Abstract: Particulate high bulk density non-spray-dried detergent compositions containing organic non-soap surfactant, zeolite builder and fatty acid soap as powder structurant, prepared by non-tower mixing and granulation processes involving in-situ neutralization of fatty acid to soap with aqueous sodium hydroxide, can suffer from localized particle yellowing on storage when perfume and/or fluorescer are present, due to the presence of areas of high alkalinity. Yellowing is reduced without loss of powder structuring if a defined, less than stoichiometric amount of sodium hydroxide is used for the fatty acid neutralization. Surprisingly, in bleaching powders improved bleach stability is also observed. The resulting powder can be defined in terms of a low "basic sodium" content.

Abstract: A particulate detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l which is not the product of a spray-drying process consists of a substantially homogeneous granular base and optional postdosed ingredients. The composition comprises a surfactant system, alkali metal aluminosilicate builder, and a water-soluble salt of citric acid, preferably sodium citrate, and optionally other ingredients. The delivery and dissolution characteristics of the composition in the wash are improved if citrate of Rosin Rammler particle size less than 800 .mu.m is incorporated within the granular base. The composition may also contain postdosed citrate of unrestricted particle size.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 550 g/liter comprises an anionic surfactant of which the acid form is a liquid at ambient temperature, preferably primary alcohol sulphate and/or alkylbenzene sulphonate; zeolite; and alkali metal, preferably sodium, carbonate. The level of sodium carbonate is 2-12 wt % when the anionic surfactant is wholly primary alcohol sulphate, otherwise 2-25 wt %. The compositions have lower levels of carbonate and higher surfactant loadings than previously disclosed materials, without loss of powder properties. The materials are preferably prepared by a granulation process involving in-situ neutralisation of anionic surfactant acid by carbonate in a high-speed mixer/granulator.