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If you magnify or look very closely to the shape of the threads that make up the cloth, they are organized like a series of tiny squares. Stains, such as protein stains, get stuck in these tiny squares.

Protein is a large insoluble molecule. An enzyme, such as protease, in the washing powder breaks down this protein into smaller more soluble molecules.

The new molecule is soluble, thus when the water in the washing machine rises, or you rinse the piece of cloth, the water dissolves this molecule and carries it away from the cloth. This leaves the square spaces between the threads clean and empty of stains.

This means that washing powders with enzymes can efficiently remove protein stains such as blood.

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Q: How do enzymes in washing powders remove protein stains from clothes?
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Why do some washing powders contain enzymes?

because to improve the quailty in your clothes and decrase the surface tension.


Why are enzymes used in washing powders?

Because normal washing powder cannot break down some stains. For example, an oil stain on a shirt would not go away in the wash. However, an enzyme called lipase could be added to the washing powder (lipase breaks fat down) and this would break the oil stain down to solube products which would then wash away. A protein stain would require the use of the enzyme protease which breaks it down to amino acids (a soluble product). etc. Using a biological washing powder is also more eco-friendly because it is bio-degradable and because the wash would be at a lower temperature (about 37C) so as not to denature the enzymes (their 3D shape would change and they would no longer be able to work). This saves energy. However babies' clothes should be washed in non-bio washing powder so that the wash can be at a higher temperature and therefore kill bacteria. Hope this helps, I'm currently revising for my Biology GCSE. X


How do washing powder enzymes help to clean clothes?

We are given to understand (from the marketing hype) that they break down organic molecules (that may be causing the stains and smells on the washing) into smaller, soluble components.


What is washing powder used in?

Protease enzymes


How do you get the smell of diesel from clothes?

Washing clothes in white vinegar and laudry detergent in the washing machine can remove odors from your clothes. Put the vinegar in as you would if you were adding bleach. Good luck with it.

Related questions

Why do some washing powders contain enzymes?

because to improve the quailty in your clothes and decrase the surface tension.


Uses of enzymes in biological washing products?

Certain foods or substances stain clothes very badly. Blood, egg and milk all contain lots of protein. Enzymes are added to modern biological washing powders because they digest these proteins in the substances, removing the stains. They produce less pollution compared to detergents.


What is the use of enzymes in biological washing products?

Certain foods or substances stain clothes very badly. Blood, egg and milk all contain lots of protein. Enzymes are added to modern biological washing powders because they digest these proteins in the substances, removing the stains. They produce less pollution compared to detergents.


Why do washing powders have enzymes with a low temperature?

-7 to 37


what types of washing powders contain enzymes?

non-bio


How do biological detergents work?

Biological washing powders contain protease and lipase to remove protein stains and fat/grease from clothes. The enzymes break down proteins or fats on the fabric, forming water-soluble substances that can be washed away.


What does enzyme do to biological washing powder?

Certain foods or substances stain clothes very badly. Blood, egg and milk all contain lots of protein. Enzymes are added to modern biological washing powders because they digest these proteins in the substances, removing the stains. They produce less pollution compared to detergents.


What is enzymes important role in biological chemistry?

Certain foods or substances stain clothes very badly. Blood, egg and milk all contain lots of protein. Enzymes are added to modern biological washing powders because they digest these proteins in the substances, removing the stains. They produce less pollution compared to detergents.


What are some of the examples of enzymes?

Washing powders braking down the fat stains (proteins) off of clothes. Meat tenderizers breaking down proteins, making meat easier to chew.


Are enzymes helpful?

Yes, Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. When you catalyze something, you either decrease or increase the rate of it. Some enzymes are used commercially, for example, in the synthesis of antibiotics. In addition, some household products use enzymes to speed up the chemical reactions. Enzymes in washing powders break down protein or fat stains on clothes; enzymes in meat tenderizers break down proteins into smaller molecules, making the meat easier to chew.


Describe how enzymes used in biological washing powders are produced?

Well... BASICALLY... they aren't even in washing powder, washing powder consists of tiny women, with really small sponges, who clean, and then cover your clothes in not very nice smelling odurs. I hope this helped. Love 11YD1 Science.


What is the role of enzymes in biological washing?

Certain foods or substances stain clothes very badly. Blood, egg and milk all contain lots of protein. Enzymes are added to modern biological washing powders because they digest these proteins in the substances, removing the stains. They produce less pollution compared to detergents.