Making your own enzymes from fruit or vegetable waste materials is a practice that's trending at the moment (Read more about our report of it here), and there's a multitude of uses for it. From cleaning your kitchen to fertilising the plants. 

If  you are interested to start making your own, here's an easy recipe:  

Ms Ng Wai Sen, 42, a volunteer with various environmental groups, started making her own garbage enzymes this year. Here are some of her tips.

INGREDIENTS

1. Fruit waste, including peels, seeds and flesh. Do not use hard parts such as durian husks and mango seeds.
2. Sugar (white or brown)
3. Water (can be recycled water from washing rice, fruits or vegetables)
4. An airtight plastic container. Store the container in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.

METHOD

1. Make 16 equal folds on a piece of paper. Unfold the paper and put it against the container. Use a marker to mark 16 lines on the container that correspond to the folds. Then add one part sugar, three parts fruit peel or juiced fruit residue and 10 parts water.
2. Give the mixture a good shake and tighten the lid.
3. In the first month, stir every day or every other day to release fermented carbon gas. In the second month, stir once a week and, in the third month, once in two weeks. If your container has a small opening, try to release the gas daily in the first month or tie a plastic bag at the opening with rubber band to allow gas to enter it.
4. The mixture should be ready in three months. Use a sieve or pillow case to filter the residue.

·     HOW TO USE THE ENZYMES 

1. For mopping the floor and general cleaning, Ms Ng pours one mineral bottle capful of the enzyme into 1 to 2 litres of water.
2. For washing fruits and vegetables, she pours one mineral bottle capful of enzymes into one salad bowl.
3. To water plants once a week, she pours one capful to 1 litre of water.
4. To wash dishes, she uses one part garbage enzymes to one part dishwashing liquid.

Concerned about the air quality in your home as well? FInd out about the pollutants and how to enjoy clean air at home here.

 

Article by Lea Wee, originally appeared in The Straits Times.