Microbes in household products
There are various microbes present in our daily household products.Here we are going to discuss some examples.Several microbes are used in the production of household products, especially in food, beverages, and cleaning agents. Here are some key examples:
1. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB):
Function: These bacteria ferment sugars into lactic acid, which helps preserve food and gives it a
Products: Yogurt, Cheese, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles.
Microbes: Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Leuconostoc.
2.Streptococcus faecalis :It helps in fermentation.
2. Yeast:
- Products: Bread, Beer, Wine.
- Microbes: Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Function: Yeast ferments sugars, producing carbon dioxide that makes bread rise and alcohol in beer and wine production.
3. Acetic Acid Bacteria:
- Products: Vinegar.
- Microbes: Acetobacter species.
- Function: These bacteria oxidize ethanol (alcohol) into acetic acid, which is the key component of vinegar.
4. Molds:
- Products: Soy Sauce, Tempeh, Miso, Cheese (e.g., Blue Cheese, Brie).
- Microbes: Aspergillus oryzae, Penicillium species.
- Function: Molds are used in fermentation processes for flavor development, particularly in Asian fermented foods and certain cheeses.
5. Bacillus Species:
- Products: Natto (fermented soybeans), Probiotic Cleaning Products.
- Microbes: Bacillus subtilis.
- Function: In natto, Bacillus ferments soybeans, producing a sticky texture and distinct flavor. Some Bacillus species are used in eco-friendly cleaning products for breaking down organic matter.
6. Probiotics:
- Products: Yogurt, Kefir, Probiotic Supplements.
- Microbes: Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus.
- Function: These beneficial bacteria are added to foods for their health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.
7. Enzymes from Microbes:
- Products: Laundry Detergents, Dishwashing Liquids.
- Microbes: Aspergillus niger, Bacillus licheniformis.
- Function: Microbial enzymes (proteases, lipases, amylases) help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making cleaning agents more effective.
8. SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast):
- Products: Kombucha (fermented tea).
- Microbes: Various bacteria and yeast species like Gluconacetobacter and Zygosaccharomyces.
- Function: This symbiotic culture ferments sweet tea into kombucha, producing a slightly sour, carbonated beverage.
Sustainable cleaning: How microbial cleaners leverage beneficial bacteria
We share the world with microbes. Rather than remove these beneficial bacteria through over-sanitization, we can join forces with them to keep our environments healthy, safe and clean.
Partnering with microbes in your cleaning products
Cleansers with spores of non-pathogenic probiotics. Enzymatic and microbial biosolutions. You want to do what with my cleaners?
For today’s conscientious consumers, these scientific terms break down to this: wiping out harmful bacteria with beneficial bacteria using your everyday, common household cleaning products. What are microbial cleaners and are they effective in deep cleaning our surfaces?
Our cabinets and cleaning closets are filled with disinfectants meant to clean homes and businesses. However, some of the chemicals in these formulas may be more volatile than we realize. This is where microbes swoop in to save the day.
But how do microbes, sometimes called probiotics, work in cleaning products? Aren’t they better suited for yogurts that combat bloating than on our home and industrial surfaces? Actually, the answer is they fit into both! Let’s talk about how allying with microbes is the next step toward more sustainable cleaning.
