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DYE-FREE CLEANING
FEATURED
YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
ExPLORE
SUPPORT
DYE-FREE CLEANING
Protease is a naturally occurring enzyme typically produced by plants or fungi through fermentation. Used in cleaning products and laundry detergents, it has one main job: to break down stubborn protein-based stains like blood, grass, spit-up or vomit, and food. These stains all contain proteins that cling tightly to fabric fibers, but by specifically targeting them, protease helps loosen and remove the stains more effectively and efficiently.
Protease isn't just useful in cleaning products—it also plays an important role in our bodies. There are hundreds of proteases that your body naturally produces and needs to help digest proteins from the foods you eat. Various proteases are also found in certain foods like pineapple, used in food production, and taken in supplement form, making them one of the most well-studied and widely-used enzymes in consumer products.
When you use an enzyme-based stain remover or detergent, the protease latches onto the proteins in the stain and breaks them into smaller, water-soluble bits. Once the proteins are broken apart, they have a looser hold on the fabric, and the rest of the cleaning ingredients can do their part in rinsing them away while in the washer.
Protease is generally considered safe for use in household cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing products and gentle on most washable fabrics when used as directed.
The FDA classifies protease as Generally Recognized as Safe, meaning it has been reviewed and affirmed as safe when used in food at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices. While this applies to food rather than cleaning products, it shows that proteases have long been safely used in everyday life.
That said, not all products labeled “enzyme cleaner” or “enzyme-based cleaner” are created equal or safe for humans and the environment. The overall health and environmental impact of a product depends on its entire ingredient list. Using resources like the EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning database can help in evaluating protease or enzyme-based cleaning products you’re considering.
Protease is a key ingredient in Truly Free Home’s Enzyme Stain Remover and Laundry Stain Spray. It locks in on blood, grass, spit-up or vomit, and food stains, helping lift them from fabric without relying on harmful chemicals. Working alongside other enzymes like amylase (which breaks down starches and sugars) and lipase (which targets fats and oils), they power through the toughest everyday messes together for a more effective clean, while being fabric-friendly and safe for sensitive skin, babies, and pets.
Whether you use a scoop of the Enzyme Stain Remover paired with Laundry Wash or a few spritzes of the Laundry Stain Spray as a pre-treatment, protease teams up with other enzymes in a plant-based formula to take on and eliminate all types of stains.
Protease is commonly used in laundry detergents and stain removers to help lift protein-based stains like blood, grass, spit-up or vomit, and food by breaking up the proteins that cause them to stick to fabric and other surfaces.
Protease targets the proteins in a stain and breaks them down into smaller, water-soluble pieces, making it easier for the stain to rinse away in the wash.
Protease found in household cleaning products generally poses little risk to people, pets, and the environment when used as directed. As a naturally-derived enzyme, it’s an effective, yet gentle ingredient in many cleaning and laundry goods, but the overall safety and environmental impact of a product depend on its complete ingredient list. As a general good practice, review the full ingredient list and consider using trusted resources, such as the EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning database, to make an informed decision before purchasing.
