Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition with enhanced stability for hard surface applications containing at least one lipophilic compound and at least one copolymer, in which the at least one copolymer is a comb-type branched copolymer exhibiting an alternating sequence of monomeric units (a) having at least one hydrophilic group and monomeric units (b) having at least one lipophilic side chain. Moreover, a method for producing said composition as well as the use of the composition is concerned.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning detergent comprises: a) 0.001% to 40% w/v of a bactericidally active water-insoluble cationic compound in its salt form; b) 0.001 to 40% w/v of an anionic surfactant; c) 0.1 to 10 wt % bleach; d) a resoil prevention polymer; and e) up to 98% w/v of water.

Abstract: A cleaning solution is provided. The cleaning solution contains denatured alcohol, deionized water, and an organic surfactant mixture consisting of water, 2-butoxyethanol, sodium citrate, ethoxylated alcohol, and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate. The present invention is intended for use with granite, marble, or other shiny surfaces. The solution utilizes a minimal amount of surfactants and highly distilled alcohols that can safely clean and sterilize these surfaces, without leaving unpleasant residues behind.

Abstract: A method for preparing a microemulsion is disclosed which employs a method based upon identification of the phase behavior of a plurality of components comprising the microemulsion. Further disclosed is a microemulsion composition comprising a first component, coupling agent, and surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention proposes compositions and methods to use for the removal of stains and particularly of those that are notoriously difficult to remove such as deodorant, perspiration and ink stains from all kinds of garments, including water sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere or silk without incurring surface damage or dye/color loss. The compositions of the present invention are preferentially applied as spot cleaning compositions to the stained area of garments without scrubbing before a unique cleaning cycle at low temperature in professional wet- or dry cleaning process or a regular household laundry cycle.

Abstract: There is herein described a composition which is used to partially or completely remove underarm stains from clothing, specifically the armpit region of clothing.

Abstract: A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering. The separator layer can be water soluble or water dispersible. Depressions can be provided in the carrier layer to hold the layer of cleaning agent composition. Without the separator layer, a sheet of the carrier layer can be folded over to hold the cleaning agent composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stain pretreatment agent containing a mixture of a short-chain and a long-chain polyethylene glycol and to the use thereof, and to a cleaning pen containing said stain pretreatment agent.

Abstract: A method for cleaning contaminated surfaces of surgical waste management equipment. The method includes rinsing surfaces of the equipment with water to remove water soluble contaminants and waste material. A rinse solution is applied to the surfaces of the equipment to provide a residual film thereon. The rinse solution includes a first nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 12 to about 15, a second nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, an aqueous solvent, and a bio-film permeation agent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprises a bleach and a cationic surfactant for use as a pre-treatment composition in a laundry/fabric washing operation.

Abstract: An aqueous solution containing a combination of Phosphoric Acid, Emulsifying Wax, Triethlyene Glycol, Cocamido Propyl Beatine, Lauryl Alcohol, EDTA-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (polyamino carboxylic acid) and Sodium Hydrochloride is applied directly to stains on clothing that are caused by perspiration and/or the interaction of perspiration with commercial antiperspirants containing aluminum compounds. The aqueous solution converts aluminum oxide into a water-soluble phosphate compound that can be washed out when laundering the clothing, thereby effectively removing the stain.

Abstract: A liquid composition for treatment of stained fabric is disclosed. The composition may be an aqueous emulsion that includes a fatty alcohol as a stabilizing agent. The composition may also include one or more nonionic surfactants, detersive enzymes, borax, cleaning agents, fragrances, pH adjusting agents, thickeners, and preservatives. The composition may remain a stable emulsion after even long term storage at various temperatures. Moreover, the composition's improved stability is achieved without significantly sacrifice of its stain removal performance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stabilizing liquid enzyme-containing liquid formulations by adding at least one boron compound and at least one alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid or the salt of an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid capable of forming an enzyme-stabilizing compound. An enzyme-stabilized formulation is disclosed comprising an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid or the salt of an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, a boron containing compound capable complexing with an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, the complex formed by the boron compound and the an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, and an enzyme. The invention applies to both enzyme concentrate raw materials, and to useful product formulations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating textiles comprising applying to the textile an enzyme having a specific activity towards the textile, under conditions such that there is substantially no mechanical agitation.

Abstract: A laundry stain and soil pretreatment sheet including a water soluble or water dispersible carrier layer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol, a removable separator layer, and a layer of cleaning agent composition therebetween. The separator layer is removed, the composition layer is adhered to a stain on clothing, and the clothing is laundered to treat the stain. The carrier layer dissolves or disperses during the laundering.

Abstract: A cleaning composition with a limited number of natural ingredients contains an anionic surfactant, a hydrophilic syndetic, nonionic surfactant and a hydrophobic syndetic. The cleaning composition can be used to clean laundry, soft surfaces, and hard surfaces and cleans as well or better than commercial compositions containing synthetically derived cleaning agents.

Abstract: A new method for laundering fabrics is disclosed, where a foam composition comprising enzymes and a surfactant is distributed over fabrics. After a holding period water and a detergent composition is added and the fabrics are washed under usual washing conditions. After the washing period suds are discharged and the fabrics are rinsed and dried using usual means.

Abstract: A composition having a first nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 10 to about 15, a second nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, an aqueous solvent, and optionally, a bio-film permeation agent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the composition, and a ratio of the second surfactant to the first surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2:1 to about 4:1.

Abstract: A method for cleaning contaminated surfaces of surgical waste management equipment. The method includes rinsing surfaces of the equipment with water to remove water soluble contaminants and waste material. A rinse solution is applied to the surfaces of the equipment to provide a residual film thereon. The rinse solution includes a first nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 10 to about 15, a second nonionic alkoxylated alcohol surfactant having an HLB value ranging from about 16 to 20, an aqueous solvent, and optionally, a bio-film permeation agent. A total of the first surfactant and the second surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2 to about 20 percent by weight of a total weight of the composition, and a ratio of the second surfactant to the first surfactant in the composition ranges from about 2:1 to about 4:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process for in-home dry cleaning comprising a dry cleaning step of contacting a laundry article stained with particulate soil with a dry cleaning composition wherein the liquor to cloth ratio (w/w) (LCR) is at most 20, and wherein the composition comprises a) a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent; b) a cleaning effective amount of an acid surfactant.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process for in-home dry cleaning comprising a low-aqueous dry cleaning step of contacting a laundry article with a low-aqueous dry cleaning composition, wherein said composition comprises a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent, water and surfactant, whereby the water to cloth ratio (w/w) is less than 0.45 and the water to surfactant ratio (w/w) is at most 1.5, wherein said organic dry cleaning solvent is selected from hydrofluorocarbon, hydrofluoroether and siloxane solvent.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process for in-home dry cleaning comprising a low aqueous dry cleaning step of contacting a laundry article with a low aqueous dry cleaning composition wherein the liquor to cloth ratio (w/w) (LCR) is at most 20, and wherein said low aqueous composition comprises: a) at least one non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent; b) 0.01 to 0.9 wt. % water and c) a cleaning effective amount of a surfactant wherein said surfactant comprises at least one anionic headgroup.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition comprising: hydrogen peroxide or a source thereof; an anionic sulfonate surfactant; a fatty acid amide; a non-ionic surfactant; and a sarcosinate compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning sheets that resist folding, especially refolding upon themselves even after an initial fold has been formed in the sheet.

Abstract: A product for cleaning stains. In one embodiment, the product may include a piece of material and a volume of carbonated water, both sealed within a container. When a stain is encountered, the container may be opened and the piece of material that has been wetted by the carbonated water may be used to clean the stain.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process for in-home dry cleaning comprising a non-aqueous dry cleaning step of contacting a laundry article with a non-aqueous dry cleaning composition whereby the liquor to cloth ratio (w/w) (LCR) is at most 20, and the composition comprises a) a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent; b) from 0 to 0.1 wt. % water by weight of the composition; and c) less than 0.9 wt. % of a surfactant wherein the surfactant comprises at least one anionic headgroup.

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: A process for dry cleaning laundry articles comprising at least one dry cleaning step followed by at least one regeneration step wherein said regeneration step comprises contacting the articles with a regeneration composition comprising 0 to 10 wt. % of a surfactant; 0.001 to 10 wt. % of water; 0 to 50 wt. % of a cosolvent and the balance being organic dry cleaning solvent, preferably a non-flammable, non-chlorine containing organic dry cleaning solvent, wherein the regeneration composition comprises an aqueous phase having a pH of at least 5.

Abstract: A sequential process for dry cleaning laundry articles is provided comprising a) at least one non-aqueous dry cleaning step, b) at least one low-aqueous dry cleaning step, and, optionally, at least one rinsing step.

Abstract: A composition for pretreating stains and/or soils on fabric articles and other launderable textiles before laundering is provided. The composition includes a cleaning component and at least one foaming agent. In addition, the composition optionally includes water, at least one enzyme, and at least one antiredeposition agent.

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

Abstract: The 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: 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 two phase cleaning composition containing a nonionic surfactant, a zwitterionic and/or anionic surfactant, a water insoluble organic compound, perfume, glycol ether and water.

Abstract: A blood, coffee or fruit juice removing cleaning composition, and methods for using such, which may take the form of a detergent additive or pre-spotter, generally including an amount of carbonate source effective to remove blood, coffee or fruit juice from textiles. In other preferred forms the compositions disclosed herein may include surfactants.

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: A blood, coffee or fruit juice removing cleaning composition, and methods for using such, which may take the form of a detergent additive or pre-spotter, generally including an amount of carbonate source effective to remove blood, coffee or fruit juice from textiles. In other preferred forms the compositions disclosed herein may include surfactants.

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 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: 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: 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: Compositions and methods for removing soils and stains from fabrics and other surfaces employ bleaching activators and aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid (ATMP) at a pH of from greater than 0 to about 6. Compositions comprising ATMP and various sources of peroxide and various types of activators are disclosed.

Abstract: In fabric laundry procedures, commercial and household laundry detergent compositions commonly contain an optical brightener composition. Brighteners adjust the optical properties of the fabric in such a way that the fabric appears to be white even after repeated washings. Often white fabrics can yellow during use. Fluorescent optical brighteners having an optical blue aspect, mask the yellowing of the fabric. Common laundry detergents fail to have sufficient brightening capacity to brighten heavily soiled white cotton items used in household, commercial, institutional or fast-food food surface. A process for improving the whiteness of soiled white cotton, preferably terry cloth, items involves contacting the soiled white fabric item with a presoak containing an effective proportion of a fluorescent optical brightener composition, removing the item from the presoak and separating the presoak composition from the fabric item producing an extracted item.

Abstract: By using a nonionic surfactant as the primary emulsifier having an hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than about 13, at a concentration sufficient to provide about 0.5-3 molecules per 100 square .ANG. of surface area of silicone particles; and a nonionic cosurfactant having an HLB less than about 11, at a concentration sufficient to provide 5-15 molecules of emulsifier per 100 square .ANG. of surface area of silicone particles; aqueous emulsions containing low molecular weight silicones can be prepared which possess improved particle size stability. In particular, the low molecular weight silicones have a molecular weight less than about 1,000, and a viscosity of not greater than about 5 mm.sup.2 /sec. These emulsions can be used in applications relating to laundry pre-spotting, automotive bug and tar removal, and hard surface cleaning.

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: 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: 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.