HU211779B - Liquide detergent dishwashing composition containing alkyl-benzene-sulfonate and magnesium - Google Patents

Abstract

A concentrated light duty liquid detergent composition is described. The composition, which offers superior grease cutting and foam mileage, contains a surfactant mixture of magnesium alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl ethoxy sulfate and optionally, alkyl sulfate. The composition also contains a magnesium ion source in an amount such that the molar ratio of total magnesium ion to alkylbenzene sulfonate ranges from about 0.65:1.0 to 1.0:1.0.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an aqueous liquid detergent composition comprising alkylbenzene sulfonate and foaming magnesium ions.

Liquid detergent compositions such as detergents for removing light soils are well known. The performance of these products is characterized by the life of the foam, which is indicated by the amount of dishes washed and their ability to remove greasy soiling.

The current requirement for liquid dishwashing detergents is to remove oily / greasy dirt from glasses, dishes, cutlery and other kitchen utensils while maintaining an adequate layer of foam.

Liquid detergents containing magnesium salts and magnesium-containing surfactants have higher performance, see U.S. Patent Nos. 2,908,651 and 2,437,253.

The right combination of active ingredients can also increase performance. U.S. Patent No. 4,435,317 discloses an improved liquid detergent composition comprising: (a) C10-C16 alkyl sulfate, (b) C10-C16 alkyl ethoxysulfate, (c) Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate containing from 10 to 16 carbon atoms; and in a ratio such that the total weight of (a) + (b) relative to (c) is 33: 1 or less, the molar amount of magnesium being 0.20x0.70x, where x is the number of moles of alkyl sulfate . In U.S. Patent No. 4,435,317, the amount of magnesium salt that can be added to the composition is limited by increasing the temperature at which inorganic salt crystals are formed upon cooling.

The degreasing capacity and the life of the foam can also be increased by increasing the surfactant concentration in the liquid detergent composition. However, a number of problems arise when increasing the surfactant ratio in the liquid detergent composition in terms of purity, viscosity and stability of the product.

In general, it is necessary to add a relatively large proportion of the hydrotropic agent to a high concentration of surfactant detergent composition. Hydrotropes are quite expensive and generally inactive, thus not contributing to the cleaning effect, but rendering the active ingredient water-soluble and the product homogeneous at transport and storage temperatures. Hydrotropes reduce the cloud point of liquid detergent formulations so that pure liquid formulations remain at temperatures at which the non-hydrotropic detergent formulations become cloudy and repulsive.

According to U.S. Patent No. 4,235,758, the use of magnesium alkylbenzene sulfonate derived from 220-250 molecular weight (C 10 -C 13 straight chain alkyl) benzene significantly reduces the hydrotropic need, however much it may contain detergent active ingredients.

The composition of the present invention, which contains specific detergent active ingredients, is superior in combination with other liquid detergents in its unique combination and proportions in both foam life and grease removal capacity.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a physically stable liquid detergent composition having excellent grease removal and froth life.

It was also an object of the present invention to provide a detergent composition containing magnesium, alkylbenzene sulfonate and magnesium ions in an amount that enhances cleansing properties, while providing a good cloud point with less hydrotropic content.

Another object of the present invention was to provide a concentrated detergent-based formulation containing magnesium ions and alkylbenzene sulfonate in a cleaning composition that can be stored as a concentrated liquid formulation using conventional low shear mixing equipment.

The aqueous liquid detergent composition of the present invention, which is most suitable for washing dishes, comprises:

(A) 20-70% by weight, preferably 30-55% by weight, of a surfactant system comprising (a) 15-35% by weight of an anionic surfactant magnesium salt of (C 10 -C 18 alkyl) benzenesulfonic acid, (b) water soluble magnesium salt, wherein the molar ratio of total magnesium ions to alkyl benzene sulfonate is from 0.65: 1.0 to 1.0: 1.0, (c) from 1 to 20% by weight water soluble (from 10 to 16 carbon atoms of primary alkyl ethoxysulfate) containing, on average, from 1 to 6 ethylene oxide groups per alkyl group, and (d) 0 to 20% by weight of a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine or alkali metal salt of C10-C18 alkylsulfate, and (B) 0.5 -8% by weight of an antifoaming agent optionally ethoxylated with C 10 -C 18 mono or di-C 1 -C 5 alkanol or C 12 -C 14 alkyl amides condensed with up to 15 moles of ethylene oxide, ( C) 0-10 wt% organic solvent; (D) 0-10 wt% hydrotropic and (E) 0-10 wt% one or more chelating, coloring, dye, fragrance, bactericidal, fungicidal, preservative, pH modifying, buffer, opacifying antioxidant and protein additives and the remainder water.

The present invention also relates to a concentrated pourable liquid detergent composition for removing light soils, which contains magnesium ions for alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and cleaning action.

EN 211 779 Β and which may be stored at room temperature without the risk of gelling. The physically stable liquid detergent composition of the present invention is a detergent-based composition comprising (A) 30-70% by weight of a detergent active ingredient, which is (a) 10-50% by weight (C10-18 alkylbenzenesulfonic acid magnesium salt, b) 1-5% by weight a magnesium salt, wherein the molar ratio of total magnesium ions to alkylbenzene sulfonate is from 0.65: 1.0 to 1.0: 1.0, (c) from 1 to 27% by weight of water-soluble (C 10 -C 16 primary alkyl) ethoxysulfate, containing from 1 to 6 ethylene oxide groups on average per alkyl group, and (d) 0-27% by weight of a primary amine or alkali metal salt of (C 10-16) alkyl sulfate, and (B) 0.6-11% by weight of foaming. an active ingredient which is ethoxylated C 10 -C 16 mono- or di (C 1 -C 5 alkanol) amide or C 12 -C 14 alkyl amide condensed with up to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole, (C) 0-10 by weight of organic solvent (D) from 0 to 8% by weight of hydrotrope and the remainder of water It contains.

The first essential surfactant is a water-soluble salt of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid. The alkyl group, which may be straight or branched,

It has from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 11 to 13 carbon atoms, preferably 12 carbon atoms, and is preferably linear. The alkylbenzene sulfonate may be an alkali metal, amine, ammonium or alkaline earth metal salt, preferably a magnesium salt. Preferably, the composition comprises a magnesium salt of straight-chain dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid as alkylbenzene sulfonate.

Conversion of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid to the magnesium salt may occur before and after incorporation of the other cleaning ingredients. The conversion may be accomplished by direct neutralization of the acid with magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide or by ion exchange, for example, by ion exchange between an alkali metal or ammonium salt of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and a water-soluble alkaline earth metal salt. Preferably, a magnesium ion source is added to the detergent mixture to form the desired salt of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid. The magnesium source may be magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, magnesium acetate, or magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium oxides or hydroxides and sulfates are preferred as the source of magnesium.

The composition contains alkylbenzene sulfonate in an amount of 15-35% by weight, preferably 15-22% by weight, or more preferably 19-21% by weight.

The point of attachment of the alkyl chain to the benzene nucleus, i.e. the distribution of the isomer, is not critical, but it is desirable that the alkyl benzene contains less than 20% by weight of the 2-phenyl isomer.

The second substantially determining surfactant component of the composition of the invention is the condensation product of a primary alkyl ethoxysulfate which is a C 10 -C 16 alcohol and 1 to 6, preferably 2 to 4, and most preferably 3, ethylene oxide per mole. C 10 -C 16 alcohols can be prepared, for example, from natural fats, olefins by the Ziegler process or by oxo synthesis. Preferably alkyl ethoxysulfate and alkyl sulfate of the same carbon chain length, preferably having from 12 to 13 carbon atoms, are used.

The amount of alkyl ethoxysulfate required to achieve the desired foaming and cleaning effect is 1-20 wt.%, Preferably 10-20 wt.

The surfactant system of the detergent composition according to the invention may further comprise an alkali metal, ammonium or amine salt of from 0 to 20% by weight, preferably from 10 to 15% by weight, of straight or branched C 10 -C 18 alkyl sulfate. The cationic counterion of alkyl sulfate may be an alkali metal, ammonia, or amine such as triethylammonium, triethanolamine (TEA), diethanolamine or monoethanolamine. The alkali metal may be, for example, sodium or potassium, preferably sodium.

The composition of the invention contains 0.027-0.064 moles of total magnesium ion. Generally, 0.023 to 0.053 moles of magnesium ion are introduced into the composition with magnesium alkylbenzene sulfonate. The composition contains additional magnesium (hereinafter referred to as "supplemental magnesium") in the form of a water-soluble compound, preferably in the form of a salt such as magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride. Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is preferred as the source of magnesium. The composition contains from 1 to 5% by weight of soluble magnesium salt, preferably from 2.5 to 3.5% by weight, which corresponds to 0.01 to 0.014 mol of supplemental magnesium. The molar ratio of magnesium ions to alkylbenzene sulfonate in the composition is between 0.65: 1.0 and 1.0: 1.0, preferably between 0.65: 1.0 and 0.8: 1.0.

The addition of magnesium ions in salt form improves the degreasing effect and also reduces the cloud point of the preparation much more than the more expensive hydrotropes.

The additional magnesium salt also increases the phase stability of the formulation. It is known in the art that the purification effect can be enhanced by the addition of magnesium, however, it is noted that when the total magnesium ion is used in a molar ratio of 0.65: 1.0 to 0.8 to 1.0 relative to alkylbenzene sulfonate, the excess magnesium salt is not only foam. not only increases the life of the liquid but also the liquidity, which allows to reduce the use of hydrotropic and alcohol and thus to reduce the concentration of inactive ingredients that play a neutral role in achieving the detergent effect. As a result of decreasing the amount of inactive ingredients, the level of detergent active ingredients in the composition may increase.

The composition according to the invention preferably contains from 20% to 70% by weight of the cleaning agents in an amount of from 30% to 55% by weight of the total weight of the product. Increasing the proportion of active ingredients results in improved foaming, which results in an excellent detergent composition for the removal of light soiling. The usual problems such as

Increase in viscosity, loss of stability and turbidity of the product can be avoided by increasing the level of magnesium ions (molar ratio of magnesium ions to alkylbenzene sulphonate of 0.65: 1.0 to 0.8: 1.0, preferably 0.8 to 1.0). , 0), and thus no or only a small concentration of hydrotropes is required. The additional magnesium ions in the composition enhance the detergent effect of the surfactant system.

Generally speaking, consumers identify foaming power with the cleaning effect. Therefore, from 0.5 to 8.0% by weight, preferably from 1 to 6% by weight, preferably 15% by weight, of an antifoaming agent, such as mono- or dialkanolamide, is added. The composition according to the invention preferably comprises a mixture of lauric acid and myristic acid monoethanoylamide as an antifoaming agent. The alkyl group of the amide may also be derived from an oil derived from coconut or palm kernel. Suitable alkanolamides are mono- or dialkanolamides having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, in particular mono- or diethanolamide. In order to increase the solubility of the alkanolamide, the alkanolamide used may be a mixture of ethoxylated or non-ethoxylated and ethoxylated alkanolamide.

Although not essential, it may contain organic solvents or hydrotropes to enhance the purity and homogeneity of the formulation. These and other additives must be present in the composition only in such quantities as not to adversely affect the desired properties. Organic solvents may be added to the composition due to their dilution and solubility and to reduce the purity point. The composition may contain, for example, isopropanol, n-propanol, ethanol, propylene glycol or mixtures thereof as organic solvents. The amount of organic solvent is less than or equal to 10% by weight, preferably 8% by weight, preferably 5-8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Ethanol is the most suitable solvent.

The composition may also contain a hydrotropic agent, such as urea, sodium xylene sulfonate, potassium xylene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, or ammonium xylene sulfonate, to aid solubility of the various components of the formulation, or to provide low purity. -point. Mixtures of two or more hydrotropes may also be used. The amount of hydrotrope is 0 to 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight, such as 1-6% by weight, preferably 2 to 5% by weight.

The composition of the invention may also contain various other ingredients because of their aesthetic or functional nature. Examples of such ingredients are opacifying agents which make the composition pearly glossy, such as behenic acid or ethylene glycol distearate, perfumes, heavy metal chelating agents such as EDTA, baclericides such as trichlorocarbanilide, saline, thickeners such as guar gum, polyacrylates, polyacrylamide, or Irish moss, dyes, water-dispersible colorants, preservatives such as formaldehyde or hydrogen peroxide, pH modifying additives.

Where such additives are included in the composition, their weight shall not exceed 10% by weight, preferably not more than 3% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition. The pH of the composition should be 6-8, preferably 6.5-7.5, which may be adjusted, if necessary, with a suitable acid or alkali such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.

Excellent grease removal efficiency can be achieved by dissolving an effective amount of our composition in an aqueous detergent solution. Usually a concentration of 0.05% by weight in water should be provided. Of course, this value can be modified according to the level and type of contamination and the user's purpose.

There is currently a great deal of commercial interest in more concentrated liquid detergent formulations. The benefits of concentrated liquid formulations are obvious, such as reduced shipping and packaging costs, and lower consumer demand. A disadvantage in developing formulations with a high level of active ingredient is that there are problems with the manufacture of increased "solid" concentrates. The term "solid" as used herein refers to any ingredient of the composition other than a solvent such as water or alcohol.

The composition of the present invention contains very high amounts of anionic surfactants which are generally less soluble in water than nonionic surfactants. The reduced solubility of anionic surfactants, coupled with an increase in the concentration of the active compounds, often leads to the formation of a high viscosity dense paste, which necessitates the use of high-efficiency or high-shear mixers. Accordingly, a non-conventional process is preferably used to prepare the composition of the present invention.

In a preferred process, the detergent feedstock, comprising alkylbenzene sulfonate and antifoam amide, is preferably prepared by a process wherein the alkanolamide is added in a defined amount in a dilute aqueous suspension containing magnesium oxide or hydroxide, hydrotropes and other inorganic salts or organic solvents are added to the mixture in an amount corresponding to the liquid detergent composition of the invention and then to the mixture only after the alkanolamide has dissolved in the suspension. The process has the advantage of allowing the use of conventional liquid mixing equipment and provides a more liquid formulation during the neutralization or cooling process.

The invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting examples

HU 211 779 Β

Example 1

The following formulations are prepared using a conventional low shear mixer by blending the following components

The number of the experiment 1 2 (crowd%) deionized water 11.66 11.28 TEA lauryl sulfate (40% solution) 28.75 28.75 sodium alkyl ethoxysulfate, 3E0 18.02 (66.6%) 17.7 (67.8%) sodium xylene sulfonate (40% w / w solution) - 5.23 sodium cumene sulfonate (93%) 2.9 1.0 magnesium oxide 1.16 1.16 MgSO ₄ H ₂ O 1.0 3.0 Na ₂ SO ₄ 1.5 0.5 lauric acid / myristic acid monoethanolamide (Prill) - 3.49 lauric acid (myristic acid monoethanolamide) sodium xylene sulfonate 5: 3 mix 8.72 - ethanol 5.5 7.5 dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid 18.75 18.87 additives (dyes, perfumes ...) 2.4 1.52 Altogether 100% 100% Molar ratio of Mg ²⁺ alkylbenzene sulfonate 0.54: 1.0 0.67: 1.0 Cloud point 6'-C 0 DEG

Formulation 2 remains in a stable state even after the high temperature aging process. Formulation 1, which contains multiple hydrotropes, showed phase separation during the aging process.

Both formulations 1 and 2 are evaluated against the following performance criteria:

(J) Fat removal test

This test is intended to measure the grease removal capability of a liquid detergent at a concentration of 1% by weight at a water hardness of 50 ppm, 26.7 ° C, 60 rpm for 600 immersion cycles. For this purpose, at room temperature, 0.5 grams of fat is spread on a microscope slide glass slide with a saw blade. Express the result in mg of fat removed.

A modified version of this degreasing assay is to test the degreasing ability of a 0.05% w / w solution of liquid detergent composition at 50 ppm water hardness at 42 ° C at 60 rpm for 600 dipping cycles. For this purpose, 0.1 ± 0.02 grams of fat is applied to a plastic test tube by dipping the previously weighed tube into the melted fat and wiping off any excess before it solidifies. The tubes are then weighed again the same day.

The detergent composition for the test is prepared, heated to the appropriate temperature and transferred to a 250 ml beaker. An appropriate temperature of the solution is maintained in a water circulation bath. The test preparation is mixed with a stirring rod until the top of the preparation is covered with a layer of foam. The beakers and the grease-contaminated tubes are placed in a dipping device which runs at 600 rpm for 60 rpm. At the end of the test, the tubes were removed, rinsed with deionized water at 25.0 ° C, air dried overnight and weighed again. The fat removal capacity (amount removed) is calculated from the following equation:

B-C Removed (%) = - x 100

B - A where A = mass of tube, B = mass of fat + tube, C = mass of tube after washing.

The degreasing assay was performed under the following conditions: 0.05% w / w detergent concentration, 50 ppm water hardness, 42 'C, 600 immersion cycles and 60 rpm. The average amount of fat removed by composition 2 according to the invention is shown in Table 1 in comparison with the most sold dishwashing detergent composition (control 2) for removal of light soils on the market.

(B) Manual Dishwasher Test At 6 ° C, 6 liters of diluted test solution (0.10 and 0.075% by weight) in water containing 50 ppm water hardness is added to the sink from the sink above the sink for foaming. Plates contaminated with 5.4 grams of fat are washed until the foam runs out. The assay determines the number of plates washed until the foam of the detergent composition disappears.

(C) Dynamic stability test

The assay determines the dynamic foam stability of the liquid detergent composition at 45 ° C, 50 ppm water hardness. During the test, impurities mixed at a constant rate are added at a constant dilution (0.05% w

HU 211 779 Β

0.04% w / w) until the foam disappears. The assay determines the amount of mixed impurity needed to neutralize the surfactant component of the formulation.

(D) Measuring roller foam test

The assay tests the foamability of our liquid formulation at 45 ° C and 50 ppm water hardness. 100 ml of 0.1 wt% LOL test solution was placed in a 500 ml graduated cylinder and inverted 20 times. The amount of foam formed is measured. Then 0.01 g of impurity is added to the solution and the roller is rotated again 20 times. The decrease in foam level is read.

The test results for the formulations 1 and 2 of the present invention are compared in Table 2 with the results of two different high-demand commercially available detergents for the removal of light soils.

Table 1

Average soot removal at 42 ° C

crowd% 2. The composition of the invention 50.9 2nd control 22.1

The results demonstrate that the composition of the present invention at 42 ° C removes twice as much greasy impurities as a commercially available hand dishwashing detergent with similar cleaning active ingredients, but with a molar ratio of magnesium ions to alkylbenzene sulfonate of 0.31: 1.0.

Table 2

Performance Test I Performance Test II Test method Preparation 1 1st check Gold Preparation 2 2nd control Gold hand washing (1) 0.1% LDL 5.4 g fat 49 'C 34.5 28.5 1.21 - - - hand washing (1) 0.075t% LDL 5.4 g of fat at 49 ° C - - - 35.7 33.4 1.07 grease removal (2) 1% LDL 600 dive 60 rpm greasy dirt 26.7 'C 107 40 2.68 220 190 1.16 dynamic foam stability 49 C 1.21 1.09 1.11 1.37 1.28 1.7 Measuring Cylindrical Testing (4) 375 / 205 / 1.83 / 365 / 285 / 1.28 / 0.1% w / v LDL20 rpm at 30 rpm 37.8 'C (0.01 Mixed Food Contamination) 342 165 2.07 335 265 1.02

The water hardness was 50 ppm in each test.

(1) The result of manual washing is expressed by the number of dishes washed until the foam runs out.

(2) The fat removal result is given as the amount of fat removed (mg).

(3) The dynamic stability result is expressed as 34% by weight of surfactant relative to a standard liquid detergent.

(4) The result of the measuring cylinder test is given by the amount of foam (cm ³ ) (without impurity / impurity)

Control 1: The most sought after commercially available hand dishwashing detergent composition containing 50% by weight of active ingredient, such as 17% by weight of straight chain alkylbenzene sulfonate, 23% by weight of alkyloxysulfate, 10% by weight of fatty acid monetanolamide and total magnesium 0.70% by weight. In the preparation, the molar ratio of magnesium to alkylbenzene sulfonate is 0.58: 1.0.

Control 2: Second-ranked commercially available hand dishwashing detergent formulation containing 56% by weight of active ingredient, such as 24% by weight of straight chain alkylbenzene sulfonate, 22% by weight

EN 211 779 Β alkyl ethoxysulfate. 3E0, 20% by weight of ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamide and 0.5% by weight of magnesium, with a molar ratio of magnesium to alkylbenzene sulfonate of 0.31: 1.0.

Example 2

A stable, pourable liquid detergent composition is prepared using conventional low shear mixing equipment from the following components and compositions:

preparation (Weight) First Second deionized water 22.1 17.6 TEA lauryl sulfate - 12.0 sodium alkyl ethoxysulfate. 3E0 14.0 15.2 sodium xylene sulfonate (40 wt. solution) 12.0 13.1 sodium cumene sulfonate (45 wt. solution) 4.7 5.2 magnesium oxide 1.8 1.1 MgSO ₄ -7 H ₂ O 4.8 5.5 Na ₂ SO ₄ - 0.5 Lauric acid / myristic acid monoethanolamide (Prill) 8.0 8.0 propylene 2.3 2.5 Dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid 30.3 19.3 Altogether: 100 100 consistency 25 "on C physically stable liquid

Claims (6)

Claims 1. A liquid detergent, a stable foam detergent composition which effectively removes grease impurities, comprising an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid magnesium salt, an alkyl ethoxysulfate, an alkyl sulfate salt, and 50 other conventional detergent additives and solvents, characterized in that: preparation (A) a surfactant system of 20 to 70 weight percent, comprising (a) 15 to 35 weight percent (C 10 -C 18 alkyl) - 55 benzenesulfonic acid magnesium salt of anionic surfactant, (b) 1 to 5 weight percent water-soluble magnesium salt, wherein the total magnesium ions mole ratio of alkylbenzene sulfonate to 0.65: 1.0 to 1.0: 1.0, 60 (c) 1-20 wt.% water-soluble (C 10 -C 16 primary alkyl) ethoxysulfate having an average of 1 per alkyl group. -6 ethylene oxide groups and (d) 0-20% by weight of primary, secondary or tertiary amine or alkali metal salts of C10-C18 alkyl sulfate and (B) 0.5-8% by weight of foam an auxiliary agent optionally ethoxylated with C 10 -C 18 mono or di-C 1 -C 5 alkanol or C 12 -C 14 alkyl amides condensed with up to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole, (C) 0- 10% by weight of organic solvent, (D) 0-10% by weight of hydrotrope and (E) 0-10% by weight of one or more chelating, coloring, dye, perfume, bactericidal, fungicidal, preservative, pH modifying, buffer, opacifying antioxidants and contains a protein additive and the remainder water. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is 30-55 weight of component (A) 1-6% by weight of component (B) 5 to 8 weight percent of component (C) 0-6% by weight of component (D) 0-3% by weight of component (E) and the remainder with water. The composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant system (A) is (a) (B) a water-soluble magnesium salt, wherein the molar ratio of magnesium ions to alkylbenzene sulfonate is between 0.65: 1.0 and 0.8: 1.0, (c) 10-13% by weight of (C 10 -C 16 alkyl) ethoxysulfate containing 3 ethylene oxide groups per alkyl group, and (d) 10 to 15 weight percent (C 10 -C 16 alkyl) sulfate. 4. A physically stable liquid detergent detergent-based composition, characterized in that (A) 30-70% by weight of a detergent active ingredient consisting of (a) 10-50% by weight of a magnesium salt of C10-18 alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, (b) 1-5% by weight. water soluble magnesium salt, wherein the molar ratio of total magnesium ions to alkylbenzene sulfonate is from 0.65: 1.0 to 1.0: 1.0, (c) from 1 to 27% by weight of water-soluble (C 10 -C 16 primary alkyl) ethoxy; sulfate having an average of 1 to 6 ethylene oxide groups per alkyl group and (d) 0 to 27% by weight of a primary amine or alkaline metal salt of a C10-16 alkyl alkyl sulfate; and (B) 0.6 to 11% by weight; % foaming agent which is ethoxylated C 10 -C 16 mono- or di (C 1 -C 5 alkanol) amide or C 12 -C 14 alkyl amide condensed with up to 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole, (C) 0 -10 wt.% Organic solvent (D) 0-8 wt en contains water. A composition according to claim 4, characterized in that HU 211 779 Β 60-65% by weight 1-8% by weight 2.5-3.5% by weight 1-5% by weight of the remaining water. Component (A) component (B) component (C) component (D) and 6. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the surfactant system (A) comprises an amount of magnesium salt such that total magnesium ions are relative to alkylbenzene sulfonate. The molar ratio of 5 is between 0.65: 1.0 and 0.8: 1.0.