Enzymes are natural proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions. In laundry detergents, enzymes play a vital role in breaking down specific types of stains that may be difficult to remove with regular surfactants alone. The most commonly used enzymes in laundry detergents include proteases (for protein-based stains), amylases (for starch-based stains), lipases (for lipid-based stains), and cellulases (for cellulose-based stains). Some laundry detergents are specifically formulated with antibacterial properties to target and eliminate harmful bacteria. For heavily soiled or contaminated items, pre-soaking them in a solution containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide can help break down stubborn stains and kill germs. Use of Oxygen Bleach

Anyone with sensitive skin can relax after washing their clothes with this detergent, accredited by both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation. But the detergent is still as powerful and potent and contains more hazardous chemicals. Responding to the threat of antimicrobial resistance – Australia’s first national antimicrobial resistance strategy 2015–2019 (pdf), 2015, Department of Health and Department of Agriculture, Australian Government. More information here External Link . Surfactants are the key components in laundry detergents that help remove dirt and bacteria from fabrics. They have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (oil-loving) properties, which enable them to surround and lift away the dirt particles along with any attached germs or bacteria. These surfactants lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the fabric fibers. How Surfactants Work: The most important consideration to make is which ingredients you need and which you'd rather do without. Many sanitizers use chemicals like bleach and chlorine, as well as scents that can be hard on sensitive skin. If you are prone to skin irritation—or you simply want a more natural product—look for a sanitizer that is fragrance-free and forgoes the bleach. Although most sanitizers are designed to be used alongside detergent, some are formulated with detergent, making laundry time an easy, one-and-done situation, product-wise. Even easier than liquid sanitizers are pod detergents, which you don't even have to measure.When you use antibacterial or antimicrobial cleaning products, good bacteria are also killed. This could be harmful if the ratio of good to bad bacteria is disturbed, and bad bacteria get the upper hand. Say goodbye to antibacterial soaps: Why the FDA is banning a household item, 2017, Science in the News, The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, USA. More information here External Link . Triclosan: Although controversial due to potential environmental concerns, triclosan has been used as an antibacterial agent in laundry detergents. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce odor. If that’s the scenario that you are in then you must reach at Arm and Hammer OxiClean with Odor Blasters. The safety of Butylphenyl Methylpropional has been evaluated by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials Expert Panel (REXPAN). Based on this evaluation, an International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Standard has been established. The IFRA Standard restricts the use of Butylphenyl Methylpropional in fragrances because of potential sensitization. 3

Surface Contamination: Visible stains or heavy soiling can interfere with the germ-killing ability of laundry detergents. Pretreating or removing stains before washing can improve disinfection. P.S. “The impacts of nonylphenol in the environment include feminization of aquatic organisms, decrease in male fertility and the survival of juveniles at concentrations as low as 8.2 microg/l. Due to the harmful effects of the degradation products of nonylphenol ethoxylates in the environment, the use and production of such compounds have been banned in EU countries and strictly monitored in many other countries such as Canada and Japan”. 1 Effectiveness of Low-Temperature Domestic Laundry on the Decontamination of Healthcare Workers’ Uniforms, N. Lakdawala, MSc; J. Pham, MRes; M. Shah, MSc; J. Holton, PhD, FRCPath Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Vol. 32, No. 11 (November 2011), pp. 1103-1108 ↩There is evidence that the use of antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning products – combined with the over-prescription of antibiotics – may produce strains of bacteria that are resistant to disinfectants and antibiotics. There are several issues involved: The great thing about making your own soap is that you can make it with your choice of ingredients and the fragrance of your choice. The adjustment isn’t hard but takes some practice. Making soap can be very easy. I’ll probably post another article about it. (this is where you can adjust the aroma) Washing with an effective detergent like Persil Bio is also important to make sure your clothes are properly clean.