Enzymatické praní dokončení

The terms "Enzyme wash" and "Enzyme wash finish" both express the same concept - it is a laundry process that uses enzymes to soften the fabric and achieve desired properties as specified by the customer or manufacturer.

Why is "Enzyme wash" mainly used today?

The utilization of enzymes during washing offers several advantages for both sides - for instance, it can create the familiar impression of worn or vintage fabric on jeans. The use of enzymes also has other environmental and economic reasons.

Enzymes can be applied in two ways during washing – directly on the fiber or later on the fabric. Nowadays, they are also often used to slightly 'age' the fabric and fiber. Enzymes do not affect the thickness of the fiber, only the external impression and appearance.

What are enzymes?

From a purely biological perspective, enzymes are proteins produced by living organisms. Modern science shows that some of them can be replicated in the laboratory with desired functions, and thus utilized as needed.

Environmentally conscious individuals will be pleased to know that enzyme washing is much more eco-friendly than traditional washing. And why is that? Firstly, they are biological in nature, so recycling and disposal in the environment is not an issue (unlike detergents and chemicals which accumulate in water). Secondly, they are powerful reagents, so significantly less is required compared to washing powder. Lastly, they can often be used in cold water! Moreover, enzymes surprisingly ensure that the fabric is softer and more flexible than when manufactured in the traditional way.

There are certain types of natural fabrics that are not recommended for washing (or labeled as "Cold wash only!"), and even if a garment can withstand washing, enzymes can still be an option.

What enzymes are available on the market today and which enzymes are used in modern laundry?

Nature is very complex, and the same goes for enzymes. When examined closely and categorized, we find that enzymes today are available in many types: specifically, there are enzymes for removing stains of certain sub-types of specific biological materials (and fluids like wine, blood, etc.).

If we observe enzyme washing through an electron microscope, it becomes clear that enzyme washing removes the dirt from fabric in such a way that the enzyme breaks a large biological macromolecule into smaller pieces, making it easier to clean.