Enzymes are powerhouse cleaners that always take one for the team by eradicating challenging urine stains, conquering unwanted odours, and making your life as a pet parent easier.
What would we do without them?
Just between us, though: Did you know there are ways to boost their stain- and odour-fighting abilities? 🤫
Get ready to optimise your enzymatic cleaner's performance with our insider tips on what to do—and what to avoid—for spotless results every time.
Enzymatic cleaning: Dos and don'ts that make all the difference
These are the golden rules to play by.
✔️ Always clean up the initial mess
Enzymes are tiny molecules that take on giant messes. But they still need our help for a faster, more thorough job. So, apply the enzyme cleaner directly to the affected areas—or as close to them as possible. That means removing the original offender (pet waste, toddler toileting accidents, baby spit up) before deploying your army of enzymatic solutions.
Tip: Use a vacuum, broom, brush, or rake to agitate, then remove dirt and debris from surfaces. Absorb spills or wet messes with microfiber cloths.
❌ No hot water, please
Enzymes must keep a specific shape to bind to their targets (soils, stains) and kickstart the intended chemical reaction. However, since enzymes comprise proteins, high temperatures can denature them. For us regular folks: Heat damages the ties that bind, causing enzymes to lose their 3D form—and effectiveness. Unless otherwise stated, regular cold tap water works best when diluting our enzyme stain & odour remover super concentrates!
❌ Don't use enzymes with other chemicals
As a general rule, enzymes are incompatible with products of a different chemical makeup.
First, regular multipurpose cleaners "cancel out" the beneficial bacteria in enzymatic cleaners, reducing their cleaning power.
Second, denaturation can also be caused by exposure to acidic or alkaline cleaners—including the DIY pastes and sprays we love to concoct!
The change in pH level has a trickle-down effect: It alters enzyme structure and destroys the so-called "lock and key" mechanism needed to function.
Tip: Get better results by rinsing all traces of other household cleaners.
✔️ Store products where it's cool, shaded, and dry
While sunlight can deodorise and disinfect, did you know that UV radiation also overpowers the active ingredients in your trusted cleaning products? It does so by altering the cellular structure of microorganisms like enzymes.
Just as grandma reminds us to wear sunscreen for protection, keep enzymatic cleaning products in a cool, dry place away from prolonged and direct sunlight.
✔️ Keep bottles tightly sealed (when not in use)
Here's a little-known fact: Oxygen can affect the function of enzymes through a chemical process called oxidation—a movement or loss of electrons. You see this in action when fruits and vegetables turn brown after cutting. Or when metals rust.
In enzymatic cleaners, oxidation can disrupt the activity of specific enzyme functional groups. In short, always keep containers closed when not in use. This preserves product integrity for optimum cleaning every time!
✔️ Get measurements right
If you purchased a concentrated product, try not to over- or under-dilute your solution. (We're all tempted to do that sometimes! 😜) For the best results, follow manufacturer dilution instructions. For example, for our Urine Stain & Odour Remover, mix 950ml water with 50ml concentrate.
Tip: Our Spray Trigger Bottle and Pump Spray Bottle make life easier in so many ways. They're great if you have sore hands or large areas to clean. Plus, they have measurements embossed on the side for accurate, hassle-free dilution. (Water before the concentrate to avoid over-foaming. Then, gently turn the bottle upside down and then back upright. Now you're good to go!)
✔️ Check the expiry date
Over time, a product's active ingredients degrade. That means once a product has expired or reached its "use by" or "best before" date, it's not as potent anymore; you won’t get its full or intended effects.
But we have awesome news!
While many competing brands have a limited shelf life of 1–2 years, PetLab’s enzyme technology stretches your hard-earned dollar with a natural product that lasts anywhere from up to 5 years, provided you follow all storage and handling instructions.
✔️ Be patient
Some brands promise instant results. However, the truth is enzymes need time to work. Especially when tackling old, large, deep-set, persistent stains and odours like heavily soiled artificial turf. To maximise enzyme cleaning power, follow product instructions, keep the area moist for as long as possible, and take steps to avoid premature evaporation.
When it comes to cleaning with enzymes, it's a team effort. And, with these dos and don'ts, you'll always be on the same page!
