Abstract: The invention provides a, non- or minimized streaking/filming antimicrobial formulation, the cleaner containing: a. an akoxylated quaternary ammonium surfactant, present in a cleaning-effective amount; b. an alkoxylated short chain nonionic surfactant, also present in a cleaning-effective amount; c. alkanolamine as an alkalinity source, present in an amount effective to enhance soil removal in said cleaner; d. a quaternary ammonium compound in an amount present for antimicrobial efficacy; e. at least one water-soluble or dispersible organic solvent having a vapor pressure of at least 0.001 mm Hg at 25° C., said at least one organic solvent present in a solubilizing—or dispersion—effective amount; and f. the remainder, water.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved, non- or minimized streaking/filming antimicrobial formulation, the cleaner containing:

Abstract: A thickened, buffered aqueous acidic cleaning composition suitable for removing mineral deposits is provided. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a weak acid and its conjugate base wherein the weak acid has a pK.sub.a of approximately 2 to 3.5 and where the composition has a pH of approximately 2 to 3.5. Organic acids, such as citric acid, are particularly suited. The addition of a thickening system comprising cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and sodium xylene sulfonate or alkyl diphenylether sulfonate produces a viscoelastic composition in which the viscosity can be controlled by the level and/or ratio of the surfactant/counterion. Suitable stable adjuncts including fragrances, dyes, organic solvents, disinfectants, and bleaches can be added to the composition.

Abstract: A bleaching product and a method of removing soils from fabrics by contacting the fabrics in an aqueous wash solution with a product comprising a peracid precursor, a source of hydrogen peroxide and a source for delayed release of an acid into the wash solution to initially permit effective in situ formation of peracid, the acid thereafter reducing the pH of the wash solution for enhancing bleach performance of the peracid. The source of the acid may be included in the bleaching product, for example, as an acid of delayed solubility, an acid coated with a low solubility agent or an acid generating species, or independent of the bleaching product. The acid source is selected to be compatible with the peracid or precursor and adjuncts.

Abstract: A dry cleaning system particularly suited for employing supercritical CO.sub.2 as the cleaning fluid consisting of a sealable cleaning vessel containing a rotatable drum adapted for holding soiled substrate, a cleaning fluid storage vessel, and a gas vaporizer vessel for recycling used cleaning fluid is provided. The drum is magnetically coupled to a motor so that it can be rotated during the cleaning process. The system is adapted for automation which permits increased energy efficiency as the heating and cooling effect associated with CO.sub.2 gas condensation and expansion can be channeled to heat and cool various parts of the system.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning method in which a solvent such as densified carbon dioxide can be used for rapid and efficient cleaning, but with decreased damage to solid components such as buttons. The method comprises contacting a substrate to be cleaned with a first fluid, removing the first fluid from contact with the substrate while replacing with a second fluid, and recovering the substrate substantially free of the first and second fluids and from the contaminant. The first fluid is a densified gas while the second fluid is a compressed gas. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the use of a pretreatment designed for compatibility with the densified first fluid.

Abstract: Cleaning composition and method comprising in a first embodiment an alkali metal carbonate builder and a fabric encrustation prevention system comprising a substoichiometric level of lignosulfonic acid or its salts and esters which acts to inhibit and prevent the deposition of insoluble precipitates containing water hardness ions on fabrics; in a second embodiment the cleaning composition includes a detersive surfactant for laundry applications; in either embodiment the following adjuncts may be included: co-builders, alkali metal silicates, bleaching species, enzymes, fragrances, dyes, brighteners and others.

Abstract: The invention provides novel peracid precursors representative of which is the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is OH, --O--R.sup.3, or ##STR2## and X.sup.1, X.sup.2, Y and Z are individually selected from H, SO.sub.3.sup.--, CO.sub.2.sup.--, NO.sub.2, NR.sub.4.sup.5+, halogen, R.sup.6 and mixtures thereof;wherein R.sup.3 of --O--R.sup.3 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sup.4 of ##STR3## is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sup.5 of NR.sub.4.sup.5+ is selected from H, alkyl of 1 to 24 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof; and R.sup.6 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms.In one embodiment of the invention, the novel peracid precursors are combined with a source of hydrogen peroxide and sufficient quantities of buffer to impact an alkaline pH when the composition is placed in aqueous solution. Preferred embodiments of the invention include wherein R.sup.2 is hydroxy, and R.sup.1 is alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms (monoester); and wherein R.sup.2 is ##STR4## and R.sup.

Abstract: This invention provides stable peroxyacid bleaching compositions comprising:(a) a surface active peroxyacid, and(b) at least one surfactant which forms a mixed micelle in aqueous solution with said peroxyacid;wherein said aqueous solution contains a detergent concentration of about 0.1 to 3.0 grams/liter.Buffers and other typical cleaning adjuncts known to those skilled in the art may be included.The invention also provides a method of stabilizing the decomposition rate of surface active peroxyacids.