Abstract: The physical stability of liquid gel-like compositions based on thixotropic thickener is greatly improved by incorporating in the composition small amounts, such as 0.1 to 0.2 weight percent of long chain fatty acids and salts thereof. The aqueous compositions containing inorganic builder salts and other functional inorganic salts, chlorine bleach, bleach stable detergent, at least one thixotropic thickener and a fatty acid or alkali metal salt of the fatty acid as a physical stabilizer exhibit a significant increase in apparent viscosity and remain stable against phase separation for an extended period of time. The thixotropic properties can be retained or improved using smaller levels of the thixotropic thickener than in the absence of the physical stabilizer. The stability, chlorine-bleach loss and cleaning ability of the compositions is further improved, when the composition pH is at least 11.2, when added to an aqueous wash both at a concentration of about 10 grams per liter.

Abstract: The physical stability of liquid gel-like automatic dishwasher detergent compositions based on montmorillonite, attapulgite, hectorite or other inorganic colloid-forming clay or other thixotropic thickener is greatly improved by incorporating in the composition small amounts, such as 0.1 or 0.2 weight percent, of aluminum or zinc stearate or other polyvalent metal salt of long chain fatty acid. The aqueous compositions containing inorganic builder salts and other functional inorganic salts, chlorine bleach, bleach-stable detergent, thixotropic thickener and polyvalent metal salt of a fatty acid as a physical stabilizer remain stable against phase separation for periods in excess of six weeks under a wide range of temperatures. The thixotropic properties can be retained or improved using smaller levels of the clay thixotropic thickener than in the absence of the physical stabilizer.

Abstract: A liquid heavy duty laundry detergent composition comprising a suspension of builder salt in liquid nonionic surfactant in which the stability against settling of the composition is improved by the addition of small amounts of a higher alkyl quaternary ammonium surface active agent. The yield stress of the compositions can be improved with the same or lower plastic viscosity, especially at low concentrations of the alkyl quaternary ammonium surface active agent.

Abstract: A low polyphosphate or a polyphosphate free liquid heavy duty laundry detergent composition comprising a suspension of an alkali metal polyacetal carboxylic acid builder salt in liquid nonionic surfactant. The laundry detergent composition comprises a nonaqueous liquid nonionic surfactant containing a stable suspension of an alkali metal polyacetal carboxylic acid builder salt.