Abstract: Polymers can be prepared by polymerizing appropriate monomers in a substantially non-aqueous liquid medium comprising a detergent and/or an ester of a polyhydic alcohol. The invention also includes novel polymers which can be prepared by this process.

Abstract: A particulate detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l which is not the product of a spray-drying process consists of a substantially homogeneous granular base and optional postdosed ingredients. The composition comprises a surfactant system, alkali metal aluminosilicate builder, and a water-soluble salt of citric acid, preferably sodium citrate, and optionally other ingredients. The delivery and dissolution characteristics of the composition in the wash are improved if citrate of Rosin Rammler particle size less than 800 .mu.m is incorporated within the granular base. The composition may also contain postdosed citrate of unrestricted particle size.

Abstract: Substantially non-aqueous liquid cleaning compositions comprise a non-aqueous liquid phase, which liquid phase comprises an alkylpolyglucoside partial ether. Specific novel alkylpolyglucoside partial ether are also claimed.

Abstract: A substantially non-aqueous liquid cleaning product composition comprises from 10 to 90% by weight of a non-aqueous organic solvent, from 0.01 to 15% by weight of a deflocculant and from 30 to 90% by weight of particles of solid material dispersed in the solvent, wherein from 25 to 75% by weight of the solid material has a D(3,2) average particle diameter of less than 10 .mu.m and from 75 to 25% by weight of the solid material has a D(3,2) average particle diameter of more than 10 .mu.m, and the D(3,2) average particle size of the solid material is more than 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: Substantially non-aqueous liquid cleaning compositions comprising a non-aqueous liquid phase that comprises a polyalkoxylated castor oil derivative and/or polyalkoxylated derivatives of ricinoleic acid (set forth as formula (III)) and/or polyalkoxylated derivatives of analogous fatty alcohols (set forth as formula (IV)).

Abstract: A substantially non-aqueous liquid detergent composition is provided comprising a liquid phase and a particulate solid phase dispersed therein, said solid phase comprising from about 10% to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of substantially amorphous sodium metasilicate containing less than 6% by weight of water.

Abstract: A cleaning composition comprises an alkali metal carbonate detergency builder with a seed crystal material therefor and a heavy metal seqestrant. To avoid deleterious interactions with the seed crystal material, the sequestrant is imobilised on a high surface area solid support medium. The composition may be in the form of powders, aqueous liquids, substantially non-aqueous liquids, gels or pastes.

Abstract: Use is disclosed of a non-aqueous liquid detergent composition for the washing of fabrics in a domestic automatic dosing washing machine.

Abstract: The pourability of a substantially non-aqueous liquid detergent upon storage at low temperatures may be ascertained by incorporating into it a liquid nonionic surfactant blend essentially consisting of:(a) a narrow range linear chain alkyl ethoxylated alcohol containing an average of from about 5 to 7 ethylene oxide groups per molecule; and(b) an ethoxylated alcohol containing an average of from about 2 to 3 ethylene oxide groups per molecule, the weight ratio between (a) and (b) being in the range of from 9:1 to 1:9, whereby the average chain length ranges from 9 to 14 carbon atoms and the melting point of said blend is lower than 5.degree. C., preferably lower than 0.degree. C. This type of non-aqueous liquid detergent is particularly suitable for use in industrial washing machines.