Abstract: Described is a method of cleaning a white load in a laundry machine, preferably a professional laundry machine, the method comprises subjecting the load to at least two washing steps and wherein the method comprises the steps of delivering bleach and subsequently a whitening additive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to one embodiment for determining laundry load size in an automatic clothes washer includes supplying water to predetermined water levels higher than a saturate water level and determining the amount of water supplied to reach each predetermined water level from a prior water level, and determining a load size based on the determined amount of water supplied between the current predetermined water level and the prior water level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for washing, cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing laundry using electrolyte solution containing mixed oxidants generated in-situ using electrochemical reaction. More particularly the present invention relates to a system and a method for washing, cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing laundry at a pH between 6.5 to 10.5 and at a temperature below 50° C. using in-situ mixed oxidants generated by passing electrolyte solution through electrolytic cell having boron-doped diamond electrode.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine capable of reducing water supply time and water drainage time, thereby reducing time of an entire washing cycle, the drum type washing machine including a body; a tub provided at an inside the body to accommodate washing water therein; a drum rotatably installed at an inside the tub; a water supply unit connected to the tub and provided to supply washing water; and a first storage unit connected to the water supply unit and provided to store washing water that is to be supplied to the tub, wherein the first storage unit includes a first storage tank configured to store washing water; a first connecting pipe configured to connect the first storage tank to the water supply unit; and a second connecting pipe configured to connect the first storage tank to the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cloth treating apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The cloth treating apparatus includes a main cabinet having a first housing space for housing cloth therein and a water spray unit for supplying steam to the first housing space, at least one supplementary cabinet having a second housing space for housing the cloth therein, and a control unit for controlling the water supply unit to supply the steam to the first housing space or the second housing space, selectively, wherein the main cabinet and the supplementary cabinet are installed adjacent to, or spaced from, each other.

Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance capable of indicating when a fabric load is sanitized, implementing a sanitizing by modifying a predetermined operation cycle, or implementing a sanitizing cycle after the completion of a predetermined operation cycle.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a washing machine. The washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate. The treatment of the moistened substrate is with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles. Said formulation is free of organic solvents.

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: [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: A sensor device and method for detecting the turbidity of wash liquor. The sensor device includes an optical transmitter; an optical receiver, wherein the wash liquor to be tested flows between the transmitter and the receiver; and an electronic control and evaluation device to (a) carry out a reference measurement by means of the optical transmitter and receiver in order to determine a reference measured value; (b) carry out a turbidity measurement on the wash liquor to be measured by means of the optical transmitter and receiver in order to determine a test measured value; (c) relate the reference measured value to the test measured value; and (d) determine a characteristic value for a determined turbidity of the wash liquor therefrom and transmit the characteristic value as a measurement signal. The determination of the reference measured value and the test measured value include determining a gradient of the turbidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry treatment composition comprising a cationic azine dye.

Abstract: An environmentally-friendly cleaning composition for industrial and consumer applications comprising (a) a blend of dibasic esters, (b) one or more surfactants (c) and, optionally, (d) water or a solvent. The dibasic esters are be derived from a blend of adipic, glutaric, and succinic diacids, and, in one particular embodiment, the blend comprises dialkyl adipate, dialkyl methylglutarate and dialkyl ethylsuccinate, wherein the alkyl groups individually comprise a C1-C12 hydrocarbon group. The one or more surfactants are typically chosen from alcohol alkoxylate, an alkyl phenol ethoxylate, a terpene, a terpene alkoxylate or any derivates thereof. Optionally, additional components or additives including delaminates such as pinene and d-limonene, fragrances, whiteners, stabilizers, thickeners and the like can be added to the composition.

Abstract: Linen treatment compositions and linen processes are disclosed which help to prevent iron deposition from wash water, and/or redeposition after iron containing stain (such as blood) removal by alkaline detergents. The linen treatment composition is a combination of a hydroxycarboxylic acid and an acid source, which may be organic or inorganic. The invention provides for effective iron control in a phosphorus-free formula that is also free of toxic or hazardous chemicals and includes sustainable, environmentally friendly ingredients, while still providing effective iron control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a) distributing to the object a first soak solution comprising at least one surfactant and at least one enzyme followed by a first soak period wherein the concentrations of the at least one surfactant and the at least one enzyme are higher relative to their concentrations in a subsequent wash solution; (b) furthermore adding to the object water to obtain a wash solution followed by a wash period; and (c) rinsing the object; wherein said method has a wash performance corresponding to any of (i) a Relative Wash Performance (RWP) of at least 1; (ii) a Process Related Cleaning Index (PRCI) of more than 1; or (iii) a Relative Wash Performance (RWP) of at least 1 and a Process Related Cleaning Index (PRCI) of more than 1.

Abstract: A method for driving a washing machine that includes a main body, a tub disposed within the main body, a main drum rotatably mounted in the tub, a sub drum mounted in the main drum to be relatively rotatable with respect to the main drum, a driving motor, and a control unit to control operations of the driving motor includes producing a three-dimensional motion of laundry in the washing machine by moving the laundry in a circumferential direction and an axial direction simultaneously by relative motions of the main drum and the sub drum to perform the washing process while supplying washing water and detergent.

Abstract: A method of collecting soiled textiles to be cleaned, comprising the steps of providing a container having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, providing a sling having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween disposed in and supported by said container, providing a water soluble bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, wherein said bag is disposed in and supported by said sling, and wherein soiled textiles deposited in said container are contained in said bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating non-trans fats, fatty acids and sunscreen stains with a chelating agent. The invention also relates to methods for reducing the frequency of laundry fires with a chelating agent.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a vertical axis washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a top portion with a lid and side portions extending downwardly from the top portion. A tub is positioned within the cabinet with a basket rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine also includes a heater, a water level sensor, and a fan. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub such that the fan is not submerged in such volume of water and the heater generates steam from such volume of water. The fan rotates and circulates air inside the tub so that the steam is distributed throughout the tub.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a vertical axis washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a top portion with a lid and side portions extending downwardly from the top portion. The lid has a first layer and a second layer that are separated by a volume of space defined by the first layer and the second layer. A tub is positioned within the cabinet with a basket rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine also includes a heater and a water level sensor. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub and the heater generates steam from such volume of water.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a vertical axis washing machine. The washing machine includes a cabinet having a top portion with a lid and side portions extending downwardly from the top portion. A tub is positioned within the cabinet with a basket rotatably supported within the tub. The washing machine also includes a heater and a water level sensor. The water level sensor controls the volume of water that enters the tub and the heater generates steam from such volume of water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fluid fabric enhancing compositions and processes of making and using same. Such fluid fabric enhancing compositions have a desirable fabric enhancer active efficiency that is, at least in part, due to the particle index of such fluid fabric enhancing compositions. Certain chemical processing and physical processing methods are not required to produce such compositions.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising three or more distinct regions, the composition comprising one or more anti-corrosion agents and a bleaching compound, wherein, the bleaching compound is predominantly located in a first distinct region, and the one or more anti-corrosion agents are predominantly located in a second distinct region having a pH in the range of from 5 to 8.9 which second distinct region is not in direct contact with the first distinct region, and further wherein the second distinct region has a lower pH than the first distinct region.

Abstract: A method for driving laundry to roll in an upright tub with a pulsator and uses of the same are disclosed. The method makes laundry alternately but not simultaneously form at least two rolling faces in the upright tub. The rolling faces have a certain angle therebetween, laundry is performed more than one rolling on one of the rolling faces and then switched to another rolling face to be performed more than one rolling on the other rolling face. There is at least one pulsator to provide a side auxiliary force during rolling processes. The number of the pulsators driving laundry is preferably 3˜5, the number of rib on the pulsator is preferably 3˜8. The method can significantly improve cleaning performance and provide the advantage of multi-direction rolling.

Abstract: A method and a laundry treating appliance for detecting the type and size of a load prior to a cycle of operation.

Abstract: A dryer with a drying chamber that includes a process air duct for guiding process air through the drying chamber, a heat pump with a heat sink in the process air duct and through which air can flow in an outlet air direction for cooling down the process air, and a heat source arranged in the process air duct and through which air can flow in an inlet air direction for heating up the process air. The outlet air direction and the inlet air direction are substantially parallel to one another. The heat sink and the heat source are in a plane substantially perpendicular to the outlet air direction and to the inlet air direction alongside one another.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistry for use in treating the laundry comprises, determining an amount of laundry in the treating chamber, setting at least one of a dilution and a delivery rate for the treating chemistry based on the determined amount of laundry to define a dispensing parameter and controlling the dispensing system to dispense the treating chemistry according to the dispensing parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to xyloglucanases belonging to family 44 of glycosyl hydrolases and having a relative xyloglucanase activity of at least 30% between pH 5 and pH 8 are derived from the genus Paenibacillus, especially from a strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa or Paenibacillus sp. The xyloglucanases exhibit high performance in conventional detergent compositions.

Abstract: A foldable and flexible sheet capable of ensuring that an article of clothing, such as a shirt collar or cuff, remains pressed and unwrinkled during and after the laundering of that clothing article. In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, the clothing press apparatus is applied to the desired article of clothing prior to laundering that article. The clothing press is suitably rigid to prevent bunching or wrinkling of the clothing, while ensuring that the proper shape of the article of clothing is maintained. The clothing press is of such a shape, design, and formed of such materials as to prevent the damaging of the laundering machine or other clothing being laundered along with the selected garment.

Abstract: A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use and comprises a passive heat management system within the shell to minimize formation of hot spots and direct air flow away from the side walls. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices which generate a mist of a treatment composition, viz, an aerosolized treatment composition which imparts a technical benefit to surfaces, or airspaces, which come into contact with the said aerosolized treatment composition. Also disclosed are methods for the treatment of surfaces utilizing the devices of the invention.

Abstract: A package for treating a stained fabric. The package has a contact substrate having a first color and a backing layer having a second color. More than about 25% of each of the widthwise edges of the contact substrate abuts a portion of the backing layer having the second color when the package is in a generally flat position.

Abstract: The present invention provides liquid cleaning compositions useful in cold water and hard water laundry applications, and methods for making and using such compositions. The compositions of the invention use surfactants or surfactant blends, such as ?-sulfofatty acid esters or mixtures thereof (optionally along with one or more additional components), that have increased solubility/stability at cold temperatures, at higher-than-usual concentrations, and/or in hard water, with the composition remaining as a clear liquid. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the invention may be provided in the form of a unit dose, for example in a water-soluble pack or pouch. In use, the compositions of the invention result in an enhanced detergency along with a reduced amount of residue remaining in the machine, on laundered garments or cleaned dishware or hard surfaces, and on the body in personal care settings, and demonstrate a longer shelf-life, particularly when stored or used in colder temperatures.

Abstract: The need for a bleaching composition providing improved removal of fatty stains and red food stains, particularly during low temperature washing, can be met by incorporating an aryliminium organic bleach catalyst, an oxygen-based bleach source, and decanoyloxybenzoic acid.

Abstract: Dry cleaning and fabric-treatment compositions, methods and articles incorporating the same that are suitable for use in drying machines, such as hot air drying machines found in households, apartments, and laundromats, which are normally adapted to dry wet garments and the like from a washing machine. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one organic solvent, with the at least one organic solvent forming the greatest weight percentage of the active components in the composition. In some embodiments, the composition also may include water and/or at least one surfactant, emulsifier, perfume, and/or application-specific composition. In some embodiments, the article includes a dispenser from which the composition is selectively dispensed onto a dry garment or other object to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an internal chamber containing the composition, and the composition is dispensed onto objects prior to placing the objects in a drying machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the polymeric particles are applied in combination with a detergent formulation, the method being characterised in that the detergent formulation is divided into its sepcrate chemical constituents and these chemical constituents are added at different times during the wash cycle. The method allows for improved cleaning with reduced overall chemical loading, and facilitates addition of the more expensive parts of the formulations when they are most effective for cleaning performance, thereby providing considerable cost savings in comparison with conventional all-in-one detergent formulations. A method for cleaning the polymeric particles is also provided.

Abstract: A multipurpose detergent composition comprising from about 5% to about 25% of a surfactant system comprising: from about 20% to about 100% of at least one anionic surfactant, wherein no more than about 12% by weight of the overall multipurpose detergent composition comprises anionic surfactants having more than 14 carbon atoms; from about 0.04% to about 40% of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant; and from about 0.5% to about 5% of at least one organic acid, each organic acid in the multipurpose detergent composition having fewer than 9 carbon atoms, whereby the multipurpose detergent composition has a neat pH of from about 2 to about 7; the multipurpose detergent composition is substantially free of cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, enzymes, soil suspension polymers and soil release polymers.

Abstract: When treatment liquid is re-used for washing objects, first of all there has to be a test as to whether the concentration of the at least one treatment additive in the used treatment liquid is sufficient. Up to now all the treatment liquid to be re-used has been measured for this purpose. If it is necessary for the measuring to filter solids, which influence the measuring, out of the treatment liquid beforehand, all the treatment liquid to be re-used has to be filtered. This requires a correspondingly efficient filter. The invention provides for branching off a small amount from the treatment liquid to be re-used as a sample and only measuring said sample with regard to the concentration of at least one treatment additive still present in the used treatment liquid. Only a small part of the treatment liquid to be re-used serving as a sample has then to be filtered prior to the measuring process. Only a relatively small filter is necessary for this purpose.

Abstract: Detergent compositions including at least one AMPS copolymer, at least one maleic acid polymer, an alkaline agent and optional additives are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are phosphorous free, and reduced scale accumulation for warewashing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-pump clothes drying machine, in particular a heat-pump arrangement for removing moisture from and heating up the drying air; said heat-pump arrangement comprises a plurality of separate closed-loop circuits, each one of said separate closed-loop circuits comprising at least one compressor (20, 30; 220, 230; 320, 330), at least one evaporator (22, 32; 222, 232; 322, 332), at least one expansion valve (24, 34; 224, 234; 334, 324), and at least one condenser (26, 36; 226, 236; 336, 326).

Abstract: An automatic washing machine can be operated in accordance with a selected wash cycle by determining a concentration of a wash aid prior to a dispensing of the wash aid into at least one of a tub and a drum, and selecting an operating parameter of the automatic washing machine in response to the determined concentration.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing, disinfecting and bleaching laundry is provided. The method includes steps of applying an antimicrobial composition at a pH from about 4 to about 9 in an industrial laundry washing machine for effective antimicrobial efficacy, and thereafter applying a detergent use solution at an alkaline pH for removal of soil from the laundry, and optionally applying a bleach activator and/or catalyst to boost the bleaching component of the antimicrobial composition on the laundry, and lastly draining the antimicrobial composition, the detergent use solution and the bleach catalyst composition from the laundry.

Abstract: Embodiments may relate to a washing apparatus, more specifically, to a washing apparatus having a steam generator and a controlling method of the same and embodiments may relate to a home appliance including a steam generator. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controlling method of a washing machine configured to perform a steam washing course having a steam cycle and a refresh course having a steam cycle, wherein water supply to a steam generator for performing the steam cycle initially and an initial steam generator control pattern for applying the power to a heater of the steam generator are controlled different in the steam washing course and the refresh course.

Abstract: This invention relates to packaging compositions and methods for improvements in laundering garments and fabrics. The use of such packages with certain detergent containing composition prevents the discharge of pollutants into groundwater, improving the functioning of septic system based wastewater treatment or pretreating wastewater entering sewers leading to water treatment facilities. The compositions include the use of environmentally sustainable ingredients rather than synthetic or petroleum derived compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing an imbalance for a laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a laundry treating appliance includes determining an amount of laundry load during loading of the laundry treating appliance and provides indications to a user regarding the monitored amount.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions containing a corrosion inhibitor are provided for removing soil from carpets, upholstery and the like without subjecting common metal alloys used in aircraft and other constructions to corrosive attack. Cleaning compositions include at least one dispersing agent, at least one anti-redeposition agent, at least one corrosion inhibitor, at least one pH modifier, at least one chelating agent and at least one stabilizing agent. The compositions also optionally include at least one fragrance and/or at least one preservative agent. Methods for making and using the cleaning compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaged products comprising fabric care compositions, wherein the packaging is in the form of a water-insoluble plastic container, and also methods of use of the packaged products.

Abstract: A wet cleaning method is disclosed, which does not use chemicals and still does not contract or crushes lines as in dry cleaning. The wet cleaning method includes steps for folding laundry to clean and putting in a mesh bag, tightening the mesh bag such that the laundry is tightened with compression, putting the laundry under the compression of the mesh bag into a drum of a washing machine, filling up the drum with water and cleaning the laundry in the drum, and rinsing the cleaned laundry.

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. In the pre-wash zone, liquid is counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The fabric articles are transferred to a main wash zone, and a washing chemical is added to the main wash zone. At about the same time, counter flow is reduced or stopped. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. After a period of time (for example, between about 20 and 120 seconds) counter flow is increased. The increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to either an intermediate rinse or a pre-rinse depending upon which module or zone the goods occupy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising protease-sensitive components, anionic surfactant and protease enzyme, and also incorporating a reversible stabilizer for the protease enzyme and methods for making such compositions.