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: Disclosed is a method of sizing and desizing yarn, or more specifically to a method of coating yarn with size and removing size from yarn with liquid carbon dioxide solvent.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a surfactant, and an organic co-solvent. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. The surfactant may be either one that contains a CO.sub.2 -philic group or one that does not contain a CO.sub.2 -philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane that has a flash point above 140.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predissolving a detergent composition having the steps of providing a hand-held container; and combining a detergent composition and a solvent in the container to form a concentrated detergent solution. The concentrated detergent solution preferably has a surface tension value of from about 10 to about 50 dyne/cm.

Abstract: A cleaning composition is releasably contained in a controlled-release pad or sheet, preferably enveloped within an apertured, formed-film cover sheet to provide a spot removal article. The article is pressed against localized stained areas on fabric surfaces to release the cleaning composition in a controlled manner. The article and fabric are then placed in a bag and agitated in a hot air clothes dryer to dry clean the entire fabric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for cleaning fabrics and clothes in a liquid medium wherein a vacuum drying step is effected at a pressure ranging from 1.5.times.10.sup.3 Pa to 15.times.10.sup.3 Pa in the presence of steam which is injected into the drying process at a pressure between 0.8.times.10.sup.4 to 8.times.10.sup.4 Pa and which is used as a carrier for removing the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: Articles especially adapted for in-home dry cleaning comprise a carrier sheet which is impregnated with a cleaning composition. The articles are designed to be folded for packaging, and to be unfolded during use. The articles are provided with holes which help maintain them in the unfolded configuration, especially during use in a hot-air clothes dryer.

Abstract: A fabric cleaning/refreshment process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a vapor-releasing containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon, to avoid unanticipated hot spots in the dryer. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations. Vapor is vented from the bag during use, thereby minimizing wrinkling in the clothes being cleaned and removing malodors therefrom.

Abstract: Acetylenic alcohols and diols have been found which are soluble in liquid/supercritical CO.sub.2 and exhibit surface active properties. These alcohols and diols act as surfactants by lowering the surface tension between CO.sub.2 and mobile CO.sub.2 -phobic substances which are contacted with the CO.sub.2.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses, in a process which comprises the steps of laundering or otherwise moistening fabrics using an aqueous medium, thereby securing damp fabrics and, thereafter, subjecting said damp fabrics to a drying process in a mechanical apparatus, the improvement which comprises: conducting said drying process by placing said damp fabrics in a vapor venting containment bag and drying said fabrics, thereafter removing said fabrics from said bag, whereby fabric shrinkage and wrinkling are minimized. The process herein is especially useful when the fabrics are cotton.

Abstract: A method for cleaning objects in a pressure vessel with liquefied gases is provided. The gas liquefied under pressure is conducted into the pressure vessel. The temperature of the liquefied gas then, or beforehand, is lowered below the critical temperature of the gas and cleaning is performed at least primarily below the critical temperature and below the critical pressure of the gas. Carbon dioxide at temperatures between -20.degree. C. and +20.degree. C. is especially suitable. The mechanical interactions produced by the increased density and viscosity of the liquefied gas reinforce cleaning. Reduced solvent capacity does not influence the effectiveness of the cleaning. Textiles or components can therefore be cleaned at lower pressure and temperature.

Abstract: A scatterable dry cleaning formulation for textiles containing cellulose powder, colloidal silicon dioxide, and water.

Abstract: A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: Flowable granular carpet cleaning compositions which do not contain borax or boric acid salts and which are readily shaken or strewn onto a carpet needing cleaning is disclosed. The compositions comprise as essential constituents: comminuted cellulose, zeolite, a inorganic salt system comprising of an (a) alkali metal carbonate, (b) an alkali metal bicarbonate, and an (c) alkali metal sesquicarbonate wherein the weight ratios of (a):(b):(c) are 1:0.5-2.5:0.5-2.5, one or more organic solvents, an organic or inorganic acid, anionic surfactant, nonionic surfactant and, water.

Abstract: The use of substituted phthalocyaines for removing stains from fabrics which comprises treating the stained fabrics with an aqueous composition comprising a phthalocyanine in which at least one of the peripheral carbon atoms in the 1-16 position of the phthalocyanine nucleus (M.sub.k Pc) of Formula (1), ##STR1## wherein: M is selected from H, metal, halometal, oxymetal and hydroxymetal; andk is the inverse of 1/2 the valency of M;is linked via an oxygen atom to an aromatic radical and the remaining peripheral carbon atoms are unsubstituted or substituted by any combination of atoms or groups and sulphonated derivatives thereof provided that the phthalocyanine absorbs electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength from 650 nm to 800 nm.

Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide and a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.

Abstract: A method of dry cleaning fabrics using a dry cleaning system is described. The system comprises densified carbon dioxide, preferably in a liquid phase, and a selected surfactant which is soluble in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.

Abstract: A dry cleaning process is conducted in a hot air clothes dryer using a containment bag. The bag is constructed using heat resistant polymers, such as nylon, to avoid unanticipated hot spots in the dryer. The bag retains its integrity and can be re-used in subsequent dry cleaning operations.

Abstract: A method of dry cleaning fabrics using a dry cleaning system is described. The system comprises densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO.sub.2. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide and a halocarbon group which is a functional CO.sub.2 -philic moiety connected to a CO.sub.2 -phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.

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: Efficient dry cleaning compositions with pleasant odor qualities comprise water, butoxy propoxy propanol cleaning solvent and a perfume ingredient. The compositions also comprise 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, and a polyacrylate emulsifier. Dry cleaning sheets impregnated with the composition are suitable for inhome use.

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: A process for laundering garments soiled with a one component paint, a two component paint, a waterborne paint, a powder coat paint or a mixture thereof comprising the steps of exposing the soiled garment to an acid ester; subsequently washing the garment by exposing the garment to at least one detergent and to at least one alkali to remove paint solids adhered to the garment in the presence of a coating solvent to prevent the redeposition of the paint solids removed from the garment by the detergent and the alkali and, subsequently drying the garment.

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 home dry cleaning process is provided. Thus, a carrier sheet releasably impregnated with solvents such as butoxy propoxy propanol, 1,2-octanediol as a wetting agent, water and an emulsifier is placed in a plastic bag with soiled garments and tumbled in a hot-air clothes dryer. The garments are cleaned and refreshed.

Abstract: Evaporative cold cleaning of objects wherein the object is contacted in an open environment with a nonazeotropic solvent blend containing an HCFC, HFC or PFC component having no flash point (such as 141b), a higher boiling nonflammable chlorinated solvent (such as perchloroethylene), and a moderately flammable, intermediate boiling, oxygenated organic solvent (such as n-butanol).

Abstract: In a dry cleaner, after clothes 2 is washed, the washing solvent contained in the washed clothes 2 is dissolved into a liquid perfluorocarbon 4a being heated at its boiling point or thereabout in order to remove the washing solvent. Thereafter, drying of the clothes 2 is performed by mainly aiming to evaporate the liquid perfluorocarbon 4a contained in the clothes 2. Since the drying is targeted on the liquid perfluorocarbon, the time required for drying clothes can markedly reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning agent and method for removing stains from fabrics comprising a combination of dense gas, a source of hydrogen peroxide and an organic bleach activator therefor.

Abstract: A process of producing purified fabric substantially free of polyolefin contamination comprising the steps of supplying a fabric containing polyolefin contamination, selecting a solvent which selectively solubilizes the polyolefin wherein said solvent solubilizes polyolefin at temperatures and pressures that do not degrade the fabric, treating the fabric with said selected solvent to solubilize the polyolefin and removing the solvent containing solubilized polyolefin contamination and recovering purified fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning agent and method for removing stains from fabrics comprising a combination of dense gas, a source of hydrogen peroxide and an organic bleach activator therefor.

Abstract: A cleaning fluid for fabrics includes one or more hydrochlorofluorocarbons and/or hydrofluorocarbons, one or more alcohols, and one or more paraffinic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning method in which a solvent such as densified carbon dioxide can be used for rapid and efficient cleaning, but with decreased damage to solid components such as buttons. The method comprises contacting a substrate to be cleaned with a first fluid, removing the first fluid from contact with the substrate while replacing with a second fluid, and recovering the substrate substantially free of the first and second fluids and from the contaminant. The first fluid is a densified gas while the second fluid is a compressed gas. A preferred embodiment of the method includes the use of a pretreatment designed for compatibility with the densified first fluid.

Abstract: A hydrochlorofluoropropane azeotropic or azeotropic-like composition comprising at least two members selected from the group consisting of hydrochlorofluoropropanes of the formula I:CH.sub.a Cl.sub.b F.sub.c CF.sub.2 CH.sub.x Cl.sub.y F.sub.z (I)wherein a+b+c=3, x+y+z=3, a+x.gtoreq.1, b+y.gtoreq.1, and 0.ltoreq.a,b,c,x,y,z.ltoreq.3.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydrochlorofluorocarbons having 3 to 5 carbons atoms, 1 to 2 chlorine atoms, and an OH rate constant from about 8 to about 25 cm.sup.3 /molecule/sec.times.10.sup.-14. The hydrochlorofluorocarbons are useful as solvents and blowing agents.

Abstract: A cleaning process for industrial rags to remove petroleum-based solvents in an environmentally safe manner comprises a series of steps. The industrial rags are initially subjected to high speed forces in a rotary drum to physically extract liquid solvent. The high speed extraction step is conducted while preferably maintaining a temperature within the drum of below the flash point of the petroleum-based solvent. Next, the rags are tumbled while being subjected to intermittent forced blasts of cold air and hot air to vaporize solvent remaining in the rags. The vapors are routed from the drum and condensed. The extracted liquid solvent and condensed solvent vapors are both routed to a waste solvent collection line. The industrial rags are finally dried to produce clean rags suitable for reuse.

Abstract: Stable azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3,5,5,5-octafluoropentane, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkanol and optionally nitromethane have been discovered which are useful as degreasing agents and as solvents in a variety of industrial cleaning applications including cold cleaning and defluxing of printed circuit boards and dry cleaning.

Abstract: A stearate-matrix, pre-spotter composition in solid stick form to be applied by direct contact to stained areas of fabric, thereby transferring the composition to the stained areas of the fabric. The composition includes an alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid and/or sulfonate, at least one nonionic surfactant, and an enzyme uniformly dispersed throughout a semi-hard stearate matrix. By the addition of sodium bicarbonate, the composition optimizes the pH to promote enzyme action, while simultaneously achieving a satisfactory drop point for shipping and warehousing. At pH levels from 8.2 to 9.0, acceptable hardness and transferability are still achieved, which was previously thought not to be possible without the addition of a critical amount of certain salts.

Abstract: A stearate-matrix, pre-spotter composition in solid, stick form to be applied by direct contact to stained areas of fabric, thereby transferring the composition to the stained areas of the fabric. The composition includes an alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid and/or sulfonate, at least one nonionic surfactant and an enzyme uniformly dispersed throughout a semi-hard stearate matrix. The composition optimizes the pH to promote enzyme action, while simultaneously achieving a satisfactory drop point for shipping and warehousing. Hardness and transferability are achieved at a low pH level that was previously not thought to be possible without the addition of various salts.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1,1,1,3,3,5,5,5-octafluoropentane, chlorinated ethylene and optionally nitromethane have been discovered which are stable and have utility as degreasing agents and as solvents in a variety of industrial cleaning applications including cold cleaning and defluxing of printed circuit boards and dry cleaning.

Abstract: A flowable powder fabric dry cleaning formulation is disclosed. The formulations contains powdered cellulose, borax hydrated amorphous silica, anionic surfactants, an organic solvent, water; and a zeolite.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and composition for the removal of nonpolar stains from a fabric comprising:contacting said stains with densified carbon dioxide and a cleaning adjunct in mixture with said carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A cleaning process for industrial rags to remove petroleum-based solvents in an environmentally safe manner comprises a series of steps. The industrial rags are initially subjected to high speed forces in a rotary drum to physically extract liquid solvent. The high speed extraction step is conducted while preferably maintaining a temperature within the drum of below the flash point of the petroleum-based solvent. Next, the rags are tumbled while being subjected to intermittent forced blasts of cold air and hot air to vaporize solvent remaining in the rags. The vapors are routed from the drum and condensed. The extracted liquid solvent and condensed solvent vapors are both routed to a waste solvent collection line. The industrial rags are finally cleaned with a dry cleaning solvent and dried to produce clean rags suitable for reuse.

Abstract: Azeotrope like compositions comprising 1,1,2,3,3,-pentafluoropropane and methanol or ethanol and optionally nitromethane are stable and have utility as degreasing agents and as solvents in a variety of industrial cleaning applications including cold cleaning and defluxing of printed circuit boards and dry cleaning.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for capturing solvent vapors from around the access opening of dry cleaning apparatus. The method and apparatus include the use of one or more collars positioned adjacent to the access opening. Vapors from the access opening are drawn through apertures in the collar(s) by suction. Condensed water is received in a reservoir and then atomized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique which comprises the steps of stopping the rotation of a treating drum in a deodorizing step, introducing the outside air into a treating tank through an upper opening provided in the upper portion of the treating tank or the upper portion of a recovery air duct, simultaneously exhausting a solvent gas from the treating tank through a lower opening provided in the lower portion of the treating tank or a button trap portion so slowly as not to agitate the solvent gas in the treating tank by an exhaust means connected to a solvent recovery device in the condition that the treating drum is stopped, in order to replace the solvent gas in the treating tank with the outside air, and reusing the solvent gas through the solvent recovery device once or several times. In addition, the present invention is further directed to an improvement of the above-mentioned technique.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel single, unit-dose drycleaning article in which at least a portion thereof dissolves in a drycleaning solvent during the drycleaning cycle for releasing a premeasured amount of a drycleaning additive contained within the article. The single, unit-dose drycleaning article is generally in the form of a sealed tub formed of a polystyrene. The unit-dose tub preferably dissolves within about one minute after being in contact with the drycleaning solvent to ensure release and adequate mixing of the drycleaning additive with the drycleaning solvent to effect maximum drycleaning results. In an alternative form, the single, unit-dose drycleaning article may be partially formed with a material that dissolves in a drycleaning solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst composition comprising a mixture of solid fumaric acid and solid barium chromate useful in removing impurities and residual moisture from such sources as organic drycleaning solvents and petroleum fuels, and methods of using the catalyst composition.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface of a substrate is provided. The method comprises treating the surface with a solvent comprising 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropane.

Abstract: Contaminants containing non-polar neutral lipid are removed from a solvent that has been used for dry cleaning by placing used solvent in contact with a lipase, which is stable and exhibits an activity in the solvent, or with an immobilized product of said lipase, and with an adsorbent.

Abstract: An anti-static net garment bag is described for eliminating static buildup in the drycleaning process, in addition to performing the protective function normally provided by a net garment bag during the drycleaning process.