• Question: What do you think of the use biological enzymes in washing powder?

    Asked by leas to Amit, Emily, Joanne, Martin, Paige on 16 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Amit Pujari

      Amit Pujari answered on 15 Mar 2012:


      Hi leas,

      Not my area of work, so I have no clue, sorry.

    • Photo: Joanne Davies

      Joanne Davies answered on 16 Mar 2012:


      Hello leas. Really good question! Great to see you here. 🙂

      My understanding of biological enzymes in washing powder is they are catalysts that help to get my washing cleaner by using less water and energy and therefore making my laundry process more efficient.

      I would love to hear your views on this as well and perhaps you can teach me a thing or two!

    • Photo: Emily Bullen

      Emily Bullen answered on 16 Mar 2012:


      I’m not quite sure… I generally get the non-enzymatic, but I’ve never done a proper comparison.
      I have a friend who used to make washing powders, maybe I’ll ask her…

    • Photo: Paige Brown

      Paige Brown answered on 18 Mar 2012:


      I just heard of this today!!

      Ecover describes the difference between bio- and non-bio powders: http://www.ecover.com/gb/en/BioNonBio.htm

      My understanding is that using biological enzymes in washing powder makes the powder more environmentally friendly… Enzymes are everywhere in your body – they carry out some of the most important functions in the cells of your body. Detergents are actually very harsh on the skin (I can’t use regular detergents because they cause my skin to develop eczema). Biological enzymes should be friendlier on the environment AND your skin than detergents!

      I need to read more about it, but I think using biological enzymes in washing powder is a good idea!

    • Photo: Martin Wallace

      Martin Wallace answered on 19 Mar 2012:


      I think enzymes in washing powder is good as it means that the clothes are washed more effectively and clothes can be made cleaner using less detergent and water which has to be a good thing.
      However not everyone can use it. We can’t use biological washing powder in my house because my wife is allergic to it. It’s nothing dangerous, but it does mean that clothes can feel quite itchy if they’ve been washed using enzymes.

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