• As this product contains friendly microbes to
help remove stains and odours, it continues to
work for up to a couple of days after use and
will leave no residue in the carpet once
thoroughly dry.
Ingredients
Orange Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Yucca Schidigera,
Water and microbes.
We use Phytology Technology
It is revolutionary technology that relies on using
bioflavonoids and plant extracts that create a
synergistic reaction when combined to produce
extremely powerful cleaning agents.
Until recently, soaps, detergents and odour-masking
agents were considered to be the answer to
cleaning problems.
Not any longer! This technology has been
incorporated into state-of-the-art products that
naturally eliminate obnoxious odours and organic
stains.
• Orange Extract - The natural power of orange
extract offers deep cleaning action with a
natural orange scent. The peel extract and
natural enzymes naturally break down dirt,
grease and odours. Works on a variety of
organic stains, like mold, mildew, blood, grass,
dirt, urine, body odour and more.
• Ascorbic Acid – antioxidant for orange extract.
• Yucca Schidigera – a saponin. Contains compounds
often referred to as a “natural detergent” because of
their foamy texture. The compound is a
surfactant/foaming agent which, in our product, is the
primary cleaning ingredient. Its primary function is that
it produces foaming without the use of synthetic
surfactants.
– native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. The
plant grows up to 4 to 5 meters in approximately 15 to 20
years.
– also known as Yucca Shidigera, Mohave Extract, Joshua Tree
and Adam's Needle, contain Saponins
• Saponins are glycoside compounds often referred to as
a “natural detergent” because of their foamy texture.
Saponin is a surfactant/foaming agent which, in our
product, is the primary cleaning ingredient.
The Ingredient - Water
• The water which is an ingredient in the
Carpet Stain Buster is sterile to avoid
contamination of the product. Often water
must also be softened because high mineral
content may affect texture and appearance of
the finished product.
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• Microbes - Enzymes dissolve and remove soil from the surface
without chemicals. They breakdown soil and stains into microscopic
particles that disperse in water and repel one another. The particles
are then easy to remove and less likely to re-adhere to the cleaned
surfaces. The molecular structure of these particles is so small they
can forcefully penetrate the carpet for quick and easy removal.
• AMYLASES: Amylases are used to remove residues of starchy foods
such as mashed potatoes, spaghetti, oatmeal porridge, custards,
gravies and chocolate.
• Bacillus subtilus – the use of different strains of enzymes is because
each digests different materials. They also have different
tolerances towards, heat/cold, pH and the presence of oxygen. This
fact ensures that the products are efficient even under extreme
conditions. Bacillus subtilis prouduces protease (for protein),
amylase (for carbohydrate), lipase (for grease), cellulose (for
cellulose), usease (for urea) so it is vital in the product with a VERY
GOOD ability to digest.
Carpet Stain Buster FINAL NOTE
• No Color Brighteners — No Bleach —
Biodegradable — Non-Toxic — Colourfast, safe
to use — Does not contain solvents.
• Neutral pH of 7-safe for use on all carpets,
even Fifth Generation fibers*.
– *Synthetic fibers with distinct advantages: repels
water and oil spills, stain-resistant to most any dye
stain. The nylon fibers do not allow stains to
penetrate the surface of the fiber – i.e. grape
juice, Kool-aid, etc.
• Will not harm microfiber cleaning cloths.
Oven and Grill Cleaner
• Cleaning the oven or grill is simple with this
cleaner. The self-scouring action means less
scrubbing while you clean ovens & grills.
• A safe & natural way to clean ovens & grills.
• Formulated for the absolute toughest kitchen oven
and grill jobs.
• Dissolves the heaviest burned-on deposits so they
can be wiped or rinsed clean
• An effective remover of baked-on fats, oils,
greases, proteins and carbohydrate residues of
animal and vegetable origin.
• Produces a ”super cling" foam that penetrates
through the heaviest grease and baked-on foods
• Bio-based, all-natural and biodegradable.
• Concentrated formula
• Saves money – cost is only a fraction of most readyto-use products.
• Reduces waste in landfills.
• Shelf-life of the oven cleaner is 2 years.
• Although very concentrated, the product cannot be
diluted. It does mix with water very well, but it
loses its cleaning efficacy quickly when diluted.
• Oven & Grill Cleaner is a pH 9, creating an alkaline
solution.
– A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic. Above 7 is base/alkaline.
– pH scale is logarithmic and as a result, each whole pH value below 7 is ten
times more acidic than the next higher value.
• As you see from the table – commercial oven cleaners are typically
pH13 - concentrates for enzyme formulations need to be around pH
13 to cut grease and carbon. Carbon typically requires a high pH
product and heat to cut attachment to metal.
Ingredients
• Amylase
• Bacillus subtilus
• Protease
• Water
• Polyoxyethylenelaurylether
*Water-based
*Ready-to-use
Ingredients Information
• Amylases are used to remove residues of starchy
foods such as mashed potatoes, spaghetti, oatmeal
porridge, custards, gravies and chocolate.
• Bacillus subtilus – the use of different strains of
enzymes is because each digests different materials.
They also have different tolerances towards,
heat/cold, pH and the presence of oxygen. This fact
ensures that the products are efficient even under
extreme conditions. Bacillus subtilis (for protein),
amylase (for carbohydrate), lipase (for grease),
cellulose (for cellulose), usease (for urea) so it is vital
in the product with a VERY GOOD ability to digest.
Ingredients Information
• Protease removes proteins – egg, meats, cheese,
etc.
• Polyoxyethyelene lauryl ether is a hazardous
product, although its concentration is quite
low. Tox. data states it is irritating to eyes, skin,
and respiratory system. Of course, this is
concentration dependant and not likely an issue,
but may be for some who are sensitive.
– 3% of the Polyoxyethylenelaurylether
– Is a non-ionic surfactant. Foaming agent and
detergent often used in pharmaceuticals and
cosmetics.
Oven Cleaning Directions
• Oven & Grill Cleaner’s super-cling foam cuts
through baked-on grime and soils on hard-to
clean oven and clings to vertical surfaces for
better cleaning action.
– TO USE: Turn oven on 100º F, allow to cool then
apply undiluted product to sides and top first and
then remaining surfaces. Allow to work for 5
minutes, wipe and rinse with water. Burn off for
10 minutes at 200º F.
Grill Cleaning Directions
• While grill is warm, take spatula and remove
excess grease and food deposits by scraping into
grease trough/trap.
• Apply undiluted Oven and Grill Cleaner onto the
grill.
• Allow to work for 5 minutes.
• Lightly agitate with a Spirisponge.
• Rinse surfaces completely with water.
• After cleaning, heat grill to 200º F (95ºC) for 10
minutes before using.
• Use of gloves is recommended as prolonged
contact with such effective cleaners can be hard
on the skin.
Why are we heating?
• “After cleaning, heat oven to 200º F. for 10
minutes before using.”
• We recommend that users heat their oven to
200º F for 10 minutes to eliminate any
remaining residue before using the oven.
WHY Gloves?
• We always recommend when performing these
type of cleaning tasks that gloves always be worn
by the users.
• Use of gloves is recommended as prolonged
contact with such effective cleaners can be hard
on the skin.
• Gloves prevent your hands from getting really
dirty from greasy soot.
Does it really work in 5 minutes?
• The Oven & Grill Care Cleaner really does
work in 5 minutes, or less, without caustics or
acids.
• We do use a very aggressive, but safe,
microbe/enzyme system. We have formulated
the latest developments with microbes and
enzymes to allow them to work much quicker
than conventionally-based microbe and
enzyme-based products. Additionally, we
suggest the cleaning surface be pre-heated to
energize the microbes and enzymes to work
quicker.
Laundry Pre-Wash
• Formulated with all-natural enzymes as a triple-action
laundry pre-wash to penetrate, dissolve and eliminate on
contact a variety of stains and soil in fabrics.
• Helps remove tough stains that detergent alone cannot.
The fast-acting spray dissolves stains and breaks them
down before they set in, making them easier to remove
in an ordinary wash cycle.
• Trigger dispenser allows you to treat stains quickly and
easily.
• Goes to work immediately and is environmentally-safe.
• Gentle enough for baby clothes, children’s bedding and
delicate fabrics.
Laundry Pre-Wash
• Works in all water temperatures.
• The 100% all-natural formula is hypoallergenic,
biodegradable, nontoxic and free of allergens,
dyes, chlorine, perfumes, petroleum-based
solvents, glycol ether, phosphates and other
harsh chemicals.
• 250ml bottle with trigger spray. DO NOT DILUTE.
• Precautions: Keep out of the reach of children. In
case of eye contact, flush with water for at least
15 minutes. If irritation persists, call a physician.
Storage: Store at room temperature. Do not allow
contents to exceed 170º F or enzymes will
become disabled.
Directions
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For most everyday clothes, one simple step is to pre-treat any
stains. Norwex Pre-Wash is the perfect compliment for the
Norwex Laundry detergent.
Directions:
For best results, treat stain when new. Turn nozzle to spray
position.
Remove excess organic matter then spray directly onto stain,
soaking fabric.
Rub product into the fabric covering the stain area completely.
Wait 1 to 5 minutes depending upon severity of the stain.
Then wash according to the care label instructions.
Launder in the warmest water recommended for the fabric.
Do not use bleach.
For extra tough stains, repeat spraying and launder again.
Before drying the garment, make sure the stain is removed.
Works on?
• Organic stains (e.g., coffee, tea juices, grass,
wine, eggs)
• Colored-fruit/vegetable stains (e.g.,
strawberries, cherries, mustard, tomatoes)
• Sugar stains (e.g., jam, honey, syrup)
• Protein stains (e.g., blood, ice cream, yogurt)
• Greasy stains (e.g., lipstick, butter, mascara,
mayonnaise, cooking oil)
Notes
• Has 2 year shelf life. (Shelf-life being the length of time
a packaged product will last without deteriorating.)
• Laundry Pre-Wash products are similar in nature to the
Carpet Stain Buster but they are very different in each
one’s capability.
• IF used after other commercial stain cleaners or with
BLEACH, the effectiveness can be reduced. The
chemicals and bleach can damage the enzymes making
them less-effective, even ineffective .
Another Enzyme Product
• The Laundry Pre-Wash uses vegetable-based
enzymes.
• The enzymes used in the ingredients are amylase,
lipase and cellulose. Once applied, the enzymes
only last for a few minutes to a few hours
depending on the application. The microbe used
in the formulas is baccullis subtilus, and they are
not genetically modified or altered in any manner.
• The enzymes are stable up to 170º F degrees and
can freeze and thaw several times without
destruction to the enzymes.
Ingredients
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Microbes
Enzymes
Ascorbic Acid
Citric Acid
Water
• Ascorbic Acid - Helps with enzyme
stabilization; chosen due to its high solubility
and bio-degradability.
• Citric Acid - Phosphates are replaced with this
greener alternative. Derived from citrus fruit
by fermentation of crude sugars. Allows
formulation to better penetrate soils and
grease.
Microbes
• The microbe used in the formula is Baccillus
subtilus, which is not genetically modified or
altered in any manner.
• Typically baccillis subtilus is non-pathogenic and
is used because it has features that allow the
organism to tolerate extreme environmental
conditions.
• The bacterium produces enzymes such as
amylase, lipase and cellulose. Once applied, the
enzymes only last for a few minutes to a few
hours depending on the application.
• Proteases act on soils and stains containing
proteins. Examples are collar & cuff soil-lines,
grass, blood.
• Amylases remove starch-based soils and stains,
e.g. sauces, ice-creams, gravy. Lipases are
effective in removing oil / greasy body and food
stains
• Cellulases provide general cleaning benefits,
especially on dust and mud, and also work on
garments made from cellulosic fibers,
minimizing pilling to restore color and softness.
Enzymes – yet another use
• Enzymes in Laundry Pre-Wash are used as cleaning and fabric care
agents.
• They breakdown large, water-insoluble soils and stains, which are
attached to fabrics, into smaller, more water-soluble pieces.
Subsequently, the smaller molecules are removed from the fabric,
by the mechanical action of the washing machine or by the
interaction of detergent ingredients.
• The enzyme does not lose its functionality after having worked on
one stain and continues to work on the next one. This means that
one enzyme protein molecule can act on many substrate molecules.
Eventually, all the substrate is gone and the enzyme stops working.
Also, the enzyme will eventually break down on its own.
• Some enzymes also deliver fabric care benefits by better
maintaining whiteness or keeping colors bright.
Benefits for use in Pre-Wash
• A very small quantity of these inexhaustible bio-catalysts can
replace very large quantity of man made chemicals
• Enzymes work at very low temperatures achieving effective
washing results at which traditional chemistry quite often is no
longer effective
• Enzymes are fully biodegradable, thus environmentally friendly
ingredients.
• Remember several enzyme types are used; each one has its
own very well defined target. Some are specialized to attack fat
stains, others to attack food stains.
• The Laundry Pre-Wash contains enzymes that are meant to
break down the proteins in foods. This makes it easier for
laundry detergents to remove food and stains from clothing.