MX2011005114A - Method of cleaning an object. - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to be cleaned in an alternating pressure resistant container; (b) applying to the object a foam composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and a dissolved gas; (c) cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying alternating pressure to the container; and (d) rinsing the object.

Description

METHOD TO CLEAN AN OBJECT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of cleaning. In particular, the invention relates to methods for cleaning an object using alternating pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The laundry, in general, is performed by stirring the fabrics in a detergent solution for a certain period followed by rinsing the fabrics in water. The laundry can be carried out using an automatic washing machine or it can be done by hand. Modern detergents are complex compositions comprising a number of components such as: surfactants, water softeners, bleaches, polymers, enzymes, etc., just to mention a few, and are often formulated as a powder or a liquid.

The different modifications of the laundry process and the detergent compositions have been suggested to increase cleaning performance or reduce water and / or energy consumption. EP0086935 describes a method for washing stained textile articles, where foam is created and blown on the textile. The benefit of the method is that it can be done using small amounts of detergent and water.

REF .: 218914 GB2340846 describes a method for washing articles, comprising: placing the articles in a container, introducing a washing liquid therein, reducing the pressure inside the container and in this way causing the gas / vapor to bubble through of the liquid. The purpose of reducing the pressure is to create gas / vapor bubbling to agitate the articles as an alternative for mechanical agitation. The reduction of the pressure is also used for the boiling of the washing liquid, so that the articles are prevented from being exposed to the temperatures necessary to boil the liquid at atmospheric pressure. EP0677577 describes a method for cleaning textiles using foam, wherein the foam or foam residues in textiles are subsequently substantially removed by application of vacuum. EP0765932 describes a method for cleaning and conditioning textile fabrics by applying foam, comprising a fabric softening clay and subsequently removing the foam residues under vacuum.

It is known to use foam for laundry, however the presence of high levels of foam in conventional washing processes is undesirable due to the difficulties in removing the foam during rinsing. In this way, there is a need to develop new washing processes in which the foam used for the laundry can be controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a new method of cleaning an object which, unlike conventional methods, is shredded by the use of alternating pressure in combination with a foam composition.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to be cleaned in a container resistant to alternating pressure; (b) applying to the object a foam composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and one dissolved gas; (c) cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying an alternating pressure to the container and (d) rinsing the object.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for rinsing an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to be wiped in a container resistant to the alternating pressure; (b) apply a rinse liquid to the object; (c) rinse the object with the rinse liquid by applying an alternate pressure to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 shows the WAP wash performance compared to beaker washing and a standard fine wash.

Figure 2 shows the wash performance of WAP compared to washing at constant pressure.

Figure 3 shows the effect of WAP rinsing compared to beaker rinsing in washing performance.

Figure 4 shows the effect of WAP rinsing compared to rinsing the beaker on the amount of residual LAS in the rinsing solution.

Figure 5 shows a schematic drawing of a WAP device.

Figure 6 shows an image of the WAP device used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions AP: The term "AP" as used herein means alternate pressure.

WAP: The terms "WAP" or "WAP wash" as used herein means washing with alternating pressure.

WAP rinsing: The term "WAP rinsing" as used herein means rinsing with alternating pressure.

Washing performance: The term "wash performance" as used herein means the delta remission measured at 440 nm of the fabric sample, wherein the delta remission is the measured remission at 440 nm of a washed fabric sample less the remission measured at 440 nm of a sample of unwashed cloth.

Plateau border. The term "plateau boundary" as used herein means the transition zone formed when the bubbles / films are encountered. Except for free floating bubbles, the films have to be supported by frames, volumetric surfaces or other films. The transition zone that separates these from the proper film, which always contains some volumetric fluid, is called a plateau boundary.

In conventional laundry, the stained textile is immersed in a detergent solution and subjected to mechanical action, followed by repeated rinsing with water and drying. In general, the detergent solution includes surfactants and enzymes. The detergent is typically formulated with a perspective to avoid frothing.

The invention is based on the observation that when an enzyme enriched foam is added to the fabric / textile and a micro-mechanical action is applied by means of an alternating pressure, surprisingly an increase in washing performance is obtained compared to the conventional washing. The alternating pressure can also be used during rinsing, whereby an improved rinsing is obtained.

The water consumption is reduced for washing as well as for rinsing because the principles of alternating pressure can be used to accelerate the dilution and exchange of the active ingredients of washing and stains to the suds and the rinse water.

The invention can also result in reduced energy and resource consumption compared to that of conventional washing processes, because macro-mechanical action (drum rotation) is avoided and heating can be avoided or reduced due to the combined action of the enzyme and the alternating pressure.

This has the consequence that the laundry according to the invention can be realized in a shorter time obtaining the same result as that which would have been obtained with a longer time using a conventional laundry process.

In some aspects, the invention relates to a method for cleaning an object comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to be cleaned in an alternate pressure resistant container (b) applying to the object a foam composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and one dissolved gas; (c) cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying an alternating pressure to the container and (d) rinsing the object.

Foam composition The foam composition comprises at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and one dissolved gas. It is typically an aqueous foam composition. It is preferred that the foam composition be adapted in particular to use in the method according to the invention.

Foaming agents In principle, at least one foaming agent can be any known foaming agent capable of forming stable foam, such as high foaming surfactants, selected from: nonionic surfactants; anionic surfactants; cationic surfactants; ampholytic surfactants; zwitterionic surfactants; semi-polar surfactants or any combinations thereof. The type and concentration of the surfactants can be chosen with an overview of good foam formation and compatibility with at least one enzyme. The surfactants are usually present at a level of 0.1% to 60% by weight; from 0.1% to 30%; from 0.1% to 20%; from 0.1% to 10%; from 0.1% to 5%; from 0.1% to 1% by weight.

The foam composition will usually contain from about 0.1% to about 40%; from 0.1% to 30%; from 0.1% to 20%; from 0.1% to 10%; from 0.1% to 5%; 0.1% to 1% by weight of an anionic surfactant, such as linear alkylbenzenesulfonate, alpha-olefin sulphonate, alkyl sulfate (fatty alcohol sulfate), alcohol ethoxysulfate, secondary alkan sulfonate, fatty acid alpha-sulfo acid methyl ester, alkyl acid - Alkenylsuccinic or soap.

The foam composition will usually contain from about 0.1% to about 40%; from 0.1% to 30%; from 0.1% to 20%; from 0.1% to 10%; from 0.1% to 5%; 0.1% to 1% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, such as alcohol ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, alkyl polyglucoside, alkyldimethylamine oxide, ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamide, fatty acid monoethanolamide, polyhydroxy alkyl fatty acid amide or derivatives of N-acyl N-glucosamine alkyl ("glucamides").

It is preferred that the foaming agent be selected from the anionic surfactants. Preferred examples of the foaming agents include Eucerin and linear alkyl sodium Ci2 benzene sulfonate (LAS).

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein at least one foaming agent is selected from: nonionic, anionic surfactants; cationic surfactants; ampholytic surfactants; zwitterionic surfactants; semi-polar surfactants or any combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from: linear alkylbenzene sulphonate; alpha-olefin sulfonate; alkyl sulfonate (fatty alcohol sulfonate); ethoxy alcohol sulfonate; secondary alkane sulfonate; methyl ester of fatty alpha-sulfo acid; alkyl- or alkenyl succinic acid or soap or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the concentration of the foaming agent is 0.1% -60% w / w relative to the stained object.

Enzymes In principle, at least one enzyme comprised in the foam composition according to some embodiments of the invention can be any known enzyme that has an effect on stained objects, such as fabrics / textiles. Such enzymes, for example, may be the enzymes traditionally used in laundry, which have an optimum activity in the neutral to alkaline range, or enzymes that have an optimal activity in the acid to neutral range, and may include at least one enzyme selected from the group containing: amylases, arabinases, carbohydrases, cellulases, cutinases, galactanases, haloperoxidases, hydrolases, laccases, lipases, manases, oxidases, oxidoreductases, pectinases, peroxidases, proteases, xylanases. At least one enzyme comprised in the foam composition and therefore, the method according to some embodiments of the invention, are described in further detail below: Amylase: In principle, any amylase (a and / or ß) can be used. Suitable amylases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, α-amylases obtained from a special strain of B. licheniformis, described in more detail in GB 1,296,839. The commercially available amylases are Duramyl ™, Termamyl ™, Fungamyl ™ and BAN ™ (Novozymes A / S) and Rapidase ™ and Maxamyl P ™ (Genencor).

Cellulase: In principle, any cellulase can be used. Suitable cellulases include those of bacterial and fungal origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are included. Appropriate cellulases are described in US 4,435,307, which describes the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens. Particularly suitable cellulases are cellulases that have color care benefits. Examples of such cellulases are the cellulases described in EP0495257. Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme ™ produced by a strain of Humicola insolens (Novozymes A / S) and KAC-500 (B) ™ (Kao Corporation).

Lipases: Appropriate lipases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are included. Examples of useful lipases include a Humicola lanuginosa lipase, for example, as described in EP 258 068 and EP 305 216, a lipase from Rhizomucor miehei, for example, as described in EP 238 023, a Candida lipase, such as a C. antarctic lipase, for example, the C. antarctica A or B lipase described in EP 214 761, a Pseudomonas lipase, such as a lipase from P. alcaligenes and P. pseudoalcaligenes, for example, as described in EP0218272, a lipase from P. cepacia, for example, as described in EP0331376, a lipase from P. stutzeri, for example, as described in GB 1,372,034, a lipase from P. fluorescens, a lipase from Bacillus, for example , a lipase from B. s btilis (Dartois et al., (1993), Biochemica et Biophysica act 1131, 253-260), a lipase from B. stearothermophilus (JP 64/744992) and a lipase from B. pumilus (WO / 91/16422). In addition, a number of cloned lipases may be useful, including the lipase from Penicilliu camembertii described by Yamaguchi et al., (1991) Gene vol. 103, p. 61-67, the lipase from Geotricum candidum (Schimada, Y. et al., (1989) J. Biochem. Vol. 106, pp. 383-388) and different Rhizopus lipases, such as a lipase from R. delemar ( Hass, M. J et al (1991) Gene vol 109, p 117-113), a lipase from R. niveus (Kugimiya) et al., (1992) Biosci. Biotech Biochem. Vol. 56, p. 716-719) and a lipase from R. oryzae.

Other types of lipolytic enzymes, such as cutinases may also be useful, for example, a cutinase derived from Pseudomonas mendocin as described in WO 88/09367 or a cutinase derived from Fusarium solani pisi (eg, described in WO 90/09446) .

Particularly suitable lipases are lipases, such as MI Lipase ™, Luma fast ™ and Lipomax ™ (Genencor), Lipolase ™ and Lipolase Ultra ™ (Novo Nordisk A / S) and Lipase P "Amano" (Amano Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. ).

Peroxidases / oxidases: Peroxidase enzymes are used in combination with hydrogen peroxide or a source thereof (for example, a percarbonate, perborate or persulfate). Oxidase enzymes are used in combination with oxygen. Both types of enzymes are used for "bleaching in solution", that is, to avoid the transfer of a textile dye from a dyed fabric to another fabric when these fabrics are washed together in a wash liquor, preferably together with a drying agent. improvement as described in, for example, WO 94/12621 and WO 95/01426. Suitable peroxidases / oxidases include those of plant origin, bacteria or fungi. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are included.

Proteases: Appropriate proteases include those of animal, plant or microbial origin. The microbial origin is preferred. Chemically or genetically modified mutants are included. The protease may be a serine protease, preferably an alkaline microbial protease or a trypsin-like protease. Examples of the alkaline proteases are subtilisins, especially those derived from Bacillus, for example, subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, subtilisin 309, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 168 described in WO 89/06279. Examples of the trypsin-like proteases are trypsin (for example, of porcine or bovine origin) and the Fusarium protease described in WO 89/06270. Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase, Savinase, Primase, Durazym and Esperase (Novozymes A / S), those sold under the trade names Maxatase, Maxacal, Maxapem, Properase, Purafect and Purafect OXP (Genencor ) and those sold under the trade name Opticlean and Optimase (Solvay Enzymes).

Mixtures of the enzymes mentioned above are encompassed herein, in particular, a mixture of proteases, amylases, lipases and / or cellulases.

At least one enzyme, each individual enzyme or the total amount of enzyme, can be incorporated in the foam composition according to some embodiments of the invention at a level of 0.00001% to 30%; from 0.00001% to 20%; from 0.00001% to 10%; from 0.0001% to 5%; from 0.001% to 2% or from 0.01% to 1% enzyme per volume of the total foam composition.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein at least one enzyme is selected from: amylases, arabinases, carbohydrates, cellulases, cutinases, galactanases, haloperoxidases, hydrolases, lipases, manases, oxidized, for example, laccases or peroxidases, oxidoreductases, pectinases, proteases, xylanases or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the concentration of at least one enzyme is from 0.00001% to 10%; from 0.0001% to 5%; from 0.001% to 2% or from 0.01% to 1% of the enzyme per volume of the total foam composition. Dissolved gas The foam composition contains dissolved gas, typically atmospheric air. The water in the tap contains enough atmospheric air and can be used directly in this way. Alternatively, degassed water or other liquids can be supplied with any suitable gas and used in the foam composition. For example, an appropriate gas may be atmospheric air, carbon dioxide, etc., or a mixture of appropriate gases.

Other agents In some embodiments of the invention, the foam composition may further comprise at least one agent selected from: fabric conditioners including clays; anti-corrosion agents; hydrotropes; redeposition agents; foam promoters; foam stabilization agents; suppressants of soap waste; enzyme stabilization agents; pH regulating agents; water softening systems; bleaching agents; stain release agents; stain suspending agents; agents for inhibiting the transfer of polymeric dyes; optical brighteners; abrasives; bactericides; stain inhibitors; softening agents; colorants; coloring and perfume agents, some of which are described below.

Foam stabilizers: The foam composition may further comprise one or more foam stabilizers, such as glycosides or emulsifiers that are known to be capable of stabilizing the water / surfactant / gas emulsions.

PH regulating compounds: The foam composition may also contain regulatory agents known in the art, such as inorganic salts such as phosphates, sulfates and carbonate; organic compounds such as carboxylic acids, carboxylates, amines, sulfonates, etc. The pH regulating agents should be selected to provide a pH value of the foam composition that is compatible or preferably optimal for at least one enzyme included in the foam composition. The pH regulating agents according to some embodiments of the invention include the well-known buffer components, such as glycine and sodium carbonate.

The. Traditional washing compositions have, in general, pH values in the alkaline or neutral range, in part due to the alkaline nature of the soaps, surfactants and other components commonly used in such compositions. In contrast, the foam compositions according to the invention contain soap components or non-obligatory surfactants and, therefore, are not restricted to maintain a pH value in a particular range, but rather the pH value of the compositions it can be selected to obtain optimum conditions for the enzymes comprised in the composition. In this way, the pH of the foam composition can be in the acid range, in the alkaline range or it can be neutral. In particular, the pH can be selected in the range of 4-10, more preferred in the range of 5-9.

An experienced person will understand that the method according to some embodiments of the invention provides additional versatility with respect to at least one enzyme used for laundry. Thus, in one embodiment, the foam composition has an acidic pH value, i.e., pH less than 7, such as a pH in the range of 4-7 and the enzymes are selected to have maximum activity under acidic, in another embodiment, the foam composition has a neutral pH value, ie, pH of about 7 and the enzymes are selected to have maximum activity under neutral conditions and in a third embodiment, the foam composition has a value of Alkaline pH, that is, a pH greater than 7, such as a pH in the range of 7-10 and the enzymes are selected to have maximum activity under alkaline conditions.

Water Softeners: The foam composition may contain 0-65% by weight of a water softener or complexing agent, such as zeolite, diphosphate, triphosphate, phosphonate, carbonate, citrate, nitrilotriacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminpentaacetic acid, alkyl acid - or alkenyl succinic, soluble silicates or layered silicates (for example, SKS-6 from Hoechst).

Enzyme Stabilizers: At least one enzyme comprised in the foam composition of the invention can be stabilized using conventional stabilizing agents, for example, a polyol, such as propylene glycol or glycerol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid, acid boric acid or a boric acid derivative, for example, an aromatic borate ester or a phenylboronic acid derivative, such as 4-formylphenyl boronic acid.

Polymers: In some embodiments of the invention, the foam composition may comprise one or more polymers. examples are carboxymethylcellulose, poly (vinylpyrrolidone), poly (ethylene glycol), poly (vinyl alcohol), poly (vinylpyridine-N-oxide), poly (vinylimidazole), polycarboxylates, such as polyacrylates, maleic / acrylic acid copolymers and methacrylate copolymers of lauryl / acrylic acid.

Bleaching systems: In some embodiments of the invention, the foam composition may contain a bleaching system which may comprise a source of H202, such as perborate or percarbonate which may be combined with a peracid-forming bleach activator, such as tetraacetylethylenediamine or nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate. Alternatively, the bleaching system may comprise peroxyacids of, for example, amide, imide or sulfone type.

Foaming methods In principle, the foam compositions of the invention can be made using the known foaming methods. Methods for preparing the foam are well known within the hard surface cleaning area in, for example, the food industry, and it should be understood that Well-known methods and the equipment used for such methods can also be applied to the present invention.

One method for preparing the foam composition according to the invention is to mix and foam the ingredients in a high shear mixer.

Another method for preparing the foam composition according to the invention is to provide the ingredients under pressure in a container together with an appropriate propellant and to create the foam composition by distributing the composition through an appropriate orifice using the technologies as are well known from spray cans or aerosol cans. The propellant may be any compound that is a gas compressible at room temperature and is inert toward the foam compositions; however, it is preferred to use a propellant that is innocuous to users and the environment. These propellants, as will be well known in the art, may also be used within the present invention. Examples of suitable propellants are, for example, nitrogen, propane and butane.

Another method for making the foam is to use the conventional method for foam dispersion in, for example, cleaning hard surfaces, having a concentrated surfactant in a container. To make the foam, a water flow extracts an appropriate amount of surfactant (water) to a foaming nozzle. The concentration of the surfactant is dependent on the water pressure. The enzyme can be included in the container together with the surfactant or it can be placed in a separate container and extracted in the water flow before or after the surfactant to the foaming nozzle. Alternatively, all the components of the foam composition are added together before entering the alternate pressure resistant container through the foam nozzle.

It is also possible to prepare the foam composition manually, by mixing the ingredients and foaming the mixture using mechanical action, for example, beating the foam or using a hand skimmer. Manual skimmers are known in the art and may also be applicable in some embodiments of the present invention.

When the foam composition is applied to the object, it is important that it is distributed evenly to ensure the best possible cleaning conditions. The application, distribution and / or re-distribution of the foam composition can be obtained by mixing, stirring, wiggling, ultrasound or any combination thereof. It can also be done by hand; using a bar, spatula or similar; or it can be done using an appropriate device. The foam composition can alternatively be applied through the inlet and the inlet nozzle of the alternate pressure resistant container of the invention.

The distribution or redistribution of the foam composition uniformly to the object in the container can be done by the forms as indicated above, for a short period of time, such as, for example, 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0; 3.5; 4.0; 4.5 or 5.0 minutes until the foam composition is evenly distributed.

The object to be cleaned can be any fabric, textile, clothing, leather, skin, hair or hard surfaces.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the object is: fabrics, textiles, clothing, leather, skin, hair or hard surfaces Alternating pressure It is possible to generate mechanical action within the fabrics / textiles as well as on the surfaces wetted with a foam composition by means of an alternating pressure. This mechanical action can substitute the mechanical work obtained by the movement in a washing machine or obtained by hand.

During washing, a "hydrodynamic barrier" is formed. This barrier that is cut fibers 1 micrometer thick is generated by water molecules, which by means of polar hydrogen bonds are packed like a film on the surface of the object to be cleaned. Depending on the hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the object, such a barrier layer can act more or less efficiently as a barrier and interfere with the exchange of molecules between the composition of the foam and the surface of the object.

The washing in a front loading machine applies a mechanical action allowing the textile load to fall from the top of the drum to the bottom in the presence of a washing solution. This micromechanical action breaks parts of the hydrodynamic barrier, thus promoting the interaction between the washing solution and the textile. In a traditional washing foam it is undesirable because it acts as an insulator. The foam can act as an additional hydrodynamic barrier on the object, thus increasing the thickness of the barrier considerably, so that the removal of stains from the fabric during washing and during rinsing is prevented.

In the present invention, the alternating pressure generates a mechanical action on the level microscopically within the hydrodynamic barrier. The wash liquor is added as a foam composition that is absorbed by the fabric / textile and, in particular, the porous materials may contain relatively large amounts of foam. When the pressure is decreased, the dissolved gas present in the foam composition will appear as bubbles that increase in size. Depending on the viscoelasticity of the foam composition changes in bubble size, it creates a micro-mechanical action within, as well as on the surface of the fabric / textile. This action promotes the exchange of active components of the foam composition to the textile fibers and transport the decomposition products and stains removed away from the textile.

By applying a pressure of 2-3 bar, the bubbles decrease to the extent that the foam will act as a normal liquid and not as an air / water surfactant emulsion. In this way, it can be diluted and leave the container resistant to alternating pressure like water. In this way, the alternating pressure creates the micro-mechanical action and the chemical exchange of the textile.

When a foam composition is exposed to alternating pressure, the liquid film that forms the "walls" of a bubble will be forced to move inside as well as on the surface of the fabric / textile. A greater liquid comprised in foam plateau borders smaller bubbles will burst during low pressure. The washing performance is dependent on the presence of bubbles and, thus, the balance between the increase in bubbles and the bursting of the bubbles during low pressure affects the result of washing. The application of a pressure of 1-2 bar will lead to a decreased size of the bubbles. The bubbles will almost disappear and the film of liquid that creates the walls around the bubbles will become thicker and, in this way, will form the borders of the plateau, thus facilitating the transport of chemicals and substances within the composition of foam. In contrast, the alternating pressure where a low and high pressure is applied creates a micro-mechanical action that promotes the transport of stains and enzymatic products away from the surface of the fabric / textile and the transport of enzymes and optionally other components of cleaning the surface of the fabric / textile.

In some embodiments of the invention, the washing step comprises at least one alternating pressure cycle, wherein the pressure is reduced and increased in cycles. An alternating pressure cycle corresponds to the reduced pressure, followed by an increased pressure. Alternatively, a period of time where an alternating pressure is performed can be indicated. During this period one or more cycles of alternate pressures may be carried out.

The repetition of at least two rounds of alternating pressure creates sufficient mechanical action in the container to clean clothes at the same or a higher level than the traditional home care laundry.

During the reduced pressure, the dissolved gas comprised in the foam composition forms bubbles and / or lengthens the existing bubbles, while during the increased pressure the bubbles decrease and / or may collapse or partially dissolve. The number of alternating pressure cycles may vary and, therefore, may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 cycles. Also, the time period of the alternating pressure may vary and, therefore, may last 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 , 17,18, 28, 29, 30 minutes.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the alternating pressure is at least -1.0 bar, at least -0.9 bar, at least -0.8 bar, at least -0.7 bar, at least -0.6 bar, at least -0.5 bar, at least -0.4 bar, at least -0.3 bar, at least -0.2 bar, at least -0.1 bar or at least 0.1 bar, at least 0.2 bar , at least 0.3 bar, at least 0.4 bar, at least 0.5 bar, at least 0.6 bar, at least 0.7 bar, at least 0.8 bar, at least 0.9 bar, at least 1.0 bar, per at least 1.1 bar, at least 1.2 bar, at least 1.3 bar, at least 1.4 bar, at least 1.5 bar, at least 2.0 bar, at least 2.5 bar, at least 3.0 bar, at least 3.5 bar, at least 4.0 bar, at least 4.5 bar or at least 5.0 bar. Recirculation of foam composition During the cleaning of an ot, the alternating pressure can be interrupted by recirculation or washing with plenty of water, where the spent foam composition can be drained and re-applied or the fresh foam composition can be added respectively. The recirculation or washing with abundant water can serve to remove the stains and / or replace the dissolved gas.

The recirculation or washing with abundant water creates a micro-mechanical action that can be combined with the micro-mechanical action created by the alternating pressure. This is done by applying the foam composition through the inlet container and the container nozzle. Due to the low pressure, the foam composition will enter the container as foam. By subsequently applying a pressure to the chamber and briefly opening an outlet vessel at the bottom of the container, the foam composition will be forced through the fabric / textile placed in the container, in this way the ot is moistened and distributed of the foam composition. This process can be used for initial wetting and distribution, as well as for recirculating or washing with abundant water of the foam composition between periods of alternating pressure. Recirculating the foam composition will be revitalized during a subsequent period of alternating pressure. And the flow of the foam composition also promotes the transport of chemicals as well as the substances in the liquid.

During the recirculation or washing with abundant water, foam is created which demands a relatively greater or lesser pressure to be removed. Therefore, the number of recirculation or flushing with plenty of water should be selected to suit the foam composition in order to create sufficient foam for cleaning. Although alternating pressure helps more efficiently control and remove foam compared to conventional rinsing, care should be taken to balance the amount of foam.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the foam composition is redistributed on the object during step (b) and / or after step (c).

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the redistribution of the foam composition is obtained by mixing, stirring, beating, ultrasound or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the foam composition is recirculated at least once during the cleaning of the object in step (c) by extracting the composition through an outlet of the container and re-applying it. through an entrance of the container.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the foam composition is washed with plenty of water at least once during the cleaning of the object in step (c) by extracting the composition through an outlet of the container and applying a new foam composition through a container inlet.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the recirculation and / or washing with abundant water is carried out 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 times. Rinse During a traditional wash the excess of foam is undesirable because it reduces the exchange of washing components and the stain removed between the fabrics and the surroundings during washing as well as during rinsing. Alternating pressure in some embodiments of the invention deals with this problem. In addition, by increasing the pressure inside the container, the bubbles that form the foam can be lowered to such an extent that the composition of the foam will behave like a fluid. This fluid can be diluted and transported to the outside of the container and in the drainage system. In this way, much less water is required for WAP rinsing than for a normal rinsing in a EU front-loading washer and other top-loading washers.

A very important advantage of the method of the present invention is the control of the foam. This means that antifoaming agents are not necessary to the same degree as are used in current conventional washing solutions.

After washing an object, the rinsing can be done as a conventional rinse, such as by rinsing by hand or in a washing machine. Rinsing can also be done using an alternating pressure, WAP rinse, where water or other appropriate rinsing fluid enters the container during low pressure and leaves the container during high pressure. The WAP rinse can be performed in a similar manner as the washing step in at least one cycle of reduction and pressure increase. The number of cycles of the alternating pressure included in the WAP rinse may vary and, therefore, may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 cycles. Alternatively, the time period of the alternating pressure may vary and, therefore, may last 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 , 17,18, 28, 29, 30 minutes. Between cycles or periods of alternate pressure, the spent liquid may be drained and fresh water / rinse liquid may be added.

It has surprisingly been found that alternating pressure improves rinsing. This was discovered by an improved wash performance and by the detection of reduced amounts of residual LAS left in the rinse liquid. Improved rinsing can lead to reduced water consumption.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method, wherein the rinse is obtained by applying a rinse liquid to the object and applying an alternate pressure to the container.

In some embodiments, the invention relates to a method for rinsing an object, comprising the steps: (a) placing the object to be rinsed in an alternate pressure resistant container; (b) apply a rinse liquid to the object; (c) rinse the object with the rinse liquid by applying an alternate pressure to the container.

Drying A drying step, wherein the drying is obtained by applying high or low pressure, heating, centrifugation or any combination thereof.

Temperature The temperature during cleaning according to the method is not critical as long as the enzymes remain active during such temperature. The experienced person will appreciate that some enzymes will be appropriate for a low temperature, while others may be appropriate for higher temperatures. In this way, with due care for the selection of the enzymes and the particular fabrics that are washed, an appropriate temperature can be selected. In general, the temperature is in the range of 0-90 ° C, 5-50 ° C, 10-40 ° C, 15-30 ° C, 20-25 ° C. In some embodiments of the invention, the temperature may be a room temperature selected from: 20 ° C, 21 ° C, 22 ° C, 23 ° C, 24 ° C or 25 ° C.

In this way, the present invention offers a tremendous versatility in the laundry process that depends on the composition of the particular foam and the detergent composition and the particular selection of the enzymes included in these compositions.

Device A device was especially designed to carry out the method of the invention. The device and the operating instructions are described below.

Description: The different components of the device are illustrated in figure 6 to which the numbers refer. 1. Swap vacuum selection, OFF or pressure. 2. Flow regulator for pressure (controls the speed of the pressure increase in the test chamber). 3. Pressure regulator (controls the pressure in the test chamber). (Maximum pressure: 3 bar). 4. Vacuum regulator (controls the minimum pressure in the test chamber). 5. Flow regulator for vacuum (controls the rate of decrease in pressure in the test chamber). 6. Faucet inlet in the lid of the test chamber. The liquid introduced through this inlet is atomized through a nozzle at the top of the test chamber. 7. Entrance tap on the bottom of the test chamber. 8. Exit tap from the bottom of the test chamber. 9. Safety valve for overpressure (hidden manometer behind). The valve opens at a pressure of approximately 3 bar. 10. Butterfly nuts to hold the lid of the test chamber (3 in total). 11. Cover of the test chamber. 12. Test chamber. 13. Pressure gauge. 14. Recirculation pump. 15. Switch the recirculation pump.

Operation: Before use, connect the machine to the electric power network (230 V) and pressurized air (at a maximum pressure of 10 bar). The machine is operated as follows: 1. Remove the three wing nuts and then the cover of the test chamber. To ensure the balance of the pressure, either the inlet tap or the outlet tap must be opened while doing this. 2. Samples of the textile fabric are placed in the chamber, the lid is then put in place and fastened by screwing the three wing nuts. 3. Close the tap water inlet and outlet. 4. Set the switch to * tryk '. The pressure in the test chamber will now gradually increase to a speed that can be controlled with the valve 42 ', and the final pressure is adjusted using the regulator ¾3'. The pressure can be adjusted between +0 bar and +3 bar. If the pressure increases above about 3 bar, the safety valve will open. 5. Set the switch to 'empty'. The pressure in the test chamber will now gradually decrease at a speed that can be controlled with the valve * 5 'and the final pressure is adjusted using the regulator'. The lowest pressure that can be selected is approximately -0.8 bar. 6. When the liquid is going to be sucked into the test chamber, switch '1' is set to 'empty'. The inlet tubes (which are attached to the '6' and '7' faucets) are placed in the liquid in question. If the tap '6' is opened, the liquid is sucked into the cap of the chamber and atomized through a nozzle. If tap '7' is opened, the liquid is sucked into the bottom of the test chamber. 7. The test chamber is emptied by adjusting the 'tryk' switch and opening the output lid v 8 '. 8. The liquid can be recirculated (sucked from the bottom and atomized in the lid of the test chamber) by operating the switch '15' to start pumping '14'. Note that the pump only works in the range of 0 to 0.8 bar.

Cleaning: The test chamber is made of PVC and will tolerate most types of soap as well as strong alkalis and acid.

The invention described and claimed herein is not limited in scope by the specific aspects described herein, since these aspects are intended to be illustrative of various aspects of the invention. Any equivalent aspects are intended to be within the scope of this invention. In fact, the various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. In case of conflict, the present description, including the definitions, will have priority.

EXAMPLES The chemicals used as buffers and substrates were commercial products of at least reactive grade.

Table 1. Materials Materials Description Quantity per 85 ml of solution washed Hurricane T-shirt fabric 10 g of each ballast type (Berendsen Textile Service sample fabric.

A / S, Tobaksvejen 22, 2860 The size of the Saborg, Denmark) fabric sample is Wfk30A, 100% polyester, 5x5 and then prewashed (see below cut in half. the provider) Materials Description Quantity per 85 ml of wash solution Surfactant LAS, Surfac SDBS80, salt 0.325 g Sodium acid surfachem Group 100 alkyl benzenesulfonic Wellington linear (80% as the Street, salt) with methyl Leeds LSl benzenesulfonate 4LT, sodium and sulfate England sodium as byproducts.

Softeners Sodium carbonate, 4 mM of water Na2C03 (Merck prod. nr. 1. 06392, Cas No: 497- 19-8) 4 mM Sodium bicarbonate, CHNa03 (Merck prod. Nr. 1. 06329, Cas No: 144-55-8) Water water MilliQ + 15 ° dH ions (Ca / Mg water hardness: 4: 1) calcium chloride dihydrate (Merck prod. nr. 2382, CAS NO: 10035-04-8) and chloride magnesium hexahydrate (J.T.

Baker prod. nr. 0162, CAS No. 7791-18-6) Standard wash: A fine washing program at 40 ° C with a main wash at 30 min + rinsing time in a Miele household washer, was used as a standard wash. 65 g of Ariel Sensitive (P &G) from Denmark 2008 containing approximately 0.4% protease and 0.2% amylase, was used to wash a stained group as indicated in the example and up to 2.6 kg of fabric from 5 pillowcases (100% polyester), 2 shirts of underwear (100% cotton), 5 shirts (100% cotton), 4 shirts (60% polyester and 40% cotton) and 1 towel (100% cotton).

Washing with beaker: The washing with a beaker was carried out in a 1000 mL beaker. The washing was carried out at room temperature (20-22 ° C) at pH 9.0 for 30 minutes. 1) In a 100 mL beaker add 42.5 mL of Standard A (8 mM Na2C03) and 42.5 mL of Standard B (8 mM CHNa03). 2) Add 0.210 mL of Ca / Mg standard solution and 0.630 mL of 0.535 M sodium acid carbonate standard. 3) Add 2.4 mL of LAS standard solution. 4) Adjust the pH to 9.0 ± 0.05. Now you have the foam composition. 5) Transfer the foam composition to a 1000 mL beaker now. Take the milk frother and the foam on top of the foam composition (add enzymes if necessary) in 1 minute. Begin the washing of the beaker at 0 minutes and apply the fabric / textile to the foamed foam composition. 6) Shake now with your hand for 1 minute with a spatula and leave the washing with the beaker at rest for 30 minutes. 7) Shake now with your hand for 30 seconds with a spatula. Make the desired type of rinse.

WAP washing: The WAP wash was carried out in a specially designed WAP equipment based on a resistant reciprocating pressure vessel with access to compressed air as described. Washing was performed at room temperature (20-22 ° C) at pH 9.0 for 30 minutes followed by rinsing. The pressure gauge at low pressure is placed at 0.5 bar and the pressure gauge is placed at 0.45 bar. 1) In a 500 mL beaker, add 42.5 mL of standard A (8 mM Na2C03) and 42.5 mL of standard B (8 mM CHNa03). 2) Add 0.210 mL of Ca / Mg standard solution and 0. 630 mL of sodium acid carbonate standard 0.535 M. 3) Add 2.4 mL of LAS standard solution. 4) Adjust the pH to 9.00 ± 0.05. Now you have the foam composition. 5) Now take the milk frother and the foam on top of the foam composition (add enzymes if necessary) in 1 minute. Apply the fabric / textile to the WAP container and start the WAP wash at 0 minutes time by adjusting the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck into the foamed foam composition. 6) Close the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes in a 2 L beaker and open the two exit pins and when the pressure is almost 0 then close the two exit pins. (Remember to cover the opening with a damp cloth, so that they do not come in contact with aerosols in the air). 7) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck again. Close the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 0 bar and open the lid to the WAP container and shake it by hand for 1 minute with a spatula. 8) Place the lid again and continue washing by applying an alternating pressure, AP: pressure (0.1 bar) for 3 seconds followed by vacuum (-0.5 bar) for 12 seconds, leave vacuum for 30 seconds. Recycle soap residues at 5 minutes of time by removing the soap residues from the chamber by closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes in a 2 L beaker and open the two exit pins and when the pressure is almost 0, then close the two exit pins (Remember to cover the opening with a damp cloth so that the sprays it will not enter the air). 9) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck again. Repeat AP, recirculate at 15 minutes of time, repeat AP, recirculate at 25 minutes of time, repeat AP up to 30 minutes. 10) Adjust the pressure to 0 bar and open the lid to the WAP container and shake it with your hand for 30 seconds with a spatula. 11) Replace the lid and make a WAP rinse by closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes in a 2 L beaker and open the two exit pins and when the pressure is almost 0, then close the two exit pins (Remember to cover the opening with a damp cloth, so that the aerosols do not come into contact in the air). Make the desired type of rinse.

Rinse in beaker: Transfer the fabric / textile to a 5000 mL beaker containing cold tap water and rinse for 5 minutes. Make sure that clothing samples move around in the water during rinsing. Take the fabric / textile (remember to use disposable gloves) and twist the fabric / textile and then place the group stained on a mesh, covered with paper, and leave overnight at room temperature to dry. The ballast charge is removed.

In uague WAP: i) For rinsing, adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck in 90 mL of tap water. Close the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes in a 2 L beaker and open the two exit pins and when the pressure is almost 0, then close the two exit pins. (Remember to cover the opening with a damp cloth, so that aerosols do not enter the air). This was repeated three times. 2) Adjust the pressure to 0 bar and open the lid to the WAP container and take the fabric / textile (remember to use disposable gloves) and twist the fabric / textile and then place the group stained on a mesh, cover with paper, and leave for the night at room temperature to dry. The ballast charge is removed.

The delta remission was measured at 440 nm using a Macbeth Color-Eye 7000 (Long AB, Box 5259, Prástgárdsángen 3, SE-402 25 Góteborg, Sweden). The samples of washed clothes were placed in a mesh, covered with paper and left overnight at room temperature to dry. The following day the delta referrals of the clothing samples were determined.

The redeposition was tested by adding the tracer clothing samples WfklOA (100% cotton, prewash) and Wfk30A (100% polyester, prewash) together with the stained clothing samples and the ballast fabric during washing and rinsing. Samples of tracer clothes were placed in a mesh, covered with paper and left overnight at room temperature to dry. The following day, the delta references at 440 nm of the tracer clothing samples were determined.

In the figures, the wash performance indicated on the y-axis is the cumulative sum of the delta reference for all the individual laundry samples tested in the same wash. The values of the delta referral for the individual clothing samples as well as the sum are listed in the tables.

Example 1: WAP washing Washing in a beaker, WAP washing, standard washing and WAP rinsing were performed as described above.

Table 2 Column 1 2 3 4 5 Surfactant foam LAS foam LAS foam LAS Ariel foam 5 g / L Agitation no 1.5 min 9 min 1.5 min Fine wash Column 1 2 3 4 5 Vessel Type of WAP Glass Vessel Flushing load of precipitated precipitate of frontal precipitate EU (Miele) Time 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min 30 min wash Temperature 20 ° C 20 ° C 20 ° C 20 ° C 40 ° C washing Rinse Rinse Rinse Rinse Rinse Rinse WAP WAP WAP WAP washing machine 3X 3X 3X 3X cocktail 0.2% enzymatic amylase 0.4% protease Washing performance test EMPA101, 2 6 3 5 4 oil olive / black Smoke E PA112 4 8 10 11 9 milk / cocoa EMPA114, wine 9 7 12 11 5 red E PA117, 9 19 18 22 15 blood / milk / ink EMPA164, 5 4 8 7 8 grass WfklOD 5 6 7 8 22 pigment / sebum WfklOTE, 16 18 19 18 7 clay fk20MU, 0 5 6 7 7 makeup Column 1 2 3 4 5 Type of washing WAP Tumbler Tumbler Precipitit precipitad precipitad frontal EU o o o (Miele) CS- 28 starch of 27 28 25 29 12 rice EMPA120, 1 6 7 9 5 grease / quartz / iron oxide Sum of washing 77 107 115 127 95 Redemption test WfklOA, 100% -2 -3 -5 -4 0 cotton, prewash Wfk30A, 100% -4 -3 -5 -5 -1 polyester, prewash Sum of -6 -6 -10 -8 -2 redeposition The washing performance is illustrated in Figure 1 which shows that the WAP wash (column 4) results in a better washing performance compared to the washing of the beaker when identical foam compositions are used (LAS foam rich in enzymes) . This result is independent of whether there is no agitation (column 1) or brief agitation for 1.5 minutes (column 2) or agitation for 9 minutes (column 3). The WAP wash includes 1.5 minutes of agitation. This illustrates that parts of the mechanical action can be substituted with another process, such as alternating pressure in the cleaning of stained fabrics / textiles.

The performance of a program of fine washing at 40 ° C in the washing machine with 5 g / 1 of Ariel Sensitive, was tested as an example of a standard washing in the market. The wash performance of WAP (column 4) is better than a fine wash (column 5). It should be noted that WAP washing is done at 20 ° C while fine washing is done at 40 ° C.

The redeposition is also improved compared to fine washing.

Example 2: WAP washing compared to low pressure washing and high pressure washing.

WAP washing was performed as described above. The WAP procedure was modified for the wash shown in columns 2 and 3. In column 2, the alternating pressure periods in the WAP procedure were replaced with a constant low pressure of -0.5 bar., In column 3, the periods of alternating pressure in the WAP procedure were replaced with a constant pressure of 0.2-0.3 bar. All the other stages were the same for washing and cleaning.

Washing at a constant pressure of -0.5 bar: 1) A WAP wash is carried out until stage 8. Now adjust the pressure to -0.5 bar and leave it there for the time of 5 minutes. Now recirculate the soap residues by removing the soap residues from the chamber by closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes in a 2 L beaker and open the two exit pins and when the pressure is almost 0 close the two exit pins. (Remember to cover the opening with a damp cloth, so that the aerosols do not come in contact with the air). 2) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck again. Now adjust the vacuum to -0.5 bar and leave it until the next recirculation at the time of 15 minutes. Repeat the recirculation in the time of 25 minutes. Continue washing until 30 minutes have passed. 3) Continue the WAP wash of step 10 now.

Washing at a constant pressure of 0.2-0.3 bar. 1) A WAP wash is carried out until stage 8. Now adjust the pressure to 0.2-0.3 bar (make sure you have at least one third of the remaining foam foam) and leave it there for up to 5 minutes. Now recirculate the soap residues by removing the soap residues from the chamber by closing the inlet pin and adjust the pressure to 3 bar. Place the two outlet tubes in a 2 L beaker and open the two exit pins, and when the pressure is almost 0 then close the two exit pins. (Remember to cover the opening with a damp cloth, so that they come in contact with the air with aerosols). 2) Adjust the pressure to -0.1 bar and open the inlet pin and suck again. Now adjust the pressure to 0.2-0.3 bar and leave it until the next recirculation in the time of 15 minutes. Repeat recirculation at a time of 25 minutes. Continue washing until 30 minutes have passed. 3) Continue the WAP wash of step 10 now.

Table 3 Column 1 2 3 Surfactant Foam LAS Foam LAS Foam Agitation 1.5 min 1.5 min 1.5 min Washing type WAP -0.8 bar 0.3 bar Washing time 30 min 30 min 30 min Washing temperature 20 ° C 20 ° C 20 ° C Enj uague enj uague WAP rinse WAP rinse WAP Enzymatic cocktail 3X 3X 3X Washing performance test EMPA101, oil of 5 2 3 olive / carbon black Column 1 2 3 Washing performance test E PA112 milk / cocoa 11 8 7 EMPA114, red wine 11 11 11 EMPA117, blood / milk / ink 22 19 16 EMPA164, turf 7 4 6 WfklOD pigment / sebum 8 7 7 Wfklote, clay 18 18 16 Wfk20 U, makeup 7 4 4 Rice starch CS-28 29 29 29 EMPA120, fat / quartz / oxide 9 6 6 iron Sum of washing 127 108 104 Redemption test WfklOA, 100% cotton, -4 -3 -5 prewash fk30A, 100% polyester, -5 -4 -5 prewash Redemption sum -8 -8 -10 The washing performance is illustrated in Figure 2 which shows that the alternating pressure results in a better washing performance compared to washing at a constant pressure in the absence of an alternating pressure.

Example 3: WAP rinsing effect in washing performance The beaker washing was precipitated, rinsing in beaker and WAP rinse were performed as described above.

Table 4 Column 1 2 Surfactant foam LAS foam Stirring 1.5 min 1.5 min Washing type beaker of precipitated beaker Washing time 30 min 30 min Washing temperature 20 ° C 20 ° C Rinse rinse rinse WAP tumbler precipitate Rinse amount 3x90 mL of water 3x90 mL of water from the tap wrench Enzymatic cocktail 3X 3X Washing performance test EMPA101, oil of 5 6 olive / carbon black E PA112 milk / cocoa 6 8 EMPA114, red wine 9 7 E PA117, blood / milk / ink 16 19 EMPA164, grass 5 4 WfklOD pigment / sebum 6 6 Column 1 2 Washing performance test Wfklote, clay 19 18 Wfk20MU 5 5 Rice starch CS-28 26 28 EMPA120 2 6 Sum of washing 98 107 Redemption test WfklOA, 100% cotton, -6 -3 prewash Wfk30A, 100% polyester, -5 -3 prewash Sum of redeposition -11 -6 The wash performance is illustrated in Figure 3 which shows that the WAP rinse adds an additional wash performance to the system. This is most likely because LAS is removed more effectively by the WAP rinse as indicated by the redeposition test in the table. Therefore, other components than LAS are expected to be removed efficiently by the WAP rinse.

Example 4: Effect of WAP rinsing on the amount of residual LAS left in the rinsing solution.

Two portions, each of 25 g of the ballast cloth were washed with WAP for 5 minutes in an 80% LAS solution (3.8 mg / mL in water) following steps 1 to 8 of the WAP wash described above. The ballast fabrics were rinsed with either the WAP rinse or by rinsing in a beaker and 20 mL aliquots were extracted from the third and the last rinse solution for the test for the presence of residual LAS. As indicated in the following table, additional rounds of rinsing of the beaker (4-6) were carried out of which the aliquots were also tested for the presence of residual LAS. The LAS analysis was performed at 270 nm in a Lamda 2 spectrophotometer from Perkin Elmer.

Table 5 Washing performance is illustrated in Figure 4 which shows that WAP rinsing is superior to rinsing in a beaker. The results show that the amount of residual LAS in the third and last rinse WAP is lower than that of the corresponding rinse solution carried out in a glass beaker with mechanical agitation (shaking with a spatula by hand). In addition, the rounds of the beaker rinse (column 4, 5 and 6) decrease the amount of residual LAS, but not the WAP level (column 2).

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 5 i. Method for cleaning an object, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) place the object to be cleaned in a container resistant to alternating pressure; b) applying to the object a foam composition comprising at least one foaming agent, at least one enzyme and a dissolved gas; c) cleaning the object with the foam composition by applying an alternating pressure to the container; Y d) rinse the object.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the foam composition is redistributed on the object during step (b) and / or after step (c).
3. 3. The method according to any of claims 1-2, characterized in that the redistribution of the foam composition is obtained by mixing, stirring, wiggling, ultrasound or any combination thereof.
4. 4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the foam composition is recirculated at least once during the cleaning of the object in step (c) by extracting such composition through an outlet of the container and reapplying it through an entrance of the container.
5. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the recirculation is carried out 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9 or 10 times.
6. 6. The method according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the rinsing is obtained by applying a rinse liquid to the object and applying an alternating pressure to the container.
7. 7. The method according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that at least one foaming agent is selected from: nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants; cationic surfactants; ampholytic surfactants; zwitterionic surfactants, semi-polar surfactants or any combination thereof.
8. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the anionic surfactant is selected from: linear alkylbenzene sulphonate; alpha-olefin sulfonate; alkyl sulfonate (fatty alcohol sulfonate); ethoxy alcohol sulfonate; secondary alkane sulfonate; methyl ester of fatty alpha-sulfo acid; alkyl or alkenyl succinic acid or soap; or any combination thereof.
9. 9. The method according to any of claims 7-8, characterized in that the concentration of at least one foaming agent is 0.1% -60% w / w relative to the stained object.
10. 10. The method according to any of claims 1-9, characterized in that at least one enzyme is selected from: amylases, arabinases, carbohydrates, cellulases, cutinases, galactanases, haloperoxidases, hydrolases, lipases, mannanases, oxidized, for example, laccases or peroxidases; oxidoreductases, pectinases proteases, xylanases or any combination thereof.
11. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the concentration of at least one enzyme is 0.00001% to 10%; from 0.0001% to 5%; from 0.001% to 2% or from 0.01% to 1% of the enzyme by volume of the total foam composition.
12. 12. Method for rinsing an object, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) place the object to be rinsed in an alternating pressure resistant container; b) apply a rinse liquid to the object; Y c) rinse the object with the rinse liquid by applying an alternate pressure to the container.
13. 13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alternating pressure is at least -0.1 bar, at least -0.9 bar, at least -0.8 bar, at least -0.7 bar, at least - 0.6 bar, at least -0.5 bar, at least -0.4 bar, at least -0.3 bar, at least -0.2 bar, at least -0.1 bar or at least 0.1 bar, at least 0.2 bar, at least 0.3 bar, at least 0.4 bar, at least 0.5 bar, at least 0.6 bar, at least 0.7 bar, at least 0.8 bar, at least 0.9 bar, at least 1.0 bar, at least 1.1 bar, at least 1.2 bar, at least 1.3 bar, at least 1.4 bar, at least 1.5 bar, so less 2.0 bar, at least 2.5 bar, at least 3.0 bar, at least 3.5 bar, at least 4.0 bar, at least 4.5 bar or at least 5.0 bar.
14. 14. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object is: fabrics, textiles, clothing, leather, skin, hair or hard surfaces.