Abstract: An improved method for laundering fabrics to remove oily soil is disclosed, wherein fabrics are contacted with a washing liquor comprising an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant system and other ingredients. The washing temperature and ingredients of the washing liquor are selected so that washing occurs at a temperature which is substantially above the cloud point of the washing liquor and below the phase coalescence temperature of the washing liquor. Compositions useful in the practice of this invention are also disclosed, comprising a nonionic surfactant to which is added one or more strong electrolytes. Such compositions may be diluted with water to form a washing liquor which has cloud point and phase coalescence temperatures which are tailored for washing, within the scope of the present method, at a temperature preferred in the art. Conventional sequestering detergency builders and adjuvants may be added to the compositions as desired to optimize the cleaning result.

Abstract: Detergency boosters comprise certain nonionic surfactants. When used at particular concentrations in conjunction with commercial laundry detergents in laundering liquors of about 70.degree. C., and higher, followed by rinsing at about 66.degree. C., or lower, the boosters herein provide improved fabric cleaning benefits. The nonionic surfactant detergency boosters herein are the ethoxylated primary aliphatic alcohols characterized by an average aliphatic chain length in the range C.sub.12 -C.sub.13 and an average degree of ethoxylation of about 3.