MXPA00003104A - Acidic, thickened cleaning and disinfecting compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides acidic, thickened cleaning and disinfecting compositions which exhibit good long term shelf stability, are particularly effective in the removal of limescale from hard surfaces, and which are effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The compositions comprise one or more non-ionic surfactants;one or more quaternary ammonium surfactant compounds having germicidal properties;an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more water-soluble organic acids (particularly water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid), preferably where the formic acid and one or more water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid:water-soluble organic acid of 1:0.1 to 1:10;a cellulose based thickening composition;optionally but desirably one or more conventional additives such as a colouring agent, fragrance or pH adjusting agent;and water. The compositions feature surprisingly good viscosity retention over time, notwithstanding the presence of formic acid and cellulose based thickeners in the compositions.

Description

ACID CLEANSING AND DISINFECTING COMPOSITIONS, THICKENES Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cleaning and disinfecting compositions with thickeners, which are acidic in nature and which exhibit good cleaning, disinfecting and stability properties over long periods.

Background of the Invention While the prior art has provided various compositions directed to cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, particularly lavatory surfaces, there is a permanent need in the art for thick aqueous compositions that provide satisfactory cleaning, especially of scale deposits. calcareous, the surface of metals, enamels, and porcelain (such as that found on bathroom fixtures), disinfection of hard surfaces, and good stability of thick compositions for long periods.

Detailed Description of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a thick aqueous composition for use as an acid cleaning and disinfecting hard surface composition, comprising: i) one or more non-ionic surfactants; ii) one or more surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type having germicidal properties; iii) an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids, preferably wherein the formic acid and one or more water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: organic acid soluble in water. water of 1: 0, 1 to 1: 10; iv) a thickener based on cellulose or starch; v) optionally, but desirable, one or more conventional additives; and vi) water.

According to the present invention there is also provided a thick aqueous composition for use as an acid cleaning and disinfecting hard surface composition, comprising: i) one or more non-ionic surfactants, preferably ethoxylated primary linear alcohols; ii) one or more surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type having germicidal properties, optionally together with a solvent, such as alcohol; iii) an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids (preferably the water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably where the formic acid and the one or more other water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: organic acid soluble in water of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10; V) a thickener based on cellulose or starch; v) optionally, but desirable, one or more conventional additives (such as pH adjusting agents, fragrances or coloring agents); and vi) water.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention there is also provided a thick aqueous composition for use as an acid hard surface cleaning and disinfecting composition, comprising: i) up to 10% by weight of one or more non-ionic surfactants, preferably ethoxylated primary linear alcohols; ii) up to 10% by weight of one or more surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type having germicidal properties, optionally together with up to 1% by weight in solvent; iii) up to 10% by weight of an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids (preferably the water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably where the formic acid and the one or more other water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: organic acid soluble in water of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10; iv) up to 10% by weight of a cellulose, modified cellulose, starch, or modified starch; v) optionally up to 10% by weight of one or more conventional additives, such as pH adjusting agents, fragrances or coloring agents; vi) with water until 100% by weight is complete. The compositions of the invention are preferably effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. In a second aspect of the invention, a cleaning method is provided (especially for the removal of calcareous scale deposits) and disinfection of metal, enamel and porcelain surfaces such as those found in bathroom fixtures. Any of the well-known non-ionic surfactants can be used in the compositions of the invention. Useful example nonionic surfactants include the condensation products of alkylene oxide groups with a hydrophobic organic compound, such as an aliphatic or alkyl aromatic compound. Additional examples of useful non-ionic surfactants include polyethylene ethers of hydroxy alkyl aromatic compounds, for example, polyoxyethylene phenols alkylated, polyoxyethylene ethers of long chain aliphatic alcohols, polyoxyethylene ethers of hydrophobic propylene oxide polymers, and oxides of higher alkyl amine. Ethoxylated alkyl phenols such as ethoxylated octyl phenol and ethoxylated nonyl phenol are also considered useful. Preferred non-ionic surfactants are the ethoxylated alcohols. The compounds are well known and can be obtained by condensation of an alcohol, or mixtures thereof, with sufficient ethylene oxide to produce a compound having a polyoxyethylene group. Preferably, the number of units of ethylene oxide present is an amount sufficient to ensure the solubility of the compound in an aqueous composition of this invention or in any dilution thereof. Preferably, the ethoxylated alcohols are produced by condensation of about 4 to 20, more preferably 6 to 18, moles of ethylene oxide with 1 mole of linear primary aliphatic alcohol. The aliphatic alcohol may be linear or may be branched, and may be a primary, secondary or tertiary Ce-C22 alcohol (eg, decyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, and the like). As is known to those skilled in the art, the number of moles of ethylene oxide condensing with one mole of aliphatic alcohol depends on the molecular weight of the hydrophobic portion of the condensation product. The aliphatic alcohols are preferably a primary, secondary or tertiary aliphatic alcohol having from about 10 to 20, and preferably from 11 to 17 carbon atoms, and most preferably is an alcohol having 12 to 16 carbon atoms. Most preferably the non-ionic surfactant of the present compositions of the invention is the condensation product of linear or branched C12-C2 aliphatic alcohols, especially linear C12-Ci6 aliphatic alcohols or mixtures thereof, with sufficient ethylene oxide to provide on average 6 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. Most preferably, the non-ionic surfactant consists solely of linear or branched C6-Ci2 aliphatic alcohols with 6 to 9 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule. The non-ionic surfactant is present in any effective amount, but is generally present in an amount of up to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is present in an amount of 0.01% by weight to about 8% by weight, and more preferably is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight. Preferred quaternary ammonium surfactants of the compositions according to the invention are those of the formula: R2-N + -R3 X "I Where at least one of Ri, R2, R3 and R4 is an aliphatic, aryl aliphatic or aliphatic arylic from 6 to 26 carbon atoms, the entire cationic portion of the molecule has a molecular weight of at least 165. The hydrophobic radicals can be long-chain alkyls, long-chain alkylaryls, long-chain alkylaryls substituted with halogen, long chain alkyl phenoxyalkyls, arylalkyl, etc. The remaining radicals on the nitrogen atoms, other than the hydrophobic radicals, are hydrocarbon structure substituents that usually contain no more than 12 carbon atoms. The radicals R-i, R2, R3 and R4 can be straight-chain or can be branched, but are preferably straight-chain, and can include one or more amide or ester linkages. The radical X can be any salt forming anion, and preferably aids in the solubilization of the quaternary ammonium germicide in water. Examples of surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type include alkyl ammonium halides such as cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, alkyl aryl ammonium halides such as octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, N-alkyl pyridinium halides such as N-bromide. cetyl pyridinium, and the like. Other suitable types of surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type include those in which the molecule contains either amide or ester linkages such as octylphenoxyethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, N- (laurylcocoaminoformylmethyl) pyridinium chloride, and the like. Other very effective types of quaternary ammonium compounds which are useful as germicides include those in which the hydrophobic radical is characterized by a substituted aromatic nucleus as in the case of laurioxyphenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetylaminophenyltrimethyl ammonium methylsulfate, chlorinated dodecylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium methylsulfate. , and similar. The most preferred quaternary ammonium compounds used in the compositions of the invention include those having the structural formula: CH3 I R21- N * -R31 I CH3 wherein R21 R31 may be the same or different and are selected from C8-C12 alkyls, or R21 is a C12 -16 alkyl, Cs-is alkylethoxy, C8 ~ 8 alkylphenol ethoxy and R31 is benzyl, and X is a halide, for example chloride, bromide or iodide, or X is a methylsulfate counter-ion. The aforementioned alkyl groups R21 and R31 may be straight or branched chain, but are preferably substantially linear. Particularly useful quaternary germicides include compositions commercially available herein under the trademarks of BERDAC, BERQUAT, BTC, LONZBAC, HYAMINE, (eg Lonza Inc., Fairlawn NJ and / or Stepan Co., Northfield IL, as well as other sources). These surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type are usually provided in a solvent such as a C1-C6 alcohol (ie ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol) or in a water / alcohol mixture containing such alcohols. While these alcohols are present only in a minute amount as they are supplied as a part of the quaternary ammonium compounds, it is believed that they contribute to the antimicrobial efficiency of the invention. It is therefore preferred that up to about 1% by weight of a Ci to Ce alcohol, preferably 0.001-1% by weight, more preferably 0.01-0.75% by weight, is present in the compositions of the present invention. In the cleaning compositions according to the invention, the surfactant of the quaternary ammonium type is required to be present in such amounts as to be effective in exhibiting a satisfactory germicidal amount against selected bacteria which are recognized to be treated by the cleaning compositions. Such efficacy can be achieved against classes of less resistant bacteria with only minimal amounts of the quaternary ammonium compounds that are present, while the more resistant classes of bacteria require larger amounts of the quaternary ammonium compounds to destroy these more resistant layers. The surfactant of the quaternary ammonium type only needs to be present in effective amounts from the germicidal point of view, which can be as small as 0.001% by weight. Typically, these compounds are present in amounts from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Generally effective germicidal efficacy for "hospital use" that meets current EPA standards is obtained when the quaternary ammonium compounds are present in an amount from about 0.05 wt% to about 5 wt%. Preferably, in the compositions of the present invention, the quaternary ammonium compounds are present in an amount ranging from 0.05 wt% to about 3 wt%, based on the total weight of the compositions of the invention. An essential feature of the compositions of the invention is an acid mixture containing formic acid, and one or more other water-soluble organic acids. The acid mixture may be present in any effective amount, but it is desirable that it is not present in minor amounts of about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the compositions. Preferably the acid mixture is present from 0.01 to 10% by weight of the compositions. Water-soluble organic acids include at least two carbon atoms and include at least one carboxyl group (-COOH) in their structure. Particularly useful as water-soluble organic acids are formic acid and an acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, citric acid and glycolic acid. The formic acid and the additional water-soluble organic acid in the acid mixture are preferably present in a weight ratio of formic acid: water-soluble organic acid from 1: 0.1 to 1:10, preferably 1: 0.25. to 1: 2.5, and most preferably from 1: 0.5 to 1: 1, 75. The relationships are particularly indicated in the examples. The present inventors have surprisingly discovered a synergistic effect when using the acid mixtures described. It has been surprisingly discovered that the stability over long periods of the compositions containing cellulose is reached when the formic acid is present with one or more water soluble acids (or salts in water thereof), particularly in the described weight ratios. In the past, thickener compositions containing cellulose have typically not been used with formic acid, even though this acid is highly appreciated as it is particularly effective in the removal of calcareous scale. It has surprisingly been found that the use of one or more water-soluble organic acids in conjunction with formic acid substantially reduces the loss of thick viscosity. This is surprising since it is expected that the presence of the acids in such compositions rapidly degrade other substituents that may be present, especially the thickeners such as those described below. This is particularly true in compositions containing formic acid in conjunction with cellulosic based materials, since it is known that formic acid rapidly degrades cellulosic base materials. This surprising benefit is often very evident when the formic acid is present in conjunction with two (or more) different water-soluble organic acids. This has been shown to be particularly true when the formic acid: ratio (total weight of the two or more different water soluble organic acids) is a ratio of 1: (0.1-10). Where three different water soluble organic acids are present, preferably these are present in a weight ratio formic acid: first water soluble organic acid: second water soluble organic acid of 1: (0.1-10): (0, 1-10), preferably in a weight ratio of 1: (0.25-2.5) :( 0.15-2.5), and most preferably in a weight ratio of 1: (0.5 -1, 75) :( 0.5-1, 75). Particularly advantageous relationships are indicated in the examples. The presence of formic acid in conjunction with at least one additional water-soluble organic acid in the weight ratio described above provides good cleaning, and has been found to suffer from a low viscosity loss under the accelerated aging test conditions. elevated temperature, particularly under the test protocol described in the examples. This is particularly important because the compositions are acidic in nature.

It is desired that the compositions of the invention have a low odor, be virtually transparent (in the absence of coloring agents) even after the high temperature stability test, and be easy to disperse on the surfaces to be cleaned and disinfected. As indicated, the compositions of the invention are thick and have a viscosity greater than that of water. The actual degree of thickening depends on the amount of thickener included in the composition. The thickeners that may be used are cellulosic based thickeners including, but not limited to, methyl cellulose, methyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and the like. Generally the thickener is present in no more than about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of which it is a part. It is desirable that the thickener be present in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by weight, and preferably 0.01 to 2% by weight. Starch-based thickeners, including thickeners based on modified starches that are frequently found in the food industry, are also considered useful. The composition of the invention may, optionally, also include minor amounts in an appropriate manner, with a total combined amount of less than 10% by weight, and preferably not more than 5% by weight of conventional additives. Examples of suitable conventional additives include but are not limited to: colorants such as, dispersible pigments and dyes (including acid dyes); fragrances and perfumes (typically registered compositions); pH adjusting agents; non-aqueous solvents (including alcohols, glycols and glycol ethers); vehicles for perfume; optical brighteners (including those based on stilbene compounds) and hydrothopes (including urea and alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates), as well as other conventional additives. The compositions of the invention are acidic, and exhibit a pH of less than 7, preferably of about 4.5 or less, and preferably from 3 to 4.5. While the presence of the acid mixture described above will impart acidity to the composition, it is often desired to include in the compositions a pH adjusting agent to maintain the compositions at approximately a pH or desired pH range. Examples of pH regulators Useful include inorganic and organic pH regulating agents, and especially include alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Particularly preferred is sodium hydroxide since it is widely available at low cost and is effective. Additional suitable adjusting agents include phosphorus-containing compounds, monovalent and polyvalent salts such as silicate, carbonates and borates, certain treated base acids and certain acetates. Other examples of additional pH adjusting agents include mineral acids, basic compositions and organic acids, which are typically required in minimal amounts. Other non-limiting examples of pH buffering compositions include alkali metal phosphates, polyphosphates, pyrophosphates, tri-polyphosphates, tetraphosphates, silicates, metasilicates, polysicates, carbonates, hydroxides, and mixtures thereof. Certain salts, such as alkaline phosphorus, carbonates and hydroxides, may also function as regulators. Materials such as aluminosilicates (zeolites), borates, aluminates and alkali metal salts may also be suitable as pH regulators. Citrates and citric acid can also be used with advantages in these compositions. You can also use others not described here. Materials such as those described above are known individually in the art and are commercially available. For any particular composition described above, any optional ingredient must be compatible with the other ingredients present. As indicated above, the compositions according to the invention are aqueous in nature. Water is added to complete 100% by weight of the compositions of the invention. The water is preferably deionized. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, aqueous thick acidic compositions are provided for use as hard surface cleaning and disinfecting compositions, comprising: i) 0.1-10% by weight, preferably 0.1-5% by weight, weight of one or more non-ionic surfactants; ii) 0.01-10% by weight, preferably 0.1-3% by weight of one or more surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type having germicidal properties, together with 0.001-1% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 0.75 % by weight of an alcohol iii) 0.01-10% by weight, preferably 0.1-10% by weight of an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more water-soluble organic acids, particularly water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, acid glycolic acid and citric acid, in which these acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: organic acids soluble in water of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10; iv) 0.01-5% by weight, preferably 0.01-2% by weight of a cellulosic-based thickener: v) optionally up to 10% by weight of one or more conventional additives; vi) the rest being water until 100% by weight is complete. The compositions can be prepared by simply mixing measured amounts of the individual components in the water at room temperature, with constant stirring until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. In a preferred method, a first mixture is prepared between the non-ionic constituents and the fragrances. A second premix is prepared by mixing water, the cellulosic thickener and, optionally, sodium hydroxide to form a homogeneous mixture. After this the first mixture is added to the second premix, after which the remaining components and mixing are added until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Aqueous acidic compositions for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces according to the invention are preferably supplied as a product for use which can be directly applied to a hard surface. Hard surfaces that are advantageously cleaned with the compositions of the invention include those associated with kitchen environments and other environments associated with food preparation. The compositions of the invention are also particularly useful in the cleaning and disinfection of bathroom fixtures such as shower enclosures, bathtubs and bathroom fixtures (shelves, curtains, shower doors and bárrales), toilets, bidets. The compositions may be packaged in any suitable container, particularly bottles and bottles including compressible bottles, as well as bottles having spray appliances that are used to apply the spray composition. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an acid mixture in an aqueous composition thickened with cellulose, the acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more water-soluble organic acids (preferably water-soluble organic acids selected from from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably wherein the formic acid and the one or more water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: water-soluble organic acid of 1: 0.1 to 1:10. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an acid mixture to improve the stability over long periods of a cellulose thick cleaning composition in which the acid mixture comprises formic acid and one or more water-soluble organic acids ( preferably water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably wherein the formic acid and the one or more water-soluble acids are present in a weight ratio of water-soluble formic acid of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10. The invention will now be exemplified in the following manner: EXAMPLES: Different formulations according to the invention (indicated as Examples "E") as well as several comparative examples (indicated as comparative "C") were prepared. Each of them was prepared by mixing the constituents indicated in Table 1 by adding the individual constituents in a beaker with deionized water at room temperature (68 ° F, 20 ° C) stirred with a conventional magnetic stirrer. Agitation was continued until the formulation had a homogeneous appearance. It should be noted that constituents could be added in any order, but it is preferred that the water be the initial constituent to be incorporated into the mixing vessel or apparatus since it is the largest constituent and it is convenient to add the other constituents to the water. It is also convenient to disperse the cellulose thickener in a premix with a quantity of water and add this premix to the container. The exact compositions of the exemplary formulations are listed in Table 1, below. Evaluation of stability during storage: The formulations according to the invention and described in Table 1 were evaluated to determine their initial viscosity. The weights indicated in Table 1 indicate the amount of the aforementioned constituent, and it should be understood that they represent 100% by weight of active of each mentioned constituent. The source of the mentioned constituents is described in greater detail in the following table with reference to Table 1 below.

All viscosity measurements were performed on aliquots of each formulation at room temperature with Brookfield viscometer, adapted with an LV-2 rotor at a rotation speed of 60 rpm. at 22 ° C. The viscosity measurement results are reported in centipois in Tables 2A and 3A below, the formulations were placed in graduated glass containers and subjected to an accelerated aging test in which the formulations were maintained at 120 ° F (48, 5 ° C) for a period of 6 weeks. At weekly intervals, aliquots of each formulation were taken and used to determine viscosity as explained above. Similarly, the results are reported in Tables 2A and 3A below. The total loss of accumulated viscosity, at weekly intervals, is reported in Table 2B and 3B below. Ül O Ül ül Ro Ül or Ul Ül I ro ül o Ul Ül Following this accelerated aging test all formulations were observed to see if they were colored, substantially single phase transparent with good flow properties; no separation of coarse phases was observed Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy: A formulation according to the invention was separated from the following constituents: The percentages by weight for Example A Indicate the actual weight of the indicated materials, which were supplied from the constituents and were the same as those used to form the formulations indicated in Table 1 above. This formulation was evaluated for its antimicrobial efficacy against Stap ylococcus aureus (pathogenic gram-positive bacteria) (ATCC 6538), Salmonella C oleraesuis (pathogenic gram-negative bacteria) (ATCC 10708), and Pseudomonas eruginosa (ATCC 15442). ). The assay was performed in accordance with the protocols developed in "Use-Dilution Method", Protocols 955.14, 955.15 and 964.02 described in Chapter 6 of the Official Methods of Analysis, "16th Edition, of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists;" Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizing Action of Disinfectants ", 960.09 described in chapter 6 of the" Official Method of Analysis ", 15th Edition, of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, or American Soci- ety for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1054-91 the contents of the which is incorporated herein by reference.This test is commonly referred to as the "AOAC use-dilution test method." i As is appreciated by those experienced in the art, the results of the "AOAC use-dilution test method" indicate the number of test substrates in which the tested organism remains viable I after a 10-minute contact with a disinfectant test composition divided the total number of test substrates (cylinders) evaluated according to the "Test method of use. of the AOAC ". Thus a result of "0/60" indicates that of 60 test substrates containing the test organism and contacted for 10 minutes with an assay disinfectant composition, or substrates had viable (living) test organisms at the end of the test. Such a result is excellent, illustrating the excellent disinfecting efficacy of the composition tested.

The results of the antimicrobial assay of the formulation of Example A are indicated in Table 4, below. The results reported indicate the number of test cylinders with live test organisms divided by the number of test cylinders tested for each example formulation and test organisms. j i Table 4 - Antimicrobial efficacy test StaDhvIococcus aureus Salmonella choleraesuis Pseudomonas aeruginnsa 0/60 | 0/60 Q / 60 As can be seen from the results indicated above, the compositions according to the invention provide excellent disinfection of the hard surfaces. All weights given through the specification are% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

Claims (10)

R E I V I N D I C A I N N E S Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, what is claimed as property is contained in the following
1. CLAIMS: 1.- A thick aqueous composition to be used as an acid composition for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE
2. It comprises: i) one or more non-ionic surfactants, preferably ethoxylated primary linear alcohols; ii) one or more quaternary ammonium surfactants having germicidal properties, optionally together with a solvent such as an alcohol; (ii) an acid mixture comprising formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids (preferably water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably where formic acid and one or more of the other water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: organic acid soluble in water of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10; V) a thickener based on cellulose or starch; v) optionally, but desirable, one or more conventional additives; and vi) water. 2. A composition according to claim 1 CHARACTERIZED
3. BECAUSE the acid mixture contains formic acid and at least two other water-soluble organic acids. 3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the acid mixture contains formic acid, citric acid and glycolic acid.
4. 4. - A composition according to any of the claims 1 to 3. CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE the formic acid and the one or more organic acids soluble in water are in a weight ratio of formic acid: another organic acid soluble in water of 1: 0.25 to 1: 2.
5. 5. 5. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE the non-ionic surfactant is an ethoxylated linear alcohol.
6. 6. A thick acid aqueous composition, for use as a hard surface cleaning and disinfecting composition, CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE it comprises: i) 0.1-10% by weight of one or more non-ionic surfactants; I) 0.1-10% by weight of one or more surfactants of the quaternary ammonium type having germicidal properties, together with 0.001-1% by weight of a C-i-Cß alcohol; iii) 0.1-10% by weight of a formic acid mixture and one or more other water-soluble organic acids, particularly water-soluble organic acids selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid, in which the formic acid and the one or more other water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: organic acid soluble in water of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10; iv) 0.01-5% by weight of a cellulose or modified cellulose; v) optionally up to 10% by weight of one or more additives, such as pH adjusting agents, perfume, fragrances and coloring agents; vi) the rest being water until 100% by weight is complete.
7. 7. A process for cleaning calcareous scale from a hard surface CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE comprises the step of contacting the hard surface having calcareous scale on it with an effective amount for cleaning the composition according to any of the preceding claims.
8. 8. The use of an acid mixture in an aqueous composition thickened with cellulose, CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE said acid mixture comprises formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids (preferably water-soluble organic acids selected from the lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably wherein the formic acid and the one or more water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid: water-soluble organic acid of 1: 0.1 to 1: 10.
9. 9. The use of an acid mixture to improve the stability of long periods of a thick cleaning composition with cellulose CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE the acid mixture comprises formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids (preferably selected water-soluble organic acids) from lactic acid, glycolic acid and citric acid), preferably wherein the formic acid and the one or more water-soluble organic acids are present in a weight ratio of formic acid; organic acid soluble in water from 1: 0.1 to 1:
10. 10. 10. A composition CHARACTERIZED BECAUSE it contains formic acid and one or more other water-soluble organic acids, substantially as described with reference in the Examples.