AU2003204638A1 - Cleaning composition - Google Patents

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant/s: Kevin George and Patricia Purvis as Trustees on behalf of The Purvis Family Trust Actual Inventor/s: Kevin George Purvis Address for Service: Baldwin Shelston Waters MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 CCN: 3710000352 Invention Title: CLEANING COMPOSITION The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- File: 39279AUP00 500175209_1.DOC/5844 CLEANING COMPOSITION Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cleaning products. More particularly the invention relates to compositions and methods for cleaning and removing plant and/or microbial growths or spores thereof from surfaces.

Background to the Invention In recent years, interest has increased in cleaning formulations which rapidly clean and remove plant and microbial growths from outdoor and indoor wet area surfaces. Interest has principally centred on bleach based formulations. Bleaching agents (or sodium hydrochlorite) have been the agent of choice due to their fast acting and effective plant and microbial killing properties. Bleaching agents work by breaking down large chain molecules into smaller units. The smaller units are then more easily removed from surfaces. Bleach based formulations have the advantage of being cheap to manufacture and include readily available starting materials.

Following application of a bleach based formulation to a surface, the surface is normally washed with water and scrubbed. This facilitates removal of the plant and/ormicrobial growths. The use of bleaching agents has not been limited to household and industrial cleaners alone, but has extended into other areas as diverse as oral hygiene, for example.

Bleach based formulations have a number of disadvantages which are well known. Whilst bleach based formulations on the market act immediately to kill plant and/or microbial growths, they have shown little effect in preventing long term regrowth on a surface to which the bleach based formulation has been applied. More problematic is that bleaching agents are generally highly toxic and can cause severe burns and other injuries if they come into contact with human or animal skin. Bleaching agents are well known for damaging clothing by removing colour and can kill and damage garden plants.

Surfaces to which bleach based formulations are applied may also develop an undesirable "white" appearance due to bleaching of the surface which can be difficult or impossible to remove.

In an attempt to overcome some of the abovementioned disadvantages of bleach based formulations, slow acting formulations have been developed. The active agents are absorbed by plant and microbial growths to kill them. One advantage of slow acting formulations is that immediate regrowth on the surface is reduced. This is believed to be S because the surface to which the formulation is applied may absorb the formulation to prevent immediate re-infestation or regrowth.

The strength and effectiveness of slow acting formulations are highly variable. Success at preventing immediate regrowth on a surface depends very largely on the particular environment and weather conditions in which it is applied. In areas not exposed to rain and weathering the formulation may be less effective. For example, application of slow acting formulations to surfaces under the eaves of houses, veranda, decking and sheltered fences is less effective. This is because rain and/or dampness assist the formulation to penetrate the growth and/or the surface to which it is applied. Overly dry or overly wet climates, however, can rapidly reduce the effective strength and life of slow acting formulations. Furthermore where growth of lichen is heavy, it may be difficultto apply the slow acting formulation in sufficient levels and at appropriate dilutions to successfully kill growths. Often the top layer dies, whilst the bottom layer remains unaffected by the application of the formulation.

Obiect of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning composition which overcomes or ameliorates at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages of currently used compositions or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given by example only.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cleaning composition adapted to kill plant and/or microbial growths, said composition including an effective amount of: quaternary ammonium compounds; metasilicate and/or silicate compound(s); and alkaline hydroxide.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a cleaning composition, said composition including .a quaternary ammonium compound(s); metasilicate and/or silicate compound(s); and alkaline hydroxide.

said composition adapted in use to kill plant and/or microbial growths on application to a surface including said growths, whilst reducing and/or preventing regrowth to said surface.

Preferably the composition includes an effective amount of n-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium salt; sodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide.

Preferably the composition includes an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound(s); a dispersing agent; a surfactant; an alkaline hydroxide; a metasilicate or silicate compound(s); and a water softening agent.

Preferably the composition includes an effective amount of: an n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; a phosphate compound; an alcohol ethoxylate; an alkaline hydroxide; a metasilicate or silicate compound; and;

EDTA.

Preferably the composition includes about: 20% to 30%/wgt of an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 20% to 30%/wgt a tripolyphosphate; 20% to 30%/wgt of alcohol ethoxylate; 10% to 20%/wgt of sodium hydroxide; 5% to 15%/wgt a metasilicate or silicate compound.

Preferably the composition includes about: 26%/wgt of an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 24%/wgt of a phosphate compound; 24%/wgt of alcohol ethoxylate; 13%/wgt of an alkaline hydroxide; 10.5%/wgt a metasilicate or silicate compound; and 2.6%/wgt of EDTA.

Preferably the composition further includes EDTA, colouring and/or preservatives.

Preferably the composition is adapted to kill plant and/or microbial growths selected from the group including mosses, moulds, lichens, algae, mildew and spores thereof.

Preferably the composition is prepared in a liquid formulation or powder or paste form.

Preferably the composition is dissolved in a polar solvent including water.

Preferably the formulation is provided as a concentrate which may be diluted by water or the like prior to application to a surface.

Preferably the surface is an outdoor surface and/or an indoor wet surface.

According to a further aspect of this invention there is provided a composition substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Examples.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now be described with reference to one preferred embodiment.

In one broad aspect of this invention there is provided a cleaning composition adapted in use to kill a variety of different plant and/or microbial growths which may be present on a surface.

In this application the term plant or plants is intended to refer to plants including lichens, moulds, mosses and other lower forms of plants and the like. The composition is adapted to substantially avoid killing or harming more complex forms of plants such as trees, shrubs, pot plants etc. This means that the composition may be used to kill growths on the surfaces of trees for example.

Preferably the composition will also have antimicrobial, disinfecting and sanitising properties. The cleaning composition is adapted to be easy to use and without at least some of the disadvantages of current bleach based formulations. Thus, at least, the composition will provide the public with a useful alternative to existing formulations..

The composition is adapted to kill plant and/or microbial growths including mosses, moulds, lichens, algae, mildew, bacteria and fungal growths and spores thereof, for example. These plant and/or microbial growths are often found on surfaces which are exposed to damp weather conditions but may also be found on indoor surfaces.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the composition is not limited to use strictly for treatment of plant and/or microbial growths. It may be used as a general "all-purpose" cleaner. For instance, the composition may be used to clean grease and dirt from linoleum floor coatings, wallpaperand the like, for example.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, having regard to the nature of the invention, the present invention is applicable to treat a variety of different surfaces. Accordingly, a "surface" particularly includes any indoor or outdoor surface. However, the invention particularly relates to cleaning of indoor wet area surfaces and/or outdoorsurfaces. Wet area indoor surfaces include surfaces which are exposed to moisture, such as kitchen and bathroom surfaces in a house, building or construction. However, it will be appreciated that the composition or formulations including the composition are not limited strictly to application to wet area indoor surfaces alone but may be used as a general "all-purpose" cleaning composition for cleaning cupboards, wardrobes, drawers, linoleum and wood floors, ceilings, wallpaper and wall surfaces in areas not generally considered indoor wet areas.

The composition and/or formulations containing the composition may be applied to outdoor surfaces including outdoor decking, outdoor furniture, fencing, trees, indoor tiles, bathroom and kitchen surfaces, boating and boating equipment and the like to remove unwanted plant and/or microbial growths. The composition may be particularly useful for cleaning exterior surfaces exposed to dampness or in the shade, such assurfaces under the eves of houses for example.

The inventors have surprisingly found that the composition which includes selected active agents provides a fast acting and effective means and method of killing plants and/or microbial growths on application to a surface having such plants and/or microbial growths.

In this form, when.the composition contacts plant and/or microbial growths, the composition is absorbed into and/or breaks down the growths. The plant and/or microbial growths may then be wiped or washed from the surface.

The composition has been shown to be an alternative or at least as effective as current bleach based formulations at killing plant and/or microbial growths on application to a surface or at least an alternative.

The composition also appears to reduce and/or prevent regrowth immediately after application or for a substantial period of time following application to a surface. The composition may protect against regrowth for an excess of twelve months. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exact time period by which the composition protects against regrowth will vary depending on factors including humidity, rain, locality, the type of surface and the like. However, the composition at least reduces regrowth immediately following application to a surface and in many cases will prevent regrowth of the plants and/or microbial growth for an extended period.

It is believed by the inventors that the composition may also be absorbed by some surfaces to which it is applied in a similar manner to existing slow acting formulations.

Over time the composition may block or prevent regrowth by its presence on the surface and/or leaching from the surface. Furthermore, the composition may also be absorbed by spores as well as advanced plants and/or microbial growths. This means that an application of the composition kills not only an established generation of growths but also juvenile or second generation growths. As a result, the composition evidences the extended period of growth prevention discussed above.

The composition of the preferred embodiment is a mildly alkaline solution and includes the active agents of a quatemrnary ammonium compound(s), a metasilicate or silicate compound(s) and an alkaline hydroxide. These active agents when combined have been shown to kill plant and/or microbial growths on application to a surface while protecting against immediate regrowth to the surface.

The quaternary ammonium compounds are preferably selected from a group consisting of acetylalkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts, myristylalkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts and laurylalkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts. Preferably these salts are halids including chlorides, bromides and the like.

Alternatively the quaternary ammonium compounds could be selected from a group consisting of didecyldimethylammonium salts, dioctyldimethylammonium salts and octyldidecyldimethylammonium salts. Preferably these salts are provided as halids such as chloride or bromide.

Various alternative quaternary ammonium compounds will be known in the art which could be used to produce the preferred composition. Alternatively, another quaternary ammonium compound could be used together with a quaternary ammonium compound specified above to produce the composition of the preferred embodiment.

The metasilicate and/or silicate compounds could include a range of silicate compounds which by themselves or in an alkaline solution provide an alkaline solution such as sodium metasilicate, potassium metasilicate, lithium metasilicate or sodium silicate and/or functional variants thereof. Those skilled in the art will be aware of other silicates which can be combined or used alone in an alkaline solution to provide similar cleaning properties and/or alkalinity to the preferred sodium metasilicate to achieve the desired result.

The alkaline hydroxide may include various alkaline hydroxides as will be known in the art.

Such alkaline hydroxides could preferably include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, mono or diethanolamines, ammonia and/or functional variants thereof. Those skilled in the art will be aware of other alkaline substances which could be combined or used alone to give the same degree of alkalinity to provide an effective cleaning composition as described herein.

Not wishing to be bound by a particular theory or hypothesis, the inventors have found that these active agents when combined appear to enhance the individual plant and/or microbial killing properties of the active agents alone. The quaternary ammonium compound(s) may provide the properties of slow acting composition or formulations, whilst the metasilicate or silicate and alkaline hydroxide are substantially corrosive and work to burn the plant and/or microbial growths immediately. However, it is believed that the quaternary ammonium compound provides a "wetting" agent which allows the metasilicate and alkaline hydroxide to penetrate organic matter such as plant and/or microbial growths.

This means the composition provides an improved fast-acting effect of killing plant and/or microbial growths while also exhibiting long acting characteristics.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition includes the active agents n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt, preferably n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, together with sodium metasilicate pentahydrate and sodium hydroxide.

The composition preferably includes: 20% to 30%/wgt of an n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 10% to 20%/wgt of sodium hydroxide; and 5% to 15%/wgt of sodium metasilicate pentahydrate.

Preferably the composite further includes a number of additional agents which optimise the effects of the active agents. Such additional agents include a surfactant and dispersing agent.

The surfactant may include any alcohol ethoxylate known in the art, but preferably alkoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol (Tergitol). Tergitol is readily available and cheap to purchase.

Tergitol helps wet the surface being cleaned and assist as a detergent. Tergitol also facilitates an even distribution of the composition or a formulation containing the composition over a surface to which the composition is applied.

The dispersing agent is preferably selected from a phosphate compound including sodium tripolyphosphate or potassium tripolyphosphate. Dispersing agents assist in removal of grime or soil from the surface to which the composition is applied.

The composition may optionally include a water softening agent such as EDTA. EDTA is a well-known chelating agent and softening agent for a solvent. A softening agent is particularly useful where water is to be used as the solvent.

The composition may further include colourings, preservatives, stabilisers and the like.

Under normal circumstances, n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride will act as a preservative to the composition. However, where the composition is to be stored for a long period of time, additional preservatives could be included in a formulation containing the composition. Optionally, colourings may be added to the composition where it is necessary to distinguish between different formulations of the composition. For example, a formulation of the composition for outdoors may be of a particular colour to differentiate it from an indoor formulation of the composition.

Preferably the composition includes: 20% to 30%/wgt of an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 20% to 30%/wgt sodium tripolyphosphate; 20% to 30%/wgt of alkyloxypolyethyleneoxyethanol; 10% to 20%/wgt of sodium hydroxide; 5% to 15%/wgt sodium metasilicate pentahydrate.

The composition is adapted to kill plant and/or microbial growths. Therefore it is envisaged that the quantity ranges of active agents and additional agents in a preferred composition may vary considerably. However, it has been found that to obtain optimum benefits from the composition for New Zealand weather and climate conditions, for example, the quantity ranges of active agents and additional agents shown above are preferred. It will be appreciated therefore that the quantities of active agents or additional agents in a composition are not restricted to the quantities of active agents or additional agents stated but may be varied according to particular requirements as will be readily determinable by a skilled person.

In one preferred embodiment of the composition, the composition preferably includes: 26%/wgt of n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 24%/wgt of sodium tripolyphosphate; 24%/wgt of alkoxypolyethyleneoxyethanol; 13%/wgt of sodium hydroxide; 10.5%/wgt of sodium metasilicate pentahydrate; and 2.6%/wgt of EDTA.

As alluded to above, in the preferred form the composition may be provided in a ready to use formulation. The formulation may be provided in a liquid, a paste or a solids form.

If the formulation is to be provided in a liquid form, preferably the composition is dissolved or suspended in a polar solvent. Polar solvents are preferable because they dissolve and/or suspend the active agents and the optional additional agents.

In one preferred embodiment, the composition may be provided as a liquid concentrate formulation in which the composition dissolved or suspended in water. Water is easy, cheap and effective as a solvent and dissolves and/or suspends the active agents well.

However, it is envisaged that other polar organic solvents including alcohols, ethers, esters, and the like may be used as possible solvents. The cost of organic solvents may make them less desirable and water a preferred option.

In an alternative form, the formulation may be provided as a solid and in a powder form.

In the solid or powder formulation form, the formulation should be in concentrate form and may be adapted for use by dissolving in a solvent (eg water) prior to use. For simplicity to the user, the formulation may be adapted to be dissolved or suspended in a solvent, such as water.

In a further embodiment the invention includes a method of producing a formulation of the composition. A method is also provided for preparing the composition or a formulation thereof prior to application to a surface.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there may be a number of different methods of preparing a formulation of the composition of the preferred embodiment. The method described below simply represents one preferred embodiment which the inventor(s) have found successful at preparing commercially useful quantities of a formulation of the composition.

A tank is initially filled with water. To the water, the dispersing agent, preferably sodium tripolyphosphate is added in about 20-30%/wgt of the dry reactants.

In some cases, in order to dissolve the sodium tripolyphosphate, the solution may be stirred or heated to improve the dissolution of the active agents and/or the additional agents, although heating and stirring is not essential. Once the sodium tripolyphosphate is dissolved, about 5-15%/wgt of a metasilicate compound, preferably sodium metasilicate pentahydrate is added to the solution and allowed to dissolve. Again, the solution is stirred and/or heated as required to assist the metasilicate compound to dissolve.

In a preferred embodiment, about 2.6%/wgt of the water softening agent, preferably EDTA,.is added to the solution. The water softening agent is dissolved and about of the alkaline hydroxide (preferably sodium hydroxide) is then slowly added to the solution and allowed to disperse and/or dissolve.

Finally, about 20-30%/wgt of the quaternary ammonium compound or compounds is slowly added to the solution followed by 20-30%/wgt of the surfactant, preferably alcohol ethoxylate. This completes preparation of a liquid concentrate formulation of the composition. Naturally, this method may be modified and/or simplified if only the active agents are to be used in a particular composition and/or formulation thereof.

The liquid concentrate formulation appears as a clear liquid and is odourless. The specific gravity may be about 1:0.851 0.005 at 20 0 C, and have a pH of 12.4 to 12.8. Optionally colours, additional stabilisers or preservatives may be added to the formulation in quantities according to the desired requirements for a batch of the liquid concentrate formulation.

As mentioned a liquid concentrate formulation results from the method of manufacture described above. The liquid concentrate formulation may be apportioned and supplied in containers for commercial sale of a formulation of the composition. The liquid concentrate formulation prepared above was used in the Examples which follow In a preferred embodiment the liquid concentrate formulation may be provided in standard 1 L, 20 L, 5 L, 20 L, 25 L and 200 L containers for easy sale and distribution. Containers of 1 L, 2 L and 5 L for retail sale and 20 L and more may be appropriate for contractors.

On purchase the liquid concentrate formulation's concentration may be diluted as required prior to application to a surface by the user.

In the alternative form, where the formulation is to be provided as a solid powder and/or a paste, the method described above may include an additional evaporation step. Once the active agent and additional agents are fully added and dissolved or suspended, the solution may be evaporated in a commercial rotary evaporation system, for example. This will reduce the liquid in the formulation to form to a solid or paste formulation. The powder or crystalline form may be supplied with instructions on appropriate quantity of solvent (eg water) to be added to the powder formulation.

For ease of use, however, a liquid concentrate formulation is the preferred option as it may be applied directly to the surface or may be further diluted as required to the.

purchaser's requirements.

A liquid concentrate formulation prepared in accordance with the above method may be diluted appropriately to the particular requirements of a surface to which it is to be applied.

This can be done as required by the user of the liquid concentrate formulation. This may simply be achieved by mixing the liquid concentrate formulation with water or another polar solvent (in a small container or spray bottle) to form a diluted formulation. The diluted formulation should preferably be well mixed before application to a surface.

Tables 1 and 2 below illustrate possible dilutions of the liquid concentrate formulation prepared by the method described above. The diluted formulation may be prepared according to the particular surface to which the formulation is to be applied. It should be appreciated that the dilution values on Tables 1 and 2 are not essential, but rather a general guide to what dilution may be appropriate to a particular surface. Depending on the specific surface to which the formulation is to be applied, the level of liquid concentrate formulation dilution may vary.

Table I illustrates outdoor application Surface of Application Formulation Water (parts) Weatherboard and exterior of buildings 1 10-20 Bricks, plaster and fibreboard 1 5-10 Concrete paths and driveways 1 Roofing (eg corrugated iron, tiles etc 1 Wooden fences and decking 1 Table 2 illustrates indoor use using a formulation including the composition.

Surface of Application Formulation Water (parts) Painted walls (interior paintwork) 1 Greasy, extra grimy surfaces 1 3 General urpose1 Ovens, stoves, grills and barbecues 1 2 Whiteware and painted surfaces 1 Vinyl and plastic furniture and upholstery 1 Vinyl linoleum 1 Greasy vinyl and linoleum floors 1 Concrete floors (painted or unpainted) 1 Fungi, mould or algae stains; painted 1 surfaces and wallpaper Interior timber and slate 1 Baths, showers and handbasins 1 4 Baths, showers and handbasins general 1 4-10 cleaning Toilets and ceramics general cleanin 1 Wet vacuuming carpets 1 A formulation of the composition may be applied to a surface under any weather conditions. However, for optimum performance of a formulation preferably the formulation is not applied in direct sunlight as heat from the sun may evaporate the liquid and s substantially prevent partial absorption of the composition by plants and/or microbial growths and/or the surface. Further, a formulation is preferably not applied during rain or if rain is predicted. It will be appreciated that the particular dilution of the composition can be affected by rain or sunlight.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the particular surface may dictate the level of dilution of the formulation required. Tables 1 and 2 represent possible dilutions but are not intended to be exact measurements for operators of the invention.

The composition or formulations thereof also have the advantage of being biodegradable and of low toxicity. This means that the composition and formulations contained in the composition may be easily degraded in the environment and without substantially any environmental damaging effect: This avoids the disadvantages of current bleach based formulations. As a formulation of the composition may be mildly basic, the formulation and composition substantially avoids severe burns or damage to skin or clothing which it may contact. A formulation of the composition is also odourless which is convenient when applying to a surface. As mentioned previously, current bleach based formulations can have a pungent, long lasting odour. The composition and formulation thereof is adapted to avoid such odours which improves the ease of application for the user.

The invention will now be described with reference to the Examples.

Example 1 The method described makes up approximately 10 kg of a liquid concentrate formulation.

It will be appreciated that the quantities given below may be doubled, halved or otherwise modified, depending on the quantity and requirements for a particular batch of the formulation.

The active agents and additional agents may be sourced from standard chemical suppliers. For this invention, the inventor(s) obtained chemicals from Chemcolour (Auckland), Albright Wilson (Auckland), Dow Chemicals, and a number of other chemical manufacturers in New Zealand.

Initially a tank is filled with about 8.10 L of water. To the water, about 0.45 kg of sodium tripolyphosphate is added and allowed to fully dissolve. In some cases, in order to dissolve the sodium tripolyphosphate the solution, may be stirred or heated to improve the dissolution of the active agent and/or additional agents, although heating and stirring is not essential. Once the sodium tripolyphosphate is dissolved, about 0.20 kg of sodium metasilicate pentahydrate is added to the solution and allowed to dissolve. Again, the solution is stirred and/or heated as required to assist the sodium metasilicate pentahydrate dissolve.

In a preferred embodiment, about 0.05 kg of EDTA is then added to the solution. The solution is dissolved and then 0.25 kg of sodium hydroxide is slowly added to the solution and allowed to disperse and/or dissolve.

Finally 0.5 kg of n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (Bioquat 501)followed by 0.45 kg alkyloxypolyethyleneoxyethanol (Tergitol 13-S-9)is slowly added to the solution and allowed to disperse. This completes preparation of a liquid concentrate formulation of the composition. Naturally, this method may be modified and/or simplified if only the active agents are to be used in the formulation.

The liquid concentrate formulation appears as a clear liquid and be odourless. The specific gravity may be about 1:0.851 0.005 at 20 0 C, and have a pH of 12.4 to 12.8.

Optionally colours, additional stabilisers and preservatives may also be added to the formulation in quantities according to the desired requirements for a batch of the liquid concentrate formulation.

As mentioned, a liquid concentrate formulation results from the method of manufacture described above. The liquid concentrate formulation may be apportioned and supplied in containers for commercial sale of a formulation of the composition.

The liquid concentrate formulation described above was used in the Examples which follow.

Example 2 As shown in Tables 1 and 2, liquid concentrate formulation may be diluted in order to provide an appropriate diluted formulation. The following descriptions give examples of the preparation of diluted formulations for application to particular surfaces.

Pre-painting Preparation Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 5 parts water.

Directions Various methods can be used to apply the diluted formulation in the preparation for cleaning the area prior to painting. For example, the liquid concentrated formulation can be mixed in a bucket with water and applied with a sponge, mop, brush, cloth or SqueegeeTM. Alternatively, the formulation can be mixed with water in a spray bottle and applied by spray application. On application of the diluted formulation, the formulation is left to penetrate wood for a period of time to ensure all grime and surface dirt has been lifted. The surface is then hosed with clean water which removes the growths.

Wallboards, Bricks, Plaster, Fibreboard, and Exterior Surfaces of Buildings Dilution Approximately 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 10 or up to 20 parts water.

Directions The diluted formulation may be sprayed onto a surface and agitated with a brush or broom. The diluted formulation is then hosed with a high pressure spray, leaving the timber clear of plant microbial growths.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate before and after photographs of a weatherboard house treated by the formulation.

In Figure 1A the exterior of the house is heavily covered with black mould and algae. A formulation of 1:20 of the liquid concentrate formulation to water was sprayed over the surfaces of the weatherboards and the surface was scrubbed with a brush.

After 30 minutes the formulation was washed with fresh water from a low pressure hose.

Figure 1B illustrates that the black mould and algae is substantially gone from surfaces.

Example 3 Cleaning Indoors The formulation can be used as an effective total spray and wipe cleaner inside a house, building or construction and is highly effective on indoor wet area surfaces including kitchens and bathrooms.

Some examples of indoor uses are given below.

Painted Walls (interior paintwork) Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 5 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto surface, allowed to penetrate the surface for 2-5 minutes (depending on degree of grime). The diluted formulation is then agitated with brush and wiped off.

Greasy, extra Grimy Surfaces including Linoleum Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 3 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto surface, allowed to penetrate the surface for 1-2 minutes. The diluted formulation is then wiped off with a wet cloth.

Ovens, Stoves, Grills and Barbecues Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 2 parts water Directions i The diluted formulation is sprayed onto surface, allowed to penetrate the surface for 2-5 minutes. The diluted formulation is then wiped off with a wet cloth.

Whiteware and Painted Surfaces Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 5 parts water Directions 1i 5 The diluted formulation is sprayed onto surface, allowed to penetrate the surface for 30 seconds. The diluted formulation is then wiped off with a wet cloth.

Vinyl and Plastic Furniture and Upholstery Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 5 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto the surface and agitated with a soft brush.

The diluted formulation is then allowed to penetrate the surface for 1-2 minutes before being wiped off with a wet cloth.

Fungi, Mould or Algae Stains; Painted Surfaces and Wallpaper Dilution 1 part liquidconcentrate formulation to 5 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto an affected surface and agitated with a soft brush. The dilated formulation is allowed to penetrate the surface for 5-10 minutes (depending on degree of staining), and is then wiped off with a clean damp cloth.

Note for wallpaper: do not scrub or damage may be done. Use extra soft brush only.

Interior Timber and Slate Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 5 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto the surface and agitated with a soft brush.

The diluted formulation is allowed to penetrate the surface for 1-2 minutes, before being wiped off with a wet cloth.

Baths, Showers and Handbasins General Cleaning Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 5-10 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto the surface and agitated with a soft brush.

The diluted formulation is allowed to penetrate the surface for 30-40 seconds, before being wiped off with a wet cloth.

Toilets and Ceramics general cleaning Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 30 parts water Directions The diluted formulation is sprayed onto the surface and agitated with a soft brush.

The diluted formulation is allowed to penetrate the surface for 30-40 seconds, before being wiped off with a wet cloth.

Wet Vacuuming Carpets Dilution 1 part liquid concentrate formulation to 50 parts water Directions Follow instructions on cleaning machine.

Example 4 Plastic Glasshouse (LDPE. EVA Treated Polyethylene) The formulation was trialled on glasshouses. The glasshouses were of a commercial type and had major green algae infestation. In the past, full time staff were employed to clean the surfaces of the glasshouses of green algae in this location.

.The liquid concentrate formulation was applied in a ratio of 1:10 to -The diluted formulation was then allowed to stand on.the greenhouse surface for approximately 10 minutes before being washed off by tap water. This removed the green algae from the surface of the greenhouse. After three months of exposure to the elements, the plastic surfaces of the glasshouses showed substantially no sign of algae regrowth.

Example 5 Outer Surface of a Plaster House Exterior A house was covered with green algal film in some areas and lichen in others. It had not been cleaned for some years and plant and/or microbial growth was quite extensive, particularly at the southern portions of the house.

In the "badly infested" area (southern area of house) a diluted formulation of 1:2 of liquid concentrate formulation to water was prepared. A Black and Decker® sprayer was used to spray the formulation onto infected areas of the house.

Other outer surfaces of the house were treated with a diluted formulation of 1:3 of liquid concentrate formulation to water.

In both cases, after application the diluted formulation was left for 10 to 20 minutes on the surface before washing off with a garden hose following mild scrubbing with a nylon brush.

The formulation removed substantially all traces of fungi and other grime build-up and left the paintwork and plaster surfaces with a shiny clean surface.

Example 6 Stained Timber Decking A redwood stain decking was heavily infested with black mould, and algae, mosses, lichen and other plant material. The deck was also faded badly from weathering. Figures 2A and 28 illustrate before and after images of the deck.

The deck is extremely badly marked and stained with black algae as can be seen in Figure 2A. In some areas of the deck there is a distinct "greening" effect.

The entire deck was hosed down first to thoroughly wet the surface.

A diluted formulation was prepared of 1:5 of liquid concentrate formulation to water and sprayed over half the deck. The remaining half was untreated to provide a comparative or control section.

The deck was then left for approximately 7 to 10 minutes and agitated with a broom to spread the diluted formulation evenly over half the deck surface.

The entire deck was then hosed down again.

As can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B, following this process, there were substantially no plant and/or microbial growths or mould stains left on the surface to which the diluted formulation was applied.

The control or comparative section remains heavily infested and discoloured.

Example 7 Corrugated Iron and Tile Roofing A DecramasticTM roof which had not been cleaned for over ten years was cleaned with a diluted formulation. Mosses and lichen had built up extensively over the roof and were causing drainage problems from the roof. A diluted formulation of 1:1 liquid concentrate formulation and water was prepared and applied to the surface where extremely bad infestation patches of roofing were visible.

In other areas of the roofing, a diluted formulation of 1:5 liquid concentrate formulation to 22 water was sprayed on the roof and agitated with a household broom. The surfaces to which the diluted formulation was applied were left for 30 minutes. Later the roof was hosed which removed substantially all plant and microbial growths from the roof.

Example 8 Cleaning Driveways A driveway had a thick coating of lichen and mosses growing on its surface. Spores had grown into the porous asphalt, causing the lichen growth to be difficult to remove. This is best illustrated in Figure 3A. The formulation of the composition was prepared which included 1:3 of the liquid concentrate formulation to water.

The driveway surface was first dampened by fresh water. The formulation was then applied to the surface and scrubbed briefly with a standard brush. The dilute formulation was allowed to remain on the surface for 30 minutes. Following this, fresh water was applied by a pressure hose to the surface.

The surface was substantially cleared of the black algae growths as can be seen in Figure 3B. The surface remained clear for more than 12 months with no sign of regrowth.

Example 9 Cleaning Hulls and Boats An inflatable boat was grubby and included marine growths. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the inflatable boat before cleaning. The marine growths on the surface of the boat are visible.

A diluted formulation of 1:1 of liquid concentrate formulation to water was prepared and applied to the surface of the inflatable boat. After scrubbing with a soft brush, the dilute formulation was allowed to remain on the surface of the boat for 5 to 7 minutes before washing off with fresh water.

Figure 4C illustrates the boat after fresh water was applied to remove the dilute formulation. The boat is substantially clear of marine growths.

Example 10 Removing Unwanted Growth from Trees The composition and formulations thereof are-adapted in use to kill lower plant forms but have substantially little or no effect on higher forms of plant,.including trees.

Figure 5A illustrates a tree heavily infested with floral-type lichen growth. The tree was dampened with fresh water. A dilute formulation of 1:5 of liquid concentrate formulation to S water was prepared. The dilute formulation was applied by a light pressure spray. The trunk surface was brushed to loosen lichen and was left.

Figure 5B illustrates the trunk six days following treatment. The lichen has cleared from the tree trunk whilst avoiding killing the tree and/or damaging the trunk surface.

While in the foregoing description there has been made reference to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set-forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example only and with reference to possible embodiments thereof it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. A cleaning composition adapted to kill plant and/or microbial growths, said composition including an effective amount of: at least one quaternary ammonium compound; at least one metasilicate and/or silicate compound; and at least one alkaline hydroxide.

2. A cleaning composition as claimed in claim 1, including a quaternary ammonium compound(s); metasilicate and/or silicate compound(s); and alkaline hydroxide, said composition adapted in use to kill plant and/or microbial growths substantially on application to a surface, whilst reducing and/or preventing regrowth to said surface for a substantial period of time following application.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 which including n- alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium salt; sodium metasilicate and sodium hydroxide.

4. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including an effective amount of: a quaternary ammonium compound(s); a dispersing agent; a surfactant; an alkaline hydroxide; a metasilicate or silicate compound(s); and a water softening agent. The composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including: an n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; a phosphate compound; an alcohol ethoxylate; an alkaline hydroxide; a metasilicate or silicate compound; and EDTA;

6. The composition as claimed in claim 4 including about: 20% to 30%/wgt of an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 20% to 30%/wgt a phosphate; 20% to 30%/wgt of alcohol ethoxylate; 10% to 20%/wgt of a hydroxide; 5% to 15%/wgt sodium metasilicate or silicate compound.

7. The composition according to claim 5 including about: 26%/wgt of an alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salt; 24%/wgt of a phosphate compound; 24%/wgt of alcohol ethoxylate; 13%/wgt of an alkaline hydroxide;

10.5%/wgt a metasilicate or silicate compound; and 2.6%/wgt of EDTA. 8. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims including EDTA, colouring and/or preservatives. 9. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is adapted to kill plant and/or microbial growths selected from the group including mosses, moulds, lichens, algae, mildew and spores thereof. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition is provided in the form of a liquid, a powder or a paste.

11. The composition according to claim 9 wherein the formulation is adapted to dissolve in a polar solvent such as water.

12. The composition according to claim 9 wherein the formulation is provided as a concentrate which can dissolve in water and/or other like solvent before application to a surface.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition and/or formulations thereof are adapted to be applied to an outdoor surface and/or an indoor surface. 26

14. A composition substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Examples. DATED this 10 th Day of June 2003 BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS Attorneys for: Kevin George and Patricia Purvis as Trustees on behalf of The Purvis Family Trust