ES2434249T3 - Compositions for washing and subsequently drying delicate clothes without incurring damage and methods for using them - Google Patents

Abstract

A useful method for cleaning, in a professional or domestic washing machine and drying in a tumble dryer, of garments and other fibers made from water-sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk and other garments Sensitive marked only for dry cleaning, without dimensional changes, 5 surface damage, loss of color, comprising the steps of: a) at least washing clothes with a washing composition consisting of 1) water, 2) a alcohol present in a volume ranging from about 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a mixture of anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 60% of the total volume of the composition , 4) a mixture of non-anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 5) a phosphate ester present in a volume ranging from 4% to 30% % of the total volume of the composition, 6) citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1 to 4%, 7) phosphoric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from one 0.1% to 5% of the total volume of the composition, 8) acetic acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume ranging from 0.1 to 4%, 9) an organic amine present in a volume that It varies from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition. b) optionally, rinse the garments with a preconditioning composition whose pH value is adjusted within the range of 4 to 6, consisting of 1) water, 2) an alcohol present in a volume that varies from approximately 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a phosphate ester present in a volume ranging from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition, 4) citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume which varies from 0.01% to 5% of the total volume of the composition, 5) phosphoric acid and its salts, present in a volume that varies from 1% to 20% of the total volume of the composition, 6) acetic acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.01% to 5% of the total volume of the composition, c) optionally, rinse the garments with a conditioning composition consisting of: 1) water , 2) tripropylene glycol present in a volume that varies from 0.1% to 4% of the volume total menu of the composition, 3) a copolymer of fluoroalkyl acrylate present in a volume ranging from 2% to 15% of the total volume of the composition.

Description

Compositions for washing and subsequently drying delicate clothes without incurring damage and methods for using them.

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for allowing wet cleaning, including removal of oil stains, and subsequently drying in a drum dryer, of sensitive clothing and other fabrics made from sensitive protein fibers. to water such as wool, cashmere or silk without any dimensional damage, surface damage and loss of dye or color. These compositions and methods can be applied in a professional or domestic cleaning process.

Sensitive garments and other fabrics can be cleaned and dried in various ways using professional wet and dry cleaning processes or household washing modulating equipment. Sensitive objects including clothing and fabrics made of strands, silk, rayon, animal hair, animal skin and mixed spun materials tend to shrink when washed with water. In order to avoid shrinkage caused by washing with water, many of these sensitive clothing and fabrics are conventionally cleaned dry.

Dry cleaning

By definition, the term "dry cleaning" has been used to describe processes for cleaning textile materials using non-aqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is an ancient technique that was discovered in the mid-19th century when the potential for using petroleum-based solvents to remove grease, wax and oil-based stains from textile materials was discovered. Solvent cleaning was first recorded in the United Kingdom in 1860 with gasoline and kerosene as the first solvents used.

Chlorinated solvents were introduced after World War I; Since the mid-1930s, the most commonly used solvent has been tetrachlorethylene, also called perchlorethylene, which has the advantage of being stable, non-flammable and of presenting a cleaning capacity greater than that of aqueous solvents for the removal of oil-based stains. Since then most of the fabrics that tend to shrink after contact with water, or that are thought to be very valuable or delicate to be subjected to aqueous washing processes, are dry cleaned.

Although perchlorethylene is superior to the aqueous solvents it replaces, it has several disadvantages. In particular, perchlorethylene has been identified as a hazardous pollutant for air and groundwater (listed as such in the Clean Air Act by the US Environmental Protection Agency and declared as a toxic chemical in California in 1991); It has also been largely associated with the nervous system, severe skin irritation, kidney and liver disorders among industrial workers and has been classified as a potential carcinogen by the Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1995. Recent studies have revealed that the carcinogenic potential of perchlorethylene is not limited solely to industrial workers or those who operate dry cleaning processes; Some commercial cleaners use such high amounts of perchlorethylene for the cleaning of clothing, that consumers who wear freshly subjected clothing for dry cleaning could inhale enough perchlorethylene to experience a higher risk of cancer. Perchlorethylene will be considered illegal in California in 2023.

As a consequence of this dangerous nature of perchlorethylene, the processes that employ it must be carried out in commercial establishments. Traditional dry cleaning involves a wash cycle that uses solvent and several stages of filtration to recover part of the solvent through filtration units comprising a distillation boiler and a condenser. The distilled solvent is recovered during the drying and extraction cycles. Dry cleaning produces toxic waste that has to be removed regularly by the operator such as solid waste sludge, lint and cartridge filters that still contain traces of solvent. Solvent leaks and refrigerant gas leaks that damage the ozone layer are additional specific risks of dry cleaning.

In recent years, the industry has responded with less toxic alternatives to perchlorethylene, including hydrocarbons (CpChem EcoSolvTM dry cleaning fluid) and glycol ethers. A glycol ether, n-propyl ether of dirpopylene glycol, (DPnP) has been used in combination with other components such as polysulfonic acid (U.S. 6,086,634; US 6,036,727). Another allegedly environmentally friendly alternative to perchlorethylene is available at GreenEarth. Cleaning, which uses a cyclic siloxane optionally in combination with a glycol ether (US 6,042,617 and US 6,063,135). Although they have lower toxicity, siloxanes have a relatively low cleaning power and are preferably avoided. Other glycol ethers have been recommended for use in dry cleaning, more particularly propylene glycol tert-butyl ether (PTB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PNB), dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether (DPTB) and n-butyl ether of dipropylene glycol (DPNB) (US 5,888,250; US 6,156,074; US 6,273,919 and US 6,350,287 to Rynex Holdings Ltd.). The use of glycol ethers represents a significant step towards the replacement of perchlorethylene in dry cleaning, but the industry continues the need for a better replacement.

Solvent-based dry cleaning processes have different limits and / or disadvantages compared to wet cleaning.

Although solvent-based dry cleaning processes are quite effective in removing stains and oily dirt, they are not optimal for the removal of particles such as clay dirt or water soluble stains such as sugars, which are commonly found in beverages. of fruits and carbonated drinks; Special treatment conditions may also be necessary to remove protein stains.

Traditional dry cleaning involves processes of high energy consumption that consume approximately 40% or more of energy than traditional wet cleaning and consume more water in the dry cleaning process for the same weight of garments subjected to cleaning.

In addition, dry cleaning equipment requires substantially more capital compared to wet cleaning equipment. The comparison is also unfavorable in terms of operating costs, and specifically with respect to the requirements for removal of filter and solvent sludge, higher repair and maintenance costs due to higher technological complexity and higher energy and water consumption. .

Wet cleaning

Wet cleaning is not toxic, it is an environmentally friendly alternative to dry cleaning, it uses computer controlled washing machines, biodegradable soaps and conditioners, and various types of pressure equipment that can be specialized for many different fabrics and types of fibers. Miele developed modulated wet cleaning technology in the early 1990s and involves the use of water as a solvent instead of organic solvents. The use of water as a solvent offers several advantages:

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Approximately 98% of all stains are water soluble or can be dragged with water.

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Water is capable of cleaning almost all textile materials and leathers except certain textile materials with water soluble coatings.

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The cleaning quality of water is superior to any traditional solvent, since it removes stains instead of dispersing them.

The wet cleaning process of a professional wet cleaning operation is similar to washing clothes in a modulated domestic washing machine, although in a controlled environment with regard to speed, temperature and water volumes. Professional wet cleaning operations require specially designed equipment such as wet cleaning machines and dryers.

Compared to dry cleaning, professional wet cleaning equipment is easier to operate and maintain due to its lower technical complexity; It also requires considerably less pre-marking since most stains are water soluble.

However, the wet cleaning process requires a moderately higher classification before cleaning due to the more delicate cleaning and also the moderately longer finishing time.

Although the quality of wet cleaning has been improved since the early 1990s, modulated wet cleaning methods and compositions still cause damage to garments in terms of shape and color loss and dimensional changes such as shrinkage.

In the traditional water-based washing process, dimensional changes and loss of color are the result of water penetrating inside the fiber cavities and, during the drying process in a water drum evaporator, of the water that creates pressure access that results in the damage of protein fibers.

Then, in order to avoid or reduce the potential shrinkage effect, low temperature water cleaning is carried out with poor cleaning results, particularly with regard to oily and oil-soluble stains which, therefore, cannot be removed.

Several systems have been proposed in the prior art for wet cleaning of garments that are conventionally dry cleaned.

GB 1515792 discloses a cleaning composition for wool washing, which produces less shrinkage, and which comprises a surfactant and a mixture comprising at least one alkali metal pyrophosphate, at least one alkali metal tripolyphosphate and at least one partial ester of orthophosphoric, pyrophosphoric or tripolyphosphoric acid.

US 5,634,947 discloses a wet cleaning system using a propylene glycol monomethyl ether solvent containing from 4% to 50% by volume of water.

WO 98/56975 shows a shrinkage prevention agent containing at least one organic acid, with terpene and a plant-origin phenol as its effective components. Among the organic acids, acetic acid with cycloethene, 2-cyclopentanone, para-cresol, meta-cresol, orthoresol, furfuryl alcohol and guaiacol are proposed, in addition to other components in trace amounts. The anti-shrinkage agent is used in 0.01-0.05 parts by volume per 100 parts of regular water.

The process and compositions for wet cleaning of delicate garments with wrinkles, shrinkage and minimal color damage have been proposed in US 6,139,587 which uses a method that involves immersing the garments in a certain type of aqueous solution containing surfactant under specific conditions that require five different stages.

However, after this wet cleaning process, clothes are usually hung for air drying overnight. Subsequently, to soften the fibers that normally adhere and create a "rough" surface, the garments are subjected to drum cooling. To avoid this roughness, the cleaners usually add cationic surfactants (softeners) during the final rinse of the wash cycle, thereby causing the clothing garments to cope with the adhesion, or put the clothes into a dry clothes dryer to cause mechanical smoothing of them.

US 4,213,867 discloses a fabric washing conditioning composition comprising water, isopropanol, a phosphate ester and a quaternary ammonium compound.

WO 98/41602 describes a fabric washing treatment composition, which is added during the rinsing step, comprising: a) a fluorocarbon polymer or a fluorocarbon copolymer or mixtures thereof; b) a deposition aid comprising a cationic softening compound or a polymeric delivery aid or mixtures thereof.

Domestic

Document CA 2,531,234 addresses the issue of washing processes for sensitive garments in a conventional domestic washing machine. The use of an aqueous washing process in a conventional washing machine is considerably more appropriate and less expensive than any other washing method, but it can produce unacceptable results when applied to a wide variety of sensitive clothing items or only dry cleaning. The system of document CA 2,531,234 uses a flexible polymer wrapper container to avoid abrasion and stress that seriously damages clothing.

Specially formulated household washing products can be purchased for the washing of sensitive clothing. However, like modern wet cleaning, it still requires that garments be hung up for drying, which normally causes fiber to adhere, creating a rough garment surface. The use of softeners results in residues and leaves a "greasy" texture.

Traditionally, wet cleaning operations have not been able to compete with dry cleaning due to the lack of process and technology that does not allow the cleaning of all garments in water and their finishing in a similar time frame.

Taking into account the above, there is clearly a continuing and ongoing need to develop simple and aqueous washing compositions and procedures for cleaning delicate garments providing an appropriate balance between effective removal of stains and dirt and the avoidance of material damage. textiles, dimensional changes and loss of color.

It is an objective of the present invention to avoid the well-known disadvantages associated with the classic dry and wet cleaning alternatives of sensitive garments and to propose efficient and simple solutions for wet cleaning and drying in professional or domestic equipment, without dimensional changes, shrinkage, surface damage, loss of color or dye.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to propose associated methods and compositions for wet cleaning and drying of all types of delicate garments allowing an effective removal of stains, including the removal of oily stains, on sensitive garments generally inappropriate. for washing with water, without incurring dimensional changes, shrinkage, surface damage, loss of color or dye. The compositions and methods of the present invention are used in a professional or household washing equipment and in a drum drying equipment.

Through the temporary application of a protective coating, relaxation and softening of the protein fibers, clothing of all types of fibers can be washed and dried with an aqueous solution without damage to the fibers in a manner similar to the cleaning process dry, based on non-polar organic solvents.

The present invention proposes to solve the cleaning and drying of sensitive garments without damaging them by means of a method that uses at least one main washing step involving a washing composition, described in the present invention and optionally two rinsing steps that they involve preconditioning and / or conditioning compositions, which are described respectively in the present invention.

The compositions that allow carrying out the method of the present invention are detailed as shown below.

The washing composition contains water, an alcohol present in a volume ranging from 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, a mixture of active components of anionic surfactant present in a volume ranging from 4% to a 60% of the total volume of the composition, a mixture of anionic surfactant components present in a volume that varies from 4% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, a phosphate ester present in a volume that varies from 4 % to 30% of the total volume of the composition, citric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4%, phosphoric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0 , 1% to 5% of the total volume of the composition, acetic acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4% and an organic amine present in a volume ranging from 0, 1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition.

The pre-conditioned composition whose pH value is adjusted within the range of 4 to 6, contains water, an alcohol present in a volume that varies from 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, a phosphate ester present in a volume that varies from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition, citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.01% to 5% of the total volume of the composition , phosphoric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 1% to 20% of the total volume of the composition and acetic acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.01% to 5% of the total volume of the composition.

The conditioning composition contains water, tripropylene glycol present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition and a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer present in a volume ranging from 2% to 15% of the total volume of the composition.

Regarding the washing and pre-conditioning compositions:

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the alcohols entering the compositions are selected from the alcohols of the formula Cn H2n + 1 OH in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

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The phosphate ester is selected from a group comprising a mono- or diester complex with a carbon chain of C12-C15 alkyl ether and EO-2-10.

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Citric acid salts are acidic salts of sodium, potassium or ammonium citrate or one of their mixtures.

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phosphoric acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium phosphoric acid salts or one of their mixtures.

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Acetic salts are acidic salts of sodium, potassium or ammonium acetate or mixtures thereof

With respect to washing compositions:

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The mixture of anionic surfactant components is formed by isopropylamine salts of a mixture of linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids in which the alkyl groups contain 7 to 14 carbon atoms. From about 19 to 25% of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid salt has a benzene sulfonic acid at position 2 of the alkyl group.

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The mixture of non-anionic surfactant components is formed by an alcohol alkoxylate in which the upper linear primary alcohol represents 75-85% and even contains an odd number chain of sub 20 carbons. Preferably, the non-ionic primary alcohol It is an ethoxylate alcohol with carbon chain between 8 and 18 carbon atoms.

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The organic amine is selected from a group consisting of diethanolamine, triethanolamine or one of its mixtures.

Regarding the conditioning composition:

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The fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer is formed by a fluorinated monomer, a monomer containing acrylic acid and a calcium, magnesium or aluminum acrylate or styrene sulphonate.

As mentioned above, the invention relates to a method for cleaning and drying clothes made of fabrics that can be damaged by conventional cleaning / drying operations. Said method involves at least one step of washing the garments in a certain type of aqueous washing composition containing additive, under specific conditions, and optionally two stages of rinsing the garments in an aqueous preconditioning composition and / or an aqueous conditioning composition, containing respectively specific additives, to be used under specific conditions. Depending on the need to use these different aqueous compositions, they are followed by specific drainage, extraction and drying stages detailed below. The method of the present invention is designed to be used in a household or professional washer and dryer or washer / dryer.

In a first aspect, the method of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and drying, in a drum dryer, of sensitive garments without damage, in a household washer and dryer or washer / dryer with a cycle for garments of wool clothing. In a first aspect, the method of the present invention is characterized by the successive washing of garments in the washing composition of the present invention, the drying thereof in a drum to a moisture content within the range of 10% to 15%. Ironing or static drying removes all traces of moisture from clothing.

In a second aspect, the method of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and drying in a drum dryer of sensitive clothing without damage, in a washer and dryer or commercial wet cleaning washer / dryer. In this second aspect, the method is characterized by the successive washing of garments in the washing composition of the present invention, rinsing them in the conditioning composition of the present invention, drum drying them to a level of humidity within the range of 8% to 10%. Ironing or static drying removes all traces of moisture from clothing.

In a third aspect, the method of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and drying, in a drum dryer, of all types of sensitive clothing without damage, in a washer and dryer or commercial wet cleaning washer / dryer With water recirculation capacity. In this third aspect, the method is characterized by the successive washing of garments in the washing composition of the present invention, rinsed with the preconditioning composition of the present invention and, in the final stage, rinsed with the conditioning composition of the present invention, drum drying completely or to a desired humidity level.

Detailed description of the invention

In the traditional water-based washing process, dimensional changes and loss of color are the result of the water that penetrates inside the fiber cavities and during the drying process in the evaporation of water in the drum creates access pressure, which results in damage to protein fibers. Through the temporary application of a protective coating, relaxation and softening of the protein fibers, garments of all types of fibers can be washed and dried with an aqueous solution without damage to the fibers, similar to the cleaning process in Dry based on non-polar organic solvents added to the effectiveness of a wet cleaning process.

The objective of the present invention is to provide associated methods and compositions for wet cleaning and drying of all types of delicate garments allowing effective removal of stains, including the removal of oily stains, from garments generally not suitable for washing. with water, without incurring dimensional changes, shrinkage, surface damage, loss of color or dye.

Delicate or sensitive garments are particularly sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere and silk, but also fabrics made from strands, silk, rayon, animal hair, animal skin and mixed spun materials and other garments. Delicate clothing marked with the special care badge.

In this report, cleaning or washing is understood as the removal of dirt and stains from textile materials. The type of dirt present in textile materials can be subdivided into water-soluble dirt and water-insoluble dirt that partially consists of dirt with suspension or emulsified capacity. Water soluble dirt comprises, for example, sugars, acids, salts and urea; water insoluble dirt comprises, for example, sand, clay, proteins, fats, oils, soot, dyes and microorganisms. Dirt with suspension and emulsification capacity includes, among others, proteins, starch, foods, fats, oils and blood components. By cleaning or washing, herein, the removal of odors and fumes is understood but also the recovery from fire.

Here, shrinkage is understood as the reduction of one or more different measurements of the test garment. Specifically, wool pants and wool pullovers were selected as test garments to determine the shrinkage resulting from various cleaning processes using different cleaning compositions compared to the methods and compositions of the present invention. Two different measurements are taken before and after each treatment cycle, after placement on a smooth, hard surface and hand-drawn. When pants are taken as test garments, the reference measurement is the distance between the stitching of the lower leg and the stitching of the hip. When jerseys are taken as test garments, the reference measurement is the distance between the bottom stitching of a sleeve and the approximate midpoint of the stitching that joins the sleeve with the body of the sweater.

Surface damage and loss of dye / color means the deterioration of the integrity of the tissues and the appearance that can manifest itself in several ways. Short fibers are knitted or woven textile / woven structures in dislodged form by the mechanical action of washing. These dislodged fibers may form lint, erasure or pellets that are visible on the surface of the tissues and may decrease the appearance of the tissue again. The repeated repeated washing of the fabrics can remove the dye from them and give a pale appearance, as a result of a lower intensity of color and in many cases, as a result of changes in hue and shade of color.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used in professional or domestic washing and drum drying equipment.

The present invention proposes to solve the cleaning and drying of delicate garments without damaging them by means of a method that uses at least one main washing step involving said washing composition, described in the present invention and optionally two rinsing steps that involve said preconditioning and / or conditioning compositions, described respectively in the present invention.

The compositions that allow carrying out the method of the present invention are detailed as shown below:

Said washing composition of the present invention contains water, an alcohol present in a volume ranging from 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition. The alcohols that enter the composition are selected from the alcohols of the formula Cn H2n + 1 OH in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4 ie methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and butanol. Said washing composition also contains a mixture of anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 60% of the total volume of the composition. The mixture of anionic surfactant components is formed by isopropylamine salts of a mixture of linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids in which the alkyl groups contain 7 to 14 carbon atoms. The alkylbenzene sulfonic acids are components in which the alkyl group contains from 7 to 14 carbon atoms, and is in a linear or branched chain configuration. Approximately 19% to 25% of the alkylbenzenesulfonic acid salt has the benzene sulfonic acid in position 2 of the alkyl group. Said washing composition also contains a mixture of anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 40% of the total volume of the composition. The mixture of anionic surfactant components is formed by a group consisting of non-ionic primary alcohol alkoxylate in which the upper linear primary alcohol represents 75-85% and contains an odd number and not even carbon chain in sub 20. Preferably, the nonionic primary alcohol alkoxylate is an ethoxylate alcohol with a chain of carbon atoms between 8 a and 18 carbon atoms. Said washing composition also contains a phosphate ester present in a volume ranging from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition. The phosphate ester present in said washing composition is selected from a group comprising a mono- or diester complex with a C12-C15 carbon chain of alkyl ether and EO-2-10. Said washing compositions also contain citric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1 to 4%, phosphoric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 5%. of the total volume of the composition, acetic acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4%. The citric acid salts, phosphoric acid salts and acetic acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts or one of their mixtures. Said washing composition also contains an organic amine present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition. Said organic amine is selected from a group consisting of diethanolamine, triethanolamine or one of its mixtures.

Said preconditioning composition of the present invention contains water, an alcohol present in a volume ranging from 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition. The alcohols that enter the composition are selected from the alcohols of the formula CnH2n + 1OH in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, that is, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol and butanol. Said preconditioning composition also contains a phosphate ester present in a volume ranging from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition. The phosphate ester present in said preconditioning composition is selected from a group consisting of mono- or diester complex with a carbon chain of C12-C15 alkyl ether and EO-2-10. Said preconditioning composition also contains citric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4%, phosphoric acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1 5 to 5% of the total volume of the composition, acetic acid and its soluble salts present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4%. The citric acid salts, phosphoric acid salts and acetic acid salts are sodium, potassium and ammonium salts or mixtures thereof. The pH value of said preconditioning composition is adjusted within a range of 4 to 6, preferably 5.

Said conditioning composition of the present invention contains water, tripropylene glycol present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition and a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer present in a volume ranging from 2% at 15% of the total volume of the composition. The fluroalkyl acrylate copolymer is formed by a fluorinated monomer, acrylic acid containing a monomer and a calcium, magnesium or aluminum acrylate or styrene sulphonate.

As mentioned, the invention relates to a method for cleaning and drying garments made of fabrics that can be damaged by conventional cleaning / drying operations. Said method involves at least one step of washing the garments in a certain type of aqueous washing composition containing additive, under specific conditions, and optionally two stages of rinsing the garments in an aqueous preconditioning composition and / or an aqueous conditioning composition, containing respectively specific additives, to be used under specific conditions. Depending on the need to use these different aqueous compositions, they are followed by drainage, extraction and drying steps detailed below. The method of the present invention is designed to be used in a type of washer and dryer or washer / dryer of domestic or professional type.

In a first aspect, the method of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and drying, in a drum dryer, sensitive garments without damage, in a household washer and dryer or washer / dryer, with a cycle for woolen garments. In the first aspect, the method of the present invention is characterized by a successive washing of the garments in the washing composition of the present invention, drying them in a drum to a moisture content within the range of 10% to 15% in order to complete its drying by means of static drying until all the moisture content of the garments has been removed. In this first aspect, the washing composition of the present invention is used in a domestic washing cycle for a time within the range of 1 to 15 minutes, preferably within the range of 3 to 12 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C. In this first aspect, the washing composition is drained after the washing stage and the cycle is completed by means of a rinsing stage and an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute before drying.

In a second aspect, the method of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and drying, in a drum dryer, of sensitive clothing without damage, in a washer and dryer or washer / dryer for commercial wet cleaning. In this second aspect, the method is characterized by the successive washing of garments in the washing composition of the present invention, rinsing them in the conditioning composition of the present invention, drying them in drum to a level of humidity within the range of 8% to 10% in order to complete the drying either by static drying until all the remaining moisture has been removed from the clothes, or ironed. In this second aspect, the washing composition of the present invention is used in a washer and dryer or washer / dryer for commercial wet cleaning for a time within the range of 1 to 15 minutes, preferably within the range of 3 to 12 minutes , at a temperature of up to 40 ° C. In this second aspect, the washing composition is drained after the washing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute before dried

In a third aspect, the method of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and drying in a drum dryer of sensitive clothes without damage, in a washer and dryer or commercial wet cleaning washer / dryer with capacity of water circulation. In this third aspect, the method is characterized by the successive washing of the garments in the washing composition of the present invention, rinsing them in the preconditioning composition of the present invention, rinsing them in the conditioning composition of the present invention in order to dry completely or to a desired humidity level. In this third aspect, the washing composition of the present invention is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle, as above, for a time within the range of 1 to 15 minutes, preferably within the range from 3 to 12 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C. In this third aspect, the washing composition is drained after the washing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute. In this third aspect, the preconditioning composition of the present invention is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle for a time within the range of 2 to 4 minutes, preferably 4 minutes, at a temperature up to 40 ° C. In this third embodiment, the preconditioning composition is drained after the rinsing stage and the cycle is completed by extraction at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute. In this third aspect, the conditioning composition of the present invention is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle for a time within the range of 2 to 10 minutes, preferably 7 minutes, at a temperature up to 40 ° C. In this third aspect, the conditioning composition is drained after the rinsing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 1000 rpm for a time within the range of 2.5 to 5 minutes, preferably 4 minutes before dried

These washing, preconditioning and conditioning compositions of the present invention have been designed to optimize the cleaning and drying of sensitive garments in a domestic or professional equipment and to avoid dimensional changes, shrinkage, surface damage and loss of color. It is understood that these compositions of the present invention are well adapted to the previously described methods of the present invention. It is also understood that these compositions could be used independently in other cleaning and / or drying methods and processes dedicated to the cleaning and / or drying of sensitive garments in professional or domestic equipment without dimensional changes, shrinkage, surface damage and loss color. These washing, preconditioning and conditioning compositions of the present invention could be used in association with other washing, preconditioning and conditioning compositions used in the fabric cleaning technique with professional equipment.

or domestic or in other methods of washing, preconditioning and conditioning and processes of the technique of cleaning fabrics with professional or domestic equipment.

Several examples are used below to explain and illustrate the invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Examples

Ordinary trial:

one.

 15 kg of different woolen clothing items from several manufacturers were selected and placed in a commercial wet cleaning washing machine (brand: IMESA) 55 1b.

2.

 In a first stage, the clothes were washed for 7 minutes with a solution corresponding to said washing composition at 25 ° C. The aqueous solution was drained and extracted for 1 minute at 500 rpm.

3.

In a second stage, the clothes were rinsed for 4 minutes at 25 ° C, with a solution corresponding to said preconditioning composition. The aqueous solution was drained and extracted for 1 minute at 500 rpm.

Four.

 In a third stage, the clothes were rinsed for 7 minutes at 25 ° C with a solution corresponding to said conditioning composition. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction for 4 minutes at 1000 rpm.

5.

 In a fourth stage, the clothes were dried in a commercial dryer (brand: IMESA) 75 1b to a moisture content of 3%.

Subsequent evaluation revealed that clothing items did not show dimensional changes or color / dye losses and were exceptionally clean with very few wrinkles similar to those of the dry cleaning process.

Comparison test 1:

Comparable products (wet cleaning) have no ability to remove oily stains and are not recommended for washing and subsequent drying of clothing. The recommended drying is in a drum for 3 minutes and hung overnight.

Comparison test 1 was limited to the cleaning process.

Three different commercially available wet cleaning products were chosen and the same types of clothing were cleaned based on the recommendations of the manufacturer of cleaning products.

Clean clothes were evaluated for the cleaning effect and effect on the fibers. The three cleaning products and processes produced visible surface and color changes.

Comparison test 2:

In comparison test 2, comparison test 1 was carried out with the subsequent drying of the garments.

Clean and dry clothes were evaluated for cleanliness and drying effect and effect on fibers.

The three cleaning products and processes produced visible dimensional changes, shrinkage and felting as well as color changes.

Household washing machine test 1:

one.

 Four wool pants from various manufacturers were selected and placed in a Miele W 1926 washing machine (domestic washing machine) in a hand wash / wool garment cycle.

2.

 In a first stage, the clothes were washed with a solution corresponding to said

wash composition at 25 ° C. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction.

3.

 In a second stage, the clothes were rinsed only with water. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction.

Four.

 In a third stage, the garments were rinsed at 25 ° C with a solution corresponding to said conditioning composition. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction.

5.

 In a fourth stage, the clothes were dried in a Miele T 1526 tumble dryer at low temperature with an ironing adjustment by hand.

The subsequent evaluation revealed that the garments did not show dimensional changes, nor loss of color / dye, were very clean with very few wrinkles similar to those of the dry cleaning process.

Household washing machine test 2:

one.

 Four wool sweaters from various manufacturers were selected and placed in a Miele W 1926 washing machine (domestic washing machine) in a washing cycle / woolen garments.

2.

 In a first stage, the clothes were washed with a solution corresponding to said washing composition at 25 ° C. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction.

3.

 In a second stage, the clothes were rinsed only with water. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction.

Four.

 In a third stage, the garments were rinsed at 25 ° C with a solution corresponding to said conditioning composition. The aqueous solution was drained and subjected to extraction.

5.

 In a fourth stage, the clothes were dried in a Miele T 1526 tumble dryer at low temperature with an ironing adjustment by hand.

The subsequent evaluation revealed that the jerseys did not show dimensional changes, nor loss of color / dye, were very clean with very few wrinkles similar to those of the dry cleaning process.

Example of comparison with domestic washing machine:

A comparison test was carried out with the same Miele washer and dryer, and three cleaning products available for wool and sensitive fibers.

Clean and dry clothes were evaluated for the effect of cleaning and drying and the effect on the fibers. The three products and processes produced visible dimensional changes, shrinkage and felting as well as color changes.

Claims (43)

1. A useful method for cleaning, in a professional or household washing machine and drying in a drum dryer, of garments and other fibers made from water-sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk and other sensitive garments marked only for dry cleaning, without dimensional changes, surface damage, loss of color, comprising the stages of: a) at least wash clothes with a washing composition consisting of 1) water, 2) an alcohol present in a volume that varies from about 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a mixture of anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 60% of the total volume of the composition, 4) a mixture of non-anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to a 40% of the total volume of the composition, 5) a phosphate ester present in a volume ranging from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition, 6) citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1 to 4%, 7) phosphoric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1% to 5% of the volume total composition, 8) acetic acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1 to 4%, 9) an organic amine present in a volume that varies from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition. b) optionally, rinse the garments with a preconditioning composition whose pH value is adjusted within the range of 4 to 6, which consists of 1) water, 2) an alcohol present in a volume that varies from about 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a phosphate ester present in a volume that varies from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition, 4) citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.01% to 5% of the volume total composition, 5) phosphoric acid and its salts, present in a volume that varies from 1% to 20% of the total volume of the composition, 6) acetic acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.01% to 5% of the volume total composition, c) optionally, rinse the garments with a conditioning composition consisting of: 1) water, 2) tripropylene glycol present in a volume ranging from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer present in a volume ranging from 2% to a 15% of the total volume of the composition and then dry in a drum dryer.

2.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein said alcohol is selected from the alcohols of the formula CnH2n + 1 OH in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

3.

A method according to claim 1, wherein said anionic surfactant components are isopropylamine salts of a mixture of linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids in which the alkyl groups contain 7 to 14 carbon atoms and about 19 to 25 Linear alkyl benzene sulfonic acid salt% has benzene sulfonic acid in position 2 of the alkyl group.

Four.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein said non-anionic surfactant components are selected from a group consisting of non-ionic primary alcohol alkoxylate in which the upper linear primary alcohol represents 75-85% and contains a chain of carbon odd and even number in sub 20.

5.

 A method according to claim 4, wherein said nonionic primary alcohol alkoxylate is an ethoxylate alcohol with carbon chain between 8 and 18 carbon atoms.

6.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein said phosphate ester is selected from a group

comprising mono- or diester complex with a carbon chain of C12-C15 or EO-2-10 alkyl ether.

7.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein the citric acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of citrate acid or a mixture thereof.

8.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein the phosphoric acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of phosphoric acid or a mixture thereof.

9.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein the acetic acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of acetate acid or a mixture thereof.

10.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein said organic amine is selected from a group consisting of diethanolamine, triethanolamine or one of its mixtures.

eleven.

 A method according to claim 1, wherein said copolymer is a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer comprising a fluorinated monomer, a monomer containing acrylic acid and a calcium, magnesium, or aluminum or styrene sulfonate acrylate.

12.

 A method according to claims 1a, 2-11, characterized in that the sensitive clothes, in a household washer and dryer or washer / dryer with a cycle for woolen clothes, are washed successively using the composition wash, drum dry to a moisture content within the range of 10% to 15% and complete until dry by static drying until all moisture has been removed from the garments.

13.

 A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the washing composition is used in a domestic washing cycle for a time within the range of 1 to 15 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C.

14.

 A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the washing composition is drained after the washing stage and the cycle is completed by means of a rinsing stage and an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes, before drying.

fifteen.

 A method according to claims 1a, 1c, 2-11, characterized in that the sensitive clothes, in a washer and dryer or washer / dryer for commercial wet cleaning, are washed successively using the washing composition, rinsed in the conditioning composition, they are dried in a drum to a moisture content within the range of 8% to 10% and is completed until dried by means of static drying until all remaining moisture has been removed or ironed.

16.

 A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the washing composition is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle, for a time within the range of 1 to 15 minutes, at a temperature up to 40 ° C.

17.

 A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the washing composition is drained after the washing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes

18.

 A method according to claim 15, characterized in that the conditioning composition is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle, for a time within the range of 2 to 10 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C.

19.

 A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the conditioning composition is drained after the rinsing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes , before drying.

twenty.

A method according to claims 1-11, characterized in that the sensitive clothes, in a washer and dryer or washer / dryer for commercial wet cleaning with water circulation capacity, are washed successively using the washing composition, they are clarified in the preconditioning composition, they are clarified in the conditioning composition, they are dried in a drum completely or to a desired moisture content.

twenty-one.

 A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the washing composition is used in a commercial washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle for a period of time within the range of 1 to 15 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C.

22

 A method according to claim 21, characterized in that the washing composition is drained after the washing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the

0.5 to 2 minute interval.

2. 3.

 A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the preconditioning composition is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle, for a time within the range of 2 to 4 minutes, preferably 4 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C.

24.

 A method according to claim 23, characterized in that the preconditioning composition is drained after the rinsing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 500 rpm for a time within the range of 0.5 to 2 minutes .

25.

 A method according to claim 20, characterized in that the conditioning composition is used in a commercial wet cleaning washer and dryer or washer / dryer cycle, for a time within the range of 2 to 10 minutes, at a temperature of up to 40 ° C.

26.

 A method according to claim 25, characterized in that the conditioning composition is drained after the rinsing stage and the cycle is completed by means of an extraction stage at 1000 rpm, for a time within the range of 2.5 to 5 minutes, before drying.

27.

 A washing composition useful for cleaning, in a professional or household washing machine and drying in a tumble dryer, of garments and other fibers that include water-sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk and other garments of sensitive clothing marked only for dry cleaning, without dimensional changes, surface damage and loss of color, comprising:

1) water, 2) an alcohol present in a volume that varies from about 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a mixture of anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 60% of the total volume of the composition, 4) a mixture of non-anionic surfactant components present in a volume ranging from 4% to 40 % of the total volume of the composition, 5) a phosphate ester present in a volume ranging from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition, 6) citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1 to 4%, 7) phosphoric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1% to 5% of the volume total composition, 8) acetic acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.1 to 4%, 9) an organic amine present in a volume that varies from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition;

28.

 A composition according to claim 27 wherein said alcohol is selected from the alcohols of the formula CnH2n + 1OH in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

29.

 A composition according to claim 27, wherein the anionic surfactant components are isopropylamine salts of a mixture of linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acids in which the alkyl groups contain 7 to 14 carbon atoms and about 19 to 25 % of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid salt has benzene sulfonic acid in position 2 of the alkyl group.

30

 A composition according to claim 27, wherein said non-anionic surfactant components are selected from a group consisting of a non-ionic primary alcohol alkoxylate in which the upper linear primary alcohol represents 75-85% and contains a chain carbon of odd and even number in sub 20.

31.

 A composition according to claim 30, wherein said non-ionic primary alcohol alkoxylate is an ethoxylate alcohol with a chain of carbon atoms between 8 to 18 carbon atoms.

32

 A composition according to claim 27, wherein said phosphate ester is selected from a group comprising mono- and diester complex with a C12-C15 and EO-2 alkyl ether carbon chain

10.

33.

 A composition according to claim 27, wherein the citric acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of citrate acid or a mixture thereof.

3. 4.

A preconditioning composition useful for cleaning, in a professional or domestic washing machine equipment and drying in a drum dryer, garments and other fibers that include water-sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk and other sensitive garments marked as only for dry cleaning, without dimensional changes, surface damage and loss of color consisting of:

1) water, 2) an alcohol present in a volume that varies from 5% to 40% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a phosphate ester present in a volume that varies from 4% to 30% of the total volume of the composition, 4) citric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.01% to 5% of the total volume of the composition, 5) phosphoric acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 1% to 20% of the volume total composition, 6) acetic acid and its soluble salts, present in a volume that varies from 0.01% to 5% of the volume total composition,

35

 A composition according to claim 34, wherein the alcohol is selected from the alcohols of the formula CnH2n + 1OH in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

36.

 A composition according to claim 34, wherein said phosphate ester is selected from a group comprising mono- or diester complex with a carbon chain of C12-C15 and EO-2 alkyl ether

10.

37.

 A composition according to claim 34, wherein the citric acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of citrate acid or a mixture thereof.

38.

 A composition according to claim 34, wherein the phosphoric acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of phosphoric acid or a mixture thereof.

39.

 A composition according to claim 34, wherein the acetic acid salts are sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of acetate acid or a mixture thereof.

40

A conditioning composition useful for cleaning, in a professional or household washing machine and drying in a tumble dryer, of garments and other fibers that include water-sensitive protein fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk and other garments of Sensitive clothing marked as only for dry cleaning, without dimensional changes, surface damage and loss of color consisting of:

1) water, 2) tripropylene glycol present in a volume that varies from 0.1% to 4% of the total volume of the composition, 3) a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer present in a volume ranging from 2% to 15% of the volume Total composition.

41.

 A composition according to claim 40, wherein said copolymer is a fluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer comprising a fluorinated monomer, a monomer containing acrylic acid and a calcium, magnesium or aluminum acrylate or styrene sulfonate.