Abstract: A cleaning composition comprising at least 80 percent by water at least 1 percent by weight of an amphiphile, and at least 0.005 percent by weight of hydrocarbon exhibits good cleaning performance and a visual indication of activity. The composition is on or adjacent to a phase boundary of its phase diagram and exhibits self-induced surface motility of the Marangoni type.

Abstract: A method of cleaning household articles entails contacting cleaning water with a container containing a substantially water-insoluble modifying agent able to bind calcium ions. The container is permeable to water and to calcium ions but retains the modifying agent. The container may be a bag, for example of textile or paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product having an anionic metal ion indicator dye bound to it, and use of such products in the detection of metal ions, in particular calcium ions, in a liquid.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: A method of cleaning household articles entails contacting cleaning water with a container containing a substantially water-insoluble modifying agent able to bind calcium ions. The container is permeable to water and to calcium ions but retains the modifying agent. The container may be a bag, for example of textile or paper.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device for spraying liquids comprises a hollow capillary structure having a convoluted inner surface, one end of which contacts a reservoir of an electrostatically sprayable liquid preferably having a viscosity from 1 to 20.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s and a volume resistivity from 2.5.times.10.sup.6 to 5.times.10.sup.8 ohm cm, the other end of which terminates in an atomization tip, and means for applying high voltage to the liquid in order to cause the liquid at the atomization tip to break up into a plurality of electrostatically charged droplets. Cartridges for use in the electrostatic spraying device are also described.