JP2023547398A - Multi-purpose acidic composition and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A multipurpose acidic composition for cleaning and/or disinfection is provided. Acidic compositions can be used to clean difficult stains, including polymeric stains, hard water deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate), soap scum, rust, including aiding in the general cleaning of difficult stains such as fats, oils, cosmetics, and other difficult stains. , as well as other stains (e.g., coffee and tea). The acidic composition can include at least one organic acid and a solvent or solvent system, and can be a PPE-free composition if desired. Also provided are methods for using acidic compositions as pre-treatments, soaks, and/or applications in machine and manual dishwashing. Also provided are methods for using acidic compositions to remove polymerized oils, charred soils, fats, oils, stains (eg, coffee and tea), hard water scale/deposits, and cosmetics. [Selection diagram] None

Description

(Cross reference to related applications)
This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. 119 in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/198,956, filed on November 25, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63/198,956, filed on March 12, 2021. No. 17/249,793, the entirety of which includes, but is not limited to, the specification, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, or examples thereof. Incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/249,784 entitled Multipurpose Alkaline Compositions and Methods of Use, filed concurrently with this specification. The entire contents of this patent application are expressly incorporated herein by reference, including, but not limited to, the specification, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, or drawings thereof. .

(Field of invention)
The present invention relates to multipurpose acidic compositions for cleaning, including degreasing, destaining, and/or demineralization, and/or disinfection. The acidic composition is a liquid and beneficially removes polymeric stains, removes hard water deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate), removes soap scum, rust, and other stains (e.g., coffee and tea); Suitable for use as a pre-spray (i.e., spot treatment), including to aid in general cleaning of fats, oils, cosmetics, and other difficult stains. Acidic compositions can be used in pre-treatments for mechanical and manual dishwashing to improve the performance of commodity products without the inclusion of costly additives in conventional specialty detergents. The acidic composition can include at least one organic acid and a solvent or solvent system. Optionally, the acidic composition can be a PPE-free composition. Also provided are methods for using acidic compositions as pre-treatments, soaks, and/or applications in machine and manual dishwashing. Also provided are methods for using acidic compositions to remove polymerized oils, charred soils, baked-on soils, fats, oils, stains (e.g., coffee and tea), hard water scale/deposits, and cosmetics.

Acidic cleaning compositions are often used for removing hard water deposits and mineral deposits, cleaning grout and tiles, and the like. Acidic cleaning compositions generally dissolve stains by attaching to them and breaking them down for removal. Acidic compositions are generally used for stains that are difficult to clean or remove with general purpose cleaning, such as polymeric stains. Instead, special alkaline detergents are more commonly formulated with special additives to treat these types of soils. Formulations containing these special additives are expensive. They are also not necessary for all markets and types of cleaning, degreasing, de-staining, deashing, and/or disinfection. As a result, specialized cleaning compositions or formulations containing certain specialized additives are often not needed for all applications and/or markets.

Acidic and alkaline compositions have been used for use as paint strippers, such as benzyl alcohol and acids having a pH of about 2.5. However, it is more effective and common for alkaline paint strippers to be used with a neutralized acid or alkali source, solvent, and detergent at a pH above 7.0. These paint strippers are used to remove old coatings that are difficult to remove by other methods. The use of acidic paint removers is known to work slowly to remove paint, often requiring overnight or prolonged contact. These formulations require precautions regarding hazardous use and may pose health and safety hazards.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-purpose acidic composition that combines an acid and a solvent, which composition can be used for stain removal, for the removal of difficult stains, including polymerized stains. Pre-spray to remove hard water deposits, to remove soap scum, to remove rust, and to aid in general cleaning of other difficult stains and stains including coffee and tea Or it can be used as a spot treatment composition.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a multipurpose acidic composition that aids in the versatile cleaning of fats, oils, cosmetics, and other common institutional soils.

A further object of the present disclosure is that it can be used as a pre-treatment for machine and manual dishwashing to enhance or accelerate the performance of general purpose products, thereby adding special additives in detergent compositions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multipurpose acidic composition whose use can be reduced.

Another object of the present disclosure is to formulate a multipurpose acidic composition that is a PPE-free product.

Another object of the present disclosure is to remove arduous stains, including tea stains, coffee stains, hard water scale/deposits, polymerized oils, charred stains, baked-in stains, fats, oils, cosmetics, and others. It is to formulate a multi-purpose acidic composition.

Other objects, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the following disclosure, drawings, and appended claims.

The present disclosure relates to multipurpose acidic cleaning compositions and uses thereof. In embodiments, the composition comprises about 1% to about 50% by weight of at least one acid source, about 1% to about 50% by weight a surfactant, about 1% to about 50% by weight of a solvent, or The use solution of the composition, including the solvent system, has a pH of about 1 to about 5. The composition provides effectiveness as a multi-purpose cleaning and degreasing formulation that penetrates soil with acidic formulations, ie, with a pH of less than about 6, preferably from about 1 to about 5.

In embodiments, a method of cleaning and/or degreasing is provided. The method includes applying an acidic composition according to the disclosure to a surface or object when it needs to be cleaned and/or degreased, and removing dirt, stains, and/or hard water deposits from the surface or object. and removing. In embodiments, the application to the surface or object is a multi-purpose spot treatment and the cleaning benefits are degreasing, deashing and destaining.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which illustrates and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
As described in Example 1, formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid ( Figure 1C) shows a photograph of a drop test using an acidic composition containing (C). As described in Example 1, formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid ( Figure 1C) shows a photograph of a drop test using an acidic composition containing (C). As described in Example 1, formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid ( Figure 1C) shows a photograph of a drop test using an acidic composition containing (C). Formic acid (Fig. 1A), citric acid (Fig. 1B), and gluconic acid (Fig. 1C) shows a photograph of an immersion test using an acidic composition containing 1C). Formic acid (Fig. 1A), citric acid (Fig. 1B), and gluconic acid (Fig. 1C) shows a photograph of an immersion test using an acidic composition containing 1C). Formic acid (Fig. 1A), citric acid (Fig. 1B), and gluconic acid (Fig. 1C) shows a photograph of an immersion test using an acidic composition containing 1C). 2 shows a graph of the rate of removal of polymerized corn oil soil from test specimens, as described in Example 2. Efficacy of tea stain removal of control formulation (alkaline degreaser composition) compared to acidic composition containing citric acid after soaking for 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes as described in Example 3. It shows a graph related to gender. 4 shows a graph of red and black stain removal by a control formulation compared to various acidic compositions, as described in Example 4. 5 shows a graph of soap scum removal by a control formulation compared to various acidic compositions, as described in Example 5. Using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E) as described in Example 5. The photo shows the removal of soap scum from a glass slide. Using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E) as described in Example 5. The photo shows the removal of soap scum from a glass slide. Using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E) as described in Example 5. The photo shows the removal of soap scum from a glass slide. Using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E) as described in Example 5. The photo shows the removal of soap scum from a glass slide. Using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E) as described in Example 5. The photo shows the removal of soap scum from a glass slide. Figure 6 shows a photograph of stain removal using a spot treatment containing water (A) and citric acid (B) as described in Example 6. Figure 6 shows a photograph of polymerized corn oil removal using a spot treatment containing water (A) and citric acid (B) as described in Example 6. Figure 10 shows a photograph of protein removal using a spot treatment containing water (Figure 10A) and citric acid (Figure 10B) as described in Example 6. Figure 10 shows a photograph of protein removal using a spot treatment containing water (Figure 10A) and citric acid (Figure 10B) as described in Example 6. 6 shows a graph of tea stain removal, protein removal, and polymerized corn oil removal by spot treatment of an acidic composition compared to a water control, as described in Example 6.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numbers represent like parts throughout the several figures. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. The figures presented herein are not limiting of the various embodiments according to the invention, but are presented for illustrative illustration of the invention.

Embodiments are not limited to certain acidic compositions and methods of using the same, which can vary and will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is further understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. obtain. Additionally, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be designated in their SI-approved format. Numerical ranges recited herein are inclusive of the numbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in a range format. It is to be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and is not to be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, range descriptions should be deemed to specifically disclose all possible subranges and individual numerical values within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 is 1, 1.5, 2 , 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

In order that the present invention may be more easily understood, certain terms will first be defined. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of this invention pertain. Many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of embodiments of the invention without undue experimentation. however, preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming embodiments, the following terminology is used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

As used herein, the term "about" refers to, for example, typical measurement and liquid handling procedures used in the preparation of concentrates or use solutions in the real world, unforeseen errors in these procedures, compositions, etc. Refers to variations in quantity that may occur due to differences in preparation, source, or purity of ingredients used in making a product or performing a method. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for the composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalents of that amount.

The terms "actives" or "percent actives" or "percent by weight actives" or "actives concentration" are used interchangeably herein. refers to the concentration of those ingredients included in a wash, expressed as a percentage excluding inert ingredients, such as water or salts.

As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to methods used to promote or assist in stain removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, and any combination thereof.

As used herein, the term "free" refers to a composition that is completely devoid of that component or has such a small amount that the component does not affect the performance of the composition. Point. The component may be present as an impurity or contaminant and should be less than 0.5% by weight. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1% by weight, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.01% by weight.

The term "hard surface" refers to solid, substantially non-flexible surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, sanitary fixtures, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and dishes. Refers to the surface of sexuality. Hard surfaces can include, for example, healthcare surfaces, food processing surfaces, bathroom surfaces, etc., and can be internal or external.

The term "substantially similar cleaning performance" means that the cleaning performance is generally the same when using alternative cleaning products or alternative cleaning systems to address typical soil conditions on typical substrates. of (or at least not significantly less) cleanliness achieved by alternative cleaning products or alternative cleaning systems, or with generally the same effort (or at least not significantly less), or both. It generally represents that. This degree of cleanliness may correspond to the general absence of visible soil or to some lesser degree of cleanliness, depending on the particular cleaning product and the particular substrate.

The term "surfactant" or "surfactant" refers to an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of that liquid at its surface.

The terms "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "% by weight" and variations thereof are used herein. When used, refers to the concentration of a substance as the weight of the substance divided by the total weight of the composition multiplied by 100. It is understood that as used herein, "percent", "%", etc. are intended to be synonymous with "percent by weight", "% by weight", etc.

The methods and compositions may include, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and formulations described herein, as well as other formulation ingredients. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods and compositions may include additional steps, ingredients, or ingredients, but the additional steps, ingredients, or ingredients are patented. This is meant only to the extent that it does not materially alter the essential and novel features of the claimed methods and compositions.

Multipurpose Acidic Composition The multipurpose acidic composition includes at least one acid, a surfactant, a solvent and/or a solvent system, and water. The multi-purpose alkaline composition can include additional functional formulation ingredients and can be provided as a concentrate or use composition. Exemplary multi-purpose acidic compositions are shown in Table 1 in weight percentages. The compositions can be provided as concentrated compositions that can be used for pre-treatment, such as direct application to soils, or can be further diluted for cleaning and/or disinfection applications. The multipurpose acidic compositions may be advantageously formulated as concentrates (e.g., the first exemplary range) or as concentrates or ready-to-use (RTU) formulations (e.g., the first exemplary range). Further dilutions can be made to an exemplary range of 3.

According to embodiments, the pH of the multipurpose acidic composition use solution is less than about 7, about 1 to about 7, about 2 to about 7, about 2.5 to about 7, and preferably less than about 6. According to preferred embodiments, the pH of the multipurpose acidic composition use solution is less than about 6, or less than about 5, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 5. It is about 4. Multipurpose acidic compositions provide substantially similar cleaning effectiveness, and in many embodiments, superior cleaning effectiveness over traditional acidic compositions, as well as additional cleaning and/or disinfection benefits. pH greater than about 2.5 and/or from about 3 to about 4, including formulations that provide a Provides significant safety benefits. In other embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition is suitable for stain removal (e.g., difficult to remove stains such as tea, coffee, etc.), calcium carbonate and soap scum removal, rust removal, and the removal of fats, oils, cosmetics, and others. Provides excellent degreasing effectiveness while aiding in further general cleaning on difficult soils.

In some embodiments, the weight ratio of solvent or solvent system to acid source is about 1:1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of solvent or solvent system to acid source is from about 4:1 to about 1:4, providing beneficial effects in difficult-to-remove soils such as polymerized corn oil.

Acid Source The multipurpose acidic composition includes at least one acid source. The acid source can include organic acids, inorganic acids, or mixtures thereof. Examples of acid sources include, for example, citric acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, gluconic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, or peroxycarboxylic acid. In embodiments, one or more organic acids are included as acid sources, including, for example, lactic acid, gluconic acid, formic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, and the like. Various acids can be incorporated into the multi-purpose acidic composition to provide the desired pH for the multi-purpose acidic composition.

In some embodiments, the concentrated multi-purpose alkaline composition comprises about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 25%, about 5% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, or about 5% to about 15% by weight of at least one acid source. It is to be understood that all values and ranges between these values and ranges, as well as dilutions of concentrates, are encompassed by the present invention.

Surfactant The multi-purpose acidic composition includes at least one surfactant. Suitable surfactants may include anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and/or nonionic surfactants. The emulsifying properties of surfactants can be used both for concentrates (use dilutions) that can be diluted to create usable cleaning and/or disinfection products, and for use dilutions themselves. The surfactant or mixture of surfactants can have foaming or defoaming properties suitable for the desired cleaning and/or disinfection applications. The surfactant or surfactant system can be selected depending on the particular soil to be removed, such as polymeric soils.

Anionic surfactants suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include alkylbenzene sulfonates such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl carboxylates, paraffin sulfonates and secondary n-alkanesulfonates, sulfosuccinates and sulfated direct Examples include chain alcohols. Additional sulfonated anionic materials include alkyl sulfonates or disulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonates, and the like. In embodiments, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) or linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids (LABSA) are preferred as anionic surfactants.

Suitable zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include beta-N-alkylaminopropionic acid, n-alkyl-beta-iminodipropionic acid, imidazoline carboxylates, n-alkyl- Included are betaines, amine oxides, sulfobetaine, and sultaine.

Nonionic surfactants suitable for use with the multipurpose alkaline compositions include alcohol alkoxylates with EO, PO, and BO blocks, fatty acid alkoxylates, alkylphenol alkoxylates, and polyethers (polyalkylene oxides, polyalkylene oxides, (also known as oxyalkylene or polyalkylene glycol) compounds. More specifically, the polyether compound is generally a polyoxypropylene or polyoxyethylene glycol compound. Typically, the surfactant suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition is a synthetic organic polyoxypropylene (PO)-polyoxyethylene (EO) block copolymer. These surfactants contain an EO block and a PO block, i.e. a central block of polyoxypropylene units (PO), and a block of polyoxyethylene grafted onto the polyoxypropylene units or It has a diblock polymer with a central block of EO with an attached PO block.

Suitable cationic surfactants for use with the multipurpose alkaline compositions include alkylamines and their salts, alkylimidazolines, ethoxylated amines, and quaternaries such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salts, alkylbenzene salts, Examples include heterocyclic ammonium salts and tetraalkylammonium salts. Cationic agents further include compounds containing at least one long carbon chain hydrophobic group and at least one positively charged nitrogen. Long carbon chain groups can be attached to the nitrogen atom directly by simple substitution or, more preferably, indirectly by bridging functional groups or groups in so-called interrupted alkyl amines and amido amines. Such functional groups can make the molecule more hydrophilic and/or more water dispersible, more easily dissolved in water by the cosurfactant mixture, and/or water soluble. For increased water solubility, additional primary, secondary, or tertiary amino groups can be introduced, or the amino nitrogen can be quaternized with low molecular weight alkyl groups. Additionally, the nitrogen can be part of a branched or straight chain moiety of varying degrees of unsaturation, or part of a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. Additionally, cationic surfactants may contain complex bonds with more than one cationic nitrogen atom. Additional instructions can be found in "Surfactant Encyclopedia", Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2) 86-96 (1989) and US Pat. No. 9,663,431, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Amphoteric surfactants suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, where the aliphatic radicals may be linear or branched; One of the aliphatic substituents contains about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato, or phosphono. Ampholytic surfactants are known to those skilled in the art and are described in "Surfactant Encyclopedia" Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2)69-71 (1989) and US Pat. No. 9,663,431, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The first class includes acyl/dialkylethylenediamine derivatives (eg, 2-alkylhydroxyethylimidazoline derivatives) and salts thereof. The second class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants can be imagined to fit into both classes.

Surfactants that can be used include anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and/or nonionic surfactants that are commercially available from many sources. For a discussion of surfactants, see Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, volume 8, pages 900-912. Surfactants can be used alone or in combination. In embodiments, a combination of non-ionic and anionic materials is used. Semipolar nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants can be used in combination with nonionic or anionic materials. The above examples are merely specific illustrations of a number of surfactants that may find use within multi-purpose alkaline compositions. The selection of a particular surfactant or combination of surfactants depends on a number of factors, including compatibility with the surface being cleaned at the intended use concentration and the intended environmental conditions, including temperature and pH. It should be understood that this may be based on

In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is an anionic alkylbenzene sulfonate. In embodiments, the surfactant is a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and is combined with a solvent (eg, benzyl alcohol) for a preferred acidic composition.

In some embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition comprises about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 40%, about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 20% by weight. % surfactant, about 1% to about 10% by weight surfactant, or about 1% to about 5% by weight surfactant. It is understood that all values and ranges between these values and ranges are encompassed by the invention.

Solvents and Solvent Systems The multipurpose acidic composition includes at least one solvent or solvent system. In various embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition can include a solvent that also functions as a detergent. Solvents or solvent systems can be used to enhance the cleaning properties of multi-purpose acidic compositions as well as to provide emulsifying properties of a given composition. For example, a solvent system can prevent the hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of a particular composition from separating. Emulsifying properties can be used both for concentrates that can be diluted to create usable cleaning products (use solutions) and for use dilutions themselves.

Exemplary solvents and solvent systems may include one or more different solvents including aromatic alcohols, alkanolamines, ether amines, glycol ethers, esters, and mixtures thereof. Typical solvents include acetamidophenol, acetanilide, acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1-methylpyrrole, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, alpha-phenylethanol, benzyl benzoate, benzyloxyethanol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether ( (commercially available as "DOWANOL EPh" from Dow Chemical Co.), propylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available as "DOWANOL PPh" from Dow Chemical Co.), amyl acetate, amyl alcohol, butanol, 3-butoxyethyl- 2-propanol, butyl acetate, n-butyl propionate, cyclohexanone, diacetone alcohol, diethoxyethanol, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diisobutyl carbinol, diisobutyl ketone, dimethylheptanol, dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether, ethanol, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethyl propionate, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, hexanol, isobutanol, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl heptyl ketone, isophorone, isopropanol, isopropyl acetate, methanol, methyl amyl alcohol, methyl n-amyl ketone, 2-methyl-1 -butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, 1-pentanol, n-pentyl propionate, 1-propanol, n-propyl acetate, n-propyl propionate, propylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether (Dow Chemical Co.) (commercially available as DOWANOL TPM from Dow Chemical Co.), tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether (commercially available as DOWANOL TPNB from Dow Chemical Co.), diethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate (commercially available as Butyl CARBITOL Acetate from Dow Chemical Co.) ), diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available as Butyl CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.), ethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate (commercially available as Butyl CELLOSOLVE acetate from Dow Chemical Co.), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available as Butyl CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.) Chemical Co ．． (commercially available as Butyl CELLOSOLVE from Dow Chemical Co.), dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available as Butyl DIPROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.), propylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available as Butyl PROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.) , ethyl 3-Ethoxypropionate (commercially available as UCAR Ester EEP from Dow Chemical Co.), 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (commercially available as UCAR Filmer IBT from Dow Chemical Co.) (commercially available), diethylene glycol monohexyl ether (commercially available as Hexyl CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.), ethylene glycol monohexyl ether (commercially available as Hexyl CELLOSOLVE from Dow Chemical Co.), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available as Hexyl CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.) Ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate (commercially available as Methyl CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.), diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (commercially available as CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.), Methyl CELLOSOLVE a Commercially available as cetate ), ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available as Methyl CELLOSOLVE from Dow Chemical Co.), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available as Methyl DIPROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.), propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (commercially available as Methyl DIPROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.) ical Co (commercially available as Methyl PROPASOL acetate from Dow Chemical Co.), propylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available as Methyl PROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.), diethylene glycol monopropyl ether (propyl CARBITOL from Dow Chemical Co.) commercially available as), Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether (Dow Chemical Co. dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether (commercially available as Propyl DIPROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.), and propylene glycol monopropyl ether (commercially available as Propyl PROPASOL from Dow Chemical Co.) commercially available ) may be included. Representative dialkyl carbonates include dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, diisopropyl carbonate, and dibutyl carbonate. Representative essential oils include benzaldehyde, pinene (alpha, beta, etc.), terpineol, terpinene, carvone, cinnamaldehyde, borneol and its esters, citral, ionene, jasmine oil, limonene, dipentene, linalool and its esters. Representative dibasic esters include dimethyl adipate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl malonate, diethyl adipate, diethyl succinate, diethyl glutarate, dibutyl succinate, dibutyl glutarate, and from DuPont Nylon. Included are products available under the trade names DBE, DBE-3, DBE-4, DBE-5, DBE-6, DBE-9, DBE-IB, and DBE-ME. Representative phthalate esters include dibutyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, and diethyl phthalate.

Preferred solvents for wetting hard-to-remove stains such as polymerized non-trans fat stains include benzyl alcohol, dibasic esters, essential oils, dialkyl carbonates, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, Propylene glycol phenyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

According to embodiments, the solvent or solvent system includes at least one aromatic alcohol (eg, benzyl alcohol, phenyl alcohol). Preferably, the aromatic alcohol solvent system is benzyl alcohol. The solvent may further include solvents within the same restricted water solubility range as benzyl alcohol, including, for example, benzyloxyethanol and/or benzyloxypropanol.

According to further embodiments, the solvent system may include benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, alpha-phenylethanol, benzyl benzoate, and/or benzyloxyethanol, and the like. Additional description regarding solvent systems that may be included in the compositions is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2010/0317559, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition comprises about 1% to about 50%, about 1% to about 40%, about 1% to about 30%, about 1% to about 20% by weight. % by weight, or from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the solvent system. It is understood that all values and ranges between these values and ranges are encompassed by the methods of the present invention.

Additional Functional Ingredients The components of the multi-purpose acidic composition can be further combined with various functional ingredients suitable for use as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a multipurpose acidic composition comprising at least one acid, a surfactant, a solvent and/or a solvent system, and water constitutes a majority or substantially all of the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, little or no additional functional formulation ingredients are included therein.

In other embodiments, additional functional formulation ingredients can be included in the multi-purpose acidic composition. Functional formulation ingredients provide desired properties and functionality to the composition. For the purposes of this application, the term "functional formulation ingredient" includes materials that provide beneficial properties in a particular use when dispersed or dissolved in a use solution and/or concentrate solution, such as an aqueous solution. Although some specific examples of functional materials are discussed in more detail below, the specific materials discussed are merely examples and a variety of other functional formulation ingredients may be used. Good too. For example, many of the functional materials discussed below relate to materials used for cleaning. However, other embodiments may include functional formulation ingredients for use in other applications.

In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition includes a hydrotrope or coupler, a neutralizing agent, an optical brightener, an antifoam agent, an anti-redeposition agent, a bleaching agent, a solubility modifier, a buffer, a tracer, a dispersant. agents, metal protectants, anti-soil redeposition agents, stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, chelating/sequestering agents, enzymes, aesthetic enhancers, such as fragrances and/or dyes, additional rheology and/or solubility modifiers. or may include thickeners, buffers, solvents, additional detergents, and the like.

In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition includes buffering or pH adjusting agents (i.e., alkaline source), dyes (i.e., for product safety/identification), fragrances, thickeners, corrosion inhibitors. , and/or enzymes.

In embodiments, additional formulation ingredients can be pre-formulated with the multi-purpose alkaline composition or can be added to the use solution before, after, or substantially simultaneously with the addition of the composition. . Additionally, the compositions can be used in conjunction with one or more conventional cleaning and/or disinfecting agents or compositions.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition is free of polysaccharide polymers and homo/copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is free of cationic surfactants. In preferred embodiments, the composition is free of strong acids.

According to embodiments, the various additional functional formulation ingredients range from about 0% to about 50%, about 0% to about 40%, about 0% to about 30%, about 0% by weight. ~25% by weight, about 0% to about 20% by weight, 0.1% to about 50% by weight, about 0.1% to about 40% by weight, about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 1 wt% to about 50 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 25 wt%, about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 1 It may be provided in the composition in an amount from about 1% to about 10% by weight, or from about 1% to about 5% by weight. In addition, all recited ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range, without limitation in accordance with the invention.

Hydrotropes The multi-purpose acidic composition can optionally include hydrotropes as additional functional formulation ingredients. Hydrotropes aid in composition stability and aqueous formulation. Functionally, suitable hydrotrope couplers that can be used are non-toxic and retain the active formulation components in aqueous solution over the temperature range and concentration to which the concentrate or any use solution is exposed. Without being limited to any particular mechanism of action or embodiment, as the acid concentration of the versatile acidic composition increases, the hydrotrope is used to adjust the pH of the acidic composition to a desired pH range, e.g., about 2.5. to about 4, or from about 3 to about 4.

Any hydrotropic coupler may be used provided that it does not react with other components of the composition or adversely affect the performance characteristics of the composition. Representative classes of hydrotropic coupling or solubilizing agents that can be used include anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfates and alkanesulfonates, linear alkylbenzenes (including linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS)); or naphthalene sulfonates, secondary alkanesulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates or sulfonates, alkyl phosphates or phosphonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, sugar esters (e.g. sorbitan esters), amine oxides (mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl), and C8-C10 alkyl glucosides. Preferred coupling agents include aromatic sulfonates, such as alkylbenzene sulfonates (e.g. xylene sulfonates) or naphthalene sulfonates, aryl or alkaryl phosphate esters, or 1 to about 40 ethylene, propylene, or butylene oxide units, or Mention may be made of their alkoxylated analogues with mixtures. Other preferred hydrotropes include C6-C24 alcohol alkoxylates having from 1 to about 15 alkylene oxide groups (preferably from about 4 to about 10 alkylene oxide groups) (alkoxylates include ethoxylates, propoxylates, butoxylates, etc.). (preferably C6 to C14 alcohol alkoxylates); 1 to about 15 alkylene oxide groups (preferably about 4 to about 10 alkylene oxide groups); C6-C24 alkylphenol alkoxylates (preferably C8-C10 alkylphenol alkoxylates) having C6-C24 alkyl polyglycosides (preferably C6-C10 alkylphenol alkoxylates) having 1 to about 15 glycosidic groups (preferably about 4 to about 10 glycosidic groups) C20 alkyl polyglycosides); C6 to C24 fatty acid ester ethoxylates, propoxylates, or glycerides; and C4 to C12 mono- or dialkanolamides. A preferred hydrotrope is sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS).

In embodiments using hydrotropes, the multi-purpose acidic composition comprises about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, Contains from about 0.5% to about 8%, or from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of hydrotrope. It is understood that all values and ranges between these values and ranges are encompassed by the invention.

Use Solution According to embodiments, the use dilution of the concentrated multi-purpose acidic composition can range from an RTU formulation requiring no further dilution to about a 1:10 dilution of concentrate to solvent. Intermediate dilution ranges are also suitable. More preferably, a working dilution of about 1:3 to about 1:6 is obtained from the concentrated composition. As one skilled in the art will recognize as a result of the disclosure herein, use solutions can be generated according to the particular needs of the user and his or her application.

In some embodiments, a dilution step may be used initially to provide a source of water to a concentrated composition suitable for generating a use solution or composition. In some embodiments, the concentrated multi-purpose cleaning composition comprises about 1 to about 22 ounces of liquid concentrate per gallon of water diluent, about 1 to about 12 ounces of liquid concentrate per gallon of water diluent, or The water diluent may be diluted at a liquid concentrate dilution factor of about 8 ounces to about 10 ounces per gallon. In some embodiments, the dilution step is performed at or near the point of use and may include the use of a water source provided using, for example, an aspirator or other dilution mechanism known in the art. In other embodiments, when the cleaning composition is used in a diluted (or use solution or use composition) formulation, no further dilution by the user is required.

Methods of Use The multipurpose acidic composition is suitable for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or disinfecting a variety of surfaces and objects. Multipurpose compositions, as the name suggests, are intended for use on multiple types of surfaces and multiple types of stains. The multi-purpose acidic composition is useful for cleaning and removing soils from such surfaces and objects, including difficult-to-remove soils, including, for example, polymerized soils, charred soils, baked-in soils, and/or other greasy soils. It is effective for These often include polymerized fat soils, such as polymerized zero-trans fat soils containing corn oil. Although it is not necessary to understand the mechanism to carry out the methods of use described herein, in some embodiments the solvent or solvent system (e.g., benzyl alcohol) has an added affinity for fatty stains. It is believed to provide a limited water-soluble alcohol that provides hydrophobicity and functions as a plasticizer. The soil swells and loses its adhesion from the substrate upon contact with the multipurpose acidic composition, providing a unique cleaning approach compared to the use of caustic degreasers and/or other alkaline control compositions.

Beneficially, the multi-purpose acidic composition has a higher pH than conventional acidic compositions and provides substantially similar cleaning effectiveness. In embodiments, the composition has a pH of less than about 4. Beneficially, the pH of the composition in the use solution is less than about 4, about 1 to about 4, or about 2 to about 4. In other embodiments, the pH of the composition in the use solution is about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 4. The compositions provide a significant safety advantage as a result of the pH range, while providing substantially similar cleaning effectiveness, and in many embodiments, compared to conventional acidic compositions (or conventional alkaline compositions). Provides superior cleaning effectiveness (even compared to degreasing compositions).

According to a preferred embodiment, compositions having a pH greater than about 2.5 do not require PPE, but unexpectedly, compositions having an alkaline pH greater than about 11.5 and/or hydroxylated (i.e., caustic soda).

The multi-purpose acidic composition works quickly to remove stains such as polymerized fat stains. Because of the rapid penetration into soils, the compositions can be used in pretreatments that do not require long residence times or pretreatment times. In embodiments, the composition achieves its degreasing action within about 5 seconds to several minutes of contact with a soiled surface or object. According to a preferred embodiment, upon application of the composition, stains are removed within about a few seconds without the need for substantial mechanical action or excessive temperatures. The method provides cleaning effectiveness that is at least substantially similar to that obtained using hydroxide-based, corrosive, highly alkaline compositions, demonstrating an unexpected beneficial application of the use of multi-purpose acidic compositions. In a further embodiment, the method of cleaning and/or degreasing results in a composition that penetrates soil more quickly than an alkaline control composition. As mentioned herein, the alkalinity control composition can include either a hydroxide-based alkaline composition or a non-hydroxide composition comprising a pH greater than 11.5, and/or or require the use of PPE.

The multi-purpose acidic composition is particularly well suited for use as a multi-purpose degreasing, demineralizing (ie, water rot), and destaining composition. Destaining can include the removal of difficult to remove stains such as tea and coffee stains. These versatile benefits make it especially useful as a multi-purpose kitchen spot treatment. Beneficially, such multi-purpose benefits provide a single cleaning application instead of formulating detergents to remove stains, polymeric soils (including charred soils and fats), and hard water rot.

In some embodiments, de-staining a surface or object with the multi-purpose acidic composition takes less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 4 minutes, less than about 3 minutes, less than 90 seconds, less than about 60 seconds, about This is accomplished with a contact time of less than 45 seconds, or less than about 30 seconds.

In some embodiments, de-staining a surface or object with the multi-purpose acidic composition takes less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 4 minutes, less than about 3 minutes, less than about 2 minutes, less than about 60 seconds, or a contact time of less than about 45 seconds.

Exemplary industries that can use the method include, but are not limited to, the restaurant industry, the food and beverage industry, consumer degreasing applications, petroleum processing, agricultural and ethanol processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Not done. Suitable uses for the compositions and methods of the invention include, for example, oven cleaners, including microwave ovens, general degreasers, fryer degreasers, smokehouse cleaners, floor cleaners, exhaust hood cleaners, drain cleaners, floor Mention may be made of finish removers, floor cleaners, fryer cleaners, pot and pan cleaners, carpet spotters, pharmaceutical and cosmetic cleaners, appliance cleaners, tar removers, and the like.

As a further advantage, the multi-purpose acidic composition can also remove other stains beyond polymerized fat stains from surfaces or objects. In additional embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition is capable of removing polymerized or crosslinked films from, for example, floors and other finishes without requiring the use of hydroxide-based or corrosive formulations. It can be used in any other method that attempts to remove polymerized dirt, stains, and/or scale. In such embodiments, methods of using the composition as a floor stripper and/or floor cleaner may be employed. In embodiments, the method of use includes removing soil from interior and/or exterior floors. In such embodiments, the floor may be made of a variety of materials including, for example, concrete, for example, the outside of the drive-through where oil and grease stains may be present. In a further embodiment, methods of using the compositions as multi-purpose formulations are used to unexpectedly demonstrate the effectiveness of non-hydroxide alkalinity compositions in non-traditional applications.

The method can also be used to remove soils other than polymeric soils. Such other soils include, but are not limited to, starches, cellulose fibers, proteins, simple carbohydrates, and combinations of any of these soil types with mineral complexes. Examples of specific food soils that are effectively removed using this method include soils that occur during the production and processing of meat, poultry, vegetables, and fruits, bakery products, soft drinks, brewing and fermentation residues. , dirt generated during the processing of sugar beets and sugar cane, and processing containing these and related ingredients, such as juices, sauces, and seasonings (e.g., fruit juices, ketchup, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce). Examples include, but are not limited to, foods. These soils can occur on environmental surfaces, such as walls and floors, freezers and refrigeration systems, heat exchanger surfaces, conveyor surfaces, and other surfaces during manufacturing and packaging processes.

The multi-purpose acidic composition can further be used as a bathroom cleaner. The versatile cleaning ability of the composition is beneficial in that it further removes stains that can be found in bathroom applications. For example, hard water deposits, soap scum (eg, calcium stearate and other soap scum stains), and/or rust can be removed from surfaces or objects that are cleaned with the multipurpose acidic composition. The composition can be applied to any conventional bathroom surface including, but not limited to, toilets, shower stalls, racks, curtains, shower doors, bath fixtures, shower bars, bathtubs, bidets, sinks, etc., as well as countertops, walls, floors, etc. Can be used to remove stains, dirt, hard water, etc. Additional hard surfaces that can be cleaned using the present compositions include, for example, countertops, tiles, floors, walls, windows, fixtures, kitchen furniture, electrical appliances, and the like. Various hard surfaces suitable for cleaning include, for example, glass, metals, plastics such as polyester, vinyl, fiberglass, Formica, Corian, refractory materials such as glazed and unglazed tiles, brick, porcelain, ceramics, and Stone, such as marble, granite, and other stone surfaces, and other hard surfaces known in the industry.

Acidic compositions having a low pH (e.g., less than about 3) may contain soap scum, grime (i.e., hard water scale and limescale, which can also be used to refer to such stains commonly found in bathrooms) and/or about Due to the strength of triprotonic acid, when formulated at a pH value below 3, it is particularly well suited for cleaning other residues commonly found in bathrooms. Soap scum and scale removal requires acid strength for effective cleaning due to the presence of calcium and magnesium salts and soap residue. Similarly, the acid component is necessary to treat limescale, which is a mineral stain caused by the deposition of salts such as calcium or magnesium carbonate that are often present in hard water. Still further, more acidic product strength is required to remove soap scum, which is difficult to remove in hard water due to the presence of metal salts that leave undesirable residues on such surfaces. These include residues of fatty acid soaps, often based on alkaline salts of lower fatty acids, which are known to precipitate. In embodiments, it is unexpected that the acidic composition has a pH higher than that typically used as a bathroom cleaner (conventional pH <2.5 or <2). Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the combination of acid, surfactant, and solvent or solvent system provides cleaning benefits without the need for lower pH.

The multipurpose acidic composition can further be used as an antimicrobial composition. Antimicrobial effectiveness can be used to clean and/or disinfect cleaning compositions. Beneficially, the combination of one or more acid sources and an anionic surfactant (eg, LAS) can provide disinfection benefits. Use for disinfection provides antibacterial efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and provides broad spectrum bactericidal and antifungal activity. For example, broad-spectrum activity is effective against a wide range of different types of microorganisms (including both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms), including bacteria, yeasts, molds, fungi, algae, and other microorganisms of concern. ). reducing the microbial population in and/or on a surface or object by using a disinfection method to reduce the microbial population by at least 1 log ₁₀ , at least 2 log ₁₀ , at least 3 log ₁₀ , at least 4 log ₁₀ , or at least 5 log ₁₀ Any suitable reduction can be achieved. Without limiting the scope of the invention, numerical ranges set forth herein are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. In some embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition is used at a pH (eg, less than about 4) at which disinfectant effectiveness is achieved at a concentration of at least about 500 ppm surfactant (eg, LAS).

In embodiments, the composition can be used as a concentrate or use solution.

In embodiments, the composition can be used as a pretreatment, soak, or spray. The composition or its use solution can be applied using a variety of methods and conventional application techniques, which will vary depending on the application, such as dipping, spraying, etc. These methods can act on an object, surface, etc. by contacting the object or surface with the composition. Contacting can include any of a number of methods for applying the liquid, such as spraying the compound, dipping the object in the compound, foaming or gelling the object with the compound, or combinations thereof. Without being limited to the method of contact, the concentrate or use composition can be applied to or contacted with an object or surface by any conventional method or device for applying liquid compositions to objects. I can do it. For example, the surface can be wiped with, sprayed with, foamed with, and/or dipped with a composition made from a concentrated composition or a use composition. The liquid composition can be sprayed, lathered, or wiped onto the surface, the compound can be flowed onto the surface, or the surface can be immersed in the compound. Contacting can be done manually or mechanically.

A particularly suitable method for applying or contacting the composition to a stained or soiled surface is through the use of a manually operated spray dispenser. The atomizing dispenser preferably includes a spray nozzle, dip tube, and associated pump dispensing components to provide convenient application to stained or soiled surfaces or objects.

Various methods include contacting the surface requiring cleaning and/or degreasing with the composition for a period of time sufficient to allow the composition to penetrate into the soil to be removed. The length of time required to penetrate the soil depends on the thickness of the soil as well as the relative level of polymerization of the soil. In such cases, it is preferred that the composition comprises a high foaming surfactant system or a thickening system so that the composition does not dry out and remains hydrated on the surface for an extended period of time.

The multi-purpose acidic composition can be in contact with a surface or object for a sufficient period of time to clean the surface or object. In one aspect, the surface or object is contacted with the composition for at least about 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, at least about 10 minutes, or from about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes. The contact time is also provided at a pH sufficiently acidic to provide versatile effectiveness, including a pH of less than about 6, less than about 5, preferably less than about 4. In still other embodiments, the contact time is also provided at an RTU or use concentration of the multi-purpose acidic composition from about 1% to about 20% by weight, including all ranges therebetween.

The method can optionally further include wiping the treated surface or object with a rag, towel, sponge, or other item (eg, a disposable paper towel or sponge). In other embodiments, this step is not necessary as the surface or object may be placed in a washing machine or dishwasher for further treatment with the detergent composition. In some embodiments involving heavy soil deposits or stains, the composition may remain on the soiled surface until it effectively loosens the soil deposit or stain, and then is wiped off and rinsed. or removed by other means. In the case of particularly heavy deposits of such undesirable stains, multiple applications may also be used.

The method may optionally further include using mechanical force during the contacting step. For example, to remove certain dirt or stains from a surface or object, it may be necessary to apply additional force, such as a water source and/or mechanical force, to assist in removing the dirt. be.

The method may optionally further include rinsing the treated surface or object with water. In yet other embodiments, the composition is wiped from the soiled surface to effectively remove soil and any residual composition. In further embodiments, there is no need for a rinsing step.

The composition can be applied after heating the composition to a temperature of about 40°F or higher, from 40°F to about 130°F. In other embodiments, the method provides for removing soil from a surface or object at ambient or room temperature, such as from about 50°F to about 100°F. In various embodiments, it is preferred that neither the surface or object nor the composition be heated prior to the contacting step. In still other cases, the method provides for removing soil from a surface or object at lower temperatures, such as from about 25° F. to about 50° F. In other cases, the method may require application to a surface or object at a temperature ranging from 0°F to about 200°F.

The compositions and methods described herein remove stains and/or soils and/or lime (hard water deposits) by at least about 70%, at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90%, or at least about 95%. Only, remove beneficially. Advantageously, the compositions and methods described herein provide substantially similar or superior cleaning effectiveness when compared to hydroxide-based and corrosive highly alkaline compositions.

In exemplary embodiments, the compositions and methods beneficially remove stains from a variety of surfaces, with at least about 80% stain removal, preferably at least about 90% stain removal, or at least about 95% stain removal. I will provide a. In still further embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove 100% of stains from treated surfaces. These performance benefits exceed those achieved from hydroxide-based and corrosive highly alkaline compositions.

In further exemplary embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove soil from a variety of surfaces, achieving at least about 80% soil removal, preferably at least about 90% soil removal, or at least about 95% soil removal. Provides stain removal. In still further embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove 100% of soil from treated surfaces.

In still further exemplary embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove water scale (hard water deposits) from a variety of surfaces, with at least about 70% scale removal, at least about 75% scale removal from treated surfaces. of scale removal, at least about 80% scale removal, preferably at least about 90% scale removal.

Embodiments of the invention are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It is to be understood that these Examples, while indicating particular embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these examples, those skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the invention and can make various modifications and variations of the embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Modifications can be made to adapt it to various uses and conditions. Accordingly, various modifications of embodiments of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

The alkaline control and acidic compositions utilized in the Examples are shown in Tables 2-3.

Example 1
Alkaline control formulations used to remove grease stains and polymeric soils such as corn oil stains (see Alkaline Control in Table 3) were compared to acidic compositions containing a combination of a solvent and an organic acid (Table 3). Additional performance benefits were evaluated compared to Acidic Composition No. 2). Initial evaluation of the acidic composition was completed on soiled specimens with polymerized corn oil. Additional testing was conducted on tea stains to determine whether acidic compositions containing a combination of a solvent and an organic acid were able to extend performance benefits beyond greasy stain removal.

Preparation of polymerized corn oil panels. A corn oil stain was prepared on a 3 x 5 inch stainless steel (304 grade) panel by lightly coating the corn oil using a 2 inch polyurethane brush. The panels are rectangular flat sheets of stainless steel that simulate the vertical surfaces surrounding grill equipment where evaporated grease collects and coats. After the protective coating is removed from the specimen, the specimen is washed and rinsed to remove any residue, and then the specimen is dried. The panels were coated with polymerized corn oil. I coated them evenly to avoid streaks of bare steel and used only the weight of the brush to remove excess oil. Approximately 0.12g+/-0.01g of corn oil was applied to the specimen.

The panels are then placed on aluminum trays and placed in a preheated 375°F oven for approximately 20 minutes (the trays are placed at 10, 15, and 20 Cooked (rotated for 1 minute). After about 10 minutes of cooking, the oil begins to polymerize and thicken and smoke is produced from the oil. Rotate the tray to ensure that the panels heat evenly in the oven. The specimens were then cooled overnight at ambient temperature and placed on a rack with the coated side facing down to reduce dust particles. The specimens are cured after standing for 24 hours at room temperature before being tested with the control and acidic compositions.

The first test, which compared various acidic compositions placed onto a test piece using a pipette, measured the time in seconds for the cleaning composition to penetrate the corn oil stain on the test piece. Figure IA shows the effectiveness of formic acid. FIG. 1B shows the effectiveness of citric acid and FIG. 1C shows the effectiveness of gluconic acid-containing acidic compositions. All three formulations showed efficacy at least as good as the control. Importantly, the measured time to penetrate and remove corn oil (ie, degreasing) was less than 1 minute for all acidic formulations, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

A second test compared various acidic compositions for dip application of chemicals onto specimens. The specimens were immersed in a test solution of the chemical being evaluated and the time required for complete soil removal was determined. The effectiveness of the composition is shown in Figures 2A-2C, where polymerized corn oil was removed with a soak time of 1 minute.

Example 2
Additional testing of acidic compositions for removing polymerized corn oil from test specimens was completed. The methodology of Example 1 for polymerized corn oil stains was used with chemicals dripped onto the specimens and pH was adjusted using MEA. Specimens were contacted with various acidic compositions at pH between 2 and 4 to assess the effect of pH on corn oil removal, ie, removal rate. The effectiveness of the composition is shown in Figure 3, showing that the lower pH formulation provides faster penetration and removal of polymerized corn oil stain from the specimen. A pH of 3-4 provides complete removal, but for spot treatments where the contact time is the shortest possible before application, e.g. before application of instrument cleaning, acidic compositions with pH < 4 Sometimes something is preferable.

Example 3
A method for evaluating tea stained tile cleaning performance was conducted using an alkaline composition in comparison to a control (outlined in Example 1). Testing of citric acid compositions on tea stains has demonstrated the ability to treat and remove one of the most stubborn stains in the ware cleaning process. The tea composition is a complex with oxidized polyphenols (tannins) crosslinked by calcium silicate in the structure of the stain on the surface. Using the evaluated method, create a stain on white ceramic tile and then attempt to remove the stain by using a standard automatic dishwasher with a known concentration of detergent. Performance is evaluated by comparison between sets of tiles using both visual and image manipulation methods.

First, the tiles were washed in a standard dishwasher with a highly alkaline detergent containing a high concentration of chelating agent. Run the dishwasher cycle until the tiles are completely clean. The tiles are then ready to be stained.

To prepare the tiles for testing, a tea bath was filled with 17 grains of hard water and heated to 180°F using a steam line. Add 150 Lipton tea bags and stir for approximately 5 minutes. I took out the tea bag, squeezing the liquid out of it and into the broth. The temperature in the bath was then lowered to about 155-160°F. Then the airline leading to the tea bath was turned on. The set of tiles was placed in a rack in a dipper and the tiles were dipped into the solution 25 times, for 1 minute each time, and removed from the solution for 1 minute after each dip. If necessary, deionized water was added to the dipper to replace water loss due to evaporation. The tiles were then air dried for 3 days (or baked in a 180°F oven for 2 hours before testing).

To evaluate the ability of the citric acid composition to better remove stains, stained tiles were submerged in beakers of various cleaning compositions. Before cleaning the tiles, the amount of dirt on the tiles was noted by taking a pre-clean photo and visually evaluating the tiles. A beaker of test solution was prepared as a concentrate RTU (without further dilution). The solution was stirred at 100 rpm. The tea stained tiles were immersed in their respective beakers for 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes. The tiles were then visually analyzed and then quantified using image software to assess the cleanliness of the tiles.

The effectiveness of the alkaline control versus the citric acid composition is shown in FIG. 4, and the % removal measurements are shown in Table 4 and summarized in Table 5.

Test results show that the citric acid composition performs substantially better than the alkaline control.

Example 4
The mechanical degreasing effectiveness of various acidic compositions compared to an acidic control, an alkaline control (outlined in Example 1), and a negative control (DI water) was evaluated using red and black stains. The preparation of each of the red and black stains and the testing thereof are described.

Black stain preparation. A black stain was prepared containing about 50 grams of mineral spirits, about 5 grams of mineral oil, about 5 grams of motor oil, about 2.5 grams of black pigment dispersion, and about 37.5 grams of Bundy black clay. The back grooved side of a plurality of 3 inch by 3 inch white vinyl tiles was stained with approximately 0.75 grams of black test stain using a 3 inch foam brush. The tiles were allowed to dry overnight at room temperature. The next day, the tiles were placed in a soaking tray containing about 200 g of cleaning composition for about 2 minutes.

Red stain preparation. A red stain was prepared from lard, oil, protein, and iron (III) oxide (for coloring). About 30 grams of lard was mixed with about 30 grams of corn oil, about 15 grams of powdered whole eggs, and about _1.5 grams of _Fe2O3 . The back grooved side of several 3 inch by 3 inch white vinyl tiles was stained with approximately 0.75 grams of red stain using a 3 inch foam brush. The tiles were allowed to dry overnight at room temperature. It appears that this incubation period caused the bonds holding the triglycerides and proteins together in the stain to crystallize and begin to interconnect. The next day, the tiles were placed in a soaking tray containing about 200 g of the test composition for about 1 minute.

Efficacy results for the control vs. acidic composition are shown in Figure 5, with the acidic composition outperforming the alkaline control (as well as DI water as a negative control).

Example 5
The soap scum removal effectiveness of formic and citric acid compositions was compared to an alkaline control composition, an acidic control composition, and water. The formulations for the compositions utilized are shown in Tables 2-3.

Preparation of soap scum stains. Soap scum stains are made with approximately 82 grams of DI water, 1.5 grams of casein protein, 3 grams of Ivory brand soap, 0.40 grams of Crisco, 0.30 grams of Kalin clay, and calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. 12.8 grams of a hardness solution containing sodium bicarbonate. The mixture was adjusted to a pH of 8.75. Approximately 0.50 grams of the prepared soap scum stain was spread on multiple glass slides and allowed to dry. After drying, the slides were baked at 200° C. for 30 minutes and then cooled.

Stain removal tests were conducted using Gardner Straightline Apparatus with synthetic sponges. After the synthetic sponge was saturated with approximately 300 grams of the test composition and squeezed, 25 grams of the test composition was then applied to one side of the sponge. The slides were then placed in a Gardner and lightly sprayed with the test composition. The test composition was allowed to dwell on the slide for 30 seconds. The slides were then scrubbed with a damp synthetic sponge for 15 cycles at approximately 2 pounds of pressure. Slides were then rinsed with DI water and dried overnight at room temperature.

The weight percent of soil removed was then determined. A graph of percentage soil removal by the composition is shown in FIG. Visual images of the glass slides after stain removal testing are shown in Figures 7A-7E. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A-7E, the formic and citric acid compositions perform substantially better than the alkaline control, acidic control, and water.

Example 6
The spot treatment effectiveness of citric and formic acid compositions according to the invention was compared to a water control composition. The formulation of the acidic composition is according to Table 2. The water used was 5 gpg water.

A brown stained tile was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 3. Tiles were sprayed with the test composition and the composition was allowed to dwell on each tile for 1 minute (ie, presoak). The tiles were then washed with 10% of a commercially available alkaline detergent composition (60-100% by weight sodium hydroxide, Alkaline Detergent) in a Hobart AM-15 dishwasher using 5 gpg of water and a regular non-foaming trigger spray. The drops were used to wash in one cycle.

I took photos of the tiles before and after cleaning. The citric acid composition outperformed water. The citric acid composition removed significantly more soil as evidenced by comparing Figure 8A (water) and Figure 8B (citric acid composition).

A similar test was conducted to compare spot treatments for polymerized corn oil stain removal. Corn oil stained panels were prepared as outlined in Example 1. The panels were sprayed with either the citric acid composition or water, and each was allowed to dwell on the panel for 1-2 minutes. The panels were either oriented vertically and sprayed with a non-foaming sprayer with a dwell time of 1 minute, or the panels were sprayed with a foam-triggered sprayer and oriented horizontally. The panels were then washed in a Hobart AM-15 dishwasher with 10 drops of alkaline detergent and 5 gpg of water for one cycle. After the cleaning was completed, a photo of the panel was taken. The citric acid composition removed a significant amount of polymerized corn oil in a 2 minute treatment, as shown in Figure 9B.

A similar study was conducted to compare spot treatments for protein removal. Preparation of stains. The panels were sprayed with either the formic acid composition or water, and each was allowed to dwell on the panel for 1 minute. The panels were then washed in a Hobart AM-15 dishwasher for 10 cycles using 10 drops of alkaline detergent and 5 gpg of water. I took a photo of the panel after cleaning it in the dishwasher. The formic acid composition outperformed the control formulation, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

The percentage of soil removed was calculated for each of the tests outlined in this example. A graph of the results is shown in FIG. As demonstrated in Figure 11, the acidic composition outperforms the water control spot test for each type of stain and soil.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a detailed description thereof, it is understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. I want to be understood. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. Additionally, the contents of all patent publications discussed above are incorporated by this reference in their entirety.

The foregoing description or the following claims presented in a particular form or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions or methods or processes for achieving the disclosed results, or the accompanying drawings. The features disclosed in can be used separately or in any combination of such features as appropriate to realize the invention in its various forms.

Claims (29)

from about 1% to about 50% by weight of at least one acid source;
from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a surfactant;
from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a solvent or solvent system, the composition comprising:
A composition, wherein the use solution of the composition has a pH of about 1 to about 5. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the pH of the use solution is about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 4. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the acid source is an organic acid, an inorganic acid, or a mixture thereof. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the organic acid is at least one of lactic acid, gluconic acid, formic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid. The solvent or solvent system may be one or more aromatic alcohols, one or more alkanolamines, one or more ether amines, one or more glycol ethers, one or more esters, or Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is a mixture. 6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the organic solvent is benzyl alcohol. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant. 8. A composition according to claim 7, wherein the surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate, preferably a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) or a linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA). Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising water. Composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a hydrotrope. The composition comprises about 1% to about 10% by weight of at least one organic acid, about 1% to about 5% by weight anionic surfactant, about 1% to about 20% by weight benzyl alcohol solvent. , and water, wherein the use solution has a pH of about 2.5 to about 4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the weight ratio of the solvent or solvent system to the acid source is about 1:1, or about 4:1 to about 1:4. . the acid source is formic acid and/or citric acid, the solvent is benzyl alcohol, the surfactant is a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, the hydrotrope is optionally included, and xylene 13. Sodium sulfonate, and the composition has a pH of about 2.5 to about 4 and does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Composition of. A method of cleaning and/or degreasing, the method comprising:
applying the acidic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to surfaces or objects that need to be cleaned and/or degreased;
removing dirt, stains and/or hard water deposits from said surface or object. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the application to the surface or object is a multipurpose spot treatment and the cleaning benefits are degreasing, deashing, and destaining. 16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the soil comprises polymerized soils, charred soils, baked-on soils and/or other fatty soils. 17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said application of said composition does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 18. According to any one of claims 14 to 17, the composition is applied to the soiled surface or object for an amount of time from about 1 second to about 1 hour, depending on the level of polymerization of the soil. the method of. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a first step of formulating a use solution of the composition. Any one of claims 14-19, wherein the composition has a use solution having a pH of about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 4. The method described in. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the application to the surface or object is a pre-treatment before cleaning with a detergent composition. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the composition is applied before the object is placed in a dishwasher or sink. 23. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the soil is on food processing equipment, on environmental surfaces, such as walls, floors or miscellaneous equipment used during food preparation. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the surface is a bathroom surface. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the surface is a healthcare surface. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the surface is a floor. 27. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein said cleaning and/or degreasing further removes hard water deposits, soap scum and/or rust from said surface or object. 28. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the stain is a coffee stain, a tea stain and/or a water scale. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the soil is on a fabric or laundry substrate surface.