Enzyme Selection and Formulation for Natural Laundry Detergent
Asked by: Anonymous
On: August 28, 2025
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I am looking for recommendations on natural, biodegradable enzymes for laundry detergent, with a focus on cost-effectiveness. Could you please advise on the following aspects, and also provide a basic formulation?
- Form: Should I choose powder or liquid enzymes?
- Type: For general use, which is better: single-type enzymes or a mixed enzyme blend?
- Stability: Should I opt for normal enzymes or stabilized ones?
Please suggest specific enzyme types that are suitable and affordable, and provide a basic formulation for a natural, biodegradable laundry detergent using these enzymes.
Answer
For selecting natural biodegradable enzymes for laundry detergent at an affordable price, we recommend the following:
Enzyme Selection for Laundry Detergent
- Form (Powder/Liquid): We recommend stabilized liquid enzymes. They are easy to use, blend well into liquid detergent formulas, and offer higher stability, ensuring the enzyme remains effective throughout the product's shelf life.
- Type (Single/Mixed):
- Mixed Type: For general-purpose laundry detergents requiring broad stain removal efficiency, we recommend Stabilized Mixed Enzyme (for laundry, Liquid). This is a blend of various enzymes including Protease, Amylase, Pectate Lyase, Lipase, Mannanase, and Cellulase, which helps remove protein, starch, and fat stains, and brightens white fabrics.
- Single Type: If you need to target specific types of stains, you can opt for individual enzymes:
- Stabilized Protease Enzyme (remove protein stains, liquid) for protein stains like milk, blood, or fecal matter.
- Stabilized Lipase Enzyme (Remove Fat Stains, Liquid) for grease and oil stains.
- Stabilized Cellulase Enzyme (Soften Fabric, Liquid) to help soften fabrics and remove deeply embedded stains.
- Stability (Normal/Stabilized): Always choose stabilized enzymes to ensure they maintain their efficacy in the detergent formula and have a longer shelf life. These enzymes are not resistant to high heat, so they should be added in the final step of production if the formula involves heating.
Basic Enzyme Laundry Detergent Formula (Cost-Effective)
Here is a basic formula you can adapt, focusing on Stabilized Mixed Enzyme (for laundry, Liquid) for comprehensive cleaning performance:
- Water: 70-80%
- Surfactant (e.g., SLES, LAS): 10-15% (Choose naturally biodegradable types)
- Thickener (e.g., Salt, Carbomer): 1-3% (Adjust as needed for desired viscosity)
- Preservative: 0.1-0.5%
- Stabilized Mixed Enzyme (for laundry, Liquid): 0.6-3.5% (Start with 1-2% and adjust based on desired performance)
- pH Adjuster (e.g., Citric Acid, NaOH): Adjust pH to the optimal range for enzyme activity (typically around 7-9)
- Fragrance: 0.1-0.5% (As desired)
Mixing Method:
- Combine water and surfactant until well mixed.
- Add the thickener and stir until the desired viscosity is achieved.
- Add the preservative and pH adjuster.
- In the final step, add the Stabilized Mixed Enzyme (for laundry, Liquid) and stir gently to combine (avoid high heat).
- Add fragrance and mix well.
Precautions:
- Enzymes are not resistant to high heat. They should be added in the final step, and heating should be avoided after enzyme addition.
- Always test the compatibility of the enzyme with other ingredients in your specific formula.
