Abstract: Neutral to basic compositions comprising surfactants other than amphoteric surfactants, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and an alkylenically unsaturated monomer, and a polysaccharide polymer. Also, employment of these compositions in processes for treating hard surfaces, providing a shine benefit to the hard surfaces, reducing limescale deposits and watermarks from hard surfaces, and for providing a “next-time” cleaning benefit to hard surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process of cleaning an enamel surface with a liquid acidic composition comprising an enamel safe acid wherein the pKa of said acid is 3.5 or higher, with the proviso that non mono-lower alkyl ethers or phenyl ethers or benzyl ethers of diethylene glycol, wherein the lower alkyl is of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, are present in said composition. The composition employed in said process is safe to enamel.

Abstract: A process of cleaning an enamel surface with a liquid acidic composition comprising an enamel safe buffering system, wherein said buffering system comprises a salt having an anion selected from the group consisting of hydroxide and carbonate; and a cation that has an ionic radius larger than 115 pm; with the proviso that no ethers of diethylene glycol are present in said composition.

Abstract: The present invention describes liquid acidic cleaning compositions suitable for cleaning bathroom surfaces comprising a homo- or copolymer or vinylpyrrolidone, or a mixture thereof, a polysaccharide polymer, or a mixture thereof, an anionic surfactant, and an acid. These compositions deliver improved shine to the treated surface as well as improved next-time cleaning benefit on said surface.

Abstract: Stable, perfumed, highly acidic liquid compositions are disclosed which comprise a source of active oxygen, a surfactant and a cyclic terpene/sesquiterpene compound (e.g. eucalyptol). Said compositions are particularly suitable to clean hard surfaces like toilet bowls.

Abstract: Pseudoplastic and thixotropic aqueous compositions comprise a detergent system containing an emulsion of at least two nonionic surfactants, preferably alkoxylated alcohols of the formula RO(E).sub.e (p).sub.p II where R is a hydrocarbon chain of from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, E is ethylene oxide, and P is propylene oxide, and e and p represent the average degrees of ethoxylation and propoxylation, said nonionic surfactants having a difference between HLB values of at least 6.5, said composition having a viscosity of from about 60 cps to about 1500 cps at 12 rpm, from about 40 cps to about 800 cps at 30 rpm, and from about 20 cps to about 500 cps at 60 rpm, and said composition preferably having a pH of from 0 to about 6.

Abstract: Stable aqueous emulsions comprising dipicolinic acid or certain derivatives thereof and hydrophilic and hydrophobic nonionic surfactants are disclosed, as well as a process for preparing said compositions. The dipicolinic acid and derivatives thereof build viscosity in said compositions.

Abstract: Compositions for the removal of limescale comprise aryl sulfonic acids, optionally, acid stable bleach compositions, and, optionally, sulfamic acid. The compositions are used in a process for removing limescale as aqueous compositions. The pH of the compositions is from about 0 to about 4. The compositions provide improved performance for equal reserve acidity.

Abstract: Limescale removing compositions are disclosed which comprises a C1-C6 linear or branched alkyl sulfonic acid or mixtures thereof. Said alkyl sulfonic acids are particularly efficient in removing limescale and they are furthermore stable to bleach/oxidants. Therefore, compositions can be formulated which further comprise acid-stable oxidant compounds. Also, mixtures of alkyl sulfonic acids and sulfamic acid are particularly effective in removing limescale. The compositions of the invention are used to remove limescale from a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: Aqueous acidic bleaching compositions are described which comprise hydrogen peroxide and a specific class of surfactants which stabilize hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Mildly acidic multi-purpose liquid cleaning compositions which comprise a specific nonionic surfactant system are disclosed. The nonionic surfactant system comprises at least four different nonionic surfactants belonging to four different HLB classes. The compositions can be used for laundering, hard surface cleaning for bathrooms, kitchens or floors, as well as for cleaning carpets.