Abstract: A laundry appliance having a perforated rotatable drum for spin dehydrating a wet textile load, an electric motor for providing an accelerating force which in use causes the drum to rotate, load sensors for detecting any static dynamic imbalance in the rotation of the drum, and a controller which receives inputs from the load sensors and is programmed to, in a spin-up phase, energize said electric motor so as to evenly distribute the load within the drum and thereby minimize any static or dynamic imbalance when the drum rotates.

Abstract: A washing machine or washer-dryer (1) includes a washing tub (2), a laundry drum (3) within the washing tub (2) and a circulation pump (14) for pumping up water from a bottom region of the washing tub (2) into a higher region of the washing tub (2). A method of operation includes the step of detecting, determining and/or inputting the amount of laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3). The circulation pump (14) is deactivated, if the amount of the laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The washing machine or washer-dryer (1) may further include a control device (7) for controlling the circulation pump (14), and means for detecting, determining and/or inputting the amount of laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3). The circulation pump (14) is automatically switched off by the control device (7) if the amount of the laundry (4) in the laundry drum (3) exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A fabric cleaning composition comprising from 1% to 20% by weight of the fabric cleaning composition of an oxygen-based bleaching source and a hueing agent, and wherein the neat composition has a pH between 2.5 and 5.5, and a method of using said fabric cleaning composition.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide detergent compositions with superior surfactant deposition-inhibiting ability and anti-gelling properties that exhibit good cleaning effectiveness even when laundering under harsh conditions such as laundering in residual bath water. [Solution] A laundry detergent or cleaning composition which comprises a copolymer containing sulfonate groups containing from 1 to 50 mass percent of structural units (a) derived from 1 or more kinds of monomers (A) selected from ether bond-containing monomers represented by Formulas (1) and (2), 50 mass % or more and less than 98 mass % of structural units (b) derived from a carboxyl group-containing monomer (B), and 1 mass % or more and less than 50 mass % of structural units (c) de-rived from a sulfonate group-containing monomer (C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of laundering fabric comprising the step of contacting a laundry detergent composition to water to form a wash liquor, and laundering fabric in said wash liquor, wherein the wash liquor has a temperature of above 0° C. to 20° C., and wherein the laundry detergent composition comprises greater than 1 wt % detersive surfactant and other detergent ingredients.

Abstract: A method of controlling steam supply in a laundry machine. The control method includes heating a predetermined space within a duct in communication with a tub and/or drum of the laundry machine to a higher temperature than a temperature of the other space within the duct, directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam, and supplying air flow toward the heated predetermined space so as to supply the generated steam into the laundry.

Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. In another embodiment anionic surfactants are combined with a solvent, and amine oxide to remove sunscreen stains. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to washing and cleaning agents for washing or cleaning colored textile surface structures, used for improving the color-fastness thereof. The aim was substantially met by adding polymers obtained by the polymerization of benzoxazine monomers to the agent.

Abstract: A washing control method that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of a washing machine. The washing control method includes supplying wash water containing detergent into a space between a lower portion of a rotary drum and a lower inner surface of a water tub; heating the wash water containing detergent; generating and supplying bubbles into the rotary drum; and washing laundry with the supplied bubbles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of laundering fabric which uses a pourable liquid detergent composition comprising 10-40% wt of surfactant, essentially consisting of nonionic and/or anionic surfactant (typically less than 90% wt LAS and at least 10% wt of nonionic surfactant) in which 10-40% wt of surfactant preferably passes the Calcium Tolerance Test described in the patent. The composition comprises no more than 15% wt of soap, (present as a minority in wt % terms of the total surfactant). In the method, the composition is diluted by a factor of greater than 500 to obtain a wash liquor which comprises 0.8-0.05 g/l of surfactant, and, the wash liquor is contacted with fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to benefit agent containing delivery particles, compositions comprising said particles, and processes for making and using the aforementioned particles and compositions. When employed in compositions, for example, cleaning or fabric care compositions, such particles increase the efficiency of benefit agent delivery, there by allowing reduced amounts of benefit agents to be employed. In addition to allowing the amount of benefit agent to be reduced, such particles allow a broad range of benefit agents to be employed.

Abstract: A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.

Abstract: A washing machine provided with a structure thereof capable of draining and circulating by using a single pump and capable of enhancing washing performance by using a circulation of water and a rotation of a drum, and a control method thereof, in which the structure of the washing machine is simplified through the change of the flow path that enables the draining and the circulation of water by using a general pump while decreasing the number of the components of the washing machine. The manufacturing cost of the washing machine is reduced, because the washing machine accelerates the dissolution of detergent by generating large amount of bubbles by using the circulation of water and the rotation of the drum, without additional components, thereby washing performance of the washing machine is enhanced, and by maintaining the bubbles that are generated, the non-tangible quality that a user feels in the course of washing is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the cleaning of a soiled substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a non-polymeric solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the treatment being carried out in an apparatus comprising a drum comprising perforated side walls and having a capacity of between 5 and 50 litres for each kg of fabric in the washload, wherein the solid particulate cleaning material comprises a multiplicity of non-polymeric particles at a particle to fabric addition level of 0.1:1-10:1 by mass, each of the particles being substantially cylindrical or spherical in shape, and wherein the drum comprising perforated side walls is rotated at a speed which generates G forces in the range of from 0.05 to 900 G. The non-polymeric particles may comprise particles of glass, silica, stone, wood, or any of a variety of metals or ceramic materials.

Abstract: A surface treating implement, comprises a body including:— a container receiver; a nozzle assembly comprising a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the container receiver; a container mounted to the container receiver, containing a predetermined amount of a treating composition and having a dispensing opening in fluid communication with the fluid conduit; wherein the body is associated with a handle which includes at least a portion of an activation means for the implement, characterised in that the fluid conduit includes a valve, wherein the valve is operable by a container member attached to and/or extending from the container, adjacent the dispensing opening. The body of the implement includes a variety of brushing means.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant obtained by adding ethylene oxide and an alkylene oxide with from 3 to 5 carbon atoms to a compound represented by R—OH (wherein R represents an alkyl group or an alkenyl group with from 8 to 18 carbon atoms) under a specified condition, (b) an anionic surfactant and (c) a water-miscible organic solvent in specified ratios, respectively.

Abstract: A laundry article used for cleaning fabrics includes a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate and coated thereon into at least one zone each a detergent composition and an enzyme-containing composition. The enzyme-containing composition comprises an enzyme embedded in a matrix.

Abstract: A clothing treating apparatus and a method of controlling such an apparatus are provided. The clothing treating apparatus may make use of a draining function which may be automatically or manually performed after determining whether or not water received in a detachable water supply tank may be re-used or not.

Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactants blends and cleaning composition. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended anionic surfactants, linker surfactants, and a multiply charged cation component. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.

Abstract: Dual-usage aqueous liquid detergent compositions having suds compatability and improved cleaning, said composition containing from about 1% to about 60%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant system wherein said surfactant system contains at least 35%, by weight of the surfactant system, of alkylethoxysulfate; from 0% to about 10%, by weight of the surfactant system, of nonionic surfactant; from 0% to about 10%, by weight of the surfactant system, of soap; further contains from about 0.001% to about 4.0%, by weight of the composition, of an anti-foam selected from organomodified silicone polymers with aryl or alkylaryl substituents combined with silicone resin and the primary filler is modified silica; and mixtures thereof; and contains from about 0.01% to about 2.5%, by weight of the composition, of a structurant. Methods of using such detergent compositions for laundering textiles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the cleaning of a soiled substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the treatment being carried out in an apparatus comprising a drum comprising perforated side walls and having a capacity of between 5 and 50 litres for each kg of fabric in the washload, wherein said solid particulate cleaning material comprises a multiplicity of polymeric particles at a particle to fabric addition level of 0.1:1-10:1 by mass, each particle being substantially cylindrical or spherical in shape and having an average density in the range of 0.5-2.5 g/cm3 and an average volume in the range of 5-275 mm3, and wherein said drum comprising perforated side walls is rotated at a speed which generates G forces in the range of from 0.05 to 900 G. The polymeric particles may comprise foamed or unfoamed polymeric materials which may comprise either linear or crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: A method for determining status of a drying cycle comprises receiving, at a first time, a first signal from a bladder pressure sensor configured to be responsive to changes in a weight of a container of the dryer, the container retaining materials to be dried. At a second time, the controller receives a second signal from the bladder pressure sensor. A change in the bladder pressure signals is calculated based on difference between the second signal and the first signal, and the change in the bladder pressure signals is interpreted as a change in the weight of the container. Based on the change in the weight of the container and the length of time, a rate of change in the weight of the container is calculated.

Abstract: A packaged particulate detergent composition, wherein the composition comprises greater than 40 wt % detergent surfactant, at least 70% by number of the particles comprising a core, comprising mainly surfactant, and around the core, a water soluble coating in an amount of from 10 to 45 wt % based on the coated particle, each coated particle having perpendicular dimensions x, y and z, wherein x is from 0.2 to 2 mm, y is from 2.5 to 8 mm, and z is from 2.5 to 8 mm, the packaged particles being substantially the same shape and size as one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a combination of a free fluorescent whitening agent and cationic polymer as a brightening agent for a synthetic single or blended textile, especially polyester textile, and to a corresponding brightening agent as well as a laundering process for brightening a synthetic, single or blended textile, which is characterized by a) preparing a composition by contacting a free fluorescent whitening agent with a cationic polymer, and b) treating said synthetic, single or blended textile with the composition prepared in step a).

Abstract: A control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle determined based upon various soils and stains in the substrate load to be washed with a wash liquor in a wash zone of the washer. The control has a plurality of stain/soil type entrées, which can be at least one of selected and detected, and cleaned with a particular wash cycle. The control has dispensing control over at least one wash liquor additive. The control has a user input to permit the user to customize the operation of the control with regard to the dispensing of the various wash liquor additive and a timing mechanism. The control has operational control over the particular wash cycles using the dispensing control to dispense additives to the wash liquor at selected times during the wash cycle.

Abstract: A cushioning device containing a machine-washable polyurethane viscoelastic foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article of manufacture minimally comprising a wash soluble composition having at least one laundry benefit on a water-insoluble first substrate such as a nonwoven fabric, and a second laundry wash insoluble substrate adhered the first substrate by means of mutual contact with the wash soluble composition, for use in the laundering process, first in the washer and subsequently at least one substrate carried along with the wet fabrics in the tumble dryer. In this manner, a single article can assist in delivery of multiple laundry benefits to the washed and dried fabrics. The present invention further relates to methods for manufacturing such a laundry article.

Abstract: A cleaning composition may comprise a pH-switchable sudsing system and a cleansing system. The pH-switchable sudsing system may comprise a primary sudsing agent in combination with a pH-switchable co-surfactant. The pH-switchable co-surfactant is selected from diamine molecules having a general formula R1R2—N—R3—N+(CH3)3X?, where R1 is a linear or branched C8 to C16 hydrocarbyl, R2 is a linear or branched C1 to C3 hydrocarbyl, R3 is a linear or branched C3 to C6 hydrocarbylene, and X is a counteranion. The tertiary amine nitrogen of the pH-switchable co-surfactant has a pKa value. When the tertiary amine nitrogen is unprotonated, the pH-switchable co-surfactant may provide a suds-boosting effect in washing solutions at a washing pH above the pKa. When the tertiary amine nitrogen is protonated, the pH-switchable co-surfactant may provide a suds-reducing benefit in rinse waters at a rinse pH below the pKa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low temperature detergent composition of a first component for cleaning and disinfecting comprising: (a) about ?2 wt.-% to about ?50 wt.-% of a nonionic low alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 1 to 2 alkylene oxide units; (b) about ?0 wt.-% to about ?60 wt.-% of nonionic higher alkoxylated alcohol tenside containing 3 to 40 alkylene oxide units; (c) about ?1 wt.-% to about ?60 wt.-% of a source of alkalinity; (d) about ?0 wt.-% to about ?95 wt.-% of at least one solvent; calculated on the total weight amount of the detergent composition of the first component. The invention relates further to a low temperature detergent composition for cleaning and disinfecting of a first component composition and a second component composition containing at least one bleaching agent.

Abstract: Method for controlling the centrifugation process of a washing machine, wherein during a first, a second and a third laundry distribution phases (D1, D2, D3), performing a number of unbalance value measurements (M1-M7) and comprising an unbalance value of the drum of the washing machine with predetermined unbalance values. If the current unbalance values are within predetermined intervals, the washing machine performs a spin phase (S1, S2, Smax). If the values are not within the predetermined intervals, the washing machine performs a laundry redistribution phase (R1, R2), after which a further laundry distribution phase (D1, D3) may take place.

Abstract: A washing machine for reducing vibration and noise during a spin-drying cycle, and a control method thereof. According to the washing machine and the control method thereof, cloth piled up randomly in the washing tub is shaken and loosened through the stirring from side to side of the pulsator or the washing tub before water is supplied after putting the cloth therein, so that distribution of the cloth is made uniform to reduce vibration and noise during the spin-drying cycle. Further, unsatisfactory spin-drying due to abnormal vibration is prevented so that it is possible to reduce unnecessary consumption of water and spin-drying time. Further, even when the user does not put detergent in the detergent box but puts it directly onto the cloth, the detergent is shaken by the movement of the cloth, so it is possible to improve washing performance as the detergent and water are mixed well.

Abstract: A solid laundry detergent composition having multiple catalysts and water-soluble electrolyte, wherein the ratio of (i) the total reduction in activation energy in kilojoules per mole achieved by the catalysts to (ii) the electrolytic strength of the laundry detergent composition at a concentration of 1 g/l in de-ionized water and at a temperature of 25° C. in mScm?1 laundry detergent composition is at least 300.

Abstract: A cleaning composition that contains film flakes with beneficial ingredients. The composition with the film flakes releases the beneficial ingredients when it is delivered to the target surface.

Abstract: A washing machine and a controlling method thereof may automatically set a customized washing cycle according to a wearing environment of laundry. The washing machine includes a user input configured to receive wearing environment information of the laundry from a user, and a controller configured to determine washing characteristics of the laundry based on the wearing environment information of the laundry and automatically set a washing cycle based on the washing characteristics of the laundry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a washing machine, which ensures the operation stability of the washing machine through proper control such as sensing freezes or preventing freezes even in an environment such as in a wintertime environment in which the temperature is low causing the washing machine to freeze, and which achieves an improvement in a management aspect such as a countermeasure taken upon the occurrence of freezing and a countermeasure taken for preventing freezing, wherein the counter measures are taken based on the accurate information on whether or not the washing machine is frozen.

Abstract: The invention discloses a laundry article used for cleaning fabrics comprising a water-insoluble nonwoven substrate and coated thereon into at least one zone each a detergent composition and an enzyme-containing composition. The enzyme-containing composition comprises an enzyme embedded in a thickened matrix.

Abstract: The present application relates to care polymers and fabric and home care compositions comprising such care polymers, as well as processes for making and using such care polymers and such compositions. The performance of the care polymers that Applicants teach, can be further increased by following the emulsification teaching of the present specification and/or combining such care polymers with silicone materials.

Abstract: A method of laundering fabric in a laundry machine, comprising the steps of: a) placing the fabric into a laundry machine and adding a detergent composition; b) subjecting the fabric to a two-parts washing cycle having a first and a second consecutive sub-cycles, the first sub-cycle having a first washing liquor and the second sub-cycle having a second washing liquor wherein the first washing liquor is more concentrated than the second washing liquor and preferably wherein the duration of the first washing sub-cycle is longer than the duration of the second washing sub-cycle; and c) rinsing the fabric.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat pump clothes dryer operating on a mechanical refrigeration cycle is disclosed. The method includes partitioning all energy available in the heat pump clothes dryer into a first amount of energy and a second amount of energy; using the first amount of energy to attain a standard parameter performance for the heat pump clothes dryer; and using the second amount of energy to accelerate a dry cycle of the heat pump clothes dryer, wherein using the second amount of energy to accelerate a dry cycle of the heat pump clothes dryer comprises using the second amount of energy to energize an auxiliary heater during a start transient phase of the dry cycle to decrease the start transient phase.

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a support body arranged in the main body so as to form a frame of the main body, a flexible drum rotatably installed on the support body so as to have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated, and rotation guides arranged between the support body and the flexible drum so as to guide rotation of the flexible drum. A distance from a center of rotation of an inscribed circle contacting the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum to one random point on the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum is greater than a distance from the center of rotation of the inscribed circle to another point on the inscribed circle such that the drum maintains a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Bacillus sp. subtilisin variant. In addition, the present invention provides compositions comprising this serine protease variant. In some embodiments, the present invention provides laundry and other non-automatic (i.e., hand) dishwashing cleaning compositions comprising this serine protease variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of amine and quaternary ammonium compounds for protecting hair color of artificially colored hair with respect to the washing, according to general structure R1-A-R2—B Wherein R1, A, R2 and B are defined in the claims and in the specification or —R2-A-R1 Wherein R1, A, R2 have the above meaning.

Abstract: The invention provides improvements in the color protection properties of detergents and cleaning agents during their utilization for washing or cleaning colored textile fabrics. Specific polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compounds or a precursor compound thereof containing specific reactive groups, which can be used for the production of the polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compounds, are utilized.

Abstract: A method for treating stained fabric using a package. The package can have a backing layer having a second side and a pouch layer joined thereto to form a pouch. A fluid pervious contact substrate can be joined to a first side of the backing layer. The pouch can contain a stain treatment fluid. The package can have a first position in which first and second planar regions of the backing layer are substantially in plane with one another. The package can have a second position in which first planar region and second planar region are in a substantially angularly facing relationship. In the second position the pouch can be in fluid communication with the contact substrate. The stain treatment fluid can include a surfactant.

Abstract: A wash cycle for a clothes washer with a wash zone defined within a rotating drum having an outer wall, for receiving a fabric load. The steps include dispensing a volume of a first wash liquor to the wash zone, rotating the drum to move the fabric load toward the outer wall and recirculating the first wash liquor through the fabric load and wash zone, all during a first time period. The fabric load is flexed during a second time period. The cycle continues with dispensing a volume of a second, different wash liquor to the wash zone, rotating the drum to move the fabric load toward the outer wall and recirculating the second liquor through the fabric load and wash zone during a third time period. One of the two wash liquors is an oxidizing agent wash liquor. Then the remainder of the wash cycle is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid, textile or skin care composition which comprises a water-soluble carrier, a textile-softening clay and a textile or skin care compound. The invention especially relates to a solid, textile or skin care composition wherein the water-soluble carrier is particulate and is coated with a powder comprising the softening clay and the textile or skin care compound. The invention also relates to textile-softening detergents or cleaning agents which comprise the textile or skin care composition.

Abstract: A circular sealing gasket can be interposed between a rear rim of a laundry dryer drum tubular body and a rear wall of the dryer casing. The laundry dryer may also comprise a substantially circular, basin-shaped lid or cover fixed to the rear wall, substantially coaxial to the tubular body, so as to form a cavity on the rear wall that communicates with a hot-air generator. A circular gasket-supporting collar may have a nominal diameter greater than that of the tubular body rear rim. The collar may be fixed to the periphery of the basin-shaped lid or cover and/or to the rear wall, coaxial to the tubular body. The circular sealing gasket can be force fitted into the gasket-supporting collar so as to come in abutment against a periphery of the basin-shaped lid or cover around the perimeter thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising certain glycosyl hydrolases and a fabric hueing agent and processes for making and using such compositions.

Abstract: Washing machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles, which washing machine has a main part that comprises: an inlet, for supplying washing water, an outlet, for disposal of washing water, a pump, in order to pump the washing water, a connection unit for fluid tight connection of a washing bag to the main part. The washing bag has fluid tight walls and is removably connectable to the connection unit of the main part, wherein the pump is arranged to pump water and air from the washing bag in order to create a certain negative pressure inside it with respect to the surrounding atmospheric pressure and by that emptying it of washing water.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the mode or cycle of a washing machine appliance is provided. The sensor detects the position of a clutch mechanism that is used to shift a wash basket between a spin mode and a wash or rinse mode. The sensor can provide a signal to a controller of the appliance to identify the position of the clutch.