Abstract: A laundry device for use with a washing machine is provided. The laundry device includes a bag storing a water-insoluble DTI compound. The bag includes a plurality of apertures allowing wash water to flow through the bag but which substantially prevent the water-insoluble DTI compound from exiting the bag during use. The laundry device can further include a container having a compartment for receiving and dispensing a dosed amount of detergent during use.

Abstract: An additive for introduction into a dry cleaning solvent, and a method of use thereof, which reduces static electricity, minimizes linting, fights acidity to reduce corrosion, deodorizes the solvent, and does not adversely affect the filtering operation. The additive contains sodium bicarbonate and an anti-static agent; preferably in the presence of an odorant.

Abstract: A blood removing cleaning composition which may take the form of a detergent builder, detergent additive, or detergent pre-spotter, generally including an amount of amine compound effective to remove blood from fabric; and, optionally, an effective soil degrading amount of enzyme, wherein the composition is generally free of any neutral salt. In other preferred forms, the compositions disclosed herein may comprise surfactants, sources of alkalinity, and sequestrants, among other adjuvants.

Abstract: A garment stain removal product and process is disclosed. The product includes a liquid cleaning composition which contains water, an organic solvent and a surfactant, an absorbent stain receiver, and a sonic or ultrasonic wave generating source for imparting sonic or ultrasonic waves onto stains on textiles. The sonic or ultrasonic wave source is, for example, a hand-held, pen-shaped device with a directed point to focus the sonic or ultrasonic waves at the stain to be removed.

Abstract: A method of packaging liquid detergent or fabric softener for single load use comprising thermoforming a container from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and the like, to a size sufficient to contain a 3-4 ounce amount of liquid detergent in a well thereof. The container comprises an open well with a peripheral lip an open end thereof. A printed foil strip, sized to cover the opening and at least a full circumferential portion of the container lip is heat sealed to the thermoplastic after the detergent is disposed therein. The foil and heat seal are of sufficient strength to retain the 3-4 ounces of liquid detergent even in an obverted position with jostling such as drug transport. Because of the heat seal, the container is not reclosable and storable and the full contents must be used once the container is opened, i.e., for a single use.

Abstract: A laundry device for use with a washing machine is provided. The laundry device includes a bag storing a water-insoluble DTI compound. The bag includes a plurality of apertures allowing wash water to flow through the bag but which substantially prevent the water-insoluble DTI compound from exiting the bag during use. The laundry device can further include a container having a compartment for receiving and dispensing a dosed amount of detergent during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to microemulsion compositions containing water, a mixture of nonionic surfactants, and oil. The microemulsion provides for the removal of hydrophobic particularly oily soils from a variety of substrates. The compositions can be used for hard surface, laundry cleaning, hand washing, and car washing. Typical hydrophobic soils are oily based soils derived from petroleum oils or natural fats and oils also containing a significant proportion of particulate soils such as carbon, common dirt and other non-water soluble typically hydrophobic soil particulate. The microemulsion composition can include a splitting agent such as an amphoteric surfactant for controlling the conditions under which the microemulsion will split.

Abstract: A garment stair removal product and process is disclosed. The product includes a liquid cleaning composition which contains water, an organic solvent and a surfactant, an absorbent stain receiver, and a sonic or ultrasonic wave generating source for imparting sonic or ultrasonic waves onto stains on textiles. The sonic or ultrasonic wave source is, for example, a hand-held, pen-shaped device with a directed point to focus the sonic or ultrasonic waves at the stain to be removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides the combination of a granular detergent composition containing a percarbonate bleaching agent with packaging system containing said composition, characterized in that said composition has an Equilibrium Relative Humidity below 30% at 35° C., and that the packaging system contains at least one unit having a Moisture Vapour Transfer Rate of from 1 g/m2/day to less than 20 g/m2/day.

Abstract: A chemical cleaning system for a multi-tank or a single-tank laundry washing machine, having at least two separate components for aqueousdissolution or dilution to respective use concentrations, a first component comprising a proteolytic enzyme, and a second component comprising an imidoperoxycarboxylic acid, particularly phthaloylaminoperoxycaprbic acid (PAP), wherein the first component is introduced into a prewash zone or step, and the second component is introduced into a main wash zone or step. When using this system, it was found that effective cleaning could be obtained even at relatively low main wash temperatures of 45-55° C. As a result, much less energy was needed and a considerable reduction of textile damage was observed as compared with cleaning systems of the prior art.

Abstract: A blood removing cleaning composition which may take the form of a detergent builder, detergent additive, or detergent pre-spotter, generally including an amount of amine compound effective to remove blood from fabric; and, optionally, an effective soil degrading amount of enzyme, wherein the composition is generally free of any neutral salt. In other preferred forms, the compositions disclosed herein may comprise surfactants, sources of alkalinity, and sequestrants, among other adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an article for treating fabrics, comprising a) an absorbent carrier substrate; and b) a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition releasably absorbed in said substrate; said substrate being wholly or partly covered by; c) a fibrous coversheet which is permeable to said cleaning/refreshment composition in the liquid and/or vapor state, said coversheet having a minimum thickness of about 7 mil (0.18 mm). The coversheet helps reduce water spotting on the fabrics being treated and picks up lint and solid soils. The article is useful in an in-home process which is conducted in a clothes dryer.

Abstract: An improved soil release polymer composition comprising a soil release polymer and a long chain nonionic alkoxylate surfactant and/or amphoteric that is able to generate very low critical micelle concentration values in water. Preferably, the soil release composition is incorporated in a detergent system such as a commercial laundry detergent which comprises a second anionic, nonionic or cationic surfactant and mixtures thereof. By lowering the cmc values of the detergent wash water to very low levels, the surfactant greatly enhances the performance of the soil release polymer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning article suitable for use in the home. The article is characterized by a sheet that is permeated with a composition including 51-98% by weight of organic solvent such as paraffins, olefins, acetylenes or mixtures thereof, 1-35% by weight of water, and 1-14% by weight of emulsifier to allow the water to be uniformly mixed into the solvent. The composition can also include 1-5% by weight of perfume for scenting clothing, and 1-5% by weight of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant to provide additional stain removal capability of the composition. The invented composition is thus organic-solvent-based and is particularly effective to remove body or cosmetic oil stains from garments. The invention is also directed to the composition and methods for using the sheet in a drying machine.

Abstract: A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: Pretreater stain remover composition and method of using it is described. The composition comprises a siloxane based surfactant combined with a cosurfactant. Optionally, an antiredeposition polymer, enzymes and enzyme stabilizing system are added to effectively remove both oil and water based stains from a variety of fabrics.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include anhydrous dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. In a first embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents, polysulfonic acid, and not more than about 10 wt % water. In a second embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents and polysulfonic acid, and not more than 1 about wt % water. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition which is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion, or a solution comprising non-aqueous hydrophobic solvent; and anionic or nonionic surfactant. The cleaning composition further comprises a bleach activator. The invention also relates to a method for treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric using the cleaning composition.

Abstract: A portable stain removal kit containing single use packets of various spotting agents and a stain guide directing use of the various spotting agents to effectively and professionally remove any type of known or unknown stain. The spotting agents include wet side spotting agents and a dry side spotting agent. Rinse solutions are provided to remove the wet side spotting agents. Non-woven, embossed, synthetic webs are impregnated with the various solutions and sealed within vapor-impervious packets. The stain guide features one side with stains removable by a single spotting agent and a second side with combination stains removable by two or more recommended spotting agents.

Abstract: A dry cleaning and freshening system is provided including a containment bag, a single unit dispenser having dispensing means, a container, and absorbing means. The container is adapted to contain a quantity of liquid cleaning composition. The single unit dispenser and absorber means includes a dispensing part with absorbent material and a container for holding liquid cleaning composition and a retaining part of absorbent material capable of entraining loose particles and/or absorbing excess liquid cleaning composition. The liquid cleaning composition may include a fragrance composition. In a preferred embodiment the single unit dispenser and absorber means may be in the form of a ball with two hemispheres that split and may be screwed together. The single unit dispenser and absorber means may be used in a home clothes dryer for dry cleaning.

Abstract: A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: A stable liquid peracid precursor composition for delivering a bleaching and cleaning material is provided in which the liquid peracid precursor composition combines a dispersion medium which comprises a stabilizing effective amount of a liquid matrix and an emulsifier, and a dispersed phase that comprises a peracid precursor. The bleaching and cleaning material comprises either a hydrophobic or hydrotropic generated mono- or diperoxyacid, or mixtures thereof.

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 invention is directed to a dry-cleaning article suitable for use in the home. The article includes a sheet that is permeated with 51-98% by weight of organic solvent such as paraffins, olefins, acetylenes or mixtures thereof, 1-35% by weight of water, optionally with 1-14% by weight of emulsifier such as PEMULEN.TM., Carbopol.TM., Emuluin.TM. and/or Emulphor.TM. to allow the water to be uniformly mixed into the solvent. The composition can also include 1-5% by weight of perfume for scenting clothing, and 1-5 % by weight of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant to provide additional stain removal capability of the composition. The invented composition is thus organic-solvent-based and is particularly effective to remove body or cosmetic oil stains from garments. The invention is also directed to the composition and methods for using the sheet in a drying machine.

Abstract: A containment bag 1 which may be used in home dry cleaning is made of textile with an impermeable finish and an interior capable of absorbing loose particles and soil. The containment bag 1 is used in a home dryer dry cleaning and freshening system. The textile of the containment bag 1 has a layer of woven or knit fabric with an impermeable coating and a soft, hairy layer on its interior. The inside of the containment bag 1 is prewetted with cleaning composition. Preferably a liquid cleaning composition is employed and the cleaning composition may include a fragrance composition. A process for cleaning a garment is also provided.

Abstract: Spot pretreatment compositions useful as stain cleaning compositions useful prior to a subsequent cleaning operation, including laundering or dry-cleaning. The spot cleaning compositions feature a major proportion of water, and minor amounts of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and organic solvents selected from alcohols and glycol ethers. The spot pretreatment compositions exhibit excellent stain dissolution characteristics. Processes for producing the spot cleaning compositions, and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stable liquid peracid precursor composition for delivering a bleaching and cleaning material is provided in which the liquid peracid precursor composition combines a dispersion medium which comprises a stabilizing effective amount of a liquid matrix and an emulsifier, and a dispersed phase that comprises a peracid precursor. The bleaching and cleaning material comprises either a hydrophobic or hydrotropic generated mono- or diperoxyacid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A stable liquid peracid precursor composition for delivering a bleaching and cleaning material is provided in which the liquid peracid precursor composition combines a dispersion medium which comprises a stabilizing effective amount of a liquid matrix and an emulsifier, and a dispersed phase that comprises a peracid precursor. The bleaching and cleaning material comprises either a hydrophobic or hydrotropic generated mono- or diperoxyacid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning composition is releasably contained in a controlled-release pad or sheet, preferably enveloped within an apertured, formed-film cover sheet to provide a spot removal article. The article is pressed against localized stained areas on fabric surfaces to release the cleaning composition in a controlled manner. The article and fabric are then placed in a bag and agitated in a hot air clothes dryer to dry clean the entire fabric.

Abstract: A stable liquid peracid precursor composition for delivering a bleaching and cleaning material is provided in which the liquid peracid precursor composition combines a dispersion medium which comprises a stabilizing effective amount of a liquid matrix and an emulsifier, and a dispersed phase that comprises a peracid precursor. The bleaching and cleaning material comprises either a hydrophobic or hydrotropic generated mono- or diperoxyacid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A two-part enzyme-based cleaning system useful in clean-in-place operations to remove proteinaceous soils from dairy equipment is described. The system comprises two liquid concentrates stored in separate containers, the concentrates being diluted and mixed for use.A. The first concentrate consists of:i) 1.5 to 7.5 percent by weight of a source of alkalinity selected from the sources of hydroxide based alkaline compositions;ii) 1 to 16 percent by weight of a water conditioner selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acids and polyphosphates; andiii) balance water.B. The second concentrate consists of:i) 5 to 45 percent by weight of an enzyme stabilizing blend of an alkali salt of a (C.sub.6 to C.sub.12) fatty acid and a linear (C.sub.8 -C.sub.

Abstract: A stable liquid peracid precursor composition for delivering a bleaching and cleaning material is provided in which the liquid peracid precursor composition combines a dispersion medium which comprises a stabilizing effective amount of a liquid matrix and an emulsifier, and a dispersed phase that comprises a peracid precursor. The bleaching and cleaning material comprises either a hydrophobic or hydrotropic generated mono- or diperoxyacid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A washing machine cleaning agent is enclosed within a porous shell which in turn is enclosed between two semi-spherical halves of a housing that are welded together, whereby the porous shell containing the agent is permitted to roll around within the housing and dissolve in the wash water.

Abstract: A device and method for respectively providing and using a small, portable, discreet, yet complete on-the-spot stain remover unit. The unit can be activated on-the-spot to remove accidentally spilled food or beverage stains by removing the appropriate modules or body portions to achieve the desired cleaning steps. The stain removing or cleaning unit has a main applicator body, two sub-applicator bodies and two end covers. The modules, when connected together, make up the complete cleaning kit. The unit is designed to enable a user to perform four basic steps for cleaning a stain the instant it occurs, i.e., detergent soak, soiled detergent pickup, rinse and final drying.

Abstract: A package assembly for a granular product. The package assembly has a container for storing a granular product and an external surface to which is releasably attached a separate device for dispensing a granular product in an automatic washing machine. The separate device has no communication with the internal volume of the container storing the granular product. The container for storing the granular product has a removable lid attached by means of a hinge device.

Abstract: A stable liquid peracid precursor composition for delivering a bleaching and cleaning material is provided in which the liquid peracid precursor composition combines a dispersion medium which comprises a stabilizing effective amount of a liquid matrix and an emulsifier, and a dispersed phase that comprises a peracid precursor. The bleaching and cleaning material comprises either a hydrophobic or hydrotropic generated mono- or diperoxyacid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A product dispense package suitable for employment in washing machines, comprises a stackable product container which includes a unitary molded recyclable thermoplastic container body having a closed bottom end, an opposed open top end and an upwardly and outwardly angled upstanding peripheral side wall having a stacking angle of from about 2.degree. to about 7.degree. and contained therein a compact block of detergent, cleaning agent, disinfectant and/or preservative having a powdery structure. The bottom end includes an inwardly and upwardly directed dome-shaped region therein including a handle grip portion defined in an outwardly facing side of the dome-shaped region.

Abstract: A two-part enzyme-based cleaning system useful in clean-in-place operations to remove proteinaceous soils from dairy equipment is described. The system comprises two liquid concentrates stored in separate containers, the concentrates being diluted and mixed for use.A. The first concentrate consists of:i) 2.5 to 7.5 percent by weight of a source of alkalinity selected from the sources of hydroxide based alkaline composition;ii) 1 to 16 percent by weight of a water conditioner selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acids and polyphosphates; andiii) balance water.B. The second concentrate consists of:i) 35 to 45 percent by weight of a blend of an alkali salt of a (C.sub.6 to C.sub.12) fatty acid and a linear (C.sub.8 -C.sub.18) polyoxyalkylene;ii) 0.2 to 1.6 percent of a proteolytic enzyme; andiii) balance water.