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: Granular, built laundry detergent compositions containing particular smectite clay minerals. Compositions containing such clays provide softening and/or antistatic benefits to fabrics washed therein.