Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising one or more enzymes which are immobilized by a covalent binding on an activated polymer. Such enzymes are preferably bound to the activated polymer via a spacer molecule. The enzymes are selected from a variety of enzymes including, for example, cellulases, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, glucoamylases, amylases, lipases, cutinases, pectinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, laccases, ligninases, pullulanases, xylanases, tannases, pentosanases, manlanases, .beta.-glucanases, arabinosidases, and mixtures thereof. The polymer is selected from a variety of polymers. A preferred polymer for use in the present invention is polyethylene glycol.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning composition which is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion, or a solution comprising non-aqueous hydrophobic solvent; and anionic or nonionic surfactant. The cleaning composition further comprises a bleach activator. The invention also relates to a method for treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric using the cleaning composition.

Abstract: A dry cleaning and freshening system is provided including a containment bag, a single unit dispenser having dispensing means, a container, and absorbing means. The container is adapted to contain a quantity of liquid cleaning composition. The single unit dispenser and absorber means includes a dispensing part with absorbent material and a container for holding liquid cleaning composition and a retaining part of absorbent material capable of entraining loose particles and/or absorbing excess liquid cleaning composition. The liquid cleaning composition may include a fragrance composition. In a preferred embodiment the single unit dispenser and absorber means may be in the form of a ball with two hemispheres that split and may be screwed together. The single unit dispenser and absorber means may be used in a home clothes dryer for dry cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and a radical scavenger or mixtures thereof, for pretreating soiled fabrics before said fabrics are washed, for reducing the loss of tensile strength in said fabrics and/or for reducing the color damage of said fabrics. The present invention further encompasses a liquid composition suitable for pretreating soiled fabrics, said composition comprising a peroxygen bleach and a radical scavenging system.

Abstract: Liquid bleaching compositions are described which comprise hydrogen peroxide or a source thereof, as well as a bleach activator. The liquid bleach activator is hydrophobic, and the compositions are formulated as microemulsions of said bleach activator in a hydrophilic matrix comprising water and a surfactant system comprising an anionic and a nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: A process is presented for producing stable multi-enzyme containing granules. The process involves the steps of mixing a reversible competitive inhibitor with a first enzyme, adding a second incompatible enzyme, adding a carrier, extruding and granulating the resulting mixture and reducing the moisture content if necessary.

Abstract: A method of cleaning textile fabrics comprising the steps of (i) dispensing a detergent foam from an aerosol container, (ii) dissolving the foam in water to form an aqueous solution; and either subsequently or simultaneously, (iii) agitating the textile fabrics in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Sheets capable of developing a positive electostatic charge are used for a variety of surface cleaning operations. Polyester fabric, non-woven and chemically bonded with an acrylic latex is used to dust surfaces, to clean clothes, furniture and carpets. A light solvent such as isopropanol can be used with the sheets to loosen gummy soils. In one mode, the sheets are used in a hot air clothes dryer to remove soils and detritus from garments. Processes for cleaning a variety of fabric and hard surfaces are conducted using the sheets.

Abstract: A containment bag 1 which may be used in home dry cleaning is made of textile with an impermeable finish and an interior capable of absorbing loose particles and soil. The containment bag 1 is used in a home dryer dry cleaning and freshening system. The textile of the containment bag 1 has a layer of woven or knit fabric with an impermeable coating and a soft, hairy layer on its interior. The inside of the containment bag 1 is prewetted with cleaning composition. Preferably a liquid cleaning composition is employed and the cleaning composition may include a fragrance composition. A process for cleaning a garment is also provided.

Abstract: Phase stable liquid compositions comprise water, butoxy propoxy propanol and alkyl sulfate or alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactants. The compositions are used to clean fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to laundry detergent compositions containing a lipolytic enzyme (lipase) and specially selected primary and/or tertiary amines. The compositions provide enhanced cleaning of grease/oil soils and stains, particularly when used in a pre-treat laundering process for cleaning fabrics stained with grease/oil soils.

Abstract: A process for pretreating soiled fabrics prior to washing with a liquid composition comprising a peroxygen bleach, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and a compound chelating copper and/or iron and/or manganese is provided. The liquid composition used in such process is also provided.

Abstract: Soaking compositions are disclosed which comprise a bleach, a builder; an anionic surfactant, a proteolytic enzyme; and a stability enhanced amylase enzyme. A process of soaking fabrics is also disclosed, wherein said fabrics are immersed in a soaking liquor comprising water and an effective amount of the composition above.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surfactant complexes and methods for using them. The complexes contain nonionic surfactants in low concentrations. The surfactants are complexes with associative polymeric thickeners. These complexes can be formulated for use as laundry pre-spotters, hard surface cleaners, and insecticides. They can also be used in other applications.

Abstract: Spot pretreatment compositions useful as stain cleaning compositions useful prior to a subsequent cleaning operation, including laundering or dry-cleaning. The spot cleaning compositions feature a major proportion of water, and minor amounts of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and organic solvents selected from alcohols and glycol ethers. The spot pretreatment compositions exhibit excellent stain dissolution characteristics. Processes for producing the spot cleaning compositions, and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of anionic surfactants in a liquid peroxygen bleaching composition disclosed, for reducing itching of the skin, after it has come in contact with said compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid crystal composition comprising a water insoluble organic compound, a nonionic surfactant, wood particles, an ethoxylated alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cosurfactant and water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for use of a towelette to clean stains from clothing and upholstery. The towelette is impregnated with a cleaning solution that is primarily water, but also contains a volatile cleaning agent and a surfactant. The pH and surfactant concentrations of the cleaning solution are regulated. The wipe reduces the incidence of readily visible rings around treated stains.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a stain receiver article and its use in a fabric cleaning process. The invention also encompasses a kit, comprising: (a) an aqueous fabric cleaning/refreshment composition which is, optionally, releasably contained on a carrier substrate; a re-usable, preferably vapor-venting, containment bag; a stain receiver article according to this invention; optionally, but preferably, a fabric cleaning device, as disclosed herein; optionally, a re-usable holding tray; and optionally, a non-aqueous cleaning composition. The invention also encompasses the stain receiver article, itself.

Abstract: Stains are removed from fabrics safely and effectively using a spot removal composition which contains peroxide.

Abstract: Home dry cleaning compositions useful in dry-cleaning of textiles and garments in a non-commercial environment are disclosed. The cleaning compositions useful in conjunction with a a domestic dry cleaning operation the cleaning compositions are contacted with a soiled garment or textile during a tumbling such as is possible with a domestic clothes dryer. The cleaning compositions contain a major proportion of water, and further include minor amounts of a nonionic alkoxylated alcohol, anionic surfactant selected from alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, as well as salt forms thereof, organic solvent selected from alcohols and glycol ethers, as well as optional constituents including fluorosurfactants, pH adjusting agents, fragrances, fragrance solubilizers, and preservatives.

Abstract: A method for removing a water spot from a fabric article, wherein the fabric article has a first side and a second side and the water spot is on the first side. The method comprises the steps of:a) placing a clean cloth on a hard flat surface;b) placing the fabric article on the clean cloth such that the first side of the fabric article contacts the clean cloth;c) dampening the fabric article with an aqueous solution; andd) ironing the second side of the fabric article adjacent the water spot with a clothes iron.This method is preferably performed in conjunction with a non-immersion method for cleaning and refreshing fabric articles. Also, a product for treating fabric articles is provided, which product includes instructions for performing the method of removing water spots.

Abstract: Pseudoplastic and thixotropic aqueous compositions comprise a detergent system containing an emulsion of at least two nonionic surfactants, preferably alkoxylated alcohols of the formula RO(E).sub.e (p).sub.p II where R is a hydrocarbon chain of from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, E is ethylene oxide, and P is propylene oxide, and e and p represent the average degrees of ethoxylation and propoxylation, said nonionic surfactants having a difference between HLB values of at least 6.5, said composition having a viscosity of from about 60 cps to about 1500 cps at 12 rpm, from about 40 cps to about 800 cps at 30 rpm, and from about 20 cps to about 500 cps at 60 rpm, and said composition preferably having a pH of from 0 to about 6.

Abstract: A process for removing a stain from a localized stained area on a fabric. The process comprises the following steps: (a) placing the stained area of the fabric over and in contact with an absorbent stain receiver; (b) applying a fluid cleaning composition, which comprises at least about 95%, by weight water, to the stain from a container having a dispenser spout with a distal tip; and (c) rubbing or pressing the cleaning composition into the stain using the distal tip of the spout. This process causes the stain to be transferred into the stain receiver before the fabric is used or subjected to conventional laundering or dry-cleaning processes.

Abstract: A pretreater or laundry additive composition which removes stains and as a laundry additive, whiten fabrics are described herein. The compositions contain 0.1 to 20 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant, 0.1% to 10 wt. % of a hydrophobically modified polymer and less than about 5 wt. % of an anionic soap. Methods of using the composition are also described.

Abstract: Laundry additive compositions and methods for their use are provided. The compositions include a dispersible polyolefin, preferably polyethylene, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of dye fixative agents, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, chlorine scavenging agents, free radical scavenging agents, cellulase enzymes and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the composition is a liquid composition added to the rinse cycle of a consumer laundry process or to a pre-treatment cycle before a wash cycle of a consumer laundry process.

Abstract: The invention provides a high water liquid enzyme prewash composition essentially free of hydrotropes, solvents, dispersants and surfactants, other than nonionic surfactants, combining: a hydrolase enzyme stabilized with a first enzyme stabilizer, wherein the first enzyme stabilizer is a soluble alkaline earth salt; a more hydrophilic, first nonionic surfactant having an HLB of greater than about 11; a more hydrophobic, second nonionic surfactant having an HLB of less than or equal to about 11; and at least about 80-99% water; wherein the difference in HLB between the first and the second nonionic surfactants is at least 2; the nonionic surfactants interact with the water to form an opalescent, structured liquid; the first and the second nonionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated alkylphenols; the structured liquid both suspends the hydrolase and protects the hydrolase against deactivation with water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an abrasive-free cleaning composition which includes, in aqueous solution, a bleach, a colloidal thickener, and a source of divalent ionic calcium. The composition further includes at least one surfactant which is effective to provide cleaning activity and, in association with the colloidal thickener, thickening. The composition also includes an electrolyte/buffer which is effective to promote an environment in which the thickener and the surfactant associate to provide proper thickening. The inventive cleaning composition, with its ionic calcium source, has desirable viscosity and rheological properties, and demonstrates significant viscosity stability, rheological stability, phase stability and bleach stability. The cleaning composition maintains these desirable properties under typical storage conditions as well as over extended times and at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid crystal composition comprising a water insoluble organic compound, a sulfonate surfactant, an abrasive, an ethoxylated alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cosurfactant and water.

Abstract: Laundry detergent compositions containing a detergent surfactant, a detergent builder, and from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight ethylene dicysteate or its acid form are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, such as food and beverage stains particularly polyphenolic stains such as wine, blueberry, tea, coffee, morello juice and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides laundry pre-spotter compositions with superior cleaning efficacy using associative polymeric thickeners to synergistically boost cleaning. Cleaning efficacy equivalent to compositions comprising having twice the amount of a nonionic surfactant by weight and a viscosity from about 300 cps to about 100,000 cps at 25.degree. C. and 60 RPM is obtained by employing a composition comprising from about 7.0 or 9.0% to about 13.0% by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant having an average HLB of from about 8 to about 13 and about 0.25% to about 2.0% by weight of at least one associative polymeric thickener.

Abstract: The present invention provides laundry pre-spotter compositions with superior cleaning efficacy using associative polymeric thickeners to synergistically boost cleaning. Cleaning efficacy equivalent to compositions comprising having twice the amount of a nonionic surfactant by weight and a viscosity to about 100,000 cps at 25.degree. C. is obtained by employing a composition comprising from about 12.5% to about 13.0% by weight of at least one nonionic surfactant having an average HLB of from about 8 to about 13 and about 0.4% to about 2.0% by weight of at least one associative polymeric thickener.

Abstract: 1,2-Octanediol is used to clean soiled fabrics. Thus, cleaning compositions comprising 1,2-octanediol, preferably in combination with solvents, are impregnated into carrier sheets. The sheets are tumbled with soiled fabrics inside of a plastic bag. The resulting home dry cleaning process leaves the fabrics clean and refreshed.

Abstract: A home dry cleaning article is provided. Thus, a hydroentangled carrier sheet comprising mixed cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional bicomponent fibers which is releasably impregnated with solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol, 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, water and an emulsifier is prepared. The article is placed in a plastic bag with soiled garments and tumbled in a hot-air clothes dryer. The garments are cleaned and refreshed.

Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions containing solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) are emulsified using low levels of polyacrylate emulsifiers. Thus, an emulsion comprising BPP, a polyacrylate, optional surfactants, optional 1,2-octanediol and water is applied to fabrics in a home dry cleaning operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a high water liquid enzyme prewash composition essentially free of hydrotropes, solvents and dispersants other than nonionic surfactants, and combines: a) effective amounts of a hydrolase enzyme stabilized with a soluble alkaline earth salt; b) a more hydrophilic, first nonionic surfactant having an HLB of greater than about 11; c) a more hydrophobic, second nonionic surfactant having an HLB of less than or equal to about 11; d) at least 80% or greater water; wherein the difference in HLB between said first and second nonionic surfactants is at least about 2, and said nonionic surfactants interact with said water to form an opalescent, structured liquid, said structured liquid both suspending said hydrolase and protecting said hydrolase against deactivation with said water. Suitable adjuncts, such as mildewstats/bacteristats, fragrances and dyes can be included.

Abstract: Certain double-tailed alcohol ether sulfates of specified chemical structures are formulated with a hydrotrope or a co-surfactant. The formulations are useful for various surfactant utilities including use in hard water systems.

Abstract: A liquid laundry detergent composition containing not more than 50% water by weight of the total liquid detergent composition, from about 0.0001 to about 1.0% on an active basis of a lipolytic enzyme, and further comprising a specially selected soap selected from the group consisting of specific C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 secondary carboxyl materials; specific secondary carboxyl materials wherein the carboxyl substituent is on a ring hydrocarbyl unit; and specific C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 primary or secondary carboxyl compounds and specific C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 tertiary carboxyl compounds. A pretreatment laundering process using the composition is also disclosed.