METHOD OF PRE-TREATING ARTICLES TO BE WASHED IN A DISHWASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A method of reducing residue left on an article of dishware. The method includes the steps of: providing an article of dishware having cooking residue on a working surface thereof; providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container being configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction using only a single hand of a user; dispensing some of the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the dishware while the container is disposed in an upright orientation; placing the pre-treated dishware into the dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing machine.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for pre-treating articles to be washed in a dishwashing machine; and more particularly to a method of pre-treating dishware prior to or after placing the dishware into a dishwashing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Machine dishwashing is convenient and generally time-saving, but may not be successful in removing some food or other residue in a single dishwashing cycle. For example, baked-on cooking residues can be particularly difficult to completely clean without additional effort. Thus, a user may feel the need to soak or pre-wash the soiled dishware prior to placing it into the dishwasher, reducing the overall convenience of using an automatic dishwashing machine.

In order to improve the ability of dishwashers to remove difficult cooking residues, pre-treatment products such as the Dawn™ Power Dissolver product and other pre-treating compositions were developed. Further examples of cleaning compositions suitable for pre-treating dishware are described in US Patent Application 2002/0183222A1. Often, such compositions are sprayed or otherwise placed on the dishware in non-diluted (“neat”) or in a diluted form prior to the dishwashing process. WO 2013/073007 A2 discloses a method of pre-treating food soils prior to washing using a pressurized aerosol canister that dispenses foam on the surface of the dishware.

Although many of the pre-treating compositions and products have been effective to reduce the amount of residue that remains after a single cycle in an automatic dishwashing machine, the products are often difficult to use. For example, some require pre-soaking the soiled dishware. Others require that the soiled dishware be sprayed with a composition over the sink because the pre-treating composition drips off of the dishware. This can be very inconvenient in many households as not all households have a sink adjacent the dishwashing machine. Still others are ergonomically difficult to handle because the user must hold onto and properly orient a bulky spray bottle while handling wet and/or soiled dishes. Typically, spraying occurs in downward direction due to the items to be cleaned being placed below the level of the sink or counter. Thus, the sprayer of the bottle is typically turned downwards which not only has the ergonomically negative effect of bringing the weight of the spray bottle above your wrist, but also carries the negative that as the bottle empties that the dip tube can end up outside the liquid and, as such, the liquid may not be dispensed as desired or fully dispensed. Further, spray products can have over spray that may be harmful to painted surfaces or to skin if exposed (e.g. walked on with bare feet) by animals or humans.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved alternative method of pre-treating dishware before or after placing it in a dishwasher. Further, it would be desirable to provide a method of pre-treating dishware to help improve cleaning results, especially when baked-on or otherwise difficult to clean kitchen soils are present on the dishware. It would also be desirable to provide a method of pre-treating dishware that is ergonomically pleasing and easy for the user to employ. It would also be desirable to provide a method of pre-treating dishware that reduces or prevents the likelihood that dispensing the composition in a downward direction will prevent or negatively affect the ability of the dispenser to properly dispense the composition. It would also be desirable to help improve the performance of lower performing dishwashers or dishwashers where the soiled items are tightly placed into the dishwasher. It would also be desirable to provide for concentrated application of detergent to the soiled dishware versus a diluted detergent in a typical main wash cycle. It would also be desirable to provide detergents onto soiled dishware and/or into the dishwasher in a way that the composition is separate from other compositions so as to avoid dilution or reaction of the compositions. It would also be desirable to provide a method of pre-treating dirty dishware to prevent the food stains from drying out between the time the dishes are used and when the automatic dishwashing machine is used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to address any one or more of the above-identified disadvantages and/or other known disadvantages related to pre-treating and machine washing dishware, the method of the present invention has been developed. Although the invention is described in more detail below, one example of the method of the present invention generally includes the following features and steps: providing a soiled article such as a dish to be washed in an automatic dishwasher; providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto the surface of the dishware, wherein the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the dishware; placing the pre-treated dishware in the dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher. Optionally, additional or other dishwashing compositions, such as detergents or other benefit-providing compositions can be released in the dishwashing machine.

Another example of the method of the present invention generally includes the following features and steps: providing one or more soiled articles such as dishes to be washed in an automatic dishwasher; placing the soiled articles in the dishwasher, providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto the surface of the dishware, wherein the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the soiled articles placed in the dishwasher by spraying this composition onto the articles while they are disposed on a rack of the open dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher. Optionally, additional or other dishwashing compositions, such as detergents or other benefit-providing compositions can be released in the dishwashing machine.

The method of the present invention may also be used to dispense other compositions and for other purposes. For example, the method may be used to dispense cleaning compositions, such as hard surface cleaners, stain removers, stain preventers, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, fragrances, UV protectors, wrinkle-release compositions, water proofing compositions, whitening compositions, color compositions, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the bottom dispensing container of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an alternative plan view of one embodiment of the bottom dispensing container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing container shown in FIG. 2 through section line 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom dispensing container being gripped by the hand of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As set forth herein, the present invention is directed to a method of pre-treating dishware or other articles intended to be washed in an automatic dishwashing machine. The terms “dishware” and “kitchenware” are used herein synonymously and are not intended to be limiting in any way, but rather to describe a class of articles used in the preparation, storage, eating, moving, placing, displaying, cooking, heating, cooling, cutting or otherwise touching food, drink or other items and/or materials, which articles are intended to be or regularly are machine washed in a dishwasher after use.

Often, consumers find it preferable to pre-treat their dishware prior to placing it into a dishwashing machine for cleaning in order to prevent the undesirable situation where the dishware is not fully clean even after the dishwasher has completed its cleaning cycle. As such, in order to reduce the likelihood of residue remaining after cleaning, the user may choose to apply a pre-treating composition to substantially the entire work surface of any particular or all of the dishware to be cleaned. By “working surface,” we mean the surface of the dishware which has come into contact with food, drink or other substances that are intended to be cleaned off of the article during the dishwashing cycle. Alternatively, the pre-treating composition may be applied to only a part of the working surface of the dishware, for example, onto the part of the working surface which is heavily soiled by food or a part that contains a residue known to be difficult to clean. In some instances, the user may further rinse the dishware, allow it to soak for a certain time, and/or scrub it to help loosen or remove the food soil.

The pre-treating composition may be applied to the dishware in any suitable form such as a liquid, solid, gel, mist, spray, jet, liquid shower, foam or otherwise. It is generally desirable for the pre-treating composition to obtain intimate contact with the soil on the dishware. Thus, it is generally applied directly to the soiled dishware in a “neat” or undiluted form. However, there are situations where it may be desirable to rinse the dishware before or after applying the pre-treating composition and/or where it may be desirable to dilute pre-treating composition before it is applied to the working surface. All of these situations are contemplated by the method of the current invention. Further, although the disclosure herein often refers to situations where the pre-treating is done just after the dishware is used or just prior to putting it into the dishwashing machine, other situations are contemplated and considered within the scope of the invention. For example, the pre-treating step may take place after the soiled dishes have been sitting in a soiled condition for some time and/or the soiled dishes may remain outside of the dishwasher or inside the dishwasher for a period of time after being pre-treated but before the dishwashing cycle is started. The particular timing of the steps or the order in which they take place is generally not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention, unless specifically set forth as such herein.

The pre-treating composition used may be any composition suitable for cleaning or pre-treating dishware. One example of a suitable pre-treating composition is that which is used in the Dawn™ Power Dissolver product. Other non-limiting examples of suitable pre-treating compositions suitable for pre-treating dishware are described in US Patent Application 2002/0183222A1. Although any pH is possible, it has been found that pre-treating compositions with a pH in the range of about 7 to about 13, or about 7 to about 10 generally work well and do not have some of the disadvantages that lower pH compositions may have.

The pre-treating composition may have any suitable viscosity. The composition may include single phase Newtonian or non-Newtonian products with a high shear viscosity of between 1 centipoises (cps) and 10,000 cps at 20° C. and, alternatively between 10 cps and 8000 cps, or between 50 cps and 5000 cps, or between 100 cps and 3000 cps, or between 150 and 2000 cps, or between 200 and 1000 cps, alternatively combinations thereof.

Viscosity, as used herein, is measured with a BROOKFIELD DV-E viscometer, at 20° C., spindle number 31. The following rotations per minute (rpm) should be used depending upon the viscosity: between 300 cps to below 500 cps, use 50 rpm; between 500 cps to less than 1,000 cps, use 20 rpm; from 1,000 cps to less than 1,500 cps, use 12 rpm; from 1,500 cps to less than 2,500 cps, use 10 rpm; from 2,500 cps, and greater, use 5 rpm. Viscosities below 300 cps are measured at 12 rpm with spindle number 18.

The pre-treating composition may be of any color, or shade. It may include one or more suspended phases, particles or combinations thereof. Further, the composition may be capable of suspending particulate solids or having solids in suspension. The solids may be undissolved electrolyte, the same as or different from the electrolyte in solution, the latter being saturated electrolyte. They may be materials which are substantially insoluble in water alone. Examples of such substantially insoluble materials are aluminosilicate builders and particles of calcite abrasive.

Non-limiting examples of typical components of dishware pre-treating compositions include the following:

Surfactants

The concentrated detergent composition of the present invention may contain one or more surface active agents (surfactants). The surfactant(s) may be any suitable surfactant or mixture of surfactants. For example, the surfactant may be selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic and mixtures thereof or mixtures of any of these surfacants and any other suitable surfactants.

Illustrative examples of surfactants useful herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,961, Norris, issued May 23, 1972, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,678, Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975, U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,905, Cockrell, issued Sep. 16, 1980, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,659, Murphy, issued Dec. 16, 1980, U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,841, Barrat et al, issued Aug. 25, 1981, U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,532, Leikhim et al, issued Aug. 18, 1981, U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,841, U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,678 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,220,099 and 2,477,383. Some well known surfactants are described in more detail in Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Ed., Vol. 22, pp. 360-379, “Surfactants and Detersive Systems”, McCutcheon's, Detergents & Emulsifiers, by M.C. Publishing Co., (North American edition 1997), Schwartz, et al., Surface Active Agents, Their Chemistry and Technology, New York: Interscience Publishers, 1949; and further information and examples are given in “Surface Active Agents and Detergents” (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch).

Illustrative examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include: alcohol ethoxylates (e.g. Neodol 25-9 from Shell Chemical Co.), alkyl phenol ethoxylates (e.g. Tergitol NP-9 from Union Carbide Corp.), alkylpolyglucosides (e.g. Glucapon 600CS from Henkel Corp.), polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene glycols (e.g. Pluronic L-65 from BASF Corp.), sorbitol esters (e.g. Emsorb 2515 from Henkel Corp.), polyoxyethylenated sorbitol esters (e.g. Emsorb 6900 from Henkel Corp.), alkanolamides (e.g. Alkamide DC212/SE from Rhone-Poulenc Co.), and N-alkypyrrolidones (e.g. Surfadone LP-100 from ISP Technologies Inc.); and combinations thereof. Additional illustrative suitable nonionic surfactants are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,316,812 and 3,630,929.

Illustrative examples of suitable anionic surfactants include: linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (e.g. Vista C-500 commercially available from Vista Chemical Co.), branched linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (e.g. MLAS), alkyl sulfates (e.g. Polystep B-5 commercially available from Stepan Co.), branched alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylenated alkyl sulfates (e.g. Standapol ES-3 commercially available from Stepan Co.), alpha olefin sulfonates (e.g. Witconate AOS commercially available from Witco Corp.), alpha sulfo methyl esters (e.g. Alpha-Step MCp-48 commercially available from Stepan Co.) and isethionates (e.g. Jordapon Cl commercially available from PPG Industries Inc.), and combinations thereof.

Examples of cationic surfactants suitable for use in the subject invention are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,497,718. Further examples include C8-C18 alkyl dimethyl ammonium halides and analogs in which one or two hydroxyethyl moieties replace one or two methyl moieties.

Suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants may include amine oxides and betaines. Suitable amine oxides may include coco dimethyl amine oxide or coco amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide. The amine oxide may have a linear or mid-branched alkyl moiety. Typical linear amine oxides include water-soluble amine oxides containing one R1 C_8-18 alkyl moiety and 2 R2 and R3 moieties selected from the group consisting of C_1-3 alkyl groups and C_1-3 hydroxyalkyl groups. The amine oxide may be characterized by the formula R1-N(R2)(R3) O wherein R₁ is a C_8-18 alkyl and R₂ and R₃ are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl. Exemplary linear amine oxide surfactants may include linear C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C₈-C₁₂ alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides. Exemplary amine oxides may include linear C₁₀, linear C₁₀-C₁₂, and linear C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl dimethyl amine oxides. As used herein “mid-branched” means that the amine oxide has one alkyl moiety having n₁ carbon atoms with one alkyl branch on the alkyl moiety having n₂ carbon atoms. The alkyl branch may be located on the α carbon from the nitrogen on the alkyl moiety. This type of branching for the amine oxide is also known in the art as an internal amine oxide. The total sum of n₁ and n₂ may be from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, from 12 to 20, or from 10 to 16. The number of carbon atoms for the one alkyl moiety (n₁) should be approximately the same number of carbon atoms as the one alkyl branch (n₂) such that the one alkyl moiety and the one alkyl branch are symmetric. As used herein “symmetric” means that |n₁−n₂| is less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 4, from 0 to 4 carbon atoms in at least 50 wt %, or at least 75 wt % to 100 wt % of the mid-branched amine oxides for use herein.

The amine oxide may further comprise two moieties, independently selected from a C_1-3 alkyl, a C_1-3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an average of from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. Two moieties may be selected from a C_1-3 alkyl, or may both be selected as a C₁ alkyl.

Other suitable surfactants include betaines such alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaine, amidazoliniumbetaine, sulfobetaine (INCI Sultaines) as well as the Phosphobetaine and preferably meets formula I:

R¹—[CO—X(CH₂)_n]_x—N⁺(R²)(R₃)—(CH₂)_m—[CH(OH)—CH₂]_y—Y—  (I) wherein

• • R¹ is a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl residue, preferably C8-18 alkyl residue, in particular a saturated C10-16 alkyl residue, for example a saturated C12-14 alkyl residue;
  • X is NH, NR⁴ with C1-4 Alkyl residue R⁴, O or S,
  • n a number from 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, in particular 3,
  • x 0 or 1, preferably 1,
  • R², R³ are independently a C1-4 alkyl residue, potentially hydroxy substituted such as a hydroxyethyl, preferably a methyl.
  • m a number from 1 to 4, in particular 1, 2 or 3,
  • y 0 or 1 and
  • Y is COO, SO3, OPO(OR⁵)O or P(O)(OR⁵)O, whereby R⁵ is a hydrogen atom H or a Cl-4 alkyl residue.

Exemplary betaines are the alkyl betaines of the formula (Ia), the alkyl amido betaine of the formula (Ib), the Sulfo betaines of the formula (Ic) and the Amido sulfobetaine of the formula (Id);

R¹—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂COO⁻  (Ia)

R¹—CO—NH(CH₂)₃—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂COO⁻  (Ib)

R¹—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃—  (Ic)

R¹—CO—NH—(CH₂)₃—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃— (Id) in which R¹1 as the same meaning as in formula I. Suitable betaines may include the Carbobetaine [wherein Y⁻═COO⁻], in particular the Carbobetaine of the formula (Ia) and (Ib), or the Alkylamidobetaine of the formula (Ib).

Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaine are the following [designated in accordance with INCI]: Almondamidopropyl of betaines, Apricotam idopropyl betaines, Avocadamidopropyl of betaines, Babassuamidopropyl of betaines, Behenam idopropyl betaines, Behenyl of betaines, betaines, Canolam idopropyl betaines, Capryl/Capram idopropyl betaines, Carnitine, Cetyl of betaines, Cocamidoethyl of betaines, Cocam idopropyl betaines, Cocam idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco betaines, Coco Hydroxysultaine, Coco/Oleam idopropyl betaines, Coco Sultaine, Decyl of betaines, Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Soy Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Glycinate, Dimethicone Propyl of PG-betaines, Erucam idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated Tallow of betaines, Isostearam idopropyl betaines, Lauram idopropyl betaines, Lauryl of betaines, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Lauryl Sultaine, Milkam idopropyl betaines, Minkamidopropyl of betaines, Myristam idopropyl betaines, Myristyl of betaines, Gleam idopropyl betaines, Gleam idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Oleyl of betaines, Olivamidopropyl of betaines, Palmam idopropyl betaines, Palm itam idopropyl betaines, Palmitoyl Carnitine, Palm Kernelam idopropyl betaines, Polytetrafluoroethylene Acetoxypropyl of betaines, Ricinoleam idopropyl betaines, Sesam idopropyl betaines, Soyam idopropyl betaines, Stearam idopropyl betaines, Stearyl of betaines, Tallowam idopropyl betaines, Tallowam idopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Tallow of betaines, Tallow Dihydroxyethyl of betaines, Undecylenam idopropyl betaines and Wheat Germam idopropyl betaines. One preferred betaine is, for example, Cocoamidopropyl betaines (Cocoamidopropylbetain).

It may be desirable, especially when the method is used with automatic dishwashing machines, to limit the composition to low foaming surfactants if a surfactant is used or to other low foaming compositions. This is due to the fact that automatic dishwashing machines often have a rotating spray arm with a plurality of jets that sprays cleaning solution onto the dishware. The spray arm rotation is created by pumping water into the arm. The pump action makes the dishwashing operation prone to foam formation. Foam can easily overflow the low sills of the dishwashing machines and slow down or stop the arm rotation due to having air and foam filling the arms instead of water, which in turn reduces the cleaning action and can even bring the dishwasher to a halt. Therefore, in the field of automatic dishwashing machines the use of foam-producing detergent components is normally undesirable.

As such, it may be desirable to use a low foaming surfactant or composition. As used herein, the term “low foaming” when referring to a surfactant or a composition, means the surfactant or composition has a foam volume of less than 30 ml, less than 20 ml, or less than 10 ml, according to the tests described herein. The “foam volume” of a defined system is assessed using a SITA FOAM Tester R2000 (SITA) from Sita Messtechnik GmbH. The equipment is used with the following settings:

	Temperature	45°	C.
	Volume	250	mL
	Agitation speed	1000	rpm
	Agitation time	10	s
	Number of readings	21 (including initial reading)
	Number of repeats	3

The solution to test is made at 45° C. and poured into the reservoir beaker of the SITA when the water bath to which the beaker is connected has reached 45° C. After the SITA proceeds to a cleaning of the measurement beaker, a 250 mL sample is automatically taken from the reservoir beaker to the measurement beaker. The SITA does 21 successive measurements of foam volume after 10 s agitation at 1000 rpm (1st reading, 10 s agitation at 1000 rpm, 2^nd reading, 10 s agitation at 1000 rpm, 3^rd reading, etc up to 21^st reading). After the measurement beaker is drained and cleaned, the process is repeated two more times (3 repeats in total). The average of the three sets of data is calculated, generating an average curve of the foam volume as a function of the number of readings. The foam volume is defined from this average curve as the maximum foam volume reached over the 21 readings.

To determine whether a composition is “low foaming,” a solution is prepared as follows and is tested with the SITA method described herein. Adjusted water is first prepared from deionised water by adding 2.5 g/L of NaCl and 1M NaOH up to a pH of 10.3 at room temperature. The adjusted water is then heated up to 45° C. and the composition is added to this adjusted water at a level of 0.4 g/L on a 100% active weight basis.

To measure the foam volume of a composition, a solution is prepared as follows and is tested with the SITA method described herein. Adjusted water is prepared from deionised water by adding 2.5 g/L of NaCl and 1M NaOH up to a pH of 10.3 at room temperature. The adjusted water is then heated up to 45° C. and the composition is added to this adjusted water at a level of 4 g/L.

Automatic dishwashing formulations typically comprise low foaming non-ionic surfactants as the main surfactant. A well known property of non-ionic surfactants is that they becoming less soluble in water with increasing temperature. The temperature at which the appearance of a second phase is observable is referred to as the “cloud point.” To measure the cloud point, a solution of 0.4 g/l of non-ionic surfactant is prepared in adjusted deionised water which further contains 2.5 g/l of NaCl and pH adjusted to 10.3 at room temperature by addition of 1M NaOH solution. The temperature of the solution is brought down to about 10° C. by refrigerating it at about 5° C. until it reaches the desired temperature. The solution is then slowly heated up to 55° C. and its absorbance is measured (using a SpectraMax M2 from Molecular Device at 500 nm) every about 2° C. Absorbance is then plotted vs. temperature to get the cloud point value. In this test, the cloud point is the temperature corresponding to an absorbance value of about 0.1. A “high cloud point” is defined as a cloud point of about 40° C., or above. A “low cloud point” is defined as a cloud point of less than about 40° C.

The “Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance” or HLB of a surfactant is the measure of the degree to which it is hydrophilic or lipophilic, determined by calculating values for the different regions of the molecule, as described by Griffin in 1949. Griffin's method for non-ionic surfactants as described in 1954 works as follows:

HLB=20*Mh/M

where “Mh” is the molecular mass of the hydrophilic portion of the molecule, and M is the molecular mass of the whole molecule, giving a result on a scale of 0 to 20. An HLB value of 0 corresponds to a completely lipophilic/hydrophobic molecule, and a value of 20 corresponds to a completely hydrophilic/lypophobic molecule.

While a wide range of non-ionic surfactants may be used with the present invention, it may be desirable to use a low foaming non-ionic surfactant, as defined above. The low foaming non-ionic surfactant may be a low cloud point non-ionic surfactant, as defined above.

An example of a low foaming non-ionic surfactant has the formula:

R₁(EO)_a(PO)_b(BO)_c

wherein R1 is a linear or branched C6 to C20 alkyl; a is from about 2 to about 30; b is from 0 to about 30; c is from about 0 to about 30; wherein b and c cannot both be 0 simultaneously. When c is equal to 0, then the surfactant has a hydrophile-lipophile balance value (HLB) of less than 10. Any combination of EO, PO, and BO, fulfilling the above criteria can be used. The EO, PO and/or BO moieties can have either random or block distribution.

Typical low cloud point, low foaming non-ionic surfactants include non-ionic alkoxylated surfactants, in one embodiment ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohol with an HLB value lower than about 10, BO containing alcohol alkoxylates and polyoxypropyl-ene/polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene (PO/EO/PO), (BO/EO/BO) reverse block polymers, (EO/PO/EO) reverse block polymers, (EO/BO/EO) reverse block polymers, and (EO/PO/BO) reverse block polymers.

Also, such low cloud point, low foaming non-ionic surfactants may include, for example, ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohol (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF-18) and epoxy-capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohols (e.g., Olin Corporation's Poly-Tergent® SLF-18B series of non-ionics, as described, for example, in WO 94/22800, published Oct. 13, 1994 by Olin Corporation).

Low cloud point, low foaming non-ionic surfactants may additionally comprise a polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block polymeric compound. Block polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymeric compounds include those based on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane and ethylenediamine as initiator reactive hydrogen compound. Certain of the block polymer surfactant compounds designated PLURONIC®, REVERSED PLURONIC®, and TETRONIC® by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., Wyandotte, Mich., are suitable in ADD compositions of the invention. Examples include REVERSED PLURONIC® 25R2 and TETRONIC® 702. Examples of alcohol alkoxylates include PLURAFAC SLF180@, PLURAFAC LF224® by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., ECOSURF EH-3® from Dow Corporation, MARLOX FK64, MARLOX FK86® and MARLOX OP1® from Sasol Corporation, and IMBENTIN® from KOLB Corporation.

The low foaming surfactant may be an alkoxylated alcohol comprising at least a propoxyl moiety or a butoxyl moiety. Alternatively, the low foaming surfactant may be an alkoxylated alcohol comprising any configuration of ethoxylated (EO), propoxylated (PO), butoxylated (BO) alcohols. Additional information about suitable low foaming surfactants and other detergents suitable for use in automatic dishwashing machines are described in more detail in co-pending application Ser. No. 14/281,940, filed May 20, 2014 in the names of Denis Alfred Gonzales et al. and entitled “Liquid Cleaning And/Or Cleansing Composition”.

Water

The pre-treating compositions may include a liquid carrier such as water. If water is used, it can be untreated, distilled, deionized, filtered, or combinations thereof. The liquid carrier herein may also include low levels of materials which serve as phase stabilizers and/or co-solvents for the compositions herein. Materials of this type include C₁-C₃ lower alkanols such as methanol, ethanol and/or (iso-)propanol, and polyols such as glycerol, propanediol, diethyleneglycol, dipropyleneglycol and/or dibutyleneglycol. Glycols such as PEG and PPG, and lower C₁-C₃ alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines can also be used, by themselves or in combination with the lower alkanols. If present, phase stabilizers/co-solvents can optionally comprise from about 0.1% to about 5.0% by weight of the compositions herein. Glycol ether solvents can also be added, for example, to improve cleaning power, typically in a 0.1% to 15% range.

Adjunct Ingredients

The pre-treating composition may comprise one or more adjunct ingredients to give it additional desired properties, of functional and/or aesthetic nature. In one embodiment of the instant invention, the adjunct ingredient may be selected from builders, brightener, dye transfer inhibitor, chelants, polyacrylate polymers, dispersing agents, colorant dye, hueing dyes, perfumes, processing aids, bleaching additives, bleach activators, bleach precursors, bleach catalysts, solvents, co-solvents, hydrotropes, liquid carrier, phase stabilizers, soil release polymers, enzyme stabilizers, enzymes, soil suspending agents, anti-redeposition agents, deflocculating polymers, bactericides, fungicides, UV absorbers, anti-yellowing agents, anti-oxidants, optical brighteners, suds suppressors, opacifiers, suds boosters, anticorrosion agents, radical scavengers, chlorine scavengers, structurants, fabric softening additives, other fabric care benefit agents, pH adjusting agents, fluorescent whitening agents, smectite clays, structuring agents, preservatives, thickeners, coloring agents, fabric softening additives, rheology modifiers, fillers, germicides and mixtures thereof. Further examples of suitable adjunct ingredients and levels of use are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,537, issued Feb. 3, 1976 to Baskerville, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,841, Barrat et al., issued Aug. 25, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,824 Mermelstein et al., issued Jul. 4, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,071, Bush et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,953, Sadlowski, et al. issued Mar. 20, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,672, issued Jan. 20, 1976 to Bartoletta et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,045, issued Jan. 23, 1979 to Gault et al; U.S. Pat. No. 2,379,942; U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,067; U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,576 to Montague et al; British Pat. No. 1,470,250; British Patent No. 401,413 to Marriott; British Patent No. 461,221 to Marriott and Guam British Patent No. 1,429,143; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,645, Tucker et al, issued Aug. 9, 1988.)

Builders

The pre-treating composition may comprise conventional amounts of detergent builders which may be either phosphorous based (e.g. STPP) or non-phosphorous based, or even a combination of both types. Suitable builders are well known in the art. Non-phosphorous based builders may be organic molecules with carboxylic group(s), amino acid based compound or a succinic acid or succinate based compound. Builder compounds which are organic molecules containing carboxylic groups include citric acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, lactic acid and salts thereof. The alkali or alkaline earth metal salts of these organic compounds may be used, including the sodium salts. One suitable builder is sodium citrate. Examples of amino acid based compounds include MGDA (methyl-glycine-diacetic acid, and salts and derivatives thereof) and GLDA (glutamic-N, Ndiacetic acid and salts and derivatives thereof).

Anti-Corrosion Agents

The pre-treating composition may include a source of multivalent ions to inhibit corrosion on metal and/or glass. For example, multivalent ions and especially zinc and/or manganese ions may be included.

Performance Polymers

Polymers intended to improve the cleaning performance of the pre-treating compositions may also be included therein. For example, sulphonated polymers may be used. Examples include copolymers of CH2═CR¹—CR²R³—O—C4H3R⁴—SO3X wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴ are independently 1 to 6 carbon alkyl or hydrogen, and X is hydrogen or alkali with any suitable other monomer units including modified acrylic, fumaric, maleic, itaconic, aconitic, mesaconic, citraconic and methylenemalonic acid or their salts, maleic anhydride, acrylamide, alkylene, vinylmethyl ether, styrene and any mixtures thereof. Other suitable sulfonated monomers for incorporation in sulfonated (co)polymers include 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxy-propanesulfonic acid, allysulfonic acid, methallysulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propenen-1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropylmethacrylate, sulfomethylacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and water soluble salts thereof.

Enzymes

The pre-treating composition may comprise one or more enzymes. Typical enzymes include protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase and peroxidase enzymes, but any suitable enzyme or combination of enzymes can be used.

Bleaching Compounds

Any type of bleaching compound conventionally used in detergent compositions may be used in the pre-treating composition, as desired. The bleaching compound may be selected from inorganic peroxides or organic peracids, derivatives thereof (including their salts) and mixtures thereof. Suitable inorganic peroxides include percarbonates, perborates and persulphates. Organic peracids may also be used, including organic peracids such as perbenzoic acid and peroxycarboxylic acids (e.g. mono- or diperoxyphthalic acid, 2-octyldiperoxysuccinic acid, diperoxydodecanedicarboxylic acid, diperoxy-azelaic acid and imidoperoxycarboxylic acid).

The pre-treating composition, when in the container, may also include a propellant to help the composition exit the container. For example, the container may be an aerosol container or include pressurized air or other gasses or fluids to propel the pre-treating composition from the container.

If desired, any one or more of the components may be protected from other components which it may degrade, and/or which may cause its own degradation. For examples a bleaching compound and an enzyme may be protected from each other by physical separation. Physical separation may, for example, take the form of providing such components in separate compartments within the container.

As noted herein, it may be desirable for the pre-treating composition to foam when used. Embodiments in which foaming takes place on the dishware article may be advantageous because the dynamic process of foam formation may promote intimate contact between the chemical cleaning agents carried by the foam, and food soils on the dishware. The foam may be short or long-lasting, and may remain as a foam until the article is washed in the dishwashing machine. The foam is preferably able to cling to a vertical or inclined surface and may be self-standing.

Bottom Dispensing Container

The pre-treating composition of the present invention may be provided in any suitable container. However, due to the unique characteristics of the task of pre-treating dishware to be placed in an automatic dishwasher, certain features have been found to be especially desirable for the container. Generally, automatic dishwashing machines are located below the surface of a counter and typically at least some distance from a sink, rinse station or trash receptacle. Thus, in order to ensure that the pre-treating composition is not wasted or spilled on surfaces other than the dishware to be cleaned, it is desirable to be able to pre-treat the dishware near or in the dishwasher. For many consumers, the preferred timing and location for pre-treating the dishware is just above the dishwasher rack as the dishware is being placed into the dishwasher. In most cases, this means that the pre-treating will preferably take place offset from and below the surface of the counter top. As such, typical top or side-dispensing containers are inconvenient and often ergonomically incorrect for the task.

It has been found that bottom dispensing containers are generally preferred by users for the pre-treating task due to their ease of use and ergonomics. As used herein, “bottom dispensing containers” are packages that contain the pre-treating composition and include an opening at or near the bottom of the container or a conduit, such as, for example, a tube, from a different part of the container to allow for dispensing the composition in a downwards direction. Bottom dispensing containers have several advantages over other packaging configurations for pre-treating dishware that is going to be cleaned in an automatic dishwashing machine. For example, the container does not need to be inverted to direct the composition downward onto the surface of the dirty dishware, thus requiring fewer user motions for dispensing and providing greater positioning and dispensing control than for containers that dispense by pouring or inverting. Thus, for example, the user does not have to rotate his or her wrist and wait for a viscous liquid to travel to the opening, or have trouble controlling the flow rate when the container is full as in the use of containers adapted to pour from the top. Further, bottom dispensing containers can also be configured to allow nearly all of the liquid to be dispensed—something usually not possible with containers having a dispensing opening at the top of the container. Also, dispensing materials in the downward direction can require less force due to the force of gravity and can help more accurately distribute the dispensed materials. Certain materials are very difficult to spray accurately due to their weight, viscosity or other characteristics. Downward dispensing can help reduce the negatives associated with dispensing such materials and in some cases, even enhance the dispensing characteristics versus upward or lateral dispensing.

The bottom dispensing container may include an actuator to help dispense the composition from the container. One type of actuator is a squeeze actuator. In such containers, all or a portion of the container may be squeezed to release and/or propel the composition from the container. Often, squeeze containers are formed from a resiliently deformable material and have an opening that may have a valve to control the flow through the opening. One type of useful valve is an on-off valve that is actuated by rotating the valve. Another useful valve is a pressure-responsive dispensing valve that controls the flow according to a pressure difference across the valve. Such a valve can be configured to be normally closed and to assume an open configuration when the container is squeezed under normal operating conditions. Examples of suitable valves include, but are not limited to slitseal valves, duckbill valves, flapper valves and precompression valves. Such valves may be made from silicone, PE, TPE or any other suitable material.

The bottom dispensing container may include a nozzle that is configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a pre-defined pattern. For example, it may be desirable for the nozzle to dispense the pre-treating composition in a narrow spray (e.g. about 5 degrees) or in a more wide spray from about 5 degrees up to about 180 degrees, or from about 20 degrees up to about 160 degrees. Further, the container may include multiple nozzles, orifices or other structures to create the desired dispensing characteristics.

The bottom dispensing container may include any number of other optional features, including but not limited to a cap to prevent loss of the liquid between dispensing, a refill cartridge and/or a refill opening, a grip enhancing surface to help the user hold the container, etc. Further, the container may include a vent to allow for gassing off and/or for the container to equalize after the pre-treating composition is dispensed. Other optional features include scrapers, bristles, squeegees, sponges, scrubbing pads, etc. either attached permanently thereto or permanently or temporarily removable therefrom. Such features may be reusable, disposable, replaceable or non-replaceable.

Bottom dispensing containers of having other actuators such as mechanical and/or electrical pumps, triggers, twist actuators, aerosols, and any other suitable actuators may be used. Such containers typically have the actuator or a switch for the actuator located on the exterior of the container that can be activated by the user. It may be desirable to locate the actuator or switch near or on the top of the container or in another location that allows the user to dispense the composition in an ergonomically friendly way. That is, it is easy for the user to use the actuator without having to twist his or her hand or to hold the container in such a way that is uncomfortable for the desired task.

The bottom dispensing container may be made of any suitable material. For example, the container may comprise a polymeric material, although other containers such as paperboard cartons with film windows and glass bottles may be used. For example, the bottom dispensing container may be a polymeric material selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamides (PA) polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and combinations thereof.

The bottom dispensing container may be of any form or size suitable for storing and packaging liquids for household use. For example, in one embodiment, the bottom dispensing container may have a capacity, i.e. the amount of composition that it can releasably contain therein, of from about 50 ml to about 3000 ml, from about 100 ml to about 1500 ml, or from about 250 ml to about 1000 ml. The bottom dispensing container may also have a handle or a part with such dimensions as to allow easy lifting or carrying the container with one hand.

The bottom dispensing container may include structure suitable for refilling and/or pouring the composition and means for reclosing the container once opened. The pouring structure may be of any size or form but, preferably will be wide enough for conveniently dosing the composition for suitable uses. The optional closing means may be of any form or size but usually will be screwed on, friction fit on, clicked on, or otherwise attached to the container to close the bottom dispensing container. The optional closing means may be cap which can be detached from the bottom dispensing container. Alternatively, the optional cap can still be attached to the bottom dispensing container, whether the bottom dispensing container is open or closed. The optional closing means may also be incorporated into the container itself. The means for refilling can include a refill cartridge which may be optionally configured to fit into a pre-determined slot or other structure of the container.

The bottom dispensing container may be any suitable shape. Further, the container may be formed by any suitable process such as, thermoforming, blow molding, injection-molding, or injection stretch blow molding (ISBM). The bottom dispensing container may include one or more walls, which comprise one or more layers. The layers may, if desired, be very thin, e.g., less than 0.01 inch thick and may range to and above 0.2 inches in thickness, or from 0.015 inches to 0.02 inches on the low end up to 0.17 or 0.2 on the high end.

The bottom dispensing container may take any form of package. For example, the container may be a bag, a bottle, a box, a bag-in-bottle, a tube, or the like. Illustrative bottom dispensing containers may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,492, issued on Mar. 16, 2004 to Lowry; U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,581, issued on Nov. 13, 1990 to Seifert et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,346, issued on Dec. 17, 2002 to Gross et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,262, issued on May 6, 1997 to Fitten et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,687, issued on Aug. 12, 1997 to Fitten et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,006, issued on Mar. 1, 1988 to Drobish et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,837, issued on Aug. 7, 2001 to Arent et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,108, issued on Jun. 7, 1988 to Dornsbusch et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,845, issued on Jan. 13, 2004 to Volpenheim et al; WO 92/21569 entitled “Inverted Dispenser”, published Dec. 10, 1992 in the name of Canada Inc; WO 01/04006 entitled “Container”, published Jan. 18, 2001 in the name of Unilever; EP 21,545 published Jan. 7, 1981 in the name of The Procter and Gamble Company; and EP 811,559 published Dec. 10, 1997 in the name of Unilever. Further illustrative examples of bottom dispensing containers may also be found in co-pending U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/799,793 entitled “Fabric Treatment Dispensing Package” filed on May 3, 2007 in the name of Ann Dewree, et. al.

Various exemplary features of a suitable bottom dispensing containers are further explained and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a bottom dispensing container 100, comprising an actuator 110 and a dispensing opening 120 (shown in FIG. 3). (As used herein, the actuator 110 may be the actual structure of the actuator itself, such as a trigger pump, or may be a switch or other part of an actuator system that is used to dispense the composition 180 from the container 100.) The container 100 has a bottom end 130, a top end 140 and a mid-section 135. Although not critical in terms of functionality, but rather to help describe the different parts of the container 100, the top end 140 is that portion of the container that will point generally upward when the composition therein is being dispensed, As shown herein, the top end 140 is that portion of the container 100 that comprises the top third of the container 100 in terms of length. The bottom end 130 is that portion of the container 100 that comprises the bottom third of the container 100 in terms of length. The mid-section 135 is that portion of the container 100 that comprises the middle third of the container 100 in terms of length. The container 100 is shown resting on a surface 150 in an upright position with the bottom end 130 disposed toward and resting on the surface 150 and the top end 140 disposed away from the surface 150. The container 100 may also capable of resting on the surface 150 in an inverted orientation with top end 140 contacting the surface 150 or the mid-section 135 contacting the surface 150.

FIG. 2 is an alternative view of the dispensing container 100 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3, is a section view of the dispensing container 100 shown in FIG. 2 taken through section line 3-3. This section view shows the pre-treating composition 180 and the valve 160 disposed in the dispensing opening 120, through which the composition 180 may be dispensed. Although the embodiment shown has the dispensing opening 120 located in the bottom end 130 of the container 100, the dispensing opening 120 can be disposed in the top end 140 or the mid-section 135. Regardless of where the dispensing opening 120 is located, it is generally preferred that the composition 180 be dispensed in a downward direction. Thus, if the dispensing opening 120 is disposed in a region of the container 100 that is not at the bottom end 130 of the container 100, it may be desirable to include a tube or other structure for directing the composition 180 in a downward direction. Also, it may be preferred that the dispensing opening 120 or any such structure directing the composition downward have a terminating end through which the composition 180 is dispensed that is located at or below the bottom end 130 of the container when the composition 180 is being dispensed such that the composition 180 does not get dispensed onto or drip onto the container 100 itself.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative example of an alternative embodiment of a bottom dispensing container 100 being gripped by a human hand 500 and dispensing the composition 180 onto a dish 200 having cooking residue 250 disposed thereon.

Method of Use

The present invention is directed to a method that addresses the unique and unexpected needs associated with the task of pre-treating dishware to be placed in an automatic dishwasher. As noted above, many automatic dishwashing machines are located below the surface of a counter and typically at least some distance from a sink, rinse station or trash receptacle. In most cases, this means that the pre-treating will preferably take place offset from and below the surface of the counter top. Thus, it is desirable to provide method that reduces the likelihood that the pre-treating composition will be wasted or spilled on surfaces other than the dishware to be cleaned. Further, it is desirable to provide a method where the pre-treating takes place near the dishwasher. For many consumers, the method described herein allows for pre-treating dirty dishware just as it is being placed into the dishwasher. Known methods for pre-treating dishware using top or side-dispensing containers can be inconvenient and are often ergonomically incorrect for the task, especially when the dishware is treated offset from and below the surface of the counter top. Thus, the methods heretofore used have been found to be less desirable than those set forth herein.

As noted herein, the method of the present invention has been developed to address one or more of the above-identified disadvantages and/or other known disadvantages related to pre-treating and machine washing dishware. One example of the method of the present invention includes the following steps: providing a soiled article of dishware to be washed in an automatic dishwasher, the article of dishware having a working surface on which cooking residue is located; providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container having a top and a bottom and being configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto the working surface of the dishware, wherein the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition onto at least a portion of the surface of the dishware; placing the pre-treated dishware in the dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing machine.

Another example of the method of the present invention generally includes the following features and steps: providing one or more soiled articles such as dishes to be washed in an automatic dishwasher; placing the soiled articles in the dishwasher; providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto the surface of the dishware, wherein the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user; dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition onto the surface of the soiled articles placed in the dishwasher by dispensing the composition onto the articles while they are disposed on a rack of the open dishwasher; and running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwasher.

In either or both of the above-described methods, the pre-treating composition may be dispensed while the dishware is offset from and/or below the counter top. That is, the dishware may be treated just as it is being put into the dishwasher or after it has been placed into the dishwasher. This allows the user to avoid spilling the pre-treating composition on the counter or floor. It also allows for any runoff of the composition to be contained in the dishwasher. As such, the pre-treating composition can provide some benefit prior to the dishwasher being run and may even provide benefit when the dishwasher is run. This is different than current methods of pre-treating where the pre-treating composition is rinsed off in a sink prior to the dishware being transferred to the dishwasher or where the pre-treating composition is merely part of a dishwashing cycle.

Optionally, additional or other dishwashing compositions, such as detergents or other benefit-providing compositions can be released in the dishwashing machine. The dishwashing composition used in the dishwashing machine may be the same composition as the pre-treating composition. Alternatively it may use a different composition, a dishwashing composition. The dishwashing composition may be of the same general type as the pre-treating composition, although different in its formulation, or it could be substantially different. The dishwashing composition may be in any form, such as for example a powder, liquid, gel or pouch, or tablet product, as used conventionally.

The dishwashing machine may be any dishwashing machine suitable for washing dishware. It can be of the type commonly used in homes or a commercial variety like those used in businesses such as cafeterias, restaurants, bakeries and the like. The specific type of automatic dishwashing machine used is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, nor is the dishwashing composition used therein or any other compositions or steps that the user may employ to clean the dishware.

As noted above, the method of the present invention may also be used to dispense other compositions and for other purposes. For example, the method may be used to dispense cleaning compositions, such as hard surface cleaners, stain removers, stain preventers, fabric enhancers, fabric softeners, fragrances, UV protectors, wrinkle-release compositions, water proofing compositions, whitening compositions, color compositions, etc. For such uses, the method steps would be the same or similar to those set forth herein, with the exception, however, that the dishware may be replaced with outer articles and the dishwashing machine may be replaced with another machine such as, for example, a cloths washing machine, or may be left out of the method altogether depending on the particular method being practiced.

All of the numerical definitions given above for amounts of a component represent the total amount of such components, when more than one is present e.g. when there are two types of enzyme. Percent weight (% wt) values given herein mean percentage by weight of the specified component, as a percentage of the total weight of the composition.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A method of reducing cooking residue left on a working surface of an article of dishware after it has been washed in a dishwashing machine, the method including the steps of:

providing an article of dishware having cooking residue on a working surface thereof;

providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container being configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto at least a portion of the working surface that has cooking residue thereon, the container further including an actuator, wherein the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user;

dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition onto at least a portion of the surface of the dishware while the container is disposed in an upright orientation with the top located further away from the working surface than the bottom of the container is from the working surface;

placing the pre-treated dishware having the pre-treating composition thereon into the dishwasher; and

running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing machine.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the pre-treating composition is dispensed from an orifice in the bottom of the container.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the pre-treating composition is dispensed from an orifice in the top or mid-section of the container and directed downwardly by a tube.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the dishwashing machine is located under a counter and the step of dispensing the pre-treating composition takes place when the dishware is disposed below the counter.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the dishwashing machine has a door that opens and the step of dispensing the pre-treating composition takes place when the dishware is disposed over the dishwasher door.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the actuator is disposed adjacent the top of the container.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the actuator is activated by a user's thumb.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the actuator is disposed the mid-section of the container.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the actuator is activated by one or more of a user's fingers.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the pre-treating composition provided in the container is a low foaming pre-treating composition.

11. A method of reducing cooking residue left on a working surface of an article of dishware after it has been washed in a dishwashing machine, the method including the steps of:

providing an article of dishware having cooking residue on a working surface thereof;

providing a container having a pre-treating composition therein, the container having a top, a bottom and a mid-section between the top and bottom, the container being configured to dispense the pre-treating composition in a downward direction onto at least a portion of the working surface that has cooking residue thereon, the container further including an actuator disposed adjacent the top of the container, wherein the container is designed to be held and dispensed by a single hand of a user;

placing the dishware into the dishwasher;

dispensing at least some of the pre-treating composition onto at least a portion of the surface of the dishware while the container is disposed in an upright orientation with the top located further away from the working surface than the bottom of the container is from the working surface; and

running the dishware through a cleaning cycle of the dishwashing machine.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the pre-treating composition is dispensed from an orifice in the bottom of the container.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the pre-treating composition is dispensed from an orifice in the top or mid-section of the container and directed downwardly by a tube.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the dishwashing machine is located under a counter and the step of dispensing the pre-treating composition takes place when the dishware is disposed below the counter.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the dishwashing machine has a door that opens and the step of dispensing the pre-treating composition takes place when the dishware is disposed over the dishwasher door.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the actuator is disposed adjacent the top of the container.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the actuator is activated by a user's thumb.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the actuator is disposed the mid-section of the container.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the actuator is activated by one or more of a user's fingers and/or thumb.

20. The method of claim 11 wherein the pre-treating composition provided in the container is a low foaming pre-treating composition.