GB2352179A - Deodorising perfume compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides liquid malodour treatment compositions comprising a deodorising perfume, a solubilising aid therefor and water. The compositions are used to treat undesired odours on an item without the need for laundering. The perfume comprises: (a) an acetal or hemiacetal produced by reacting an aldehyde with a carbinol, or (b) a ketal or hemiketal produced by reacting a ketone with a carbinol, or (c) a cyclic triacetal of an aldehyde. The aldehyde is hexylcinnamic aldehyde; heliotropine; undecylenic aldehyde; dodecanal or one of; <EMI ID=1.1 HE=67 WI=130 LX=308 LY=1172 TI=CF> The ketone is hedione; methyl ionone or compound: <EMI ID=1.2 HE=21 WI=31 LX=765 LY=2025 TI=CF> The carbinol is citronellol; nerol; geraniol; dihydromyrcenol; b -phenyl ethyl alcohol; tetrahydrolinalool; undecavertol or : <EMI ID=1.3 HE=9 WI=66 LX=671 LY=2510 TI=CF> It is especially preferred that the compositions comprise a film-forming polymer e.g. polyvinyl acetate and/or at least partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate.

Description

2352179 MALODOUR TRZATMENT COMPOSITIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

5' The present invention relates to liquid malodour treatment compositions comprising a deodorising perfume. The invention also relates to a method of reducing or masking a malodour on a substrate by applying thereto a composition of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Household and personal items that are susceptible to taking up surrounding odours, such as clothing and other fabric-containing articles, often come into contact with undesirable odours (e.g.

tobacco, pet, body and cooking odours). These odours are thus taken up by the item to create an undesirable odour on it.

Frequently, it is not desirable to launder these items simply to remove the odour because the items themselves are not otherwise soiled or stained. However, the consumer may still wish to refreshen the item.

Also it may be desired to simply freshen the item to provide it with a just laundered smell without necessarily treating a specific malodour.

One conventional method of freshening such items (i.e. removing the malodour) is to allow them to stand in air. However this method is slow, and, is not always very effective.

Thus there is a growing demand in the marketplace for a product that will allow the consumer to re-freshen items, such as household and clothing items etc., without the need for a full laundering treatment.

It is also highly desirable to provide long lasting, or controlled release, perfume effects to combat the above freshening and/or malodour problems.

It is well known in the art to use perfumes to mask or cover malodours. These perfumes are f ormulated within a composition and are released therefrom to provde the perfuming effect. The perfumes may be controllably released e.g. to provide longerlasting perfuming. Perfumes that are effective against malodours may be referred to as deodorising perfumes.

Conventionally, the perfume may be entrapped within a matrix to provide controlled perfume release properties.

WO 94/28107 (Procter & Gamble Company) discloses a perfume delivery system for covering the malodour of a composition, for example a granular detergent composition, and for providing a new aroma therefor. The con-positions comprise a solid, watersoluble porous carrier which comprises a natural or synthetic zeolite, a perfume releasably incorporated in the pores of the zeolite carrier, and, a matrix which comprises a water-soluble composition (in which the perfume is substantially insoluble) coated onto the perfumed zeolite.

US 4,428,869 (Munteanu et al) discloses hydroalcohol -containing compositions including colognes, aftershave lotions, after bath preparations and splash lotions which yield a continuously high fragrance intensity release. The con-positions can be adapted to qualitatively and quantitatively release differing aromas in a controlled manner. The compositions are a mixture of a nonconfined fragrance composition with one or more fragrance oils physically entrapped in one or more types of solid particles and a suspending agent e.g. hydroxypropyl cellulose. 5It is also well known in the art to use certain non-reacted mixtures of materials to treat malodours. For example, two such commercially available malodour treatment perfumes include Neutriff and Galaxolide (both trademarks of International Flavours and Fragrances Inc.). Otl.-,,,,--r materials which have been known to cover malodours include corn mint oil and citral.

The use of acetals in perfumery is well known. For example, Japanese patent application number 110/29517 (Kuraray Company Limited) discloses that certain acetals produced by the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with an alcohol (including a diol) in the presence of a given complex Nickel catalyst are suitable as synthetic starting materials for perfumes.

Korean patent application number 98/009214 (Korea Ginseng and Tobacco Research Institute) discloses pyruvaldehyde dimenthyl acetal and the preparation thereof. EP 905 115 (Procter & Gamble) discloses a method for making an acetal compound comprising the step of adding a carbonyl compound (selected from an aldehyde, a ketone and mixtures thereof), an alcohol and a dehydrating agent to an environment, and pressurising the mixture to cause the carbonyl compound and the alcohol to form the acetal.

WO 97/34578 (Procter & Gamble) discloses a pro-fragrance compound selected from the group consisting of an acetal, a 4 ketal, and mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of a parent aldehide, ketone or alcohol of the pro-fragrance acetal or ketal is a fragrance compound having a Clog P of less than about 4.

WO 98/06803 (Procter & Gamble) discloses rinse added fabric softening compositions containing pro-fragrant acetals or ketals which hydrolyse upon exposure of surfaces rinsed in solution of said compositions to a reduction in pH. A fragrance which is characteristic of one or more of the hydrolysis products is 10 thereby released.

It is has been found, according to the present invention, that excellent, and prolonged, reduction (or masking) of malodour on a substrate is achieved by using certain liquid malodour 15 treatment compositio4s as disclosed herein.

Statement of invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a liquid malodour 20 treatment composition comprising; (A) a deodorising perfume comprising at least one substance which is:

(a) an acetal or hemiacetal produced by means of reacting an aldehyde with a carbinol, wherein the aldehyde is: hexylcinnamic aldehyde; heliotropine; undecylenic aldehyde; dodecanal; compound (1); compound (II), or compound (III); CH3 CH2 CH C H 5' H3C- C-CH3 I CH3 OH C H C 0 1 H and wherein the carbinol is: citronellol; nerol; geraniol; dihydromyrcenol; S-phenyl ethyl alcohol; tetrahydrolinalool; undecavertol; or compound (IV); 6 (IV) CH2 CH ----(CH2 8 - OH or a mixture of the acetal and/or hemiacetal, or, 5" (b) a ketal or hemiketal produced by means of reacting a ketone with a carbinol, wherein the ketone is: hedione; methyl ionone; or compound (V); 10 M 0 and wherein the carbinol is as defined in (a), or a mixture of the ketal and/or hemiketal, or, (c) a cyclic triacetal, or, a mixed cyclic triacetal of at least two aldehydes which are: heliotropine; undecylenic aldehyde; dodecanal; and/or compound (I),(II) or (III) as defined in (a) above.

or, a mixture of any of the acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, hemiketals or cyclic triacetals above (B) a solubilising aid for the deodorising perfume (A), and (C) water, wherein the solubilising aid (B) is present in the composition in an amount by weight sufficient to solubilise, disperse or emulsify the deodorising perfume (A) in the water. 5 The invention further provides a method of reducing or masking a malodour on a substrate, comprising the step of applying to the substrate a malodour-reducing amount of the above- defined composition. 10 Personal care deodorant, or anti-perspirant, malodour treatment compositions that are applied directly to the skin do not form part of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I The Deodorising Perfume (A) The malodour treatment compositions of the invention comprise a deodorising perfume comprising at least one substance which is the reaction product of (i) an aldehyde with an alcohol, or (ii) a ketone with an alcohol or (iii) an aldehyde with the same or different aldehyde(s).

In particular, the perfume comprises:

(a) an acetal or hemiacetal produced by means of reacting an aldehyde with a carbinol, or a mixture of the acetal and hemiacetal, or (b) a ketal or hemiketal produced by means of reacting a ketone with a carbinol, or a mixture of the ketal and hemiketal, or (c) a cyclic triacetal, or, a mixed cyclic triacetal of at least two aldehydes, or, a mixture of any of the acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, hemiketals or cyclic triacetals above.

The acetals, ketals, hemiacetals and hemiketals have the generic structures: 10 OR2 R1 - C OH (hemiacetals and hemiketals); and I R11 Rj- C 012 (acetals and ketals) I OR'2 RII produced by means of the reaction of the alcohol having the structure: R2 OH or the structure: R2 -OH with the ketone or aldehyde having the structure:

0 Rj- C R11 according to the reactions: 30 9 - (D) 0 OR2 OR2 K1 K3 OH R-, - C + R'2-OH -C R1 -C + R2 K4 I '11 OR'2 \ R'l K2 OH R11 R'l wherein the hemiacetal or hemiketal is produced by the first stage of the reaction and the acetal or ketal is produced by the overall reaction, and wherein, the terms K1, K2, K3, and K4 are reaction rate constants and furthei wherein the terms R1, R,, R2 and R2 define moieties resulting from the reactions of the following aldehydes and ketones with the following carbinols:

Aldehyde hexylcinnamic aldehyde, heliotropine, undecylenic aldehyde; dodecanal nd aldehyde compounds M, (II) and (III) as defined herein.

Ketones: hedione; methyl ionone and ketone compound M as defined herein.

Carbinols: citronellol; nerol; geraniol; dihydromyrcenol; phenyl ethyl alcohol; tetrahydrolinalool; undecavertol and carbinol compound (IV) as defined herein.

It is especially preferred that the decdorising perfume comprises at least one substance which is an acetal or a hemiacetal as defined above, or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred are the acetal and/or hemiacetal of hexylcinnamic aldehyde and dihydromyrcenol.

Compound (I) is available as LILIALO from Givaudan Roure AG (Basel, Switzerland).Compounds (II) to M are commercially available from International Flavours and Fragrances Inc. as LYRALO, AU13EPINES, ROSALVAO and ISOCYCLEMONE E(D respectively. All product names are trademarks.

5' Compound (II) as defined herein is referred to, for ease of reference, as a compound. However, it is to be construed as referring to the mixture of corrpounds defined by this structure.

The cyclic triacetals produced by means of trimerization of a single aldehyde, or by reaction ofdifferent aldehydes with one another, may be used in the compositions of the invention. Such cyclic triacetals have the structure:

R7 Oil" 0 R" R17 7 and are produced according to the reaction for producing a triacetal from the same aldehyde; R7 0 OJ"O 3 R7 -C \ H V1. R7 '10,1 R7 or according to the reaction for producing a triacetal from different aldehydes:

R7 0 0 0 e If)P 0 0 R7 - C +R'7-C +R-7 -C \ H \ H \ H R" 7 R 7 wherein R7, R7 and R7, are moieties created as a result of the reaction of the following aldehydes with one another or with themselves: heliotropine; undecylenic aldehyde, compound 5 and compound (III) Thus, for example, when Compound (III) is trimerized, it forms the compound having the structure:

0 0 15 0 0 On the other hand, when Compound (V) is intended to be reacted with Compound (IV), it is first reacted with 2 moles of methyl alcohol to form the dimethyl ketal having the structure:

H3CO OCH3 after which the dimethyl ketal is reacted with Compound (IV) in accordance with the following reactions:

0 H3CO OCH3 6 6C'Y" 1 +2CH30H ON I 12 and H,CO OCH, + 2 6a ------------------------ - 0 0 10 By the same token when Compound (II) is reacted with geraniol, the digeranyl acetal of Compound (II) is formed (a mixture of compounds) according to the reaction:

OH 0 2 OH C OH C 0 0 4/ 13 When a mixture of geraniol and Compound (IV) are reacted with Compound (III), the mixed acetal having the following structure is formed:

C \ '0 0-0 0 4 in addition to compound (III) trimers, gerinol trimers and "mixed" trimers of compound (III) and gerinol.

I An example of a "mixed" trimer of con-pound (III) and heliotropine has the structure:

0 q, 0 0 0 0 0 30 By the term "hexylcinnamic aldehyde" as used herein is meant the compound having the structure:

5, C C, By the term "nerol" as used herein is meant the compound having the structure:

OH The aforementioned acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, hemiacetals and triacetals decompose with time to form their constitute aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols, which are in and of themselves, taken alone, or in admixture, fragrance components or fragrance compositions. Thus, the reactions to form the acetals, hemiacetals etc., my be shown as:

0 OR2 e -Rj -C / R1 -C \ + R 2-OH I " OH R R and /OR 2 R2 Rj-C + R 2 - OH R1 - C "' I \ OH I -OR'2 R 1 1 R 1 1 Thus the concentration of the acetals, hemiacetals, ketals and hemiketals changes with time as they decompose on the substrate having the malodour to form their original aldehyde or ketone or the hemiacetals or hemiketals constituents which are also fragrance components or compositions. The decomposition may occur by oxidation/reductive reactions when the products are placed in a basic, or even neutral, medium and exposed to air.

The reaction to form the acetals, ketals, and triacetals preferably takes place in the presence of an acid catalyst, especially citric acid.

The present invention concerns the use of specific ingredients for effecting controlled release of the perfume rather than the use of entrapped fragrances e.g. within a matrix, which has been used according to the prior art. It is thus preferred that the deodorising perfume is not present in the composition as an entrapped perfume.

The perfume may be present in the composition in an amount of 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 2% by weight, most preferably 0.05 to 1% by weight, e.g. 0.1 to 0.75% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Solubilising aid (B) The compositions of the invention comprises a solubilising aid for the deodorising perfume.

Although the term solubilising aid is used herein for component (B) the term is to be construed as meaning that the solubilising aid either fully solubilises the perfume in the composition s aqueous phase, or, produces a dispersion or emulsion of the perfume therein. Although the term solubilising aid is used herein, the term deodorising perfume solubiliser, dispersant or emulsifier could equally be used. The term is not intended to define only the full solubilisation of the perfume in the composition.

The solubilising aid is present in the composition in an amount by weight sufficient to solubilise, disperse or emulsify the perfume in the water which is pres(nt in the composition.

It is preferred that the solubilising aid comprises one or more surfactant(s) and/or one or more water-miscible solvent(s). Most preferably the solubilising aid consists of one or more surfactants or a mixture of surfactant(s) and water-miscible solvent(s).

i. Surfactant The surfactant may be chosen from soap and non-soap anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric and zwitterionic detergent-active compounds, and mixtures thereof. Many suitable detergent-active compounds are available and are fully described in the literature, for example, in "Surface- Active Agents and Detergents", Volumes I and II, by Schwartz, Perry and Berch. Suitable nonionic surfactants are also described in McCutcheon's "Detergents and Emulsifiers" North American Edition, 1994 Annual, incorporated herein by reference.

The surfactants are preferably water soluble, that is, they dissolve in water at 200C at the concentration at which they are included in the compositions of the invention.

The preferred surfactants are anionic and/or nonionic surfactants.

For the purposes of this invention nonionic surfactants are defined as substances with molecular structures consisting of a hydrophilic and hydrophobic part. The hydrophobic part consists of a hydrocarbon and the hydrophilic part of polar groups.

Nonionic synthetic detergents may be broadly defined as compounds produced by the condensaion of alkylene oxide groups (hydrophilic in nature) with an organic hydrophobic compound, which may be aliphatic or alkyl aromatic in nature. The length of the hydrophilic or polyoxyalkylene radical which is condensed with any particular hydrophobic group can be readily adjusted to yield a water-soluble compound having the desired degree of balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements. Suitable nonionic detergent surfactants are generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,939,678, Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975, at column 13, line 14, through column 16, line 6, incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable nonionic surfactants include the primary and secondary alcohol alkoxylates, especially the C8-C22 aliphatic alcohols alkoxylated with an average of from 3 to 30 moles, especially 4 to 15 moles, of alkylene oxide per mole of alcohol, e.g. the CqC18 primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols alkoxylated with an average of from 3 to 20, especially 4 to 15 moles of alkylene oxide per mole of alcohol. The alcohols may be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched. Ethylene oxide is the preferred alkylene oxide.

18 Examples of such ethoxylated alcohols include the condensation product Of C12-'15 alcohol (predominantly) with about 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol; and the condensation product of lauryl alcohol with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide.

Examples of commercially available nonionic surfactants of this type include NEODOLS 25-9 (the condensation product Of C12-C15 alcohol with an average of 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol), supplied by Shell Chemical Company, and GENAPOLS C200 (the condensation product predominently of C12-C14 alcohol with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol), marketed by Clariant.

Another suitable surfactant is PPG-1-PEG-9 lauryl glycol ether with an average of 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol (EUMULGINO L, ex. Cognis Deutschland GmbH) other suitable nonionic surfactants are the polyethylene oxide condensates of oil and fats, e.g. lanolin, castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil. These compounds include ethoxylated hardened castor oils with greater than 60 wt% of the compound comprising the ethoxylate. An example of a commercially available nonionic surfactant of this type is Cremophor C040, ex BASF (hardened castor oil with about 40 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of hardened castor oil).

The polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols may also be used. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with ethylene oxide, the ethylene oxide being present in an amount equal to from about 5 to about 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol.

19 The condensation products of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol may also be used. Also suitable are the 5- condensation products of ethylene oxide wi--h the products resulting from the reaction of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine, and ethoxylated fatty amides and ethoxylated fatty esters.

Preferred nonionic ethoxylated surfactants have an HLB of from about 7 to about 20, preferably from about 10 to about 15.

Where the amount of nonionic ethoxylated surfactant solubilising aid is less than approximately 2% wt, in the absence of other solubilising aids, the nonionic ethoxylated surfactant preferably has 4-15 oles of ethylene oxide per molecule of alcohol. Higher levels of ethoxylation (e.g. 20) may suitably be used where a higher level of the given solubilising aid is used, and/or, where an additional solubilising aid is used. 20 Examples of other suitable nonionic surfactants are carbohydrate surfactants or other polyhydroxy surfactants e.g. alkyl polyglycosides as disclosed in EP 199 765 (Henkel) and EP 238 638 (Henkel), poly hydroxy amides as disclosed in WO 93/18125 (Procter and Gamble and WO 92/06161 (Procter and Gamble), fatty acid ester (e.g. monoester) ethoxylates, fatty acid sugar esters (sucrose esters), sorbitan ester ethoxylates, alkylene glycol ester ethoxylates, glycerol and polyglyceryl esters and alkyl lactobionamides.

Alkylpolysaccharides disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued January 21, 1986, having a hydrophobic group containing from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, preferably from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide, e.g., a polyglycoside, hydrophilic group containing from about 1.3 to about 2.7 saccharide units are also useful. Such polysaccharides are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,565,647, Llenado, issued January 21, 1986.

Fatty acid amide surfactants having the formula:

0 R C N(R)2 wherein R is an alkyl group containing from about 7 to about 21 (preferably from about 9 to about 17) carbon atoms and each R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 - C4 I hydroxyalkyl, and (C2H40)xH where x is from about 1 to about 3 may also be used.

Anionic surfactants that may be used include alkylbenzene sulphonate, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, and especially those having an alkyl chain length of C8-C15- However, any conventional anionic surfactant may be used. Examples include primary and secondary alkyl sulphates, 25 particularly CB-CIS primary alkyl sulphates; alkyl ether sulphates and sulphonates; alkane sulphonates, olefin sulphonates; alkyl xylene sulphonates; dialkyl sulphosuccinates; alkyl acyl-N-(hydroxy) alkyl glucamine sulphates, alkyl ester sulphonates and fatty acid ester sulphonates. Sodium, potassium and ammonium salts are generally preferred.

Soaps, such as tallow, coconut, oleic and lauric fatty acid derived soaps and mixtures thereof are also suitable for use.

21 In particular a mixture of anionic surfactant and nonionic surfactant may be used.

If higher foaming products, e.g. mousses are required, it is preferably to include anionic surfactants either alone or in combination with nonionic surfactants.

Amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants may also be used in the compositions of the invention. Preferred types include amine oxides, betaines including sulphobetaines and tegobetaines, phosphine oxides and sulphoxides e.g. coco amido propyl betaine.

Amine oxides may also be used, for example, containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms e.g alkyl dimethyl amine oxide; water-soluble phosphine oxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and 2 moieties selected from the groups consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups containing from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms; and water-soluble sulfoxides containing one alkyl moiety of from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms and a moiety selected from the groups consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl moieties of from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms.

The cationic surfactant may be a quaternary ar=nium compound of formulae (A) below:

(A) R1 R 3 X_ R 2 R 4 - 22 wherein R 1 and R 2 are independently Cj-C6 alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkyl or alkenyl groups or hydroxyalkylgroups and R 3 and R 4 are independently CS-C28 alkylalkenyl substituted alkyl or alkenyl groups or hydroxalkyl groups. Preferably R 1 and R 2 5 are independently Cl-C2 groups and R 3 and R 4 are independently C12-C22 groups, X is a compatible anion e.g. C1 MeS04 Br I acetate etc. An example is ditallowyl dimethyl armionium chloride.

Other suitable, and more preferred, cationic surfactants are mono long chain alkyl cationic surfactants, preferably, quaternary amimonium salts of the general formula:

R 2 N R3 X wherein each R is a CI-C4 alkyl or substituted (e.g. hydroxy) alkyl preferably methyl, or hydrogen, the R 2 group is CIO-C22 hydrocarbon group, preferably C12-C18 alkyl group or the corresponding ester linkage interrupted group with a short alkylene (Cl-C4) group between the ester linkage and the N, and having a similar hydrocarbon group, e.g., a fatty acid ester of choline, preferably C12-C14 (coco) choline ester and/or C16-ClB tallow choline ester and the counterion X is a compatible anion, e.g. halides such as chloride, methosulphate etc. An example is coconut alkyl (bishydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated methosulphate.

The surfactant may be present in an amount of from 0.01 to 15% by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition, 23 preferably 0.05 to 10%, more preferably 0.1 to 5%, most preferably 0.15 to 3.5% by weight, for example 0.2 to 2%.

It is preferred that surfactant, especially non-ionic surfactant, is used as the solubilising aid either alone or in conjunction with the water-miscible solvent solubilising aid below.

ii. Solvent 10 The solubilising agent preferably comprises a substantially water-miscible solvent. By substantially water-miscible solvent is meant that the solvent forms a single phase (homogenous) liquid when mixed with water at a 1:1 weight ratio at 20 C.

Mixtures of solvents,may be used, as may, a mixture of a solvent with any of the above-identified surfactants.

The solvent is preferably a low molecular weight water-miscible solvent (preferably with a molecular weight of 200 or less) and preferably having a Cl-C6 alkyl chain.

The solvent may be an alcohol including monohydric alcohols and polyols (including diols).

Suitable examples include ethanol (including refined de-natured ethanol; industrial methylated spirits), isopropanol, npropanol, and alkylene glycols including glycerol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, butyl digol, 2methyl pentane 30 2,4-diol, and their derivatives and homologues.

24 The solvent, when used, may be present in the same amounts by weight (based upon the total weight of the composition) as the surfactant solubilising aid defined above. Alternatively, the solvent may be present in an amount of up to 80% by weight, 5' preferably 0.1 to 60%, more preferably 1 to 50%, most preferably 2 to 30%, e.g. 5 to 20% based on the total weight of the composition.

The weight ratio of total solubilising aid (B) to deodorising perfume (A) is usualy 1:1 or greater, preferably 3:1 or greater. If the solubilising aid consists essentially of a surfactant the ratio is preferably in the range 30:1 to 3:1, more preferably 25:1 to 2:1, most preferably 10:1 to 3.5:1, e.g. 10:1 to 5:1. However if the solubilising aid consists essentially of a water-miscible solvent then the ratio is preferably in the range 5000:1 to 3:1, more preferably 500:1 to 40:1, most preferably 300:1 to 90:1, e.g. 250:1 to 150:1. However the exact ratios may depend to some extent on the nature of the solubilising aid.

If a mixture of the surfactant and the ratio typically lies within that given for the solvent only systems Water The compositions of the invention further comprise water. Preferably the water is present in an amount of from 20% to 99.9% by weight, more preferably 30% to 99.8%, most preferably 40% to 99.5%, based on the total weight of the composition.

If the solubilising aid consists essentially of surfactants, water is preferably present in an amount of 80% by weight or more, more preferably 90% or more, e.g. 95% or more in the composition.

- 25 Stability of the Compositions It is especially preferred that the compositions are stable on 5 storage at OOC and 370C for at least 24 hours, preferably at least 14 days. By stable is meant that do not become cloudy or separate into two or more phases visible to the naked eye. However it is not essential that the compositions exhibit this stability as is shown in the examples. In order to provide the 10 malodour treatment effects of the p ,resent invention, it is only necessary that the perfume in the compositions does not gel or form a solid phase. If upon preparation of the compositions a cloudy, or two phase, product is formed the skilled person would know to increase the amount of solubility aid so that a clear, stable composition is formed. For the compositions that are cloudy, or which separate into two or more liquid phases, these can be shaken and then used to treat malodours.

Optional ingredients The composition can also contain one or more optional ingredients selected from: viscosity modifers, pH buffering agents,fluorescers, non- staining colorants or dyes or pigments, hydrotropes, anti-redeposition agents, enzymes, freeze-thaw stabilisers, optical brightening agents, opacifiers, antishrinking agents, anti-wrinkle agents, anti-spotting agents, germicides, fungicides, anti- oxidants, anti-corrosion agents, drape imparting agents, antistatic agents, ironing aids, sequestrants, chlorine scavangers, dye fixing agents, antiredeposition agents, sunscreens, insect repellents, anti-dye transfer agents, and stain repellent agents.

- 26 Film Forming Polymer It is especially preferred, although it'is optional, that the compositions of the invention include a film-forming polymer.

The inclusion of such a polymer has been found to provide controlled release malodour treatment properties and/or controlled release perfume intensity properties for the compositions of the invention.

A polyvinyl acetate (PVA), especially, a partially hydrolysed PVA is a particularly preferred film-forming polymer. A partially hydrolysed PVA exists as a mixture of PVA and PVOH with the proportions thereof being dependent upon the amount of hydrolysis.

The partially hydrolysed/substantially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetates preferably have a level of hydrolysis of between 70% and 99.9%, more preferably 73-99%, most preferably 75-98%, e.g.

80-98%. However, levels of hydrolysis down to 60% may be suitable in some cases.

The molecular weight of the partially hydrolysed/substantially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate is preferably in the range 5,000 - 100,000, more preferably 10,000 - 80,000, most preferably 13,000 - 75,000.

The film-forming polymer is preferably present in the compositions in an amount of 0.1 - 3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, more preferably 0.15% - 2.5%, e.g. 0.2-2%.

The viscosity of the film-forming polymer at 20 C as a 4% solution is preferably in the range (in mPas measured by the Hoppler method), of 3-100, more preferably 5-70, most preferably 10-60. 5 A polymer group useful and particularly preferred is partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetates, also termed polyvinyl alcohol with polyvinyl acetate typically hydrolysed to an extent of from about 73% up to about 99%. Such material is prepared by means of any of Examples I-XIV of U.S. Letters Patent No. 5,051,222 issued on September 24, 1999, the specification for which is incorporated by reference herein.

If desired, the partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate may be further hydrolysed t(? form polyvinyl alcohol with very few acetyl groups present (thereby forming, for example, 99% hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate).

Preferred commercially available (hydrolysed) polyvinyl acetates include, the PVA polymers available under the following trade names (which are all believed to be trademarks). MOWIOLSO (ex. Hoechst A.G., Germany); ARVOL 205e and VINEXS(D (both ex. Air products and Chemicals, USA); GOHSEFIMERS@ (ex. Nippon Gohsei KK, Japan); ELVANOLSO (ex. Du Pont Company, US) ALCOTEXSO (ex. Harlow Chemical Company, UK); GOHSENOLS@ (ex. Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Japan, or Nipon Gohsei KK, Japan); Polyvinyl G40/140 (ex. Erkol, Spain); and POVALSO (ex.Kuraray Co. Ltd, Japan).

The inclusion of the film-forming polymer in the compositions of our invention provides the additional advantage of an enhanced sensory impression of the perfume because of the increased duration of its release from the treated surface. It is also believed that an enhanced sensory impression of malodour treatment and/or freshness is obtained because of the increased duration of the perfume ingredients that make up the top notes of the perfume. Furthermore, it is also believed that triggered release of the fragrance from the treated surface can be possible upon the addition of moisture.

when the compositions of the invention comprise a film-forming polymer the compositions are beneficially made by adding a 10 perfume/solubilising aid (e.g. noni pnic surfactant) mixture to a mixture of the film-forming polymer in water.

Preservatives A particularly preferred optional ingredient is a preservative. Suitable preservatives include antimicrobial preservatives e.g. biocidal compounds, (substances that kill microorganisms), and biostatic compounds (substances that inhibit and/or regulate the growth of microorganisms).

The preservative my be any water-soluble organic or inorganic preservative which will not cause damage to fabric appearance, e.g. discolouration, colouration or bleaching. Preferred water soluble preservatives include organic sulphur compounds, halogenated compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, low molecular weight aldehydes, quaternary compounds, dehydroacetic acid, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, and mixtures thereof.

Non-limiting examples of the preferred water soluble preservatives include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, a broad QD spectrum preservative (PROXELO, ex-Zeneca or Nipacide, ex.

Nipa); a mixture of about 77% 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin- 3-one and about 23% 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3 -one, (KATHONO CG, 29 ex-Rohm and Haas Cc); 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, (BRONOPOLO, ex- Inolex); a 95:5 mixture of 1, 3bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethy-2,4- imidazolidinedione and 3butyl-2-iodopropynyl carbamate (GLYDANT PLUSS, ex- Lonza). It is especially preferred that the preservative used does not produce a darkening of the colour of the compositions.

It is preferable to use a broad spectrum preservative e.g. one that is effective on both bacteria (gram positive and gram negative) and fungi. A limited spectrum preservative, i.e. one that is only effective on a single group of microorganisms e.g. fungi, can be used in combination with a broad spectrum preservative or another limited spectrum preservative with complementary and/or supplementary activity. Mixtures of any types of preservatives can also be used.

t When present, the preservative is included at an amount sufficient to prevent spoilage, or, prevent growth of microorganisms in the composition. Preferred active levels of preservative are from about 0.0001% to about 0.75% by weight, more preferably from about 0.0002% to about 0.6%, most preferably from about 0.0003 to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition.

Another optional ingredient is an antifoam to reduce foam levels during manufacture and handling and/or use.

Inclusion levels are typically from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%, e.g. from about 0.001% to about 0.2% by weight of the composition.

The malodour treatment compositions of the invention are preferably substantially free of zeolite. By substantially free is meant that the composition comprises less than 0.5%, e.g. less than 0.1% of zeolite.

The compositions are also preferably substantially free (as defined above) of fabric softening compounds conventionally used in fabric softening/rinse compositions. This includes cationic fabric softening agents, for example ester containing quaternary ammonium compounds having two alkyl chains having greater than 5 carbon atoms. The compositions may however contain the cationic surfactants defined above as solub4ising agents. If the cationic surfactants defined as solubilising agents are present, it is preferred that they are present in amounts of 2% or less by weight, preferably 1% or less.

Furthermore, the compositions are preferably free of dyes or colourants that undesirably discolour or stain the substrate to be which the composition is applied.

Preferably, the compositions comprise less than a total of 2% by weight of free acids(e.g. Boric acid) and free alkalis (e.g. sodium hydroxide).

The compositions of the invention are in a liquid form, preferably in a form suitable for spraying onto the substrate to be treated. The substrate is not living human or animal skin, fur, hair etc. It is also possible to formulate the compositions as foams or mousses, although a liquid-spray form is preferred.

The compositions are preferably used on a substrate (e.g. fabrics etc.) that is not being concurrently subjected to a laundering operation such as washing or rinsing. However, the substrate may be wetted slightly before the composition of the invention is applied.

The compositions of the invention may be made by any suitable method. For example, the solubilising aid and perfume may be pre-mixed and then added to the water. The optional ingredients may be added at any suitable time in the process.

The present invention also relates to a method of reducing or masking a malodour on a substrate., The compositions of the invention are applied to the substrate in an amount sufficient to give a malodour reducing or masking effect.

The compositions may be applied to the chosen substrate by any suitable method, e.g. by spraying directly onto the substrate, by applying a foam o mousse by dabbing/padding etc onto the substrate. Spraying onto the substrate is the preferred method.

The substrate may be any substrate as above which has a malodour which it is desired to remove. Preferred substrates are fabriccontaining substrates or items. Examples of such substrates include clothing items, upholstered items and soft furnishings (e.g. curtains), tableware, animal bedding and soft toys. Clothing includes shoes, coats, jackets etc. The compositions of the invention are not intended to be applied directly to the human body or to an animal body.

The types of malodours that may be treated with the compositions of the invention include any undesirable odour e.g. tobacco odours, smoke, cooking odours, animal originating odours, body odours and musty smells.

The compositions of the invention may be packaged in any suitable dispenser, e.g. a pump or spray dispenser. Especially preferred are handoperated spray units which can be used to spray the composition directly on to the substrate. 5 The invention will now be further illustrated by the following non-limited examples. Further modifications within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. 10 Examples Example 1

The following two mixtures were prepared:

I i. 50% diethyl phthalate and 50% hexylcinnamic aldehyde; and ii. 50% dihydromyrcenol, 50% hexylcinnamic aldehyde and a trace of citric acid. 20 Each mixture is stirred for a period of 72 hours. At the end of the 72hour period, each mixture is sprayed onto cloth cdorised with stale tobacco aroma.

The cloth treated with composition (ii) had the stale tobacco aroma completely removed and/or covered and the cloth had a pleasant, floral aroma.

on the other hand, the cloth sprayed with composition (i) 30 retained the stale tobacco aroma.

Example 2

The following formulation according to the invention is prepared (Formulation A 5 Ingredients Parts by Weight citric acid powdered anhydrous 1.00 citronnellol coeur 30.00 dihydromyrcenol 50.00 geraniol 25.00 hexylcinnamic aldehyde 100.00 compound 1 50.00 compound 11 30.00 compound IV 5.00 tetrahydrolinalool 100.00 undecavertol 3.00 I The second formulation was then prepared (Formulation B Ingredients Parts by Weight citronnellol coeur 30.00 dihydromyrcenol 50.00 hexylcinnamic aldehyde 100.00 compound 1 50.00 compound 11 30.00 compound IV 5.00 tetrahydrolinalool 100.00 undecavertol 3.0 Formulation A and formulation B were then stirred for a period of 72 hours. At the end of the 72 hours, each of formulations A and B were placed into 100ml pump dispensers.

grams of each of the formulations were sprayed evenly on to tea towels. Prior to being used, the tea towels had been washed at high temperature (950C) in unf ragranced detergent powder in order to ensure that there was no surface contamination. The sprayed tea towels were then left for 72 hours in exactly similar storage conditions. After 72 hours, the tea towels were assessed in terms of strength alone by a 30-member panel. 5 The tea towels sprayed with formulation A had an aroma intensity scaled at 10 on a scale of 1-10 as assessed by a 30- member panel. The tea towels sprayed with formulation B had a value of 5 for intensity as assessed by the 30-member panel. 10 The tea towels sprayed with formulation A had a pleasant aroma which lasted for a period of 144 hours at the same level as assessed by the 30-member panel. The tea towels sprayed with formulation B, after 144 hours had an aroma scaled at 1 by the 15 30-member panel.

In conclusion, the acetal-containing formulation A is far superior for both substantivity and strength to the non-reacted component in formulation B. 20

Example Perfume Demineralised 2-methyl Solvent nonionic Glycerol Proxel@ No. water pentane 2 surfactant GXL 2,4 diol 3 3.1 0.2 93.85 4.9S 1.0 3.2 0.2 94.0 5.0 0.8 3.3 0.2 89.0 10.0 0.8 3.4 0.2 93.92 S.0 0.8 0.08 0.2 88.92 10.0 0.8 0.08 3.6 0.2 93.92 5.0 0.8 0.08 3.7 0.2 88.92 10.0 0.8 0.08 3.8 0.2 93.8 1.0 5.0 3.9 0.2 88.8 1.0 10.0 3.10 0.2 93.92 0.8 5.0 0.08 3. 11 0.2 88.92 0.8 10.0 0.08 M X 0) (D 0 (D j rt Ln rt 0 0 j rr J Hj LQ (D (D M 36 - These solvent-containing de-odorising compositions where prepared by simply mixing all the ingredients together. All percentages are by weight based upon the total weight of the compositions.

perfume mixture comprising perfume of example 1.ii 2 industrial methylated spirit (refined Denatured Ethanol 740P) 3 NEODOLO 25-9, a C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate (9 moles) ex.

Shell Example 4 - The effect of PVA The following compositions containing partially hydrolysed PVA were prepared by pre-mixing the perfume and Eumulgin L and then adding the preservative and water.

Example 4A is a comparative composition (which is still according to the invention) but which does not contain PVA. All percentages are by weight.

- 37 4A 4.1 4.2 Perfume 0.25 0.25 0.25 EUMULGINS L 2 1.0 1.0 1.0 Preservative 0.05 0.05 0.05 POVALS 2 2 4 3 - 1.0 1.5 Demin. water to 100 to 100 to 100 perfume mixture comprising perfume of example 1-ii PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether (ex. Cognis Deutschland GTrbH) 3 88% hydrolysed PVA (ex. Kurarray, Japan) The compositions were sprayed onto cotton fabric pieces (30cm x 20cm) at a dosage of between 0.9-1.0 gram per square. The fragrance intensity was measured by assessors who smelt the treated cotton pieces after 5 and 7 days.

Each assessor smelt the treated cotton pieces and made a comparison of example 4A with 4.1, and separately, 4A with 4.2.

After 5 and 7 days the fabrics were sprayed with water at a dosage of between 0.9-1.0 grams on each piece to determine if there was any change in fragrance intensity.

Each cloth was reassessed as above. The tests were performed in duplicate and the results given are the average values. The tables below show the number of people who ranked which perfume to be the most intense (i.e. ranking it first).

38 Comparison of 4A + 4.1 No. of No. of people No. of people No. of Sample days ranking 4A ranking 4.1 people size 1st 1st undecided 1 11 (30.6%) 19 (52.8%) 6 (16.7%) 36 6 (16.7%) 22 (61.1%) 8 (22.2%) 36 7 3 (7.1) 33 (78.6%) 6 (14.3%) 42 comparison of 4A + 4.2 No. of No. of people No. of people No. of Sample days ranking 4A ranking 4.2 people size 1st 1st undecided 1 8 (22.2%) 21 (58.3%) 7 (19.4%) 36 9 (25.0%) 19 (52.8%) 8 (22.2%) 36 7 1 (2.4%) 41 (97.696) 0 (0%) 42 The above results demonstrate a statistical difference (following Kramer statistics) between the non-PVA containing samples and the PVP containing examples.

Example 5

A composition (5.1) comprising 0.20%wt of a perfume mixture comprising perfume of Example 1.ii, water, preservative and a nonionic surfactant was prepared. 15 An otherwise identical composition (5.2) comprising 0. 20wt% of the same perfume but where the pre-reaction of the 39 aldehyde/ketone with the Carbinol had not occurred was also prepared.

The two samples were placed into separate 100ml dispensers and 5' 10g of one of the samples was sprayed evenly onto a cotton teatowel which had previously been washed in an unfragranced detergent powder. The other sample was similarly sprayed onto such a tea-towel.

The sprayed tea-towels were left fo r 72 hours in identical storage conditions and then assessed for perfume intensity by 10 panellists who assessed which was the most intensely perfumed tea towel.

The table below shows the % of panellists assessing each tea towel as the most intensely perfumed.

Composition 5.1 Composition 5.2 80% 20% According to Krammer statistics, a result of 6 out of 10 panellists is statistically significant.

Example 6

The compositions in the table below, having a single surfactant as the solubilising aid (B), were prepared by mixing the perfume with the surfactant, followed by addition of the preservative and then the demineralised water. The compositions were then stored at OOC and 370C for two weeks to assess the physical stability of the products. All % are in % by weight based on the total amount of the composition. The perfume used comprised the perfume mixture of Example 1.ii above.

Ex. water perfume UFAROL EMAL EMPIGEN REWOQUAT ANFODAC Preser 0 vative 6.1 94.0 0.2 5.0 0.8 6.2 98.0 0.2 1.0 0.8 6.3 98.0 0.2 - 1.0 - - 0.8 6.4 98.0 0.2 - - 1.0 - 0.8 6.5 98.3 0.2 - - 0.7 - - 0.8 6.6 97.0 0.2 - - - 2.0 0.8 6.7 98.5 0.2 - - 1.5 - 0.8 6.8 97.5 0.2 - 1.5 0.8 6.9 97.75 0.2 1.25 0.8 6.10 98.2 0.2 0.8 - - 0.8 6.11 98.2 0.2 - 0.8 - - 0.8 6.12 98.5 0.2 - 0.5 - - 0.8 6.13 98.1 0.2 - - 0.9 - 0.8 6.14 98.5 0.2 - - 0.5 0.8 UFAROLO = UFAROLO LL27, Primary alkyl sulphate (ex Unger) AI,WFACS = ANDOFACO LB, Alkyl Amido Propyl Betaine (ex Condea Chemie) EMPIGENO = EMPIGENO OC/E, Alkyl dimethylamine oxide (ex Albright & Wilson UK limited) EMALO = EMALO 270D/EG, Sodium Alkyl Ether Sulphate 2 EO (ex Kao) REWOQUATO = REWOQUATO CPEM, Coconut alkyl (bis hydroxyethyl) methyl ethoxylated methosulphate (ex Goldsmith) - Examples 6.1 to 6.9 were physically stable at the end of the two week storage tests. Examples 6.10 to 6.14 became cloudy and showed physical separation within a day of preparation, or did not produce a homogenous composition initially. However, after shaking, the compositions could still be used to provide the desired treatment of malodours.

Example 7

The compositions in the table below, having a mixture of surfactants as the solubilising aid (B), were prepared following the method of example 6 but using said mixture. The storage of the compositions, the percentages and the perfume used are all as for Example 6.

Example. water perfume Ufarol Neodol Preservative 7.1 98.0 0.2 0.2 0.8 0.8 7.2 98.0 0.2 0.1 0.9 0.8 7.3 98.18 0.2 0.02 0.8 0.8 7.4 98.0 0.2 0.5 0.5 0.8 7.5 97.5 0.2 0.75 0.75 0.8 UFAROLO = as Example 6 NEODOLO = as Example 3 42 Examples 7.1 to 7.3 were physically stable at the end of the two week storage tests. Examples 7.4 and 7.5 became cloudy and showed physical separation within a day of preparation, or did not produce a homogenous composition initially. However, after shaking, the compositions could still be used to provide the desired treatment of malodours.

Example 8

The compositions in the table below, having a mixture of surfactant and a water miscible solvent as the solubilising aid (B), were prepared following the method of example 6 but with the solvent and surfactant added before the perfume was added. The storage of the compositions, the percentages and the perfume 15 used are all as for Example 6.

EX. water perfume ethanol Butyl NEODOLS Preservative Digol 8.1 83.5 0.2 15.0 - 0.5 0.8 8.2 88.5 0.2 - 10.0 0.5 0.8 8.3 93.5 0.2 5.0 - 0.5 0.8 8.4 93.5 0.2 - 5.0 0.5 0.8 NEODOLO = as Example 3 43 - Examples 8.1 and 8.2 were physically stable at the end of the two week storage tests. Examples 8.3 and 8.4 became cloudy and showed physical separation within a day of preparation, or did not produce a homogenous composition initially. However, after shaking, the compositions could still be used to provide the desired treatment of malodours.

Example 9 10 The compositions in the table below, having a water miscible solvent as the solubilising aid (B), were prepared following the method of example 6 but with the solvent used instead of the surfactant. The storage of the compositions, the percentages 15 and the perfume used are all as for Example 6.

Ex. water perfume ethanol Butyl Preservative Digol 9.1 65.0 0.2 34.0 0.8 9.2 49.0 0.2 50.0 - 0.8 9.3 81.0 0.2 - 18.0 0.8 9.4 69.0 0.2 - 30.0 0.8 9.5 89.0 0.2 10.0 - 0.8 9.6 69.0 0.2 30.0 - 0.8 9.7 89.0 0.2 - 10.0 0.8 9.8 85.0 0.2 14.0 0.8 Examples 9.1 to 9.4 were physically stable at the end of the two week storage tests. Examples 9.5 to 9.8 became cloudy and showed physical separation within a day of preparation, or did not produce a homogenous composition initially. However, after shaking, the compositions could still be used to provide the desired treatment of malodours.

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Claims (19)

1 A liquid malodour treatment composition comprising; (A) a deodorising perfume comprising at least one substance which is:

(a) an acetal or hemiacetal produced by means of reacting an aldehyde with a carbinol, wherein the aldehyde, is hexylcinnamic aldehyde; heliotropine; undecylenic aldehyde; dodecanal; compound (I); compound (II); or compound (III); CH3 I // 0 CH2 - CH - C H 0 H3C- C-CH3 I CH3 0 C --1- 46 0 C 0 1 H and wherein the carbinol is citronellol; nerol; geraniol; dihydromyrcenol; S-phenyl ethyl alcohol; tetrahydrolinalool; undecavertol; or compound (IV); (IV) CH2 CH ----(CH2) OH or a mixture of the acetal and/or hemiacetal or, (b) a ketal or hemiketal produced by means of reacting a ketone with a carbinol, wherein the ketone is: hedione; methyl. ionone; or compound (V) M 0 and wherein the carbinol is as defined in (a), or a mixture of the ketal and/or hemiketal, or, - 47 (c) a cyclic triacetal, or, a mixed cyclic triacetal of at least one aldehyde which is heliotropine; undecylenic aldehyde; dodecanal; or compound (I), 5 (11) or (III) as defined in (a) above, or, a mixture of any of the acetals, hemiacetals, ketals, hemiketals or cyclic triacetals above, (B) a solubilising aid for the deodorising perfume (A), a in- d (C) water wherein the solubilising aid (B) is present in the composition in n amount by weight sufficient to solubilise, disperse or emulsify the deodorising perfume (A) in the water.

2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the deodorising perfume (A) comprises at least one substance which is an acetal or a hemiacetal as defined in claim 1, or mixtures thereof.

3. A composition according to claim 2, wherein the deodorising perfume (A) comprises an acetal and/or hemiacetal of hexylcinnamic aldehyde and dihydromyrcenol.

4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acetals or hemiacetals are formed using a citric acid catalyst.

48 -

5. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deodorising perfume (A) is present in an amount of 0.01 2% by weight, based on the total weight on the composition. 5

6. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solubilising aid (B) comprises one or more surfactants and/or one or more water-miscible solvents.

7. A composition according to clpim 6, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant and/or anionic surfactant.

8. A composition according to claim 7, wherein the nonionic surf actant is a C8-C22 aliphatic alcohol ethoxylated with 4 is to 15 molecules, of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

9. A composition according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the solubilising aid comprises a surfactant in an amount of 0.05 to 10% by weight, based upon the total weight of the composition.

10. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of solubilising aid (B): perfume (A) is 3:1 or greater. 25

11. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a film-forming polymer which is polyvinyl acetate or an at least partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate. 30

12. A composition according to claim 11, wherein the filmforming polymer is present in an amount of 0.1-3% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

13. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition is stable at OOC-and 370C for at least 14 days.

14. A method of reducing or masking a malodour on a substrate, comprising the step of applying to the substrate a malodour-reducing or masking amount of the composition of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the malodour is a tobacco, smoke, cooking, body or animal- originating odour.

16. A method according to either claim 14 or 15, wherein the substrate is a fabric-containing item. 15

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the fabriccontaining item is an item of clothing, upholstery, soft furnishing, table-ware, carpeting, animal bedding or a soft toy. 20

18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the step of applying the composition to the substrate comprises spraying said composition onto said substrate.

19. A malodour treatment product comprising a pump or spray dispenser, the dispenser containing the liquid malodour treatment composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the composition is substantially free of cationic fabric softening agents. 30