Abstract: A powdered laundry detergent composition comprising an active surfactant, at least about 70 wt. % of a water soluble alkaline carbonate salt, e.g., sodium carbonate, about 0.1 to 2 wt. % of a phosphorus-containing sequestering agent, e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), about 0.1 to 2 wt. % of a polymeric polycarboxylate, e.g., a polyacrylate or a polymaleate, and about 1-12 wt. % water. Use of the foregoing detergent composition provides excellent cleaning and whitening of fabrics while avoiding the problem of eutrophication which occurs when a substantial amount of a phosphorus containing builder such as STPP is present in the composition, and while minimizing the problem of fabric encrustation often present when the composition contains a large amount of carbonate builder.

Abstract: A laundry detergent composition, wherein the solids content comprises an active surfactant, at least about 70 wt. % of a water soluble alkaline carbonate, e.g., sodium carbonate, up to about 12 wt. % of elemental magnesium in the form of a water soluble salt, e.g., magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride, and about 0.05 to 5 wt. % of a polymeric polycarboxylate, e.g., an acrylic acid polymer, based on the total weight of solids in the composition. Incorporation of magnesium ions in the foregoing laundry detergent composition containing carbonate ions is intended to minimize negative interactions that will occur between the precipitation of calcium carbonate and the surfaces of the fabric being cleaned, e.g., fabric encrustation, with an enhancement of this effect due to the presence of the polymeric polycarboxylate.

Abstract: A laundry detergent composition, wherein the solids content comprises an active surfactant, at least about 70 wt. % of a water soluble alkaline carbonate, e.g., sodium carbonate, a minor amount of elemental strontium in the form of a water soluble salt, e.g., strontium chloride, and, optionally, a minor amount of a polymer polycarboxylate, e.g., an acrylic acid polymer, based on the total weight of solids in the composition. Incorporation of strontium ions in the foregoing laundry detergent composition containing carbonate ions is intended to minimize negative interactions that will occur between the precipitation of calcium carbonate and the surfaces of the fabric being cleaned, e.g., fabric encrustation, with an enhancement of this effect when polymeric polycarboxylate is present.

Abstract: A means for removably securing a plurality of needles wherein a plurality of holding means are disposed from one surface of a member, the holding means having an elongated shape with adjacent longer sides being substantially parallel. The needle is gripped on its inside curved surved in at least two points and on its outside curved surface at one point.