Abstract: An improved, no -bleach process for the production of sulfonated fatty acid alkyl ester surfactants containing sulfonated fatty acid alkyl esters and less than 10% of sulfonated fatty acid disalt, fatty acid salt (soap), and fatty acid alkyl ester impurities, said process comprising sulfonating fatty acid alkyl esters, reacting with a C.sub.1 to C.sub.8 alcohol, and continuously neutralizing with an alkoxide in a substantially anhydrous medium of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.

Abstract: Articles especially adapted for in-home dry cleaning comprise a carrier in spherical or polyhedral form which is impregnated with a cleaning composition. Multiple articles are placed together with soiled garments in a sealed bag and tumbled, preferably in a hot air clothes dryer, to clean and refresh the garments.

Abstract: Rinsing dyed or white fabrics in a chelator-containing rinse bath restores color and brightness. Rinse added compositions comprising chelators such as diethylenetriaminepentaacetate or ethylenediamine disuccinate are used to restore the appearance of colored and white fabrics whose drab appearance has been caused by interactions with metal ions, especially copper and nickel. Compositions comprising the chelators in combination with fabric care auxiliaries such as fabric softeners, cellulase enzymes and chlorine scavengers are provided.

Abstract: Bleaching compositions useful for laundering fabrics comprising a manganese bleach catalyst at a level below about 40 ppm manganese sourced by the catalyst. Also, acid wash methods useful for reducing the bleach catalyst carry-over from laundry bleach compositions containing metal-containing bleach catalysts, said methods comprising contacting fabrics impregnated with metal-containing bleach catalysts with an aqueous acidic solution having a pH below about 4.0.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a 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.

Abstract: The invention herein provides bleaching compositions comprising a protease enzyme which is a carbonyl hydrolase variant having an amino acid sequence not found in nature, which is derived by replacement of a plurality of amino acid residues of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase with different amino acids, wherein said plurality of amino acid residues replaced in the precursor enzyme correspond to position +76 in combination with one or more of the following residues: +99, +101, +103, +104, +107, +123, +27, +105, +109, +126, +128, +135, +156, +166, +195, +197, +204, +206, +210, +216, +217, +218, +222, +260, +265, and/or +274, where the numbered positions corresponds to naturally-occurring subtilisin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or to equivalent amino acid residues in other carbonyl hydrolases or subtilisins (such as Bacillus lentus subtilisin) and a bleaching agent.

Abstract: Detergent compositions are described which comprise a suds suppressing system consisting of a mixture of a silicone oil and a 2-alkyl-alcanol, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) spray drying an aqueous mixture of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and a minor amount of a surfactant so as to form spray dried granules containing an inorganic double salt having the formula Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .multidot.Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and a minor amount of the surfactant; (b) agglomerating the spray dried granules with a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and adjunct detergent material initially in a high speed mixer and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the adjunct detergent material includes an adjunct sodium carbonate material; and (c) drying or cooling the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of below about 500 g/l.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerate is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the dry starting detergent material includes a hydrated salt; and (b) drying the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of less than about 600 g/l.

Abstract: A process wherein the particle size of high density detergent agglomerates produced via agglomeration of a high active surfactant paste can be effectively and inexpensively controlled. More particularly, the process invention includes the step of regulating the level of carbonate in a highly active surfactant paste which is combined with other detergent ingredients in an agglomeration process. The agglomeration process also includes the step of treating the surfactant paste and other detergent ingredients in a high speed mixer/densifier followed by a low or moderate speed mixer/densifier resulting in detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: A process for the continuous preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l which comprises the steps of: i) dispersing a detergent active paste throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer with a residence time of from 2 seconds to 30 seconds, ii) forming an agglomerate in a moderate speed mixer/agglomerator with a residence time of less than 2 minutes, in which, optionally, a finely divided powder may be added, iii) drying and/or cooling. Granular detergent compositions which are made by this process, and which have excellent solubility properties especially with respect to dispensing and rate of dissolution are also described.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions comprise a builder material which has substantially improved performance and is significantly less expensive than previous builders. The builder material has improved performance in that it unexpectedly has a high calcium ion exchange capacity and rate, and is easy to handle, process and disperse in washing solutions. The cleaning compositions contain a builder material having at least one crystalline microstructure including a carbonate anion, calcium cation and at least one water-soluble cation, wherein the builder has a particle size diameter within selected ranges for optimal performance. The microstructure should have a sufficient number of anions and cations so as to be "balanced" or "neutral" in charge.

Abstract: A process for producing a particulate laundry additive composition produces a particulate laundry additive for perfume delivery in laundry detergent compositions, especially those in the form of granules or agglomerates. The process includes mixing a porous carrier material, typically containing perfume, and an encapsulating material, typically a carbohydrate material, and then compacting the mixture to form agglomerates. The agglomerates which include the porous carrier particles enrobed with the encapsulating material are then sized into particles for incorporation into a detergent product. The process may be employed to produce particulate additive compositions which may be used in fabric softening and dishwashing as well as laundry detergent compositions.

Abstract: A liquid premix for use in a detergent composition which comprises at least 40% by weight of polyhydroxy fatty acid amide and an effective amount of borate-containing material to prevent crystalization and/or precipitation of the liquid premix when stored for at least 2 weeks at 20 .degree. C., and methods of making same.

Abstract: A process for producing a particulate laundry additive composition produces a particulate laundry additive for perfume delivery in laundry detergent compositions, especially those in the form of granules or agglomerates. The process includes mixing a porous carrier material, typically containing perfume, and an encapsulating material, typically a carbohydrate material, to form agglomerates or an extrudate which is then sized into particles for incorporation into a detergent product. The process may be employed to produce particulate additive compositions which may be used in fabric softening and dishwashing as well as laundry detergent compositions.

Abstract: 1,2-Octanediol is used to clean soiled fabrics. Thus, cleaning compositions comprising 1,2-octanediol, preferably in combination with solvents, are impregnated into carrier sheets. The sheets are tumbled with soiled fabrics inside of a plastic bag. The resulting home dry cleaning process leaves the fabrics clean and refreshed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye transfer inhibiting detergent composition comprisinga) 0.0001% to 10% by weight of a dye transfer inhibitor having a ratio of amine to amine N-oxide of from about 2:3 to about 1:1,000,000 selected from the group consisting of poly(2-vinylpyridine-N-oxide), poly-2-(dimethylamino)-ethylmethacrylate-N-oxide and poly-1-vinylimidazole-N-oxide; andb) a detersive effective amount of a surfactant; andc) a detersive effective amount of a builder.

Abstract: Efficient dry cleaning compositions with pleasant odor qualities comprise water, butoxy propoxy propanol cleaning solvent and a perfume ingredient. The compositions also comprise 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, and a polyacrylate emulsifier. Dry cleaning sheets impregnated with the composition are suitable for inhome use.

Abstract: A home dry cleaning article is provided. Thus, a hydroentangled carrier sheet comprising mixed cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers which is releasably impregnated with solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol, 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, water and an emulsifier is prepared. The article is placed in a plastic bag with soiled garments and tumbled in a hot-air clothes dryer. The garments are cleaned and refreshed.

Abstract: There is provided a detergent composition comprising conventional detergent components characterized in that it contains polygalacturanase enzymes substantially free of other pectic enzyme. The polygalacturanase enzyme is preferably incorporated into the compositions at a level of from 0.0001% to 2% active enzyme by weight of the composition.