Abstract: A process for preparing detergent particles having a coating layer of water-soluble inorganic material is provided. The detergent particle comprises a particle core of a detergent active material. This particle core is then at least partially covered by a particle coating layer of a water soluble inorganic material. Particularly preferred are non-hydrate inorganic coating materials including double salt combinations of alkali metal carbonates, and sulfates. The particle coating layer may also include detergent adjunct ingredients such as brighteners, chelants, nonionic surfactants, co-builders, etc. The process includes the steps of passing the particle core through a coating mixer such as a low speed mixer of fluid bed mixer and coating the particle core with a coating solution or slurry of the water soluble inorganic material.

Abstract: Detergent compositions or components are formulated with certain hydrophobically modified cellulosic materials, which provide protection of fabrics, whereof at least 80% or even at least 90% have a particle size of below 1000 microns or even below 850 or even 710 microns. Selection of materials of this particle size results in improved dispersability of the cellulosic material and imparts improved appearance and integrity benefits to fabrics and textiles laundered in washing solutions from such compositions.

Abstract: There are provided wrinkle reducing compositions and method for treating fabrics in order to improve various properties of fabrics, in particular, reduction or removal of unwanted wrinkles, by means of an aqueous composition comprising a nonionic polyhydric alcohol humectant and a water-soluble wetting agent selected from a cationic surfactant, a non-alkoxylated nonionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of disinfecting a hard-surface with a composition comprising cinnamon oil and/or an active thereof whereby disinfecting benefits are provided.

Abstract: A liquid sprayer is provided. This liquid sprayer includes a bottle having an opening and a sprayer housing attached to the bottle. This sprayer housing includes an electrical motor, a voltage source for powering the electrical motor, a pump driven by the motor, a switch for completing an electrical circuit, a nozzle mechanism attached to the sprayer housing for spraying a liquid. The liquid sprayer also includes a deformable “pinched tube” mechanism which prevents liquid from flowing through the nozzle when the sprayer is not being used. The sprayer housing also includes a trigger movably connected to the sprayer housing for closing the switch, translating the piston and creating a leak-tight seal by squeezing the “pinched tube”.

Abstract: A one step method for the treatment of a non-finished textile component is provided. The method comprises the combination of a bleaching and de-sizing treatment steps into a single step and comprises treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous treatment solution of a hydrophobic bleaching system and a de-sizing system. Preferred hydrophobic bleaching systems are combinations of hydrogen peroxide and a hydrophobic bleach activator or a 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 allows significant savings in both energy and time due to the elimination of multiple washing and/or drying stages and lower bleaching temperatures.

Abstract: Methods for producing granular compositions comprise the steps of preparing a viscous liquid mixture, forming a plurality of ligaments from the viscous liquid mixture, cutting the ligaments with one or more liquid jet streams to form pieces, and drying the pieces to form the granular compositions. Apparatus for producing a granular compositions comprise a viscous liquid composition supply, a ligament forming device in fluid communication with a viscous liquid composition supply, one or more liquid jet nozzles adjacent an outlet of a ligament forming device, and a dryer.

Abstract: Antimicrobial, hard surface cleaning compositions that effectively clean and reduce microorganisms on a surface without resulting in unacceptable filming and/or streaking residue on the surface, generally comprise (a) cationic antimicrobial active; (b) nitrogen-containing polymer; and (c) surfactant. Preferred antimicrobial, hard surface cleaning compositions for use in no-rinse cleaning methods comprise (a) from about 0.001% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, of surfactant; (b) cationic antimicrobial active; and (c) nitrogen-containing polymer. Methods of cleaning and reducing microorganisms on hard surfaces comprises contacting the surfaces with such compositions and preferably allowing the compositions to dry on the surface without rinsing the composition from the surface using water or other rinsing solution.

Abstract: A solid detergent composition comprising a clay system, said clay system comprises a hectorite clay and a dioctahedral smectite clay, wherein the weight ratio of said hectorite clay to said dioctahedral smectite clay is less than 1:1. The two clay types may be present in a solid detergent composition in the form of an agglomerate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article comprising a first pouch made of a water-reactive material, which comprises a) a first solid or liquid composition; and b) a second pouch made of a water-reactive material, comprising in its interior a second solid or liquid composition. Also provided are processes for making such article. Alternatively, the second pouch is preferably joined to the first pouch side-by-side. Preferred articles comprise fabric cleaning compositions for laundry, dish washing or hard surface cleaning or fabric care compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator has a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between the first and second sides. The applicator further includes at least one opening, such that the internal cavity is externally accessible, and the applicator further comprises: (a) a substantially non-absorbent material on one of the first and second sides; (b) a substantially absorbent material on the other of the first and second sides; and (c) a substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within the internal cavity adjacent the non-absorbent material. The present invention also provides a semi-enclosed applicator for distributing a substance onto a target surface, the applicator having a first side, a second side, and an internal cavity between the first and second sides.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is provided. The cleaning implement includes a liquid delivery system for providing a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned having a canister for storing a liquid, an electrical motor driving a pump, and a voltage source for engerizing the electric motor. A support head is pivotally attached to the handle for releasably receiving a cleaning sheet. The handle includes a switch and is formed from a plurality of handle sections. Each handle section has at least one electrical connector which is electrically connected with an electrical connector of an adjacent handle section so that the switch can activate the electrical motor. The support head can be configured to allow visual inspection of the cleaning sheet through the support head during use. The canister is provided with plurality of side walls and vent valve having a cracking pressure of at least about 0.

Abstract: Fabrics are treated with a film-forming material and a blowing agent, typically ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, and ironed. The fabrics thus acquire dry wrinkle resistance, in addition to the benefit provided by the film-forming material.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

Abstract: A process for treating a textile fabric to impart or enhance at least one property of the fabric comprising: introducing the fabric into an aqueous formaldehyde containing solution to provide a wet pickup of an effective amount of the solution by the fabric, applying to the fabric an effective amount of a catalyst for catalyzing a reaction between formaldehyde and the fabric; thereafter exposing the wet fabric to a temperature of at least about 300° F. to react the formaldehyde with the fabric to impart or enhance the property of the fabric before there is a substantial loss of formaldehyde from the exposed fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides preferred, preferably liquid, hard surface cleaning compositions, compositions with cleaning liquid composition on a substrate, compositions used with absorbent pads and implements and devices for making the process of cleaning hard surfaces and/or maintaining their appearance and hygiene easier and more effective.