Abstract: The invention provides compositions for improving the appearance of used textiles which contains a photoactivator and a fluorescent whitening agent which is a distyrylbiphenylsulfonic acid or a salt thereof and/or a 4,4'-bis-(1,2,3-triazol-2-yl)-2,2'-stilbenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof. The invention also provides soaking, detergent or rinsing liquors containing such compositions as well as a method of improving the appearance of used textiles which comprises the use of the compositions and liquors of the invention.

Abstract: Copolymers obtained by polymerizing maleic anhydride, diketene and a vinyl alkyl ether, the alkyl moiety of which contains 1 to 22 carbon atoms, are provided. These copolymers or their partially or completely hydrolyzed derivatives can be used as surface active compounds, glass cleaners, additives to detergent builders or preferably as detergent builders and sequestering agents themselves.

Abstract: Agent for the preparation of the baths for brightening the color of and removing the greyness from white and pastel colored textiles which are made from synthetic fibers or which are provided with an easy-care finish and are made from cotton or blends thereof with synthetic fibers, which consists essentially of an organic polymer which is soluble or emulsifiable in water and is a homopolymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid or an ester or amide thereof, a copolymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid or an ester of amide thereof with acrylic or methacrylic acid alkylpolyalkylene glycol ester, a polyvinyl acetate or a water-soluble starch derivative, and a mixture thereof, and a fluorescent brightener which is soluble or dispersible in water.

Abstract: Agent for the preparation of the baths for brightening the color of and removing the greyness from white and pastel colored textiles which are made from synthetic fibers or which are provided with an easy-care finish and are made from cotton or blends thereof with synthetic fibers, which consists essentially of an organic polymer which is soluble or emulsifiable in water and is a homopolymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid or an ester or amide thereof, a copolymer of acrylic or methacrylic acid or an ester of amide thereof with acrylic or methacrylic acid alkylpolyalkylene glycol ester, a polyvinyl acetate or a water-soluble starch derivative, and a mixture thereof, and a fluorescent brightener which is soluble or dispersible in water.