Abstract: A process for washing laundry in a washing machine employs a receptacle for dispensing a detergent tablet. The receptacle is substantially rigid and includes a number of apertures which have an average dimension equivalent to a mesh size of between 1 and 10 mm. A solid detergent in the form of a tablet is placed in the dispensing receptacle, the latter then being placed into a washing machine along with laundry to be washed and a washing operation is carried out. After the washing operation, the device is removed from the machine and stored for subsequent use. Moreover, the invention relates to a dispensing device for carrying out this process.

Abstract: A process for washing laundry in a washing machine employs a receptacle for dispensing detergent tablets. The receptacle comprises a loosely fitting net bag having apertures with an average mesh size of between 1 and 10 mm. One or more tablets are placed in the dispensing receptacle before being placed into a washing machine along with laundry to be washed and a washing operation is carried. After the washing operation, the device is removed from the machine and stored for subsequent use. Moreover, the invention relates to a dispensing device for carrying out this process and a use of the device in laundry washing.

Abstract: Foam control granules, for use in particulate laundry detergent compositions, comprise a mobile hydrophobic foam control agent, preferably silicone oil in admixture with hydrophobic silica, optionally combined with a mixture of a hydrocarbon such as petroleum jelly and an alkylphosphoric acid salt, sorbed onto a porous absorbent inorganic carrier comprising or consisting of anhydrous sodium carbonate, preferably light soda ash. When such granules are prepared by mixing and granulating in a high shear mixer/granulator, the addition of from 1 to 10 wt % water after mixing and granulation results in granules having improved flow properties.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried particulate detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 600 g/liter, prepared by mixing and granulating liquid and solid ingredients in a high-speed mixer/granulator, contains a builder polymer and/or a soil-release polymer. The polymer is incorporated during the mixing and granulation process in the form of a non-aqueous premix with a non-aqueous diluent.

Abstract: A polyvinyl ether and paraffin wax blend is described which is useful as a coating for encapsulates which are stable in an alkaline environment and which exhibit a volume % compressibility of 20.degree. or less at 30.degree. C. The polyvinyl ether material has a formula [C.sub.x H.sub.2x O].sub.y.

Abstract: A polyvinyl ether and paraffin wax blend is described which is useful as a coating for encapsulates which are stable in an alkaline environment and which exhibit a volume % compressibility of 20 or less at 30.degree. C. The polyvinyl ether material has a molecular formula [C.sub.x H.sub.2x O].sub.y.

Abstract: Bleach catalyst composition in the form of non-friable composite granules. Each granule is free from easily oxidisable organic materials and comprises a manganese complex catalyst; optionally an inert salt and a binding agent. Detergent compositions comprising such granules have good peroxide and enzyme stability.

Abstract: Alkali metal silicate solutions are formed into granules in a single stage. The heated solution is sprayed into a heated drum having a multiplicity of arms fixed to a rapid by rotating central shaft. A gas, preferably air, heated to 150.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. is also introduced with the silicate solution and a granulated product is obtained from the other end of the drum.

Abstract: The characteristics of compacted sodium silicate, in particular the attrition resistance,are improved by contacting the material with water in an agitated bed. A preferred route for adding moisture is the use of steam which gives efficient distribution in the bed.

Abstract: A liquid surfactant composition mobile at 20.degree.-80.degree. C. contains up to 80% anionic surfactant (sodium or potassium alkylbenzene sulphonate and/or alkyl sulphate), up to 80% nonionic surfactant and less than 10% by weight of water. The liquid composition may be sprayed onto a solid particulate absorbent material to form a detergent powder or component thereof.

Abstract: A liquid surfactant composition mobile at 20.degree.-80.degree. C. contains up to 80% anionic surfactant (sodium or potassium alkylbenzene sulphonate and/or alkyl sulphate), up to 80% nonionic surfactant and less than 10% by weight of water. The liquid composition may be sprayed onto a solid particulate absorbent material to form a detergent powder or component thereof.

Abstract: An antifoam ingredient suitable for incorporation into a detergent powder comprises an antifoam material, for example, a hydrocarbon and/or a polysiloxane together with hydrophobic silica, enclosed within a matrix formed of a mixture of fatty acid and fatty acid soap.

Abstract: Washing powders containing an aluminosilicate as a builder or part thereof are made by a process in which a slurry containing anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant and sodium silicate is spray-dried and is formed into granules with aluminosilicate, optionally with another detergency builder, using a liquid binder.

Abstract: A drum granulator is described in which at least a part of the cylindrical outer wall is resilient. This can be achieved, for example, by forming the drum from steel and fitting it with a resilient rubber lining, which is exposed in way of circumferentially extending slots in the steel. The drum rotates past pivotted rollers which are allowed to descend abruptly onto the resilient part of the wall, dislodging any material which adhered to it.

Abstract: Colored speckles, for imparting a speckled appearance to uncolored powder, or for varying that of already colored powder are manufactured by a process involving spraying onto particulate material such as spray dried detergent base powder. Evenly colored, visually distinctive non-segregating speckles are obtained.