Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/26—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
  • C11D3/33—Amino carboxylic acids
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D1/00—Detergent compositions based essentially on surface-active compounds; Use of these compounds as a detergent
  • C11D1/02—Anionic compounds
  • C11D1/12—Sulfonic acids or sulfuric acid esters; Salts thereof
  • C11D1/22—Sulfonic acids or sulfuric acid esters; Salts thereof derived from aromatic compounds
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/20—Organic compounds containing oxygen
  • C11D3/2075—Carboxylic acids-salts thereof
  • C11D3/2086—Hydroxy carboxylic acids-salts thereof
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/26—Organic compounds containing nitrogen
  • C11D3/30—Amines; Substituted amines ; Quaternized amines
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/36—Organic compounds containing phosphorus
  • C11D3/361—Phosphonates, phosphinates or phosphonites
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/37—Polymers
  • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • C11D3/3757—(Co)polymerised carboxylic acids, -anhydrides, -esters in solid and liquid compositions
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/16—Organic compounds
  • C11D3/37—Polymers
  • C11D3/3746—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
  • C11D3/378—(Co)polymerised monomers containing sulfur, e.g. sulfonate
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/40—Dyes ; Pigments
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D3/00—Other compounding ingredients of detergent compositions covered in group C11D1/00
  • C11D3/40—Dyes ; Pigments
  • C11D3/42—Brightening agents ; Blueing agents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
  • C11D2111/10—Objects to be cleaned
  • C11D2111/12—Soft surfaces, e.g. textile
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
  • C11D2111/00—Cleaning compositions characterised by the objects to be cleaned; Cleaning compositions characterised by non-standard cleaning or washing processes
  • C11D2111/40—Specific cleaning or washing processes
  • C11D2111/44—Multi-step processes

Definitions

• the invention relates to a method of conferring an improved whiteness benefit to white textile articles during fabric laundering.
• WO 9927059 describes a method for washing white textile articles whereby FWA is added separately from the main quantity of washing substances.
• the effectiveness of these fluorescent whitening agents is dependent on the amount of UV light and the quantum yield (a measure of the efficiency of the UV to visible light conversion process). Thus, a reduction in available UV light or a reduction in the quantum yield will be seen as a reduction in whiteness.
• the present invention therefore provides a method of conferring an improved whiteness benefit to a white textile article during a laundry process, comprising the steps of:
• the method to improve whiteness involves contact of the white textile article with further active agent. This occurs from providing additional composition comprising the active agent (either in a similar product format or different product format) to all subsequent rinse steps of the laundry process.
• the 'active agent' described herein refers to an agent comprising two parts, the transition metal cation sequestrant and dispersant.
• the white textile article is contacted with further active agent during the laundry process. This may suitably happen in various ways.
• the laundry treatment composition comprises an anionic or nonionic detersive surfactant, where the further active agent is incorporated in a different and separate rinse-added laundry treatment composition.
• the rinse-added laundry treatment composition comprises a quaternary ammonium compound.
• the aqueous liquor of a) is an aqueous main wash liquor, and contact with further active agent occurs during all rinse steps of the wash process.
• the transition metal cation sequestrant is able to bind Cu" and/or Fe".
• the sequestrant has a binding capacity (log k) for copper(II) and iron(II) of greater than 8.
• Non-limiting examples include tetrasodium etidronate, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), iminodisuccinic acid sodium salt (IDS), ethylene diamine disuccinic acid trisodium salt (EDDS), N,N,N',N '-tetrakis (2-hydoxypropyl) ethylene diamine (TPED), gluconic acid sodium salt, nitrilotriacetic acid sodium salt monohydrate (NTA), (1-hydroxy ethylidene) diphosphonic acid potassium salt.
• IDS for example Baypure TM CX (ex. Bayer), and Turpinal TM 4NP (ex. Solutia).
• Suitable dispersants include naphthalene sulphonate-formaldehyde condensates, acrylic polymers, and sulphonated styrene/maleic anhydride copolymers.
• the laundry composition used in the method of treatment comprises a fluorescent whitening agent.
• it may comprise a blue or violet dye instead of, or additionally to the fluorescent whitening agent.
• fluorescent whitening agents can be found in " Formulating Detergents and Personal Care Products", Louis Ho Tan Tai, published in 2000 by AOCS Press, at pages 125-128 .
• the fluorescent whitening agent is typically present in detergent formulations at a level of 0.1 wt.% on weight of total formulation.
• the sequestrant and dispersant present in the method according to the invention are present in the aqueous liquor at a level of from 0.001 g/L to 1.0g/L, preferably from 0.0015g/L to 0.5g/L, to each required stage of the wash process.
• Extended release for a main wash composition means that release of the active agent (the sequestrant and dispersant) occurs at least in part after the main wash of a laundry process.
• An example is a composition which releases active species across the wash, i.e. active species are released during the main wash and all rinse steps.
• the delayed release composition will release active species across the main wash and all subsequent rinse steps.
• An improved whiteness benefit as used herein is defined as either enhancing the whiteness of the textile article, or otherwise preserving the perceived whiteness of the textile article from damage by the washing process.
• the white textile article is defined as a textile article which comprises substantial white areas; preferably, it is a solely white textile article.
• the textile article is cotton or cotton rich.
• the article comprises at least 50% cotton fibres by weight.
• the present invention is based on the surprising finding that ensuring the extended presence of a transition metal cation sequestrant and dispersant that can bind or prevent aggregation of metal species, in certain stages of a domestic wash cycle (i.e. both the main wash and all of the rinse stages) produces an unexpectedly large whiteness benefit when compared to addition of the active agent in just the main wash.
• the method of the invention is applied to a white textile article, preferably a non-keratinaceous textile article, more preferably a cellulosic or cellulose containing textile article.
• the laundry process to which the method of the present invention applies can be any laundry process comprising a wash and a rinse step.
• the process may be manual, such as hand-washing or, more preferably, semi-automatic or automatic such as performed by an automatic washing machine.
• the laundry process according to the present invention comprises a main wash step, three or more intermediate rinse steps and a final rinse step.
• the laundry process is preferably facilitated by an automatic washing machine.
• Such a laundry process typically comprises at least one main wash step, in which textile articles are contacted with the or each main wash liquor.
• This liquor comprises an aqueous solution or dispersion of a main wash detergent product.
• the main wash liquor is usually drained from the machine and three or more intermediate rinse steps and a final rinse step takes place.
• rinse liquor refers to the rinse water. Each rinse is usually drained from the machine before the next rinse is applied, although alternative processes are known whereby the first rinse can be added to the machine without draining the wash liquor - draining and subsequent rinses can then follow.
• intermediate rinse means a rinse which is not the final rinse of the laundry process and the term “final rinse” means the last rinse in the series of rinses.
• a composition comprising a benefit agent, such as a rinse conditioner, is added to the final rinse only.
• a benefit agent such as a rinse conditioner
• the active agent is present both in the main wash and throughout the rinses.
• the present invention is not concerned with those instances where the active agent is present only in the main wash, or is only present in the final rinse.
• an extended release composition is used in the main wash in the method of the invention.
• the active agent is entrapped, preferably encapsulated in an extended release matrix.
• the active agent is added by means of a dispensing device containing said active agent entrapped in a 'slow-release' formulation.
• the slow release formulation preferably comprises a carrier material for the active agent.
• the carrier material is at best sparingly soluble in the wash or rinse liquor.
• the extended release matrix may be any material which is capable of providing extended release of an active agent over an extended period of time.
• the further active agent is added from a composition which slowly releases the active agent, but is large enough to be retained between wash/rinse steps of the laundry process.
• the active agent can be suitably delivered by encapsulation in an extended release granule of a sufficient size (between 3 ⁇ m and 10mm) that it is retained in the drum during the wash and rinse steps of the laundry process.
• the further active agent is added from a composition which slowly releases the active agent, but is large enough to be retained between wash/rinse steps of the laundry process.
• the active agent may also be delivered in an extended release matrix used for multiple laundry processes (i.e. used for multiple wash/rinse cycles); it may alternatively be delivered by an automatic dosing system whereby the required amount is automatically added to each laundry process, or to each wash or rinse step of the laundry process.
• a polyalkylene glycol, preferably poly[ethylene glycol] (PEG), based carrier material is used in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• the amount of the active agent within the PEG carrier is such that the concentration of transition metal sequestrant and dispersant present in the wash liquor or rinse liquor is from 0.001 g/L to 1.0g/L, preferably from 0.0015g/L to 0.5g/L.
• One preferred dispensing device is a dispensing ball or 'shuttle', more preferably a dual or multi compartment dispensing device.
• the dual or multi-compartment dispensing device comprises the active agent entrapped on a carrier material with one or more separate compartments available for the incorporation of a solid or liquid detergent in a separate compartment of the device to the extended release active agent formulation.
• the dispensing device can be tailored for a single use, i.e. for a single wash and all rinse steps.
• the dispensing device can be tailored for use on multiple occasions, i.e. numerous wash and rinse cycles.
• the dispensing device will preferably take the product form of an extended release dispensing device present in the main wash drum, tray or sump of the washing machine.
• the present invention may be put into effect by means of a so-called “smart shuttle".
• a so-called “smart shuttle” which may include means for measuring parameters of the liquor, release of materials occurs when predetermined conditions are met.
• a device of this general description is disclosed in US 2004/0088796 .
• the Aqueous Liquor The Aqueous Liquor
• the aqueous composition (be it the main wash liquor, or a rinse liquor) comprises the active agent.
• the textile is contacted with the aqueous composition comprising the active agent in the main wash and further active agent is made available during all subsequent rinse steps of the laundry process for contact with the white textile articles.
• the active agent may be simply the transition metal cation sequestrant and dispersant, or it may, in addition, comprise other beneficial components.
• the active agent is comprised in an aqueous composition as described above.
• This aqueous composition comprising the active agent is prepared by the dissolution or dispersion of the active agent in the wash or rinse liquor.
• the active agent Prior to said dissolution/dispersion, the active agent may exist in any suitable form.
• Preferred formats are that the active agent is:
• the active agent and further active agent can be added to the wash or rinse liquor manually, for example during hand washing or a semi-automatic washing process.
• manual addition include using a scoop or a jug to add a measured quantity of the active agent directly into the wash or into one or more rinse liquors.
• the scoop or jug may be calibrated.
• the active agent may be added to the wash or rinse liquor by means of automatic dosing by a washing machine with automatic dosing functionality. Ideally, addition should be to every wash stage including the, or each, main wash and all the rinses. This may be accomplished by modification of the washing machine design such that the machine comprises specific dispensing means to ensure that materials are added to the water being supplied into the washing drum. However, as washing machines are supposed to last for a number of years it is preferable to provide means to ensure that the present invention can be put into effect with an existing washing machine.
• the active agent in whichever form, may be contained in a dispensing device.
• the dispensing device may be suitable for use in the drum or the drawer of a washing machine. It may be attached to the interior of the drum, or the sump of the washing machine, or attached to the water inlet so as to come into contact with the water for the wash or rinse liquor before the water enters the washing machine. This may either be used for a single or a plurality of washes and in either case may be consumed entirely (such as a tablet or granular composition) or partially (such as a 'shuttle'). In the case of a dispensing device attached to the water inlet of the machine it is convenient that the device can be bypassed if the user wishes to employ a bleaching composition although this is not strictly necessary if a sufficient excess of bleach is present.
• contact with the further active agent means that the concentration of active agent in the aqueous composition is replenished or increased during the laundry process or is kept substantially constant throughout the process.
• the replenishment typically occurs when fresh water is taken into the washing process and comes into contact with the source of active agent thus causing dissolution of a quantity of the agent into the water.
• the active agent can have extended release into the liquor through all or part of the laundry process.
• the present invention does not rely on carry-over of already dissolved transition metal sequestrant or dispersant from the wash into subsequent stages of the laundry process.
• Contact with the further active agent means that a separate rinse-added composition comprising the mild reducing agent is added to a rinse step and contacted with the fabric.
• the active agent may be immobilised in a slow release matrix, immobilised in a slow release matrix, dissolution and/or dispersion into the liquor takes place when the water for a main wash or rinse is taken in by the machine and contacts the immobilised formulation.
• extended release is meant a means by which addition of the active agent to the wash or rinse liquor is allowed to progress in portions over time. This can be through an automatic dosing device either as part of the washing machine, or exterior to the washing machine.
• the means for extended release is through a device which allows for constant contact between the wash or rinse liquor and the extended release device. More preferred is a device which allows constant contact between a constant available surface-area of the active agent immobilised on a carrier material.
• the preferred embodiment of the product is formulated so that the active agent is dispensed from the slow release formulation in an amount such that the concentration of transition metal cation sequestrant and dispersant are independently maintained at a level of from 0.001g/l to 1.0g/l preferably from 0.0015g/l to 0.5g/l.
• Laundry treatment composition is herein described to include main wash and rinse products.
• the laundry treatment compositions are a main wash laundry detergent composition and a rinse composition, for example rinse conditioners.
• the laundry treatment composition is to be used in the main wash cycle, i.e. as a laundry detergent composition, then it may take the form of an isotropic liquid, a surfactant-structured liquid, a granular, spray-dried or dry-blended powder, a tablet, a paste, a molded solid or any other laundry detergent form known to those skilled in the art.
• the laundry treatment composition will comprise one or more detersive surfactants.
• the laundry treatment composition may take the form of a rinse added product, for example, a rinse conditioner.
• the term "textile compatible carrier” includes a component which can assist in the interaction of the cellulose cross-liking agent with a textile.
• the main wash or rinse compositions suitable for use in the method of the present invention preferably comprise one or more textile compatible carriers.
• the carrier is selected from a detersive surfactant or a rinse conditioner compound.
• the textile compatible carrier is a detersive surfactant, then preferably it is selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic or amphoteric detersive surfactants.
• the composition comprises between 2 to 70 wt% of a detersive surfactant, most preferably 10 to 30 wt%.
• the detersive surfactant may be chosen from the surfactants described " Surface Active Agents" Vol. 1, by Schwartz & Perry, Interscience 1949, Vol. 2 by Schwartz, Perry & Berch, Interscience 1958 , in the current edition of " McCutcheon's Emulsifiers and Detergents” published by Manufacturing Confectioners Company or in " Tenside-Taschenbuch", H. Stache, 2nd Edn., Carl Hauser Verlag, 1981 .
• the surfactants used are saturated.
• Suitable nonionic detergent compounds which may be used include, in particular, the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, for example, aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide either alone or with propylene oxide.
• Specific nonionic detergent compounds are C 6 to C 22 alkyl phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, generally 5 to 25 EO, i.e. 5 to 25 units of ethylene oxide per molecule, and the condensation products of aliphatic C 8 to C 18 primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide, generally 5 to 40 EO.
• Suitable anionic detergent compounds which may be used are usually watersoluble alkali metal salts of organic sulphates and sulphonates having alkyl radicals containing from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, the term alkyl being used to include the alkyl portion of higher acyl radicals.
• suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds are sodium and potassium alkyl sulphates, especially those obtained by sulphating higher C 8 to C 18 alcohols, produced for example from tallow or coconut oil, sodium and potassium alkyl C 9 to C 20 benzene sulphonates, particularly sodium linear secondary alkyl C 10 to C 15 benzene sulphonates; and sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulphates, especially those ethers of the higher alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil and synthetic alcohols derived from petroleum.
• the preferred anionic detergent compounds are sodium C 11 to C 15 alkyl benzene sulphonates and sodium C 12 to C 18 alkyl sulphates.
• surfactants such as those described in EP-A-328 177 (Unilever ), which show resistance to salting-out, the alkyl polyglycoside surfactants described in EP-A-070 074 , and alkyl monoglycosides.
• Suitable amphoteric surfactants are amine oxides or betaines.
• Preferred surfactant systems are mixtures of anionic with nonionic detergent active materials, in particular the groups and examples of anionic and nonionic surfactants pointed out in EP-A-346 995 (Unilever ).
• surfactant system that is a mixture of an alkali metal salt of a C 16 to C 18 primary alcohol sulphate together with a C 12 to C 15 primary alcohol 3 to 7 EO ethoxylate.
• the nonionic detergent is preferably present in amounts greater than 10%, e.g. 25 to 90 wt% of the surfactant system.
• Anionic surfactants can be present, for example, in amounts in the range from about 5% to about 40 wt% of the surfactant system.
• the textile compatible carrier is a rinse conditioner compound, then preferably the textile compatible carrier is a cationic compound.
• Preferred cationic compounds are quaternary ammonium compounds.
• the quaternary ammonium compound is a quaternary ammonium compound having at least one C 12 to C 22 alkyl chain.
• the quaternary ammonium compound has the following formula: in which R 1 is a C 12 to C 22 alkyl or alkenyl chain; R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from C 1 to C 4 alkyl chains and X - is a compatible anion.
• R 1 is a C 12 to C 22 alkyl or alkenyl chain; R 2 , R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from C 1 to C 4 alkyl chains and X - is a compatible anion.
• a preferred compound of this type is the quaternary ammonium compound cetyl trimethyl quaternary ammonium bromide.
• a second class of materials for use with the present invention are the quaternary ammonium of the above structure in which R 1 and R 2 are independently selected from C 12 to C 22 alkyl or alkenyl chain; R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from C 1 to C 4 alkyl chains and X- is a compatible anion.
• the cationic compound may be present from 1.5 wt% to 50 wt% of the total weight of the composition.
• the cationic compound may be present from 2 wt% to 25 wt%, a more preferred composition range is from 5 wt% to 20 wt%.
• compositions suitable for delivery during the rinse cycle may also be delivered to the textile in the tumble dryer if used in a suitable form.
• another product form is a composition (for example, a paste) suitable for coating onto, and delivery from, a substrate e.g. a flexible sheet or sponge or a suitable dispenser during a tumble dryer cycle.
• the composition may comprise one or more builders.
• Such materials may suitably be aluminosilicates, silicates, carbonates, citrates, polycarboxylates, complexing agents, and phosphates.
• compositions may suitably contain from 10 to 70 wt.% of detergency builder.
• the total level of builder is less than 20 wt.%.
• zeolites examples include: zeolite A, zeolite B (also known as zeolite P), zeolite C, zeolite X, zeolite Y and also the zeolite P-type as described in EP-A-0,384,070 .
• composition may also comprise a complexing agent such as: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, or, mixtures thereof.
• a complexing agent such as: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, or, mixtures thereof.
• phosphate builders may be used.
• 'phosphate' embraces diphosphate, triphosphate, and phosphonate species.
• Other forms of builder include silicates, such as soluble silicates, metasilicates, layered silicates (e.g. SKS-6 from Hoechst).
• carbonate including bicarbonate and sesquicarbonate
• citrate may be employed as builders.
• the composition may comprise one or more polymers. Examples are: carboxymethylcellulose, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinylpyridine-N-oxide), polycarboxylates (such as polyacrylates, maleic/ acrylic acid copolymers and lauryl methacrylate/acrylic acid copolymers), and mixtures thereof.
• the composition may additionally comprise soil release polymers such as block copolymers of polyethylene oxide and terephthalate.
• the composition may additionally comprise a dye transfer inhibition agent.
• a dye transfer inhibition agent These prevent migration of dyes, especially during long soak times.
• Such agents are preferably selected from polyvinylpyrridine N-oxide (PVNO), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl imidazole, N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole copolymers (PVPVI), and copolymers thereof, and/or mixtures thereof.
• the amount of dye transfer inhibition agent if present, in the composition will be from 0.01 to 10 %, preferably from 0.02 to 5 %, more preferably from 0.03 to 2 %, by weight of the composition.
• Enzymes contemplated for use in laundry detergent compositions include proteases, alpha-amylases, cellulases, lipases, peroxidases/oxidases, pectate lyases, mannanases, or mixtures thereof.
• compositions of the invention may also contain optional colour care benefit agents.
• Preferred colour care benefit agents are polysaccharides.
• the wash/rinse liquor will comprise around 0.01 g/L of a polysaccharide colour care benefit agent.
• the polysaccharide is a beta 1-4 polysaccharide; more preferably a cellulose derivative, such as a hydroxy C2-C4 alkyl derivative. More preferably the hydroxy C2-C4 alkyl derivative is a hydroxy ethyl derivative.
• the degree of substitution (DS) of the polysaccharide is 1.5-2.25.
• the molecular weight of the polysaccharide is 100,000 to 500,000 Dalton.
• composition may also contain other conventional detergent ingredients such as e.g. fabric conditioners including clays or silicones, foam boosters, anti-corrosion agents, soil-suspending agents, anti-soil redeposition agents, dyes, antimicrobials, stabilisers, tarnish inhibitors, or perfumes.
• fabric conditioners including clays or silicones, foam boosters, anti-corrosion agents, soil-suspending agents, anti-soil redeposition agents, dyes, antimicrobials, stabilisers, tarnish inhibitors, or perfumes.
• Further optional ingredients include non-aqueous solvents, perfume carriers, fluorescers, colourants, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents and opacifiers.
• compositions may comprise one or more of anti-shrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti-oxidants, UV absorbers (sunscreens), heavy metal sequestrants, chlorine scavengers, dye fixatives, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents and ironing aids.
• a wash program was carried out using a Raitech Quickwash TM machine using the following protocol:
• the test comprises a main wash and four rinse steps, giving a total of 5 steps.
• Water - 12°FH (French Hardness) made from demineralised water containing calcium/magnesium chloride, Ca:Mg ratio 2:1 with 1 ppm copper (II) and 1 ppm iron (II) added, both as the sulphate salts.
• the fabric used was 10 individual 20x20cm pieces of bleached cotton interlock, non-fluorescent fabric.
• Washing powder - 3.6g of Skip TM (a Unilever-brand bleach containing laundry detergent + 0.5g antifoam (silicone-coated silica granules).
• Skip TM comprises a fluorescent whitening agent.
• compositions were compared in example 1:- 1A - Skip TM (control) 1B - Skip TM + 1 % (by weight) Dispersant only (Suparex KS) 1C - Skip TM + 1 % Sequestrant only (IDS) 1D - Skip TM + 1% Sequestrant (IDS) and 1% Dispersant (Suparex KS)
• the sequestrant and dispersant were dosed equally across each step of the laundry process, e.g. for 1% by weight of sequestrant, 0.2% would be dosed in the main wash and in each of the subsequent rinse steps.
• the concentration of both the sequestrant and the dispersant was 0.0021 g/L, as each was dosed at 1% of a total formulation of 3.6g, added in five portions across the wash (main wash + 4 rinse steps) to a water content of 3.5 litres in each step.
• Table 1 shows the reflectance values of the fabric treated with compositions 1A-1 D according to the above protocol.
• composition 1 D the combination of transition metal cation sequestrant and dispersant provides an added effect over and above the cumulative individual effects.
• This example is a comparison of the addition of a sequestrant and a dispersant to the main wash only Vs addition of the same across combination, at the same level dosed across the main wash and rinse steps.
• the protocol was the same as for example 1, with the same levels of materials and substrates used; however a different detergent was used this time.
• the detergent used in this example was Persil TM Performance, which comprises the same fluorescent whitening agent as Skip TM in the previous example.
• compositions were compared in example 2:- 2A - Persil TM Performance (control) 2B - Persil TM Performance + 1% Sequestrant (IDS) and 1% Dispersant (Suparex KS) added to main wash only 2C - Persil TM Performance + 1% Sequestrant (IDS) and 1% Dispersant (Suparex KS) added across the wash (0.2% of each added to the main wash and each of the rinse steps)
• Table 2 shows the reflectance values of the fabric treated with compositions 2A-2C according to the above protocol.
• composition 2C the combination of transition metal cation sequestrant and dispersant added across the wash (in the main wash and 1+ rinse steps) provides a whiteness benefit over addition of the sequestrant and dispersant to the main wash only.
• Load composition 2.5kg, comprising:
• the loads were washed in three different conditions, 2 controls - Skip TM detergent only, Skip TM detergent in water + copper(II) and iron(II), and in a final condition according to the invention.
• the conditions were:-
• the presence of the agents has improved the fluorescence value (as indicated by a reflectance value closer to that obtained in water without iron and copper present).
• the presence of the active agent has resulted in greater fluorescence.

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