Abstract: Self-thickened aqueous cleaning compositions are described which comprise an alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and an electrolyte system. The compositions are made physically stable, even at low temperature, by incorporating therein a nonionic surfactant from a selected class.

Abstract: A composition comprising short chain alkoxylated alcohols as nonionic surfactants. The short chain alkoxylated alcohols provide superior cleaning compared to their homologues with longer chains as well as other benefits including, low foaming and skin mildness, and the ability to formulate concentrated compositions.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions comprise maleic acid and a surfactant consisting of a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. Said compositions are substantially odor-free and do not contain any perfume.

Abstract: Acidic aqueous cleaning compositions containing a strong acid and maleic acid are disclosed. The maleic acid provides improved surface safety.

Abstract: Process for using detergent compositions comprising a surfactant system that is either (1) a mixture of nonionic and zwitterionic detergent surfactants; (2) a mixture of nonionic and amphoteric (non-zwitterionic) detergent surfactants, preferably; or (3) short chain nonionic detergent surfactant, the nonionic detergent surfactants preferably being short chain and/or having peaked distribution; optional hydrophobic cleaning solvent; and polycarboxylate, especially dicarboxylate, detergent builder provide superior cleaning of all of the soils commonly found in the bathroom. The compositions have a pH of from about 1 to about 5.5, preferably from about 2 to about 4 when the dicarboxylate builder is used. The compositions are in the form of aqueous liquids. Short chain peaked distribution nonionic detergent suffactants provide surprisingly superior sudsing characteristics.

Abstract: Limescale removing compositions contain a low level of surfactant, i.e., less than about 1% and maleic acid and have a pH of from about 0.1 to about 4.5. The surfactant can be anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, or cationic, but is preferably cationic. The composition can be used neat, or diluted, by applying it to the surface to be treated, leaving it to react, and then rinsing.

Abstract: Acidic cleaning compositions which are self-thickened by a thickening system comprising a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound cationic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. The compositions are for hard surface cleaning and are specifically suitable for the removal of limescale.