MXPA00004498A - Wet wipes containing a mono alkyl phosphate - Google Patents

Abstract

Wet wipes impregnated with a solution which includes a mono alkyl phosphate are described. In particular, the solution in the wet wipes includes a phosphate ester surfactant which includes a mono alkyl phosphate having structural formula (1) wherein R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number of 0 to 20, and each of Y and Z represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanol amine. Such wet wipes have improved tactile properties and cleaning efficacy without excessive skin irritation or foaming when compared to conventional wet wipes.

Description

CLEANSING PANELS CONTAINING A MONOALKYL PHOSPHATE Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fibrous sheet materials which are pre-wetted with a solution to improve cleaning without excessive skin irritation. The invention particularly relates to wet cleansing wipes, such as baby wipes, which include monoalkyl phosphate.

Description of Related Art Cleaning cloths are well known commercial consumer products which have been available in many forms. Perhaps the most common form of cleaning cloths has been a pile of wetted sheets which have been packed in a plastic container. The cleaning cloths have been made from a variety of materials which have been moistened with a variety of suitable cleaning solutions. Typically, wet cleaning cloths have been available in either bent or unfolded configurations. For example, cleaning cloth stacks have been available where each of the cleaning cloths in the pil has been arranged in a bent configuration such as a configuration. bent in c, folded in bent in a quarter as they are known to those skilled in the art. Each folded wet cleaning cloth may also have been interwoven with the wet cleaning cloths immediately above and below the stack of wet cleaning cloths. In an alternate configuration, the wet wiping cloths have been in the form of continuous fabric fabrics which includes perforations to separate the individual wet wipers which are rolled and packaged in a plastic container. Such wet cleaning cloths have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, wipes for domestic cleaning, industrial wipes and the like. "The solutions incorporated in the conventional wet cleaning cloths have usually included a number of ingredients that are intended to increase impart particular properties to the cleaning cloth.These properties have been related to, for example, cleaning efficiency, fragrance, medication, Reduced irritation, health for the skin, aesthetics of the product and the like For baby wipes in particular, a solution that provides a soothing and gentle feeling without excessive irritation or foam while maintaining cleanliness and antimicrobial efficacy It is highly desirable for the operation of the product.The suitable ingredients used to provide such properties have included water emollients, surfactants, preservatives, pH buffering agents or combinations thereof.The solutions have also contained lotions and / or medicaments.

However, conventional solutions, and in particular, the surfactants in such solutions for cleaning cloths have not been completely satisfactory. For example, to reduce the level of skin irritation, conventional wet cleaning cloth solutions have included amphoteric surfactants which generally cause little irritation to the skin. Such amphoteric surfactants have included sodium cocoamphoacetate and disodium cocoamphodiacetate. However, such amphoteric surfactants have typically not exhibited the higher levels of cleaning efficacy associated with other surfactants such as anionic surfactants. Such amphoteric surfactants typically have not provided the optimum silky feel for the skin. which is desired by the consumers.

On the other hand, anionic surfactants, when they exhibit such cleaning efficacy, have generally caused excessive skin irritation such as dryness and scaling, and as a result, have not been suitable for use in such wet cleaning cloth applications. The superior level of skin irritation caused by such surfactants is particularly undesirable in baby wipes due to the tenderness of infant skin. further, most anionic surfactants are suitable for detergent compositions due to their high levels of foam and detersive activity. However, foaming is generally undesirable in wet cleaning cloth applications and, in particular, in baby cleaning cloth applications. Consumers who use wet cleaning cloths prefer that the solution of wet cleaning cloths does not leave a soapy or bubble residue on the surface of the skin since the solution is usually not cleansed from the skin after the wet cleaned diaper is used. .

Therefore, it is still desirable to provide solutions for wet cleaning cloths which includes surfactants which exhibit improved cleaning efficiency while not causing excessive skin irritation or excessive foaming.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, new wet cleaning cloths have been discovered which have had improved solutions.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a wet cleaning cloth which includes a fibrous web material and a solution which includes from about 0.0 to about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the solution of a phosphate ester surfactant. The phosphate ester surfactant includes a monoalkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: OR R (OCH2CH2) xO-P-OY OZ wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a wet cleaning cloth comprising a fibrous web material and a solution which includes from about 0.0 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the solution of a phosphate ester surfactant. The phosphate ester surfactant includes from about 5 to about 100 weight percent of a monoalkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: OR R (OCH, CH2) xO-P-OY OZ and from about 0 to about 50 percent by weight of a dialkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: O R (OCH2CH2) xO || P-OY R (0CH2CH2) x0 wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning cloth which includes a fibrous sheet material and a solution. The solution includes from about 0.01 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the solution of a phosphatic ester surfactant which includes a monoalkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: OR R (0CH2CH2) x0-P-0Y OZ wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine. The solution also includes from about 0.01 to about 5.0 percent by weight based on the total weight of a diethanolamine solution.

The present invention in its various aspects, advantageously refers to cleaning cloths which compare to conventional cleaning cloths have an improved cleaning efficiency without excessive skin irritation or foaming. In addition, the present invention provides solutions for cleaning wipes which leave a silky and lubricated feel to the skin during and after application.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to fibrous materials and, in particular, to wet cleaning cloths which have an improved cleaning efficiency without a foam. Excessive skin irritation. The cleaning cloths of the present invention can be used for baby wipes, hand wipes, wipes, cosmetics wipes, household wipes, industrial wipes and the like. Such cleaning cloths are generally folded and arranged in a configuration stacked within a container suitable for sale to the consumer.

Suitable materials for such cleaning cloths are well known to those skilled in the art. Wet wiping cloths are typically made of fibrous sheet materials which can be woven or woven. For example, the wet cleaning cloths of the present invention can include fibrous sheet materials n fabrics which include melt blown, coform, air laid, carded and bonded fabric materials, hydroentangled materials, similar combinations thereof. Such materials may comprise synthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof. Typically, wet wiping cloths define a basis weight of from about 25 to about 120 grams per square meter desirably from about 40 to about 90 grams per square meter.

In a particular aspect, the wet wipe cloths of the present invention comprise a bas coform sheet of polymeric microfibers and cellulosic fibers having a basis weight of from about 60 to about 80 grams per square meter and desirably about 75 grams. po square meter. Such coform base sheets are generally manufactured as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,100,324 issued to Anderson et al. Which issued July 11, 1978, and which is incorporated herein by reference. Typically, such coform base sheets comprise a matrix formed of melt blown microfiber thermoplastic polymeric microfibers, such as, for example, polypropylene microfibers, and cellulosic fibers, such as, for example, wood pulp fibers.

The relative percentages of the polymeric microfibers and the cellulose fibers in the bas coform sheets can vary over a wide range depending on the desired characteristics of the wet cleaning cloths. For example, the coform base sheet may comprise from about 20 to about 100 weight percent, desirably from about 20 to about 60 weight percent, and more desirably from about 30 weight-around. 40 percent by weight of the polymeric microfibers based on the dry weight of the bas coform sheet that is being used to provide the wet cleaning cloths.

Alternatively, the wet wiping cloths of the present invention may comprise a compound which includes multiple layers of materials. For example, wet cleaning cloths may include a three-layer composite which includes an elastomeric film or a blow-molded layer between two coform layers as described above. In this configuration, the coform layers can define a basis weight d from about 15 to about 30 grams per square meter and the elastomeric layer can include a film material such as a metallocene polyethylene film.

The individual wet wipes are generally suitable in a bent configuration. Tale bent configurations are well known to those with skill in the art and include the configurations bent in c, bent in z, bent in quarters and the like. Each wet cleaning cloth can also be interfolded with wet cleaning cloths immediately up and down in a pile of wet cleaning cloths. Wet cleaning cloths generally define an unfolded width and a unfolded length. Wet wiping cloths can have any suitable width and lengths bent. For example, wet wiping cloths may have a double length of from about 2.0 to about 80.0 centimeters and an unfolded width of from about 2.0 about 80.0 centimeters.

The wet cleaning cloths of the different aspects of the present invention also contain a solution which is absorbed in the wet cleaning cloths. The amount of solution contained within each wet cleaned cloth may vary depending on the type of material that is being used to provide the cleaning cloth, the time of solution being used, the type of container being used to store the cleaning cloths. and the desired fine use of the wet cleaning cloths. Generally, cleaning cloth can contain from about 150 about 600 weight percent and desirably from about 250 to about 450 weight percent solution based on the dry weight of the cleaning cloth for improved cleaning. In a particular aspect, wherein the cleaning cloths are made of a coform material comprising from about 30 to about 40 percent by weight d polymeric microfibers based on the dry weight of the cleaning cloth, the amount of solution contained within the Cleaning cloth is from about 300 to about 400 weight percent and desirably from about 330 weight percent based on the dry weight of the cleaning cloth. If the amount of solution is less than the range arrib identified, the cleaning cloth may be too dry and may not work properly. If the amount of solution is greater than the range identified above, the cleaning cloth may be oversaturated and soaked and the solution may stagnate in the container.

To provide improved touch properties and cleaning efficacy without excessive skin irritation or foam, the solution in the cleaning cloths of the present invention includes a phosphate ester surfactant. In particular, the solution in the wiping cloths of the present invention includes a phosphate ester surfactant which includes a monoalkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: R (OCH2CH2) xO-P-OY OZ wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or alkanolamine.

The phosphate ester surfactant in the solution for the wet cleaning cloths of the present invention may also include an alkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: 0 R (OCH2CH2) xO || P-OY R (0CH2CH2) x0 where R represents a group of. saturated unsaturated hydrocarbon having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents n number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine.

To provide the improved cleaning and drying properties to the wet cleaning cloth of the present invention without excessive skin irritation or foaming, the weight ratio of the monoalkyl phosphate to the dialkyl phosphate in the solution should be at least about 50. 50 desirably of at least about 80:20. Solutions having a lower monoalkyl phosphate to dialkyl phosphate ratio than those described above are generally undesirable because undesirable tactile properties such as stickiness and loss of sedoside after sensation, reduced detersive activity, and irritation of the increased skin Saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon groups having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms can be straight chain, branched or alicyclic hydrocarbons as are known to those skilled in the art. Desirably, the saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon groups have an average of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms for improved cleaning. For example, in a particular embodiment, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons have an average of 12 carbon atoms and are derived from coconut oil.

The alkali metals and amines for use in the present invention are known to those skilled in the art. For example, suitable alkali metals include, for example, lithium, sodium, potassium, and the like. Suitable amines include dimethylmonoethanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, dibutylamine, butyldimethylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, t-ethanolamine, isopropyldimethylamine and isopropylethanolamine.

The phosphate ester surfactant in the cleaning cloths of the present invention may also include ethylene oxide. As described above, the d-phosphate ester surfactant may include from 0 to about 20 moles of ethoxylation. Desirably, the phosphate ester includes from 0 to about 8 moles of ethoxylation and more desirably from 0 to about 3 moles of ethoxylation. The higher the level of ethoxylation, the more hydrophilic the surfactant becomes, which may be undesirable. The phosphate ester surfactant and cleaning wipes of the present invention may also include propylene oxide. For example, the phosphate ester surfactant may include from about 0 to about 20, and more desirably from about 0 to about 8 moles of propoxylation.

Suitable phosphate ester surfactants for use in the present invention and methods for doing so are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,139,485 issued February 13, 1979 to Imokaw et al .; in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,124,077 issued June 23, 1992 to Kaj ihara and others; 5,550,274 granted on August 27, 1996 to Reierson; 5,554.78 granted on September 10, 1996 to Reierson; and European patent application No. 0 675 076 published October 4, 1995 in the name of Reierson, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, suitable d-phosphate ester surfactants may include sodium monolauryl phosphate, sodium dilauryl phosphate, potassium monolauryl phosphate, potassium dilauryl phosphate, diethanolamine monolauryl phosphate, diethanolamine dilauryl phosphate, triethanolamine monolauryl phosphate, triethanolamine dilauryl phosphate, sodium monococphosphate, sodium docosophosphate, potassium monococphosphate, potassium dicocofosfat, monococphosphate triethanolamine, dicocofosfat triethanolamine, monoapric sodium phosphate, dicrapric phosphat sodium, monoapric potassium phosphate, dicrapric potassium phosphate, monoapric phosphate triethanolamine, triethanolamine dicapric phosphate, and the like, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, a suitable phosphating surfactant ester is a laureth monoalkyl phosphate surfactant, commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc, a business having offices located in Cranbury, New Jersey, under the trade designation RHODAFAC.

The solution can include any amount of the phosphate ester surfactant which provides the desired properties. In a particular embodiment, the solution includes from about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent, and desirably from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent phosphate ester surfactant based on the total weight of the solution .

The solution contained within the wet cleaning cloths of the present invention defines a pH d from about 5 to about 8, and desirably from about 5 to about 6. A pH level below about 5 is generally undesirable because the phosphate surfactant is precipitated. While a level of p greater than about 8 is also undesirable and can lead to skin irritation.

The solution may also include a variety of other components which can help provide the desired cleaning properties. For example, the components may include emollients, water, other surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances or combinations thereof. The solution may also contain lotions and / or medications. To provide reduced skin irritation, the solution desirably included at least about 80 percent by weight of water and more desirably at least about 90 percent by weight of water based on the total weight of the solution.

For example, the solution may include an effective amount of preservative to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Suitable condoms are well known to those of skill in the art and may include, for example, parabens, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, organic acids such as benzoic and malic acid, DMDM hydantoin and the like and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the condom is sodium hydroxyethylglycinate which is commercially available from Sutton Laboratories under the trade designation SUTTOCIDE A. The solution may include any amount of condoms that provides the desired antimicrobial effect. For example, the solution can include from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent po weight of condom based on the total weight of the solution.

The solution may also include additional surfactants which may act as an emulsifier to provide additional cleaning properties. Suitable cosurfactants include, for example, anionic surfactants such as acyl glutamates and acyl isethionates, alkanolamides, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants and the like, or combinations thereof. For example, a suitable acyl glutamate anionic surfactant is the potassium glutamate cobalt, an appropriate anionic surfactant acyl isethionate is the ammonium cocyle isethionate, and suitable amphoteric surfactants include disodium capryloamphodipionate and disodium cocoamphodiacetate. Suitable nionic surfactants include diethanolamines having an average of from 12 to 16 carbon atoms, alkyl phenol ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylates, sorbitan esters, similar glycerol esters. The solution may include any quantity of cosurfactants that provide improved touch or cleaning properties. For example, the solution can include d from about 0.01 to about 5 percent by weight of cosurfactant based on the total weight of the solution.

In a particular embodiment, the solution of the present invention includes from about 0.01 to about 5.0 and desirably from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent by weight of a nonionic surfactant commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the designation d trade AKAMULS PSML-20. The addition of such cosurfactant provides reduced skin irritation and reduced foam. Such a cosurfactant also acts as a coemulsifier in conjunction with phosphate.

In another specific embodiment, it has been found that the addition of certain cosurfactants such as Lauramide DEA or Cocoamide DEA can provide a wider range of acceptable pH. For example, the addition of Lauramid DEA allowed to expand the acceptable pH range from a range of 6.5 to 8 to a range of from about 5 to about 8. Such an expansion of the acceptable pH range provides improved processing and provides a clear homogeneous solution. For example, the solution may include Lauramide DEA which is commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation ALKAMIDE LE. Such a solution may include from about 0.01 to about 5.0 and desirably from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent by weight of said cosurfactant based on the total weight of the solution.

Applicants have discovered that when compared to conventional wet cleaning cloths which have included other types of surfactants, the wet cleaning cloths according to the different aspects of the present invention which include a monoalkyl phosphate surfactant have improved touch properties and a cleaning efficiency without excessive levels of skin irritation. In addition, the wet cleaning cloths of the present invention desirably exhibit low foaming levels for improved performance. Cleaning cloths also exhibit a silky and lubricating feel to the user for improved consumer acceptance. Cleaning wipes of the present invention also exhibited unexpectedly low levels of eye irritation when subjected to standard product safety tests. This was particularly unexpected since most anionic surfactants generally irritate the eyes.

Xos cleaning cloths different aspect of the present invention can be manufactured using various different processes well known to those skilled in the art. The particular method and sequence of steps described herein is not a limitation to the present invention, but is described only as a method of producing a wet cleaning cloth and a stack of wet cleaning cloths. Initially, a supply roll of the material that is being converted into wet cleaning cloth is unwound to provide a continuously moving fabric of material. The fabric of matter is saturated or otherwise impregnated with the solution of the present invention by suitable means such as spraying, and embedding or the like, as is well known to those skilled in the art. In a particular aspect, the fabric of material passes over several perforated tubes which exude the solution inside the material.

The weave of material is cut into slits in the direction of the machine into multiple tapes, each of which can be folded into the type of fold desired for the individual wet cleaning cloth. The fabric of material is cut into slits using a cutter as known by those skilled in the art. For example, the fabric d material can be cut into slits in eight individual strips. The webs of material are then folded into a bent configuration such as a bent configuration e z. For example, each web of material may define a top fin part, a mid part and a bottom alet part. The upper and lower flap portions are connected and bent over and under the central part, respectively, to provide the configuration bent at z.

Each folded ribbon can then be combined, one belt on top of the other, with the other seven ribbons folded from the same fabric of material to form a continuous "sausage". The sausage is then cut into "cartridges" of eight cleaning cloths per piece and the cleaning cloth cartridges are arranged in a stacked configuration. The number of cartridges in a stack will depend on the desired number of batteries and the number of cleaning cloths in the final package. For example, for a pack of 80 beads that has a pile, ten cartridges of eight wet cleaning cloths per piece will be required to form a single stack of 80 wet cleaning cloths. After the stack of cleaning cloths is properly configured, it can be placed inside a container, such as a plastic tube to provide a package of wet wiping cloths. The container provides an essentially sealed environment for the wiping cloths to minimize the escape of any solution therefrom.

Therefore, different aspects of the present invention can advantageously provide cleaning wipes which, when compared to conventional wiping cloths, have improved touch and cleaning properties while maintaining low levels of skin foaming irritation. Such wiping cloths can advantageously be used for baby wipes, hand wipes, face wipes, cosmetic wipes, household wipes, industrial wipes and the like.

Examples The following examples are presented to provide a more detailed understanding of the invention. The particular materials and parameters are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1 A particularly suitable solution for the cleaning cloths of the present invention was prepared according to the following formula: Ingredient (CTFA Designation)% by weight Water 98.52 Laureth potassium monoalkyl phosphate 0.6 Glycerin 0.29 Polysorbate-20 0.30 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 0.20 Propylparaben 0.1 Fragrance 0.05 Potassium laureth monoalkyl phosphate was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation RHODAFAC. Polysorbate-20 was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation ALKAMULS PSML-20. Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate was commercially available from Sutton Labs, a business that has offices located in Catham, New Jersey, under the trade designation SUTTOCIDE A. The malic acid was then added to the solution to bring the pH level to 5.5. The solution exhibited a lubricating and silky feel and was relatively non-irritating to the skin.

Example 2 A suitable solution for the cleaning cloths of the present invention was prepared according to the following formula: Ingredient (CTFA Designation)% by weight • Water 97. 02 Cocomonoalkyl phosphate potassium 0. 4 Propylene glycol 0. 5 Polysorbate-20 0. 30 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 0. 15 Fragrance 0. 03 Potassium cocomonoalkyl phosphate was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation RHODAFAC. Polysorbate-20 was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation ALKAMULS PSML-20. Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate was commercially available from Sutton Labs, a business having offices located in Chatham, New Jersey, under the trade designation SUTTOCIDE A. The malic acid was then added to the solution to bring the pH level to 5.5. The solution was cloudy, exhibited a posterior sensation slightly and precipitated.

Example 3 A suitable solution was prepared for the cleaning cloths of the present invention according to the following formula: Ingredient (CTFA Designation)% by weight Water 96,. 85 Ceteth potassium monoalkyl phosphate 0,. 5 Propylene glycol 0,. 5 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 0. fifteen Ceteth potassium monoalkyl phosphate was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation RHODAFAC. Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate was commercially available from Sutton Labs, a business having offices located in Chatham, New Jersey, under the trade designation SUTTOCIDE A. The malic acid was then added to the solution to bring the pH level to 5.5. The solution was cloudy, and exhibited a slightly silky back feeling.

Example 4 A suitable solution was prepared for the cleaning cloths of the present invention according to the following formula: Ingredient (CTFA Designation)% by weight Water 95. 0 Behenyl potassium monoalkyl phosphate 0. . 4 Propylene glycol 0. 5 Polysorbate-20 0. 30 Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 0. 20 Propilparaben 0. 1 Fragrance 0. 05 Behenyl potassium monoalkyl phosphate was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation RHODAFAC. Polysorbate-20 was commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade designation ALKAMULS PSML-20. Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate was commercially available from Sutton Labs, a business having offices located in Chatham, New Jersey, under the SUTTOCIDE trade designation. The malic acid was then added to the solution to bring the pH level to 5.5. The solution was white, cloudy, non-foaming and lacked a silky posterior sensation.

Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon achieving an understanding of the foregoing, that alterations, variations and equivalents of these aspects can easily be conceived. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be established as that of the appended claims and of any equivalents thereof.

Claims (40)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A wet cleaning cloth comprising fibrous sheet material and a solution which includes from about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent based on a total weight of said solution of a phosphate surfactant which includes a monoalkyl Phosphate having the following structural formula: OR R (0CH, CH2) x0-P-0Y OZ wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine.

2. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the fibrous sheet material includes a nonwoven material.

3. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the wet cleaning cloth includes from about 150 to about 600 percent by weight of said solution based on the dry weight of said wet cleaning cloth.

4. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said phosphate ester surfactant is present in an amount from about 0.01 to about 5 percent by weight based on the total weight of said solution.

5. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 10 to 18.

6. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that R has an average of 12 carbon atoms and is derived from coconut oil.

7. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that x represents a number from 0 to 8.

8. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that Y is potassium Z is hydrogen.

9. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that Y is triethanolamine and Z is hydrogen.

10. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said solution defines a pH of from about 5 to about 8.

11. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said solution includes at least about 80 percent by weight of water based on the total weight of said solution.

12. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said solution further includes from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent based on the total weight of said solution of a nonionic cosurfactant.

13. A wet cleaning cloth comprising fibrous sheet material and a solution which includes from about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent based on the total weight of said solution of a surfactant of this phosphate comprising: a) from about 50 to about 10 percent by weight of a monoalkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: OR R (0CH2CH2) x0-P-0Y OZ Y b) from about 0 to about 50 percent by weight of a dialkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: O R (OCH2CH2) xO I P-OY R (OCH2CH2) xO wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine.

14. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said fibrous sheet material includes a nonwoven material.

15. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said wet cleaning cloth includes from about 150 to about 600 percent by weight of said solution based on the dry weight of said wet cleaning cloth.

16. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that a proportion of said monoalkyl phosphate to said dialkyl phosphate is at least about 80:20.

17. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 10 to 18.

18. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that R has an average of 12 carbon atoms and is derived from coconut oil.

19. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that x represents a number from 0 to 8.

20. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that Y is potassium and Z is hydrogen.

21. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that Y triethanolamine and Z is hydrogen.

22. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said solution defines a pH of from about 5 to about 8.

23. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said solution includes at least about 80 percent by weight of water based on a total weight of said solution.

24. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that said solution also includes from about 0.01 to about 5 percent by weight based on the total weight of said solution of a non-ionic cosurfactant.

25. A moist cleaning cloth which includes a fibrous sheet material and a solution which comprises: a) from about 0.01 to about 10 weight percent based on a total weight of said solution of a phosphate ester surfactant which includes a monoalkyl phosphate having the following structural formula: OR II R (OCH2CH2) xO-P-OY OZ wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine; and b) from about 0.01 to about percent by weight based on the total weight of said solution of a diethamolamide.

26. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that said fibrous sheet material includes a nonwoven material.

27. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that said wet cleaning cloth includes from about 150 to about 600 percent by weight of said solution based on the dry weight of said wet cleaning cloth.

28. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that a proportion of said monoalkyl phosphate to dialkyl phosphate in said phosphate ester surfactant is at least about 50: 50.

29. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 10 to 18.

30. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that R has an average of 12 carbon atoms and is derived from coconut oil.

31. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that x represents a number from 0 to 8.

32. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that said solution defines a pH of from about 5 to about 8.

33. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that dich diethanolamide is Lauramide DEA.

34. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that dich diethanolamide is Cocamide DEA.

35. A moist cleaning cloth as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that said solution also includes from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent based on a total weight of said solution of a nonionic cosurfactant.

36. A fibrous non-woven sheet material includes from about 0.01 to about 10 per cent by weight based on the dry weight of said sheet material of a phosphate ester surfactant which includes a monoalkyl phosphate having the following formula structural: R (0CH2CH2) x0-P-0Y OZ wherein R represents an unsaturated saturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and represents hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine.

37. A fibrous sheet material as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said fibrous sheet material includes a nonwoven material.

38. A fibrous sheet material as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that said phosphate ester surfactant is present in an amount from 0.01 to about 5 percent by weight based on the dry weight of said sheet material.

39. A fibrous sheet material as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group having an average of from 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

40. A fibrous sheet material as claimed in clause 36, characterized in that x represents a number from 0 to 8. E S U M E N Wet cleaning cloths impregnated with a solution which includes a monoalkyl phosphate are described. In particular, the solution in the wet cleaning cloths includes a phosphate ester surfactant that includes a monoalkyl phosphate having the structural formula (i) in which R represents a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group that has an average of from 8 to 22 atoms of carbon, x represents a number from 0 to 20, and each of Y and Z represents hydrogen, or alkali metal, ammonium or an alkanolamine. Such wet cleaning cloths have improved touch properties and improved cleaning efficiency without excessive skin irritation or foaming when compared to conventional wet cleaning cloths.