Abstract: Peroxygen bleach compositions which can be used together with oxygen-sensitive wash aids are disclosed. Combination products comprising these bleach compositions together with the oxygen sensitive wash aids are disclosed as well as are methods of laundering employing them. The bleach compositions include a peroxygen source, a surface active or hydrotropic bleach activator or catalyst therefor and a quaternary ammonium salt. As compared to equivalent compositions not containing the quaternary ammonium salt, these bleach compositions are characterized by a delayed onset of active oxygen production when they are added to wash solutions. When these bleach compositions are used in combination with oxygen-sensitive wash aids, the sensitive wash aids have an initial period when they can act before the active oxygen level rises to a level that it interferes with their action.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increased stability of enzymes in oxidant dry bleach. Enzyme stability is adversely affected by increased temperature, humidity, and the presence of strong oxidants, such as peracids. The instant invention provides enzyme stability in the presence of oxidant bleaches by coating or encapsulating the enzyme, while providing enzyme solubility suitable for use in bleach mixtures upon introduction to an aqueous medium. Particularly, alkali and neutral materials act as protection agents, which neutralize oxidant species before the contact and denature the enzyme. Other standard bleaching composition adjuncts such as builders, fillers, buffers, brighteners, fragrances, and the like may be included in the enzyme-containing oxidant bleach composition in addition to the discrete coated enzyme granules.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a stable peracid bleach composition comprising discrete granules which comprise peracid, namely, diperoxydodecanedioic acid. In another preferred embodiment, enzymes are present in the composition separate from the discrete peracid granules. In both the enzyme-containing and non-enzyme containing compositions, peracid and exotherm control agents are combined in a discrete granule in which the amount of water is carefully controlled to result in, respectively, maximum peracid and enzyme stability. Standard bleaching composition adjuncts such as fillers, brighteners, pH control agents and the like may be included in the compositions apart from the discrete peracid granules.

Abstract: This invention provides a stable, fragranced liquid hypochlorite bleach composition in which an immiscible or slightly miscible fragrance is stably dispersed in the bleach substantially without wetting the interior walls of the plastic container for the bleach. This lack of wetting is caused by using as a dispersant for the fragrance, a hydrotrope which does not wet the plastic but stably suspends the fragrance in the bleach.

Abstract: A thickened aqueous cleaning composition is viscoelastic, and has utility as a drain opening composition or as a hard surface cleaner having a cleaning-effective residence time on non-horizontal surfaces. In one embodiment the composition comprises a cleaning active, a quaternary ammonium compound, and an organic counterion. In another embodiment, the viscoelastic quality of the composition is advantageously utilized as a drain opener which rapidly penetrates standing water with minimal dilution to deliver active to the clog material.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one embodiment, an odor controlling animal litter comprising: (a) adsorbent or absorbent particles; and (b) an ammonia-controlling-effective amount of (i) pine oil and (ii) boric acid applied onto the particles. The litter can also include further adjuncts, such as fragrances, other antimicrobial additives, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one embodiment, an odor controlling animal litter comprising:a) adsorbent or absorbent particles; andb) an ammonia-controlling-effective amount of pine oil carried onto said particles via an aqueous liquid dispersion and a dispersion aid therefor.The litter can also include further adjuncts, such as fragrances, other antimicrobial additives, and the like.

Abstract: A thickened aqueous cleaning composition is viscoelastic, and has utility as a drain opening composition or as a hard surface cleaner having a cleaning-effective residence time on non-horizontal surfaces. In one embodiment the composition comprises a cleaning active, a quaternary ammonium compound, and an organic counterion. In another embodiment, the viscoelastic quality of the composition is advantageously utilized as a drain opener which rapidly penetrates standing water with minimal dilution to deliver active to the clog material.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable bleach activator granules comprising:a) a peroxygen bleach activator having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1-20 branched or straight chain alkyl, alkoxylated alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl; R' and R" are independently H, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, aryl; and L is a leaving group;b) a pliable binding material selected from materials having a melting completion temperature of greater than about 40.degree. C.; and, optionally,c) a filler material.These bleach activator granules are combined with a detergent base which contains an oxidant bleach to provide an activated oxidant detergent composition.

Abstract: A wash additive combination is provided which is loaded into a washing machine at the start of a wash cycle, and which releases a wash additive, such as a fabric softener, into the rinse solution. The combination comprises a wash additive packet of a foam substrate material having a first and a second stable conformation of differing surface area, and a wash additive deposited thereon. A dispenser is provided for mounting atop a washing machine agitator, and into which the packet may be releasably placed, after arranging the packet in its lesser surface area conformation. The packet is retained by the dispenser during initial phases of the wash cycle, and ejected during the spin phase, whereupon it regains its greater surface area conformation for rapid and complete dispersion of active. Embodiments are provided for dual, sequential release of active in the rinse and the dryer.