Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided comprising a cross-linked polycarboxylic polymer and a clay, the combination interacting to provide a gel with certain rheological properties. These properties include a viscosity on a Haake Rotovisco RV-100 Viscometer at 25.degree. C. under 5 sec.sup.-1 shear of from 1,000 to 20,000 cps and under 21 sec.sup.-1 shear of from about 200 to 5,000 cps, with a steady state viscoelastic deformation compliance J.sub.e .degree. greater than 0.01. Preferably, the clay is a hectorite present in an amount from about 0.005 to about 0.1% by weight. Clear gel compositions are herewith obtainable.

Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided comprising a clear gel with opaque particles of an active material uniformly dispersed and suspended within the gel. A surfactant is present in the gel. The active material is surrounded by a protective substance such as an encapsulating layer. Representative of active materials are chlorine and oxygen bleaches, bleach precursors, enzymes, fabric softeners, surfactants, perfumes and mixtures of these materials.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition is provided in a gel form having a viscosity on a Haake Rotovisco RV-100 Viscometer at 25.degree. C. under 5 sec.sup.-1 shear of from about 1,000 to 20,000 cps and under 21 sec.sup.-1 shear of from about 200 to 5,000 cps, a pH range from 11 to 13, and a steady state viscoelastic deformation compliance J.sub.e .degree. greater than 0.01, and wherein the light transmittance through a sample 2 cm thick is at least 10%. The composition will incorporate a polycarboxylic polymeric thickener, especially a cross-linked polyacrylic acid. Also present will be a structurant which can either be up to 2% alumina or up to 0.05% hectorite clay. Also present in the composition will be from 0.01 to 20% of an alkyl polyglycoside which ensures improved cleaning and clarity.

Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided in gel form having a viscosity on a Haake Rotovisco RV-100 Viscometer at 25.degree. C. under 5 sec.sup.-1 shear of from about 1,000 to 20,000 cps and under 21 sec.sup.-1 shear of from about 200 to 5,000 cps, a pH range from 11 to 13, and a steady state viscoelastic deformation compliance J.sub.e .degree. greater than 0.01. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a polycarboxylate polymeric thickener, especially a cross-linked polyacrylic acid. There preferably is also present a trivalent metal containing material, especially an aluminum containing material such as alumina. A structuring chelant is a further preferred component which is selected from the salts of carbonate, pyrophosphate and mixtures thereof. When mixed with the polycarboxylate polymer and trivalent metal material, the structuring chelant can form a clear gel.