The present invention pertains to the field of amylases, particularly alpha-amylases, and compositions comprising such amylases. Also described are means and methods for producing such amylases, and uses of amylases and amylase-comprising compositions, for example for cleaning starch-containing stains, textile desizing, starch liquefaction and saccharification, baking and brewing. The invention also discloses means for increasing amylase purity during fermentation, formulation and storage of amylase or amylase- containing formulations.