Abstract: Compositions of the invention include: a surfactant having an HLB value from 1 to 10; and a compound of formula (I): where; x is an integer from 2 to 6, y is an integer from 0 to 5, R is a bond or (C1-C4)alkylene, R1 is a hydrogen, halo, aryl, (C1-C4)alkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycyl, R2 is independently selected from hydrogen, halo, (C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkoxy, (C2-C4) alkenylene. Methods forming stable aqueous and non-aqueous solutions of the same are also provided.

Abstract: An encapsulated active substance for a manual detergent for hard surfaces comprises an essentially anhydrous active substance with at least one surfactant and at least one liquid polymer carrier encapsulated in a water-soluble or water-dispersible capsule, the active substance containing: less than 25 wt. % of carrier; at least one unbranched or branched, acryclic or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated alcohol with 1 to 10 carbon atoms and one or two primary, secondary or tertiary hydroxy groups and a carbon chain optionally having one or more —O— groups; or being free of glycerol. The encapsulated active substance can be used as a manual detergent for hard surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition having a pH of less than about 7, for treating a hard surface comprising: at least one low residue surfactant and/or an alkyl ethoxylate surfactant; and a polymeric biguanide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provide a composition suitable for use as a foaming hand dishwashing composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer having molecular weight of at least 500 and comprising butylene oxide moieties with the proviso that the composition does not comprise greater than 5% by weight of the composition of builder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hard surface cleaners which provide improved fragrance retention properties to the treated hard surface, and methods for using them. The cleaners include a fragrance, a carrier, and a surfactant selected from ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, polyglycosides, ethoxylated alkyl alcohols, and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers functionalized with a fatty alcohol moiety. The cleaner may also contain water and a base.

Abstract: Dry bleach compositions particularly suitable for cleaning of hard surfaces or fabrics which, upon mixing with water, form a mixture that is easily removed from surfaces upon standing.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for removing organic deposits from hard to reach surfaces. In its basic embodiment, the cleaning composition comprises: a) a water miscible solvent; b) an inorganic salt in crystal form; and c) water. The inorganic salt in crystal form comprises from about 30 to about 70% weight of the total composition.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention include: (a) a terpene compound; (b) a surfactant; and (c) an ethoxylated aryl alcohol.

Abstract: A detergent for glass-ceramic surfaces has a certain abrasive agent content and a pH value lower than about 6. The abrasive agent contains particles of an organic material, preferably in an amount of at least about 20% of the abrasive agent, and more preferably substantially the entire abrasive agent. The organic material may be a polyolefin or polyurethane, for example, and may be predominantly present as particles with a particle size in the range of about 10 to 1000 &mgr;m. The abrasive agent may also include mineral particles.

Abstract: Neutral to basic compositions comprising surfactants other than amphoteric surfactants, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and an alkylenically unsaturated monomer, and a polysaccharide polymer. Also, employment of these compositions in processes for treating hard surfaces, providing a shine benefit to the hard surfaces, reducing limescale deposits and watermarks from hard surfaces, and for providing a “next-time” cleaning benefit to hard surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning composition for removing ink from a variety of surfaces. The composition has a low amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and a near neutral pH.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hard surface antimicrobial cleaners and methods for using them. The cleaners include a low concentration of high molecular weight ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer and a carrier. This provides residual benefits on the hard surface such as soil resistance and resistance to bacteria, molds, and biofilms. The cleaners contain other surfactants, and preferably also water and an organic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning composition for hard surfaces, comprising at least one surfactant and a water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymer comprising, in the form of polymerized units: (a) at least one monomeric compound of general formula I; (b) at least one hydrophilic monomer chosen from C3-C8 carboxylic acids containing monoethylenic unsaturation, anhydrides thereof and water-soluble salts thereof; (c) optionally, at least one hydrophilic monomeric compound containing ethylenic unsaturation, of neutral charge, bearing one or more hydrophilic groups, which is copolymerizable with (a) and (b).

Abstract: The present invention describes a process of cleaning an enamel surface with a liquid acidic composition comprising an enamel safe acid wherein the pKa of said acid is 3.5 or higher, with the proviso that non mono-lower alkyl ethers or phenyl ethers or benzyl ethers of diethylene glycol, wherein the lower alkyl is of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, are present in said composition. The composition employed in said process is safe to enamel.

Abstract: Powder composition and method for polishing stone. The present invention relates to a powder composition and to a method for polishing stone, in particular granite, said method making use of said powder composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: Aqueous concentrated liquid hard surface cleaning compositions, which bloom when added to a larger volume of water, comprise: an organic solvent constituent; a germicidal constituent which provides a primary sanitizing benefit, preferably a quaternary ammonium compound; a binary co-solvent system comprising an alkyl diphenyl solvent and at least one co-solvent; optionally, a further detersive surfactant constituent; optionally, but desirably, at least one constituent selected from chelating agents, coloring agent, light stabilizers, fragrances, thickening agents, hydrotropes, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface cleaning and maintenance composition including a non-ionic surfactant, a quaternary ammonium surfactant and water. Optionally, neutralizer and fragrance can be included in the composition. The inventive composition can be used in highly dilute concentration to clean and maintain stone surfaces while minimizing undesirable adverse appearance effects.

Abstract: A composition for use in removing paint from painted surfaces comprising an aqueous mixture of at least one alkoxyether solvent, a C1-C6 alcohol, at least one nitrogen containing compound, and a nonionic compound having an HLB value of 7.3 to 15.0.

Abstract: A composition for the removal of grease and oil spots from concrete, asphalt surfaces, etc., comprises a degreaser and a diatomaceous earth. The degreaser comprises a number of ingredients of respective percentage ranges to emulsify the grease or oil which is then absorbed by the diatomaceous earth.

Abstract: A chewing gum remover composition containing: (a) a C1-4 alkyl ester of a C6-22 saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid; (b) a terpene; and (c) optionally, an oil-soluble surfactant, and wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 10:1 to about 1:10.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surface cleaning and maintenance composition including a non-ionic surfactant, a quaternary ammonium surfactant and water. Optionally, neutralizer and fragrance can be included in the composition. The inventive composition can be used in highly dilute concentration to clean and maintain stone surfaces while minimizing undesirable adverse appearance effects.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-hazardous, environmentally safe composition provides an effective, fast acting cleaning solution for removal of tar, oils, asphalt and other bituminous materials from industrial equipment surfaces. The composition is a mixture of a carrier monocyclic monoterpene and a nonionic surfactant such as an alkylphenol ethoxylate. The mixture is applied directly to surfaces to be cleaned, and rinsed with water in the absence of mechanical intervention.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of sorbic acid, in particular of potassium sorbate, are highly suitable for the environmentally friendly removal or prevention of deposits on mineral surfaces such as stone, ceramics, concrete or mortar surfaces, which occur on these surfaces due to or as the consequence of algal growth.

Abstract: Propylene carbonate based cleaning compositions. The compositions comprise propylene carbonate, a glycol ether, water, and an acid activator. The compositions may optionally also comprise hydrogen peroxide. The present invention also provides for a method of removing a soil from a hard surface, wherein a cleaning composition comprising propylene carbonate, a glycol ether, water, and an acid activator is applied to the hard surface. After application of the cleaning composition, the soil is removed from the hard surface without the exertion of mechanical force.

Abstract: Novel water-based cleaning compositions comprising: (a) a surfactant component, (b) a solvent component comprising ethylene glycol pentyl ether which contains at least about 90% by weight of mono-ethylene, diethylene or triethylene glycol n-pentyl ether, and (c) water.

Abstract: A method for preparing an antifoaming composition containing: a) at least one compound of formula (I): (Z)y-(G)x—O—RA  (I); b) at least one compound of formula (II): Z—O—[CH2CH(R1)—O]n—Ra  (II); c) optionally one or more compounds of formula (IV): (G)x—O—RA  (III), and d) optionally one or more compounds of formula (IV): HO—[CH2—CH(R1)—O]n—RB  (IV).

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising at least one surfacatant or at least one cosmetic vehicle and a water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymer comprising, in the form of polymerized units: (a) at least one monomer compound of general formula I: (b) at least one hydrophilic monomer carrying a functional group with an acidic nature which is copolymerizable with (a) and which is capable of being ionized in the application medium; (c) optionally at least one hydrophilic monomer compound with ethylenic unsaturation with a neutral charge, carrying one or more hydrophilic groups, which is copolymerizable with (a) and (b).

Abstract: Aqueous detergent concentrates for rough, especially profiled tiles and flags, based on nonionic, anionic, amphoteric surfactants, with or without the use of customary auxiliaries and additives, said concentrates comprising quaternary alkoxylated amine compounds as cleaning enhancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear and stable, highly alkaline composition with controlled foaming, containing a high amount of surface active nonionic alkylene oxide adduct and a hexyl glycoside as a hydrotrope. This composition has a very good wetting and cleaning ability and can be used for cleaning of hard surfaces, in a mercerization process and for a cleaning, desizing or scouring process of fibres and fabrics.

Abstract: A cleaning composition containing: (A) an alkyl polyglycoside corresponding to formula I: R1O(R2O)b(Z)a  I wherein R1 is a monovalent organic radical having from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms; R2 is a divalent alkylene radical having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; Z is a saccharide residue having 5 or 6 carbon atoms; b is a number having a value from 0 to about 12; a is a number having a value from 1 to about 6; and (B) at least one product of a reaction between: a) at least one linking agent of formula IV: R4(Y)3  (IV)  wherein each Y group is a halogen atom or one Y group is a halogen atom and two Y groups with two adjacent carbon atoms in the R4 group and an oxygen atom form an epoxy group, and R4 is an alkanetriyl group containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms; and (b) at least one compound of formula (II) R3(EO)n(PO)m(BO)pX  (II)  wherein R3 is a substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic oxy or thio group having from 1 to about 36 carbon

Abstract: Potentiated compositions and methods for disinfection of porous surfaces, such as ceiling tiles contaminated with bacteria and fungi permits renewal without requiring replacement tiles. The compositions, preferably water clear aqueous solutions, comprise synergistic combination of quaternary ammonium compound, a surfactant, and a hydrogen peroxide solution at very low concentrations than otherwise required if used alone. The active components are present in minimal proportional ranges sufficient to achieve a virtual 100 percent kill of bacteria and fungi present on surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: The present invention may include a cleanser having a liposome and greater than about 40 weight percent of a solvent. The liposome may be loaded with the solvent more than about 7 days after the manufacture of the liposome. The solvent may be an isoprenoid or ester solvent. Furthermore, the solvent may be d-limonene or a dibasic ester. In addition, the liposome may be selected from the group consisting of large unilamellar vesicles, multilamellar vesicles, paucilamellar vesicles, and small unilamellar vesicles. Desirably, the liposome is a paucilamellar vesicle. Desirably, the cleanser may have a solvent weight percent greater than about 60. More desirably, the cleanser may have a weight percent of solvent greater than about 80. Moreover, the solvent is about a 1:1 weight ratio of d-limonene and dibasic ester.

Abstract: A method for cleaning surfaces made of concrete, asphalt or similar, especially airport runways, road surfaces, the floors of halls or similar. In order to clean and remove soiling substances, such as rubber, oil, fat, carbon particles or similar, which adhere to a surface, a cleaning agent resulting in the dissolution or detachment of said soiling substances is applied to the surface in question, whereupon a rinsing fluid, especially water, is subsequently used to rinse the surface and to remove the dissolved soiling substances therewith and collected in at least one collector. The cleaning which occurs is quick and devoid of any abrasive effect on a covering coat or wearing coat of the surface to be cleaned. The inventive cleaning agent is made of an aqueous emulsion, containing at least one upper methyl, ethyl, isopropyl carboxylate and at least one multivalent alcohol.

Abstract: Hard surface cleaning formulations include an associative thickener and a blend of at least two nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated alcohols and ethoxylated fatty acids. The formulations exhibit an advantageously high foam volume of at least about 150 cc when a 100 ml aqueous solution containing about 0.1 wt. % of the formulation is agitated at 2,500 rpm for a cumulative agitation period of about 1200 seconds. The formulations also exhibit satisfactory foam stability sufficient to clean at least about 25 plates (ASTM D4009-92). Preferably, the associative thickener is the reaction product of a C6 or greater epoxide compound with a polyoxyalkylene polyol. The ethoxylated alcohols and ethoxylated fatty acids each most preferably contain C8 to C18 carbon chains which are ethoxylated with between about 3 to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Cleaning formulations and methods are provided by which solid deposition is inhibited on hydrophobic hard surfaces typically encountered in bathroom and outdoor environments without detrimentally affecting the appearance of such surfaces. The formulations most preferably include an aqueous mixture of an organically solvated nonionic copolymer, a polyacrylic acid homopolymer and a nonionic surfactant. Optionally, a hydrotrope may also be present in the formulation. Most preferably, the formulations of this invention have a pH between about 4.0 to about 7.0, most preferably around neutral (i.e., about 7.0).

Abstract: New abrasive cleaner products that utilize different types of glass cullet, such as container, ceramic, or plate glass, for scouring applications is provided. Preferably, the invention utilizes recycled container-glass cullet and also includes a sugar-based surfactant, a filler, and a preservative in combination with cullet to provide effective abrasive cleaner compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder composition and to a method for polishing stone, in particular granite, said method making use of said powder composition.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning and enhancing the gloss of floors wherein a plasticizer can both clean and enhance gloss of a floor coating. In a preferred embodiment the plasticizer is tributoxyethyl phosphate.

Abstract: An improvement is described in compositions which are especially effective in disinfecting the surface being cleaned and in the removal of oily and greasy soil without leaving streaks which contains a mixture of at least one nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and a hydrocarbon ingredient, a water soluble solvent, and water.

Abstract: A method of cleaning surfaces made of glass, graphite, ceramics, polymeric and metallic materials, synthetic and vegetable fibres, e.g. fabrics, textiles or waste paper, in particular membrane surfaces, by detaching or dissolving organic and inorganic soilings by a simple flushing operation, where a solution of an iminocarboxylic acid, a polyamino acid, an emulsifier or a mixture thereof is used.

Abstract: An improvement is described in compositions which are especially effective in disinfecting the surface being cleaned and in the removal of oily and greasy soil without leaving streaks which contains a mixture of at least one nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and a hydrocarbon ingredient, a water soluble solvent, and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising: (a) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of detergents, corrosion inhibitors, organic and aqueous carriers, and combinations thereof, (b) a wetting/cleaning agent selected from the group consisting of piperazine-substituted organosulfonates, piperazinone-substituted organosulfonates, and combinations thereof, and (c) a surfactant selected from the group consisting of alcohol alkoxylates, organic and inorganic salts of polycarboxylated alcohol alkoxylates, and combinations thereof. Also disclosed is an adhesive composition containing the above wetting agent, as well as a method of cleaning a substrate and a method of enhancing adhesion to a substrate using the above wetting agent.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning the walls of a swimming pool or other concrete structures. Two different sized aggregate or abrasives are combined with a binder to provide an improved cleaning device. The binder and the aggregates are matched so as to wear at substantially identical rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly alkaline or mildly alkaline detergent composition having enhanced cleaning properties. The detergent combines a source of alkalinity and a blend of nonionic surfactants that enhances cleaning starchy soils. The blend of nonionic surfactants preferably includes an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and a silicon surfactant having a hydrophobic silicon group and a pendant hydrophilic group. Preferably, the blend of nonionic surfactants includes a surfactant having a hydrophobic group and an ethylene oxide residue containing group and a polymer additive. A method for removing soil from an article is provided.

Abstract: A process of transferring a photographic image to a stone surface, such as slate tile, provides for the use of a gelatin subbing solution in a step of preparing the stone surface for the receipt of the image. Additional steps include application of polyacrylic coating and concrete staining material to the surface prior to exposing the surface to the gelatin subbing solution, and using conventional photo developing compounds for permanently affixing a transferred image to the stone surface. Mixing gelatin, chrome alum and water makes the gelatin subbing solution. For an “antique” look, the photograph can be exposed to a sulfide sepia toner prior to transfer of the image to the stone surface.

Abstract: A non-toxic, non-hazardous, environmentally safe composition provides an effective, fast acting cleaning solution for removal of tar, oils, asphalt and other bituminous materials from industrial equipment surfaces. The composition is a mixture of a carrier monocyclic monoterpene and a nonionic surfactant such as an alkylphenol ethoxylate. The mixture is applied directly to surfaces to be cleaned, and rinsed with water in the absence of mechanical intervention.

Abstract: A method for removing a stain from a surface of a structure which includes the steps of spraying an aggregating agent comprising a cationic linear organic polymer onto the surface of such structure having a stain produced thereon, dissociating the stain particles by use of Coulomb force f generated between the stain particles and the aggregating agent, displacing slightly the stain particles along the surface of the structure to cause peeling thereof from the surface to be cleaned, and simultaneously, aggregating the same for cleaning. Another embodiment includes maintaining water permeability of a road by easily eliminating a stain adhering to the surfaces of granular aggregate particles forming a drainage-type pavement layer of a road without the use of various mechanical tools.