WO2006133791A2

WO2006133791A2 - Fabric conditioning composition and use

Info

Publication number: WO2006133791A2
Application number: PCT/EP2006/004891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel Peter Bird; Christopher Boardman; Rodolfo Enrique Cereghino Lagreze; Camile Florido; David Andrew Ross Jones
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever Nv; Hindustan Unilever Limited
Priority date: 2005-06-17
Filing date: 2006-05-23
Publication date: 2006-12-21
Also published as: CN101198684A; AR051015A1; WO2006133791A3; GB0512423D0; CN101198684B; BRPI0600039A

Abstract

The use of a non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant having an EO value of at least about 20, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 30, in a fabric conditioning composition used in the rinse liquor in a domestic wash process comprising washing-by-hand or non-automatic washing machine, to improve the appearance of the rinse liquor at the end of the rinse.

Description

FABRIC CONDITIONING COMPOSITION AND USE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to rinse-added fabric conditioning compositions for fabrics and in particular to compositions for use during the hand rinsing of fabrics as well as the rinsing of fabrics in top loaded non-automated washing machines after the fabrics have been laundered with a detergent composition.

Background of the Invention

In developed countries, the trend for washing is by using an automatic washing machine whereby the laundry detfergent and the softening composition are dispensed from the washing machine via two separate compartments, thereby ensuring the automated release of the detergent at the beginning of the washing process and the release of the softening composition in the rinse process, usually in the last rinse cycles.

In countries under development, the consumer's washing habit is to wash their garments with either a non-automatic top loaded washing machine (i.e. apparatus which comprises two separated cubicles, one for washing or rinsing, and one for spinning) , or a basin or bucket. The washing in basins or buckets involves a manually operated process with the multiple cumbersome steps of wetting the fabrics, washing with detergent, wringing, and rinsing thoroughly. Similarly, in non-automatic top loaded washing machines, washing requires placing the fabrics with detergent in the cubicle containing water and providing agitation. The fabrics are then removed from the cubicle containing the detergent liquor, placed in the spinning cubicle where they are spun to remove the major portion of detergent and soils. The detergent liquor is removed from the other cubicle and is replaced with fresh water. The fabrics are transferred back for rinsing. The steps of spinning and rinsing are often repeated several times to obtain acceptably rinsed fabrics.

One aspect of washing-by-hand, and/or washing in non-automatic top loaded washing machine, is the high detergent to water ration and/or the high fabric to water ratio. The fabrics treated with such detergent compositions usually carry residual detergent to the rinse step. Compared to modern (automatic) washing machines, this problem of detergent carry over is even more acute with manual washing and/or washing in non-automatic top loaded washing machine, as it is due to the poor efficiency of the spinning and/or wringing in between the wash and the rinse steps.

Conventional detergent products which are currently used for the hand laundering and/or top loading non-automatic washing machine treatments are the so called "High Suds Detergents" . One commonly known feature of these detergent products is that a significant amount of suds appears on top of the wash solution upon agitation. A problem encountered by the consumer is that a significant portion of these suds is carried over into the rinse solution, requiring cumbersome removal by successive rinsing and spinning/wringing with water.

The use of a fabric conditioning composition in conjunction with such a detergent compositions can create additional problems. Fabric softener actives may interact with the residual detergent surfactants like anionic surfactants, present in the rinse solution. As a result, poorly soluble floes form that then float on top of the rinse solution. It is speculated that the presence of floes arises from the water-insolubility of the softener compound and/or the interaction of the softener compound with the anionic detergent liquor. Notably, the formation of such floes is particularly troublesome where a high suds forming detergent composition is used to launder the fabrics during the wash cycle.

In addition, softener compounds tend to form a slightly cloudy or turbid rinse bath solution. The clarity of the rinse solution is often perceived by the consumer as a signal of when the fabrics are completely rinsed. Thus, the more turbid the rinse solution, the more rinses the consumer will perform. It is therefore a concern that the use of a fabric conditioning composition that gives a cloudy rinse bath solution may mislead consumers to engage in excessive rinsing of their fabrics.

A further problem with the use of fabric conditioning compositions in conjunction with such detergents, is that the interaction between the softener active and the residual detergent surfactant can lead to a markedly reduced end effect . Fabrics treated with conventional conditioning compositions in the presence of residual detergent surfactants may not have the preferred soft hand that is typically delivered by the fabric conditioning composition, when used in the absence of surfactant. It is believed that the interaction between softener active and detergent surfactant reduces the efficiency of said softener active. Accordingly, there is a need for a fabric conditioning composition that will reduce the formation of suds, provide a clear rinse solution and deliver the soft hand typical for the fabric conditioning composition used in the absence of detergent surfactant, when the composition is applied in a rinse solution under detergent carry over conditions. Further, there is a need for processes or compositions that will relieve or ease the burden of the hand and non-automated washing while enabling the consumer to enjoy the benefits of using fabric conditioning compositions in combination with high suds forming detergent compositions. Therefore, there is a need for an effective rinsing composition for use in the hand treatment of fabrics while simultaneously providing softness to the treated fabrics.

WO 02/072745 discloses a fabric treatment composition comprising a fabric softener active, a suds suppressing system and a surfactant scavenger, in which the composition has a suds reduction value of at least about 90%, does not form floes and delivers a soft hand feel to the fabrics when added to a rinse solution containing residual detergent surfactant. The compositions preferably comprise a fabric softening active, a suds suppression agent, a surfactant scavenger and optional adjunct ingredients.

The compositions may comprise dispersing agents, such as non- ionic exthoxylated surfactants, for suspending materials in the rinse and inhibiting their deposition on the laundered fabrics.

WO99/09122, WO99/42547, WO95/29980, US0523922, US5670476 and US6502325 disclose fabric conditioner compositions containing a non-ionic exthoxylated surfactant having an EO value of at least 20. However, none of these references disclose the appearance of the rinse liquor at the end of the rinse.

It has now been found that certain surfactants improve the appearance of the rinse liquor, particularly at the end of rinse and therefore discourage the consumer from engaging in excessive rinsing .

Summary of the invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant having an EO value of at least about 20, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 30, in a fabric conditioning composition used in the rinse liquor in a domestic wash process comprising washing-by-hand or non-automatic washing machine, to improve the appearance of the rinse liquor at the end of the rinse.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fabric conditioning composition comprising:

(i) a quaternary ammonium softening compound,

(ii) a water-soluble monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compound of the formula:

R₃-N⁺- (CH₂) -Y-R¹ X^" in which :

each R substituent is independently either hydrogen, a short chain Ci-C₆ , preferably C_x-C₃ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group , e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl, and the like, poly (C₂-3 alkoxy) , preferably polyethoxy, benzyl, or mixtures thereof;

n is from 1 to about 4, preferably 2;

Y is a bond; -0-(O)C-, -C(O)-O-, -NR-C(O)-, or -C(O)-NR-;

R¹ contains at least 8 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 25, and is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group, preferably alkyl or alkenyl of 8 to 25, preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms; and

X^" can be any softener-compatible anion , preferably chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, sulfate, and nitrate, more preferably chloride or methyl sulfate;

(iii) a non ionic ethoxylated sufactant having an EO of at least 20, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 30,

(iv) a pH adjuster which is a polycarboxylic acid in an amount to render the rinse liquor to a pH below 8

(v) a silicone antifoam compound

(vi) a fatty complexing agent selected from C₈ to C₂₂ fatty alcohols and C₈ to C₂₂ fatty acids.

It has been found that the use of a non- ionic ethoxylated surfactant with an EO value of at least 20, preferably at least 25, more preferably at leas 30, provides a significant improvement to the appearance of the rinse liquor at the end of the rinse. In many cases the end of the rinse liquor will be a translucent dispersion with no flocculation or scum thereby providing a visual indication to the consumer of adequate rinsing and discouraging excessive rinsing. The effect is particularly enhanced when the fabric conditioning composition contains a polycarboxylic acid, such as citric acid in an amount to render the rinse liquor below 8. This pH reduction has the advantage of decreasing the chance of skin irritation both during the rinse and when the garment is worn.

Cationic softening compound

The cationic softening compound is generally one that is able to form a lamellar phase dispersion in water, in particular a dispersion of liposomes.

The cationic softening agent is typically a quaternary ammonium compound ("QAC"), in particular one having two C₁₂-₂₈ groups connected to the nitrogen head group that may independently be alkyl or alkenyl groups, being connected to the nitrogen head group preferably by at least one ester link, and more preferably by two ester links.

The average chain length of the alkyl and/or alkenyl groups is preferably at least Ci₄ and more preferably at least Ci₆. It is particularly preferred that at least half of the groups have a chain length of Ci₈. In general, the alkyl and/or alkenyl groups are predominantly linear.

A first group of QACs suitable for use in the present invention is represented by formula (I) :

[(CH₂)_n (TR) ]_m F^ -N⁺- [ ( CH₂ ) _n (OH) ] ₃-m X^" ( I )

wherein each R is independently selected from a C_5-35 alkyl or alkenyl group; R¹ represents a C₁-₄ alkyl, C_2-4 alkenyl or a Ci_-4 hydroxyalkyl group; T is generally 0-CO. (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its carbon atom), but may alternatively be CO.O (i.e. an ester group bound to R via its oxygen atom) ; n is a number selected from 1 to 4; m is a number selected from 1, 2, or 3; and X^" is an anionic counter-ion, such as a halide or alkyl sulphate, e.g. chloride or methylsulphate . Di -esters variants of formula I (i.e. m = 2) are preferred and typically have mono- and tri-ester analogues associated with them. Such materials are particularly suitable for use in the present invention.

Especially preferred agents are di-esters of triethanolammonium methylsulphate, otherwise referred to as "TEA ester quats.".

Commercial examples include Tetranyl AHT-I, ex Kao, (a di- [hardened tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate) ,

AT-I (di- [tallow ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate) , and L5/90 (di- [palm ester] of triethanolammonium methylsulphate) , both ex Kao, and Rewoquat WE18 (a di-tallow of triethanolammonium methylsulphate), ex Degussa.

The second group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (II) :

(R¹J₃N⁺-(CH₂)_H-CH-TR² X^" (II)

I CH₂TR²

wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from Ci_-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or C_2-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C₈-₂₈ alkyl or alkenyl groups; and wherein n, T, and X^" are as defined above.

Preferred materials of this second group include 1,2 bis [tallowoyloxy] -3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2 bis [hardened tallowoyloxy] -3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, 1,2-bis [oleoyloxy] -3-trimethylammonium propane chloride, and 1,2 bis [stearoyloxy] -3 -trimethylammonium propane chloride. Such materials are described in US 4,137,180 (Lever Brothers) . Preferably, these materials also comprise an amount of the corresponding mono-ester.

A third group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (III) :

(R¹J₂-N⁺- [(CH₂)_n-T-R²] ₂ X- (III)

wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from Ci_-4 alkyl, or C₂-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C_8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n, T, and X^" are as defined above. Preferred materials of this third group include bis (2-tallowoyloxyethyl) dimethyl ammonium chloride and hardened versions thereof.

A fourth group of QACs suitable for use in the invention is represented by formula (IV) :

(R¹J₂-N⁺-(R²J₂ X^" (IV)

wherein each R¹ group is independently selected from Ci_-4 alkyl, or C₂-4 alkenyl groups; and wherein each R² group is independently selected from C_8-2S alkyl or alkenyl groups; and X^" is as defined above. Preferred materials of this fourth group include di (hardened tallow) dimethylammonium chloride, commercially available under the trade mark Arquad 2HT

The iodine value of the softening agent is preferably from 0 to 120, more preferably from 0 to 100, and most preferably from 0 to 90. Essentially saturated material, i.e. having an iodine value of from 0 to 1 , is used in especially high performing compositions. At low iodine values, the softening performance is excellent and the composition has improved resistance to oxidation and associated odour problems upon storage.

Iodine value is defined as the number of grams of iodine absorbed per 100 g of test material. NMR spectroscopy is a suitable technique for determining the iodine value of the softening agents of the present invention, using the method described in Anal. Chem. , 34, 1136 (1962) by Johnson and Shoolery and in EP 593,542 (Unilever, 1993) .

References to levels of cationic softening agent in this specification are to the total level of cationic softening agent, including all cationic components of a complex raw material that could enter the aqueous lamellar phase together. With a di -ester softening agent, it includes any associated mono-ester or tri-ester components that may be present.

For ease of formulation, the amount of softening agent is generally 50% or less, particularly 40% or less, and especially 30% or less by weight of the total composition. The preferred compositions contain from 0.5 to 8% by weight of softening agent . Water-Soluble monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compound

The fabric conditioning composition contains one or more water- soluble monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds (monoquat) . These materials have a small molecule size and a higher diffusion potential than the cationic softening compounds. The function of the monoquat is to neutralise the effect of the detergent active, usually lauryl alkyl sodium sulphate, carried by the clothes into the rinse stage thereby leaving the desired softening function. The residue formed by the interaction between the detergent and monoquat is finely dispersed by the presence of the non-ionic exthoxylated surfactant and pH additive .

The water soluble monoquat compounds have the formula:

R₃-N⁺- (CH₂) _n-Y-R' X^"

in which each R substiuent is independently either hydrogen, a short chain Ci-C₆, preferably Ci-C₃ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl , and the like, poly (C₂-₃ alkoxy) , preferably polyethoxy, benzyl, or mixtures thereof;

n is from 1 to 4 , preferably 2 ;

Y is a bond, -0-(O)C-, -C(O)-O-, or -C(O)-NR-;

R¹ contains at least 8 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 25, and is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group, preferably alkyl or alkenyl of 8 to 25, preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms; and X^" can be any softener-compatible anion, preferably, chloride, bromide, methylsufate, ethylsulfate, and nitrate, more preferably chloride or methyl sulfate;

A preferred monoquat is benzalkonium chloride.

The monoquat is generally present in an amount from 0.25 to 2%, preferably 0.3 to 1.0% by weight of the fabric conditioning compositions.

Non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant

A non- ionic ethoxylated surfactant is present in order to improve the appearance of the rinse liquor. It prevents the formation of scum which could potentially lead to deposition of scummy deposits on the laundered fabric. In particular it disperses the reaction product of the anionic surfactant from the wash and monoquat compound preventing flocculation and formation of scum resulting in a translucent dispersion.

Suitable non- ionic surfactants are alkoxylated materials, particularly addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

Preferred materials are of the general formula:

R-Y- (CH₂CH₂O) _ZH

Where R is a hydrophobic moiety, typically being an alkyl or alkenyl group, said group being linear or branched, primary or secondary, and preferably having from 8 to 25, more preferably 10 to 20, and most preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms; R may also be an aromatic group, such as a phenolic group, substituted by an alkyl or alkenyl group as described above; Y is a linking group, typically being O, CO. O, or CO-N(R¹) , where R¹ is H or a Ci_-4 alkyl group; and z represents the average number of ethoxylate (EO) units present, said number being 20 or more, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 30.

Examples of suitable non-ionic surfactants include the ethoxylates of mixed natural or synthetic alcohols in the "coco" or "tallow" chain length. Preferred materials are condensation products of coconut fatty alcohol with 20-50 moles of ethylene oxide and condensation products of tallow fatty alcohol with 20- 50 moles of ethylene oxide.

The ethoxylates of secondary alcohols such as 3-hexadecanol , 2- octadecanol, 4-eicosanol, and 5-eicosanol may also be used. Exemplary ethoxylated secondary alcohols have formulae Ci₂- EO(20); Ci₄-EO(20); Ci₄-EO(25); and Ci₆-EO (30) . Suitable commercially available non-ionic surfactants include Lutensol AT25, Lutensol AT50 and Unitol CE 200F

Optionally, the composition comprises an emulsifier that has an HLB of from 7 to 20, more preferably from 10 to 20, and most preferably from 15 to 20.

A particular surfactant may be useful in the present compositions alone or in combination with other surfactants. The preferred amounts of non-ionic surfactant indicated below refer to the total amount of such materials that are present in the composition. The non- ionic surfactant is generally from 0.05 to 10%, usually 0.1 to 5%, and often 3 to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

pH control additives

It has been found that the pH of the rinse liquor after contact with the laundry from the wash should be maintained below pH = 8 in order to prevent flocculation and formation of scum.

Suitable pH control additives are organic acids, particularly polycarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid or succinic acid, which is generally present in the fabric conditioner composition in an amount in the range 0.25 to 1%, preferably 0.3 to 0.8% by weight of the composition.

Antifoam Compounds

The compositions comprise one or more antifoam compounds to depress the foaming or sudsing produced by the detergent from the wash liquor, particularly during the presence of agitation.

Particularly preferred antifoam compounds are silicone antifoam compounds defined herein as any antifoam compound including a silicone component. Such silicone antifoam compounds also typically contain a silica component. The term "silicone" as used herein, and in general throughout the industry, encompasses a variety of relatively high molecular weight polymers containing siloxane units and hydrocarbyl group of various types like the polyorganosiloxane oils, such as polydimethyl-siloxane, dispersions or emulsions of polyorganosiloxane oils or resins, and combinations of polyorganosiloxane with silica particles wherein the polyorganosiloxane is chemisorbed or fused onto the silica. Silicone suds suppressers are well known in the art and are disclosed in US 4265779, 3455839, 3933672 and 4652392. Preferred antifoam compounds are polydimethyl siloxanes. The antifoam compounds are generally present in an amount of from 0.1 to 1%, preferably 0.3 to 0.7% by weight of the fabric conditioning composition.

Aqueous base

The compositions of the invention are typically aqueous.

The aqueous base typically comprises 80% or greater by weight of water; sometimes this figure may rise to 90% or greater, or 95% or greater. The water in the aqueous base typically comprises 40% or greater by weight of the total formulation; preferably this figure is 60% or greater, more preferably it is 70% or greater .

The aqueous base may also comprise water-soluble species, such as mineral salts or short chain (Ci_-4) alcohols. The mineral salts may aid the attainment of the desired viscosity for the composition, as may water soluble organic salts and cationic deflocculating polymers, as described in EP 41,698 A2 (Unilever) . Such salts may be present at from 0.001 to 1% and preferably at from 0.005 to 0.1% by weight of the total composition. Examples of suitable mineral salts for this purpose include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride. Short chain alcohols that may be present include primary alcohols, such as ethanol , propanol , and butanol , secondary alcohols such as isopropanol, and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol and glycerol . The short chain alcohol may be added with cationic softening agent during the preparation of the composition.

Fatty complexing agent

A preferred additional component in the compositions of the present invention is a fatty complexing agent. Such agents typically have a C₈ to C₂₂ hydrocarbyl chain present as part of their molecular structure. Suitable fatty complexing agents include C₈ to C₂2 fatty alcohols and C₈ to C₂₂ fatty acids; of these, the C₈ to C₂₂ fatty alcohols are most preferred. A fatty complexing agent is particularly valuable in compositions comprising a QAC having a single C₁₂-28 group connected to the nitrogen head group, such as mono-ester associated with a TEA ester quat . or a softening agent of formula II, for reasons of product stability and effectiveness.

Preferred fatty acid complexing agents include hardened tallow fatty acid (available as Pristerene, ex Uniqema.

Preferred fatty alcohol complexing agents include Ci₆/Ci₈ fatty alcohols (available as Stenol and Hydrenol, ex Cognis, and Laurex CS, ex Albright and Wilson) and behenyl alcohol, a C₂₂ fatty alcohol, available as Lanette 22, ex Henkel .

The fatty complexing agent may be used at from 0.1% to 10%, particularly at from 0.2% to 5%, and especially at from 0. 3 to 0.4% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Perfume The compositions of the invention typically comprise one or more perfumes. The perfume is preferably present in an amount from 0.01 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 5% by weight, most preferably 0.5 to 4.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Co-softener

Co-softeners may be used together with the cationic softening agent. When employed, they are typically present at from 0.1 to 20% and particularly at from 0.5 to 10%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-softeners include fatty esters, and fatty N-oxides.

Fatty esters that may be employed include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate, fatty sugar esters, such as those disclosed WO 01/46361 (Unilever) .

Further Optional Ingredients

The compositions of the invention may contain one or more other ingredients. Such ingredients include preservatives (e.g. bactericides), pH buffering agents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, anti- redeposition agents, soil-release agents, polyelectrolytes, enzymes, optical brightening agents, anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, anti-oxidants, sunscreens, anti -corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, ironing aids and dyes.

A particularly preferred optional ingredient is an opacifier or pearlescer. Such ingredients can serve to further augment the creamy appearance of the compositions of the invention. Suitable materials may be selected from the Aquasol 0P30X range (ex Rohm and Haas) , the PuriColour White range (ex Ciba) and the LameSoft TM range (ex Cognis) . Such materials are typically used at a level of from 0.01 to 1% by weight of the total composition.

Product Use

The compositions of the present invention are rinse conditioner compositions and may be used in the rinse cycle of a domestic laundry process.

The composition is used in the rinse cycle of a home textile laundering operation, where, it may be added directly in an undiluted state directly into the drum of a top loading washing machine. The compositions may also be used in a domestic handwashing laundry operation.

The invention will be illustrated by the following Examples:

Examples

The formulations reported in the following Table were prepared:

Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D 10 11

Arguad 2HT 2 2 2 2 2 3.6 2 3.6 3 .8 4 4 2 2 2 3. 35

Tallow Alcohol 0.45 0.45 0.45 0 45 0 45 0.36 0 .45 0.36 0 38 0 .4 0 .4 0.45 0.45 0.45 0. 34

Lutensol AT50 0.3 0.5 VO

Lutensol AT25 0.5 0 .3 0 .5 0.3 0 .5 0.3 0 .3 0.5 0 .3

Unitol CE200F

BKC 0.9 0.9 0.9 0 .9 0 .9 0.9 0 .9 0.7 0 38 1 35 1 .35 0.9 0.9 0.9 0. 34

Citric Acid 0.8 0.8 0.7 0 .7 0 .8 0.8 0 .8 0.5 0. 825 0 .9 0 .75 0.9 0.8 0.025 0 .7

SAG 470 0.5 0.5 0 .5 0 .5 0.5 0 .5 0.5 0 .5 0.5 0 .5

DSP 0.5 0 .5 0 .5 0.5 0.5

SCMC 0 35 0 .35 0.3

HPMC 0.3

BKC is benzalkonium chloride.

SAG470 and DSP are silicone antifoam additives. SCMC is an anionic polymeric dispersing agent. HPMC is a non- ionic polymeric dispersing agent.

The compositions additionally comprised perfume (0.4-0.8%) dye (0.001 to 0.0025%), formaldehyde (0.05 to 0.1%), the remainder being water.

Formulations were subjected to testing in a hand wash protocol.

TEST CONDITIONS

Load Wash: lkg 100% knitted cotton t-shirts plus desized terry monitors .

Rinse: lOOg 100% knitted cotton t-shirt plus desized terry monitors .

Monitors

6 desized terry towelling monitors (20cm x 20cm)

Wash conditions

Wash vessel : Bowl

Water hardness: Demin/US @ 6⁰FH

Water Ca: Mg ratio: 2:1

Water temperature: 22+/ -1C Water volume: 10 litres

Liquor: cloth ratio: 10:1 Product : OMO MuIti Acao powder Product dosage : 3.6 g/1 Product application: Add weighed powder & stir for until dissolved Product soak time: 30 min Agitation: Load agitated in bowl for 10 minutes Squeezing action: Wring out excess water to between

150% pick-up

Rinse conditions

Water hardness : Demin/US @ 6°FH Water Ca/Mg ratio: 2 :1

Water temperature : 22+/-1C

No of Rinses : 1

Water volume : 1 litres

Liquor: cloth ratio rinse: 10:1

Product dosage 9.0 g/1 (unless otherwise stated)

Product application: Add weighed fab con (rinsing weighing container off of residues) during bowl fill & agitate with hands until dispersed. Add load and soak.

Product soak time: 7 min Squeezing action: Hand wring excess water to - 150% pick up

The rinse liquor remaining after the test was visually assessed by a panel using a Residue Result Scale of 0 to 3 where 0 represents a liquor in which significant precipitates, floccules and/or scum was present and 3 represents a fine translucent dispersion. The results are reported in the following Table:

(D Tested at 4.8 g/1

Downy RF, Suavitel RF and Vivere are fabric conditioner products commercially available in Mexico.

The results indicate that the formulations in accordance with the invention comprising the non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant provide improved results compared with the use of anionic or non-ionic polymeric dispersants. The formulations of the invention provide improved results compared with the current commercially available rinse conditioner compositions, Downy RF (new proeduct) , Suavitel RF and Vivere which all produce scum and/or evident precipitates.

Claims

1. The use of a non-ionic ethoxylated surfactant having an EO value of at least about 20, preferably at least 25, more preferably at least 30, in a fabric conditioning composition used in the rinse liquor in a domestic wash process comprising washing-by-hand or non-automatic washing machine, to improve the appearance of the rinse liquor at the end of the rinse.

2. Use as claimed in claim 1 in which the fabric conditioning composition comprises a polycarboxylic acid, preferably citric acid, in an amount such that the rinse liquor has a pH of less than 8.

3. Use as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the fabric conditioning composition comprises a water-soluble monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compound of the formula:

R₃-N⁺- (CH₂) -Y-R¹ X^"

in which: each R substituent is independently either hydrogen, a short chain Ci-C₆, preferably C_x-C₃ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl , and the like, poly (C₂-₃ alkoxy) , preferably polyethoxy, benzyl, or mixtures thereof;

n is from 1 to about 4, preferably 2 ;

Y is a bond, -0-(O)C-,

-C(O)-O-, -NR-C(O)-, Or -C(O)-NR-; R¹ contains at least 8 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 25, and is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group, preferably alkyl or alkenyl of 8 to 25, preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms; and

X^" can be any softener-compatible anion, preferably, chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate, sulfate, and nitrate, more preferably chloride or methyl sulfate.

4. The use as claimed in claim 3 in which the water-soluble monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compound is benzalkonium chloride.

5. The use as claimed in any preceding claim to conserve water and reduce labour in a domestic wash process by limiting the number of rinses of the fabrics.

6. A fabric conditioning composition comprising:

(i) a quaternary ammonium softening compound,

(ii) a water-soluble monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compound of the formula:

R₃-N⁺- (CH₂) -Y-R¹

X^" in which :

each R substituent is independently either hydrogen, a short chain Ci-C₆ , preferably Ci-C₃ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group , e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl , and the like, poly (C₂-₃ alkoxy) , preferably polyethoxy, benzyl, or mixtures thereof; n is from 1 to about 4, preferably 2 ;

Y is a bond; -0-(O)C-, -C(O)-O-, -NR-C(O)-, or -C(O)-NR-;

R' contains at least 8 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 25, and is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group, preferably alkyl or alkenyl of 8 to 25, preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms; and

(v) a silicone antifoam compound

(vi) a fatty complexing agent selected from C₈-C₂₂ fatty alcohols and C₈-C₂2 fatty acids.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 6 comprising

2.0 to 4.0% by weight of (i)

0.3 to 1.0% by weight of (ii)

0.2 to 0.5% by weight of (iii) 0.3 to 0.8% by weight of (iv)

0.3 to 0.7% by weight of (v)

0.3 to 0.5% by weight of (vi)

8. A composition as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 in which (i) is selected from compounds of formulae (I) to (IV) defined herein.

9. A composition as claimed in claim 8 in which (i) is dehydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride.

10. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 in which (ii) is benzalkonium chloride.

11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10 in which (iv) is citric acid.

12. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11 in which (vi) is tallow alcohol.