Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and kits for dispensing laundry additive materials into the drum of an automatic washing machine as that machine is used to carry out a fabric laundering operation. To bring about such dispensing of additives, a lidded housing structure is placed within the drum of an automatic washing machine, an insert, containing one or more laundry additives in each compartment, is placed within the lidded housing structure, the lid is closed and the machine is run through the several stages of its laundering cycle. Selectively actuatable puncturing element are provided to optionally open at least one compartment of the insert upon closing of the housing structure lid, thereby dispensing the contents of that opened compartment into the washing machine drum as wash additive materials and/or to open one or more compartments of the insert later in the laundering cycle to dispense contents of those compartments into the washing machine drum as rinse additive materials.

Abstract: A product and process for laundering delicate or dry-clean only garments in a conventional home washing machine. The process represents a home version of the commercial wet-cleaning processes for cleaning of delicate garments. The product may comprise a liquid cleaning composition, a wash pretreatment composition, a wash pretreatment applicator, an apparatus for dispensing a rinse cycle conditioner and a flexible wrap container within which the garments are contained during washing.

Abstract: A method of using an electric stainbrush for cleaning inanimate surfaces is provided. The electric stainbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. First and second bristle holders are associated with the head. The first bristle holder oscillates or rotates. The second bristle holder reciprocates in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the head but does not rotate or oscillate. The motor is operatively connected to the first and second bristle holders.

Abstract: Laundry articles comprise a water-insoluble substrate and a particulate soil absorber comprising a crosslinked polyamide including units having a nucleophilic group. The particulate soil absorber is adhered to the water-insoluble substrate and is effective for inhibiting transfer or redeposition of particulate soil to items in a wash solution. Methods for making such articles comprise adhering a particulate soil absorber comprising a crosslinked polyamide including units having a nucleophilic group to the water-insoluble substrate.

Abstract: A product and process for laundering delicate or dry-clean only garments in a washing machine, such as a conventional home washing machine. The process may utilize a garment container, such as a flexible wrap to protect the garments. The process also includes at least one cleaning composition specially formulated for delicate garments. The cleaning composition(s) can be in a number of suitable forms, and can be introduced into the process in a number of different manners. The products used in the process may be provided in the form of a kit. The kit may also include a pretreatment applicator.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for use with a replaceable unit dose package has at least one cavity sealed by a membrane, wherein the cavity contains additive materials to be dispensed. The dispensing apparatus is configured for use, for example, in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a plurality of cycles. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing director having a dispensing signal generator and a monitor for distinguishing among a plurality of washing machine operating cycles. The dispensing apparatus further includes an actuator in communication with said dispensing director and configured to selectively electromechanically open the membrane in response to a dispensing signal, thereby releasing additive materials from said at least one cavity. Also disclosed is a disposable unit dose package for use in a washing machine and with a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing director and an electromechanical actuator in communication with said dispensing director.

Abstract: A fabric article treating apparatus for dispensing a benefit composition through a nozzle that directs the benefit composition as droplets or particles into the chamber of the fabric article drying appliance. The droplets or particles provide benefits to the fabric articles within the drying appliance. The treating apparatus includes one or more safety features, and/or it includes beneficial control concepts that enhance the effects of the benefit composition being dispensed through the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and kits for the timed dispensing of laundry additive materials into the drum during a cycle of a multiple cycle fabric laundering operation. To bring about such dispensing of additives, a housing structure device having multiple chambers is placed within the drum of an automatic washing machine, a unit dose insert package, containing laundry additives in at least one compartment of the insert, is placed within the housing structure, and the machine is run through the several stages of its laundering cycle. A piercing element is provided to open the compartment of the insert in the laundering cycle to dispense contents of this compartment into the washing machine drum as rinse additive materials. The contents move from the insert to the first chamber of the housing structure device by centrifugal force arising during the first spin cycle of the laundering operation. The centrifugal force also holds the contents within the first chamber until cessation of the spin cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition having from about 0.005% to about 5% by weight, preferably, from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of an antioxidant. The composition is selected from the group consisting of a laundry detergent composition, a fabric softening composition, a dish care composition, a personal cleansing composition, a shampoo composition, a rinsing composition and a conditioner composition.