Ludhiana: As concerns grow over the health risks and environmental toll of chemical cleaning agents, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is turning everyday fruit waste into a powerful, eco-friendly solution. The university is promoting bioenzymes — organic cleaners made through the anaerobic fermentation of citrus peels — as a sustainable and safe alternative for households and institutions alike.“These bioenzymes are a game-changer,” said Dr Urmila Gupta, Head of PAU’s Department of Microbiology. “We mix one part jaggery, three parts citrus peels — such as lemon, orange, or kinnow — and ten parts water. Stored in reused plastic bottles for three months, the mixture ferments without oxygen and produces a potent natural cleaner.”The resulting liquid, rich in natural acids and enzymes, can be used to clean floors, toilets, basins, chimneys, and even unclog drains. It also doubles as an insect repellent — reducing housefly infestations by up to 70% with just two caps added to mop water, according to trials.Unlike synthetic cleaners laden with ammonia, chlorine, and artificial fragrances, PAU’s bioenzyme products are non-toxic, child-safe, pet-safe, and biodegradable. Dr Gupta noted that chemical cleaners can disrupt beneficial microbial life in drains and contaminate water bodies. “These organic cleaners do the opposite — they support rather than suppress natural cleaning ecosystems,” she said.The benefits go beyond hygiene. The process diverts household citrus waste and reuses old plastic bottles, offering a zero-cost, zero-waste solution. In a pilot project, PAU even used bioenzymes to clean village ponds, showing promise for broader sanitation applications.During a recent hands-on workshop at PAU, participants including students and homemakers learned to prepare the cleaners at home. Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director of Publications, highlighted the commercial potential: “In bulk, these eco-cleaners can be supplied to schools, hospitals and offices. It’s a sustainable business model with real income potential.”As environmental consciousness rises and plastic waste piles up, PAU’s innovation offers a model of circular economy in action — turning kitchen scraps into cleaning gold.
