Abstract: A method for treating a fabric article with the following steps: placing the fabric article in a container having an opening and at least one wall that defines an interior void space. Then the temperature and relative humidity of the air within the interior void space of the container are raised to a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined first relative humidity for a predetermined first period of time. Finally, at least one of the temperature or the relative humidity of the air within the interior void space of the container are changed at the end of the first period of time to a predetermined second temperature and a predetermined second relative humidity for a predetermined second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to an appliance suitable for refreshing/cleaning cloth items in a refreshing/cleaning cycle, said appliance comprising a collapsible or expandable container that is made from a material that defines an interior void space, a container opening, a humidity provider, a heating element, at least one vent and/or filter, and an air circulation device, wherein said appliance further comprises a device to prevent accidental opening of the appliance's container by the user while a refreshing/cleaning cycle is running.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic nebulizer for use in a portable and collapsible cleaning and refreshing apparatus for treating fabric garments. The ultrasonic nebulizer contains a housing, the housing being divided into at leant two compartments by a membrane, preferably made out of a flexible film, more preferably made out of an inox film, such that at least one compartment is liquid and vapor tight, the nebulizer further comprising at least one piezoelectric vibrator for ultrasonic wave generation and located in the liquid and vapor sight compartment, a high-frequency generator for exciting the piezoelectric vibrator, wherein the liquid or gel medium is heated by a built-in heating device to a temperature of at least 30° C., preferably at least 40° C., more preferably at least 50° C.

Abstract: A method for treating a fabric having a discrete stained area, wherein the fabric has a first side and a second side, the method comprises the steps of: (a) applying a spot cleaning composition to the discrete stained area of the fabric; (b) contacting the first side of the fabric adjacent the stained area with an absorbent stain receiving article; (c) subjecting the second side of the fabric adjacent the stained area to a heat source; (d) optionally, concurrently or consecutively with Step (a), contacting the fabric adjacent the stained area with a treatment member; and (e) optionally, applying an aqueous rinsing solution to the fabric adjacent the stained area. The spot cleaning composition comprises a bleach, a solvent, a surfactant and water. Also provided are spot removal kits that include instructions for performing the present spot removal methods, and a process for cleaning and refreshing fabrics that can optionally be performed before or after the present spot removal methods.

Abstract: A method for treating a fabric having a discrete stained area, wherein the fabric has a first side and a second side, the method comprises the steps of: (a) applying a spot cleaning composition to the discrete stained area of the fabric; (b) contacting the first side of the fabric adjacent the stained area with an absorbent stain receiving article; (c) subjecting the second side of the fabric adjacent the stained a to a heat source; (d) optionally, concurrently or consecutively with Step (a), contacting the fabric adjacent the stained area with a treatment member; and (e) optionally, applying an aqueous rinsing solution to the fabric adjacent the stained area. The spot cleaning composition comprises a bleach, a solvent, a surfactant and water. Also provided are spot removal kits that include instructions for performing the present spot removal methods, and a process for cleaning and refreshing fabrics that can optionally be performed before or after the present spot removal methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of cleaning a substrate, the process comprising a first step of providing a cleaning solution and a hand-held implement, the process further comprising a second step of applying the solution onto the substrate with the implement, characterised in that the implement has an active part vibrating at a frequency of at least 20 kHz with an amplitude of at least 10 &mgr;m and up to 100 &mgr;m, and whereby the substrate is fibrous or a hard domestic surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held having an active part vibrating at a frequency of at least 20 kHz with an amplitude of at least 10 &mgr;m and up to 100 &mgr;m, characterised in that the implement has at least two configurations, a first configuration where the active part is hard, and a second configuration where the active part is not hard.

Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to an appliance suitable for refreshing/cleaning cloth items in a refreshing/cleaning cycle, said appliance comprising a collapsible or expandable container that is made from a material that defines an interior void space, a container opening, a humidity provider, a heating element, at least one vent and/or filter, and an air circulation device, wherein said appliance further comprises a means to prevent accidental opening of the appliance's container by the user while a refreshing/cleaning cycle is running.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to an ultrasonic nebulizer for use in a portable and collapsible cleaning and refreshing apparatus for treating fabric garments. Said ultrasonic nebulizer comprises a housing, said housing being divided into at least two compartments by a membrane, preferably made out of a flexible film, more preferably made out of an inox film, such that at least one compartment is liquid and vapor tight, said nebulizer further comprising at least one piezoelectric vibrator for ultrasonic wave generation and located in said liquid and vapor tight compartment, a high-frequency generator for exciting said piezoelectric vibrator, wherein said liquid or gel medium is heated by a built-in heating means to a temperature of at least 30° C., preferably at least 40° C., more preferably at least 50° C.