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 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 process for preventing dye redeposition during the washing of a dyed fabric or garment made from natural fibers, which process incorporates as a dye redeposition inhibiting agent, a water-soluble or water-dispersible polyester resin composition comprising a reaction product of 20%-50% by weight of terephthalate polymer or waste terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight of at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one oxyalkylated polyol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and a radical scavenger or mixtures thereof, for pretreating soiled fabrics before said fabrics are washed, for reducing the loss of tensile strength in said fabrics and/or for reducing the color damage of said fabrics. The present invention further encompasses a liquid composition suitable for pretreating soiled fabrics, said composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and a radical scavenging system.

Abstract: Liquid bleaching compositions are described which comprise hydrogen peroxide or a source thereof, as well as a bleach activator. The liquid bleach activator is hydrophobic, and the compositions are formulated as microemulsions of said bleach activator in a hydrophilic matrix comprising water and a surfactant system comprising an anionic and a nonionic surfactant.

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.

Abstract: A method of cleaning textile fabrics comprising the steps of (i) dispensing a detergent foam from an aerosol container, (ii) dissolving the foam in water to form an aqueous solution; and either subsequently or simultaneously, (iii) agitating the textile fabrics in the aqueous solution.

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: 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: A process for pretreating soiled fabrics prior to washing with a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and a compound chelating copper and/or iron and/or manganese is provided. The liquid composition used in such process is also provided.

Abstract: A detergent product comprising: (i) a foaming composition which includes: a surfactant, a detergent builder and less than 25%, by weight, of water; (ii) a propellant gas; and a (iii) a container. The viscosity of the foaming composition, measured at 20.degree. C. and 1 atmosphere, using a Brookfield viscometer, No. 2 Spindle at 60 rpm, is less than 700 mPa.multidot.s.

Abstract: Soaking compositions are disclosed which comprise a bleach, a builder; an anionic surfactant, a proteolytic enzyme; and a stability enhanced amylase enzyme. A process of soaking fabrics is also disclosed, wherein said fabrics are immersed in a soaking liquor comprising water and an effective amount of the composition above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detergent composition which comprises a nonionic polysaccharide ether, a surfactant, a dye transfer inhibition agent, a cellulase enzyme and a chelating agents. In addition the invention further relates to a method of treating fabrics with the detergent composition.

Abstract: A liquid detergent composition comprising anionic surfactants selected from the group of alkyl alkoxy sulfates and alkyl sulfates, characterized in that said detergent composition further comprises a tertiary amine having formula (1), wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.4 -C.sub.10, preferably C.sub.8 -C.sub.10 alkyl; n is 2-4, preferably n is 3; R.sub.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 or formula (2), whereby x is 1-5, R.sub.3 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.2 alkyl.

Abstract: Enzymes are used in a dry cleaning composition and process. Cleaning compositions comprising lipase, protease and/or amylase enzymes are applied to soiled fabrics in the presence of an organic solvent such as butoxy propoxy propanol to clean the fabrics. In a preferred mode, an enzyme-containing dry cleaning composition is releasably contained in a sheet substrate. The sheet is tumbled with soiled fabrics in a conventional home clothes dryer to clean soiled garments.

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: Disclosed herein are methods for use of a towelette to clean stains from clothing and upholstery. The towelette is impregnated with a cleaning solution that is primarily water, but also contains a volatile cleaning agent and a surfactant. The pH and surfactant concentrations of the cleaning solution are regulated. The wipe reduces the incidence of readily visible rings around treated stains.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a stain receiver article and its use in a fabric cleaning process. The invention also encompasses a kit, comprising: (a) an aqueous fabric cleaning/refreshment composition which is, optionally, releasably contained on a carrier substrate; a re-usable, preferably vapor-venting, containment bag; a stain receiver article according to this invention; optionally, but preferably, a fabric cleaning device, as disclosed herein; optionally, a re-usable holding tray; and optionally, a non-aqueous cleaning composition. The invention also encompasses the stain receiver article, itself.

Abstract: Home dry cleaning compositions useful in dry-cleaning of textiles and garments in a non-commercial environment are disclosed. The cleaning compositions useful in conjunction with a a domestic dry cleaning operation the cleaning compositions are contacted with a soiled garment or textile during a tumbling such as is possible with a domestic clothes dryer. The cleaning compositions contain a major proportion of water, and further include minor amounts of a nonionic alkoxylated alcohol, anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, as well as salt forms thereof, organic solvent selected from alcohols and glycol ethers, as well as optional constituents including fluorosurfactants, pH adjusting agents, fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, and preservatives.

Abstract: A method for removing a water spot from a fabric article, wherein the fabric article has a first side and a second side and the water spot is on the first side. The method comprises the steps of:a) placing a clean cloth on a hard flat surface;b) placing the fabric article on the clean cloth such that the first side of the fabric article contacts the clean cloth;c) dampening the fabric article with an aqueous solution; andd) ironing the second side of the fabric article adjacent the water spot with a clothes iron.This method is preferably performed in conjunction with a non-immersion method for cleaning and refreshing fabric articles. Also, a product for treating fabric articles is provided, which product includes instructions for performing the method of removing water spots.

Abstract: A process for removing a stain from a localized stained area on a fabric. The process comprises the following steps: (a) placing the stained area of the fabric over and in contact with an absorbent stain receiver; (b) applying a fluid cleaning composition, which comprises at least about 95%, by weight water, to the stain from a container having a dispenser spout with a distal tip; and (c) rubbing or pressing the cleaning composition into the stain using the distal tip of the spout. This process causes the stain to be transferred into the stain receiver before the fabric is used or subjected to conventional laundering or dry-cleaning processes.

Abstract: A pretreater or laundry additive composition which removes stains and as a laundry additive, whiten fabrics are described herein. The compositions contain 0.1 to 20 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant, 0.1% to 10 wt. % of a hydrophobically modified polymer and less than about 5 wt. % of an anionic soap. Methods of using the composition are also described.

Abstract: Stable aqueous emulsions comprising dipicolinic acid or certain derivatives thereof and hydrophilic and hydrophobic nonionic surfactants are disclosed, as well as a process for preparing said compositions. The dipicolinic acid and derivatives thereof build viscosity in said compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pretreater or compositions in stick form which remove stains. The compositions contain 30 to 80 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant, 1 to about 20 wt. % of an anionic soap, and 0.1% to 10 wt. % of a hydrophobically modified polar polymer. A method of using the composition is also described.

Abstract: Laundry detergent compositions containing a detergent surfactant, a detergent builder, and from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight ethylene dicysteate or its acid form are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, such as food and beverage stains particularly polyphenolic stains such as wine, blueberry, tea, coffee, morello juice and the like.

Abstract: Iodine stains may be removed from a substrate, such as a textile, by applying a solution of carboxyalkene, having a site of unsaturation at the 4, 5-, 5, 6- or 6, 7- position.