Abstract: A concentrated aqueous surfactant solution comprising alkyl ether sulphate and alkaline earth metal, preferably magnesium. The composition is a stable liquid which is suitable for making into cleaning products, especially dish washing liquids. The concentrated surfactant solution can be prepared by partial neutralisation of the acid precursor with the hydroxide or oxide of the alkaline earth metal, followed by a further neutralisation with the hydroxide of an alkali metal or ammonium.

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: The present invention relates to the the use of water-soluble copolymers based on acrylamidoalkylenesulfonic acid, vinylacetamide and, if appropriate, other monomers, comprising5-90% by weight of structural units of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl,R.sup.2 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -alkylene, preferably C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkylene, particularly preferably C.sub.4 -alkylene, andMe is ammonium or an alkali metal ion,5-95% by weight of structural units of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently of one another are hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 together are a propylene group which, including a radical ##STR3## form a pyrrolidone radical, 0-90% by weight of structural units of the formula ##STR4## in which X is a halogen, preferably chloride,R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 independently of one another are C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, prefrably C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 -alkyl, in particular methyl or ethyl, and0-90% by weight of structural units of the formula --CHR.sup.

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: A particulate detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l which is not the product of a spray-drying process consists of a substantially homogeneous granular base and optional postdosed ingredients. The composition comprises a surfactant system, alkali metal aluminosilicate builder, and a water-soluble salt of citric acid, preferably sodium citrate, and optionally other ingredients. The delivery and dissolution characteristics of the composition in the wash are improved if citrate of Rosin Rammler particle size less than 800 .mu.m is incorporated within the granular base. The composition may also contain postdosed citrate of unrestricted particle size.

Abstract: A non-bleaching laundry detergent composition, wherein the solids content comprises an active surfactant, at least about 70 wt. % of a water soluble alkaline carbonate, e.g., sodium carbonate, a minor amount of a polymeric polycarboxylate, e.g., an acrylic acid polymer, and a minor amount of elemental zinc in the form of a water soluble salt, e.g., a hydrated or anhydrous zinc sulfate, such as zinc sulfate heptahydrate or monohydrate, based on the total weight of solids in the composition. Incorporation of a polymeric polycarboxylate and zinc ions in the foregoing laundry detergent composition containing carbonate ions has the effect of significantly reducing fabric encrustation caused by the precipitation of calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) continuously mixing a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the ratio of the surfactant paste to the dry detergent material is from about 1:10 to about 10:1; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify and agglomerate the detergent agglomerates; and (c) drying said detergent agglomerates so as to form the high density detergent composition. The process may include one or more additional processing steps such as adding a coating agent after the moderate speed mixer/densifier to facilitate and control agglomeration.

Abstract: A powdered laundry detergent composition comprising an active surfactant, at least about 70 wt. % of a water soluble alkaline carbonate salt, e.g., sodium carbonate, about 0.1 to 2 wt. % of a phosphorus-containing sequestering agent, e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), about 0.1 to 2 wt. % of a polymeric polycarboxylate, e.g., a polyacrylate or a polymaleate, and about 1-12 wt. % water. Use of the foregoing detergent composition provides excellent cleaning and whitening of fabrics while avoiding the problem of eutrophication which occurs when a substantial amount of a phosphorus containing builder such as STPP is present in the composition, and while minimizing the problem of fabric encrustation often present when the composition contains a large amount of carbonate builder.

Abstract: A process for the production of a detergent composition having a predetermined relative humidity comprising forming a crude detergent composition having a relative humidity in excess of the predetermined level, for example in excess of 30% and contacting the said crude composition with a preconditioned gas having a relative humidity below the predetermined relative humidity wherein the temperature of the crude composition is maintained below the temperature at which the crude composition agglomerates thereby to form a low relative humidity detergent composition.