Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric treatment compositions comprising at least one or more cationic silicone polymers, comprising one or more polysiloxane units and one or more quaternary nitrogen moieties, and an nitrogen-free silicone polymer wherein the ratio by weight of the cationic silicone polymer to the nitrogen-free silicone polymer is from 10:1 to 0.01:1, preferably from 5:1 to 0.05:1, and more preferably from 1:1 to 0.1:1. A process for preparing such compositions, a method of treating substrates and the use of such compositions are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions and methods which utilize certain modified cellulose ethers as fabric treatment agents that can impart fabric appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles laundered in washing solutions which contain such agents. Such modified cellulose ether fabric treatment agents are those having selected types and amounts of anhydroglucose ring substituents in order to render them nonionic, cationic or anionic in nature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to free-flowable compositions in a pouch which contain different free-flowable components fixed in different regions and to process for making these pouched compositions. The pouch and the compartment (s) thereof are preferably made from stretchable, elastic film which is water-soluble. The compositions are preferably cleaning compositions or fabric care compositions.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a non-finished textile component is provided. The method comprises the steps of treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous bleaching solution of hydrogen and a hydrophobic bleach activator or hydrophobic peracid. Preferred bleach activators include the alkanoyloxybenzene sulfonates and in particular noanoyloxybenzene sulfonate. The method provides superior fiber protection and fabric strength benefits versus conventional processing as well as significant savings in both energy and time due to the lower bleaching temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating shoes, especially leather-containing shoes, such as athletic shoes, and methods and articles of manufacture employing same to treat the shoes prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions applied to one or more shoes in need of treatment prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes for imparting a desired benefit to the shoes such as cleaning and/or conditioning and/or disinfecting and/or deodorizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating material with a treatment composition in a water-soluble pouch, whereby firstly a part of the composition is applied to the material by partially opening the pouch to allow dispensing of part of the treatment composition, and subsequently the material and the remaining of the pouched composition are washed in water. Preferred is a method whereby the pouch has at least two compartments and one compartment, comprising a liquid composition, is opened and the liquid composition is rubbed onto the material or preferably fabric, where after the remaining of the pouch (including the still closed compartment and composition therein) are added to the wash water, for example a washing machine.

Abstract: The invention is an extendible liquid-applying spray arm for use with a liquid source, such as an electrical sprayer. It includes one handle and at least two tubular members which are telescopingly engaged with and slideable along one another. Sliding the tubular members extends/retracts the spray arm respectively for treating/storage or to meet particular work needs which require that said extendible spray arm has a short length. When the spray arm is collapsed, the telescopic members are at least partially arranged within the handle, so that the global length of the spray arm is less than the additional lengths of the handle and the telescopic portion. The spray arm further comprises a spray member for spraying the liquid. A flexible tube extends around the tubular members and connects to the nozzle member, which is preferably coiled around the tubular members.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of sodium bromide to anhydrous hydrobromic acid and sodium bisulfate, said process with the following sequential steps: reaction of sodium bromide and sulfuric acid in a solution of water to produce hydrobromic acid and sodium bisulfate wherein the conversion rate is greater than about 95%; separation of hydrobromic acid and water from the sodium bisulfate; separation of hydrobromic acid from water; and drying of hydrobromic acid.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising, optionaly, less than about 0.5% detergent surfactat, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 10.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and allowed to stay for at least about one half minute to significantly reduce microorganism contamination. The food can be consumed without rinsing.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing granular detergent composition including a first step of dry neutralizing an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant with a particulate water-soluble alkaline material in a high speed mixer for a mean residence time of about 0.2 to about 50 seconds, thereby partly or totally neutralizing the acid precursor and producing a dry neutralized material containing the anionic surfactant, in the form of a free-flowing powder; and a second stop of agglomerating the free-flowing powder into a detergent agglomerate using an agglomeration binder. The agglomeration binder is preferably a viscous surfactant paste binder. The resulting agglomerates are dry, free-flowing, and have a substantially more narrow particle size distribution, compared to the free-flowing powder, with reduced fine particles and over-sized particles that generally are recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry detergent composition comprising an anionically modified cellulose (AMC); and a cationic metal ion. The molar ratio of the anionically modified group of the AMC to the cationic metal ion is preferably from about 50:1 to about 1:50. The laundry detergent composition containing such materials maintain a good fabric appearance, such as better pill/fuzz prevention and color maintenance.

Abstract: A process for preparing coated detergent granules in a fluidized bed is provided. The fluidized bed is operated at a flux number of at least about 3.5 and/or a Stokes Number of greater than 1.0. Upon drying, the resultant detergent particles have improved appearance and flow properties and may be packaged and sold as a detergent material or mixed with various other detergent ingredients to provide a fully formulated detergent composition.

Abstract: A method of orienting shoes in a washing machine, and devices for aligning shoes in a washing machine are disclosed. The method of orienting shoes in a washing machine, and devices for aligning shoes in a washing machine reduce the time for drying the shoes after the washing process.

Abstract: A multi-step process for making a granular detergent composition. The processing steps include adding to a mixer a first feed stream selected from a first powder, a first liquid, and mixtures thereof, to form a second feed stream. The second feed stream is added to a fluid bed dryer to form the granular detergent composition, and optionally, a third feed stream selected from a second powder, a second liquid, and mixtures thereof can be added to the fluid bed dryer. The granular detergent composition contains at least about 50% by weight of particles having a geometric mean particle diameter of from about 500 microns to about 1500 microns with a geometric standard deviation of from about 1 to about 2. Further, at least a portion of the particles contain a detersive surfactant or a detergent builder.

Abstract: An article of manufacture useful for removing allergens from surfaces comprises (a) a package; (b) cleaning sheet capable of removing allergens from surfaces; and (c) information to communicate the allergen removal ability of the cleaning sheet to consumers. A method of promoting the sale of cleaning sheets useful for removing allergens from surfaces comprises a variety of steps to inform a consumer of the allergen removal ability of the present cleaning sheets, implements, and articles and encourage the consumer to use them to remove allergens from a surface.

Abstract: Process incorporating an organic solvent and being composed of detergent components present together within specific ranges have now been found so as to produce a non-aqueous liquid detergent composition without the attendant drawbacks of non-aqueous liquids. In particular, this process produces a liquid detergent composition which is easy to handle in bulk, has excellent long-term stability and is readily soluble in a wash liquor.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising anionic and/or nonionic detergent surfactant, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability, electrolyte to provide at least about 0.04 molarity of cations and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 8.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and can significantly reduce microorganism contamination in less than about one minute. The food can be consumed without rinsing.