Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for a fabric treatment composition and its application. More specifically the invention relates to a versatile, effective convenient to apply fabric treatment applicator and its method of application. Claimed and described is method for the application of a fabric treatment composition, which comprises bleach and which is left to evaporate after being applied to a fabric.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition comprising: a) a transglucosidase enzyme; and b) a natural gum polysaccharide, wherein said natural gum polysaccharide is a substrate for said transglucosidase enzyme. A method of using a transglucosidase enzyme to a degrade natural gum polysaccharide is also provided. The composition and method may be employed in cleaning applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning sheets that resist folding, especially refolding upon themselves even after an initial fold has been formed in the sheet.

Abstract: A product for cleaning stains. In one embodiment, the product may include a piece of material and a volume of carbonated water, both sealed within a container. When a stain is encountered, the container may be opened and the piece of material that has been wetted by the carbonated water may be used to clean the stain.

Abstract: A composition for treating fabrics, comprising: a) a fabric shrinkage reducing composition selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, all isomers of propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, hexanediol and mixtures thereof; b) a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition. The fabric shrinkage reducing composition and the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition are releasably absorbed in a substrate in a weight ratio of from about 1:2 to about 1:5. The fabric shrinkage reducing composition helps to reduce shrinkage of the fabrics treated in an in-home, non-immersion cleaning and refreshing process which is conducted in a clothes dryer, or the like apparatus. Also provided are non-immersion cleaning/refreshment processes using this composition, a kit containing the necessary items to conduct the processes of this invention and a sheet for releasably absorbing the compositions of this invention.

Abstract: A method of laundering a fabric load is disclosed including the steps of processing a fabric load in an aqueous-based working fluid, substantially replacing the aqueous-based working fluid with a non-aqueous working fluid of the type which extracts some of the aqueous-based working fluid from the fabric load.

Abstract: A stain removing composition having a mixture of N-methyl pyrrolidinone and at least one solvent from the group consisting of 3-pentanol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. Preferably, the stain removing composition comprises, in percent by weight about 70-90%, N-methyl pyrrolidinone and about 10-30%, in percent by weight, at least one of the solvents from the group described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process and methods, as well as compositions and systems for use in laundering smoke-damaged garments. In particular, the present invention utilizes ozonated water to treat the smoke-damaged garments.

Abstract: Methodologies and equipment for using a hypochlorite solution to remove menstrual fluid, underarm perspiration or other hard-to-remove stains from soft fabric articles with reduced damage to the fabric articles when compared with popular chlorine bleaches. The soft fabric articles preferably are in white, although the present invention can also be applied to articles in other colors. In one embodiment, the weight concentration ratio of the alkali metal hydroxide over the hypochlorite salt in the hypochlorite solution is no less than 1:12.5. The hypochlorite solution may contain at least 0.2% by weight of sodium hydroxide and/or have a pH of at least 11.8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to soil redeposition inhibiting agents, soil redeposition inhibiting articles comprising such soil redeposition inhibiting agents, method for using such soil redeposition inhibiting articles for removing soils from dry or essentially dry fabrics, and systems employing said soil redeposition inhibiting agents such that soil is removed from dry or essentially dry fabrics exposed to the soil redeposition inhibiting agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising an emulsion comprising a polar co-solvent, a non-polar co-solvent, and an alkylamine dispersed throughout the emulsion. The alkylamine serves to prevent the emulsion from inverting and forming a thick, slippery gel, which is known to interfere with the cleaning process and washing machine components. Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing gel formation by adding an alkylamine to an emulsified cleaning composition and washing stained articles therein. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pre-treating a stained article is provided comprising applying a cleaning composition in the form of a gel comprising an emulsion of a polar co-solvent and a siloxane-based non-polar co-solvent, and a detergent to the article, allowing the cleaning composition to penetrate the stain; and laundering the article in a siloxane based cleaning composition comprising an alkylamine.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inanimate surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: Methodologies and equipment for using a sodium hypochlorite solution to remove menstrial fluid, underarm perspiration or other hard-to-remove stains from soft fabric articles. In one embodiment, the sodium hypochlorite solution contains at least 0.2% by weight of sodium hydroxide. In another embodiment, the sodium hypochlorite solution contains about 0.5–3% by weight of sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: An process for treating or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, wherein the method comprises contacting the fabric articles to be cleaned or treated with a cleaning fluid comprising a lipophilic fluid and removing from the fabric articles a portion of the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A process for cleaning textile fabric without the need for conventional detergent systems comprising agitating the fabric in a composition comprising at least two immiscible liquids, for example, perchloroethylene or petroleum ether and water, having at least one liquid-liquid interface with an interfacial tension of at least 5 mN/m, preferably at least 10 mN/m, and where the concentration of the most polar liquid in the composition is from 10 to 90% by volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabric treatment. More specifically the invention relates to a convenient to carry fabric treatment applicator comprising a heat activatable compound such as a peroxide bleach, which can be advantageously used on clothes while they are worn. Claimed and described is a method for the application of a fabric treatment composition comprising a heat activatable compound such as a peroxide bleach onto a fabric whereby the temperature of the composition is raised with regard to the storage temperature. Further claimed is a fabric treatment applicator comprising a heat activatable compound and a flow interruption means, preferably a valve, to interrupt or allow the flow of the fabric treatment composition.

Abstract: Methodologies and equipment for using hard surface cleaners to remove stains, such as menstrual fluid stains or underarm perspiration stains, from clothes or other soft fabrics. Suitable hard surface cleaners include Scrubbing Bubbles Mildew Stain Remover®, Tilex Mildew Remover®, Lysol Mildew Remover®, Scrub Free Mildew Stain Remover®, and other common household hard surface cleaners. In one embodiment, the stain removal requires little or no scrubbing of the fabric article.

Abstract: A method of treating a textile such as a laundry fabric is provided, in which the textile is contacted with a specified organic substance which forms a complex with a transition metal, whereby the complex catalyses bleaching of the textile by atmospheric oxygen after the treatment. The organic substance may be used in dry form, or in a liquor that is then dried, such as an aqueous spray-on fabric treatment fluid or a wash liquor for laundry cleaning, or a non-aqueous dry cleaning fluid or spray-on aerosol fluid. The method can confer cleaning benefits to the textile after the treatment. Also provided is a dry textile having an organic substance applied or deposited thereon, whereby bleaching by atmospheric oxygen is catalysed on the textile.

Abstract: A method of producing sulfonated polyester compounds suitable for use as a soil releasing agent and/or textile sizing agent in which a sulfonated acid or ester is reacted with a hydroxy-containing compound to form a sulfonated hydroxy terminated ester which then undergoes a transesterification reaction with a poly(ethylene) terephthalate based polyester followed by polycondensation to form the desired sulfonated polyester compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for cleaning or sanitizing carpet or upholstery. Powder, other solid, or agglomerate compositions include active oxygen compound, surfactant, and builder. The methods of cleaning or sanitizing carpet or upholstery include applying to the carpet or upholstery such a solid (e.g., powder) or agglomerate composition or a use solution of one of these compositions.

Abstract: Phase stable liquid compositions comprising preferred ratios of amine oxides and surfactants are provided. The compositions are preferably employed to spot clean stains from fabrics.

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 provides a process for removal of excess dye from newly manufactured printed or dyed fabric or yarn, comprising treatment with a rinse liquor comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of enzymes exhibiting peroxidase activity or laccase activity, an oxidation agent, and at least one mediator comprising N-hydroxyacetanilide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of cleaning a carpet with a liquid composition comprising an anti-resoiling agent, said process comprising the steps of applying said composition to the surface of the carpet and leaving said composition to dry onto the carpet. The carpet cleaning composition according to the present invention provides carpet cleaning and/or carpet anti-resoiling henefits. The preferred anti-resoiling agent is poly(4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide).

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrate comprising fabric, the substrate treated with a composition comprising:

Abstract: Stain removing compositions which can be granular detergents, liquid detergents, granular stain removers, liquid stain removers, household cleaners, food industrial cleaners, and the like, containing proteolytic enzymes derived from bacterium No. 177, are effective low temperature (0° C.-50° C.) stain removers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of removing iodine stains comprising contacting a surface having an iodine stain with a liquid cleaning composition for a sufficient time to decolorize the stain said cleaning composition comprising about 1% to about 100% by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid, salicylic acid derivatives and mixtures thereof, and at least one solvent. The liquid cleaning composition has an adjusted pH of about 1-14.

Abstract: A cleaning composition which is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion is disclosed. The composition includes (i) a non-aqueous hydrophobic solvent; (ii) a first anionic or nonionic surfactant having an alkyl chain, the length of the alkyl chain being C11 or less; (iii) a second anionic or nonionic surfactant having an alkyl chain, the length of the alkyl chain being C12 or more; and (iv) the pH of the cleaning composition being at least 8. Methods for using the cleaning composition for treating spots or stains on textile fabrics and laundry kits comprising the cleaning composition are also disclosed.

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: There is provided an aqueous composition for cleaning fabrics and carpets and inhibiting the resoiling of fabric and carpets. The composition includes a peroxygen compound, a surfactant system, and a polymeric or copolymeric soil resist. The resulting compositions are particularly stable and non-turbid.

Abstract: There is provided a detergent composition comprising one or more surfactants and a compound capable of binding to coloured substances which may occur as stains on fabrics.

Abstract: A reductive bleaching composition containing: (a) from 80 to 90% by weight of a glucose component; (b) from 1 to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant; and (c) from 5 to 20% by weight of a buffer salt selected from the group consisting of an inorganic buffer salt, an organic buffer salt, and mixtures thereof, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition.

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: An improved method of removing rust stains from carpet and other textiles including application of ammonium bifluoride or other fluoride compounds to a rust stain. If the ammonium bifluoride is unable to remove the stain, an acidifying agent is added to the ammonium bifluoride to generate hydrofluoric acid on the stain. The unreacted hydrofluoric acid is then neutralized and removed along with the stain.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid and water, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: An improved method for the removal of stains from textiles is disclosed. The method involves the use of novel mixtures of zeolites and imides. The method of the invention provides superior performance in the removal of stains, especially those from animal wastes or fluids. The zeolite/imide mixtures are useful to remove stains from various textile fabrics and fibers, e.g. carpets, clothing, and upholstered goods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fabric cleaning solutions such as clothing pre-spotters. The solutions have a mildly acidic pH and contain an amphoteric surfactant. They can be used many hours, or even a few days, before laundering in standard base detergent conditions. The solutions provide the equivalent of a "bucketless soak.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more effective method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric, the method comprising the steps of: applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain; placing an absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain; and applying heat, pressure, or heat and pressure, to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, preferably in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent, or water, so that some or all of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer. The detergent composition can be applied to the textile fabric using a container having a cap to which a foam pad is secured. The cap has a small opening through which the detergent composition can pass.

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: A dryer dry cleaning and freshening system is provided with a containment bag, a dispenser means impregnated with liquid cleaning composition, and a absorber capable of absorbing loose particles and excess cleaning composition A process for cleaning a garment is also provided. The system and process may be used in a home clothes dryer for dry cleaning.

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 method of cleaning carpets with a composition comprising a surfactant selected from amine oxides and acyl sarcosinates. The compositions are advantageous in that they do not leave a dulling film if not removed from the carpet after drying. Preferably, the compositions also contain a source of active oxygen for stain removal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns lipolytic enzymes naturally produced by a fungus of the species Fusarium solanii. The lipolytic enzymes include two lipases and a cutinase. The present invention concerns a biologically pure culture of Fusarium solanii producing these lipolytic enzymes and in particular a biologically pure culture of Fusarium solanii var. minus T.92.637/1. The present invention concerns also a detergent composition containing these lipolytic enzymes.

Abstract: A device, for use in a washing machine filled with water for cleaning surfaces without the use of detergent, comprising a water permeable housing containing a plurality of cation exchange resin beads, a quantity of tourmaline, a quantity of metal alloy such as copper micro-fibre strands, and a quantity of ferromagnetic material. The materials contained within the housing are in fluid communication with the laundry water and function to clean laundry by substantially reducing the quantity of dissolved solids in the water, neutralizing bacteria, germs and algae, and attracting positively charged particles from soiled laundry articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having pendant polysaccharide moieties. The invention also provides a method for cleaning an article and a method of providing soil resistance to an article using the polymers having pendant polysaccharide moieties. The polymers are useful in cleaning compositions such as laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, prespotters, fabric softeners, and hard surface cleaners.

Abstract: A method and means for cleaning silk fabric for the prompt and efficient removal of stains from silk fabric, for example a stain on a silk tie, without causing visible lasting changes in color and without unpleasant smell. By means of a cleaning tissue, made of, for example, a textile material, essentially in the form of a wet tissue, impregnated with a grease solvent and a neutralizing agent, a stain on a silk tie is easily removed without any traces by rubbing the stain with the tissue, whereby the stain is dissolved by the grease solvent and is absorbed by the tissue, the smell-neutralizing agent preventing any unpleasant smell from spreading. The grease solvent may be a special boiling point spirit of heptane type. The smell-neutralizing agent may be an oil of terpene type, such as lemon oil.

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.