News & Tips

There are dozens of recipes for homemade cleaners available, some more effective than others. They offer big savings over purchasing commercial products, are much safer for kids and pets, are healthier overall, and are better for the environment. But are they better than the custom formulated enzymes in Earthworm® products?

Enzymes are used in a number of industries such as paper processing, medical device cleaning, laundry, and dishwashing. Within your own body, enzymes perform a number of important functions, including digestion, cell division, blood clotting, immunity, and protein recycling. One enzyme molecule can break down several substrate molecules, so a small amount of enzymes provides significant power to consumer products. Plus, enzymes are specific to certain activities and environments, so combining certain enzymes can create a more efficient combination to break down numerous substances.

The enzymes in Earthworm® products are intentionally selected and custom formulated for a variety of situations and materials. Earthworm® Drain Cleaners are designed to break down hair, soap scum, and food particles. Earthworm® Septic System Treatments are formulated to complement existing enzymes within septic systems. Earthworm® Pet and Carpet Products are perfect for breaking down common stains without damaging carpet fibers. Earthworm® Garbage Disposal Care is specially formulated to attack the clogs and smells associated with kitchen debris.

In addition to offering more powerful, targeted cleaning power, Earthworm® products offer all of the other benefits of homemade cleaners. They are the most environmentally friendly cleaners available, and are safer for everyone in your home. And they really work.

While popular, traditional chemical cleaners are toxic, abrasive, and environmentally destructive. Earthworm® products offer a cleaner, greener solution, but they are also as powerful and effective as chemical cleaners.

The key ingredient in every Earthworm® product is a custom-designed, naturally-occurring enzyme formulation which has been created to specifically break down particular substances. Earthworm® Drain Cleaners are designed to break down hair, soap scum, and food particles. Earthworm® Septic System Treatments are formulated to complement existing enzymes within septic systems. Earthworm® Pet and Carpet Products are perfect for breaking down common stains without damaging carpet fibers.

In addition to superior cleaning power, Earthworm® enzymes offer the following benefits:

• Enzymes are natural, rather than petroleum-based, or worse.
• Enzymes are 100% biodegradable and milder than harsh chemicals.
• Enzymes are extremely safe for humans and pets.
• Enzymes work in all temperatures and on all organic substances.
• Enzymes will not fade colors or reduce the integrity of carpets or fabrics.
• A single enzyme molecule can act on many substrate molecules, so a tiny amount provides exponential cleaning power in a more compact product.
• Enzymes will not harm the environment because they are already part of the environment.

Carpet stains can be frustratingly difficult to remove. Due to a number of different stain substances and carpet materials, there are different remedies that are recommended to remove carpet stains. The most important first step is to always gently blot the stain with a dry, white towel. Never rub the stain as this can lead to saturation within the carpet fibers and make it more difficult to ever remove the stain entirely.

For most stains, a simple mixture of vinegar, dish soap and water is usually suggested. Combine 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle and fill with water. Spray the stain liberally and allow the mixture to soak for 5-10 minutes. Then blot with a clean, dry cloth. For ink and other difficult stains, you can use a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol. And certain types of carpet can sustain a cleaning mixture of 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of bleach. Of course, with any solution, test an area of the carpet to make sure the fibers will not be damaged or discolored.

If the simple measures above prove ineffective, Earthworm® Carpet & Rug Spot, Stain & Odor Remover is a superior product for removing spots, stains and odors with naturally-occurring enzymes that break down organic materials. Before using the product, vacuum the area thoroughly. Then spray the area until damp and allow to stand for 3-5 minutes. Blot the spot or stain with a clean rag, and repeat the application if necessary.

No matter how adorable your pet appears, even the best of them are prone to accidents. Pet stains and odors can be some of the most challenging messes to clean from carpets. Common tips involve moistening, spritzing, blotting, and using water, vinegar or light detergents. But many times you need something more to clean your carpets or upholstery. Stronger commercial products can offer varying degrees of success, but all of them contain chemicals which can damage your carpet, and worse, can harm your pets or your family. Earthworm® Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator is different.

Earthworm® Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator uses naturally-occurring enzymes to break down organic materials. It penetrates upholstery fabric, carpet fibers, bedding and other porous materials to break down pet feces, urine, vomit and saliva. It's unique bioenzymatic process creates a truly clean, odor-free area - so clean, in fact, that it can help modify your pet's marking behavior.

And like all Earthworm® products, Earthworm® Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator is safer for everyone in your family, and safer for the environment. The non-toxic bioenzymatic process works to break down pet waste better than other chemical products, and those enzymes continue to work even after cleanup, ensuring your carpets and floors are as clean as possible.

According to the EPA, over 60 million people in America depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. And while they tend to be utilized in rural and less populated areas, about one-third of all new developments are still designed with septic systems. Septic systems offer clean water and waste removal that is often more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly than giant water treatment facilities.

But like any complex system within your home, your septic system requires regular maintenance to keep working properly. Every 3-5 years, the system and tank should be inspected by a professional. Certain materials biodegrade more slowly and should be kept out of your septic system, including grease, oil, paint, solvents, paper products, coffee grounds, feminine products and diapers.

Septic systems rely on bacteria and enzymes to break down waste. As such, typical cleaning products can actually be detrimental to the ecosystem in your septic tank. Earthworm® Septic System & Cesspool Treatment uses highly-active bacterial cultures and special enzymes to break down organic materials and digest household waste. In addition to cleaning your septic system and keeping it smelling fresh, Earthworm® Septic System & Cesspool Treatment restores the necessary balance of beneficial bacteria and enzymes to help keep your system operating efficiently. It contains ingredients to assist in breaking down difficult household wastes, including fats, oils ,grease, meats, starches, vegetable matter, toilet paper and tissues. Our septic system products are available in liquid, powder, and pre-measured packets.

Odors from bathroom or kitchen drains can be some of the most unpleasant smells in your home. There can be many causes of these odors, but most of them can be prevented with regular maintenance. A smell like rotten eggs can be caused by bacteria growing on debris within your drain. A dank, musty smell is usually mold that had developed within the drain. If your house smells like sewage, that can indicate blockages in your pipes which are keeping the normal preventions from stopping sewer gases from entering your home. And if you have a garbage disposal, the gradual buildup of food particles, oils, fats, or coffee grounds can be the culprit. 

For any of these, the safest and easiest method to treat the odors is with Earthworm® Drain Cleaner. Our product is designed with natural enzymes that completely digest organic material within your pipes. No buildup is too tough for Earthworm® Drain Cleaner, and since it only contains natural ingredients, there's no danger to your family or pets, and no harsh chemical smells. Simply pour 6-8 ounces of Earthworm® Drain Cleaner into the drain and allow the enzymes to do their work. To treat a garbage disposal, use Earthworm® Garbage Disposal Care, which is specially formulated to attack the clogs and smells associated with kitchen debris.

The fresh, citrus scent of Earthworm® Drain Cleaner will immediately improve the smell of your drain, and if used weekly, it will keep your drains flowing freely and smelling clean. If you or someone in your home is sensitive to smells, we also offer Earthworm® Fragrance Free Drain Cleaner, which offers the same cleaning power with no scent.

If Earthworm® Drain Cleaner doesn't clear the odors within a few days, there may be a more serious problem with your plumbing. Please contact a professional to ensure your home not only stays fresh smelling, but also stays safe for your family.

Some of the most frustrating drain clogs are caused by hair. These clogs tend to occur in bathrooms, where you undoubtedly have more drains than in any other area of your home. The combination of hair with soap, shampoo or shaving products creates a thick mass held together almost like glue. Over time, such buildup creates clogs which can be difficult to remove.

If the hair clog is just below the surface of the drain, you can sometimes clear it simply by removing the drain stopper and strainer, and then fishing the clump of hair out of the drain with a stick or tweezers.

If the clog is deeper in the pipes, you'll have to use a longer drain auger or some product to break up the clog. Drain augers can often snake through the pipes to puncture the clog and remove it, but they can be difficult and time-consuming to use. Typical commercial products that you pour down the drain contain caustic, harmful chemicals that can damage your plumbing, poison your water supply, or make the pets and people in your family sick.

For a truly safe and environmentally responsible solution, Earthworm® Drain Cleaner is perfect for removing hair clumps and clogs. The natural enzymes in our product actually digest organic material in the same way they break down materials in your own body. Simply pour 6-8 ounces of Earthworm® Drain Cleaner into the drain over a few consecutive nights and allow the enzymes to do their work. Your drains will soon be free of hair, dirt and other blockages.

If anyone in your household has long hair, your drains would benefit from using Earthworm® Drain Cleaner weekly. Doing so will prevent the buildup of hair in your drains and keep them smelling fresh and clean.

Kitchn reviews Earthworm Drain Cleaner and dubs it the "delightful drain de-clogger."

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A clogged drain is not only annoying; it can also fill your house with an awful smell. Any number of materials can build up in your drains and cause clogs, but the usual suspects are hair, dirt, and soap scum. Over time, these things slowly collect within your pipes until they become a full clog. Here are a few options to clear those clogs and get your drains running smoothly

Homemade Cleaners

While a serious clog will probably need something stronger, there are several solutions that can be made from items which you probably already have in your home. Most drain cleaners made from everyday household products contain two key ingredients: baking soda and vinegar. It's simple chemistry. Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. Combining them causes a reaction that produces carbon dioxide and energy. That energy is the force which can react with clogged matter to loosen the blockage in your drain.

1. Begin by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
2. Pour one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a mixture of one cup vinegar and one cup water.
3. You'll hear a hissing sound once the vinegar contacts the baking soda. Cover the drain and wait 5-10 minutes.
4. Pour another pot of boiling water down the drain.
5. Repeat if necessary.

Commercial Chemical Cleaners

If your drain is truly clogged, you'll probably need something stronger. Most well-known drain cleaners utilize harsh chemicals to create a more extreme reaction and heat to break up the clog. They are typically composed of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hydroxide (lye) an extreme base which can break the chemical bonds that hold clogged materials together. Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is another strong base that quickens the decomposition of soft tissues and organic matter. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is a third base that reacts with the first two. As you can guess, lye, potash and bleach are not substances you want to get anywhere near humans or pets, and are terrible for the environment, your pipes and your water supply. But they are an option that many people choose.

Drain Auger or Snake

Another option is to use a long, flexible tool to physically dislodge the clog. You can purchase these at a hardware store, or contact a professional plumber. There are several variations, but basically you push the snake into the drain and crank it through the pipes to force it into the clog. This will break up some of the clog, allowing it to be flushed with water, and will adhere to the rest of the clog, allowing you to pull it out. This process can be lengthy, expensive, and possibly damage your plumbing, so use caution or contact a professional if in doubt.

Earthworm® Drain Cleaner

Unlike the chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar, or the less environmentally friendly reaction of harsher chemicals, Earthworm® Drain Cleaner uses naturally occurring enzymes to break up organic matter that clogs your drain. The same enzymes that help us digest food and fertilize soil are in our drain cleaner, and they act as a biological catalyst to increase the rate organic material is broken down. Earthworm® Drain Cleaner is environmentally friendly and safer for your drains, pets, kids and family. Simply pour 6-8 ounces of Earthworm® Drain Cleaner into the drain over a few consecutive nights and allow the enzymes to do their work. Your drains will be free of clogs and smelling fresh with less time and less effort.

The average American home has ten drains. And no matter where they are located, they all have one thing in common: they are susceptible to clogs and blockage. Drains rely solely on gravity to carry waste water from your home, and constant usage will eventually lead to build-up of hair, soap, dirt, and other matter which can make any drain slow.

There are several steps you can take to clear a slow drain and improve its efficiency.

1. You can call a plumber. Most people view this as a last resort, and for good reason. Plumbing bills can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars, and sometimes a plumber is not available to address your issue for several days or weeks.
2. You can be your own plumber. Some newer drains provide instructions to disassemble the mechanism in order to find the clog. If the clog is just below the drain, you can sometimes remove the stopper and strainer, and then use a pipe cleaner, stick, or professional tool to dislodge the blockage or remove it. If you can access the trap formed by the pipes under the drain, you can loosen that to perhaps dislodge any matter. Be sure to shut off the water supply to the area, use caution, and follow all instructions for your products.
3. You can try household remedies. There are lots of solutions you can find in DIY books or online that utilize simple, everyday products or easy-to-acquire ingredients. The most popular is baking soda and vinegar. For tiny clogs, these remedies are sometimes effective, but they're often less helpful for more stubborn blockages. You can read more about the differences between homemade solutions and our natural enzymes.
4. You can use popular chemical cleaners. There are dozens of commercial products available in retail outlets. Some are more effective than others. But all of them are made with chemicals that are potentially harmful to your family, your pipes and the environment. You can read more about the advantages of natural enzymes over caustic chemicals.
5. You can use Earthworm® Drain Cleaner. Our products use naturally-occurring enzymes to break down organic materials that cause slow drains. And unlike drain cleaners with harmful, caustic chemicals, Earthworm® Drain Cleaner is safer for use in your drains, will not harm the environment and is safer for your pets, kids and family. Just 6-8 ounces of Earthworm® Drain Cleaner poured into a slow drain over a few consecutive nights will safely and cleanly clear your slow drain almost effortlessly.

Whichever method or methods you choose, please be safe, know when you're beyond your abilities, and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.