Abstract: There is provided a method for preventing or reducing the fading of color on fabric by means of a divalent salt. Compositions which provide care to the color of fabrics and comprising a dye fixing agent and the divalent salt are also herein provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a liquid-containing vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device (1), suitable for cleaning liquid-containing vessels (such as bathtubs or swimming pools), equipped with an energy storage means, wherein said device (1) is a static device and uses a liquid present in said vessel as rinse-liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable, aqueous fabric softening compositions, fabric softening methods and articles of manufacture that use such fabric softening compositions comprising preferred polyalkyleneoxy polysiloxanes selected from the group consisting of polyethyleneoxy polysiloxane, polyethyleneoxy/polypropyleneoxy polysiloxanes, and mixtures thereof. The composition is preferably applied as small particle size droplets, especially from spray containers. The present invention also relates to a method of identifying, selecting, and/or designing the preferred polyethyleneoxy polysiloxanes and/or polyethyleneoxy/polypropyleneoxy polysiloxanes that provide superior fabric softening performance in general, and especially for use in the fabric softening composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising, optionaly, less than about 0.5% detergent surfactat, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 10.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and allowed to stay for at least about one half minute to significantly reduce microorganism contamination. The food can be consumed without rinsing.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric softening composition including from about 1% to about 90% by weight of a fabric softening active, optionally from about 1% to about 25% by weight of a principal solvent having a ClogP of less than about 3, from about 0.05% to about 15% by weight of a malodor controlling agent, and the balance being adjunct ingredients. The malodor controlling agent is selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, cyclodextrin or mixtures of these ingredients. The present invention also relates to a method for reducing malodor by applying such a composition to a fabric article, and drying the fabric article as well as the use of such a composition on fabric articles to reduce malodor impression. An article for reducing and inhibiting the expression of malodor impression is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric enhancement compositions which provide reduced fabric abrasion damage. The compositions of the present invention comprise: a) one or more fabric abrasion polymers, said polymers comprising the following units: i) at least one monomeric unit comprising an amide moiety; ii) at least one monomeric unit comprising an N-oxide moiety; or iii) a polymer which contains at least one monomeric unit comprising an amide moiety and at least one monomeric unit comprising an N-oxide moiety; and b) the balance carriers and fabric conditioning or fabric enhancement ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a liquid-containing vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device (1), suitable for cleaning liquid-containing vessels (such as bathtubs or swimming pools), equipped with an energy storage means and a self-tracking means and/or a filter, wherein said device (1) is capable of floating and actively moving in said vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric care methods for restoring and/or rejuvenating color of worn, faded fabric, by applying to said fabric a fabric color care composition which comprises: water soluble and/or water dispersible polymers; surfactant capable of forming a bilayer structure; and mixtures thereof. Optionally, the composition can contain other ingredients to provide additionally fabric care benefits, and/or to improve performance and formulability. The composition is preferably applied as small particle size droplets, especially from spray container that preferably are in association with a set of instructions for use.

Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets comprising an additive and perfume. The additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of wax, oil, and mixtures thereof. The cleaning sheets preferably have at least two regions, where the regions are distinguished by basis weight. In particular, the preferred cleaning sheets comprise one or more high basis weight regions having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 g/m2 and one or more low basis weight regions, wherein the low basis weight region(s) have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the basis weight of the high basis weight region(s). Also disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality, in addition to having multiple basis weights. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a scrim material, which when heated and then cooled, contracts so as to provide a macroscopic three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning article for use in a clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning article having a flexible sheet and a fabric conditioning composition deposited on the sheet. The fabric conditioning composition includes a fabric conditioning agent, perfumed particles and minor components. The perfume particles are a perfume composition incorporated into a porous mineral carrier such as clay and/or zeolite. Optionally, the perfume composition comprises low levels of unstable perfume components. Alternatively, the perfumed particles have a coating material encapsulating at least a portion of the particles. Optionally, the articles are packaged in a container having a moisture barrier to prevent premature release of the perfume therefrom.

Abstract: An article of manufacture useful for removing allergens from surfaces comprises (a) a package; (b) cleaning sheet capable of removing allergens from surfaces; and (c) information to communicate the allergen removal ability of the cleaning sheet to consumers. A method of promoting the sale of cleaning sheets useful for removing allergens from surfaces comprises a variety of steps to inform a consumer of the allergen removal ability of the present cleaning sheets, implements, and articles and encourage the consumer to use them to remove allergens from a surface.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for treating food such as produce, e.g., fruits and vegetables, and edible animal proteins are provided. Liquid formulations comprising anionic and/or nonionic detergent surfactant, such as potassium alkyl sulfate, that does not affect palatability, electrolyte to provide at least about 0.04 molarity of cations and basic buffer to provide a pH of at least 8.5 are applied to food products immediately before consumption and can significantly reduce microorganism contamination in less than about one minute. The food can be consumed without rinsing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing composition, preferably for use on inanimate surfaces. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, of an emulsion or dispersion comprising long lasting hydrophobic perfume to improve acceptance. Optionally, the composition can contain low molecular weight polyols; metallic salts to help control odor; water soluble anionic polymer to help control odor; a humectant, etc. The composition is preferably essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric. The composition is preferably applied as small particle size droplets, especially from spray containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement comprising a handle and a removable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad is designed to provide multiple cleaning surfaces each of which contact the soiled surface during the cleaning operation. The cleaning pad also preferably has the ability to absorb at least about 10 g of water per g of pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable softener compounds with an acid value of no more than 6.5. A process for making said compound is also provided. The softener can be incorporated into softener compositions to form solid and liquid compositions, including liquid dispersions and clear compositions.

Abstract: There are provided wrinkle reducing compositions and method for treating fabrics in order to improve various properties of fabrics, in particular, reduction or removal of unwanted wrinkles, by means of an aqueous composition comprising a nonionic polyhydric alcohol humectant and a water-soluble wetting agent selected from a cationic surfactant, a non-alkoxylated nonionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A rinse water additive dispenser having an upper housing having a opening and a lower housing releasably connected to the upper housing, the lower housing walls defining an internal chamber for containing a rinse water laundry additive. The dispenser further comprises a valve assembly having a valve for sealing the opening in the upper housing, the valve movable between closed and open positions and being biased towards an open position. In addition, the dispenser includes a weight assembly having a counterweight that is actuated by centrifugal force, and which prior to actuation, prevents the valve from biasing to an open position.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a hard surface cleaning composition for removing cooked-, baked-, or burnt-on food soil from cookware and table ware, having surface tension of less than 30 mN/m and comprising an organic solvent system and no more than: 0.09% by weight of the composition of ethers having molecular weight of less than 210 0.007% by weight of the composition of esters having molecular weight of less than 110 0.045% by weight of the composition of glycol ethers having molecular weight of less than 130 0.0025% by weight of the composition of ketones having molecular weight of less than 90.

Abstract: Fabrics are treated with a film-forming material and a blowing agent, typically ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, and ironed. The fabrics thus acquire dry wrinkle resistance, in addition to the benefit provided by the film-forming material.