Abstract: A detergent composition is disclosed that contains an alkyl ethoxylate sulfate surfactant having an average ethoxylation level of from 1 to 5, and amine oxide. The amine oxide is present in an amount from 1% to 8.5%, by weight of the composition. The detergent composition has a pH from 5.5 to 8.5. The combined level of any free fatty alcohols and sulfated alcohols in the detergent composition is less than 3% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A process far preparing a detergent tablet, comprising the step of contacting a liquid binder to a base powder, wherein the liquid binder comprises a nonionic surfactant and a dissolution aid.

Abstract: A detergent tablet for use in a washing machine, the tablet having one or more phases at least one of which is in the form of a compressed particulate solid comprising a) a polymeric disintegrant having a particle size distribution such that at least 90% by weight thereof has a particle size below about 0.3 mm and at least 30% by weight thereof has a particle size below about 0.2 mm; and b) a water-soluble hydrated salt having a melting point in the range from about 30° C. to about 95° C. The detergent tablets display improved dissolution, strength and long-term storage characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions, especially liquid, granular and tablet forms of laundry detergent compositions, that comprise improved hydrotropes, wherein the hydrotropes are organic molecules in which two polar groups are separated from each other by at least 5 aliphatic carbon atoms; liquid compositions that contain such hydrotropes have a viscosity, dilution profile and dissolution behavior that render the product effective and convenient for use as a liquid laundry detergent composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a detergent tablet, comprising the step of contacting a liquid binder to a base powder, wherein said liquid binder comprises a nonionic surfactant and a dissolution aid.

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: A surfactant agglomerate is disclosed which has a reduced tendency to gel upon contact with water, and has an improved dissolution profile in water. The surfactant agglomerate comprises a water-soluble salt of acetate in close proximity with the surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tablet formed by compressing a particulate material, the particulate material comprising a surfactant and a highly soluble compound, the highly soluble compound having a cohesive effect on the particulate material. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of preparing an aqueous solution of a laundry detergent for use in a washing machine, wherein the aqueous solution of laundry detergent is formed by dissolving in water a tablet formed by compressing a particulate material, the tablet comprising a surfactant and a highly soluble compound, the highly soluble compound having a cohesive effect on the particulate material.

Abstract: A cleaning composition which is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion is disclosed. The composition includes (i) a non-aqueous hydrophobic solvent; (ii) a first anionic or nonionic surfactant having an alkyl chain, the length of the alkyl chain being C11 or less; (iii) a second anionic or nonionic surfactant having an alkyl chain, the length of the alkyl chain being C12 or more; and (iv) the pH of the cleaning composition being at least 8. Methods for using the cleaning composition for treating spots or stains on textile fabrics and laundry kits comprising the cleaning composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more effective method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric, the method comprising the steps of: applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain; placing an absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain; and applying heat, pressure, or heat and pressure, to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, preferably in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent, or water, so that some or all of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer. The detergent composition can be applied to the textile fabric using a container having a cap to which a foam pad is secured. The cap has a small opening through which the detergent composition can pass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition which is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion, or a solution comprising non-aqueous hydrophobic solvent; and anionic or nonionic surfactant. The cleaning composition further comprises a bleach activator. The invention also relates to a method for treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric using the cleaning composition.