Abstract: Enhanced cleaning can be obtained by applying primarily to a stained region of a washable soft substrate a prespotting composition that contains at least one molybdate and which can generate singlet oxygen in situ in the presence of a peroxide, optionally applying to the substrate a prespotting composition that contains at least one peroxide, and rinsing, laundering or otherwise cleaning the substrate, using a peroxygen-containing built detergent to clean the substrate if a prespotting composition containing peroxide has not been applied to the substrate. Preferred embodiments of the method can provide stain removal comparable to that obtained using chlorine bleach but with better color safety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition comprising an emulsion comprising a polar co-solvent, a non-polar co-solvent, and an alkylamine dispersed throughout the emulsion. The alkylamine serves to prevent the emulsion from inverting and forming a thick, slippery gel, which is known to interfere with the cleaning process and washing machine components. Further, the present invention relates to a method for preventing gel formation by adding an alkylamine to an emulsified cleaning composition and washing stained articles therein. In another aspect of the present invention a method for pre-treating a stained article is provided comprising applying a cleaning composition in the form of a gel comprising an emulsion of a polar co-solvent and a siloxane-based non-polar co-solvent, and a detergent to the article, allowing the cleaning composition to penetrate the stain; and laundering the article in a siloxane based cleaning composition comprising an alkylamine.

Abstract: A product and process for laundering delicate or dry-clean only garments in a conventional home washing machine. The process represents a home version of the commercial wet-cleaning processes for cleaning of delicate garments. The product comprises a liquid combination washing/conditioning composition and optionally a wash pretreatment composition, a flexible wrap container within which the garments are contained during washing and a pretreatment applicator.

Abstract: A composition containing a polyoxyalkylene polymer for cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, with lipophilic fluid provides improved cleaning of soils while providing excellent garment care, especially for articles sensitive to water.

Abstract: Gel detergent compositions which pile-up on a surface, upon dispensing, to minimize the spreading of the gel to a substantially larger area. The gels that can pile up are less messy to use and provide better stain removal, since more detergent is concentrated on the desired area of fabric (e.g., the spot). The composition comprises from about 10% to about 35% of a surfactant, from about 0.1 to about 5% of a non-neutralized fatty acid; from about 50 to about 85% of water; with the total of anionic surfactants selected from soap, linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, primary and secondary alkyl sulfates being more than 50% of total surfactant level.

Abstract: According to the inventive method of making gels, the main mixture comprising most of the ingredients with the exception of a non-neutralized fatty acid or sulphonic acid, and/or other anionic surfactant acids is mixed, using at least one in-line static mixer, with the gelling post-mix comprising the non-neutralized fatty acid or sulphonic acid, or other anionic surfactant acids. The preferred process includes the mixing of the main mixture and the gelling post-mix just prior to either filling or storing the composition.

Abstract: A sher-thinnig lamellar gel detergent composition, employing non-neutralized fatty acid in a specific amount, depending on the total surfactant level. The weight % ratio of non-neutralized fatty acid to the total surfactant within a specific range, defined by the Gelling Index equation, results in gels with the desired properties. The inventive product offers an advantage of laundry pre-treater and a detergent in a single product.

Abstract: Methodologies and equipment for using hard surface cleaners to remove stains, such as menstrual fluid stains or underarm perspiration stains, from clothes or other soft fabrics. Suitable hard surface cleaners include Scrubbing Bubbles Mildew Stain Remover®, Tilex Mildew Remover®, Lysol Mildew Remover®, Scrub Free Mildew Stain Remover®, and other common household hard surface cleaners. In one embodiment, the stain removal requires little or no scrubbing of the fabric article.

Abstract: Chloramine-T has been used as a biocide for over one hundred years. Chloramine-T is also useful as a stain removal agent. This invention is concerned with a process whereby stains on a variety of substrates may be removed by treating a stained area of a substrate with a solution of Chloramine-T. In one embodiment a stained substrate is sprayed with a solution of Chloramine-T. The stained area may also be treated with a slurry or paste of Chloramine-T in order to effect stain removal. Solutions of Chloramine-T have the ability to remove undesirable stains without adversely affecting the substrate i.e. a piece of clothing.

Abstract: A garment stain removal product and process is disclosed. The product includes a liquid cleaning composition which contains water, an organic solvent and a surfactant, an absorbent stain receiver, and a sonic or ultrasonic wave generating source for imparting sonic or ultrasonic waves onto stains on textiles. The sonic or ultrasonic wave source is, for example, a hand-held, pen-shaped device with a directed point to focus the sonic or ultrasonic waves at the stain to be removed.

Abstract: Thickened aqueous cleaning compositions are used for spot cleaning of stains and soils on garments and textiles. The compositions comprise: a detersive surfactant component, preferably anionic and/or nonionic; an organic solvent; an enzyme; and xanthan gum as a thickener.

Abstract: There is provided a method of delivering a benefit agent whereby a benefit agent is first loaded to a surface and subsequently unloaded and transferred and delivered to a second surface. More in particular, the benefit agent is first loaded onto a garment during a laundering process, and subsequently delivered to another surface. The benefit agents can be fragrance agents, perfumes, colour enhancers, fabric softening agents, polymeric lubricants, photoprotective agents, latexes, resins, dye fixative agents, encapsulated materials, antioxidants, insecticides, soil repelling agents, soil release agents, and cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A stain removal product and process is disclosed. The product includes a liquid cleaning composition which contains water, an organic solvent and a surfactant, an absorbent stain receiver, and a sonic or ultrasonic wave generating source for imparting sonic or ultrasonic waves onto stains on textiles. The sonic or ultrasonic wave source is, for example, a hand-held, pen-shaped device with a directed point to focus the sonic or ultrasonic waves at the stain to be removed.

Abstract: A method of delivering a benefit agent to a selected area of a fabric for exerting a predetermined activity, wherein the area is pre-treated with a multi-specific binding molecule which has a high binding affinity to said area through one specificity and is capable of binding to said benefit agent through another specificity, followed by contacting said pre-treated area with said benefit agent, to enhance said pre-determined activity to said area. Preferably, the binding molecule is an antibody or fragment thereof, or a fusion protein comprising a cellulose binding domain and a domain having a high binding affinity to another ligand which is directed to said benefit agent. The method is useful for stain removal, perfume delivery, and treating collars and cuffs for wear.

Abstract: A liquid laundry detergent and pretreatment containing at least one enzyme that is activated upon dilution with water. Upon dilution, the detergent transforms from a watery liquid to a viscous gel. This gel is capable of remaining in place on the garment. The enzyme and surfactants in the formulation work to penetrate and loosen stains so that they are more easily and thoroughly removed during laundering.

Abstract: Improved spot cleaning compositions particularly useful for the localized cleaning of stains from garments and textiles.

Abstract: Phase stable liquid compositions comprising preferred ratios of amine oxides and surfactants are provided. The compositions are preferably employed to spot clean stains from fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition suitable for bleaching and pretreating soiled fabrics. Such composition provides cleaning and color safety benefits that are especially noticeable when such composition is used as a prespotter. The present invention also relates to methods of using such composition to bleach or pretreat fabrics.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide. The article includes a stained portion or region, which is pretreated with a pretreatment composition prior to initiating the cleaning cycle. The pretreatment step is followed by contacting the pretreated article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, and an organic co-solvent. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The pretreatment composition, in a preferred embodiment, comprises at least one of (a) a surfactant; (b) d-limonene, and (c) a C12-C15 alkane co-solvent. Preferably the pretreatment composition comprises at least two, and in some particularly preferred embodiments, the pretreatment composition comprises all three, of the aforesaid ingredients.

Abstract: Methods of treating an inanimate object or inanimate surface which has malodor impression to reduce the malodor impression comprise the step of contacting the inanimate object or inanimate surface with an effective amount of a composition for reducing malodor impression comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight of the composition, of perfume; (b) from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the composition, of metallic salt; (c) optionally, solubilizing aid; and (d) aqueous carrier. The compositions used in the methods are essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric. The inanimate surface treated via the present methods is preferably fabric.

Abstract: A method for bleaching stained fabrics is provided by pretreating the stained fabric, before washing, with a pretreatment composition that comprises a ligand that forms a transition metal complex as bleach catalyst, the complex catalysing bleaching of stains by atmospheric oxygen. The pretreatment composition preferably comprises an iron complex comprising the ligand N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl)-1,1-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1-aminoethane. One or both of the pretreatment composition and the wash liquor are substantially devoid of peroxygen bleach or a peroxy-based or -generating bleach system. The pretreatment provides improved or broader stain profile bleaching.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a care booster composition effective for reducing wrinkles in a fabric being washed. The care booster composition enhances the performance of laundry detergents and fabric conditioners and may be used in processes for cleaning cloths.

Abstract: The present invention discloses dry effervescent granules comprising an acid, carbonate source and optionally a binder, wherein said acid, carbonate source and optionally binder are in close physical proximity. The invention also discloses granular compositions, containing effervescence material comprising an acid and a carbonate source, which has an effervescence index (EI) of at least 50. The granular compositions may be obtainable by incorporating said pre-formed dry effervescent granules into said granular compositions, especially detergent compositions. Improved effervescence is obtained when diluting these granular detergent compositions with water to obtain a washing/soaking liquor, resulting thereby in improved dissolution/dispensing characteristic and improved stain removal performance on soiled fabrics.

Abstract: Compositions for treating shoes, especially canvas and/or leather-containing shoes, such as athletic shoes, and methods and articles of manufacture employing same to treat the shoes prior to and/or during and/or after washing the shoes are disclosed. The compositions are used to pre-treat the shoes prior to soiling of the shoes.

Abstract: The ability of aqueous laundry compositions to remove organic hydrophobic soils, such as oily, greasy or particulate soils, from a laundry item is substantially improved by pre-spotting or pre-treating such a soiled item with a treatment composition having a surfactant comprising a unique hydrophillic ethoxylate surfactant with less than two moles of ethylene oxide or a or blend of at least two surfactant compositions with a blended HLB value of about 7-12. The blend of surfactants with this HLB value penetrates soils and renders the soil more easily removed from the item using aqueous laundry detergent. The treatment composition can be used in a liquid or solid form and can be applied to individual laundry items in the form of a solid stick or liquid spray prior to introduction to the laundry machine. Laundry items can also be contacted in the laundry machine with the pre-spot or pre-treatment composition in the form of an aqueous presoak, preflush, prewash, or other step prior to the cleaning step.

Abstract: A carpet stain removal product and process are disclosed. The product includes a liquid cleaning composition (18) which contains water, an organic solvent and a surfactant, an absorbent stain receiver, and a sonic or ultrasonic wave generating source (10) for imparting sonic or ultrasonic waves onto stains (14) on textiles (16). The sonic or ultrasonic wave source is, for example, a hand-held, pen-shaped device with a directed point to focus the sonic or ultrasonic waves at the stain to be removed.

Abstract: A garment stair removal product and process is disclosed. The product includes a liquid cleaning composition which contains water, an organic solvent and a surfactant, an absorbent stain receiver, and a sonic or ultrasonic wave generating source for imparting sonic or ultrasonic waves onto stains on textiles. The sonic or ultrasonic wave source is, for example, a hand-held, pen-shaped device with a directed point to focus the sonic or ultrasonic waves at the stain to be removed.

Abstract: A liquid non-aqueous detergent is presented containing a nonionic surfactant, a builder, a bleaching agent, and a cationic stabilizer of formula I, II or III: where the groups R1 independently of one another are C1-6 alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, the groups R2 independently of one another are C8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, R3 has the same meaning as R1 or represents (CH2)n—T—R2, R4 has the same meaning as R1 or R2 or represents (CH2)n—T—R2, T represents —CH2—, —O—CO— or —CO—O— and n is an integer of from 0 to 5. The solid bleaching agents in the stabilized non-aqueous liquid detergent retain their activity after prolonged storage.

Abstract: Stain removing compositions which can be granular detergents, liquid detergents, granular stain removers, liquid stain removers, household cleaners, food industrial cleaners, and the like, containing proteolytic enzymes derived from bacterium No. 177, are effective low temperature (0° C.-50° C.) stain removers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for pretreating soiled fabrics with a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and a soil dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated monoamine, an ethoxylated diamine, and ethoxylated polyamine, an ethoxylated amine polymer and mixtures thereof. This invention also discloses liquid compositions suitable for pretreating fabrics, comprising a peroxygen bleach, a surfactant, and a soil dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated monoamine, an ethoxylated diamine, an ethoxylated polyamine, an ethoxylated amine polymer and mixtures thereof, said composition being formulated either as an emulsion or a microemulsion.

Abstract: An improved process for removing ink soil from porous substrates, preferably from woven fabrics which include cellulosic materials such as cotton towels is described herein. The process includes an initial contacting step with an alkyl fatty acid ester, a wash step with a conventional detergent and a final water rinse step. A chelating agent is used during one of the first two steps or, alternatively, between the first two steps.

Abstract: A chemical cleaning system for a multi-tank or a single-tank laundry washing machine, having at least two separate components for aqueousdissolution or dilution to respective use concentrations, a first component comprising a proteolytic enzyme, and a second component comprising an imidoperoxycarboxylic acid, particularly phthaloylaminoperoxycaprbic acid (PAP), wherein the first component is introduced into a prewash zone or step, and the second component is introduced into a main wash zone or step. When using this system, it was found that effective cleaning could be obtained even at relatively low main wash temperatures of 45-55° C. As a result, much less energy was needed and a considerable reduction of textile damage was observed as compared with cleaning systems of the prior art.

Abstract: A cleaning composition which is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion is disclosed. The composition includes (i) a non-aqueous hydrophobic solvent; (ii) a first anionic or nonionic surfactant having an alkyl chain, the length of the alkyl chain being C11 or less; (iii) a second anionic or nonionic surfactant having an alkyl chain, the length of the alkyl chain being C12 or more; and (iv) the pH of the cleaning composition being at least 8. Methods for using the cleaning composition for treating spots or stains on textile fabrics and laundry kits comprising the cleaning composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition for reducing malodor impression. The composition comprises from about 0.01% to about 1%, by weight of the composition, of perfume wherein the perfume preferably comprises ingredients having a Clog P of 3 or smaller. Optionally, but preferably, the composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 5%, by weight of the composition of, water-soluble cyclodextrin, from about 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the composition, of water-soluble metallic salt, from about 0% to about 3%, by weight of the composition, of solubilizing aid. The composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric and contains less than about 5%, by weight of the composition of low molecular weight monohydric alcohols.

Abstract: The ability of aqueous laundry compositions to remove organic hydrophobic soils, such as oily, greasy or particulate soils, from a laundry item is substantially improved by pre-spotting or pre-treating such a soiled item with a treatment composition having a surfactant comprising a unique hydrophillic ethoxylate surfactant with less than two moles of ethylene oxide or a or blend of at least two surfactant compositions with a blended HLB value of about 7-12. The blend of surfactants with this HLB value penetrates soils and renders the soil more easily removed from the item using aqueous laundry detergent. The treatment composition can be used in a liquid or solid form and can be applied to individual laundry items in the form of a solid stick or liquid spray prior to introduction to the laundry machine. Laundry items can also be contacted in the laundry machine with the pre-spot or pre-treatment composition in the form of an aqueous presoak, preflush, prewash, or other step prior to the cleaning step.

Abstract: Soaking compositions are disclosed which comprise oxygen bleach, a sorbitan ester in combination with an alkyl sulphonate surfactant. Said compositions are diluted in water to form soaking liquors. The invention is particularly effective in removing particulate soils like silt and clay from fabrics as well as enzymatic stains and bleachable stains.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include anhydrous dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. In a first embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents, polysulfonic acid, and not more than about 10 wt % water. In a second embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents and polysulfonic acid, and not more than 1 about wt % water. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: A cleaning composition being an oil-in-water emulsion in aerosol form characterized in that sufficient of the propellant is retained in the emulsion on discharge to a surface such that the retained propellant boils to create a sustained bubbling action in the absence of foaming on the surface. The cleaning composition comprises an oil-in-water emulsion containing (a) 2 to 60% w/w in total amount of one or more hydrocarbon propellants such that the propellants substantially form a part of the oil phase when the composition is formulated; (b) 2 to 50% w/w in total amount of one or more surfactants; (c) 0.1 to 30% w/w in total amount of one or more water-immiscible organic compounds; (d) 0.5 to 40% w/w in total amount of one or more water-miscible organic coupling agents; and (e) 10 to 70% w/w of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising an enzyme that increases the water-solubility of fatty acid-containing stains/soils, especially an acid-thiolligase, a desaturase enzyme and/or a glutathione S-transferase. These detergent compositions provide cleaning performance on body soils and/or oily/greasy soils and stains.

Abstract: An improved method of removing rust stains from carpet and other textiles including application of ammonium bifluoride or other fluoride compounds to a rust stain. If the ammonium bifluoride is unable to remove the stain, an acidifying agent is added to the ammonium bifluoride to generate hydrofluoric acid on the stain. The unreacted hydrofluoric acid is then neutralized and removed along with the stain.

Abstract: Soaking compositions are disclosed which comprise oxygen bleach and a sorbitan ester in combination with a highly alkoxylated nonionic surfactant. The granular compositions are combined with water to form soaking liquors. The invention is particularly effective in removing particulate soils such as silt and clay from fabrics as well as enzymatic stains and/or bleachable stains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the bleaching of fabrics with liquid compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach and a solvent system comprising a hydrophilic solvent and a hydrophobic solvent. These compositions deliver improved stain removal on a variety of stains including bleachable stains, greasy stains, enzymatic stains and mud/clay stains.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid and water, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: Pretreater stain remover composition and method of using it is described. The composition comprises a siloxane based surfactant combined with a cosurfactant. Optionally, an antiredeposition polymer, enzymes and enzyme stabilizing system are added to effectively remove both oil and water based stains from a variety of fabrics.

Abstract: A liquid composition, comprising: (A) a peroxygen bleach, or a source thereof, (B) a liquid hydrophobic bleach activator, the liquid hydrophobic bleach activator being acetyl triethyl citrate, (C) a long chain acyl sarcosinate; (D) the composition having a pH from 0 to 6; and (E) the composition being formulated either as an emulsion or as a microemulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liqiuid compositions comprising a peroxygen bleach and a specific polyamine, or mixtures thereof. The present invention further encompasses a process for pretreating soiled fabrics and/or soiled colored fabrics, for reducing the color damage of said colored fabrics and/or for reducing the loss of tensile strength in said fabrics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fabric cleaning solutions such as clothing pre-spotters. The solutions have a mildly acidic pH and contain an amphoteric surfactant. They can be used many hours, or even a few days, before laundering in standard base detergent conditions. The solutions provide the equivalent of a "bucketless soak.

Abstract: The present invention provides a more effective method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric, the method comprising the steps of: applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain; placing an absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain; and applying heat, pressure, or heat and pressure, to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, preferably in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent, or water, so that some or all of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer. The detergent composition can be applied to the textile fabric using a container having a cap to which a foam pad is secured. The cap has a small opening through which the detergent composition can pass.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include anhydrous dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. In a first embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents, polysulfonic acid, and not more than about 10 wt % water. In a second embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents and polysulfonic acid, and not more than 1 about wt % water. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: A dryer dry cleaning and freshening system is provided with a containment bag, a dispenser means impregnated with liquid cleaning composition, and a absorber capable of absorbing loose particles and excess cleaning composition A process for cleaning a garment is also provided. The system and process may be used in a home clothes dryer for dry cleaning.