MXPA01005473A - Detergent composition, comprising soil suspending agent, for use with a disposable absorbent pad - Google Patents

Abstract

A hard surface detergent composition cleaning solution for use with a disposable cleaning pad preferably comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material, said pad preferably being part of a cleaning implement comprising a handle and said cleaning pad preferably being removable. The detergent composition contains a soil suspending agent, preferably, limited amount of detergent surfactant, the level of hydrophobic materials preferably being kept below about 3%, and the pH preferably being above about 9, to allow the cleaning solution to be readily absorbed by the superabsorbent material and the composition provides an improved surface appearance. The process of using the detergent composition with such a cleaning pad, and the provision of a kit containing both detergent composition and cleaning pad are disclosed.

Description

DETERGENT COMPOSITION. THAT COMPRISES DIRT SUSPENSER AGENT. FOR USE WITH A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT PAD TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to detergent compositions (solutions) for use with a disposable absorbent pad, preferably that the pad be part of a cleaning implement, for example, a cleaner and especially, that the pad comprise superabsorbent material useful for removing dirt from hard surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Normal floor cleaning devices are reusable, and include cleansers containing cotton yarns, synthetic and / or cellulose strips, sponges and the like. This invention relates to cleaners having disposable cleaning pads. For example, the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,094,559 issued March 10, 1992 to Rivera et al., Discloses a cleaner that includes a disposable cleaning pad. After the cleaning action is completed, the pad is removed from the cleaner handle and reattached so that the drying layer makes contact with the floor.

Similarly, the US patent. No. 5,419,015, issued May 30, 1995 to Garda, describes a cleaner having working pads that can be removed, and washed. The pad is described as comprising an upper layer, which is capable of being attached to hooks in a cleaner head, a central layer of synthetic plastic microporous foam, and a lower layer for contacting a surface during the cleaning operation. The synthetic foam described by Garcia to absorb the cleaning solution has a relatively low absorptive capacity for water and water based solutions. As such, the user should use either small amounts of cleaning solution that remain within the absorbent capacity of the pad, or leave a significant amount of cleaning solution on the surface to be cleaned. The present invention relates primarily to detergent solutions for use with a disposable cleaning pad that is preferably part of a cleaning implement, which reduces the need to rinse the pad during use. Preferably, it includes an implement comprising a removable disposable cleaning pad with sufficient absorbent capacity, on a base of one gram of fluid absorbed per gram of cleaning pad, which allows cleaning of a large area, such as hard surface floor (for example 7.432 - 9.29 m2), without the need to change the pad. This, in turn, requires the use of a superabsorbent material, preferably of the type described herein. Detergent compositions that are used with such superabsorbent materials must be carefully formulated to avoid the failure of the purpose of using such superabsorbent material, as described in the co-pending provisional patent application of Masters et al., Serial No. 60 / 045,858, filed on May 8, 1997, said application incorporated herein by reference. Preferred cleaning implements have a pad which offers beneficial dirt removal properties because they continuously provide a fresh edge and / or surface to make contact with the soiled surface, for example, by providing a plurality of surfaces that make contact with the soiled surface during the cleaning operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As described in said provisional application, the detergent compositions (solutions) which will be used with an implement containing a superabsorbent material require sufficient detergent, preferably at least 0.03% by weight of the composition, to allow the solution to provide cleaning without overloading the superabsorbent material with solution, but preferably having no more than about 0.5% by weight of the detergent surfactant composition to avoid damaging the film forming / scratched appearance performance as discussed below. The compositions of said provisional application provide excellent cleaning and constitute a real improvement in the art. Nevertheless, cleaning performance is limited to certain situations of dirt. Soils that are not suspended in the cleaning solution by any level of surfactant that is present, are not effectively removed from the floor by transporting the pad to the superabsorbent core. These soils are then redeposited to form a turbidity that can be seen when the cleaning solution evaporates from the floor. This turbidity is a major source of dissatisfaction for the customer. Frequently, these redeposited soils are insoluble particulate materials. It has been found that the specific water-soluble dirt-suspending polymers added to the cleaning solution can improve the appearance of the final result by reducing the amount of insoluble dirt that is redeposited. In this way, turbidity, film formation and scratched appearance are reduced for the superabsorbent pad system. Said water-soluble soil-suspending polymers assist in the suspension and subsequent uptake of particulate soils in the pad. The essential polymers herein are preferably at levels from about 0.001% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.005 to about 0.5% and even, preferably from about 0.005% to about 0.1%, by weight of the composition of cleaning solution. The water-soluble soil-suspending polymers are preferably selected from a group consisting of: ethoxylated and / or propoxylated polyalkylamines; anionic polymers, for example, carboxylate; zwitterionic polymers based on nitrogen; polyethylene oxides; polyphosphates; and cellulose polymers. Of these, polymers having a weight average molecular weight of less than about 250,000, preferably from about 200 to about 200,000, preferably from about 200 to about 150,000, and even from about 200 to about 100,000 are preferred.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. The Detergent Composition The hard surface detergent compositions that provide effective cleaning and good film / scratch appearance formation when used with a disposable, non-rinsing cleaning pad comprise: (1) an effective amount of polymeric soil suspending agent and (2) preferably, from about 0.03% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition of one or more detergent surfactants, limiting the level of hydrophobic materials, including hydrophobic cleaning solvents. The detergent composition of the present invention is used in combination with a disposable cleaning pad, preferably superabsorbent, preferably attached to an implement that facilitates its use. Preferred detergent compositions which can be used with the preferred pads containing superabsorbent material and optional implement, described below, require sufficient detergent to allow the solution to provide cleaning without overloading the superabsorbent material with solution, but normally, performance is affected if there is more than about 0.5% detergent surfactant. Therefore, preferably, the level of detergent surfactant is from about 0.03% to about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.45%, and even from about 0.2% to about 0.45% by weight of the composition is preferred. The level of hydrophobic materials, which include cleaning solvent, is preferably less than 3%, preferably less than 2%, and even preferably less than 1% and the pH is usually more than about 9.3, preferably more than about 10, and preferably more than about 10.3, to avoid hampering absorption in the preferred superabsorbent material. The alkalinity of preference should be provided, at least in part, by volatile materials, to minimize scratch appearance / film formation problems. The invention also comprises a detergent composition, as described herein, in a container together with instructions for use with an implement comprising a disposable pad, preferably a disposable pad comprising an effective amount of a superabsorbent material and optionally, in a container in a kit comprising the optional pad and implement, or at least one disposable cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material. The invention also relates in a preferred aspect, to the use of the composition and to a cleaning pad comprising a superabsorbent material (superabsorbent pad) for effecting cleaning of soiled surfaces.

The detergent composition (cleaning solution), herein, is a water-based solution comprising one or more detergent surfactants, alkaline materials to provide the desired alkaline pH, and optional ingredients including hydrophobic cleaning solvents, thinning polymers of shear strength hydrophilic, detergency builders, chelators, foam suppressors, detergent enzymes, etc. Suitable surfactants include anionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric nonionic surfactants. Of these, anionic and nonionic detergent surfactants having hydrophobic chains containing from 8 to about 18, and preferably from about 8 to about 15, carbon atoms are preferred. Examples of anionic and nonionic surfactants include those known in the art, examples of which contain a hydrophilic portion selected from the group consisting of: sulfate, ethoxysulfate, sulfonate, carboxylate, ethoxycarboxylate, polyethoxylate, dialkylamine oxide, glucamide-based major groups and sugar, and the like. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include betaines and sulfobetaines. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include alkylalanoglycine, and alkyliminopropionates. Many of the above materials are commercially available, and are described in McCutcheon's Vol. 1: Emulsifiers and Detergents, North American Ed., McCutcheon Division, MC Publishing Co., 1995, incorporated herein by reference. Suitable hydrophobic cleaning solvents include short chain oxyethylene glycol and oxypropylene glycol derivatives (eg, CrC6), such as n-hexyl mono- and di-ethylene glycol ether, mono-, di- and tri-propylene glycol n-butyl ether, and Similar. The level of hydrophobic cleaning solvent, for example, solvent having a solubility in water of less than about 3%, is in the cleaning composition at less than about 3%, preferably less than about 2% by weight of the composition . Suitable builders include those derived from phosphorus sources, such as orthophosphates, pyrophosphates, tripolyphosphates, etc. and those derived from non-phosphoric sources, such as nitrilotriacetates; disuccinates of S, S-ethylenediamine and the like. Suitable chelators include ethylenediaminetetraacetates; citrates; and similar. Suitable suds suppressors include silicone polymers and linear or branched C-io-dβ fatty alcohols or acids. Suitable detergent enzymes include lipases, proteases, amylases and other enzymes known to be useful for soil degradation catalysis. The total level of such ingredients is low, preferably less than about 0.1%, preferably less than about 0.05%, to avoid causing problems of film formation / scratched appearance. Preferably, the compositions should be essentially free of materials that cause problems of film formation / scratched appearance. Consequently, it is advisable to use alkaline materials that do not cause film formation and / or scratched appearance for most pH regulators. Suitable alkaline pH regulators are carbonates, bicarbonates, citrates, etc. Preferred alkaline pH regulators are alkanolamines having the formula: CR2 (NR2) CR2OH wherein each R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing from one to four carbon atoms and the total carbon atoms in the compound is from three to six, preferably 2-dimethylamino -2-methyl-1-propanol. A suitable cleaning solution preferred for use with the present implement comprises from about 0.1% to about 0.5% detergent surfactant, preferably comprising an ethoxylated alcohol detergent surfactant (e.g., Neodol 1-5®, available from Shell Chemical Co.) and an alkyl sulfonate (for example, Witconate NAS-8, a linear Cs sulfonate available from Witco Co.); from about 0.01% to about 1%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.6%, of volatile alkaline material, for example, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol; from about 0.0005% to about 0.08% hydrophilic shear thinning polymer, for example, xanthan gum; optional auxiliaries such as dyes and / or perfumes; and from about 99.9% to about 90% by weight of the deionized or softened water composition.

II. The soil suspending agents The soil suspending agents, preferably water-soluble polymers, for use in the detergent composition and / or cleaning solution of this invention, are selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated and / or propoxylated polyalkylamines, carboxylate polymers. , zwitterionic polymers based on nitrogen, polyethylene oxides, polyphosphates and cellulose polymers. The preferred soil suspending agents are ethoxylated polyalkylamines. Such agents are described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,891, 160, issued January 2, 1990, entitled "Detergent compositions containing ethoxylated amines having, clay soil removal / anti-redeposition properties" (Detergent compositions containing ethoxylated amines having clay dirt removal / anti-redeposition properties) , by Vander Meer, James M. Preferred ethoxylated polyamines can be derived from polyaminoamides and / or polyaminopropylene oxide materials. Preferred ethoxylated amine polymers are ethoxylated polyalkyleneimines and C2-C3 polyalkyleneamines. Particularly preferred ethoxylated polyalkyleneamines and polyalkyleneimines are the ethoxylated polyethyleneamines (PEA) and polyethylenimines (PEI). Each hydrogen atom attached to each nitrogen atom represents an active site for subsequent ethoxylation. It is preferred to have a molecular weight of from about 140 to about 310, preferably from about 140 to about 200. These AEPs can be obtained by reactions involving ethylene dichloride and ammonium, followed by fractional distillation. The common AEPs obtained are triethylene tetramine (TETA) and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). On the pentams, ie the hexamines, heptamines, octamines and possibly nonamines, the cogently derived mixture does not appear to be separated by distillation and may include other materials such as cyclic amines and particularly piperazines. Cyclic amines with side chains in which nitrogen atoms appear may also be present. See patent of E.U.A. No. 2,792,372 to Dickson, issued May 14, 1957, which describes the preparation of PEA. The minimum degree of ethoxylation required for preferred soil suspension performance may vary depending on the number of units in the PEA. The PEIs used to prepare the compounds of the present invention have a molecular weight of at least about 440 before ethoxylation, which represents at least about 10 units. Preferred PEIs used to prepare these compounds have an average molecular weight of about 600 to about 2600. While linear polymer base structures are possible, branched chains may also occur. The relative proportions of primary amine groups, secondary and tertiary present in the polymer may vary, depending on the manner of preparation. Each hydrogen atom attached to each nitrogen atom of the PEI represents an active site for subsequent ethoxylation. These PEIs can be prepared, for example, by polymerizing ethyleneimine in the presence of a catalyst such as carbon dioxide, sodium bisulfite, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, etc. The specific methods for preparing PEI are described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 2,182,306 to Ulrich et al., Issued December 5, 1939; patent of E.U.A. No. 3,033,746 for Mayle et al., Issued May 8, 1962; patent of E.U.A. No. 2,208,095 to Esselmann et al., Issued July 16, 1940; patent of E.U.A.

No. 2,806,839 to Crowther, issued September 17, 1957; and patent of E.U.A. No. 2,553,696 to Wilson, issued May 21, 1951 (all incorporated herein by reference). The minimum degree of ethoxylation required for adequate soil suspension performance can increase as the molecular weight of the PEI increases, especially well beyond about 1800. In addition, the degree of ethoxylation for preferred compounds increases as the molecular weight of the PEI increases. . For preferred PEA and PEI having a molecular weight of at least about 600, the degree of ethoxylation is preferably about at least 1, with a more preferred scale of about 12 to about 42. For PEA and PEI having a weight molecular weight of at least 1600, the degree of ethoxylation is preferably at least about 1, with a typical scale of about 10 to about 40. The level at which the ethoxylated amine (s) may be present in the Detergent compositions may vary depending on the compounds used. Generally, ethoxylated amines can be included in an amount of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, the preferred scale being from about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight, and a most preferred scale of about 0.01% to 0.1%. Other suitable compounds are described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,565,145, issued October 15, 1996, entitled Compositions comprising ethoxylated / propoxylated, polyalkyleneamine polymers as soil dispersing agents (Compositions comprising ethoxylated / propoxylated polyalkyleneamine polymers as soil dispersing agents), by Watson, Randall A .; Gosselink, Eugene P .; and Zhang, Shulin, incorporated herein by reference. These compounds are ethoxylated / propoxylated polyalkyleneamine polymers. The polyalkyleneamines comprise a nitrogen-containing base structure with an average molecular weight of from about 600 to about 10,000, preferably from about 1,000 to about 3,000. Such polymers have an average alkoxylation of from about 0.5 to about 10, preferably about 0.7 to about 8, preferably from about 0.7 to about 4, per nitrogen. In addition, said alkoxylated polyalkyleneamine polymers may comprise up to about 4, but preferably 1 or less, propoxylates or larger alkoxylate units per available site in the nitrogens. By "per site available in the nitrogens" it means that each H of the NH portion can be substituted with up to about 4 propoxylates or larger alkoxylate units. Thus, after alkoxylation of an NH2 site, there may then be up to 8 propoxylates or larger alkoxylate units connected to the nitrogen. Preferably, the largest propoxylate or alkoxylate units in the alkoxylate systems are first added to the polyakyleneamine, before the ethoxylate units.

An example of a suitable polyalkylamine has the general formula: E B [E2NHC2CH2] w [NCH2CH2] x [NCH2CH2] yNE2 wherein B is a branch continuation of the polyethylenimine base structure and E is an ethyleneoxy unit having the formula: - (CH2CH2O) mH where m has an average value of about 20. What it means in the present for an average value of 20 is that enough ethylene oxide or other suitable reactant reacts with the starting material of polyethylenimine to completely ethoxylate each NH unit in the polyethyleneamine for an average grade of 20 ethoxy groups. The units which make up the polyalkyleneimine base structures are derived from primary amine units having the formula: [H2N-CH2CH2] - and -NH2 which terminates the main base structure in any branching chain, secondary amine units having the formula: H - [N- CH2CH2] - and (to which, after modification, they have their hydrogen atom substituted by an average of 20 ethyleneoxy units, and tertiary amine units having the formula: [N- CH2CH2] - which are the branching points of the structure chains The main and secondary base, B represents a continuation of the chain structure by branching.The tertiary units have no hydrogen atom that can be replaced and therefore, are not modified by substitution with ethyleneoxl units. of polyamine base, cyclization may occur, therefore, a quantity of cyclic polyamine may be present in the original polyalkyleneimine base structure mixture Each primary and secondary amine unit of the cyclic alkyleneimines is subjected to modification by the addition of alkyleneoxy units in the same way as linear and branched polyalkyleneimines The indices w, x, yy have values t that the average molecular weight of the polyethyleneimine base structure before modification is approximately 600 daltons. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that each branching chain must end in a primary amine unit, therefore, the value of the index w is y + 1 in the case where cyclic amine base structures are not present. The average molecular weight for each unit of ethylene base structure -NCH2CH2-, is about 43 daltons. Other soil suspending materials include cellulose derivatives and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Polyvinylpyrrolidone is not a simple individual compound, but it can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. The degree of polymerization, which is most easily expressed in terms of average molecular weight, is not critical because the material has the desired water solubility and dirt-holding power. In general, suitable soil suspending vinylpyrrolidone polymers are linear in structure, and have an average molecular weight in the range from about 5,000 to about 100,000, and preferably from about 15,000 to about 50,000. Suitable polymers generally will also have a solubility in water greater than 0.3% at normal use temperatures. Any known nonionic cellulose ether can be used in the detergent composition according to the invention. Preferably, the cellulose ether is an alkyl or an alkyl / hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative. The alkyl group should contain from 1 to 4, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the hydroxyalkyl group should contain from 2 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, carbon atoms. Particularly preferred materials include methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylhydroxypropylcellulose and ethylhydroxyethylcellulose. The total level of the cellulose derivatives and / or polyvinylpyrrolidone in the detergent composition is preferably in the range from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, with a most preferred scale being from about 0.005% to about 0.5. % by weight, and a most preferred scale of approximately 0.01% to 0.1%. An improvement in soil suspension can be achieved at all mixing ratios of the polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer and the nonionic cellulose ether. Preferably, the ratio of the vinylpyrrolidone polymer to the non-anionic cellulose ether in the detergent composition is within the range of from about 8: 2 to about 2: 8, preferably from about 6: 4 to about 4: 6, by weight . Mixtures of this type are described in the U.S.A. Number 4,999,129 entitled Process and composition for washing soiled polyester, fabrics (Procedure and composition for washing fabrics, polyester soiled), by Michael Hull. Other soil suspending agents can be anionic polymers. Examples of these anionic polymers are described in the patent of E.U.A. Number 5789369, entitled Modified polyacrylic acid polymers for anti-redeposition perfomance (Modified polyacrylic acid polymers for anti-redeposition performance), by Gopalkrishnan, Sridhar; Guiney, Kathleen M .; and Sherman, John V. The total molecular weight of the copolymer disclosed in said patent is within the range of about 1000 to 100,000, determined according to gel permeation chromatography. Preferably, the weight average molecular weight is within the range of about 1,000 to 30,000; preferably within the range of approximately 1,000 to 20,000. The hydrophilic copolymer can be prepared by copolymerizing two monomers, an unsaturated hydrophilic monomer and a hydrophilic oxyalkylated monomer. Examples of described unsaturated hydrophilic monomers include acrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, methacrylic acid, methacrylate esters and substituted methacrylate esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, methylvinyl ether, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, vinyl acetic acid, and vinylsulfonate. The unsaturated hydrophilic monomer component of the hydrophilic copolymer is preferably acrylic acid. Examples of the hydrophilic oxyalkylated monomer include components that have an olefinic portion polymerizable with at least one acidic hydrogen and are capable of undergoing addition reaction with alkylene oxide. It is also possible to include monomers with at least one acidic hydrogen that are first polymerized, and then subsequently oxyalkylated to yield the desired product. For example, allyl alcohol is especially preferred as it represents a monofunctional initiator with a polymerizable olefinic moiety having an acidic hydrogen in oxygen, and is capable of being added to the alkylene oxide. Other examples of the hydrophilic oxyalkylated monomer of the copolymer include reaction products either of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid or 3-allyloxy-1,2-propanediol with alkylene oxide. The preparation of oxyalkylated monomers is described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,162,475 and patent of E.U.A. No. 4,622,378 both incorporated herein by reference. Especially preferred is the hydrophilic oxyalkylated monomer which is an adduct of propylene oxide and of ethylene oxide of allyl alcohol. This monomer has a molecular weight of about 3800. The molecular weight of the hydroxyl oxyalkylated monomer according to the different embodiments of the invention, preferably should be within the range of about 600 to 30,000, preferably about 700 to 15,000, and preferably from about 700 to 5000. The hydrophilic oxyalkylated monomer preferably has a solubility of about 500 grams / liter, preferably about 700 grams / liter in water.

Other polymeric polycarboxylates that are suitable include, for example, the polymers described in the U.S.A. 5,574,004, incorporated herein by reference. Such polymers include homopolymers and / or copolymers (compounds of two or more monomers) of an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, a diacid such as maleic acid, itaconic acid, fumaric acid, mesonic acid , citraconic acid and the like, a monoester of a diacid with an alkanol, for example, having 1-8 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. When the polymeric polycarboxylate is a copolymer, it may be a copolymer of more than one of the above unsaturated acid monomers, for example, acrylic acid and maleic acid, or a copolymer of at least one such unsaturated acid monomer with at least one alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated non-carboxylic monomer which may be relatively non-polar such as styrene or an olefinic monomer, such as ethylene, propylene, or butene-1, or which has a polar functional group such as vinyl acetate, chloride of vinyl, vinyl alcohol, alkyl acrylates, vinylpyridine, vinylpyrrolidone or an amide of one of the unsaturated acid monomers described, such as acrylamide or methacrylamide. Some of the above copolymers can be prepared by further treatment of a different homopolymer or copolymer, for example, copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylamide by partially hydrolyzing a polyacrylamide. The copolymers of at least one unsaturated carboxy acid monomer with at least one non-carboxy comonomer must contain at least about 50 mol% of polymerized carboxylic acid monomer. The polymeric polycarboxylate should have a number average molecular weight of for example about 1000 to 10,000, preferably about 2000 to 5000. To ensure substantial solubility in water, the polymeric carboxylate is completely or partially neutralized, for example, with alkali metal ions , preferably sodium ions. The total level of the polymeric polycarboxylate in the detergent composition is preferably in the range from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, with a most preferred scale being from about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight, and preferably from approximately 0.01% to 0.1%. Other polycarboxylate materials include those described in U.S. Patent No. 5470510, issued November 28, 1995, entitled "Dispersing agent" by Willey, Alan D. Polymers can be derived from L-glumatic acid, D-acid. -glutamate or mixtures, for example, racemates, of these L and D isomers. The L-isomer and racemate of D, L are currently preferred. The polymers include not only the homopolymers of glutamic acid but also copolymers, such as block, graft or random copolymers, which contain glutamic acid. In this way, copolymers of glutamic acid with at least some other monomer (preferably biodegradable), oligomer or polymer are considered. These include, for example, copolymers containing at least some other amino acid, such as aspartic acid, ethylene glycol, ethylene oxide, (or an oligomer or polymer of any of these) or polyvinyl alcohol. The glutamic acid can of course carry one or more substituents and the polymers useful as component (a) include those in which a proportion or all of the glutamic acid monomers are substituted. Substituents include, for example, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aryl and arylalkyl, commonly with up to 18 carbon atoms per group, or polyethylene glycol linked by ester bridges. Other suitable soil suspending agents herein include cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose. The total level of cellulose derivatives in the detergent composition, preferably it is in the range from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, with a most preferred scale being from about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight and a most preferred scale from about 0.01% to 0.1% . Other useful organic polymeric compounds are polyethylene glycols, particularly those of average molecular weight of 1,000,000-100,000, in particular 2000-10,000 and preferably 4,000. These can be used alone or in combination with the polycarboxylate polymers described herein. The total level of these polymers in the detergent composition is preferably in the range from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, with a most preferred scale being from about 0.005% to about 0.5% by weight, and a scale of preference from approximately 0.01% to 0.1%. lll. The cleaning pad The present invention improves the convenience of a removable and / or disposable cleaning pad, which preferably contains a superabsorbent material and which preferably also provides significant cleaning benefits. The preferred cleaning performance benefits are related to the preferred structural features described below, combined with the ability of the pad to remove solubilized soils. The preferred cleaning pad, as described herein, when used with the preferred detergent composition as described below, provides optimum performance. The cleaning pads, preferably, will have an absorbent capacity, when measured under a confining pressure of 0.006 kg / cm2 after 20 minutes (1200 seconds) (hereinafter referred to as "Ti2oo" absorbent capacity). of at least about 10 g of deionized water per gram of the cleaning pad. The absorbent capacity of the pad is measured in 20 minutes (1200 seconds) after exposure to deionized water, since it represents a typical time for the consumer to clean a hard surface such as a floor. The confining pressure represents typical pressures applied to the pad during the cleaning procedure. As such, the cleaning pad should be able to absorb significant amounts of the cleaning solution within these 1200 seconds under 0.006 kg / cm2. The cleaning pad will preferably have an absorbent capacity of at least about 15 g / g, preferably at least about 20 g / g, preferably at least about 25 g / g and preferably at least about 30 g / g. . Preferably, the cleaning pad will have a high absorbent capacity of at least about 10 g / g, preferably a high absorbent capacity of at least about 20 g / g. The values for absorbent capacity t | 2oo and tgoo are measured by the performance under the pressure method (referred to herein as "PUP"), which is described in detail later in the test methods section. The cleaning pads preferably, but not necessarily, will have a total fluid capacity (deionized water) of at least about 100 g, preferably at least about 200 g, preferably at least about 300 g, and preferably at least approximately 400 g. Although pads having a total fluid capacity of less than 100 g are within the scope of the invention, they are not as suitable for cleaning large areas, as seen in a typical home, as are the larger capacity pads. Each of the components of the absorbent pad is described in detail. However, the person skilled in the art will recognize that different known materials can be substituted to serve similar purposes with similar results.

A. Absorbent layer Preferably, an absorbent layer serves to retain any fluid and dirt absorbed by the cleaning pad during use. Although in the preferred scouring layer, described below, has some effect on the ability of the pad to absorb fluid, the preferred absorbent layer plays a major role in achieving the desired overall absorbency. In addition, the absorbent layer preferably comprises multiple layers which are designed to provide the cleaning pad with multiple flat surfaces. From the essential perspective of fluid absorbency, the absorbent layer is preferably able to remove fluid and dirt from any "scrubbing layer", so that the scrubbing layer will have the ability to continuously remove dirt from the surface. In addition, the absorbent layer is preferably able to retain absorbed material under typical pressures during use to avoid "squeezing" absorbed dirt., cleaning solution, etc. The absorbent layer may comprise any material that is capable of absorbing and retaining fluid during use. To achieve the desired total fluid capacities, it will be preferred to include in the absorbent layer a material having a relatively high fluid capacity (in terms of grams of fluid per gram of absorbent material). As used herein, the term "superabsorbent material" means any absorbent material having a g / g capacity for water of at least about 15 g / g, when measured under a confining pressure of 0.021 kg / cm2. Because most of the cleaning fluids useful with the present invention are water-based, it is preferred that the superabsorbent materials have a relatively high g / g capacity for water or water-based fluids. Representative superabsorbent materials include water insoluble, water-swellable, superabsorbent gelling polymers (referred to herein as "superabsorbent gelling polymers") which are known in the literature. These materials demonstrate very high absorbent capacities for water. The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention can have a variable size, shape and / or morphology over a wide scale. These polymers can be in the form of particles that do not have a large ratio of larger dimension to smaller dimension (eg, granules, flakes, powders, aggregates between particles, aggregates entangled between particles and the like) or can be in the form of fibers , sheets, films, foams, laminates and the like. The use of superabsorbent gelling polymers in fibrous form provides the benefit of providing improved retention of superabsorbent material, relative to particles, during the cleaning process. Although their capacity is generally lower for water-based mixtures, these materials demonstrate even significant absorbent capacity for such mixtures. The patent literature is full of descriptions of water-swellable materials. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,699,103 (Harper et al.), Issued June 13, 1972.; U.S. Patent No. 3,770,731 (Harmon), issued June 20, 1972; reissued patent of US Pat. No. 32,649 (Brandt et al.) reissued on April 19, 1989; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735 (Alemany et al.), issued May 30, 1989. The superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention include a variety of water-insoluble but water-swellable polymers capable of absorbing large amounts of water. fluids Such polymeric materials are also commonly referred to as "hydrocolloids", and may include polysaccharides such as carboxymethyl starch, carboxymethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; nonionic types such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl ethers; cationic types such as polyvinylpyridine polyvinylmorpholinone, and N, N-d-methylaminoethyl or N, N-diethylaminopropyl acrylates and methacrylates, and the respective quaternary salts thereof. Typically, the superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in the present invention have a multiplicity of anionic functional groups, such as sulfonic acid, and more typically carboxy groups. Examples of suitable polymers for use herein include those which are prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. Thus, such monomers include olefinically unsaturated acids and anhydrides containing at least one olefinic carbon-to-carbon double bond. More specifically, these monomers can be selected from olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids and acid anhydrides, olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acids and mixtures thereof.

Some non-acid monomers, usually in minor amounts, may also be included in preparing the superabsorbent gelling polymers useful herein. Such non-acidic monomers may include, for example, water-soluble or water-swellable esters of the acid-containing monomers, as well as monomers that do not contain carboxylic or sulfonic acid groups. Thus, optional non-acidic monomers containing the following types of functional groups can be included: esters of carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid, hydroxyl groups, amide groups, amino groups, nitrile groups, quaternary ammonium salt groups, aryl groups (e.g. , phenyl groups, such as those derived from styrene monomers). These non-acidic monomers are known materials and are described in more detail, for example, in the U.S.A. 4,076,663 (Masuda et al), issued on February 28, 1978, and in a patent of E.U.A. 4,062,817 (Westerman), issued December 13,1977, both incorporated by reference. The monomers of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid and carboxylic acid anhydride include the acrylic acids typified by the same acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, α-chloroacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, β-methylacrylic acid, (crotonic acid), a-phenylacrylic acid, β-acryloxypropionic acid, sorbic acid, a-chlorosorbic acid, angelic acid, cinnamic acid, p-chlorocinnamic acid, β-sterilacrylic acid, itaconic acid, citroconic acid, mesaconic acid, glutaconic acid, aconitic acid, maleic acid , fumaric acid, tricarboxyethylene and maleic acid anhydride.

Olefinically unsaturated sulfonic acid monomers include aliphatic or aromatic vinyl sulfonic acids, such as vinylsulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, vinyltoluene sulfonic acid and styrene sulfonic acid; acrylic and methacrylic sulfonic acid such as sulfoethylacrylate, sulfoethylmethacrylate, sulfopropylacrylate, sulfopropylmethacrylate, 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl sulphonic acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid. Preferred superabsorbent gelling polymers for use in the present invention contain carboxy groups. These polymers include hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, partially neutralized hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, acrylic acid-starch graft copolymers, partially neutralized acrylic acid-starch graft copolymers, saponified acrylic ester-vinyl acetate copolymers , hydrolyzed acrylonitrile or acrylonitrile copolymers, lightly entangled polymers by network of any of the foregoing copolymers, partially neutralized polyacrylic acid, and slightly interlaced polymers by partially neutralized polyacrylic acid network. These polymers can be used either alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more different polymers. Examples of these polymer materials are described in the U.S.A. 3,661, 875, patent of E.U.A. 4,076,663, U.S. Patent No. 4,093,776, patent of E.U.A. 4,666,983, and US patent. 4,734,478, all incorporated as reference. The most preferred polymer materials for use in the manufacture of the superabsorbent gelling polymers are lightly entangled polymers by network of partially neutralized polyacrylic acids and starch derivatives thereof. Preferably, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers comprise from about 50 to about 95%, preferably about 75%, of neutralized, lightly crosslinked polyacrylic acid (ie poly (sodium acrylate / acrylic acid)). Network interlacing produces the polymer substantially insoluble in water and, in part, determines the absorption capacity and polymer content characteristics that can be extracted from the superabsorbent gelling polymers. The procedures for network entanglement of these polymers and typical network entanglement agents are described in more detail in the U.S.A. 4, 076,663. Although the superabsorbent gelling polymers are preferably of one type (ie, homogeneous), mixtures of polymers can also be used in the implements of the present invention. For example, blends of graft copolymers of acrylic acid-starch and lightly entangled polymers by partially neutralized polyacrylic acid network can be used in the present invention. Although any of the superabsorbent gelling polymers described in the prior art may be useful in the present invention, where significant levels (eg, more than about 50% by weight of the absorbent structure) of the superabsorbent gelling polymers are included. in an absorbent structure, and in particular when one or more regions of the absorbent layer will comprise more than about 50% by weight of the region, the problem of the formation of gel blocks by the swollen particles can impede fluid flow and therefore, adversely affect the ability of the gelling polymers to absorb their full capacity in the desired period. The patent of E.U.A. 5,147,343 (Kellenberger et al.), Issued September 15, 1992 and patent of E.U.A. 5,149,335 (Kellenberger et al.), Issued September 22,1992, describe superabsorbent gelling polymers in terms of their Under Absorbency Load (AUL), wherein the gelling polymers absorb fluid (0.9% saline) under a confining pressure. of 0.021 kg / cm2. (The description of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference). The methods for determining AUL are described in these patents. The polymers described herein may be particularly useful in embodiments of the present invention that contain regions of relatively high levels of superabsorbent gelling polymers. In particular, when the high concentrations of superabsorbent gelation polymer are incorporated in the cleaning pad, those polymers will preferably have an AUL, measured according to the methods described in the U.S.A. 5,147,343, of at least about 24 ml / g, preferably at least about 27 ml / g after 1 hour or an AUL, measured according to the methods described in the US patent. 5,148,335, of at least about 15 ml / g, preferably at least about 18 ml / g after 15 minutes. The application of E.U.A. commonly assigned with serial numbers 08 / 219,547 (Goldman et al) filed on March 29, 1994 and 08 / 416,396 (Goldman et al.), filed on April 6, 1995 (which are incorporated herein by reference), also they handle the problem of forming gel blocks and describe superabsorbent gelling polymers useful in overcoming this phenomenon. These applications specifically describe superabsorbent gelling polymers which avoid the formation of gel blocks even at higher confining pressures, specifically 0.049 kg / cm2. In the embodiments of the present invention wherein the absorbent layer which will contain regions comprising high levels (e.g., more than about 50 wt% of the region) of superabsorbent gelation polymer, it may be preferred that the superabsorbent gelation polymer be as described in the aforementioned applications of Goldman et al. Other useful superabsorbent materials include hydrophilic polymeric foams, such as those described in the U.S. patent application. commonly assigned with serial number 08 / 563,866 (DesMarais et al.), filed November 29, 1995 and patent of E.U.A. No. 5,387,207 (Dyer et al.), Issued February 7, 1995. These references describe hydrophilic, polymeric absorbent foams, which are obtained by polymerizing a high internal phase water-in-oil emulsion (commonly referred to as HIPE). These foams are easily adjusted to provide variable physical properties (pore size), capillary suction, density, etc.) that affects fluid handling capacity. As such, these materials are particularly useful, either alone or in combination with other foams or with fibrous structures, to provide the overall capacity required by the present invention. When superabsorbent material is included in the absorbent layer, the absorbent layer will preferably comprise at least about 15% by weight of the absorbent layer, preferably at least about %, preferably at least about 25% of the superabsorbent material. The absorbent layer may also consist of or comprise fibrous material. The fibers useful in the present invention include those that are natural (modified or unmodified), as well as synthetically manufactured fibers. Examples of unmodified / modified natural fibers include cotton, esparto grass, bagasse, hemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp, chemically modified wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate. Suitable synthetic fibers can be made from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics such as ORLON®, polyvinyl acetate, Rayon®, polyethylene vinyl acetate, soluble or insoluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such such as polyethylene, (for example, PULPEX®) and polypropylene, polyamides such as nylon, polyesters such as DACRON® or KODEL®, polyurethanes, polystyrenes and the like. The absorbent layer may exclusively comprise natural fibers, exclusively synthetic fibers, or any compatible combination of synthetic and natural fibers.

The fibers useful in the present invention can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or a combination of both types. As noted above, the particular selection of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers depends on other materials included in the absorbent layer (and to some extent on the scrubbing layer). That is, the nature of the fibers will be such that the cleaning pad exhibits a necessary fluid delay and general fluid absorbency. Hydrophilic fibers suitable for use in the present invention include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic fibers, rayon, polyester fibers, such as hydrophilic nylon (HYDROFIL). Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be obtained by hydrophilizing hydrophobic fibers, such as thermoplastic fibers treated with surfactants or treated with silica derived from, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylenes or polypropylenes, polyacrylics, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like. Suitable wood pulp fibers can be obtained from chemical processes already known as sulphite or sulphite cellulose processes. It is especially preferred to supply these fibers of soft abrutan wood pulp, due to its excellent absorbency characteristics. These wood pulp fibers can also be obtained by mechanical processes, for example, processes of ground wood pulp, mechanical refiner, thermo-mechanical, chemical-mechanical, chemical-mechanical-mechanical. Secondary or recycled wood pulp fibers may be used, as well as bleached and unbleached wood pulp fibers. Other types of hydrophilic fibers for use in the present invention are chemically hardened cellulosic fibers. As used herein, the term "chemically hardened cellulosic fibers" means cellulosic fibers that have been hardened by mechanical means to increase the stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous conditions. Such means include the addition of a hardening agent, which, for example, coats and / or impregnates the fibers. Such means may also include the stiffness of the fibers by modifying the chemical structure, for example, by cross-linking polymer chains. Where fibers are used as the absorbent layer (or a constituent component thereof), the fibers can optionally be combined with a thermoplastic material. In melting, at least two portions of this thermoplastic material migrate to the intersections of the fibers, typically due to gradients of capillary fibers. These intersections become binding sites for the thermoplastic material. Upon cooling the thermoplastic materials of these intersections solidify to form the bonding sites that will contain the continuous matrix or ribbon of the fibers together in each of the respective layers. This can be beneficial to provide additional general integrity to the cleaning pad. Among its various effects, the junction at the intersections of the fiber increases the overall compression strength modulus of the resultant thermally bonded element. In the case of chemically hardened cellulosic fibers the melting and migration of the thermoplastic material also has the effect of increasing the average pore size of the resulting continuous tape, while maintaining the density and basis weight of the continuous tape from when it was originally formed. This can improve the fluid acquisition properties of the continuous tape thermally bonded to the initial exposure to the fluid, due to improved fluid permeability, and subsequent exposure, due to the combined ability of the hardened fibers to retain their stiffness by wetting them. and the ability of thermoplastic material to remain attached to the intersections of the fiber by wetting and moisture compression. In the mesh, the thermally bonded webs or the hardened fibers retain their original overall volume, but with the volumetric regions previously occupied by the thermoplastic material that opens and thus increase the average interfiber capillary pore size. The thermoplastic materials useful in the present invention can have any variety of shapes, including particles, fibers or combinations of fiber particles. Thermoplastic fibers are a form that is particularly preferred because of their ability to form numerous binding sites between the fibers. Suitable thermoplastic materials can be made from any thermoplastic polymer that can be melted at temperatures that do not cause serious damage to the fibers comprising the primary continuous ribbon or the matrix of each layer. Preferably, the melting point of this thermoplastic material will be less than about 190 ° C, and preferably between about 75 ° C and 175 ° C. In any case, the melting point of this thermoplastic material should not be less than the temperature at which the thermally bonded absorbent structures will likely be stored, when used in the cleaning pads. The melting point of thermoplastic material is typically not less than about 50 ° C. The thermoplastic materials, and in particular the thermoplastic fibers can be made from a variety of thermoplastic polymers including polyolefin such as polyethylene (e.g., PULPEX®) and polypropylene, polyesters, copolyesters, polyvinyl acetate, polyethyl vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene, polyacrylates, polyamides, copolyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and copolymers of any of the foregoing, such as vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate and the like. Depending on the expected characteristics of the resulting thermally bonded absorbent member, suitable thermoplastic materials include hydrophobic fibers that have become hydrophilic, such as thermoplastic fibers treated with surfactant or silica derived from polystyrene, polyurethane and the like. The surface of the hydrophobic thermoplastic fiber can be rendered hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant, such as a nonionic or anionic surfactant, for example, by spraying the fiber with a surfactant, immersing the fiber in a surfactant or including the surfactant as part of the polymer mixture in the production of the thermoplastic fiber. In melting and resolidification, the surfactant will tend to remain on the surface of the thermoplastic fiber. Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as Brij 76 made by ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington, Delaware, and various surfactants sold under the trade name Pegosperse, trademark of Glyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut. In addition to the nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants can also be used. These surfactants can be applied to the thermoplastic fibers at levels, for example, from about 0.2 to about 1 g. per square centimeter of thermoplastic fiber. Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made from a single polymer (one-component fibers) or can be made from more than one polymer (e.g., two-component fibers). As used herein, "bi-component fibers" refers to thermoplastic fibers comprising a core fiber made of a polymer that is included within a thermoplastic shell made of a different polymer. The polymer comprising the shell is often melted at a different temperature, typically lower, than the polymer comprising the core. As a result, these two-component fibers provide a thermal bond due to melting of the sheet polymer, while retaining the desirable strength characteristics of the core polymer. The bicomponent fibers suitable for use in the present invention may include foil / core fibers having the following combinations: polyethylene / polypropylene, polyethyl vinyl acetate / polypropylene, polyethylene / polyester, polypropylene / polyester, copolyester / polyester, and the like. The two-component thermoplastic fibers which are particularly suitable for use herein are those having a polypropylene or polyester core, and a lower melting copolyester shell, polyethylene vinyl acetate or polyethylene (for example, those available from Danaklon a / s, Chisso Corp and CELBOND®, available from Hercules). These two component fibers can be concentric or eccentric. As used herein, the terms "concentric" and "eccentric" refer if the cover has a thickness that is uniform or non-uniform, in the cross-sectional area of the two-component fiber. Eccentric two-component fibers may be desirable to provide greater compressive strength in thinner fibers. Methods for preparing thermally bonded fibrous materials are described in the patent application of E.U.A. with serial number 08 / 479,096 (Richards et al.), filed July 3, 1995 (see especially pages 16-20) and the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,549,589 (Horney et al.), issued August 27, 1996 (see especially columns 9 to 10). The descriptions of both references are incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent layer may also comprise a hydrophilic polymeric foam derived from HIPE that does not have the high absorbency of those described as "superabsorbent materials". The preparation of such foams and methods are described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,550,167 (DesMarais), issued August 27, 1996; and the patent application of E.U.A. with serial number 08 / 370,695 (Stone et al.), filed on January 10, 1995 (both are incorporated herein by reference).

The absorbent layer of the cleaning pad may comprise a homogeneous material, such as a blend of cellulosic fiber (optionally thermally bonded), and a super absorbent, swellable gelling polymer. Alternatively, the absorbent layer may comprise discontinuous layers of material, such as a layer of thermally bonded air-laid material and an unequal layer of a super-absorbent material. For example, a thermally bonded layer of cellulosic fibers can be located lower (i.e., below) of the super absorbent material (i.e., between the super absorbent material and the scrubbing layer). To achieve a high capacity of absorption and retention of fluids under pressure, while at the same time providing an initial delay in the absorption of fluids, it can preferably use said discontinuous layers in forming the absorbent layer. In this regard, the super absorbent material can be located away from the scrubbing layer by including a less absorbent layer than the bottom end appearance of an absorbent layer. For example, a cellulosic fiber layer can be located lower (i.e., below) of the super absorbent material (i.e., between the super absorbent material and the scrubbing layer). In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent layer comprises a continuous quote of thermally bonded air-laid cellulose fibers (Flint River, available from Weyerhaeuser, Wa) and AL Thermal C (available thermoplastic from Danaklon a / s, Varde, Denmark), and a super absorbent hydrogel-forming polymer. The super absorbent polymer is preferably incorporated such that a discontinuous layer is located near the surface of the absorbent layer that is remote from the scrubbing layer. Preferably, a thin layer, for example, cellulose fibers (optionally thermally bonded) are placed on the super absorbent gelling polymer to improve the containment capacity.

B. Optional scouring coat, however preferred. The scrubbing layer is the portion of the cleaning pad that contacts the dirty surface during cleaning. In this way, useful materials such as the scrubbing layer must be durable enough for the layer to retain its integrity during the cleaning process. In addition, when the cleaning pad is used together with a solution, the scrubbing layer must be capable of absorbing liquids and soils, and of leaving those liquids and soils in the absorbent layer. This will ensure that the scrubbing layer can continuously remove additional material from the surface it is cleaning. In case the instrument is used with a solution for cleaning (ie in wet state) or without cleaning solutions (ie in a dry state), the scrubbing layer, in addition to removing the particulate matter, will facilitate other functions, such as polishing, dust removal and smoothing the surface that is being cleaned. The scrubbing layer may be a single layer or multiple layer structure, where one or more of said layers is scored to facilitate scouring of the stained surface and absorption of particulate matter. This scrubbing layer on the dirty surface interacts with the dirt (and the cleaning solution, when used), completely releasing and emulsifying the difficult dirt and allowing it to pass freely to the absorbent layer of the pad. The scrubbing layer preferably contains openings (eg, slots) that provide for a simple arrival of the larger particulate so that they can move freely and become trapped within the absorbent layer of the pad. Low density structures are preferred to be used as the scrubbing layer, to facilitate transport of the particulate matter towards the absorbent layer of the pad. To provide a desired integrity, materials particularly suitable for the scrubbing layer include synthetic materials such as polyolefins (for example polyethylene and polypropylene) polyesters, polyamide, synthetic cellulosics (for example Rayon®), and mixtures thereof. Such synthetic materials can be made using known processes such as carding, spunbond, meltblown, airlaid, needle punched and the like. c) Optional binding layer The cleaning pads that are preferred of the present invention may optionally have a tie layer which allows the pad to be connected to the handle of an instrument or the support head in preferred instruments. The tie layer will be necessary in the embodiments where the absorbent layer is not suitable for attaching the pad to the handle support head. The tie layer may also function as a means to prevent fluid from flowing through the top surface (i.e., the surface that contacts the handle) of the cleaning pad, and additionally may provide improved integrity of the pad. As with the scrubbing and absorbent layers, the tie layer may consist of a single layer or multiple layer structure, as long as it meets the above requirements. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tie layer will comprise a surface that is capable of mechanically attaching to the handle support head by the use of hook and loop technology. In this embodiment, the connecting layer will comprise at least one surface that can be mechanically attached to hooks that are permanently fixed to the lower surface of the handle support head. In order to achieve fluid impermeability and the desired bonding capacity, it is preferred that a laminated structure comprising, for example, a fibrous non-woven structure of meltblown film be used. In a preferred embodiment, the tie layer is a three layer material having a melt blown polypropylene film layer located between two spin-jointed polypropylene layers. d) Optional flat, multiple, but preferred surfaces Although the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb and retain fluid is important for surface cleaning performance (see, for example, US Patent Application Serial No. 08) / 756,507, Holt et al., U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 756,864, Sherry et al., And U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 756,999, Holt et al., All filed. on November 26, 1996 and incorporated for reference herein), preferred performance can be achieved by adequately defining the general structure of the cleaning pad. In particular, pads having an essentially flat floor contact surface (i.e., essentially a flat surface to make contact with the dirty surface during cleaning) do not provide the best performance, because the dirt tends to accumulate in the front edges, which is also the main point where the cleaning solution is transferred to the absorbent layer. The preferred pads provide multiple flat surfaces during cleaning and provide improved performance. The preferred cleaning pad has a top surface that allows the pad to be releasably attached to a handle and to a lower surface that contacts the floor or other hard surface during cleaning. This lower surface preferably consists of three substantially different flat surfaces. The planes intersect the plane corresponding to the lower surface. In this way, when an instrument to which the pad is attached is used in the forward direction, the section causes the pad to "swing" so that the bottom surface plane of the fabric contacts the surface that is being placed. Cleaning. When the movement in the forward direction decreases, the average lower surface then makes primary contact with the surface being cleaned. When the instrument in the pad moves from the backward direction, the friction causes the pad to oscillate so that the lower back surface makes contact with the surface being cleaned. As this back and forth movement is repeated, the portion of the pad that contacts the dirty surface is constantly changing. Applicants believe that the improved cleaning of the preferred pads is due in part to the "lifting" action which is the result of back and forth movement during cleaning. In particular, by stopping the cleaning movement in one direction and the forces exerted on the instrument allow the pad to "oscillate" so that the flat surface contacting the surface moves from surface to surface, the dirt moves in one direction up. The cleaning pad of the present invention should be capable of retaining absorbed fluid, even during the pressures that are exerted during the cleaning process. In the present this is termed as the cleaning ability of the pads to prevent "squeezing" the absorbed fluid, or on the contrary in its ability to retain the fluid absorbed under pressure. The method for measuring the squeezed quantity is described in the section on test methods. Briefly, the test measures the ability of a saturated cleaning pad to retain fluid when subjected to a pressure of 0.017575 kg / cm2. Preferably, the cleaning pads of the present invention will have a squeezing capacity value of no more than about 40%, most preferably no more than about 25%, and most preferably not even more than about 15%, very much preferably not more than 10%.

IV Cleaning Instruments The detergent compositions described above can be desirably used with an instrument for cleaning a surface, the instrument comprising: a) a handle; and b) a separable cleaning pad that preferably contains an effective amount of a super absorbent material, and having a plurality of substantially planar surface, wherein each of the substantially planar surfaces makes contact with the surface to be cleaned, very preferably said pad is a separable cleaning pad having length and width, the pad comprising i) a scrubbing layer; and i) an absorbent layer comprising a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is located between the scrubbing layer and the second layer (i.e., the first layer is below the second layer) and has a width smaller than the second layer. An important aspect of the cleaning performance provided by the pad that is preferred is related to the ability to provide multiple flat surfaces that contact the dirty surface during the cleaning operation. In the context of a common cleaning instrument a cleaner, these flat surfaces are provided so that during the typical cleaning operation (i.e., when the instrument moves back and forth in a direction substantially perpendicular to the width of the pad), each of the flat surfaces makes contact with the surface that is cleaned as a result of the cleaning pad "oscillating". One skilled in the art can select various materials that can be used to prepare the disposable pads and / or instruments of the present. Thus, although materials that are preferred herein are described for various cleaning pad instruments and components, it is recognized that the scope of the functional materials is not limited to such descriptions. a) The handle The handle of the aforementioned cleaning instrument can be made of any material that facilitates the attachment of the cleaning instrument. The handle of the cleaning instrument will preferably comprise any durable elongated material that will provide a practical cleaning. The length of the handle will depend on the end use of the instrument. The handle preferably comprises at one end a support head to which it is attached so that the cleaning pad can be separated. To make it easier to use, the support head can be attached so that it can rotate to the handle using known articulation assemblies. Any known means for attaching the cleaning pad to the support head can be used, as long as the cleaning pad remains fixed during the cleaning process. Examples of suitable fastening means include clips, hooks and loops (eg Velero®), and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the support head will comprise hooks on its bottom surface that will mechanically join the top layer (preferably a different tie layer) of the absorbent cleaning pad. A preferred handle comprising means for supplying fluid is described in the co-pending U.S. patent application. with serial No. 08 / 756,774, filed on November 26, 1996, by V. S. Pring, et al. (P &G Case 6383), which is incorporated for reference herein. Another preferred handle that does not contain a means for supplying fluids is fully described in the co-pending U.S. patent application. with serial No. 08 / 716,755, filed September 23, 1996 by A. J. Irwin (P & G Case 06262), which is incorporated by reference herein. b) The cleaning pad The cleaning pads described herein may be used without being attached to a handle, or as part of the aforementioned cleaning instrument. Therefore, they can be constructed without the need to be removable with respect to a handle, that is, so that they can be used either in combination with the handle or as a stand-alone product. In this way, it may be preferred to prepare the pads with an optional tie layer as described herein. With the exception of a tie layer, the pads themselves are as described in previous paragraphs. As used herein, the term "direct fluid communication" means that the fluid can be easily transferred between two components or layers of the cleaning pad (e.g., scrubbing layer and absorbent layer) without accumulation, transport or substantial restriction. by an interposed layer. For example, fabrics, non-woven webs, construction adhesives and the like may be present between the two different components while maintaining "direct fluid communication", so long as they do not impede or substantially restrict the fluid from passing from one component or layer to another. As used herein, the term "Z dimension" refers to the dimension orthogonal to the length and width of the cleaning pad of the present invention, or a component thereof. The dimension Z, usually corresponds to the thickness of the cleaning pad or a pad component. As used herein, the term "X-Y dimension" refers to the orthogonal plane for the thickness of the cleaning pad, or a component thereof. The dimensions X and Y usually correspond to the width length, respectively, of the cleaning pad or a component of the pad. In general, when the cleaning pad is used together with a handle, the instrument will be moved in a direction parallel to the Y dimension of the pad, i.e., perpendicular to the width. As used herein, the term "layer" refers to a cleaning pad component or component whose primary dimensions are X-Y, that is, in its length and width. It should be understood that the term "layer" is not necessarily limited to a single layer or sheet of material. In this way, the layer may comprise laminates or combinations of various continuous sheets or tapes of the required type of materials. In this way, the term "layer" includes the terms "layers" and "layers". As used herein, the term "hydrophilic" is used to denote surfaces that can be wetted by aqueous fluids deposited therein. The hydrophilic and wetting capacity are typically defined as a function of the contact angle and the surface tension of the fluids and solid surfaces involved. This is analyzed in detail in the publication of the American Chemical Society Titled Contact angle. Wettabilitv and Adhesion, edited by Robert F. Gould (Copyright 1964), which is incorporated herein by reference. A surface is said to be moistened by a fluid (ie, hydrophilic) when the contact angle between the fluid and the surface is less than 90 °, or when the fluid tends to spontaneously spread on the surface, both conditions normally They exist together. On the other hand, a surface is considered to be "hydrophobic" if the contact angle is greater than 90 ° and the fluid does not spontaneously spread on the surface. As used herein, the term "canvas" means any durable material that provides texture to the side that contacts the surface of the scrubbing layer of the cleaning pad, and also has a sufficient degree of aperture to allow movement. that the fluid is required to the absorbent layer of the cleaning pad. Suitable materials include materials that have a continuous, open structure such as synthetic mesh and wire screens. The open areas of these materials can easily be controlled by varying the number of interconnected wires comprising the mesh, controlling the thickness of those interconnected filaments, etc. Other suitable materials include those where texture is provided by a discontinuous pattern printed on a substrate. In this regard, a durable material (for example a synthetic material) can be printed on a substrate in a continuous or discontinuous pattern, such as dots and / or individual lines, which provide the necessary texture. In the same way, the continuous or discontinuous pattern can be printed on a release material that will then act as the canvas. This pattern can be repeating or it can be random. It will be understood that one or more approaches described to provide the desired texture can be combined to form the optional canvas material. The height of the Z-direction and open canvas area and / or scrubbing substrate layer helps to control and / or retard the flow of the liquid in the absorbent core material. The height Z of the canvas and / or scrubbing substrate helps to provide a means of liquid volume control in contact with the cleaning surface while at the same time controlling the rate of liquid absorption, fluid communication in the absorption core material . As used herein, an "upper" layer of a cleaning pad is a layer that is relatively far from the surface to be cleaned (i.e., in the context of the instrument, relatively close to the handle of the instrument during use) . The term "lower" layer on the other hand means a layer of a cleaning pad that is relatively closer to the surface to be cleaned (i.e., in the context of instrumentation, relatively far from the handle of the instrument during use). In this way, the scrubbing layer is the layer at the lower end and the absorbent layer is an upper layer relative to the scrubbing layer. The terms "superior" and "inferior" are used in a similar way when referring to layers that are multiple sheets (for example, when the scrubbing layer is a two-sheet material). The terms "upper" and "lower" are used to describe relative locations of two or more materials in the thickness of cleaning pads. By way of illustration, a material A is "on" material B if material B is placed closer to the scrubbing layer than material A. Similarly, material B is "below" material A in this illustration. All percentages, ratios and proportions used herein are given by weight, unless otherwise specified. All numerical limits are used in the normal sense with an adequate degree of precision. All references herein are incorporated herein to the extent that their descriptions are important.

Other embodiments of the cleaning pad To improve the ability of the pads to remove the complete dirt debris and increase the amount of cleaning fluid in contact with the cleaning surface, you can desirably incorporate a linen material into the cleaning pad. This canvas will comprise a durable rigid material that will provide texture to the scrubbing layer of the pad, particularly when applying pressures during use to the pad. Preferably, the canvas will be positioned so that it is close to the surface being cleaned. In this way, the canvas can be incorporated as part of the scrubbing layer or the absorbent layer, or it can be included as a different layer, preferably placed between the scrubbing and absorbent layers. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the fiber material has the same XY dimension as the general cleaning pad, it is preferred that the fiber material be incorporated so that it does not directly contact, to a significant degree, with the surface that It is being cleaned. This will maintain the ability of the pad to move easily on the hard surface and will help prevent a uniform removal of the cleaning solution used. In this way, if the canvas is part of the scrubbing layer, it will be a top layer of this component. Of course, the canvas must be placed sufficiently low on the pad at the same time to provide the scrubbing function. In this way, if the canvas is incorporated as part of the absorbent layer, it will be a lower layer of it. In a separate embodiment, it may be desirable to place the fiber so that it is in direct contact with the surface to be cleaned. The canvas should not significantly impede the flow of fluid through the pad. The canvas in this manner is preferably a relatively open web. The canvas material will be any material that can be processed to provide a continuous ribbon with an open, rigid texture. Such materials include polyolefin (for example polyethylene, polypropylene), polyesters, polyamides, and the like. The person skilled in the art will recognize that these different materials exhibit a different degree of hardness. In this way, the hardness of the fiber material can be controlled, depending on the final use of the pad / instrument. Where the fiber is incorporated as a discontinuous layer, several commercial sources of such materials are available (for example design number VO1230, available from Conwed Plastics, Minneapolis, MN). Alternatively, the fiber may incorporate by printing a resin or other synthetic material (for example latex) onto a substrate, such as that described in the US patent. do not. 4,745,021, issued May 17, 1988 to Ping, Ill et al., And the US patent. No. 4,733,774, issued March 29, 1988 to Ping, lll et al., Both are incorporated herein by reference. The various layers comprising the cleaning pad can be joined together using any means that provides the pad with sufficient integrity during the cleaning process. The scouring and bonding layers may be attached to the absorbent layer or to each other by any variety of bonding means, including the use of a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive or any arrangement of separate, spiral or solid lines. adhesive points. Alternatively, the joining means may comprise heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical-dynamic bonding or any other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means already known in the art. The joint can be around the perimeter of the cleaning pad (eg, heat sealing the scrubbing layer and the optional tie layer and / or the canvas material), and / or in the area (i.e. XY plane) of the cleaning pad, so that it forms a pattern on the surface of the cleaning pad. By joining the layers of the cleaning pad with ultrasonic bonds through the area of the pad, Integrity will be provided to avoid the shear stress of the hidden pad layers during use. The cleaning pad does not need substantially flat multiple surfaces. Each layer may comprise a single layer of material, and one or more of these layers may consist of a laminate of two or more sheets. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the scrubbing layer is a laminate of two sheets of carded polypropylene, wherein the bottom layer is grooved. Also, materials can be placed that do not inhibit the flow of fluid between the scrubbing layer and the absorbent layer and / or between the absorbent layer and any bonding layer. However, it is important that the scrubbing and absorbent layers be in substantial fluid communication to provide the absorbency required by the cleaning pad. It is preferred that the scrubbing layer and the tie layer be larger than the absorbent layer, so that they can be joined together at the periphery of the absorbent pad to provide integrity. The scouring and bonding layers may also be attached to the absorbent layer or to each other by any variety of bonding measurements, including the use of a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, or any arrangement of lines, spirals or spots of separate adhesives. Alternatively, the joining means may comprise heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical-dynamic bonding or any other suitable joining means or combinations of these joining means as is known in the art. The joint may be around the periphery of the cleaning pad and / or through the surface of the cleaning pad so as to form a pattern on the surface of the scrubbing layer. In another embodiment of a cleaning pad, the scrubbing layer of the cleaning pad and the optional bonding layer are combined with an absorbent layer consisting of a three-layered structure. Specifically, the absorbent layer may consist of a discontinuous layer of super absorbent gelling material in particles between two discontinuous layers of fibrous material. In this embodiment, due to the region of high concentration of the super absorbent genic material, it is preferred that the super absorbent material does not exhibit the gel block discussed above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fibrous layers each will be a fibrous substrate of thermally bonded cellulosic fibers, and a lower fibrous layer will be in direct fluid communication with the scrubbing layer. The inner layer may alternatively be a mixture of fibrous material and super absorbent material, wherein the super absorbent material is preferably present in a relatively high percentage by weight of the layer. Differential layers can be used to create steps by having the lower layers smaller than the next layer up. When a scrubbing and bonding layer are included, such a combination will provide a pad having substantially flat multiple surfaces. The staggering of the materials of the absorbent layer can provide multiple flat surfaces. In one embodiment, the upper layers may comprise increasingly higher concentrations of super absorbent material while the lower layer contains little or no amount of super absorbent material. In such embodiments, one or more of the top layers may comprise a homogeneous mixture of super absorbent material and fibrous material. Alternatively, one or both layers may comprise discontinuous layers, for example, two fibrous layers surrounding a continuous layer essentially of superabsorbent particles. Although not a requirement, applicants have discovered that it is desirable to reduce the level or remove the super-absorbent particles at the leading and trailing edge edges. Another suitable pad is described in the patent application, case of proxy number 7368P, presented concurrently with the present, in the name of Nicola John Policicchio, and entitled "Cleaning Implements Comprising Cleaning Pads and / or Sheets Comprising Apertured Formed Films, Functional Cuffs, and / or Density Gradients". Said applications are incorporated herein for reference.

IV Test methods A. Performance under Pressure. This test determines the gram / gram absorption of deionized water for a clean pad that is laterally confined in a piston / cylinder assembly under an initial confining pressure of 0.0063 kg / cm2 (about 0.6 kPa) (depending on the composition of the sample of cleaning pad, the confining pressure may decrease slightly when the sample absorbs water and swells during the test time). The objective of the test is to evaluate the ability of the cleaning pad to absorb fluids, during a practical period of time, when the pad is exposed to conditions of use (horizontal weakening and pressures). The test fluid for the PUP capacity test is deionized water. The cleaning pad absorbs this fluid under conditions of absorption of demand at a hydrostatic pressure close to zero. The test is described in the co-pending provisional application serial number 60 / 045,858, filed May 8, 1997 by Ronald A. Masters, et al. (Case 6555P2).

The data is recorded in intervals in a total period of 1200 seconds (20 minutes). The absorbent capacity PUP is determined as follows: ti2oo absorbent capacity (g / g) = [Wr (t = o) -Wr (t =? 20o) -Wffc] / Wds where the absorbent capacity ti2oo is the capacity in g / g of the pad after 1200 seconds, Wr (t = o) is the weight in grams of the reserve before the start, is the weight in grams of the reserve 512 in 1200 seconds after the start, Wffc is the weight of funnel correction with frit Wds is the dry weight of the sample of the pad. The absorbent capacities of the t3o and tgoo samples are then measured in a similar manner, except that Wr (t = 30) and Wr (t = oo) (ie, the weight of the reserve at 30 seconds and 900 seconds after the start , respectively) are used in the previous formula. The percentage absorbance t ^ o of the sample is calculated [absorbent capacity t3o] / absorbent capacity t | 2oo] x 100%.

B. Squeezing The ability to retain fluids of the cleaning pad when exposed to pressure during use, and thus prevent "squeezing" of the fluid, is another important parameter of the present invention. The ability to "squeeze" is measured in a complete cleaning pad by determining the amount of fluid that can be dried from the sample with Whatman filter paper under pressures of 0.017kg / cm2 (1.5 kPa). This squeezing is performed in a sample that has been saturated to capacity with deionized water by a horizontal weakening (specifically, via weakening from the surface of the pad consisting of scrubbing or contacting the surface of the layer). A means for obtaining a saturated sample is described in the horizontal gravimetric weakening method of the US application serial number 08 / 542,497, (filed on October 13, 1995, which is incorporated herein by reference). The sample containing fluids is placed horizontally in an apparatus capable of providing the respective pressures, preferably using a bag filled with air that will provide a uniformly distributed pressure on the surface of the sample. The value resulting from the squeezing is reported as the weight of the test fluid loss by weight of the wet sample.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 Test protocol A floor area of 0.6 x 0.6 meters was stained with approximately 8 ml of particulate dirt (17.3 g of dirt from a vacuum cleaner, 200 g of deionized water, 468 g of 2-propanol) using a paint roller. Then each area of the floor was cleaned using 8 ml of solution and an absorbent pad, of the type described herein. The cleaning pad is attached to a sailboat cleaner head on a handle and cleaned through the floor surface using up and down movement, going over the surface in one direction and then back in the other direction. Then the floors are evaluated to obtain the final result using a scale of 6 points (0 = no film formation / scratched appearance; 6 = severe film formation / scratched appearance). A lower value is preferred. In some cases, brightness measurements were also taken. For these measurements, a Gardner micro-tri-gloss meter was used. The instrument was adjusted to 60 ° and the brightness measurements of the tiles were taken before soiling. After cleaning, the brightness measurements were taken again and compared with the initial readings. The gloss results are presented as (final brightness - initial brightness) / initial brightness. After a "first cleaning" the mosaics became dirty again and cleaned again for a "second cleaning" Proven formulas AB Neodol 1-5 (Shell Chemical) 0.35% 0.35% Witconate NAS-8 (Witco) 0.1% 0.1% Potassium carbonate 0.01% 0.01% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol 0.5% 0.5% Dow Corning AF suppressor of foams 0.0025% 0.0025% Perfume 0.015% 0.015% Polyalkylamine, quatemized ethoxylated * - 0.025% * Bis-methyl hexamethylenediamine quaternized with an average of 24 moles of exopolylation per site of reactive nitrogen Results (Tests performed on floor vinyl mosaics) Visual evaluation Instrument brightness? ß A B First cleaning 0.5 0.5 -17% -22% Second cleaning 1.25 0.5 -23% -23% Conclusion The addition of quaternized ethoxylated polyalkylamine showed advantages in film formation / scratched appearance in the second cleaning of vinyl tiles.

EXAMPLE 2 Test protocol Same as example 1.

Proven formulas ? Q Neodol 1-5 (Shell Chemical) 0.35% 0.35% Witconate NAS-8 (Witco) 0.1% 0.1% Potassium carbonate 0.01% 0.01% 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol 0.5% 0.5% Dow Corning AF suppressor of foams 0.0025% 0.0025% Perfume 0.015% 0.015% Copolymer of poll (acrylate-maleate) - 0.5% Results (Tests carried out on floor ceramic mosaics) Visual evaluation Instrument brightness? Q A C First cleaning 1.25 1.0 -34% -23% Second cleaning 1.75 1.25 -39% -23% Conclusion The addition of the poly (acrylate-maleate) copolymer to the base formula shows visual benefits in terms of film formation / scratched appearance and benefits of brightness recovery of the instruments in the ceramic mosaics.

EXAMPLE 3 Test protocol In a single 3.6 x 3.6 m ceramic tile, 1.5 ml of a dirt solution was applied using a paint roller. The soiling solution is made of 1.0 grams of American clay, 1.0 grams of Black Todd clay, 0.25 grams of dirt from a vacuum cleaner, 90 ml of 2-propanol, and 10 ml of an acetone solution containing 17 mg of palmitic acid. and 7 mg of stearic acid, and 9 mg of meat bait. This solution is allowed to dry. Each tile is then cleaned with 2 ml of the appropriate solution using an absorbent pad, of the type described herein. After 10 minutes, the lower right corner of the tile is scratched with 20% 2-propanol. After 30 minutes, the tiles are graded on a 4-point scale to find film formation / scratched appearance (0 = no film formation / scratched appearance, 4 = severe film formation / scratched appearance). Also the tiles were qualified for turbidity, when comparing the dirty area of the tile with the area scratched with alcohol. For turbidity, a 3-point scale was used (0 = no turbidity, 3 = intense turbidity).

Proven formulas ü £ Neodol 1-5 (Shell Chemical) 0.09% 0.09% Witconate NAS-8 (Witco) 0.05% 0.05% Ethanol 1.0% 1.0% Dowanol PNB glycol ether (Dow Chemical) 0.75% 0.75% 2-amino-2-methyl- 1 -propanol 0.06% 0.06% Xanthan gum 0.005% 0.005% Dow Corning AF foam suppressant 0.00125% 0.00125% Perfume 0.055% 0.055% Polyalkylamine ethoxylated # - 0.04% # 1600 Weight average molecular weight (before ethoxylation) of polyethyleneamine with an average of 20 moles of ethoxylation per active nitrogen site.

Results (The tests were carried out in floor ceramic mosaics) Film formation Visual visual turbidity / scratched appearance Q. O O. E First cleaning 2.5 1.75 2.5 2.0 Conclusion The addition of ethoxylated polyalkyleneamine showed advantages in the formation of visual film / striped appearance and turbidity compared to the formula that does not contain polymer.

EXAMPLE 4 Test protocol Same as in example 3.

Test formulas FQ Neodol 1-5 (Shell Chemical) 0.1% 0.1% 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol 0.06% 0.06% Ethoxylated glycerin 0.04% 0.04% Xanthan gum 0.005% 0.005% Dow Corning AF foam suppressant 0.00125% 0.0125 % Ethoxylated polyalkylamine # - 0.04% # 1600 weight average molecular weight (before ethoxylation) polyethyleneamine with an average of 20 moles of ethoxylation per active nitrogen site.

Results (Tests carried out on ceramic floor tiles) Film formation Visual visual haze / scratched appearance £ Q F Q First cleaning 1.75 1.5 2 1.5 Conclusion The addition of ethoxylated polyalkylamine showed advantages in the formation of visual film / striped appearance and turbidity compared to the formula that does not contain polymer.

Claims (13)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A detergent composition for hard surfaces characterized in that it provides effective cleaning and good film formation / scratched appearance when used with a disposable and non-rinsing cleaning pad, said composition comprising: 1) an effective amount, preferably of about 0.001% to about of 1%, of a polymeric soil suspending agent and 2) of about 0.03% about 0.5%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.45%, by weight of the composition of one or more detergent surfactants, the level of hydrophobic materials, including hydrophobic cleaning solvent, being limited to less than about 3%; and the pH being greater than about 7, preferably greater than about 9.3.

2.- the detergent composition in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent is selected from the group consisting of: ethoxylated polyalkylamine; propoxylated polyalkylamine; carboxylate polymer; carboxylate copolymer; zwitterionic polymer based on nitrogen, polyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of less than about 100,000, preferably less than about 10,000; polyphosphate; carboxymethylcellulose; methylhydroxyethylcellulose; methylhydroxypropylcellulose; ethylhydroxyethylcellulose; polyvinylpyrrolidone having an average molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 100,000; and mixtures thereof.

3. The detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent is ethoxylated or propoxylated polyalkylamine selected from the group consisting of polyethylamine; methyl hexamethylenediamine containing quaternary ammonium groups; tetraethylene-pentaamine; and mixtures thereof.

4. The detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent has an average ethoxylation / propoxylation level of at least about one mole per reactive nitrogen site, preferably about 100%. 5 to about 50 moles per reactive nitrogen sites.

5. The detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent contains between 2 and 60 nitrogen atoms that are separated by alkylene chain spacers ranging from 2 to 9 carbon atoms, preferably between 2 and 6 carbon atoms.

6. The detergent composition according to any of claims 3 to 5, further characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent has an average molecular weight of about 200 to about 150,000.

7. The detergent composition according to claim 2, further characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent is a carboxylate polymer or a copolymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate having an average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 100,000 , preferably from about 2,000 to about 20,000; an acrylate / maleate copolymer having an average molecular weight of 70,000 and an acrylate: maleate ratio of 70:30; and mixtures thereof.

8. The detergent composition according to claim 2, further characterized in that said polymeric soil suspending agent is a zwitterionic polymer based on nitrogen containing an alkylamine base structure between 2 and 60 nitrogen atoms, of which one or more they are quaternized, and the resulting positive charge is balanced by one or more anionic groups.

9. The detergent composition according to claim 8, further characterized in that said zwitterionic polymer based on additional nitrogen contains an ethoxylation / propoxylation level of more than one mole with reactive nitrogen site and one or more ethoxylated / propoxylated chains finished with a sulfate group.

10. The detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims further characterized in that it comprises an effective amount, preferably from about 0.0005% to about 0.02% foam suppressors, preferably a silicone foam suppressant.

11. - The detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the alkalinity is * provides via a volatile alkaline agent, said volatile alkyl agent, where t is an alkanolamide having the formula: ## STR2 ## wherein each R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups containing one to four carbon atoms. carbon and the total carbon atoms in the compounds is three to six.

12. The detergent composition according to claim 10, further characterized in that said volatile alkaline agent is 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol.

13. Equipment characterized in that it comprises: a cleaning instrument comprising a cleaning pad containing super absorbent material; and a detergent composition according to any of the preceding claims.