What are probiotics? You must have heard or seen the term probiotics many times either through television ads or on internet. Its quite possible that you have used certain probiotic products. When we hear probiotics, the first thing which comes to mind is probably probiotic yoghurt. Apart from this you might know about some food items prepared using probiotics.
The term probiotic can be broken down into “pro” which means “for” and “biotic” meaning related to “life”. This literally means something which is good for life or which enhances the functioning of living organisms. The use of probiotics is not limited to food industry. It is used in many other industries because of wide range of properties bacteria and their enzymes possess. One such use is in making probiotic cleaners.
What is a probiotic cleaner?
Probiotic cleaners are one group of products that use probiotic bacteria in them for enhancing its cleaning and disinfecting action. These cleaners are made with fermented bacteria which creates enzymes and compounds called bio-detergents. They are often added in conjunction with plant-based extracts that creates a supercharged cleaning solution that helps in removal of muck and mud.
You must be curious to know the various applications of a probiotic cleaner. It can be used in almost every area where the traditional cleaning products are used. There are many advantages of shifting from traditional chemical cleaners to probiotic cleaners. Some of these advantages are that it does not cause any harmful side effects to the users and it is biodegradable & eco-friendly. You might have to pay more for a probiotic cleaner, but it outweighs the disadvantages of using chemical products. Some of the commonly used probiotic cleaners are:
Probiotic Toilet cleaners
Probiotic toilet cleaners are typically made using strains of lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bacillus, or yeast cultures like Saccharomyces. More specifically they include Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis. These microbes are selected for their ability to degrade organic waste, neutralize odours in the toilet bowl and prevent build-up of harmful bacteria. It is to be kept in mind that they might not be very effective for removing heavy build-up or tough stains.
Probiotic Floor/Surface Cleaners
Probiotic floor cleaners are cleaning products that contain live bacteria and yeast cultures that help to naturally clean and maintain floor surfaces. These cleaners work by consuming organic matter and breaking it down into simpler compounds, reducing odours and improving the overall cleanliness of the floor. Probiotic cleaners are eco-friendly and safe alternatives to traditional chemical cleaners, and they can be used on a variety of floor surfaces, including tile, hardwood, and carpet.
Some examples of bacteria used in probiotic floor cleaners are Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus coagulants and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Probiotic Room fresheners
Probiotic room fresheners contain live microorganisms that help to purify the air by breaking down pollutants and odors. These fresheners work by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the air, which compete with harmful bacteria and reduce their presence. They are considered a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical air fresheners and can help to improve indoor air quality.
Some examples of bacteria used in probiotic room fresheners are Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulants, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Probiotic Dishwashing Liquid/Gel
Probiotic dishwashing liquid is a type of dish soap that contains live bacteria cultures. The idea is that these bacteria help to clean dishes by consuming grease and food particles, in addition to traditional soap cleaning agents. The benefits of using probiotics in dishwashing include reduced environmental impact and improved cleaning performance.
Commonly used bacteria in probiotic dish cleaners are Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Streptococcus thermophilus and Pseudomonas flourescens.
Probiotic Drain cleaners
Probiotic drain cleaners are a type of eco-friendly and natural cleaning solution for drains. They contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that help break down organic matter, such as food and grease, in pipes, to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors. Unlike traditional chemical cleaners, probiotic cleaners do not harm the environment or plumbing systems.
The commonly used bacteria for probiotic drain cleaners are Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus clasuii, Bacillus pumilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum.
Probiotic handwash liquid
A probiotic handwash liquid is a type of hand sanitizer that contains live microorganisms, similar to those found in probiotic supplements. These microorganisms are said to help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin, which can help improve skin health and hygiene. Some research suggests that using probiotic handwash liquids can be more effective in preventing the spread of germs and skin irritation than traditional hand sanitizers.
Some common bacteria which are used in probiotic hand wash liquids are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, Streptococcus Thermophilus and Leuconostoc.
Probiotic Laundry detergents
Probiotic laundry detergents contain living microorganisms that aim to remove dirt and odour from clothes while also promoting a healthy and balanced ecosystem within the washing machine. These detergents work by breaking down dirt and grime, neutralizing odours, and leaving behind helpful bacteria to maintain a clean washing machine. Probiotic laundry detergents are marketed as being eco-friendly, effective, and safe for sensitive skin.
Most commonly used bacteria in probiotic laundry detergents are Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, Streptococcus thermophilus and Micrococcus luteus.
How does probiotic cleaners work?
Probiotic cleaners work by introducing live bacteria and enzymes that consumes organic matter and eliminate odour. The process of cleaning with probiotics creates a balanced microflora that helps in suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria. But how does it actually achieve this cleaning action?
What is the working principle of probiotic cleaners?
To understand this better, let us look at some basics on how bacteria and enzymes work together in tandem. Bacteria are primarily microorganisms that are present in most of earth’s habitat, including soil, water, dust particles and even in our gut. Whereas, enzymes are not alive and are produced by live bacteria which facilitate them to do their job. Enzymes act as catalyst and accelerate the process by breaking down the complex chains of waste particles like organic waste, urine, grease, stain etc. which in turn is consumed by the bacteria more easily and efficiently. These smaller particles act as food for bacteria which is digested and broken down into two basic compounds namely Carbon dioxide and Water.
The step by step breakdown of enzymatic cleaning process is as:
Bacteria releases enzymes
The waste molecules fit with specific enzymes by a lock and key mechanism
Bacteria consumes the waste molecules which also helps in breaking down
Enzymes also aids in breaking down the waste molecules
The broken down molecules are further digested to release Carbon Dioxide and Water