CA2238497A1 - Cleaning method for textile fabrics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a more effective method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric, the method comprising the steps of: applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain; placing an absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain;
and applying heat, pressure, or heat and pressure, to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, preferably in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent, or water, so that some or all of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer. The detergent composition can be applied to the textile fabric using a container having a cap to which a foam pad is secured. The cap has a small opening through which the detergent composition can pass.

Description

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

CLEANING METHOD FOR TEXTILE FABRICS

The present invention relates to a method of removing spots and stains from textile fabrics.

Some stains are not always effectively removed by conventional laundry cleaning processes, for example in a washing machine. Such stains may be more effectively removed by pre-treatment, which herein means a cleaning treatment carried out before the conventional laundry cleaning process; and/or by post-treatment, which herein means a cleaning treatment carried out after the conventional laundry cleaning process. The present invention is concerned with a post-treatment cleaning method.

EP200807, published on 12th November 1986, discloses an iron intended for cleaning clothes during ironing, i.e.
a post-treatment. To achieve this objective the housing of the iron can be adapted with a recess to receive a brush (page 3, line 22 to page 4, line 1). The iron is also provided with vacuum cleaning means. There is no suggestion that cleaning compositions could be used to ~nh~nce the cleaning method.

US3748268, published on 24th July 1973, discloses spot and stain removing detergent compositions. The compositions are intended primarily for cleaning carpets, although textile fabrics are also mentioned The patent suggests that a pre-treatment cleaning method comprising gentle rubbing action may be used to help work the detergent composition into the stain, followed by stain removal using a dry absorbent cloth. Water is then applied to complete the cleaning operation, CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
w097~0099 PCT~S96/19171-optionally using an absorbent material to remove the soil and composition remnants.

Many textile fabrics, however, especially those made from silk or wool, are much more delicate than carpets.
What may be considered as a gentle rubbing action when applied to a carpet could be considered as a harsh rubbing action when applied to a textile fabric. The very gentle treatment that i6 acceptable for delicate fabrics, however, may result in incomplete ~el..vval of stains.

DE-A-43 03 454, published on 11th August 1994, describes a process for stain ~c...~v~l and a stain removal set. The process comprises the steps of applying a stain remover to a stain which is then activated and washed out with hot water. The hot water is applied by means of heating water in a sponge using a hot iron. This cl~n; ng process results in water being applied to a large area of the ~abric, i.e. and area corresponding at least to the area of the sponge, which can result in fresh, greasy stains being spread over the ~abric rather than being ellloved. Furthermore, the presence of the sponge between the fabric and the iron prevents the heat from effectively reaching the region of the spot or stain.
Simply applying more heat from the iron results in scorching or melting the sponge.

The object o~ the present invention is to provide a more e~fective method of treating a spot or stain on a textile ~abric comprising the steps of: applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain; placin~ an absorbent layer adiacent to one side of the textile ~abric in the region of the spot or stain; and applying heat, pressure, or heat and pressure so that some or all CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer.

It is a further object of the present invention that the textile fabric should be dry and ready to wear at the end of the cleaning method.

Summary of the Invention The ob~ect of the invention is achieved by applying the heat and/or pressure to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region o~ the spot or stain preferably in the presence of a hydrophilic solvent or water. Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that the application o~ heat and/or pressure improves the cleaning efficiency by modi~ying the physical characteristics, such as viscosity, which promotes better penetration of the detergent composition into the stain, thereby improving cle~n; ng ef~iciency.
Furthermore the application of heat evaporates any -residual water leaving the textile fabric dry.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a method of treating a spot or stain on a textile ~abric is provided comprising the steps of:
(a) applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain and placing an absorbent layer ad~acent to the textile ~abric in the region of the spot or stain and a first means for transferring some or all of the spot or stain into the absorbent layer; and subsequently (b) applying a hydrophilic solvent, or water, to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 -placing an absorbent layer adjacent to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and a second means for trans~erring some or all of the spot or stain into the absorbent layer.

The second means for tranqferring the stain to the absorbent layer is preferably by applying heat, more preferably by using a hand-held domestic iron. The first means for transferring some or all of the spot or stain, preferably comprises the step of rubbing, pressing or brushing the spot or stain.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig 1 shows the top and longitll~; n~l view of a container with a foam pad secured to its cap. The cap has a small central opening through which the liquid can pass.
Fig 2 shows the top and longitl~;n~l view of a container with a brush secured to its cap. The cap has a small central opening through which the li~uid can pass.
Fig 3 shows the top and longitudinal view of a cont~; n~
with a convex shaped polypropylene porous pad.
The pad has pore size ranging from 300 to 700 micrometers.
Fig 4 shows the top and longitudinal view of a container with a convex shaped polypropylene porous pad and a CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -supporting plate which has a plurality of holes which restricts the amount of liquid that passes through the porous material. The pad has pore size ranging from 300 to 700 micrometers.
Fig 5 shows the top and longitll~; nA l view of a container with a roll-on type extremity.
Fig 6 shows the top and longitll~;nAl view of a container with a piston-type extremity. Upon pressing of the tip of the piston against a fabric surface, a liquid is released from within the container onto the fabric.
Fig 7 shows the longitll~; nA 1 view of a conventional container with an elongated extremity, used to apply liquid on surfaces.
Fig 8 shows a hand-operated device having sponge-type first and second treatment members.
Fig 9 shows a hand-operated device having a brietled protuberances comprising the ~irst treatment member and a disposable sponge as a second treatment member.
Fig lO shows a hand-operated device with the first and second treatment members comprising looped protuberances.

Detailed Description of the Invention A most preferred cleaning method comprises the steps o~:
~a~ applying a detergent composition to a spot or stain and placing an absorbent layer adjacent to the textile CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 --~abric in the region of the spot or stain and a ~irst means ~or transferring some or all o~ the spot or stain into the absorbent layer; and subsequently (b) applying a hydrophilic solvent, or water, to the textile ~abric in the region of the spot or stain and placing an absorbent layer adjacent to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and the step of applying heat to the textile fabric in the region o~
the spot or stain. The application of heat or pressure, or both, may be achieved by any means, but i~ most preferably achieved by a hand-held device such as an iron. A conventional iron having a hot-plate ~ixed to a body is a highly pre~erred hand held device. The hot-plate is heated most co~monly by electrical means, and may have a means for controlling the temperature. A
supply o~ water or steam may also be provided by the iron. Most pre~erably the absorbent layer is placed on a flat sur~ace, such as an ironing board, and the stained or soiled textile ~abric is laid ~lat on top o~, and in contact with, the absorbent layer. The iron can then be easily applied to the textile ~abric in the region o~
the stain or spot in order to ensure complete, or substantially complete, trans~er o~ the stain or spot into the absorbent layer. The iron is pre~erably operated at a temperature o~ from 40~C to 180~C.

An alternative device for applying heat or pressure is a heated roller or any other heated applicator. The roller or applicator may also be pro~ided with a supply o~ the detergent composition.

Suitable applicators include a steam iron with suction brush attachment, such as that disclosed in EP-A-0 493 348, and a thermoelectric applicator, such as that disclosed in EP-A-0 552 397. Also suitable is a steam iron with atomiser, such as that disclose in EP-A-0 629 736 wherein the detergent composition may optionally be CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

stored in the iron and delivered directly onto the textile fabrics by means of the atomiser.

Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that hydrophobic stains are first rendered hydrophilic 0 by applying a detergent composition, optionally with a gentle rubbing action; water i~ then applied to the stain, again, optionally with a gentle rubbing action.
The stain is removed by laying the stained fabric adjacent to an absorbent layer. The stain, which has been rendered more hydrophilic by the treatment, is transferred to the absorbent layer.

Textile fabrics are any materials made from cloth, including garments such as shirts, blouses, socks, skirts, trousers, jackets, underwear etc, and also including tablecloths, towels, curtains etc. The definition of textile fabrics as used herein does not include carpets and similar ~loor coverings.

Textile fabrics which are to be used in the present invention are commonly made by weaving or knitting. Many different ~ibres may be used to produce woven, knitted or other types of textile fabric including synthetic fibres (such as polyester, polyamide, etc.) and natural ~ibres from plants (such as cotton, hemp) and from ~n;m~l S (8uch as wool, angora, silk). Blends of different fibres are also commonly used.

Preferred components of the detergent composition will ~ now be described in more detail.

A highly preferred component of the detergent composition for use herein is a solvent. More preferred solvents are defined in terms of Hansen parameters. A

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171-hydrophobic solvent as defined herein is considered to be a solvent having Hansen hydrogen bonding cohe~ion parame~er dH below 18 (Joule/cm3)0 5 . Preferred hydrophobic solvents ha~e a Hansen hydrogen bonding cohesion parameter dH below 12 (Joule/cm3)~ 5 and a Hansen polar parameter dP below 8 (Joule/cm3)0-5 .

Preferred ~olvents for use comprise mixtures of hydrocarbons with a flash point no lower than 70~C, an initial boiling point no lower than 130~C and a solidification point not above 20~C and aliphatic fatty acid esters. More preferred solvents would be Al k~n~s or alkenes with a chain length above C7, and particularly alkanes and alkenes with an average of C8 to C20 atoms.
Particularly pre~erred hydrophobic solvents are deodorised kerosine; solvent naphta; chlorinated hydrocarbons; and terpenes. Even more pre~erred are paraffins; isoparaffins; naphthenes; aromatics; olefins;
1,1,1-trichloroethane perchloroethylene; methylene chloride; Shellsol SS~ mixture (C8-Cll isoparaffin t 5 aliphatic C7 ester); and D-T~i mo~ene ~ Solvents are used in the detergent compositions of the present invention preferably at a level of ~rom 3% to 90~, more preferably from 4~ to 45~, and most pre~erably from 5~ to 25~ by weight o~ the detergent composition.

Other solvents having a Hansen parameter of dH less than 18 ~oule/cm3)0 5 include glycol ethers, more preferably glycol ethers based upon ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are ethylene glycol monoethyl ether; Propylene glycol monomethyl ether; 2-butoxy ethanol; butyl diethylene glycol ether ethanol; butoxytriglycol;
butylene glycol; hexylene glycol; and propyl propanol.
Such solvents may, and preferably are, used in combination with either short chain surfactants, long chain surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

g In one embodiment of the invention the hydrophobic solvents defined above are used in combination with mixtures of short chain and long chain surfactants having preferably an overall HLB value of from 2 to 16, and more preferably from 8 to 14. Preferred molar ratio of short-chain to long chain ratios are from 1:10 to 10:1, more preferably between 1:3 and 3:1, most preferably about 1:1.
Surfactants are preferably present at a level of from 1 to 50~, more preferably 10 to 40~ and most preferably 15 to 30~ by weight of the detergent composition.

Short chain surfactants are surfactants which comprise a C6-C10 alkyl chain as their hydrophobic portion.
Preferred short-chain surfactants for use are the C4-C8 fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers with 2-~ E0. C6-C8 alkyl sulphonates, C6-C8 alkyl sulphates, C6-C8 alkyl ethoxy sulphates, C6-C10 betaines or C6-C10 amine oxides could also be useful.

Long-chain surfactants useful in the detergent compositions of the present invention include the following.

Water-soluble salts o~ the higher fatty acids, i.e., 'isoaps", are use~ul anionic sur~actants in the compositions herein. This includes alkali metal soaps such as the sodium, potassium, ethanolamine, ammonium, and alkyl~mmo~;um salts o~ higher ~atty acids containing from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, and preferably from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms. Soaps can be made by direct saponification of fats and oils or by the neutralization of ~ree ~atty acids. Particularly useful are the ethanolamine, sodium and potassium salts o~ the mixtures of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 -tallow, i.e., monoethanolamine, sodium or potassium tallow and coconut soap.

Useful anionic surfactants also include the water-soluble salts, preferably the alkali metal, ethanolamine, ammonium and alkylolammonium salts, of organic sulfuric reaction products having in their molecular structure an alkyl group cont~;n;ng from about lO to about 20 carbon atoms and a sulfonic acid or sulfuric acid ester group. (Included in the term "alkyl"
is the alkyl portion of acyl groups.) ~xamples of this group of synthetic surfactant~ are the alkyl sul~ates, especially those obtained by sulfating the higher alcohols (C8-Clg carbon atoms) such as those produced by reducing the glycerides of tallow or coconut oil; and the a-kyl benzene sulfonates in which the alkyl group contains from about 9 to about l~ carbon atoms, in straight or branched chain configuration, e.g., those of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,220,099 and

2,477,383; and methyl ester sulphonates. Especially valuable are l; n~ straight chain alkyl benzene sulfonates in which the average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is from about ll to 13, abbreviated as Cll-C13 LAS.

Other anionic surfactants herein are the alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates, especially those ethers of higher alcohols derived from tallow and coconut oil; coconut oil fatty acid monoglyceride sulfonates and sulfates;
salts of alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates containing from about l to about lO units of ethylene oxide per molecule and wherein the alkyl groups contain from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms; and salts of alkyl ethylene oxide ether sulfates cont~;n;ng from about l to about lO units of ethylene oxide per molecule and wherein the alkyl group contains from about lO to about 20 carbon atoms.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

other useful anionic surfactants herein include the wat~r-soluble salts of esters of alpha-sulfonated fatty acids containing from about 6 to 20 carbon atoms in the fatty acid group and from about 1 to 10 carbon atoms in the ester group; water-soluble salts of 2-acyloxy-alkane-1-sulfonic acids cont~;n;ng from about 2 to 9 carbon atoms in the acyl group and from about 9 to about 23 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety; alkyl ether sulfates containing from about 10 to 20 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from about 1 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide; watersoluble salt~ of olefin sul~onates cont~;n;ng from about 12 to 24 carbon atoms; and beta-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates cont~;n;ng from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety.

Water-soluble nonionic surfactants are also useful as surfactants in the compositions of the invention.
Indeed, preferred processes use anionic/nonionic blends.
Such nonionic materials include compounds produced by the con~n~tion of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound, which may be aliphatic or alkyl aromatic in nature. The length of the polyoxyalkylene group which is condensed with any particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield a water-soluble compound having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements.

Suitable nonionic surfactants include the polyethylene oxide ~o~n~ates of alkyl phenols, e.g., the con~n~ation products o~ alkyl phenols having an alkyl group cont~;n;ng from about 6 to 16 carbon atoms, in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration, with from about 4 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol.

-CA 02238497 l998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -.
Pre~erred nonionics are the water-soluble condensation products of aliphatic alcohols containing from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, in either straight chain or branched con~iguration, with from 1 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, especially 2 to 7 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group cont~;ning from about 9 to 15 carbon atoms; and con~n~ation products of propylene glycol with ethylene oxide.

Other preferred nonionics are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides which may be prepared by reacting a fatty acid ester and an N-alkyl polyhydroxy amine. The pre~erred amine for use in the present invention is N-(Rl)-CH2 (CH20H) 4-CH2-OH and the preferred ester is a C12-C20 fatty acid methyl ester. Most preferred is the reaction product of N-methyl glucamine ~which may be derived from glucose) with C12-C20 fatty acid methyl ester.

Methods of manufacturing polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have been described in WO 9206073, published on 16th April, 1992. Thi~ application describes the preparation of polyhydroxy fatty acid amides in the presence o~
solvents. In a highly preferred embodiment of the invention N-methyl glucamine is reacted with a C12-C20 methyl ester.

Semi-polar nonionic sur~actants include water-soluble amine oxides cont~;n;ng one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; water-soluble phosphine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting o~ alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups .;

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
WO 97/20099 PCT/US96~19171 containing from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl moieties o~ from about 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Ampholytic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic moiety can be either straight or branched chain and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and at least one aliphatic substituent contains an anionic water-solubilizing group.

Zwitterionic surfactants include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium phosphonium, and sulfonium compounds in which one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms.

Useful cationic surfactants include water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds of the form R4RsR6R7N+X~, wherein R4 is alkyl having from 10 to 20, preferably from 12-18 carbon atoms, and Rs, R6 and R7 are each C
to C7 alkyl preferably methyl; X~ is an anion, e.g.
chloride. Examples of such trimethyl ~mmo~; um compounds include C12_14 alkyl trimethyl ~mmon; um chloride and cocalkyl trimethyl ~mmon; um methosulfate.

Other surfactants that may be used in the compositions o~ the present invention include C10-Cl8 glycerol ethers, C10-18 alkyl polyglycoside and their corresponding sulphated polyglycosides, alkyl ester sulphonates, and oleoyl sarcosinate.

Enzymes can also be incorporated into the composition of the present invention.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
w097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 -The composition of the present invention can contain neutral or alkaline salts which have a pH in solution of ~even or greater, and can be either organic or inorganic in nature. While some of the salts are inert, many o~
them also function as detergency builder materials in the laundering solution.

Examples of neutral water-soluble salts include the alkali metal, ethanolamine, ammonium or substituted Am~o~;um chlorides, fluorides and sulfates. The sodium, ethanolamine and Ammon; um salts of the above are preferred. Citric acid and, in general, any other organic or inorganic acid may be incorporated into the present invention.

Other useful water-soluble salts include the compounds commonly known as detergent builder materials. Builders are generally selected from the various water-soluble, alkali metal, ethanolamine, ~mmo~; um or substituted Ammon; um phosphates, polyphosphates, phosphonates, polyphosphonates, carbonates, silicates, borates, and polyhydroxysulfonates. Preferred are the sodium, ethanolamine and ~m~n; um salts of the above.

Specific examples of inorganic phosphate builders are sodium and potassium tripolyphosphate, pyrophosphate, polymeric metaphosphate having a degree of polymerization of from about 6 to 21, and orthophosphate. Examples of polyphosphonate builders are the salts of ethylene diphosphonic acid, the salts of ethane 1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid and the salts of ethane, 1,1,2-triphosphonic acid. Other phosphorus builder compounds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.

3,159,581; 3,213,030; 3,422,021; 3,422,137; 3,400,176 and 3,400,148, incorporated herein by reference. In general, however, phosphates are preferably avoided for environmental reasons.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96119171 -Example~ of nonphosphorus, inorganic builders are sodium and potassium carbonate, bicarbonate, ses~uicarbonate, tetraborate decahydrate, and silicate having a molar ratio of SiO2 to alkali metal oxide of from about 0.5 to about

4.0, preferably from about l.0 to about 2.4.

It is preferred that the detergent composition used , herein is in li~uid form, comprising active components selected from those described above, the balance of the detergent composition, typically from 5~ to 92~ by weight, consisting of water. The preferred viscosity of the detergent composition is from l to lO000 mPa.s, more preferably from l to 4000 mPa.s, and most preferably from l to 300 mPa.s.

Hydrophilic solvents for use herein are considered to be those solvents having a Hansen parameter of either dH
more than 18 (Joule/cm3)0 5 , or dP more than 8 (Joule/cm3)0 5 Preferred hydrophilic solvents are: water (including aqueous solutions); alcohol ~ethanol, IPA); glycol ethers including diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and ethylene glycol; ethylene cyanohydrin; ethanol amine and triethanolamine.

Bleaching agents may also be useful in the method of the present invention for treating bleachable stains. The bleaching agents may be incorporated into the compositions described above, or may be added as separate bleaching compositions. Peroxide bleaching agents are most preferred.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097t20~99 PCT~S96/19171 ~

A~sorbent layers As used herein, the term "absorbent layers~ refers to ma~erials which absorb and contain fluids.

The absorbent layer may be any absorbent means which is generally compressible, conformable, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids. The absorbent pad may be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, round, asymmetric, etc.). Examples of suitable absorbent materials include co~m;nllted wood pulp, creped cellulose wadding; meltblown polymers;
chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;
superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials.
The configuration and construction of the absorbent pad may also be varied (e.g., the absorbent pad may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one or more layers or structures). Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent pad may be varied.

- Optionally, the absorbent layer can include a backsheet which can be either liquid permeable (poly film) or not (e.g. non-woven, too).If the backsheet is a poly film, the following applies: The poly backsheet is positioned on the bottom surface of the absorbent pad and is preferably joined thereto by attachment means such as those well known from the manufacture of disposable articles. For example, the backsheet may be secured to the absorbent pad by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive.

CA 02238497 l998-0~-2~

Adhesives which have been found to be satisfactory are manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota and marketed as HL-1258. The attachment means will preferably comprise an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive as is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,573,986 entltled "Disposable Waste-Cont~inm~nt Garment", which issued to Minetola et al. on March 4, 1986, more preferably several lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern such as i8 illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S.
Patent 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on October 7, ~975; ~.S. Patent 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, et al. on November 22, 1978; and U.S. Patent 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on June 27, 1989. Alternatively, the attac~m~nt means may comprise heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment means or combinations of these attachment means as are known in the art.
The backsheet is impervious to liquids and is preferably manufactured from a thin, heat resistant, plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The backsheet prevents the liquids absorbed and contained in the absorbent pad from wetting underlying materials. The backsheet may thus comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or composite materials ~uch as a ~ilm-coated nonwoven material.

Optionally, the ab60rbent layer may include a topsheet or outer, protective layer. The topsheet is liquid pervious permitting liquids to readily penetrate through - its thickness. Preferably, the characteristics of this outer protective layer includes :

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
WO 97/2009g PCTIUS96/19171 - that it be of appropriate design to substantially - prevent 1088 or transfer of fibers of the inner sorbent material outwardly there through, - that it preferably possesses sufficient heat transfer or heat sink characteristics, to inhibit transfer of sufficient heat through to the inner sorbent material to cause substantial melting thereof; and, - that it be relatively stable to heat from contact with a hot domestic iron or the like A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers3, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. There are a number of manufacturing techniques which may be used to manufacture this topsheet. For example, it may be a nonwoven web of fibers spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, combinations of the above, or the like. A preferred topsheet is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the fabrics art. A preferred topsheet comprises a web of staple length polypropylene fibers such as is manufactured by Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, ~as~h--~etts under the designatiion P-8.

Another usable non woven material is manufactured from Crown ~ellerbach of Camas, under the trade name Celestra.
.

The absorbent structure is located between the topsheet and the backsheet, and mig~t comprise these two as in integral element. It can be produced from a wide CA 02238497 l998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -variety of liquid-absorbent materials, such as also commonly used in disposable hygienic articles, such as diapers, catamenials or Adult incontinence articles.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as absorbent layer as used in the disposable industry are described in U.S. Patent 4,610,678 entitled "High-Density A~sorbent Structures" issued to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986; U. S. Patent 4,673,402 entitled "Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores~' issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; U. S . Patent 4,888,231 entitled "Absorbent Core Ha~ing A Dusting Layer" issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1939; and U.S. Patent 4,834,735, entitled "High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones~, issued to Alemany et al. on May 30, 1989. Other absorbent pad designs are described in European Patent Application No.'s 93305150.0 alld 93309614.1.

Exemplary designs comprise the use of fibrous (e.g.
cellulosic) materials in combination with "Superabsorbent materials", essentially hydrogel forming materials. Absorbent gelling materials are extensively used in absorbent hygiene articles such as diapers or sanitary napkins, due to their high absorption capacity ~or liquids, which may typically range from 15 g per gram to about 50 g/g. The gelling material is most often applied in particulate form in particle sizes ranging from 20 to 2000 micrometers.

EP-A-O 407 838 discloses a gel-forming material for use in foodstuf f S, which comprises a mixture of a crosslinked polymer and a non-crosslinked polymer for lump-free solution in water.

EP-A-O 278 601 discloses a mixture of an absorbent gelling polymer, such as formed from water-soluble, CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

ethylenically unsaturated monomers or crosslinked products thereof, including acrylic acid or a salt of acrylic acid as the main component, and inorganic material such as aluminia, or silica. The polymers in the mixture may be comprised of any combination o~ two or more chemically different types. The disclosed absorbent mixture is suited to absorb both low-viscosity and high-viscosity liquids.

Wo 91/12029 discloses an odor control composition comprising aggregated absorbent gelling material particles and zeolite material. The absorbent gelling material i8 made o~ hydrolized acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid gra~ted starch, polyacrylates, malice anhydride-ba~ed copolymers and combinations thereof.

US patent No 4,333,464 discloses a sanitary napkin having water absorbent polymer which may comprise a mixture of two types of absorbent gelling material from the group consisting of starch, ~-hydroxyethylacrylate, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid and acrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose, hydrophilic copolymers o~
acrylates, copolymers of a vinyl ester and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and their saponification products, polyvinyl alcohol, and its derivatives.

US patent no 4,902,544 discloses a flexible tubular casing comprising a crosslinked hydrocolloid and naturally occurring cellulose such as saw dust, crushed corncobs, cottonlinters, wood pulp and the like, ion-~ch~nge resins or clay minerals.

GB-B-1 544 002 discloses a mixture of a salt of an acrylic acid polymer and either guar gum, alginates or xanthan gum to provide an absorbent material with good CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

absorbent properties, irrespective of the presence of an electrolyte in the liquid to be absorbed. P~lyvalent ions may be incorporated in the absorbent composite.
.

US patent no 4,411,660 discloses in an absorbent product two layers of absorbent material of different types, such that the upper layer gels slower than the first layer.

European Patent Specification EP-B-0 401 189 discloses that favourable properties of absorbent products can be achieved by using two different types of absorbent gelling material in separate layers, rather than as a mixture of the two absorbent gelling materials in a single layer.

The hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers useful in the present invention include a variety of substantially water-insoluble, but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large ~uantities of liquids. Such polymers materials are also commonly referred to as "hydrocolloids", or ~'superabsorbent" materials. These hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers preferably have a multiplicity of anionic, functional groups, such as sulfonic acid, and more typically carboxy, groups.
Examples of polymers suitable for use herein include those which are prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-cont~;n;ng monomers. Thus, such monomers include the olefinically unsaturated acids and anhydrides that contain at least one carbon to carbon olefinic double bond. More specifically, these monomers can be selected from olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids and acid anhydrides, olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof.
Some non-acid monomers can also be included, usually in minor amounts, in preparing the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers herein. Such non-acid monomers can -CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097l20099 PCT~S96/19171 include, ~or example, the water-soluble or water-dispersible esters of the acid-containing monomers, as well as monomers that contain no carboxylic or sulfonic acid group~ at all. Optional non-acid monomers can thus include monomers cont~'n;ng the following types o~
functional groups: carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid esters, hydroxyl groups, amide-groups, amino groups, nitrile groups and guaternary ammonium salt groups.
These non-acid monomers are well-known materials and are described in greater detail, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,076,663 IMasuda et al), issued February 28, 1978, and in U.S. Patent 4,062,817 (Westerman), issued December 13, 1977, both of which are incorporated by re~erence.
Olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid and carboxylic acid anhydride monomers include the acrylic acids typified by acrylic acid itself, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, -chloroacrylic acid, a-cyanoacrylic acid, -methylacrylic acid (crotonic acid), -phenylacrylic acid, -acryloxypropionic acid, sorbic acid, -chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, c; nn~; C acid, p-chloroc; nn~m; C acid, -sterylacrylic acid, itaconic acid, citroconic acid, mesaconic acid, glutaconic acid, aconitic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tricarboxyethylene and maleic acid anhydride.
Olefinically unsaturated sul~onic acid monomers include aliphatic or aromatic vinyl sulfonic acids such as vinylsulfonic acid, alkyl sulfonic acid, vinyl toluene sulfonic acid and styrene sulfonic acid; acrylic and methacrylic sulfonic acid such as sulfoethyl acrylate, sulfoethyl methacrylate, sulfopropyl acrylate, sulfopropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl sul~onic acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid.
Preferred hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers ~or - use in the present invention contain carboxy groups.
These polymers include hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, partially neutralized starch-CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

acrylonitrile graft copolymers, starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, partially neutralized starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, saponified vinyl acetate-acrylic ester copolymers, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile or acrylamide copolymers, slightly network crosslinked polymers of any of the foregoing copolymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic acid, and slightly network crosslinked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acid.
These polymers can be used either solely or in the form of a mixture of two or more different polymers.
Examples of these polymer materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,661,875, U. S . Patent 4,076,663, U. S .
Patent 4,093,776, U. S . Patent 4,666,983, and U.S. Patent 4,734,478.
Most preferred polymer materials for use in making hydrogel-forming particles are slightly network crosslinked polymers of partially neutralized polyacrylic acids and starch derivatives thereof. Most pre~erably, the hydrogel-forming particles comprise from about 50 to about 95~, preferably about 75~, neutralized, slightly network crosslinked, polyacrylic acid (i.e. poly (sodium acrylate/acrylic acid)).
As described above, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers are preferably slightly network crosslinked.
Network crosslinking serves to render the polymer substantially water-insoluble and, in part, determines the absorptive capacity and extractable polymer content characteristics of the precursor particles and the resultant macrostructures. Processes for network crosslinking the polymers and typical network crosslinking agents are described in greater detail in the hereinbefore-referenced U.S. Patent 4,076,663, and in DE-A-4020780 (Dahmen).
Although the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers can have a size varying over a wide range, specific particle size distributions and sizes are preferred. For purposes of the present invention, particle size is CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 defined for hydrogel-~orming absorbent polymers that do not have a large greatest dimension/smallest dimension ratio such as fibers (e.g., granules, flakes, or pulverulents) as the ~;m~n~ion of a precursor particle that is determined by sieve size analysis. Thus, for example, a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particle that is retained on a standard #30 sieve with 600 ~icron openings is considered to have a particle size greater than 600 microns, a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particle that passes through the #30 sieve with 600 micron openings and is retained on a st~n~A~d #35 sieve with 500 micron openings is considered to have a particle size between 500 and 600 microns, and a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particle that passes through a #35 sieve with 500 micron openings is considered to have a particle size less than 500 microns. For preferred hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers useful in the present invention, the particles will generally range in size from about l micron to about 2000 microns, more pre~erably from about 20 microns to about lO00 microns.
Further, for purposes of this invention, the mas~
median particle size of the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers is important in determining the characteristics and properties of the resultant particles. The mass m~ n particle size of a given sample of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles is defined as the particle size that divides a sample in half on a mass basis. Instead of the mass median particle size, the mass average particle size could be specified as a measure for the ~;m~n~ion of the particles, wherein the mass average particle size is the average particle size of the sample on a mass basis. A method for determ; n; ng the mass median particle size of a sample is described hereinafter in the Test Methods section. The mass median particle size of the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles will generally be from about 20 -CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171-microns to about 1500 microns, more preferably from about 50 microns to about 1000 microns. For preferred hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers useful in the present invention, the particles have a mass median particle size less than about 1000 microns, more preferably less than about 600 microns, most preferably less than about 500 microns.
The particle size of materials having a large greatest dimension/smallest ~;m~n~ion such as fibers is typically defined by their largest ~;m~nqion. For example, if hydrogel-forming absorbent polymeric fibers are used in the present invention, the length o~ the fibers iB used to define the "particle size." (The denier and/or the diameter of the fibers can also be specified.) For exemplary embodiments of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers useful in the present invention, the fibers have a length greater than about 5 mm, preferably between about 10 mm and about 100 mm, more preferably between about 10 mm and about 50 mm.
Pre~erred hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles of the present invention are those which exhibit a high absorptive capacity or Teabag Centrifuge Capacity value. Absorptive capacity, or Teabag Centrifuge Capacity, re~ers to the capacity of a given polymer to absorb liquids with which it comes into contact under free-swelling conditions. TCC can vary significantly with the nature o~ the liquid being absorbed and with the mAnn~ in which the liquid contacts the polymer material. For purposes of the present invention, Teabag Centrifuge Capacity iq defined in terms of the amount of 0.9 ~ saline solution absorbed by any given polymer in terms of grams o~ saline solution per gram of polymer material in a Tea bag Centrifuge Capacity test procedure hereinafter defined in the Test Methods section. Preferred hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles of the present invention are those which have Teabag Centrifuge Capacity values of at CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0U99 PCT~S96/19171 -least about 20 grams, more preferably at least about 25 grams, of saline solution per gram o~ polymer material.
Typically, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles use~ul herein have Teabag Centrifuge Capacity values of from about 20 grams to about 70 grams o~
saline solution per gram of polymer. Mixtures of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers particles having this relatively high absorptive capacity characteristic are especially useful in the present invention since the resultant absorbent member formed from such particles can, by definition, hold desirably high amounts of fluid.

Other Absorbent structures for current absorbent pads can use of particulate Superabsorbent materials as described above, but forming a coherent structure ~rom these. Such "Porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures and methods of making same" are described in US patent

5,124,188 /WO 91/15362 assigned to Roe et al.

Alternatively, Superab~orbent highly absorbent foam materials suitable for use in current invention are described in US patent 5.328.935 and 5.338.766, assigned to Trokhan and Phan.

Alternatively, ~Absorbent Foam Materials for aqueous body fluids and absorbent articles cont~;n;ng such materials" as described in US patent 5.268.224 assigned to DesMarais et al. are suitable for current application, too Optionally, the absorbent structure may include some specialized materials developed to absorb oils and greases. One example o~ this is T-151 oil sorbent, a 3M
product, ~Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, ST. Paul, ~;~ne~ota3~ T-151 absorbent and s;m;lA~ absorbent materials are typically non-woven polymeric fiber webs CA 02238497 l998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

and include certain polyolefin polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, poly-4-methylpentene, arylene, styrene, and copolymers thereof, as well as polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbonates.

Met~ods Teabaq Centrifuge Ca~acity Test The Teabag Centrifuge Capacity test measures the Teabag Centri~uge Capacity values, which are a measure of the retention of liquids in the gelling material at hydrostatic pressure The superabsorbent material is placed within a "teabag", immersed in a 0.9 % by weight sodium chloride solution for 20 minutes, and then centrifuged for 3 minutes. The ratio of the retained li~uid weight to the initial weight o~ the dry superabsorbent material is the absorptive capacity of the superabsorbent material.
21 of O.g~ by weight sodium chloride in distilled water is poured into a tray having ~;m~n~ions 24cm x 30 cm x 5cm. The liquid ~illing height should be about 3cm.
The teabag pouch has ~;m~n~ions 6.5cm x 6.5cm and is available ~rom a company called Tee~anne in Dusseldorf, Germany. The pouch is heat sealable with a g~n~d kitchen plastic bag sealing device (e.g.
VACUPACK2 PLUS from Krups, Germany).
The teabag i8 opened by carefully cutting it partially, and is then weighed. A 0.200g +/- 0.005g sample of the superabsorbent material is placed in the teabag. The teabag is then closed with a heat sealer.
This is called the sample teabag.
An empty teabag is sealed and used as a blank.
Each teabag is then held horizontally, and the sample teabag i6 shaken so as to distribute the superabsorbent material evenly throughout the bag. The CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PC~S96/19171 ~

sample teabag and the blank teabag are then laid on the surface o~ the saline solution, and submerged for about ~econds using a spatular to allow complete wetting (the teabags will ~10at on the surface o~ the saline solution but are completely wetted). The timer is started immediately.
After 20 minutes soaking time the sample teabag and the blank teabag are removed ~rom the saline solution, and placed in a Bauknecht WS130, Bosch 772 NZK096 or equivalent centrifuge ~230 mm diameter), so that each bag sticks to the outer wall of the centrifuge basket.
The centrifuge lid is closed, the centrifuge is started, and the speed increased quickly to 1,40Orpm. Once the centrifuge has been stabilised at 1,400rpm the timer is started. After 3 minutes, the centrifuge is 6topped.
The sample teabag and the blank teabag are removed and weighed separately.
The Teabag Centrifuge Capacity (TCC) for the sample of superabsorbent hydrogel-~orming material ' i6 calculated as follows:
TCC = [(sample teabag weight after centrifuging) - (blank teabag weight after centrifuging) - (dry superabsorbent hydrogel-forming material weight)J . (dry superabsorbent material weight).

Mass median particle size determination The particle size distribution of superabsorbent material is determined by placing a known weight of a sample in a Retsch mechanical ~ieving device, and shaking for a specified period of time under defined conditions. Sample sections that are retained on each sieve and the bottom pan are weighed and reported as percentages of the original sample weight.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

lOOg +/- 0.5g of dry superabsorbent polymeric material is weighed into a sample 8up which is then closed by a lid.
Four sieves are nested from bottom to top as follows: stainless steel bottom pan, No. 325, No. 100, No. 50 and No. 20; these being numbers of the U.S. sieve series (ASTM-E-11-61~. The sample is transferred to the upper most of the series of sieves, and the powder is distributed evenly around the screen. A stainless steel cover is places on the No. 20 sieve.
The nested sieves are placed in position on a Retsch testing sieve shaker Vibotronic Type VBl with timer. It is ensured that the Retsch lid fits a ~
tightly as possible against the top of the shaker. The timer is set for 10 minutes, and started to begin the test. When the shaker has stopped, the nest of sieves i8 removed from the shaker.
~ ach of the sieve fractions ret~; n~ by the sieve is then weighed, for example by different measurements, to the nearest O.Og.
I-t is important to work ~uickly in this test to avoid moisture pickup by the superabsorbent material.

The mass median particle size of a given sample of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles is defined as the particle size that divides the sample in half on a mass basis, i.e., one-half of the sample by weight will have a particle size less than the ma~s median size and one-half of the sample will have a particle size greater than the mass median size. A standard particle-size plotting method (wherein the cumulative weight percent of the particle sample retained on or passed through a given sieve size opening is plotted versus sieve size opening on probability paper) is typically - used to determine mass median particle size when the 50 mass value does not correspond to the size opening of a U.S.A. Standard Testing Sieve. These methods for CA 02238497 l998-05-25 wo s7nooss determining particle sizes o~ the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer particles are ~urther described in U.S. Patent 5,061,259 (Goldman et. al), issued October 29, 1991, which is incorporated by re~erence.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -Examples In the examples, all compositions are expressed as ~ by weight (unless otherwise stated).

Examples l to 78 CompositionsEx. l Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Limonene 18.3 36 23.5 Shellsol ~ 23.5 Monoethanol Amine 3 5.8 5.8 HLAS l6.5 Butyl carbitol lo 18 ll.7 ll.7 Oleic Acid 9 6 6 Alkyl sulphate C8AS lO 7.8 7.8 Water Balance Balance Balance Balance CompositionsEx. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Shellsol ~ 20 60 25 Ethylene glycol lS 7 monobutyl ether Trichloroethylene 5 Sodium lauryl 15 5 sulphate Alkyl sulphate C8AS 4 Dehydol C8E04 ~ 3 5 - Dobanol 25C3 ~ 3 lO
Water Balance Balance Balance Balance In Table l, Shellsol ~ is a mixture of C8-Cll isoparaffins with 5~ aliphatic C7 ester. Dehydol ~ is a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether octyl 4E0, supplied by - Henkel. Dobanol is a ethoxylated primary alcohol 3E0 supplied by Shell.

CA 02238497 lssx-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171-A set of polycotton swatches (50mm square) were soiled with make-up, chocolate sauce and tomato sauce. The stain was left to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature ~c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). Each soiled swatch was cleaned by the following method:

1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was the absorbent core of a diaper).

2. 1 ml of the composition of Example 1 was dripped on to the stained area.

3. The stained area was brushed with a conventional electrical toothbrush for 10 seconds (the toothbrush used, a Braun~ dental d3, was one normally intended for daily oral care).

4. The steps 2. and 3. were repeated one more time.

5. 1 ml of distilled water was dripped on to the s~Aine~
area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature of 120~C for 10 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, a~ normally used for removing wrinkles in ~abrics, was used.

6. Step 5. was repeated with a further 2ml of distilled water.

7. The swatch was dried and smoothed.

The method of cleaning was repeated on stained swatches using the compositions of Examples 2 to 78 in place of the composition of Example 1.

CA 02238497 l998-05-25 W097/20099 PCT~US96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 9 Ex. lO Ex. ll Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Perchlorethylene 99.693 95.8 95 84.25 59.23 MEA-LAS1 0.3 40 Sodium Dodecyl sulphate 0.03 0.0047 Sodium Dioctyl 3.2 sul~osuccinate Nonyl Phenol ethoxylate 4.97 0.7455

8 EO
Isopropanol 0.005 Ethylene glycol 0.5 monobutyl ether Brightener 0.0002 0.02 Water RA1 AnC R~1 ~nCe e lMonoethanol amine salt of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid W097~0099 PCT~US96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. Ex. Ex. 18 Perchlorethylene 40 20 Stoddard solvent 95 Ethylene glycol 5 5 25 monobutyl ether Octyl phenol 50 lO
ethoxylate EO 7-8 Nonyl phenol 5 ethoxylate EO 6 Isopropyl 5 50 dodecylbenzene Sl~l ph~n~te Coconut diethanolamide Isopropyl alcohol 5 25 Mineral spirits 69 Mineral Oil 24 Optical bright~n~r Per~ume O.l O.l Water R~1 AnCe RA1 ;~n~

W097l20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. l9 Butoxy propoxy propanol 7 l,2 octanediol 0 5 Pemulen TR-l (emulsifier from Goodrich) 0.15 KOH 0.08 Perfume 0 75 Water Balance pH=6.5 Ingredient Ex. 20 Ex. 2l Shellsol SS 33 lO
Cl2-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate E03 16 6 Cl2-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate E09 16 6 Isopropyl alcohol 13 13 Oleic fatty acid 6 2 Triethano~ ~m; ne 3 l.O5 Sodium xylene sulfonate 2.4 Water Balance Balance WO 97/20099PCTAJS96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 22Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Sodium dodecyl sulphate 15 Sodium Hexadecyl 15 sulphate Nonyl phenol ethoxylate 40 Octyl phenol ethoxylate 40 Octyl phenol ethoxylate 15 Pentanol 55 50 40 40 55 Water BalanceR~7 Ance,RA1 Ant~e RA1 Anr~e RA1 AnC~e Ingredient EX. 27 Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Shellsol SS 25 High flash ~phtA* 50 l0 Xerosene 30 Sodium dodecyl sulphate 16 Ammonium t7~ AnoYy-polyethlenoxy 36 40 ethyl sufate mono-butyl ether of ethylene glycol20 2.5 Perfume 0.2 0.2 0.2 WaterRA1 Ant~e RA1 ~nce RA7 AnCe * Hi-flash Naphta, a mixture of saturated hydrocarbon from Amsco Company Ingredient Ex. 30 Ex. 31 Ex. 32 Cyclo~Y~nol 7 6 5 isopropanol 2 2.5 toluene 20 20 15 1,2 dichloroethane 18 20 6 -CA 02238497 l998-05-25 W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -1,1,1 trichloroethane 45 40 65 Water Balance Balance Balance Ingredient Ex. 33 Ex. 34 Ex. 35 Ex. 36 Citric acid 5 5 16.1 3.57 NaOH 3.1 3.1 10 2.21 Sodium dioctyl 6 6 1.6 4.28 sulphosuccinate Nonylnonoxylnol-7 phosphate 2 1.6 1.42 Isopar Kl 20 20 16 42.85 Sorbitan ester (monooleate) 0.6 0.48 0.42 Polyethylene sorbitan ester 1.4 1.12 (monooleate) T.;mr n~ne 1 1 1 0.71 Water R~l ~nc R~l ~n~ R~1 ~nc R~l ~n~
e e e e C10-C12 isoparaffinic hydrocarbon, from Rxxon Ingredient Ex. 37 Ex. 38 Ex. 39 Ex. 40 Ex. 41 LAS 0.32 Coconut alkyl sulphate 5.28 C12-C14 alkyl ethoxylate 6.32 C13-C15 alkyl ethoxylate 7.84 7.47 35.88 23 Fatty acid ~ 6.2 0.16 Citric acid 1.03 - IPA
Paraffin C9-C12 40 47.24 Water R~1 ~nce Balance RA 1 ~nr~ R~ l~n~e Balance W O 97~0099 PCT~US96/19171 Ingredient Ex. 42 Ex. 43Ex. 44Ex. 45 Ex. 46 Cl3-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate 12 Cl3-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate 3 5 C8 alkyl sulphate lO 14 14 C8 alkyl sulphonate 9 20 C7-C9 alkyl ethoxylate 5 C8 alkyl ethoxylate E04 C8-ClO alkyl ethoxylate 20 9 C8-ClO alkyl ethoxylate 20 20 Cl2-Cl3 alkyl ethoxylate 8 8 Cl3-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate 6 5 Citric acid 6 3 12 12 Monoe~hAnolamine Triethanolamine 3 Diethylene Glycol 6 30 :- -hntyl ether Potassiu~ ~ ~h~n~ te 4 4 Palm Kernel Fatty acid l.2 2-Butyl octanol Water and minors R~l ~n~e Balance R~l ~n~e R~l ~n~e R~l ~nce CA 02238497 l998-05-25 W O 97l20099 PCTAUS96/19171 ~

Ingredient 3x. 47 Ex. 48 Ex. 49 Ex. 50 Cl0 alkyl sulphate l.2 Cl2-Cl4 alkyl sulphate 0.5 Cl3-Cl5 EO 30 0.75 Cl2-Cl3 EO 6.5 o,g Cl2-Cl3 EO 3 Cl4-Cl5 EO 7 C9-Cll EO l0 l.6 2.6 Phosphonate 0.18 0.3 PVP 0.2 H~lo~ Peroxide 6.8 7 6 Ghlorine 5 Sulphuric Acid 0.013 0.013 NaOH l.4 ~ Na2CO3 1.25 Na2SiO3 0.5 Iso~ol 12 0.49 2 Hexyl ~n~l 0 3 MA/A~.l 1 Isopropyl alcohol 5 Optical bright~n~r 0.04 0.06 Dye 0.0006 0.0006 Pe~LI 0.25 Water R~l ~nr~e R;~ n-~e R;~l ~n~e Rs~7 ;~nce pH 4 lMA/AA = Acrylic maleic based copolymers, MW of 70000, the ratio o~ acrylate to maleate segments vary from 10:1 to 2:1. Sokalan CP5 from BASF

Ingredient Ex. 5I Ex. s2 Ex. 53 Cl2 dimethyl amine oxide . l l l.8 CA 02238497 l998-05-25 C8 alkyl sulphate 4 8 polyacrylate (polygel DK), 1.5 thickener C12 fatty acid (thickener) 0.8 Sodium benzoate 0.5 NaOE up to pH 12-13 12-13 12-13 Water Balance Balance Balance Ingredient Ex. 54 Ex. 55 Ex. 56 C14-C17 alkyl sulphonate 27 20 35 C12-C15 alkyl ether sulphate (EO 3) 4 5 8.5 C9-C11 alkyl ethoxylate EO 8 5.4 11 C8-C18 alkyl sulphate 4 }.85 Water R~l~nc Balanc Balanc e e e Ingredient Ex. 57 Ex. 58 Ex. 59 3-(N-dodecyl-N-N-dimethyl)-2~ 2 10 hydroxy-propane-l sul~onate C9-Cll alkyl ethoxylate EO 2.5 1.1 5 C9-C11 alkyl ethoxylate EO 6 2.9 15 C9-C11 alkyl ethoxylate EO 8 3 Butoxy Propoxy Propanol 5 25 Oxydisuccinic acid 10 10 Sodium cumene sulfonate 4.2 20 Maleic acid 20 Water RA1 ~nC Ba~anc RA1 AnC
e e e pH,1 Ingredient Ex. 60 Ex. 61 W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171-Cl2-Cl3 EO 6.5 2.5 25 Dipropylene Glycol Monbutyl Ether 3 30 Monoethanolamine 0.5 5 Sodium Dodecyl~enzene sulfonate 0.5 3 Coconut Fatty acid 0.03 3 Water Balance Balance Ingredi~nt Ex. 62 Ex. 63 Sodium Lauryl Sulphate 12.6 12.6 Isopropanol 3 16.5 Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether 2 Amyl Acetate 0.25 0.3 Monopotassium Phosphate O.9 0.9 Methylene chloride 5 Sodium EDTA 0.05 Water Balance Balance IngredientEx. 64 Ex. 65 Ex. Ex. Ex.

~ne 67 Decane 25 32.5 Dodecane 2.5 lO
Cl2-Cls alkyl ethoxylate EO 9 20 Cl4-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate EO 8 20 Cl2-Cl3 alkyl ethoxylate EO 35 5.5 Cl6-Cl8 alkyl ethoxylate EO 9 12.5 40 Ethylene glycol 55 13 81 47.5 Glycerol 4 2.5 PEG 300 32.5 W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 69 Ex. 70 Ex. 71 Sodium 2, 6, 9 trioxa- 12 6 . 4 hexyleicosyl sulphate Sodium dodecylbenzene ll.7 ll.7 sulphonoate Butanol 4.l 7.3 7.3 NaCl 4.4 2 . 9 2 . 9 Kerosene 8.5 isoparaf~inic hydrocarbon 6.2 pine oil 8.5 Water Balance Balance Balance . .

CA 02238497 l998-05-25 W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 72 Ex. 73 Cl4-Cl5 alkyl ethoxylate EO 2.25 sulphate 18 9 Cl2-Cl3 alkyl ethoxylate EO 6.5 2 Cl2-Cl4 N-methylglucamide 6 3 Citric acid 4 2 Cl2-Cl4 fatty acid 2 Ethanol 4 2 l,2 prop~n~Ai ol 7 3.5 Monoethnol ~mi n~ 1 0 . 5 optical brightener 0.l Soil release polymerl 0.3 0.15 Boric acid 2.5 l.25 Protease l.4 0.7 Lipase 0.18 o.og Polyethylene glycol tMW 4000) 1.5 0.75 Polyaspartic acid (MW l0,000) 0.5 0.25 NaOH up to up to pH=l0 pH=l0 Water R~l Anc Balanc e e lEthoxylated copolymer o~ polyethylene-polypropylene terephtalate polysul~onic acid Ingredient Ex. 74 Ex. 75 Ex. 76 Ex. 77 Ex. 78 Alkyl sulphate 16.75 1.6 4.48 Alkyl ethoxy sulphate 2 0.2 13.58 LAS 7,57 Cl2-Cl5 alkyl 5.5 0.55 l0 5.61 ethoxylate EO7 Cl2-Cl8 N- 5.5 0.55 methylglucamide W O 97~0099 PCTnJS96/19171 -Citric acid 1 0.1 16.8 0.63 1.56 Fatty acid 10.5 1.05 2.9 13.67 Carbonate 1.2 PropAn~;ol 11.5 1.15 6.97 Ethanol 1.4 0.14 5.08 Glycerine 4,54 MEA 7.8 0.78 NaOH 1.2 0.12 Phosphonate 1 0.01 0.5 0.21 Zeolite 28.01 Ethoxylated 0.25 0.025 tetraethylenp~ntAmine Soil release polymer 0.15 0.015 CMC
Protease 0.5 0.05 0.5 Lipolase 0.07 0.007 Amylase 0.15 0.015 0.18 Cellula~e 0.03 0.003 CaCl2 0.02 0.002 Boric acid 3-5 0~35 Silicone oil 0.2 Dispersant 0.02 Silica 0.013 Propyl 0.02 trime~hoxysilane Optical brightener 0.15 0.0147 Dye 0.001 Water R;~1 ~qnCe RA1 :~ncl9 Balance R5~ nCe R~1 Anre pH=8.5 Example 79 CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

9 PCT/US96/19171 A set of wool, polycotton and cotton swatches (50mm square) were soiled with honey, salad dressing and tomato sauce. The stain was left to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60%R~) Each soiled swatch was cleaned by the ~ollowing method.

1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was the absorbent core o~ a diaper).

2. 1 ml of the composition of Example 74 was applied on to the stained area by means of an applicator of design indicated in fig 1. This applicator comprised a bottle, a cap with a pad of polyurethane ~oam attached to it.
The cap has a small central opening through which the liquid can pass.

A~ter application of the detergent composition, the stain was massaged with the outer surface of the pad to loosen it.

3. 1 ml of distilled water was sprayed on the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature o~ 80~C ~or lS seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used ~or removing wrinkles in fabrics, was used.

4. Step 3. was repeated with a further 2ml of distilled water.

5. The swatch was then dried and smoothed.

The method o~ cl~n; ng was repeated on stained swatches using the applicator of ~igures 2 to 7 in place of the applicator o~ figure 1.

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
WO 97/~0099 PCT/US96/19171 The method of cleaning was repeated on polycotton swatches stained with dirty motor oil using the applicator of ~igure 4 in place of the applicator of ~igure 1 and the cleaning composition of example 5 in place of the composition of example 74.

Examples 80 to 93 A set of cotton swatches (50mm square) were soiled with lipstick and clay. The stain was left to age ~or a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). Each soiled swatch was cleaned ~y the following method.

1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was the absorbent core of a diaper).

2. 1 ml o~ the composition of Example 6 was applied on to the stained area by means o~ an applicator of a design indicated in fig 7. After application of the detergent composition, the stain was massaged with the tip of the cleansing bottle to loosen it.

3. 1 ml of the composition of Example 80 was sprayed on the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature of lQ0~C for 15 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used for removing wrinkles in fabrics, was used.

4. Step 3 was repeated with a further 2ml of distilled water.

5. The swatch was then dried and smoothed.

w097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

The method of cleaning was repeated on stained swatches using the applicator of examples 81 to 93 in place o~
the composition of example 80.
.

Ingredient Ex. 80 Ex. 81 Isopropyl alcohol 18 10 C8 Alkyl phenol ethoxylate E07-8 0.5 C8-C18 alkyl ethoxylate E0 7-8 0.5 Citric acid 3 Amonium Hydroxide 2 Mazawet DF wetting agent (~rom 0.2 Mazer) Masil 1066c emulsion1 0.2 Coconut amine 0.4 Water Balance Balance 1Specialty silicone ~luid from Mazer CA 02238497 l998-05-25 W097/20099 PCT~US96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 82 Ex. 83 Ex. 84 Ex. 85 Ex. 86 Isopropyl alcohol 15 5 50 35 8 methanol 47 Diethylene glycol 7,5 m~no,m~thylether Ethylene glycol n- l butyl ether C12-15 alkyl 0.1 ethoxylate EO 6.5 Nonyl phenol 0,5 ethoxylate EO 9 Ammon; um . 0.15 ethoxysulphate (Nedodol 25-3a) Triton Qs-3ol 0.5 Caprylo~mrho~;~cetate 0.3 Ammonium hydroxide 0.15 Water RA1 ~nC Balanc R~1 ~nC R~1 ~nC R~1 ~nC
e e e e e 1Phosphate ester 2Wetting agent Ingredient Ex. 87 Ex. 88 Ex. 89 Ex. 90 Octyl phenol ethoxylate EO5 20 5 Octyl phenol ethoxylate E9- 2.5 Octyl phenol ethoxylate 5 5 C12-C14 alkyl sulphate 10 Triton H661 7.5 7.5 2 W097~0099 PCT~US96/19171 ~

Dipropylene glycol methyl 4 4 6 ether Phosphonate 2 Citric acid 15 3 Pine oil 0.25 Water Balanc R~l AnC R~l ~nc Balanc e e e e Potassium phosphate ester from Rohm and Haas CA 02238497 l998-05-25 W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

Ingredient Ex. 9l Ex. 92 Ex. 93 ClO alkyl sulphate l.2 Cl2-Cl4 alkyl sulphate 0,5 Cl3-Cl5 EO 3Q 0.75 Cl2-Cl3 EO 6.5 0.9 Cl2-Cl3 EO 3 Cl4-Cl5 EO 7 C9-Cll EO lO 1.6 2.6 Phosphonate 0.18 0.3 PVP 0.2 Isofol 12 0.49 2 Hexyl decanol 0.3 MA/AAl Isopropyl alcohol 5 Water and minors Balance Balance Balance lMA/AA = Acrylic maleic based copolymers, MW o~ 70000, the ratio of acrylate to maleate segments vary ~rom lO:l to 2:l. Sokalan CP5 ~rom BASF

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

Example 94 A set o~ silk and wool swatches (50mm s~uare~ were soiled with make-up and tomato sauce. The stain was le~t to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60~H). Each soiled swatch was cleaned by the following method.

1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was the absorbent core of a diaper).

2. A non-linting sheet is prepared using a non-woven, two-ply fabric stock comprising polyester fibres, calliper 0.25 to 0.34 mm, basis weight 84g/m2. The fabric is cut into a 1OOcm2 sheet, lOcm on a side. 10 g of the composition of example 19 are applied by dipping the composition onto the substrate, followed by squeezing with a roller.

This sheet is placed on top of the soiled area. The area o~ overlap between the paper and the 80il i8 brushed with a toothbrush for lO seconds. A typical pre~sure as normally used to clean teeth was used. After brushing the paper i~ discarded.

3. 1 ml of water was sprayed on the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature of 40~C for 15 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used for removing wrinkles in fabrics, was used.

4. Step 3. was repeated with a further 2ml of water.

5. The swatch was then dried and smoothed.

_ CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~

In an alternate mode, the soiled area was pretreated by pressing or rubbing with a sheet prepared according to the instructions given here above. After pretreatment with the cleaning sheet, the stained area was cleaned with the iron in the manner described in steps 3, 4 and herein. In this mode of application, during the rubbing stage, the stain is pushed through the fabric onto the underlying absorbent paper.

Example 95 A set of silk and wool swatches (50mm square) were soiled with make-up and tomato sauce. The stain was le~t to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature ~c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). Each soiled swatch was cleaned by the following method.

1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was a sheet of kitchen paper towel).

2. A non-linting sheet is prepared using a non-woven, two-ply fabric stock comprising polyester fibres, calliper 0.25 to 0.34 mm, basis weight 84g/m2. The fabric is cut into a lOOcm2 sheet, lOcm on a side. 10 g of the composition of example 19 are applied by dipping the composition onto the substrate, followed by squeezing with a roller.

This sheet is placed on top of the soiled area. The soiled area sandwiched between the paper towel and the cleaning sheet was inserted between the clips of the device of a design given in fig 8. The body of the device is made of plastic, a pad of polyurethane foam is attached on each side o~ the clip.

CA 02238497 l998-0~-2~
W097~099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

A~ter insertion o~ the sheet/~oil/absorbent paper assembly within the clips. The gap between the sponges is closed by applying pressure to the connecting means as indicated by the arrow, thereby causing the sponges to contact with the cleaning sheet and the paper towel.
The tool thus designed allows pushing of the stain through the fabric onto the underlying absorbent paper without any damage to the fabric.

3. 1 ml o~ water was sprayed on the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature of 40~C for 15 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used for removing wrinkles in fabrics, was used.

4. Step 3. was repeated with a further 2ml of water.

5. The swatch was then dried and smoothed.

The method o~ cleaning was repeated on stained swatches using the spot cleaning device of Fig. 9 in place of the spot cleaning device o~ Fig. 8.

Example 96 A set o~ polycotton swatches (50mm square) were soiled with make-up, chocolate sauce and tomato sauce. The - stain was left to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). Each soiled swatch was cleaned by the ~ollowing method:

1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was the absorbent core of a diaper).

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -2. 1 ml of the composition o~ Example 1 was dripped on to the stained area.

3. The stained area was brushed with a dual-temperature cordless massager ~rom Ultratherm~, model TM2000.

4. The step~ 2. and 3. were repeated one more time.

5. 1 ml of distilled water was dripped on to the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature o~ 120~C for 10 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used for removing wrinkles in ~abrics, was used.

6. Step 5. was repeated with a further 2ml of distilled water.

7. The swatch was dried and smoothed.

The method o~ cleaning was repeated on stained swatche~
using the compositions o~ Examples 2 to 5, and 19 in place o~ the composition o~ Example 1.

Example 97 A set of polycotton swatches (50mm square) were soiled with make-up, chocolate sauce and tomato sauce. The stain was le~t to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). ~ach soiled swatch was cleaned by the ~ollowing method:

CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171-1. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absorbent paper (the paper used was the ab~orbent core of a diaper).

2. 1 ml of composition of example 19 was dripped on to the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron (Braun~ Saphir 7000~ set at a temperature of 100~C for 10 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as - normally used for removing wrinkles in fabrics, was used.

3. The steps 2. and 3. were repeated one more time.

4. 1 ml of distilled water was dripped on to the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature of 120~C for 10 seconds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used for removing wrinkles in fabrics; was used.

5. Step 4. was repeated with a further 2ml of distilled water.

6. The swatch was dried and smoothed.

The method of cle~n i ng was repeated on stained swatches using the compositions of Examples 1 to 8, and in place of the composition of Example 19.

Example 98 A set of silk and wool swatches (50mm s~uare) were soiled with make-up, chocolate sauce and tomato sauce.
The stain was left to age for a day, in the dark, at CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). Each soiled swatch was cleaned by the following method:

l. The stained area was placed directly upon a strip of absor~ent paper (the paper used was the absorbent core of a diaper).

2. The water tank of a Rowenta Steam Brush DA55 was filled with the composition of Example l9. The appliance was placed over the stained area, and l ml of the detergent composition was steamed on to it.

3. lml of the detergent composition was steamed over the soiled area. At the same time, the soiled area was brushed with the cloth brush attached to the head of the appliance.

4. The steps 2. and 3. were repeated one more time.

5. l ml of distilled water was dripped on to the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature o~ 120~C ~or lO seconds. A typica}
ironing pressure, as normally used for l~l.,oving wrinkles in ~abrics, was used.

6. Step 5. was repeated with a further 2ml o~ distilled water.

7. The swatch was dried and smoothed.

In an alternate mode, a~ter the pretreament with the detergent composition indicated in steps 2, 3 and 4 herein . The water tank was emptied of the detergent composition and filled with distilled water. lml o~
distilled water was then dripped on to the stained area, CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
W097~0099 PCT~S96/19171 ~

and pressure and heat were applied using the Rowenta~
Steam Brush DA55.
Example 99 A set of silk and wool swatches (50mm square3 were soiled with make-up and tomato sauce. The stain was left to age for a day, in the dark, at normal room temperature (c.a. 20~C, 60~RH). ~ach soiled swatch was cleaned by the following method.

1. A non-linting sheet is prepared using a non-woven, two-ply fabric stock comprising polyester ~ibres, calliper 0.25 to 0.34 mm, basis weight 84g/m2. The fabric is cut into a 100 cm2 sheet, 10 cm on a side. 10 g of the composition of example 19 are applied by dipping the composition onto the substrate, followed by squeezing with a roller.

A hand-held spot removal device as shown in Figure 10 is prepared using conventional plastic injection molding techniques and apparatus. The arms which comprise the connecting means are fashioned $rom polypropylene, about (O.48 cm) in thickness. The connecting means may each have a uniform width of about (1.9 cm), or can be shaped to provide a more aesthetically pleasing aspect by gently narrowing the connecting means to a width of about (1.27cm) at the bend shown in the Figure. The overall length of the device is about (13.34 cm).

The diameter of the base of each treatment member is about (3.33 cm) and the diameter of the region of the looped protrusions extending outwardly from each - treatment member is about (2.86 cm).

Due to the angle of the bend between the arms o~ the connecting means and the resiliency of the polypropylene, the gap between the first and second CA 02238497 1998-0~-2~
WO 97/20099 PCT/US96/19~71 treatment members is about (1.59 cm) when the device is at rest. When squeezed by hand pressure, the gap is easily closed such that the protrusions which extend from each treatment members are brought into contact with opposite sides of the stains on the fabrics being treated.
With respect to the multiple protusions which comprise the first and second treatment member, in this device the protrusions comprise stiff, looped monofilament fibers which extend from the face of each treatment member for a distance of about 2.0 mm.

The soiled area is moistened with cleaning composition by gently dabbing it with a sheet article of the foregoing type. Once moist, a device of the type shown in Figure 10 is placed at the stained area, with the treatment members on either side of the fabric area of staining. The device is squeezed 10-30 times, slowly, to bring the illustrated looped protuberances into close contact with the fabric, thereby loosening the stain without damaging the fabric surface. The area is then again padded with the sheet article.

2. The stained area was then placed directly upon a slip of absorbent paper (the paper used was a sheet of kitchen paper towel).

3. 1 ml of water was sprayed on the stained area, and pressure and heat were applied using an iron set at a temperature of 40~C ~or 15 ~econds. A typical ironing pressure, as normally used for ,e...oving wrinkles in fabrics, was used.

4. Step 3 was repeated with a further 2 ml of water.

5. The swatch was then dried and smoothed.

W097/20099 PCT~S96/19171 -The method o~ cleaning was repeated on stained swatches using the spot cleaning device of Figure 8 to 9 in place of the spot c~eaning device of Figure 10.

Claims (9)

What is claimed is:

1. A method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric comprising the steps of:
applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain;
placing an absorbent layer adjacent to one side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain; and applying heat, pressure, or heat and pressure, to the opposing side of the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, so that some or all of the spot or stain is absorbed into the absorbent layer.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of applying heat, pressure, or both heat and pressure to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain also comprises the step of applying a hydrophilic solvent, or water to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain.

3. A method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric according to claim 2 comprising the steps of:
(a) applying a detergent composition to the spot or stain and placing an absorbent layer adjacent to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and a first means for transferring some or all of the spot or stain into the absorbent layer; and subsequently (b) applying a hydrophilic solvent, or water, to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and placing an absorbent layer adjacent to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain and a second means for transferring some or all of the spot or stain into the absorbent layer.

4. A method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric according to claim 3 wherein the second means for transferring some or all of the spot or stain, comprises the step of applying heat to the textile fabric in the region of the spot or stain, which is preferably carried out using a hand-held domestic iron.

5. A method of treating a spot or stain on a textile fabric according to either of claims 3 or 4 wherein the first means for transferring some or all of the spot or stain, comprises the step of rubbing, pressing or brushing the spot or stain.

6. A method according to any of the previous claims wherein the detergent composition comprises a hydrophobic solvent.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the hydrophobic solvent is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cyclo-aliphatic, halogen-substituted aliphatic, aromatic hydrocarbons, isoparaffin, terpenes and mixtures thereof.

8. A method according to claim 6 wherein the detergent composition further comprises surfactant having a carbon chain length of from C4 to C10, and surfactant having a carbon chain length of C12 to C20.

9. A method according to claim 6 wherein the detergent composition comprises:
a) from 3 to 90% by weight of hydrophobic solvent;
b) from 5 to 50% by weight of surfactant; and c) from 5% to 92% by weight of water.