Abstract: A vapor-venting containment bag having at least three flexible side walls and a VVE rating of at least about 40 and less than about 90, as measured in the Vapor Venting Evaluation Test. When the bag is in its closed configuration a three dimensional interior void space is formed whereby the bag resists collapsing. Also, a fabric cleaning and refreshment process that is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using the vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.

Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.

Abstract: Sheets capable of developing a positive electostatic charge are used for a variety of surface cleaning operations. Polyester fabric, non-woven and chemically bonded with an acrylic latex is used to dust surfaces, to clean clothes, furniture and carpets. A light solvent such as isopropanol can be used with the sheets to loosen gummy soils. In one mode, the sheets are used in a hot air clothes dryer to remove soils and detritus from garments. Processes for cleaning a variety of fabric and hard surfaces are conducted using the sheets.

Abstract: The subject invention involves laundry bar compositions comprising:(a) from about 20% to about 70% surfactant, the surfactant consisting essentially of from about 50% to 100% soap and from 0% to about 50% alkylbenzene sulfonate;(b) from about 12% to about 24% water;(c) from about 61/4% to about 20% calculated excess alkali metal carbonate;(d) from about 2% to about 20% water-soluble inorganic strong-electrolyte salt;(e) from 0% to about 4% whole-cut starch;(f) from 0% to about 8% added alkali metal bicarbonate;(g) from 0% to about 30% phosphate builder;(h) from 0% to about 40% insoluble filler; and(j) from 0% to about 15% other ingredients selected from other builders, chelants, enzymes, soil release polymers, dye transfer inhibiting agents, fabric softeners, bleaching agents, gums, thickeners, binding agents, other starches, soil suspending agents, optical brighteners, colorants and opacifiers, perfumes, bluing agents, and mixtures thereof;the bar having a firmness measurement of at least about 10 kg.

Abstract: A fabric cleaning/refreshment process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon, to avoid unanticipated hot spots in the dryer. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Abstract: The subject invention involves laundry compositions comprising:(a) from about 10% to about 35%, anionic surfactant,(b) at least about 0.5% polyethylene glycol,(c) at least about 5% water, and(d) at least about 5% phosphate builder; the composition being in the form of a bar; and processes for making such bars.

Abstract: A workpiece is rotated by a variable speed motor, and a cutter bit is rotated by a variable speed motor. A carriage is moved along the workpiece by a threaded rod driven by a variable speed motor, and the cutter bit is mounted in the carriage. The carriage extends transversely across the lathe, with one end threadedly engaging the threaded rod, and fed therealong. The carriage is swingable about the threaded rod, to a lower operable position, and in that position it engages a template, and also in that position, the cutter bit engages the workpiece.

Abstract: Improved process for making carboxyalkylated alkyl polyether surfactants with narrow polyethoxy chain distributions using approximately equimolar ratios of alcohol and alkali metal or alkali metal hydride catalyst. The products are useful in making improved carboxyalkylated alkyl polyether surfactants having specific narrow ranges of ethoxylation and containing less than about 6% fatty alcohol. Detergent compositions containing said alkyl carboxyalkylated polyether surfactants and having less than about 6% fatty alcohol by weight of said alkyl carboxyalkylated polyether surfactants. Processes of making said alkyl carboxyalkylated polyether surfactants.

Abstract: A composition is described herein which contains aluminosilicate materials characterized in their ability to exchange sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions. The composition also contains, in an intimate mixture with the aluminosilicate, an inorganic salt and a water-soluble or water-dispersable organic agglomerating compound having a melting point between 30.degree. C and 100.degree. C. The particulate composition described above is suitable for water softening per se or for admixture into detergent compositions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of spray-dried granular detergent compositions containing an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant and a zwitterionic surfactant, wherein the degradation of the zwitterionic surfactant during processing is minimized, is disclosed. In the process, the nonionic and zwitterionic components are intimately mixed, in the absence of alkaline components, prior to their addition to an aqueous alkaline crutcher mix, which is formed into detergent granules by spray-drying.