EP4683993A1

EP4683993A1 - A composition for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects

Info

Publication number: EP4683993A1
Application number: EP24707216.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philip Caunt; Somnath Ghosh; Samiran Mahapatra; Srilaxmi Venkata Medepalli; Emma Jane SAUNDERS; Sandeep Varma; Deborah Williams
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2023-03-20
Filing date: 2024-02-28
Publication date: 2026-01-28
Also published as: CN120936699A; WO2024193960A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition that is used to clean surfaces while controlling insects. The composition may be used on hard surfaces in homes like those on utensils, furniture, floors, walls, toilets and on soft surfaces like clothes, upholstery, bedsheets and blankets. The use of the composition on such surfaces ensures long lasting cleaning and control of insects from being attracted to such surfaces for up to 24 hours after the surface is cleaned. This has been achieved through use of a cleaning composition comprising a Bacillus bacterial spore, select essential oil constituent and a surfactant.

Description

A COMPOSITION FOR CLEANING SURFACES AND CONTROLLING INSECTS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a composition that is used to clean surfaces while controlling insects. The composition may be used on hard surfaces in homes like those on utensils, furniture, floors, walls, and toilets and on soft surfaces like clothes, upholstery, bedsheets and blankets. The use of the composition on such surfaces ensures long lasting cleaning and control of insects from being attracted to such surfaces for up to 24 hours after the surface is cleaned.

Background of the Invention

People like to have the surfaces at homes and other places of human habitation like offices, hotels, restaurants and public places like airports, bus and train stations to be kept clean and hygienic. Surfaces like those in bathrooms and toilets are especially prone to getting dirty due to the nature of their usage. Utensils and other surfaces in the kitchen like those in the sinks, kitchen table tops and on the stove tend to get stained with food residues which require frequent cleaning. Such surfaces are cleaned using hard surface cleaning compositions that contain surfactants that aid in cleaning and antimicrobial agents that ensure killing of microorganisms. While such compositions are effective in immediate cleaning of the surfaces, they usually get stained or dirty over a course of time e.g in a few hours. With the deposition of various types of stains and soils on surfaces over a course of time after they are cleaned, the surfaces attract insects like flies, cockroaches, ants, and termites. Fabrics having soft surfaces like clothes, bedsheets, blankets, mattresses and upholstery like sofas, curtains etc also additionally attract insects like bedbugs, dust mites and silverfish. Fabrics may be washed by hand or in a washing machine to get them clean and to ensure hygiene. But such surfaces also get stained over a course of time and attract insects.

Thus, there is a need to ensure deep cleaning of the various types of surfaces mentioned above which is long lasting, such that once the surface is cleaned it remains clean for a long time e.g. up to 24 hours after cleaning. Ensuring that the surface remains free of the food, soil or other types of stains for a long time also ensures that crawling insects mentioned above do not get attracted to such surfaces. Such a composition for cleaning is much desired by consumers. The present inventors while trying to solve the above problem have hit upon a combination of a Bacillus bacterial spore and a select essential oil constituent in a surfactant containing composition which not only ensured excellent cleaning and insect control immediately after the cleaning action but ensured that the surface continues to remain clean and is efficient in preventing insects from being attracted to such surfaces, for a long time thereafter.

WO2021/240315 (Setter) discloses a a probiotic Bacillus surface sanitizer comprising a sanitizing agent, a probiotic Bacillus sp. and a surfactant, but excluding any stabilizer, as well as a process for manufacturing the probiotic Bacillus surface sanitizer.

W02021/094091 (Henkel) discloses a perfume carrier composition comprising bacterial spore and at least one fragrance, wherein the at least one fragrance is at least partially adsorbed to the bacterial spores.

The prior art known to the present inventors described above do not disclose a composition comprising a Bacillus bacterial spore and select essential oil constituent thereof along with a surfactant that ensures long lasting cleaning and insect control.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide for a composition that ensures long lasting cleaning of surfaces for up to 24 hours.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a composition that not only delivers long lasting cleaning but also ensures insect insects from such a surface for long times of up to 24 hours after cleaning.

Summary of the Invention

The first aspect of the present invention relates to a composition for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects comprising

(i) 0.000005 to 1 wt% of a Bacillus bacterial spore;

(ii) 0.001 to 1 .0 wt% essential oil constituent selected from one or more of menthol, citronellal, neral, geraniol, citral, - caryophyllene, and limonene; and

(iii) a surfactant; wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is a combination of bacterial spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface and ensuring control of insects getting attracted to the surface for a long time after cleaning the surface comprising the step of contacting the surface with the composition of the first aspect preferably diluted with water.

Detailed Description of the Invention

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of” or "composed of". Thus, the term "comprising" is meant not to be limiting to any subsequently stated elements, but rather to optionally also encompass nonspecified elements of major or minor functional importance. In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. Whenever the words "including" or "having" are used, these terms are meant to be equivalent to "comprising" as defined above. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se. Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about". Unless specified otherwise, numerical ranges expressed in the format "x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated. Unless specified otherwise, amounts as used herein are expressed in percentage by weight based on total weight of the composition and is abbreviated as “wt%”.

The present invention relates to insect control. Insect control as per the present invention is different from insect kill or (or insecticidal action) or insect repellency. In insect kill or insecticidal action, the active used is very potent and is used to kill insects. By insect repellency is meant that the active is applied such that the smell or vapours of the active cause the insects to be repelled such that they are prone to moving away from the treated area. The present invention uses a different approach which is relatively safer and uses very mild actives. By insect control, as per this invention, is meant that the treated surface is so cleaned that the insects are not attracted to such a surface for a long time after the cleaning action..

Insects which may be controlled from the various surfaces which are cleaned using the composition of the invention include crawling insects like ants, cockroaches, dustmites, silverfish, bedbugs and termites. Additionally, the composition especially on dishes and utensils can be used for controlling flying insects like flies. These insects are either a nuisance or cause health hazards e.g. ants colonise the kitchen and other areas and contaminate food. Cockroaches cause and spread diseases, while bedbugs cause itching and asthma. Dust mites are well known to cause allergies while termites damage furniture. Houseflies are known as vectors for various diseases. Thus, consumers wish to use cleaning products for cleaning surfaces and clothes and other fabrics at home which not only clean but also control insects for a long time e.g at least 6 hours, preferably 16 hours and even up to 24 hours after the cleaning action.

The composition of the invention comprises a combination of bacterial spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. By a combination of bacterial spores, as per this invention, is meant that the spores of the bacteria may be included in the composition.

Yet another preferred aspect relates to a composition which additionally comprises bacterial spore selected from one or both of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis. An especially preferred aspect of the present invention relates to a combination of bacterial spores which comprises Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

When a combination of bacterial spores are included in the composition of the invention, it is preferred that each of the bacterial spores are present in 1 to 70%, more preferably in 5 to 50% of the total number of the the bacterial spores. An even more preferred aspect of the invention relates to a combination of three or a combination of all four bacterial spores selected from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus each being included in 5 to 40%, preferably 5 to 30% of the total number of the bacterial spores. An especially preferred aspect of the invention relates to the bacterial spores Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis when included, each being included in 1 to 30%, preferably 5 to 20%, most preferably 5 to 15% of the total number of the bacterial spores.

The bacterial spore is included 0.000005 to 1 %, preferably 0.00005 to 0.75%, further more preferably 0.0001 to 0.5% by weight of the composition. The bacterial spores for inclusion in the composition of the invention can be in a powder form having a count of around 10¹¹ cfu/g, but there could be other methods of growing and introducing the spores in the composition which are well known to a person skilled in the art. Thus, in the composition, the bacterial spore is preferably included in 10³ to 10¹¹ cfu/g, more preferably 10⁴ to 10⁹ cfu/g, and most preferably 10⁵ to 10⁸ cfu/g of the composition.

The composition of the invention comprises select essential oil constituent. . The constituents which may be included are one or more of menthol, citronellal, neral, geraniol, citral, p- caryophyllene, and limonene. Of these, the more preferred constituents are one or more of citral, and limonene. Essential oils which include the above constituents may also be included in lieu of the constituents in their pure state. Such essential oils may be one or more of lemon grass oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil. Of these, the more preferred essential oil are one or more of thyme oil, cinnamon oil, and eucalyptus oil, most preferred being lemon grass oil. The essential oil constituents are included in 0.001 to 1 wt% of the composition, preferably 0.005 % to 0.5 wt%, more preferably 0.005 % to 0.3 wt%.

The composition of the invention comprises a surfactant. The surfactant is preferably selected from one or more of an anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactant. Of these, the surfactant is more preferably an anionic or non-ionic surfactant. The total amount of surfactant for inclusion in the composition of the invention is from 1 to 80% by weight of the composition.

If the surfactant is anionic, it is preferably selected from one or more of an alkyl ether sulphate, a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate, and a primary alkyl sulphate surfactant. If included, the anionic surfactant is preferably included in 1 to 30 wt% of the composition.

If the surfactant is cationic, it is preferably alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride. If included, the cationic surfactant is preferably included in 0.005 to 2 wt% of the composition.

If the surfactant is non-ionic, it is preferably an alcohol ethoxylate. Suitable non-ionic surfactants for use in the present invention are sold under the brand names of Lialet, Link, Neodol and Alkonate. If included, the non-ionic surfactant is preferably included in 0.1 to 3 wt% of the composition.

The composition of the invention may be delivered in a solid or a liquid form, preferably in liquid form. If in liquid form the composition preferably comprises 70 to 97 wt% water.

The composition of the invention may be delivered in any of the following types of product applications, which are described in detail below. Laundry detergent composition:

The composition may be delivered as a laundry detergent composition wherein the surfactant preferably an anionic surfactant is included in from 1 to 80 wt%,. The laundry detergent composition may be delivered in the form of a solid or as a liquid.

The laundry detergent composition in which the present invention may be delivered is preferably in the liquid form. The term liquid may encompass emulsions, suspensions, and compositions having flowable yet stiffer consistency, known as gels or pastes. Pourable liquid detergent compositions preferably have a viscosity of from 200 to 1 ,500 mPa.s, preferably from 200 to 700 mPa.s. Such compositions generally have an aqueous continuous phase. Preferably, the composition comprises at least 50% wt. water and more preferably at least 70% wt. water. Water is generally present in an amount of 20% to 99.9% preferably from 40% to 80% by weight of the composition.

Liquid laundry detergent compositions generally comprise 1 to 30%, preferably from 2 to 15% by weight of one or more surfactants. The surfactant is generally anionic in nature. Preferred anionic surfactants are of the organic sulfates and sulfonates 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. Examples of such materials include alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkaryl sulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates and mixtures thereof. The alkyl radicals preferably contain from 10 to 18 carbon atoms and may be unsaturated. The alkyl ether sulfates may contain from one to ten ethylene oxide or propylene oxide units per molecule, and preferably contain one to three ethylene oxide units per molecule. The counterion for anionic surfactants is generally an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium; or an ammoniacal counterion such as monoethanolamine, (MEA) diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA). Mixtures of such counterions may also be employed. Sodium and potassium are preferred.

Most preferred surfactants are of the alkylbenzene sulfonates type, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Some alkyl sulfate surfactant (PAS) may be used, such as non-ethoxylated primary and secondary alkyl sulphates with an alkyl chain length of from 10 to 18.

Preferably, the composition comprises from 5 to 20 wt% non-ionic surfactant based on the total weight of composition. A preferred class of nonionic surfactant for use in the invention includes aliphatic Cs to C , more preferably C12 to C15 primary linear alcohol ethoxylates with an average of from 3 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Preferred non-ionic surfactants are the C16/18 alcohol ethoxylates.

Liquid laundry detergent compositions also generally comprise agents like soil release polymers, hydroptropes, co-surfactants, builders, polymeric thickeners, and shading dyes in addition to the above described ingredients. Soil release polymers (SRP) help to improve the detachment of soils from fabric by modifying the fabric surface during washing.

The SRP structure may also include capping groups to control molecular weight or to alter polymer properties such as surface activity. Preferred SRPs for use in the invention include copolyesters formed by condensation of terephthalic acid ester and diol, preferably 1 ,2 propanediol, and further comprising an end cap formed from repeat units of alkylene oxide capped with an alkyl group. The SRP, when included, may range from 0.1 to 10%, desirably from 0.3 to 7%, more preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight of the composition.

A composition of the invention may incorporate non-aqueous carriers such as hydrotropes, cosolvents and phase stabilizers. Such materials are typically low molecular weight, water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids such as C1 to C5 monohydric alcohols (such as ethanol and n- or i-propanol); C2 to C6 diols (such as monopropylene glycol and dipropylene glycol); C3 to C9 triols (such as glycerol); polyethylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight (M_w) ranging from about 200 to 600; C1 to C3 alkanolamines such as mono-, di- and triethanolamines; and alkyl aryl sulfonates having up to 3 carbon atoms in the lower alkyl group (such as the sodium and potassium xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene and isopropyl benzene (cumene) sulfonates). Nonaqueous carriers, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 3%, preferably from 0.5 to 1 % by weight of the composition. The preferred hydrotropes are monopropylene glycol and glycerol.

The liquid laundry detergent composition of the invention may contain one or more cosurfactants (such as amphoteric (zwitterionic) and/or cationic surfactants) in addition to the non-soap anionic and/or nonionic detersive surfactants described above. Such cosurfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the composition.

The liquid laundry detergent composition may also optionally contain relatively low levels of organic detergent builder or sequestrant material. Examples include the alkali metal citrates, succinates, malonates, carboxymethyl succinates, carboxylates, polycarboxylates aminocarboxylates and polyacetyl carboxylates. If utilized, the organic builder materials may comprise from about 0.5 percent to 20 wt percent, preferably from 1 wt percent to 10 wt percent, of the composition.

When the composition is a liquid laundry detergent composition, it may be diluted with water in ratios like 1 :50, 1 :100, 1 :200 to form the wash liquor.

The solid laundry compositions herein can take a variety of physical solid forms including forms such as powder, granule, ribbon, noodle, paste, tablet, flake, pastille and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granule or a bar.

The composition according to the present invention may be made via a variety of conventional methods known in the art including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tableting, or spray-drying of the various compounds comprised in the detergent component, or combinations of these techniques. The powder or granule compositions preferably have a density of more than 350 grams/litre, more preferably more than 450 grams/litre or even more than 570 grams/litre.

Typical solid laundry detergent compositions comprise one or more of surfactants chosen from anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, cationic, amphoteric types, preferably it is of the anionic type. These compositions in solid form typically comprise from 1 to 30% by weight anionic surfactants. Details on the various ingredients like the anionic and non-ionic surfactants, the SRPs, hydroptopes, builders etc which are described for the liquid detergent composition may also be included in the solid detergent composition. Additionally, they may also comprise other adjuvents to provide benefits to the fabric being washed e.g. antiredeposition polymers which together may be included in 0 to 5% by weight of the composition. Builders are generally included especially to counteract the ill effects of hardness of water being used to wash the fabric and these account for up to 50% typically 10 to 30% by weight of the composition. Other fabric benefit agents like shading dyes and optical brightener may be included in up to 1% by weight of the composition. Bleaches may sometimes be included and when it is included it accounts for up to 10% by weight of the composition and fillers generally account for up to 40% by weight of the composition.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has a pH from 7.0 to 10.5, preferably 7.0 to 10.2, still preferably from 8.5 to 10.2, when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in de-ionised water at 25°C. The composition may preferably include a buffer. Fabric conditioninq

The composition of the invention may also be delivered as a fabric conditioning composition which additionally comprises 1 to 50% of a fabric softening active.

The fabric conditioner composition is also referred to as a fabric softener. Fabric conditioners comprise active materials which soften or condition fabric. Examples of suitable fabric softening actives include: quaternary ammonium compounds, silicone polymers, polysaccharides, clays, amines, fatty esters, dispersible polyolefins, polymer latexes and mixtures thereof. The fabric softening active is preferably selected from a quaternary ammonium compound, or silicone polymer and mixtures thereof, more preferably a quaternary ammonium compound.

The fabric softening compounds may preferably be cationic or non-ionic. Preferably, the fabric softening compounds of the present invention are cationic.

Fabric conditioning compositions for use in accordance with the invention may be dilute or concentrated. Dilute products typically contain up to about 6 wt.% of the composition softening compounds, generally about 1 to 5 wt.%, whereas concentrated products may contain up to about 50 wt. % of the composition softening compounds, preferably from about 5 to about 50 wt.%, more preferably from 6 to 25 wt.%. Overall, the products of the invention may contain from 1 to 50 wt. %, preferably from 2 to 25 wt. % of the composition softening compounds, more preferably 2 to 20 wt. % of softening compounds.

The preferred softening compounds for use in fabric conditioner compositions of the invention are quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC). The QAC preferably comprises at least one chain derived from fatty acids, more preferably at least two chains derived from fatty acids. Generally, fatty acids are defined as aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having a chain of 4 to 28 carbons. Preferably the fatty acid chains are palm or tallow fatty acids. Preferably the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 10 to 50 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 5 to 40 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains by weight of total fatty acid chains. In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid chains of the QAC comprise from 20 to 40 wt. %, preferably from 25 to 35 wt. % of saturated C18 chains and from 10 to 35 wt. %, preferably from 15 to 30 wt. % of monounsaturated C18 chains, by weight of total fatty acid chains.

The preferred quaternary ammonium fabric softening compounds for use in compositions of the present invention are so called "ester quats". Particularly preferred materials are the ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components.

The composition of the invention delivered as fabric conditioning compositions may further comprise a nonionic surfactant. Typically these can be included for the purpose of stabilising the compositions. Suitable nonionic surfactants include addition products of ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide with fatty alcohols, fatty acids and fatty amines.

Preferably the nonionic surfactant has an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, more preferably from 10 to 18, e.g. 12 to 16. Genapol™ C200 (Clariant) based on coco chain and 20 EO groups is an example of a suitable nonionic surfactant.

If present, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. Thus, the fabric conditioning composition of the invention preferably comprises 0.1 to 5 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant preferably an fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

Co-softeners may be used in the fabric conditioning composition. When employed, they are typically present at from 0.1 to 20 wt.% and particularly at from 0.5 to 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred co-softeners include fatty esters, and fatty N-oxides. Fatty esters that may be employed include fatty monoesters, such as glycerol monostearate, fatty sugar esters, such as those disclosed WO 01/46361 (Unilever).

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a fatty complexing agent. Especially suitable fatty complexing agents include fatty alcohols and fatty acids. Of these, fatty alcohols are most preferred. Preferably the composition of the present invention comprises 0.5 to 20 wt.% perfume materials by weight of the composition, more preferably 1 to 15 wt.% perfume materials, most preferably 2 to 10 wt. % perfume materials.

The fabric conditioner composition is preferably in an aqueous form. The compositions preferably comprise from 75 to 95 wt.% water

The fabric conditioning composition may be used to treat fabrics either in a hand washing or a machine washing process. Preferably the fabric conditioner is used in the rinse stage of the washing process. Preferably the clothes are treated with a 10 to 100 ml dose of fabric conditioner for a 4 to 7 kg load of clothes. More preferably, 10 to 80 ml for a 4 to 7 kg load of clothes.

Dishwash composition

The composition of the invention may be useful for upkeep of kitchen items e.g. utensils and dishes which may be cleaned using a dishwash composition, preferably in liquid form. The various ingredients other than the essential ingredients claimed in the present invention are summarized below. Among the various ingredients, anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, and hydrotropes as detailed under liquid laundry detergent composition may be used in liquid dishwash composition. Additionally, other ingredients which may be included are detailed below:

Preferably, the composition further comprises an amphoteric surfactant. Preferably, an amphoteric surfactants is selected from include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines (sultaines), alkyl glycinates, alkyl carboxyglycinates, alkyl amphoacetates, alkyl amphopropionates, alkylamphoglycinates, alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaines, acyl taurates and acyl glutamates, 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. More preferably, an amphoteric surfactant selected from alkyl amidopropyl betaines, even more preferably cocoamidopropyl betaine. Amphoteric surfactant, when included, may be present in an amount ranging preferably from 0.1 to 5 wt%, more preferably from 0.1 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 1 to 3 wt%. Mixtures of any of the above described materials may also be used. A good combination of surfactants for use in the present invention in the form of a dishwash composition is one having 1 to 30 wt% anionic surfactant and 0.1 to 5 wt% an amphoteric surfactant.

Liquid dishwash composition may preferably comprise an organic acid or its salts comprising citric acid or its salt. Preferably, the organic acid or its salt may further comprise succinic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, hexanoic acid, cyclohexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, 4-methyl octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, benzoic acid, 4-methoxy benzoic acid and mixtures thereof. Examples of salts of organic acid include corresponding salts of these organic acids that are formed preferably with sodium and potassium, more preferably with sodium, e.g. trisodium citrate. More preferably, organic acid or its salt may further comprise maleic acid or its salt. Even more preferably, the organic acid or its salt is selected from citric acid or its salt e.g. trisodium citrate. Preferably, the composition does not comprise silver dihydrogen citrate. The composition comprises an organic acid or its salts comprising citric acid or its salt from 0.2 to 5 wt%, preferably from 0.3 to 4 wt%, more preferably from 0.4 to 3 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 3 wt%, further more preferably from 1 to 2 wt%.

Preferably, the liquid dishwash composition further comprises water in an amount ranging from 5 to 99 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 90 wt%, even more preferably from 15 to 80 wt%, further more preferably from 20 to 70 wt%, still more preferably from 30 to 65 wt%, yet more preferably from 35 to 60 wt%, yet further more preferably from 40 to 55 wt%.

Preferably, the liquid dishwash composition further comprises one or more sequestrants. Preferably, the composition comprises sequestrant may be present in an amount from 0.1 to 5 wt%, more preferably from 0.25 to 4 wt%, even more preferably from 0.5 to 2.5 wt%.

A preferred sequestrant is a phosphonic acid or a salt thereof. The phosphonic acid (or salt thereof) sequestrant is preferably selected from the group consisting of 1 -Hydroxyethylidene-1 ,1 -diphosphonic acid (HEDP; commercially available as Dequest(R) 2010), Diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP; commercially available as Dequest(R) 2066), Hexa methylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (HDTMP), Amino tris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP), Ethylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP), Tetra methylene diamine tetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (TDTMP); and Phosphono butane tricarboxylic acid (PBTC). The most preferred sequestrant is 1 -Hydroxyethylidene-1 ,1 - diphosphonic acid (HEDP). It is preferable that the sequestrant is added to the formulation in acid form.

Optionally, liquid dishwash composition further comprises an enzyme with or without a suitable enzyme stabilizer. Preferably the composition further comprises an effective amount of at least one enzyme with or without a suitable enzyme stabilizer. Examples of suitable enzymes include pectate lyase, protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, mannanase; with or without an appropriate stabilizing agent.

Preferably, viscosity of the composition may suitably range from about 200 to about 10,000 mPa.s at 25°C at a shear rate of 21 sec¹. This shear rate is the shear rate that is usually exerted on the liquid when poured from a bottle. Pourable liquid home care compositions generally have a viscosity of from 200 to 1 ,500 mPa.s, preferably from 100 to 800 mPa.s. The liquid dishwash composition preferably has pH in the range from 2.0 to 8.0, preferably from 2.5 to 7.5, more preferably from 3.0 to 7.0, even more preferably from 3.5 to 7.0, further more preferably from 4.0 to 7.5, still more preferably from 4.5 to 7.5, yet more preferably from 5.0 to 7.5, still further more preferably from 5.5 to 7.5 and yet further more preferably from 6.0 to 6.5.

The liquid dishwash composition may further comprise one or more polymers. Preferably, polymers can be cationic, anionic, amphoteric or nonionic types with molecular weights higher than 100,000 Dalton. They are known to increase the viscosity and stability of liquid compositions, to enhance in-use and after-use skin sensory feels, and to enhance lather creaminess and lather stability. Examples of polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, silane, siloxane and mixtures thereof. If present, polymers may be present in the composition in an amount ranging preferably from 0.001 to 10 wt%, more preferably from 0.1 to 6 wt%, still further more preferably from 1 to 3 wt%.

Preferably, the composition may be used as is, i.e. neat, or it may be diluted before use. The extent of dilution is generally dependent on market choice. In some markets a more concentrated product is desired while in others a more dilute product is preferred. When the composition is a liquid dishwash compositions it is typically diluted with water in a weight ratio in the range of 1 :1 to 1 :10.

The liquid dishwash composition may optionally comprise ingredients, such as fragrance, colorant, foam boosting agents, and odor absorbing materials.

General purpose or toilet cleaners

The composition of the invention may be formulated as a general purpose cleaner which is usually used to clean floors (in which case it may be known as a floor cleaner) or used to clean toilets (in which case it may be known as a toilet cleaner). It may also be used to clean other hard surfaces like furniture, table tops, kitchen platforms and other surfaces in homes, offices, restaurants and other public places. Such compositions preferably include a cationic surfactant which in addition to providing cleaning benefit also ensure instant disinfection i.e killing or inactivation of germs.

Preferably, the cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium surfactant, preferably the quaternary ammonium surfactant is selected from one or more of alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride (ADBAC) which is also known as benzalkonium chloride (BKC), bis (C8-C18) alkyl di methyl quaternary ammonium chloride preferably didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC), cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC), cetrimonium bromide , benzethonium chloride (BZE); and dimethyldioctadecylammonium chloride. Preferred aspect of the invention provides for the cationic surfactant to be chosen from one or more of BKC or DDAC, preferably BKC.

The quaternary ammonium surfactants mentioned above, are available as a single quaternary ammonium compound, as well as mixtures of two or more different quaternary ammonium compounds e.g. under trademarks BARDAC™, BARQUAT® and HYAMINE® (all by Lonza); and BTC® (by Stepan). Quaternary ammonium compounds available as a single quaternary ammonium compound include didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (available as BARDAC™ 2250 R and BTC® 1010, both 50% active; and BARDAC™ 2280 R and BTC® 1010-80, both 80% active), alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (available as BARQUAT® MB-50, BARQUAT® MX-50, BARQUAT® QJ-50, HYAMINE® 3500, BTC® 50, BTC® 50E, BTC® 65, BTC® 776, BTC® 824, BTC® 835; each 50% active; and the same is available as BARQUAT® MB-80, BARQUAT® MX-80, HYAMINE® 3500-80, BTC® 8248, BTC® 8358; each 80% active

The composition when formulated as a general purpose or toilet cleaner preferably comprises 0.001 to 3 wt%, more preferably 0.1 to 2 wt% cationic surfactant.

Ingredients like amphoteric surfactant and sequestrant may be included in the floor cleaner and toilet cleaner composition of the present invention. Details on the various types of the amphoteric surfactant and sequestrant are the same as given under the section on liquid dishwash composition, hereinbelow. General purpose cleaners and toilet cleaners may be diluted before use. When diluted, they may be diluted with water in a weight ratio in the range of 1 :10 to 1 :1000.

The composition of the invention may also be delivered as a rim block. By a rim block is meant a shaped solid composition that is hung on to the rim of the toilet usually in a plastic cage like container so that every time the toilet is flushed, a quantity of water passes over the solid composition, eroding a part thereof before flushing into the toilet bowl. The toilet rim block preferably additionally includes a perfume to provide a lingering pleasant odour after every toilet flush.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning a surface and ensuring control of insects from getting attracted to the surface for a long time e.g up to 24 hours after cleaning the surface comprising the step of contacting the surface with a composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims preferably diluted with water.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to use of the composition of the invention for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects.

The invention will now be illustrated with the help of the following non-limiting examples.

Examples

Example A: Effect of a composition comprising an essential oil on insect control over time

A composition (Example - A) as shown in table - 1 was prepared.

Table - 1

The lemon grass oil used in the composition as shown in Table - 1 above contained 20-30 wt% citral, and 5 - 7 wt% limonene.

The composition of Example - A (as in Table -1 above) was used to measure the insect control using the protocol given below:

Insect Preparation

Ants were collected in a plastic container manually from the insectary at least 1 hour before the initiation of the experiment. Treatment Method

Experiment were conducted on an area measuring about 55 cm x 55 cm confined using a wooden frame of dimension about 55 x 55 x 10 cm (Length x width x height). The confined area was divided into two exact halves by marking and it was the boundary for treatment and control. Before the application of test item, the surface was swabbed with 2% dextrose. After 1 hour, the test item was applied at recommended dose (1 ml) on the test surface in one half. Amount of test item applied were assessed based on the pre and post weight of the container.

Experiment procedure

The test item was applied on the surface uniformly one day before initiation of the experiment. Next day after about 16/24 hours of test item application, a total of 20 Nos of ants was released at the centre of the experimental area and allowed to acclimatize for 10 minutes. To test the samples without probiotics, the observation was made after 1 , 4 and 6 h after application of the product to the tile. Infra-red light source was used so as to avoid disturbance due to changes in natural light. The ants were monitored for 1 hour and then removed from the arena. After completion of each time points insects were collected gently and kept for mortality observations.

Assessments and Prevention Calculation

Observation was done for the number of ants in the treated and untreated surfaces.

Table - 2

The data in the table - 2 above indicates that a composition comprising on y essential oil as the insect control active is effective only for about 1 to 4 hours while becoming ineffective at about the 6^th hour.

Example - 1: Effect of a composition comprising an essential oil and a bacillus bacterial spore mixture on insect control over time

A composition (Example - 1) as shown in table - 3 was prepared.

Table - 3

The bacterial spores in the table above was used at a concentration of 1 x 10⁷ cfu/ml and was a mixture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus pumilus at a number ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 : 1.

The lemon grass oil used in the composition as shown in Table - 3 above contained 20-30 wt% citral, and 5 - 7 wt% limonene.

The composition of Example - 1 (as in Table - 3 above) was used to measure the insect control using the protocol given earlier: The data is summarised in table - 4 below.

Table - 4: The data in the table - 4 above indicates that a composition comprising a combination of essential oil and a bacterial bacillus spore composition as the insect control actives is effective for up to 8 hours.

Further data was generated with the same composition at the 16^th hour and 24^th hour and the data is summarised in Table - 5 below:

Table -5 The data in Table - 5 above indicates that a composition as per the present invention (Example -1) is effective in controlling insects for up to 16 to 24 hours.

Claims

1. A composition for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects comprising

(i) 0.000005 to 1 wt% of a Bacillus bacterial spore;

(ii) 0.001 to 1.0 wt% essential oil constituent selected from one or more menthol, citronellal, neral, geraniol, citral, p- caryophyllene, and limonene ; and

(iii) a surfactant; wherein the Bacillus bacterial spore is a combination of bacterial spores of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bacterial spore additionally comprises one or both of Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 2 wherein the combination of bacterial spores comprises Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus thuringiensis.

4. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said constituents are present by way of including an essential oil selected from one or more of lemon grass oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil.

5. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said surfactant is selected from one or more of an anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactant, preferably anionic or non-ionic surfactant.

6. A composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein said anionic surfactant is one or more of an alkyl ether sulphate, a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate, and a primary alkyl sulphate surfactant.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 5 or 6 comprising 1 to 30 wt% anionic surfactant.

8. A composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein said cationic surfactant is alkyl dimethyl benzylammonium chloride.

9. A composition as claimed in claim 8 comprising 0.005 to 2 wt% cationic surfactant.

10. A composition as claimed in claim 5 wherein said non-ionic surfactant is an alcohol ethoxylate.

11. A composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in liquid form comprising 70 to 97 wt% water.

12. A method of cleaning a surface and ensuring control of insects getting attracted to the surface for up to 24 hours after cleaning the surface comprising the step of contacting the surface with a composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims preferably diluted with water.

13. Use of a composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 for cleaning surfaces and controlling insects.