Abstract: The invention concerns powdered detergent compositions that display less malodour and less degradation than known powdered detergent compositions, these compositions comprise at least surfactants, sequestrants and/or anti-oxidants, while also heavy metal ions are present. Other components such as support material, soaps, bound water, builders and perfumes can also be present. The invention also concerns a process to make these compositions wherein specific components are added to a mixer through different ports of addition situated downstream from each other.

Abstract: A granular component for use in a particulate detergent composition, the granules of which comprise an active substance and comprise an incomplete coating wherein less than 70% of the surface area of the component is coated. Preferably the granules are partially coated in a water-soluble partially hydrophobic coating.

Abstract: A particulate laundry detergent is composed of at least two different granular components, one of which is an anionic surfactant granule having a bulk density of 300-600 g/l comprising linear alkylbenzene sulphonate on a particulate carrier material comprising of sodium carbonate and an optional finely-divided water-insoluble particulate material, preferably zeolite, which must be present if the average particle size of the sodium carbonate exceeds 40 &mgr;m. Also present is at least one other selected granular detergent component. The anionic surfactant granule may be prepared by in-situ neutralisation of alkylbenzene sulphonic acid with sodium carbonate in a fluidised bed.