JP2024053556A - Liquid fabric softener composition - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a liquid softener composition that can impart a smooth feel to textile products and further stably solubilize fragrances while suppressing deterioration of the fragrance. [Solution] A transparent or translucent liquid softener composition comprising (A) a polyether-modified silicone, (B) a fragrance composition, (C) a nonionic surfactant, and (D) a solvent; characterized in that, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition, the content of component (A) is 0.6 mass% or more and less than 5 mass%, and the content of component (D) is 1.0 mass% or more and less than 10 mass%, and further the mass ratio (C/D) of component (C) to component (D) is 0.5 to 10. [Selected Figure] None

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition.

In recent years, liquid fabric softeners that have a transparent or translucent appearance have been developed from an aesthetic point of view. As a specific example, a transparent or translucent liquid fabric softener composition that contains a water-soluble cationic polymer and a polyether-modified silicone is known (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

International Publication No. 2004/025017 JP 2007-63741 A JP 2007-31900 A

The present inventors have discovered that when the content of polyether-modified silicone in a liquid softener composition is increased, the softness of the textile product after softening treatment increases, but the textile product has an oily, sticky feel and the smooth feel is lost.
Therefore, when a liquid fabric softener composition was produced by reducing the content of polyether-modified silicone, it was found that the blended fragrance (1) did not dissolve (solubilize) or (2) even if it was solubilized immediately after production, the fragrance separated thereafter (in other words, the stability of the liquid fabric softener composition decreased). Furthermore, when the content of the solvent was increased to solubilize the fragrance, it was found that the fragrance of the liquid fabric softener composition was impaired by the solvent.
Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a liquid fabric softener composition that can impart a smooth feel to textile products and can stably solubilize fragrances while suppressing deterioration of the fragrance.

After extensive research, the inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by limiting the content of the polyether-modified silicone (component (A)) and the solvent (component (D)) to specific ranges, while setting the blending ratio of the nonionic surfactant (component (C)) and the solvent (component (D)) to a specific range. The present invention is based on this finding.

（式中、
Ｒ¹～Ｒ³は、独立して、水素原子又は炭素数１～３のアルキル基であり、
Ｒ⁴は、水素原子又はアセチル基である）
〔４〕更に、（Ｅ）水溶性カチオンポリマーを含む、前記〔１〕に記載の液体柔軟剤組成物。
〔５〕（Ｃ１）と（Ｃ２）との質量比（Ｃ１／Ｃ２）が０．１～５である、前記〔２〕に記載の液体柔軟剤組成物。
〔６〕（Ｄ１）と（Ｄ２）との質量比（Ｄ１／Ｄ２）が０．１～３．０である、前記〔３〕に記載の液体柔軟剤組成物。 That is, the present invention relates to the following [1] to [6].
[1] A liquid fabric softener composition comprising the following components (A) to (D):
(A) polyether-modified silicone,
(B) a fragrance composition,
(C) a nonionic surfactant; and (D) a solvent,
The content of the component (A) is 0.6% by mass or more and less than 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition,
The content of the (D) component is 1.0% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition,
the mass ratio (C/D) of the component (C) to the component (D) is 0.5 to 10;
1. A liquid fabric softener composition, characterized in that the liquid fabric softener composition is transparent or translucent.
[2] The liquid fabric softener composition according to the above [1], wherein the component (C) is the following (C1) and/or (C2):
(C1) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by general formula (C1):
R ¹ -O-(C ₂ H ₄ O) _r -H (C1)
(Wherein,
R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms;
r is the average number of moles added, which is 30 to 100.
(C2) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by general formula (C2):
R ¹ -O-(C ₂ H ₄ O) _q -H (C2)
(Wherein,
R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms;
q is the average number of moles added, which is 1 to 20.
[3] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the component (D) is the following (D1) and/or (D2):
(D1) One or more water-soluble solvents selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols, glycol ether solvents, and polyhydric alcohols (excluding (D2)).
(D2) Compound represented by general formula (D2):

(Wherein,
R ¹ to R ³ are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms;
^R4 is a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group.
[4] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [1], further comprising (E) a water-soluble cationic polymer.
[5] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [2], wherein the mass ratio (C1/C2) of (C1) to (C2) is 0.1 to 5.
[6] The liquid fabric softener composition according to [3], wherein the mass ratio (D1/D2) of (D1) to (D2) is 0.1 to 3.0.

As shown in the examples below, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention can impart a smooth feel to textile products. Furthermore, in the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, the fragrance is stably solubilized while preventing deterioration of the fragrance. Therefore, the present invention can provide a liquid fabric softener with added value not found in conventional products.

[Component (A): Polyether-modified silicone]
Component (A) is added to impart flexibility to the textile product.

Examples of component (A) include copolymers of alkylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene. The number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group constituting the alkylsiloxane is preferably 1 to 3. The number of carbon atoms in the alkylene group constituting the polyoxyalkylene is preferably 2 to 5.
A preferred polyether-modified silicone is a copolymer of dimethylsiloxane and polyoxyalkylene (such as polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, or a random or block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide). A specific example is a compound represented by the following general formula (I).

（式中、Ｍ、Ｎ、ａ及びｂは、それぞれ平均重合度であり、Ｒは水素又はアルキル基である）
一般式（Ｉ）中、Ｍは、１０～１００００、好ましくは５０～１０００、より好ましくは１００～３００である。
Ｎは、１～１０００、好ましくは５～３００、より好ましくは５～１００である。更に、Ｍ＞Ｎであることが好ましい。
ａは、２～１００、好ましくは５～５０、より好ましくは５～２０である。
ｂは、０～５０、好ましくは０～１０である。
Ｒは、好ましくは水素又は炭素数１～４のアルキル基、より好ましくは水素である。
一般式（Ｉ）のポリエーテル変性シリコーンは、一般に、Ｓｉ－Ｈ基を有するオルガノハイドロジェンポリシロキサンと、例えば、ポリオキシアルキレンアリルエーテル等の炭素－炭素二重結合を末端に有するポリオキシアルキレンアルキルエーテルとを付加反応させることで製造できる。

(In the formula, M, N, a, and b each represent an average degree of polymerization, and R represents hydrogen or an alkyl group.)
In the general formula (I), M is 10 to 10,000, preferably 50 to 1,000, and more preferably 100 to 300.
N is an integer of 1 to 1000, preferably 5 to 300, and more preferably 5 to 100. Furthermore, it is preferable that M>N.
a is an integer from 2 to 100, preferably from 5 to 50, and more preferably from 5 to 20.
b is an integer of 0 to 50, preferably 0 to 10.
R is preferably hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably hydrogen.
The polyether-modified silicone of general formula (I) can generally be produced by addition reaction of an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having a Si—H group with a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether having a carbon-carbon double bond at its terminal, such as a polyoxyalkylene allyl ether.

（式中、Ａ、Ｂ、ｈ、及びｉは、それぞれ平均重合度であり、Ｒはアルキレン基であり、Ｒ’は水素又はアルキル基である）
一般式（ＩＩ）中、Ａは５～１００００であり、
Ｂは、２～１００００であり、
ｈは、２～１００であり、
ｉは、０～５０である。
Ｒは、好ましくは炭素数１～５のアルキレン基である
Ｒ’は、好ましくは水素又は炭素数１～４のアルキル基である。
一般式（ＩＩ）の共重合体の重量平均分子量は、好ましくは１５，０００～１００，０００，０００である。
一般式（ＩＩ）の共重合体は、反応性末端基を有するポリオキシアルキレン化合物と、該化合物の反応性末端基と反応する末端基を有するジヒドロカルビルシロキサンとを反応させることで製造できる。 Preferred polyether-modified silicones also include linear polysiloxane-polyoxyalkylene block copolymers represented by the following general formula (II):

(In the formula, A, B, h, and i each represent an average degree of polymerization, R represents an alkylene group, and R′ represents hydrogen or an alkyl group.)
In the general formula (II), A is 5 to 10,000;
B is 2 to 10,000;
h is 2 to 100;
i is an integer from 0 to 50.
R is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R' is preferably hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
The weight average molecular weight of the copolymer of formula (II) is preferably 15,000 to 100,000,000.
The copolymer of general formula (II) can be prepared by reacting a polyoxyalkylene compound having a reactive end group with a dihydrocarbylsiloxane having an end group reactive with the reactive end group of the polyoxyalkylene compound.

Specific examples of polyether-modified silicones include:
CF1188N, BY22-029, SH3772M, SH3775M, SH3748, SH3749, SF8410, SH8700, BY22-008, SF8421, SILWET L-7001, SILWET L-7002, SILWET L-7602, SILWET L-7604, SILWET FZ-2104, SILWET FZ-2120, SILWET FZ-2161, SILWET FZ-2162, SILWET FZ-2164, SILWET FZ-2171, SILWET FZ2222, and ABN SILWET, manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd. FZ-F1-009-01, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-02, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-03, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-05, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-09, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-11, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-13, ABN SILWET FZ-F1-009-54, ABN SILWET FZ-2222,
X-20-8010N, KF352A, KF6008, KF615A, KF6016, KF6017 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.,
Examples of such silicones include TSF4450 and TSF4452 manufactured by GE Toshiba Silicones Co., Ltd.

Component (A) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.

Component (A) may be used alone or in combination with multiple types.

The content of component (A) is 0.6% by mass or more and less than 5% by mass, preferably 1 to 4% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 3% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. A content in this range can impart a smooth feel to textile products.

[Component (B): Fragrance composition]
Component (B) is incorporated in the liquid softener composition in order to impart fragrance to the composition itself and/or to impart fragrance to textile products after treatment with the composition.
As the fragrance of component (B), any substance known in the field of liquid fabric softeners can be used without any particular limitation.
The fragrance may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.
Examples of the fragrance include aldehydes, phenols, alcohols, ethers, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, lactones, musks, fragrances having a terpene skeleton, natural fragrances, animal fragrances, etc. Specific examples of each fragrance are as follows.
Examples of aldehydes include undecylenic aldehyde, lauryl aldehyde, aldehyde C-12 MNA, mirac aldehyde, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, citral, citronellal, ethyl vanillin, heliotropin, anisaldehyde, α-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, octanal, ligustral, lilial, lyral, tripral, vanillin, and helional.
Examples of phenols include eugenol and isoeugenol.
Examples of alcohols include citronellol, dihydromyrcenol, dihydrolinalool, geraniol, linalool, nerol, sandalol, santalex, terpineol, tetrahydrolinalool, menthol, borneol, 1-decanal, bacdanol, and phenylethyl alcohol.
Examples of ethers include cedrumbar, grisalva, methyl eugenol, and methyl isoeugenol.
Examples of esters include cis-3-hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl propionate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, p-cresyl acetate, p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, amyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, amyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, cedryl acetate, citronellyl acetate, decahydro-β-naphthyl acetate, acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, erica propionate, ethyl acetoacetate, erica acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, hedione, linalyl acetate, β-phenylethyl acetate, hexyl salicylate, styrallyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, vetiberyl acetate, o-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, manzanate, and allyl heptanoate.
Examples of the hydrocarbons include limonene (particularly d-limonene), α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, camphene, terpinolene, and the like.
Examples of ketones include α-ionone, β-ionone, methyl-β-naphthyl ketone, α-damascone, β-damascone, δ-damascone, damascenone, cis-jasmone, methylionone, allylionone, cashmeran, dihydrojasmone, isoe-super, vertofix, isolonedifolanone, coavone, carvone, rosephenone, raspberry ketone, dynascone, and maltol.
Examples of lactones include γ-decalactone, γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, γ-dodecalactone, coumarin, and ambroxan.
Examples of musks include cyclopentadecanolide, ethylene brassylate, galaxolide, musk ketone, tonalide, tonalide, and nitro musks.
Examples of fragrances having a terpene skeleton include geraniol, nerol, linalool, citral, citronellol, menthol, mint, citronellal, myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, terpineol, carvone, ionone (e.g., β-ionone), camphene, and borneol.
Examples of natural fragrances include essential oils such as orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil, petitgrain oil, yuzu oil, neroli oil, bergamot oil, lavender oil, lavandin oil, abies oil, anise oil, bay oil, bois rose oil, ylang-ylang oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, patchouli oil, jasmine oil, rose oil, cedar oil, vetiver oil, galbanum oil, oakmoss oil, pine oil, camphor oil, sandalwood oil, camphor oil, turpentine oil, clove oil, clove leaf oil, cassia oil, nutmeg oil, cananga oil, and thyme oil.
Examples of animal-derived fragrances include musk, spirit cat fragrance, beaver fragrance, ambergris, and the like.

The component (B) preferably contains a fragrance selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons, and more preferably contains the fragrances described below.

[Aldehydes]
One or more selected from the group consisting of undecylenic aldehyde, lauryl aldehyde, aldehyde C-12 MNA, mirac aldehyde, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, citral, citronellal, heliotropin, anisaldehyde, α-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, octanal, ligustral, lilial, lyral, tripral, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and helional.

[Ketones]
One or more selected from the group consisting of α-ionone, β-ionone, methyl-β-naphthyl ketone, α-damascone, β-damascone, δ-damascone, cis-jasmone, methylionone (methylionone), allylionone (allylionone), cashmeran, dihydrojasmone, isoe-super, vertofix, isolonedifolanone, coavone, rosephenone, raspberry ketone, dynascone, and maltol.

[Hydrocarbons]
One or more selected from the group consisting of limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, and terpinolene

When component (B) contains aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons as fragrance components, from the viewpoint of fragrance release, the total content of these fragrance components is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the fragrance composition.

Component (B) may contain a fragrance solvent that is generally used in liquid fabric softeners. Examples of fragrance solvents include acetin (triacetin), MMB acetate (3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate), sucrose diacetate hexaisobutyrate, ethylene glycol dibutyrate, hexylene glycol, dibutyl sebacate, deltyl extra (isopropyl myristate), methyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monomethyl ether), carbitol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), TEG (triethylene glycol), benzyl benzoate (BB), propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, tripropylene glycol, tert-butyl ether ... Licor, Aborin (dimethyl phthalate), Deltyl Prime (isopropyl palmitate), dipropylene glycol (DPG), farnesene, dioctyl adipate, tributyrin (glyceryl tributanoate), Hydrolite-5 (1,2-pentanediol), propylene glycol diacetate, cetyl acetate (hexadecyl acetate), ethyl abietate, Abarin (methyl abietate), Citroflex A-2 (acetyl triethyl citrate), Citroflex A-4 (tributyl acetyl citrate), Citroflex No. 2 (triethyl citrate), Citroflex No. 4 (tributyl citrate), Durafix (methyl dihydroabietate), MITD (isotridecyl myristate), polylimonene (limonene polymer), and 1,3-butylene glycol.
The content of the fragrance solvent is, for example, 0.1 to 30% by mass, preferably 1 to 20% by mass, based on the total mass of the fragrance composition.

The content of component (B) is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 0.5 to 5.0% by mass, more preferably 0.8 to 3.0% by mass, and even more preferably 0.8 to 2.0% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. A content within the above range will provide a more excellent blending effect.

[Component (C): Nonionic Surfactant]
The component (C) is blended in combination with the component (D) to stably solubilize the component (B) while suppressing deterioration of the fragrance.

As the component (C), any nonionic surfactant known in the field of liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation. Examples include alkylene oxide adducts of alcohols or fatty acids.
The carbon chain portions of the alcohol and fatty acid constituting the "alkylene oxide adduct of alcohol or fatty acid" may be either branched or straight chain, and may contain unsaturated groups. The carbon chain may have a distribution. The number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain is preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 8 to 18. When the carbon chain is straight chain, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 6 to 14, more preferably 8 to 12, and particularly preferably 10 to 12. When the carbon chain is branched chain, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 6 to 18, more preferably 9 to 18, and particularly preferably 13.
As the raw material of the nonionic surfactant, Exxal manufactured by ExxonMobil, LUTENSOL series manufactured by BASF, OXOCOLE manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo, DOBANOL series manufactured by Shell, etc. can be used. When component (C) is an alkylene oxide adduct of alcohol, either primary alcohol or secondary alcohol can be used as the raw material. Alcohol with 13 carbon atoms is produced from dodecene, for example, but the starting material can be either butylene or propylene.
When the carbon chain contains an unsaturated group, the number of carbon atoms is particularly preferably 18. The stereoisomeric structure of the unsaturated group may be either a cis or trans isomer, or a mixture of both, and the ratio of cis/trans isomers is particularly preferably 25/75 to 100/0 (mass ratio).
As the alkylene oxide, ethylene oxide (EO) is preferred, but propylene oxide (PO) or butylene oxide (BO) may be further added in addition to EO. The average number of moles of EO added is preferably 10 to 100 moles, more preferably 20 to 80 moles, and particularly preferably 40 to 70 moles. The average number of moles of PO or BO added together with EO is preferably 1 to 5, and more preferably 1 to 3 moles. In this embodiment, PO or BO may be added after EO is added, or EO may be added after PO or BO is added.
Preferred examples of the "alkylene oxide adduct of alcohol or fatty acid" include EO and PO adducts of nonyl alcohol (average number of moles added: EO: 9 moles, PO: 1 mole), an EO adduct of primary isononyl alcohol (average number of moles added of EO: 40 moles), an EO adduct of primary isodecyl alcohol (average number of moles added of EO: 20 moles), an EO adduct of lauryl alcohol (average number of moles added of EO: 20 moles), an EO adduct of primary isohexadecyl alcohol (average number of moles added of EO: 60 moles), an EO adduct of primary isotridecyl alcohol (average number of moles added of EO: 40 moles or 60 moles), an EO adduct of tridecyl alcohol (average number of moles added of EO: 50 moles), and an EO adduct of lauric acid (average number of moles added of EO: 20 moles). Commercially available products that can be used include the EMALEX series manufactured by Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd., the EMULMIN series manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the TDA series manufactured by Lion Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., the SOFTANOL series manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., the LUTESOL series manufactured by BASF Corporation, and the NIKKOL series manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Other examples of component (C) include hydrogenated castor oil, POE castor oil, POE sorbitol fatty acid ester, POE sorbitan fatty acid ester, POE glycerin fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, etc., to which polyoxyethylene (hereinafter, POE) groups have been added, with the average number of moles of EO added being 10 to 100 moles. Of these, POE hydrogenated castor oil, POE castor oil, and POE sorbitol fatty acid ester are preferred, and POE hydrogenated castor oil with an average number of moles of EO added being 30 to 70 moles is preferred.

The component (C) is preferably an "alcohol alkylene oxide adduct."
Preferable examples of the "alkylene oxide adduct of alcohol" include the following (C1) and (C2).

(C1) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by general formula (C1):
R ¹ -O-(C ₂ H ₄ O) _r -H (C1)
(Wherein,
R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 18),
r is the average number of moles added, which is 30 to 100 (preferably 40 to 80).
The HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of (C1) is preferably 16 to 20.

(C2) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by general formula (C2):
R ¹ -O-(C ₂ H ₄ O) _q -H (C2)
(Wherein,
R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 18),
q is the average number of moles added, which is 1 to 20 (preferably 2 to 15).
The HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of (C2) is preferably 5 to 15.

Component (C) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.

The component (C) may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.
The combined use of (C1) and (C2) is preferred since it allows the blending objective to be more effectively achieved.
The mass ratio (C1/C2) of (C1) to (C2) is preferably 0.1 to 5, more preferably 0.2 to 3, and even more preferably 0.4 to 2.

The content of component (C) (when (C1) and (C2) are used in combination, the total content of (C1) and (C2)) is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 1 to 15 mass %, preferably 2.0 to 10.0 mass %, and more preferably 3.0 to 7.0 mass % based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content is within the above range, a better blending effect can be obtained while suppressing a decrease in handleability due to an increase in the viscosity of the liquid softener composition.

[Component (D): Solvent]
The component (D) is blended in combination with the component (C) to stably solubilize the component (B) while suppressing deterioration of the fragrance.

As the solvent, any solvent known in the field of liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation, but water-miscible organic solvents are preferred.
The water-miscible organic solvent refers to an organic solvent that dissolves at least 25 g in 1 L of water at 25°C.
Examples of the water-miscible organic solvent include alcohols such as ethanol, glycerin, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol (Solfit, product name); glycols such as propylene glycol (PG), butylene glycol, and hexylene glycol; polyglycols such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of about 200 to 1000, and dipropylene glycol; and alkyl ethers such as diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl carbitol), and diethylene glycol dimethyl ether. Among these, from the viewpoints of low odor, ease of availability, and fluidity of the liquid detergent, ethanol, glycerin, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols having a molecular weight of about 200 to 1000, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl carbitol) are preferred, and ethanol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (butyl carbitol) are more preferred.
Examples of the water-miscible organic solvent include the following (D1) and (D2).

[(D1)]
D1 is at least one water-soluble solvent selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols (having 1 to 5 carbon atoms), glycol ether solvents, and polyhydric alcohols (excluding (D2) described below).
Examples of (D1) include ethanol, isopropanol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and polyoxyethylene phenyl ether.

Preferable examples of (D1) include ethanol, ethylene glycol, butyl carbitol, and water-soluble solvents represented by the following general formula (D1).
R ³ -O-(C ₃ H ₆ O) _z -(C ₂ H ₄ O) _y -H (D1)
(Wherein,
^R3 is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms (preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms);
y is the average number of moles added, which is 2 to 50 (preferably 2 to 30);
z is the average number of moles added, which is 0 to 50 (preferably 0 to 20).

More preferred examples of (D1) include ethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol _monobutyl ether (butyl _{carbitol )} [ _{C4H9O (C2H4O)2H], diethylene glycol monopropylene glycol monobutyl ether [C4H9O(C3H6O)(C2H4O ) 2H ] , and the like} .

（式中、
Ｒ¹～Ｒ³は、独立して、水素原子又は炭素数１～３のアルキル基であり、
Ｒ⁴は、水素原子又はアセチル基である） [(D2)]
(D2) is a compound represented by the following general formula (D2).

(Wherein,
R ¹ to R ³ are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms;
^R4 is a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group.

In formula (D2), it is preferable that all of R ¹ to R ³ are hydrogen atoms, or one is an alkyl group and the other two are hydrogen atoms. In other words, it is preferable that two or more of R ¹ to R ³ are hydrogen atoms. When two or more of R ¹ to R ³ are hydrogen atoms, a high blending effect can be obtained.
When any of R ¹ to R ³ is an alkyl group, the carbon number thereof is preferably 1 to 2, and more preferably 1. When the carbon number is within the above range, a high blending effect can be obtained.
^R4 is preferably a hydrogen atom.

As the component (D2),
Those in which R ⁴ in the general formula (D2) is a hydrogen atom, for example, 3-methoxybutanol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, 3-methoxy-3-ethylbutanol, 3-methoxy-3-propylbutanol, 3-methoxy-2-methylbutanol, 3-methoxy-2-ethylbutanol, 3-methoxy-2-propylbutanol, 3-methoxy-1-methylbutanol, 3-methoxy-1-ethylbutanol, 3-methoxy-1-propylbutanol, etc.;
Examples of the compound in which R ⁴ in the general formula (D2) is an acetyl group include 3-methoxybutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-3-ethylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-3-propylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-2-methylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-2-ethylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-2-propylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-1-methylbutyl acetate, 3-methoxy-1-ethylbutyl acetate, and 3-methoxy-1-propylbutyl acetate.
Of these, 3-methoxybutanol, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, 3-methoxy-2-methylbutanol, 3-methoxy-1-methylbutanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate are preferred, and 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol is more preferred.

Component (D) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.

The component (D) may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. For example, two or more kinds of (D1) or two or more kinds of (D2) may be used, or (D1) and (D2) may be used in combination.
The combined use of (D1) and (D2) is preferred since it allows the blending objective to be more effectively achieved.
The mass ratio (D1/D2) of (D1) to (D2) is preferably 0.1 to 3.0, more preferably 0.2 to 2.0, and even more preferably 0.4 to 1.5.

The content of component (D) is 1.0% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass, preferably 2.0 to 8.5% by mass, and more preferably 3.0 to 7.0% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

[Mass ratio of component (A) to component (B)]
The mass ratio (A/B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is preferably 0.3 to 10, more preferably 0.6 to 7, and even more preferably 1 to 5.
When the mass ratio is within the above range, the component (B) can be more stably solubilized while imparting a smooth feel to the textile product.

[Mass ratio of component (A) to component (D)]
The mass ratio (A/D) of the component (A) to the component (D) is preferably 0.1 to 1.5, more preferably 0.15 to 1, and even more preferably 0.2 to 0.8.
When the mass ratio is within the above range, the transparent or translucent appearance of the liquid softener composition can be further maintained while imparting a smooth feel to the textile product.

[Mass ratio of component (C) to component (D)]
The mass ratio (C/D) of the component (C) to the component (D) is 0.5-10, preferably 0.6-5, and more preferably 0.6-2.
When the mass ratio is within the above range, the component (B) can be stably solubilized while suppressing deterioration of the aroma caused by the component (D).

[Transparency of Liquid Softener Composition]
The liquid fabric softener composition is transparent or translucent. "Transparent" means that when the liquid fabric softener composition is placed in a measurement cell (a glass cell with an optical path length of 10 mm) and ion-exchanged water is placed in a control cell, the light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm is 95% or more, and "semi-transparent" means that the transmittance is 30% or more and less than 95%.

[Optional components]
The following optional components may be added within a range that does not impair the effects of the essential components (A) to (D).

[Component (E): Water-soluble cationic polymer]
Component (E) is blended to enhance the adsorption of component (A) to the textile product and improve the dry feel of the textile product.

Component (E) is water-soluble. "Water-soluble" means that when 1 g of the test substance is added to 100 g of water at 25°C, the resulting solution is colorless and transparent.
Component (E) has cationic properties when dissolved in water.
The degree of cationization of component (E), which will be described later, is preferably 0.1% or more (e.g., 0.1 to 35%), and more preferably 2.5% or more (e.g., 2.5 to 15%). When the degree of cationization is within the above range, the adsorption of the coexisting component (A) to the textile product can be further increased, and an increase in costs due to the incorporation of a large amount can be prevented.

When the component (E) is (i) a polymer of a cationic monomer, (ii) a copolymer of a cationic monomer and a nonionic monomer, or (iii) a nonionic polymer partially modified or substituted with a cationic group (such as cationized cellulose), the degree of cationization is defined as a value calculated by the following formula (1).
Cationization degree (%) = X × Y × 100 Formula (1)
[X: atomic weight of cationized atom (nitrogen, etc.) in the cationic group of the polymer, and Y: mole number of cationic group contained in 1 g of the polymer]

When the component (E) is (i) a copolymer of a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, or (ii) a copolymer of a cationic monomer, an anionic monomer, and a nonionic monomer, the degree of cationization is defined as a value calculated by the following formula (2).
Cationization degree (%)=X×(Y−Z)×100 Formula (2)
[X: atomic weight of a cationized atom (such as nitrogen) in a cationic group of a polymer, Y: number of moles of a cationic group contained in 1 g of a polymer, Z: number of moles of an anionic group contained in 1 g of a polymer (anionic groups of Z include carboxyl groups and sulfonic acid groups (e.g., carboxylic acid groups in acrylic acid) contained in monomer units in a polymer chain, but do not include counter ions of the cationic groups.)]

As an example, the calculation procedure for the degree of cationization of MERQUAT280 (manufactured by Lubrizol Japan) (a copolymer of a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, represented by the following formula (III) (mass ratio of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride to acrylic acid = 80:20. In formula (III), m:n = 65:35) is shown below.

X: 14 (atomic weight of nitrogen atom)
Y: 4.95×10 ⁻³ (calculated from the weight of cationic groups per 1 g: 0.8 g and the molecular weight of the cationic groups)
Z: 2.78×10 ⁻³ (calculated from the weight of anionic groups in 1 g: 0.2 g and the molecular weight of the anionic groups)
From the formula (2), the degree of cationization (%)=
14 x (4.95 x 10 ^-3 - 2.78 x 10 ^-3 ) x 100 = 3.0.

According to the above calculation method, the degree of cationization of polymers of nonionic monomers and polymers of anionic monomers is 0.

The weight average molecular weight of component (E), as measured by gel permeation chromatography using polyethylene glycol as the standard substance, is preferably 1,000 to 5,000,000, more preferably 3,000 to 2,000,000, and even more preferably 5,000 to 500,000.
When the weight average molecular weight is within the above range, the adsorption of component (A) to textile products is enhanced, and an increase in the viscosity of the liquid softener composition is suppressed, resulting in excellent usability.

As the component (E), the above-mentioned water-soluble and cationic polymers can be used without any particular limitation, but preferred is a water-soluble polymer having one or more cationic groups selected from an amino group, an amine group, and a quaternary ammonium group.
Examples of the component (E) include:
Polymers of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride such as MERQUAT100 (manufactured by Lubrizol Japan), ADEKA CACIOACE PD-50 (Adeka Corporation), and DAIDOL EC (manufactured by Daido Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.);
MERQUAT550 JL5 (manufactured by Lubrizol Japan) or other dimethyldiallylammonium chloride-acrylamide copolymers;
Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride-acrylic acid copolymer such as MERQUAT 280 (manufactured by Lubrizol Japan Co., Ltd.);
Cationic cellulose such as Leoguard KGP (manufactured by Lion Corporation);
imidazolinium chloride/vinylpyrrolidone copolymer such as LUVIQUAT-FC905 (manufactured by BASF Corporation),
Polyethyleneimine such as LUGALVAN-G15000 (manufactured by BASF),
Cationic polyvinyl alcohol such as Poval CM318 (manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.),
Natural polymer derivatives with amino groups such as chitosan,
Examples of the copolymer include a copolymer of a vinyl monomer having a hydrophilic group to which diethylamino methacrylate or ethylene oxide is added.
A particularly preferred component (E) is a water-soluble cationic polymer obtained by polymerizing a dimethyldiallylammonium salt represented by the following general formula (IV): The structure of this polymer is usually represented by the following general formula (V) or (VI).
Incidentally, one polymer chain may contain both the structural unit of general formula (V) and the structural unit of general formula (VI).

（式中、Ｘ^-は、塩化物イオン、臭化物イオンなどの任意のマイナスイオンを示す。）

(In the formula, X ⁻ represents any negative ion such as a chloride ion or a bromide ion.)

（各式中、ｃ及びｄは平均重合度を表し、各々、好ましくは６～３００００、より好ましくは２０～６０００、さらに好ましくは３０～３０００である。）

(In each formula, c and d represent the average degree of polymerization, each of which is preferably 6 to 30,000, more preferably 20 to 6,000, and even more preferably 30 to 3,000.)

Examples of water-soluble cationic polymers obtained by polymerizing the dimethyldiallylammonium salt of general formula (IV) include MERQUAT 100 (manufactured by Lubrizol Japan), ADEKA Catioace PD-50 (manufactured by Adeka Corporation), and DAIDOL EC (manufactured by Daido Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.).

Component (E) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.

Component (E) may be used alone or in combination with multiple types.

The content of component (E) is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 mass %, more preferably 0.5 to 10 mass %, and even more preferably 1.0 to 5.0 mass %, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. A content within the above range will provide a more excellent blending effect.

[Component (F): Defoamer]
The component (F) is blended to improve the metering ability of the fabric softener by suppressing foaming.
Examples of the component (F) include silicone-based defoamers, alcohol-based defoamers, ester-based defoamers, mineral oil-based defoamers, vegetable oil-based defoamers, and synthetic oil-based defoamers, with silicone-based or alcohol-based defoamers being preferred.
Examples of silicone-based defoaming agents include oil-type defoaming agents, compound-type defoaming agents, self-emulsifying type defoaming agents, emulsion-type defoaming agents, powder-type defoaming agents, and solid-type defoaming agents. Among these, self-emulsifying type defoaming agents and emulsion-type defoaming agents are preferred, and emulsion-type defoaming agents are more preferred.

Component (F) is a known substance and is readily available on the market or can be prepared.
Examples of commercially available products include:
Dow Toray Co., Ltd.'s FS Antifoam series DKQ1-071, DKQ1-1208, DKQ1-1086, 544, 001, 80, 81, 026A, 545, 013B, DK Q1-072, AFE, BE, DB-31, DB-110N, H-10, 025, EPL, F-18, F-20, F-51, CE, 90, 91, 92, 1122, DK Q1-1089, DK Q1-1056, DK Q1-1014, DK Q1-1074,
KS496A, KS502, KS506, KS508, KS530, KS531, KS536, KS537, KS538, KM73, KM73A, KM73B, KM73E, KM72, KM72A, KM72F, KM70, KM71, KM75, KM80, KM83, KM83A, KM85, KM87A, KM89, KM90, KM93, KM68-1F, KM68-2F manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.,
Q2-3183A, BY28-503, SD5591, SH7PA, SH5503, SH5510, SM5513, SH5561, SH5507, BY22-517, SM5511, SM5512, SM5515, SM5517, SM5571, SM5572F, SM5573 manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd.,
Examples of such polyether ether esters include YSA6406, TSA780, TSA7341, TSA7343, TSA739, TSA732, TSA732A, TSA772, TSA730, TSA770, TSA775, TSA776, YMA6509, TSA737, TSA737B, TSA737S, TSA737F, and TSA737K manufactured by Momentive Performance Materials Japan, LLC.

Component (F) may be used alone or in combination with multiple types.

The content of component (F) is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but is preferably 0.001 to 0.1% by mass, and more preferably 0.005 to 0.02% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

〔water〕
The liquid softener composition is preferably an aqueous composition that contains water.
As the water, tap water, purified water, pure water, distilled water, or ion-exchanged water can be used. Among them, ion-exchanged water is preferable.
The water content is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the water content is 50% by mass or more, the handleability of the liquid softener composition becomes better.

[Antibacterial Agents]
The antibacterial agent is incorporated in the liquid fabric softener composition to improve its antibacterial properties.
Specific examples of antibacterial agents include:
Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (e.g., "GenaminCTAC" manufactured by Clariant),
Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride ("Lipocard 12-37W" manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.),
tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride,
hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (e.g., "Arcade 16-50" manufactured by Lion Akzo Co., Ltd.);
Octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (e.g., "Arcade T-800" manufactured by Lion-Akzo Co., Ltd.),
Cocoalkyldi(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride (e.g., "Esocard C/12" manufactured by Lion Akzo Co., Ltd.),
Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (for example, "Arcard 210-80E" manufactured by Lion Akzo Co., Ltd.),
Dialkyldimethylammonium chloride (for example, "Arcade 2C-75" manufactured by Lion Akzo Co., Ltd.)
Benzalkonium chloride (for example, "Arcade CB-50" manufactured by Lion-Akzo Co., Ltd.) and the like.
Of these, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride are preferred.
The antibacterial agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.
The content of the antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of the blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.01 to 5.0 mass %, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 mass %, and even more preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mass %, relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.

〔Preservative〕
The preservative is mainly added to the liquid fabric softener composition in order to enhance the preservative and bactericidal power of the composition and to maintain the preservative properties during long-term storage.
As the preservative, any component known in the field of liquid fabric softeners can be used without particular limitation.
Specific examples include isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds, benzoic acids, 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, and the like.
Examples of the isothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds include 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-butyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-benzyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-phenyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4,5-dichloroisothiazolone, 5-chloro-2-methyl-3-isothiazolone, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. Among these, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one are preferred, a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is more preferred, and a mixture of about 77% by mass of the former and about 23% by mass of the latter or a dilution thereof (for example, an isothiazolone solution) is particularly preferred.
Examples of the benzisothiazolone-based organic sulfur compounds include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and related compounds such as dithio-2,2-bis(benzmethylamide), and mixtures thereof. Among these, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one is particularly preferred.
Examples of the benzoic acids include benzoic acid or a salt thereof, parahydroxybenzoic acid or a salt thereof, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, and benzyl parahydroxybenzoate.
A single type of preservative may be used, or multiple types may be used in combination.
The content of the preservative is not particularly limited as long as the purpose of blending can be achieved, but is preferably 0.0001 to 1 mass% based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content is 0.0001 mass% or more, the blending effect of the preservative can be sufficiently obtained. When the content is 1 mass% or less, the high storage stability of the liquid softener composition can be sufficiently maintained.

[Other optional ingredients]
In addition to the above-mentioned components, antioxidants and reducing agents for improving the stability of the fragrance and color tone of the liquid fabric softener composition, opacifiers (polystyrene emulsions, etc.), opacifying agents, shrink prevention agents, washing wrinkle prevention agents, shape retention agents, drape retention agents, ironing improvers, oxygen bleaching inhibitors, brightening agents, whitening agents, fabric softening clays, antistatic agents, dye transfer inhibitors (polyvinylpyrrolidone, etc.), polymer dispersants, stain release agents, scum dispersants, fluorescent whitening agents (4,4-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl disodium (Ciba Specialty Chemicals' Tinopal CBS-X, etc.)), dye fixatives, anti-fading agents (1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, etc.), stain removers, and fiber surface modifiers. (enzymes such as cellulase, amylase, protease, lipase, and keratinase), foam inhibitors, components that impart the texture and functions of silk, such as moisture absorption and release properties (silk protein powder, surface modified products thereof, emulsified dispersions, specifically K-50, K-30, K-10, A-705, S-702, L-710, FP series (Idemitsu Petrochemicals), hydrolyzed silk liquid (Jomo), Silkgen G Soluble S (Ichimaru Falcos)), and stain-preventing agents (non-ionic polymer compounds consisting of alkylene terephthalate and/or alkylene isophthalate units and polyoxyalkylene units, such as FR627 manufactured by GOO Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. and SRC-1 manufactured by Clariant Japan Co., Ltd.) can be appropriately blended.

[pH of liquid softener composition]
The pH of the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of suppressing discoloration of the liquid appearance over time during storage, the pH at 25° C. is preferably adjusted to the range of 2 to 9, more preferably 3 to 7.
For pH adjustment, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, alkylsulfuric acid, benzoic acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, short-chain amine compounds such as dimethylamine, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal silicates, etc. Citric acid is preferred as the pH adjuster.

[Method for producing liquid softener composition]
The liquid softener composition can be produced by a known method, for example, in accordance with the same process as that for producing a liquid softener composition containing a silicone compound as a main component.
For example, a liquid fabric softener composition can be produced by mixing and stirring an oil phase containing the components (A), (B), (C), and (D) with an aqueous phase containing a water-soluble component (e.g., the component (E)).

[Method of using the liquid softener composition]
The method of treating textile products using the liquid softener composition is not particularly limited, and can be used in the same manner as conventional liquid softeners. For example, the liquid softener composition is dissolved in rinsing water at the stage of washing, or the liquid softener composition is dissolved in water in a container such as a basin, and then the textile product is placed in the container for immersion treatment. In either case, the composition is used after being diluted to an appropriate concentration, and the liquor ratio (weight ratio of the treatment liquid to the textile product) is preferably 3 to 100 times, particularly 5 to 50 times.
The type of textile product that can be treated with the liquid fabric softener composition is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include clothing, curtains, sofas, carpets, towels, handkerchiefs, sheets, pillowcases, etc. The material of the textile product may be natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, etc., or chemical fibers such as polyester.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the examples and comparative examples, the amount of each component is expressed as % by mass (based on the pure content unless otherwise specified).

[Component (A): Polyether-modified silicone]
The following A-1 to A-3 were used.

A-1: Polyether modified silicone ("CF1188N" manufactured by Dow Toray Co., Ltd.)
A-2: Polyether modified silicone ("SH3775M" manufactured by Dow Toray Industries, Inc.)
A-3: Polyether modified silicone ("X-20-8010N" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[Component (B): Fragrance composition]
The fragrance composition B-1 having the composition shown below was used.

[Component (C): Nonionic Surfactant]
The following C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 were used.

C-1: Polyoxyethylene isotridecyl ether EO 60 moles (ethylene oxide (EO) added to "Rutensol TO3" manufactured by BASF). C-1 is a compound represented by the general formula (C1) (R ¹ is an alkyl group having 13 carbon atoms, and r is 60). The HLB of C-1 was 18.59.

C-2: Polyoxyethylene isotridecyl ether EO 7 moles ("TAG-90" manufactured by Lion Chemical Co., Ltd.). C-2 is a compound represented by the general formula (C2) (R ¹ is an alkyl group having 13 carbon atoms, and q is 7). The HLB of C-2 was 12.52.

C-3: Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether EO 10 moles ("Rutensol XP100" manufactured by BASF). C-3 is a compound obtained by adding 10 moles of ethylene oxide to a C10 alcohol obtained by subjecting pentanol to a Guerbet reaction. C-3 is a compound represented by general formula (C2) (R ¹ is an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, and q is 10). The HLB of C-3 was 14.72.

C-4: Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether EO 7 moles ("Rheox CL-70" manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.). C-4 is a compound represented by the general formula (C2) (R ¹ is an alkyl group having 12 and 14 carbon atoms (mass ratio of C12:C14=70:30), and q is 7). The HLB of C-4 was 12.27.

[Component (D)]
The following D1-1, D1-2 and D2-1 were used.

D1-1: Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether ("Butyl diglycol (84)" manufactured by Nippon Nyukazai Co., Ltd.)

D1-2: Ethanol ("Specific Alcohol 95% Synthetic" manufactured by Japan Synthetic Alcohol Co., Ltd.)

D2-1: 3-Methoxy-3-methylbutanol ("Solfit" manufactured by Kuraray Co., Ltd.) D2-1 is a compound represented by the general formula (D2) (wherein R ¹ is a methyl group, and R ² to R ⁴ are all hydrogen atoms).

[Component (E): Water-soluble cationic polymer]
The following E-1 was used:

E-1: Polymer of dimethyldiallylammonium chloride ("MERQUAT100" manufactured by Lubrizol Japan). E-1 is a water-soluble cationic polymer obtained by polymerizing dimethyldiallylammonium salt represented by general formula (IV) ( ^X- is a chloride ion) (degree of cationization according to calculation formula (1): 10.5%; weight average molecular weight: 1.5 x ¹⁰⁵ ). The solution obtained by adding 1 g of E-1 to 100 g of water at 25°C was colorless and transparent.

[Component (F): Defoamer]
The following F-1 was used:

F-1: Silicone emulsion type defoamer ("KM-90" manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[Preparation of Liquid Softener Composition]
First, component (A), component (B), component (C) ((C1) and/or (C2)), component (D) ((D1) and/or (D2)), and component (E) were placed in a 1000 ml beaker and thoroughly stirred using a stirring blade to obtain an oil phase mixture.
On the other hand, component (E) was dissolved in ion-exchanged water to obtain an aqueous phase mixture.
Next, while stirring the oil phase mixture, the water phase mixture was added, and then component (F) was added, followed by thorough stirring until homogenous to prepare 1,000 g of a liquid fabric softener composition (pH 5.0).
In Examples 26 to 29, the component (F) was added and thoroughly stirred until the mixture was homogenous, and then an appropriate amount of citric acid (manufactured by Ipposha Yushi Kogyo Co., Ltd., product name "Liquid Citric Acid") was added to prepare a liquid fabric softener composition (pH 5.0) having a total mass of 1000 g.
The composition of each liquid softener composition is shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.
The content values in Tables 1 and 2 are the contents (% by mass) relative to the total mass of the liquid softener composition.
In Tables 1 and 2, "C/D" indicates the mass ratio of component (C) to component (D).
In Table 1, "C1/C2" indicates the mass ratio of component (C1) to component (C2).
In Table 2, "C1/C2" indicates the mass ratio of the component (C1) to the component (C3), or the mass ratio of the component (C1) to the component (C4).
In Tables 1 and 2, "D1/D2" indicates the mass ratio of the component (D1) to the component (D2).
In Tables 1 and 2, "A/B" indicates the mass ratio of component (A) to component (B).
In Tables 1 and 2, "A/D" indicates the mass ratio of component (A) to component (D).

[Evaluation of Appearance (Transparency) of Liquid Softener Composition Immediately After Preparation]
When the liquid fabric softener composition of each Example was placed in a measurement cell (a glass cell with an optical path length of 10 mm) and ion-exchanged water was placed in the control cell, the light transmittance at a wavelength of 660 nm was 95% or more in each case. Thus, the liquid fabric softener compositions of the Examples were transparent.

[Evaluation of feel (smooth feel) of textile products treated with liquid fabric softener compositions]
1. Preparation of Evaluation Fabric Commercially available cotton towels (100% cotton, Senshu towels) were subjected to the following pretreatment twice using a commercial detergent "Top Platinum Clear" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) containing an anionic surfactant as the main cleaning base and a twin-tub washing machine (Toshiba VH-30S).
Pretreatment: Wash (10 minutes) with standard amount of detergent (bath ratio 30 times) and tap water (45°C), followed by water rinsing (10 minutes) twice.
After the pretreatment, the fabric was dried for 20 hours under constant temperature and humidity conditions (20° C., 45% RH) to prepare an evaluation cloth.

2. Softening Treatment The evaluation fabric was subjected to a washing treatment using a commercially available detergent "TOP PLATINUM CLEAR" (manufactured by Lion Corporation, standard usage amount) in a drum washing machine (HITACHI BD-V1, standard cycle) and a softening treatment using a liquid softener composition (usage amount: 10 mL per 1.5 kg of evaluation fabric). The bath ratio (ratio of the mass of water to the mass of evaluation fabric) from the washing process to the rinsing process (softening treatment) was 10 times. After the softening treatment, the evaluation fabric was dried for 20 hours under constant temperature and humidity conditions (20°C, 45% RH), and the feel of the evaluation fabric was evaluated by the following method.

3. Evaluation of the feel of the evaluation fabric after softening treatment The evaluation fabric after softening treatment was subjected to a paired sensory comparison according to the following evaluation criteria. As a control, an evaluation fabric that had been softened (same as in "2. Softening treatment" above) with a commercially available liquid fabric softener "Soflan Aroma Rich" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) was used. The average score (calculated to the first decimal place) of the expert panel (8 people) was applied to the following judgment criteria to evaluate the feel of the evaluation fabric.
The results are shown in the "Feel of evaluated fabric" column in Tables 1 and 2. In terms of commercial value, a rating of ○ or higher was determined to be acceptable.

<Evaluation criteria>
4: Very smooth compared to the control. 3: Slightly smooth compared to the control. 2: Slightly smooth compared to the control.
1: Compared to the control, it is oily and not smooth.

<Criteria>
◎◎: 4 points ◎: 3.5 points or more, less than 4 points ○: 3 points or more, less than 3.5 points △: 2 points or more, less than 3 points ×: Less than 2 points

[Evaluation of fragrance solubilization]
Immediately after preparation, the liquid fabric softener composition was visually evaluated for the degree of solubilization of the fragrance in accordance with the following evaluation criteria.
Furthermore, 80 mL of the liquid fabric softener composition was placed in a lightweight glass container ("PS-No. 11" manufactured by Tanuma Glass Industry Co., Ltd.), sealed, and stored at 50°C for 1 day. After that, the stability of the solubilization of the fragrance was visually evaluated in terms of appearance according to the following evaluation criteria.
The average score (calculated to one decimal place) of the expert panelists (five people) was applied to the following criteria to evaluate the solubilization of the fragrance.
The results are shown in the "Solubilization of Fragrance" column in Tables 1 and 2. From the viewpoint of commercial value, a score of ◯ or higher was judged to be acceptable.

<Evaluation criteria>
4 points: The fragrance can be easily solubilized, and the composition has good stability after storage. 3 points: The fragrance can be easily solubilized, but some separation of the fragrance is observed after storage. 2 points: The fragrance can be somehow solubilized, but separation of the fragrance is observed after storage. 1 point: The fragrance cannot be solubilized, and cloudiness occurs, making it impossible to form a uniform composition.

<Criteria>
◎◎: 4 points ◎: 3.5 points or more, less than 4 points ○: 3 points or more, less than 3.5 points △: 2 points or more, less than 3 points ×: Less than 2 points

[Evaluation of the odor of liquid fabric softener compositions]
80 mL of the liquid fabric softener composition was placed in a lightweight glass container ("PS-No. 11" manufactured by Tanuma Glass Works), sealed, and the temperature was adjusted to 25°C. After opening the bottle, the quality of the scent at the mouth of the bottle was sensorily evaluated according to the following 5-point scale. A liquid fabric softener composition having the same composition as that of Comparative Example 4 was used as a reference product.
The average score of the expert panel (five members) was applied to the following criteria to evaluate the fragrance of the liquid fabric softener composition.
The results are shown in the "Aroma" column in Tables 1 and 2. In terms of commercial value, products with a rating of ○ or higher were judged to pass.

<Evaluation criteria>
5 points: Equivalent to the reference product 4 points: Slight deterioration compared to the reference product 3 points: Comparatively worse than the reference product 2 points: Considerable deterioration compared to the reference product 1 point: Extremely worse than the reference product

<Criteria>
◎◎: 5 points ◎: 4 points ○: 3 points △: 2 points ×: 1 point

The present invention can be used in the field of liquid fabric softeners.

Claims (6)

A liquid fabric softener composition comprising the following components (A) to (D):
(A) polyether-modified silicone,
(B) a fragrance composition,
(C) a nonionic surfactant; and (D) a solvent,
The content of the component (A) is 0.6% by mass or more and less than 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition,
The content of the (D) component is 1.0% by mass or more and less than 10% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition,
the mass ratio (C/D) of the component (C) to the component (D) is 0.5 to 10;
1. A liquid fabric softener composition, characterized in that the liquid fabric softener composition is transparent or translucent. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (C) is the following (C1) and/or (C2).

(C1) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by general formula (C1):
R ¹ -O-(C ₂ H ₄ O) _r -H (C1)
(Wherein,
R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms;
r is the average number of moles added, which is 30 to 100.

(C2) Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether represented by general formula (C2):
R ¹ -O-(C ₂ H ₄ O) _q -H (C2)
(Wherein,
R ¹ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms;
q is the average number of moles added, which is 1 to 20. The liquid softener composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component (D) is the following (D1) and/or (D2):

(D1) One or more water-soluble solvents selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols, glycol ether solvents, and polyhydric alcohols (excluding (D2)).

(D2) Compound represented by general formula (D2):

(Wherein,
R ¹ to R ³ are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms;
^R4 is a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 1, further comprising (E) a water-soluble cationic polymer. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 2, wherein the mass ratio (C1/C2) of (C1) to (C2) is 0.1 to 5. The liquid fabric softener composition according to claim 3, wherein the mass ratio (D1/D2) of (D1) to (D2) is 0.1 to 3.0.