Ingredients · 2 min read
Enzymes in Laundry Detergent: Protease and Amylase Explained
Grass, egg, gravy and pasta sauce all stick to fabric in their own way. Enzymes are the specialists that go after each one.
Quick answer: enzymes are proteins that break down specific stains. Protease handles proteins like grass and egg; amylase handles starches like gravy and pasta. They're why Just 9 exists.
What enzymes are
Proteins that speed up specific reactions. Each type breaks one kind of stain into smaller pieces that rinse away. A little goes a long way.
Think of them as tiny scissors with one job each.
The two in Just 9
| Enzyme | Breaks down | Example stains |
|---|---|---|
| Protease | Proteins | Grass, egg, blood, sweat, dairy |
| Amylase | Starches | Gravy, pasta, potato, oatmeal, chocolate |
Other detergents add lipase for fats or cellulase for fabric care. We kept Just 9 to the two that cover the most common stains.
How they're made
Most detergent enzymes are made by fermentation. Microorganisms grow in tanks and produce the enzyme, which is collected and purified.† No animals involved, so they're generally considered vegan.
Do you even need enzymes?
Often, no. Day-worn clothes, towels and sheets mostly carry body oil and light soil. Glucosides and a softener handle that.
Enzymes earn their spot for:
- Kids' clothes with grass, food and mud.
- Workout gear with built-up sweat.
- Kitchen towels with food stains.
- Pet bedding with protein messes.
Just 7 vs Just 9
| Point | Just 7 | Just 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | 7 | 10 |
| Extra softener | No | GLDA |
| Enzymes | None | Protease, amylase |
| Best for | Everyday loads | Stains, heavy soil |
Get the most from enzymes
- Wash cool or warm, not very hot. High heat can stop them working.
- Treat stains early. Fresh is easier.
- Rinse protein stains cold first. Hot water can set them.
- Skip bleach in the same load. It can deactivate enzymes.
FAQ
Are detergent enzymes safe? They're widely used and encapsulated or bound in the product to limit dust.† Follow the label and keep detergent away from kids and pets.
Are enzymes vegan? Fermentation-made ones are generally considered vegan (read it).
Do enzymes harm wool or silk? Protease can affect protein fibers. Use our gentle sheet or Just 7 for those.
Can I use Just 9 every day? Yes. But for mostly light loads, Just 7 does it with fewer ingredients.
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
Pre-order now. Orders ship Jan 11th. 7% of every sale goes to animal sanctuaries and nonprofits.†
Keep reading
What's in Laundry Detergent Sheets? A Plain-English Ingredient Guide
Pillar page: every common ingredient by job, and which ones we skip
Decyl Glucoside in Laundry Detergent: What It Is and Why We Use It
The sugar-based cleaner explained
Lauryl Glucoside vs Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Same Name, Different Cleaner
Clears up the name confusion