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: A process for sanitizing a fabric article which is contaminated with one or more microbials. The process steps include: (a) placing the fabric article in a vapor venting bag together with a cleaning/refreshing composition comprising water; and (b) subjecting the vapor venting bag to a heat source which supplies sufficient heat to vaporize the water, thereby exposing the microbials to the resulting water vapor. This process results in at least about 50% of the microbials being killed. The cleaning/refreshing composition preferably comprises at least one antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, trichlorocarbanalide, hydrogen peroxide, other oxygen bleaches, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, iodine/iodophors, chlorhexidine, phenols, phospholipids, thymol, eugeniol, geraniol, oil of lemon grass, limonene and mixtures thereof.

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: 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.

Abstract: Bottle aqueous household cleaning, fabric treatment and deodorizing compositions comprising surfactant, and a perfume which contains a substantial proportion of hydrophobic perfume ingredients having a ClogP of greater than 3. The bottles are made of high density polyethylene wherein the bottles have a continuous inner surface layer of nylon, polyetheneterephthalate or fluorinated polyethylene in order to prevent migration into and/or transmission through the high density polyethylene of the hydrophobic perfume ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet having at least a first and a second layer, whereby the first layer is softer than the second layer, and if said tablet has more than two layers, the tablet is such that a softer layer is situated at an end of the tablet to increase the integrity and robustness of the entire tablet during production, shipping and handling while keeping substantially good dispensing properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing solution, for use on inanimate surfaces. The solution comprises from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the solution, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin, an effective amount of a solubilized, water-soluble, antimicrobial preservative having a water-solubility of greater than about 0.3%, optional perfume, and an aqueous carrier. The solution is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric and has a pH of greater than about 3. The solution can be incorporated into a spray dispenser to create an article of commerce that can facilitate treatment of articles and/or surfaces with uncomplexed cyclodextrin solutions of a level that is effective yet is not discernible when dried on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing malodor from fabrics; stable, aqueous odor-counteractant composition, preferably for use in the laundry; and articles comprising said composition and instructions for the method and/or benefits to be derived. The composition comprises malodor counteractants such as cyclodextrin, said cyclodextrin being protected from interaction with any other materials that might be present in said composition so as to maintain the cyclodextrin in uncomplexed form and/or, optionally, zeolites, clay, odor blockers, odor reactant such as class I and/or class II aldehydes, essential oil comprising flavanoid, metallic salt, water soluble anionic polymer, etc. to help control odor. Optionally, the composition can also contain low molecular weight polyols, chelating agents, etc. The composition is preferably essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent tablet comprising a core and a coating, the core having a diametral fracture stress of less than 15 kPa, and the core comprising a non-gelling binder, wherein the coated detergent tablet has a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a detergent tablet having a diametral fracture stress of at least 20 kPa, the tablet giving less than 18 g residue at the end of the washing machine cycle under stressed test, the stressed test consisting of three tablets, each tablet weighing 60 g, being placed in the bottom of the drum of a Miele® W831 washing machine, 2.5 kg of mixed fabric load being placed in the drum on top of the tablets, and the machine being run using a “whites/colors” short cycle of 30° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, aqueous odor-absorbing and wrinkle controlling composition, preferably for use on inanimate surfaces, especially fabrics. The composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight of the composition, of solubilized, water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin and an effective amount of at least one ingredient to improve the performance of the composition selected from the group consisting of: (1) cyclodextrin compatible surfactant; (2) cyclodextrin compatible antimicrobial active; and (3) mixtures thereof. The composition also comprises a wrinkle control agent which is fabric lubricant, shape retention polymer, hydrophilic plasticizer, lithium salt, or mixtures thereof. Hydrophilic perfume improves acceptance. Optionally, the composition can contain low molecular weight polyols; metallic salts to help control odor; a humectant, etc. The composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrophilic curable alkoxylated silicone polymers for surface modification and are useful in, e.g., fiber and fabric care, hair care, skin care, surface care, and car care compositions. The compounds are curable silicone polymers which contain one or more polyalkyleneoxy groups, preferably polyalkyleneoxy pendant groups, comprising at least some ethyleneoxy units, said polyalkyleneoxy pendant groups are preferably capped with low molecular weight alkyl groups, such as C1-C6 alkyl groups. These compounds are substantive to the surface but keep the surface hydrophilic.