# Enzymatic detergent — Laundry Care Symbol | Launderwise

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Process & technique

# Enzymatic detergent

A laundry detergent containing biological enzymes that break down specific stain types — proteins, starches, fats and cellulose — at low temperatures.

## What it means

Enzymes are catalysts that cut large stain molecules into smaller, water-soluble pieces. Common ones include protease for protein stains (blood, grass, egg), amylase for starches, lipase for fats and cellulase for general brightening. They work best in cool to warm water because very high heat denatures them.

## What to do

Use an enzymatic (biological) detergent for everyday body soil and food stains at 30–40 °C. Note that enzymes can irritate very sensitive skin, so choose a non-bio or fragrance-free formula for babies or reactive skin.

## How to use this term

Use this process term when a guide tells you to pretreat, soak, brighten, rinse or adapt a stain method.

- Read enzymatic detergent with the other symbols on the same care label; the strictest symbol wins.
- Match the instruction to the garment's most fragile part, including trims, lining, prints and finishes.
- If the label, fabric behaviour and stain method disagree, test a hidden area or choose the lower-risk route.

### Common mistake

Do not escalate a process before checking the care label and testing a hidden area first.

For the broader method, use the [Stain-removal guides ](/stain-removal/index.md)and then return to this term when the label changes the safe option.

## Related terms

- [Machine wash, cold](/glossary/machine-wash-cold/index.md)
- [Oxygen bleach](/glossary/oxygen-bleach/index.md)
- [Pre-treat (pre-treating a stain)](/glossary/pretreat/index.md)

## Sources

- [How enzymes are used in laundry detergents ](https://www.rsc.org/cpd/teachers/content/filerepository/frg/pdf/enzymes.pdf)— Royal Society of Chemistry

[ Back to the full glossary](/glossary/index.md)