Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for increasing chemical action in a load of laundry associated with the supplying water and treating chemistry to the load of laundry.

Abstract: A method of operating a domestic washing appliance is provided for fully dissolving impurities in a cleaning fluid and thereby avoiding turbidity in the cleaning fluid. The method determines the degree of impurity in the cleaning fluid in at least one partial program step using wet combustion and the degree of combustion is established and the method is carried out in a water-guiding device.

Abstract: Tris(heterocyclyl)-metal complexes and the use thereof as bleach catalysts are described.

Abstract: A commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is configured to use steam instead of dry-cleaning chemicals or water as a primary cleaning agent for garments rotating in a drum of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a steam injector at least partially exposed to an inner surface of the drum is configured to provide a MCU-controlled fresh steam injection into the drum during a cleaning cycle of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. The fresh steam into the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is from an outtake of a standalone boiler system which is typically used for a variety of fabric treatment machines in a commercial laundry operation. A debris and clean steam/air separation chamber periodically or continuously separates and/or filters debris, chemicals, and/or other undesirable elements from the drum and evacuates clean or cleaned-up air and moistures to au air-out duct.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hydrolysis of mannan-containing poly- or oligo-saccharides by use of a polypeptide having endo-?-mannanase activity. In particular the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a bacterial endo-?-mannanase, polynucleotides encoding the endo-?-mannanase, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a pearlescent unitary dose composition comprising a water-soluble film encapsulating a liquid treatment composition suitable for use as a laundry or hard surface cleaning composition having turbidity of greater than 5 and less than 3000 NTU, the composition comprising a pearlescent agent and from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition of water.

Abstract: The present application relates to benefit agent delivery compositions comprising a material selected from the group consisting of agglomerates comprising chelant and an encapsulated benefit agent; agglomerates comprising an encapsulated benefit agent having a shell comprising chelant; agglomerates comprising an encapsulated benefit agent having a core comprising chelant and combinations thereof, and processes for making and using such benefit agent delivery compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semi-rigid gels, methods of manufacture and uses thereof.

Abstract: Laundry treatment composition comprising a substituted cellulose having a degree of substitution, DS, of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a specific degree of blockiness, DB, such that either DS+DB is of at least 1 or DB+2DS?DS2 is of at least 1.20, and a laundry adjunct ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions which not only effectively kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms present on surfaces on contact but continue to kill microorganisms for a period of time thereafter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of reducing fabric malodor, comprising applying a water-soluble soil release polymer (SRP), as well as compositions comprising such polymers.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance with a rotating drum located within a tub to detect contact between the drum and a tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising variants of an alpha-amylase and methods of treating surfaces such as textiles with aqueous liquor comprising such compositions, especially at low temperatures.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for reducing drum excursions associated with the forming a liquid inertial mass in the tub prior to an extraction phase during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for guarding a pressure sensor for a washing machine is provided, which adjusts the water level required to wash laundries. The apparatus for guarding a pressure sensor includes a diaphragm built in a space part of a housing to operate in accordance with the water pressure of washing water being supplied through an inlet, a metal core mounted on an upper surface of the diaphragm through a coil spring, a first sensing part installed in a moving path of the metal core to output a signal required for adjustment of a water level of the washing water, a measurement part mounted on an upper surface of the metal core to ascend/descend along an operation path of the coil spring, a second sensing part mounted on an upper side of the space part to sense maximum and minimum positions of the measurement part, and a controller outputting a blocking signal to an inlet path of the inlet.

Abstract: A product for pre-treatment and laundering of fabric having a stained portion. The product comprising a pourable aqueous detergent composition and a dispensing cap. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a motor, a washing machine, and a method of controlling the washing machine that efficiently calculate an amount of laundry within a drum are provided. The method of controlling a washing machine that calculates an amount of laundry housed within a drum rotating by a motor, the method includes: accelerating the drum from a first rotation speed to a second rotation speed by enabling the motor to apply torque to the drum in a predetermined direction and decelerating the drum from the second rotation speed to the first rotation speed by enabling the motor to apply torque to the drum in an opposite direction; and calculating the laundry amount from the sum of currents applied to the motor at the accelerating of the drum.

Abstract: A product for pre-treatment and laundering of fabric having a stained portion. The product comprising a pourable aqueous detergent composition and a dispensing cap. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.

Abstract: A solid fabric softening composition is disclosed which includes a quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound which is stabilized to form a solid with a mixture of a water soluble organic salt and a medium to long chain carboxylic acid. This stabilizing combination has been shown to effectively form a solid quaternary ammonium based fabric softening composition with up to as much as 70% by weight of quaternary ammonium compound. The formulations are stable at typical storage temperatures of up to 110° F. and provide fabric softening similar to and even superior to other traditional liquid formulations.

Abstract: Provided is a surfactant composition having wide pH stability. The composition is useful for various applications, including textile processing. The composition comprises: a nonionic surfactant of formula (I): R1—O—[(CH2CH(R2)—O)x(CH2CH2O)y]z—H, wherein R1, R2, x, y, and z are defined herein, together with an anionic surfactant.

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 resumed or increased. In the wash zone, this is considered an intermediate rinse. After the wash zone(s), the increased counter flow after chemical treatment amounts to a pre-rinse.

Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus (100) and a control method thereof are disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus (100) includes a cabinet (1) closed by a door (3) and an accommodation space (2) provided in the cabinet (1), consisting for example of a first accommodation space (21) and a second accommodation space (23), wherein a 5t mechanism chamber (25) is provided. The clothes treatment apparatus (100) includes a fixed nozzle device (4) comprising heated air supply holes (41), steam supply holes (43) and detergent supply holes (45) and a moving nozzle device (5) which reciprocates along a guide part (51). Clothes are held by a hanger (7) in the accommodation space (2).

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber and configured to determine the presence of an over-sudsing condition.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is configured to dispense a first fluid, or hot wash fluid, into a wash zone to at least a first level. The appliance is further configured to dispense a second fluid into the wash zone, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid form a fluid mixture that reaches a fill level and has a mixture temperature that is less than the temperature of the first fluid. In one embodiment, the first level is less than the fill level and the appliance, in response to the first level being reached, implements a secondary operation that facilitates cleaning of objects that are positioned in the wash zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for processing of fibres and particulates such as wool, wherein material is placed within a receptacle configured to allow the ingress and egress of treatment fluid, conveyed to a treatment fluid application area, treated with a treatment fluid, and conveyed from the treatment fluid application area.

Abstract: Liquid detergent or cleaning agent preparations include a) at least 5 wt % of at least one enzyme preparation active in washing or cleaning; and b) at least 0.5 wt % cumenesulfonate, wherein the liquid detergent or cleaning agent preparations are characterized by a good phase stability and enzyme stability and good cleaning performance.

Abstract: A method and modified clothes washer provides for an overnight dry cycle. A standard washer is modified to draw air from external to the housing, direct the air into the tumbling drum, and remove the air with a blower to exhaust from the housing during an extended drying period overnight. By selecting this option, the consumer need not move the clothes from the washer to the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention provides shading formulation of enhanced effectiveness by using different types of surfactants in specific ratios.

Abstract: This application relates to thiophene azo carboxylate dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such dyes that may serve as hueing agents, processes for making such dyes and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The aforementioned dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. Such dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. Such dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance that includes alternately supplying hot and cold water to maintain the temperature of the mixed water to a preset temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning delicate textiles, comprising a motorized and rotating drum housed in a fluid tight basket, at least a water inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a first container for a first chemical composition, and a heating means. According to the invention, the first container is appropriate to contain a warm mixture of water and the said first chemical composition, the apparatus comprises at least a conduit cooperating with a circulating means for mixing and circulating the said warm mixture between said first container and said circulating means, a means for injecting or spraying said mixture into said drum and over dry textiles, said circulating means having an inlet for said warm mixture and at least an outlet cooperating with at least a first end of a conduit opening at its second end into the drum. The invention further relates to a method implemented by such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the cleaning of soiled substrates, the apparatus comprising: (a) housing means (1), having: (i) a first upper chamber having mounted therein a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and (ii) a second lower chamber (3) located beneath the cylindrical cage; (b) at least one recirculation means (4); (c) access means (10); (d) pumping means (8); (e) a multiplicity of delivery means (6), wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical cage comprises a drum (2) comprising perforated side walls, wherein up to 60% of the surface area of the side walls comprises perforations, and the perforations comprise holes having a diameter of no greater than 25.0 mm. The method involves cleaning the soiled substrate by treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the method being carried out using the apparatus of the invention.

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: The present invention contemplates a water-soluble unit-dose pouch, comprising at least a first compartment wherein the first compartment comprises a powder composition, and wherein the powder composition comprises an oxygen bleach source and between 2% and 20% by weight of the water-soluble unit-dose pouch of a salt of citric acid. It also contemplates methods of using the pouch in a fabric washing machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreating device, and method, that is intuitive for the customer, ensures good penetration of the liquid laundry detergent composition into a stain, particularly greasy stains, and is suitable for washing delicate fabrics, particularly at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce smoking and/or haze during a heated laundry process. The compositions include a smoke reducing surfactant package and a detersive surfactant containing an amount of free alcohol. The smoke reducing surfactant package includes an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or mixtures thereof. The surfactants are selected such that the amount of smoke or haze produced is reduced and or eliminated when garments contacted with the compositions containing the surfactants are heated to at least about 250° F. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for holding laundry and a motor for rotating the treating chamber based on a monitored torque signal from the motor of the laundry treating appliance.

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: Automatic refresh of a completed load of articles (e.g., laundry) left in a washing machine or dryer that has been idle for a period of time is provided. After a certain amount of time has elapsed following completion of a laundry cycle, the laundry is refreshed by restarting the appliance. All or a portion of a cycle of the appliance may be repeated in order to refresh the articles. User adjustable options can be provided for e.g., the length of the idle time, when the refresh is executed, and other options as well.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the cleaning of soiled substrates, the apparatus comprising: (a) housing means, having: (i) a first upper chamber having mounted therein a rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and (ii) a second lower chamber located beneath said cylindrical cage; (b) at least one recirculation means; (c) access means; (d) a multiplicity of delivery means; and (e) sealing means, wherein said sealing means is removably attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical side walls of said rotatably mounted cylindrical cage, and is adapted to prevent the ingress or egress of fluids and solid particulate matter from the interior of said cage. The method involves cleaning the soiled substrate by treatment of the substrate with a formulation comprising solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the method being carried out using the apparatus of the invention, and the apparatus and method find particular application in the cleaning of textile fabrics.

Abstract: A process for cleaning short segments and bundles of carpet yarn removed from used carpets and converting the cleaned carpet fiber filaments into recycled carpet fiber is disclosed. The process reduces mechanical complexity, saves water, and minimizes the volume of waste when compared to known process. The process comprises turbulent mixing of carpet fiber segments and bundles in an aqueous medium to remove entrained particulates and soluble materials. A thermoplastic pellet or granule, carpet fiber, and carpet made from carpet filaments cleaned with the disclosed process is also provided.

Abstract: A washing machine which improves performance of balancers, and a control method thereof. The washing machine includes a drum accommodating laundry and rotated by rotary force transmitted from a drive source, balancer housings mounted on the drum, each of the balancer housings including a disc-shaped channel formed therein, balancing modules movably disposed in the channels of the balancer housings, vibration sensors to sense unbalance applied to the drum during rotation of the drum, position sensors to sense the positions of the balancing modules, and a controller controlling movement of the balancing modules to positions to compensate for the unbalance sensed by the vibration sensors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sterilizable washing machine using ultraviolet radiation, and a sterilizable washing method in the same. The sterilizable washing machine includes a cabinet (2) having an inlet for putting the laundry into the washing machine, a door (50) installed at the cabinet (2), for opening and closing the inlet of the cabinet (2), a tub (6) installed in the cabinet with a buffing function and containable wash water, a drum (8) rotatably installed inside the tub (6) for performing washing, a gasket G installed between the inlet of the cabinet (2) and the tub (6), for sealing the gap between the door (50) and the tub (6), and an ultraviolet light source (20) installed at the gasket (6), for radiating ultraviolet rays into the drum (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to thiazolium dyes, laundry care compositions comprising one or more thiazolium dyes, processes of making such dyes and laundry care compositions and methods of using same. The dyes, compositions and methods of the present invention are advantageous in providing improved hueing of fabric, including whitening of white fabric, while avoiding significant build up of bluing dyes on the fabric.

Abstract: The capture and reuse of the effluent, or grey water, from the rinse cycle of a washing machine appliance is provided. A determination is made regarding whether fabric softener is present in the effluent. If fabric softener is present, then the effluent can be reused during a rinse cycle of the washing machine so as to avoid undesirable interaction between the fabric softener in the effluent and the detergent of a rinse cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of detergent in water used in a washing machine and to supplementing such water as needed for a wash load is provided. The amount of detergent present in grey water that is reused for washing, as well as the amount released from clothes or other articles to be washed, can also be determined.

Abstract: Water soluble pouches containing an essential oil that can be added to a load of laundry to impart a desired scent to the materials being washed, or to control the relative strength of the scent applied to the materials being washed, are provided. Also provided are kits including pouches, as well as methods for using such pouches for cleaning or scenting laundry.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for dispensing treating chemistry, where the laundry treating appliance includes a treating chamber, a single use dispenser and a bulk dispenser. Water may be supplied to the single use dispenser through a first water flow path, which directs a dose of treating chemistry dispensed from the single use dispenser into the treating chamber. Water may be supplied to the bulk dispenser through a second water flow path, which is configured to spray a dose of treating chemistry dispensed from the bulk dispenser into the treating chamber. The laundry treating appliance may determine the presence of treating chemistry within at least one of the single use dispenser and the bulk dispenser, and, based on this determination, supply water to the flow path associated with the dispenser which contains treating chemistry.