While every pet owner and homeowner would love to get the maximum use from these excellent cleaning agents, the performance of each of these products does rely on some key variables. Before you go for your usual spray, it helps to know what makes an enzyme spray cleaner truly shine.
Last weekend’s big clean-up: did the stain lift right away, or was there second-round action? Has the odour completely disappeared, or has it overstayed its welcome? These little “differences” are primarily due to the handling of the cleaner’s environment surrounding it.
Pertaining to this, let’s discuss important factors determining both the performance of an enzyme spray cleaner and how to achieve the best results on any given day.
1. Type of Organic Material
Enzyme spray cleaners work best against organic stains, such as urine, faeces, vomit, food spills, and sweat. But not all stains are alike.
Some stains contain proteins or fats that are more complex and require longer to degrade. If you have ever cleaned up after pet accidents, you would know that some stains simply require more time. This means that the more organic the stain, the more efficient your enzyme spray cleaner will be.
2. Contact Time Matters
Just one quick question: do you spray and wipe, or do you spray and allow to sit for a while? Most people do it in a hurry; enzymes require some time to react. The longer it stays, the more things are broken down at the source by the enzymes.
Allowing the cleaner to sit for 10 or 15 minutes – longer in thick fabrics – will make a huge difference in breaking down really tough odours, particularly those of a pet origin.
3. Temperature and Environment
Enzymes are susceptible to a certain extent to temperature changes. They seem to work better in warm conditions, cooler when temperatures turn hot, and warmer when conditions are cold. Thus, an enzyme spray cleaner may take a wee bit longer to start to work in winter or in an air-conditioned atmosphere. Dry environments are just as they can cause excessive evaporation of the solution. A slightly moist surface helps to keep the enzymes active for a longer period of time.
4. Surface Type
Stains absorb differently depending on the type of surface. Carpets and fabrics hold mess deep inside the fibres, meaning an enzyme spray cleaner will need more product and time. Stains are fairly easy for the enzymes to reach on hard surfaces like tiles or laminate, therefore improving speed. When cleaning soft materials such as cushions or mattresses, the gentle pressure application of cleaner into the fibres would improve the result.
5. Amount of Product Used
Inadequate product usage limits productivity. Enzymes, particularly when it comes to stains that have soaked in, must be well covered before they can act effectively. If the mess penetrates deep layers, it helps to apply multiple rounds so that the enzymes can penetrate and reach every part of the stain.
Conclusion
Enzyme spray cleaners are powerful yet environmentally friendly tools, provided that the conditions for their use are right. The maximised performance of the enzyme cleaner spray can be achieved by contact time, temperature, and surface type. The next time you’re cleaning at your home or after your furry friends, you will know just how to give your enzyme spray cleaner a hand in performing its best.