WO1997013829A1

WO1997013829A1 - Cleaning/disinfecting concentrate and methods

Info

Publication number: WO1997013829A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/016431
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Duquesne
Original assignee: Fragrance From France, L.L.C.
Priority date: 1995-10-13
Filing date: 1996-10-11
Publication date: 1997-04-17
Also published as: AU7430096A

Abstract

A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate is provided that includes a concentrate having, in admixture, 30-70 % by volume of a detergent; 10-40 % by volume of a non-emulsified fragance; and 5-20 % by volume of a preservative/disinfectant, wherein the ratio of detergent/surfactant to perfume/desinfectant is 0.75-5.0 by volume, as well as methods of making and using thereof.

Description

Cleaning/Disinfecting Concentrate and Methods

Background ofthe Invention

Field ofthe Invention

The present invention. in the field of cleaning and disinfectant compositions and methods. relates to a cleaning/disinfectant concentrate, and methods for making and using thereof.

Related Art

Cleaning/disinfectant concentrates, detergents and soaps that contain < 1% perfume/fragrance are well known in the an. They are formulated and used for commercial or domestic cleaning and/or disinfecting of hard surfaces, e.g.. floors, walls, baths, lavatories, tiles, kitchens, etc However, the tragrance thus provided in the concentrate often lasts only a relatively shoπ time, as the perrume evaporates quickly and is then no longer noticeable

Moreover, often the cleaning/ disinfecting composition has only a shoπ residence time on the surface to be cleaned, thus leaving relatively little time for the perfume to evaporate and impart a pleasant fragrance to the cleaned or disinfected surface and its surroundings. If the cleaning/disinfectant operation is followed by a πnsing step, this usually causes a funher reduction of the residence time of the perfume present on the surface of the substrate

It is known that chlorine-containing liquid disinfectants (e.g.. sodium hypochloπte ) are useful in destroying pathogens. However, these disinfectants suffer from the problem that the chlonne odor is unpleasant, discouraging its use. In addition, a chloπne-contaimng disinfectants tend to have a shoπ shelf life, due to die relative instability of aqueous hypochlonte According!) . there is a need to provide disinfectant concentrates having effective pathogenic activity . while also having a pleasant and long-lasting odor which encourages their use

Accordingly, there is a need to provide cleaning disinfectant concentrates providing a prolonged, pleasant odor and enhanced sense of cleanliness, when used for commercial or domestic cleaning or disinfecting.

Summary ofthe Invention The present invention is provided to overcome one or more deficiencies of the related background art.

The present invention provides a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate having unexpected propeπies. such as a prolonged pleasant odor from surfaces on which it is used in diluted or undiluted form, as well as having a stable shelf life even though a high concentration of perfume/ fragrance is used, in non-emulsified form. The use of a concentrate, or dilution thereof, of the present invention is now discovered to provide a prolonged sense of cleanliness.

The present invention generally provides a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate compnsmg 10- 40% of a non-emulsified perfume/ fragrance ; 30-70% of a non-ionic detergent/ surfactant; and 5-20% of a preservative/disinfectant. The ratio of detergent/surfactant to perfume/fragrance is 0.75-5.0 by weight percent (wgt. %) or volume (vol.).

The present invention is discovered to provide unexpected cleaning, disinfecting and pleasant odor properties, by the use of a very high percentage of a non-emulsified fragrance/perfume, in the range of 10-40%. The unexpected properties are also provided by the combination of at least one ofthe above percentages of non-ionic detergent/surfactant, preservative/disinfectant or ratios thereof.

A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe present invention can be made, in one aspect, by a method comprising the steps of providing the detergent/surfactant in liquid form; mixing in the preservative/surfactant and perfume/fragrance; and letting the mixture stand for a period of time until the mixture, suspension or solution is substantially homogenous.

A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate can be used for any cleaning or disinfecting of hard surfaces, in diluted or undiluted form, with a diluted form preferred. The dilution is preferably effected with an aqueous solvent, such as water.

Other objects, features and advantages ofthe present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and representative examples. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope ofthe present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

Brief Description ofthe Figures

Figure 1 is a gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) profile for the fragrance LAVANDE (LAVENDER) PC 23696.

Figure 2 is a GLC profile for the fragrance CITRON (LIME PC 23969.

Figure 3 is a GLC profile for the fragrance MIMOSA fJASMΪNE) PC 14309. Figure 4 is a GLC profile for the fragrance ZESTY (GRAPEFRϊ i ) PC 24219.

Figure 5 is a GLC profile for the fragrance VIOLETTE (VIOLET) PC 27410.

Figure 6 is a GLC profile for the fragrance SPITZ PC 2 ' 736.

Figure 7 is a GLC profile for the fragrance POMME (APPLE) I PC 25003.

Figure 8 is a GLC profile for the fragrance CHYPRE PC 24447. Figure 9 is a GLC profile for the fragrance GUM (BUBBLEGUM) II PC 27038.

Figure 10 is a GLC profile for the fragrance ZESTE (LEMON) PC 24449.

Figure 11 is a GLC profile for the fragrance ARDANTE PC 24448.

Figure 12 is a GLC profile for the fragrance VANILLAROME (VANILLA) PC 24217.

Figure 13 is a GLC profile for the fragrance PAOLA PC 24310. Figure 14 is a GLC profile for the fragrance EUCALYPTUS PC 24583.

Figure 15 is a GLC profile for the fragrance NECTAR PC 24180. Figure 16 is a GLC profile for the fragrance MUGUET PC 24311. Figure 17 is a GLC profile for the fragrance GUM (BUBBLEGUM) PC 24446. Figure 18 is a GLC profile for the fragrance GRANY (GRANNY APPLE) PC 24453. Figure 19 is a GLC profile for the fragrance CITRON (LIME)ELLE PC 24584. Figure 20 is a GLC profile for the fragrance JASMIN PC 25512.

Figure 21 is a GLC profile for the fragrance CITRON (LIME)ADE PC 27039.

Detailed Description ofthe Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides cleaning/disinfecting concentrates and methods of making and using thereof. These concentrates were developed based on the discovery of using a very high percentage (e.g., 10-40%) of a non-emulsified fragrance or perfume, in admixture, suspension or solution with at least the additional components of a suitable non-ionic detergent/surfactant and a preservative/disinfectant. This composition unexpectedly provides a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate with unexpectedly enhanced cleaning/disinfecting properties, when used in diluted or undiluted form. These unexpected properties include prolonged, pleasant odor which is found by users to provide a prolonged sense of cleanliness. The high percentage perfume in the concentrate is also unexpectedly stable upon storage, in diluted or non-diluted form.

Cleaning/Disinfecting Concentrates

The cleaning/disinfecting concentrates as described herein generally comprise products used for commercial or domestic cleaning/disinfecting purposes, but can also be used for other purposes, such as general purpose cleaning, deodorizing or disinfecting.

The concentrates of the present invention are characterized by generally possessing a relatively high level of detergent/surfactant, i.e., generally between 30 and 70%, typically between 45 and 65% by weight or volume, which detergent/surfactant may be non-ionic, anionic, cationic, amphoteric or mixtures thereof, with nonionic and anionic preferred. Furthermore, concentrates according to the invention generally comprise 10-40% of perfume/fragrance; 5-20% preservative/disinfectant, 0-55% by weight of an aqueous solvent, and 0-55% of optional adjuncts, as described herein and or as known in the related arts. The total of these ingredients in a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate is hereinafter referred to as a "cleaning/disinfecting concentrate" according to the present invention. The exact composition of the cleaning/disinfecting concentrate of the present invention depends on the type of product and its intended use, as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein.

A cleaning/disinfecting composition of the present invention is generally applied by first diluting with water or other aqueous solvent, preferably in a volume ratio of from about 1 : 10,000 to 1 :0, and more preferably a ratio from about 1 : 1500 to 1 :4 (cleaning/disinfecting composition: water or aqueous solvent). The surfaces to be treated are then wiped with the dilute solution thus prepared, for example, using a spray, a sponge or a cloth. In general, the cleaning/disinfecting concentrate can be used in less diluted form on heavily soiled or stained surfaces. The surface, after such cleaning/disinfecting with low dilutions, can optionally be further cleaned/dinsinfeced using a higher dilution of the cleaning/disinfecting solution, and/or rinsed with water. I t is preferred that the cleaned surface not be rinsed with water, in order to enhance the prolonged fragrance and sense of cleanliness.

For use as a cleaning solution, the relative amount of preservative/disinfectant is preferably from about 5-15%, and more preferably from about 5% to 10%. The cleaning/disinfecting concentrate is preferably diluted as about 0.1 -50 grams of concentrate per liter (g/1) of water for use as a cleaning/disinfecting solution such as about 0.1-40, 1-30, 2-20, 2-10 g/1. Alternatively, the cleaning/disinfecting concentrate can be diluted to about an 8-15% solution (preferably 10-14%, e.g., 12%) which is then optionally further diluted to about 0.5-100 ml/1 concentrate/water for cleaning/disinfecting purposes, such as about 0.5-50, 1-40, 3-20, 6-10 or 10-40 ml/1. For use as a disinfecting solution, the relative amount of disinfectant is increased, preferably from about 10% to 20%, and more preferably from about 15% to 20% or about 12-15%. The concentrate is then diluted for use using 1-100 g/1 concentrate/water, such as about 1-30, 2-40, 5-50, 10-60 or 20-80 g/1. Alternatively, the concentrate is first diluted to about 8-15% (preferably 10- 13%) solution, which is then added to water as about 1 - 100 ml/1, such as about 1 -50, 2-40, 3-30, 6- 10 or 10-40 ml/1. Preferably, the concentrate is used as about 50 mis per 8 liters. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to the present invention can be in the form of a liquid, a highly viscous liquid or a gel.

See, e.g., Lange, ed., Handbook for Detergent Formulator s, Hanser-Gardner Publishers, Cincinnati, OH (1994); Sittig, Detergent Manufacture Including Zeolite Builders and Other New Materials, Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ. (1979); Chemicals for the Detergent Industry, Business Communications, Inc., Norwalk, Conn. (1987); Cutler et al, Detergency: Theory and Technology, Dekker, New York (1987); Allured, ed., McCutcheon ' s Functional Materials: International & North American Edition, MC Publishing Co., New Jersey (1995); Longman, The Analysis of Detergents and Detergent Products, Books on Demand, Ann Arbor, MI (1989), which references are entirely incorporated herein by reference with regard to their teaching of formulation and components which can be used for making and using a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe present invention.

Perfumes/Fragrances

As used herein the term "perfume" or 'fragrance" denotes one or a mixture of natural or synthetic non-emulsified perfume or fragrance components, optionally mixed with a suitable solvent, diluent or carrier, which is used in a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe present invention and/or in use and/or to the surface that the diluted or undiluted concentrate is used on. The fragrance/perfume composition used in the present invention can be in any form that provides a suitable and homogeneous mixture, solution or suspension with the other components of a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe present invention.

Suitable characteristics of such perfumes/fragrances can include at least one ofthe following, in any combination: (1) liquid or semi-liquid after mixing with the other components; (2) pleasant and/or clean odor when mixed with other components, e.g., one or more of LAVANDE (LAVENDER), violet, rose, jasmin, pine, woody, floral, fruity, lemon, lime, apple, peach, raspberry, strawberry, banana, plum, apricot, vanilla, pear, eucalyptus, aromatic, aldehydic, tutti frutti, oriental, sweet, amber, Paola, Muguet, CITRON (LIME)ella, and the like; (3) specific gravity (20/20) in the range of 0.600 - 1.300, preferably 0.800-1.100, each preferably varying 0.001-0.05, more preferably 0.008-0.020; (4) refractive index (20 °C) of 1.300-1.800, preferably 1.400-1.600, each preferably varying 0.001-0.05, more preferably 0.008-0.020; (5) saponification value of 5-300, preferably 10- 250; and (6) having a flash point of 20-200 Pensky-Martens Closed Cup (P.M.C.C.) and 10-100 Tag- Closed Cup (T.C.C.). Perfume/fragrance components and mixtures thereof that can be used for the preparation of such perfumes/fragrances can be one or more selected from the group consisting of : natural products, such as essential oils, absolutes, resinoids, resins, concretes, etc.; and/or synthetic perfume components, such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acids, esters, acetals, ketals, nitriles, etc., including saturated and unsaturated compounds and aliphatic, carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds.

Examples of such perfume/fragrance components can be at least one selected from the group consisting of : geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalol, linalyl acetate, tetrahydrolinalool, CITRON (LIME)ellol, CITRON (LIME)ellyl acetate, dihydromyrcenol, dihydromyrcenyl acetate, nopol acetate, 2-phenylethanol, 2-phenylethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, styrallyl acetate, amyl salicylate, dimethylbenzylcarbinol, trichloromethylphenycarbinyl acetate, p-term-butylcyclohexyl acetate, isonomyl acetate, vetiveryl acetate, vetiverol, alpha-n-amylcinammic aldehyde, apha-hexylcinammic aldehyde, 2-methyl-3-(p- term-butyl phenyl)propanal, 2-methyl-3-(p-isopropylphenyl)propanal, 3-(p- tert.butylphenyl)propanal, tricyclodecenyl acetate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4- methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde, 4-acetoxy-3-pentyltetrahydropyran, methyl dihydrojasmonate, 2-n-heptylcyclopentanone, 3-methyl- 2-pentylcyclopentanone, n-decanal, n-dodecanal, 9-decenol-l, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal, phenylacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, geranonitrile, CITRON (LIME)ellonitrile, cedryl acetate, 3-isocamphylcyclohexanol, cedryl methyl ether, isolongifolanone, aubepine nitrile, aubepine, heliotropine, coumarin, eugenol, vanillin, diphenyl oxide, hydroxyCITRON (LIME)ellal, ionones, methyl ionones, isomethyl ionones, irones, cis-3-hexenol and esters thereof, indane musk fragrances, tetralin musk fragrances, isochroman musk fragrances, macrocyclic ketones, macrolactone musk fragrances, ethylene brassylate, aromatic nitromusk fragrances.

Preferred perfumes/fragrances include at least one selected from the group consisting of LAVANDE (LAVENDER) PC 23696, CITRUS PC 23969, MIMOSA (JASMINE) PC 24309, ZESTY (GRAPEFRUIT) PC 24219, VIOLETTE (VIOLET) PC 27410, SPITZ PC 24736, POMME (APPLE) I PC 25003, CHYPRE PC 24447, GUM (BUBBLEGUM) II PC 27038, ZESTE (LEMON) PC 24449, ARDANTE PC 24448, VANILLAROME (VANILLA) PC 24217, PAOLA PC 24310, EUCALYPTUS PC 24583, NECTAR PE 24180, MUGUET PC 24311, GUM (BUBBLEGUM) I PC 24446, GRANY (GRANNY APPLE) PC 24453, CITRON (LIME)ELLE PC 24584, JASMIN PC 25512, CITRON (LIME)ADE PC 27039 (each available from Kao Coφoration, Barcelona, Spain). Similar perfumes can also be preferably used. The specific characteristics and gas-liquid chromatography data on each of these fragrances is presented in Example 1.

Suitable solvents, diluents or carriers for perfumes as mentioned above are aqueous or alcohol based, e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, diethylene glycol monethyl ether, dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, and the like, as known in the art.

The perfume/fragrance component ofthe present invention is present in concentrates of the invention in a quantity of from about 10-40% by weight or volume, or any range or value therein, preferably in a quantity from about 20-35% by weight or volume, and more preferably in a quantity of from about 25-35% by weight or volume. A preferred quantity is about 30% by weight or volume. See, e.g., Lange, supra; Sittig, supra; Chemicals for the Detergent Industry, supra; Cutler, supra; Ramsbotham, Tenside Detergents 23.325-332 (1986); Morris, J. Am. Oil Chemist's Soc. -55:41-43(1978); Allured, supra, which references are entirely incorporated herein by reference with regard to their teaching of perfumes and/or fragrances.

Detergents/Surfactants

Detergents/surfactants suitable for use in a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe present invention are detergents or surfactants of the nonionic, anionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic type. U.S. patent No. 3,664,961, disclosing such detergent/surfactants, is entirely incoφorated herein by reference. The detergent/surfactant component is present in concentrates of the invention in a quantity of from about 30-70% by weight or volume, or any range or value therein, preferably in a quantity from about 40-65% by weight or volume, and more preferably in a quantity of from about 50-65% by weight or volume. A preferred quantity is about 60%.

Non-limiting examples of anionic detergents that can be used in a cleaning/disinfectant concentrate ofthe present invention include alkanesulfonates containing 12-20 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, monoalkyl sulfates containing 12-14 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, and alkyl ether sulfates containing 12-18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from 2-6 etheylene oxide (EO) units in the ether portion. Examples of such detergents/surfactants are sodium laurel ether sulfates, sodium coconut alkyl sulfate and sodium sec.-alkanesulfonate containing 14-16 carbon atoms. When anionic detergents/surfactants are used in a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe invention, it is preferred that preservatives/disinfectants other than cationic (e.g., quaternary ammonium halides) be used, when such combinations do not provide a homogeneous concentrate according to the present invention. For example, when a quaternary ammonium chloride is used as a preservative/disinfectant, an ionic detergent/surfactant is preferably used.

Nonionic detergents/surfactants that can be used in a concentrate ofthe present invention, as non-limiting examples, include primarily ethoxylated long-chain alcohols containing from 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from 5 to 15 ethylene oxide units (EO), ethoxylated alkylphenols containing from 8 to 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from 8 to 14 ethylene oxide units, ethoxylated fatty acid amides containing from 12 to 18 carbon atoms in the fatty acid part and from 2 to 8 ethylene oxide units, and long-chain amine oxides containing from 14 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferred examples of such detergents/surfactants include nonylphenol ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethylene oxide condensate, nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether, and nonylphenol containing 10 ethylene oxide units. The adducts of ethylene oxide and fatty alcohols, alkylphenols, and fatty acid amides have proven to be particularly suitable nonionic detergents for use herein, such as nonylphenoxy (polyethyleneoxy)ethanol, (e.g., IGEPAL NP 12 (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France), nonylphenol ethyloxylate, ethylene oxide-nonylphenol concentrate or polymer, ethoxylated nonylphenol, mono(nonylphenyl) polyethylene glycol, nonylphenol polyethylene oxide, nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether, nonyl phenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol, nonylphenoxypoly(oxyethylene)ethanol, and/or nonylphenyl polyethylene glycol ether.

See, e.g., Myers, Surfactant Science and Technology, VCH Publishers, Inc., New York (1992); Cutler, supra; Rosen, Surfactants and Interfacial Phenomena, Wiley, New York (1984); Schick et al. Surfactant Science Series, Vols. 1-22, Dekker, New York (1961-1987); Tadros, Surfactants, Academic Press, London (1984); Ramsbotham, supra; Morris, supra; U.S. patent Nos. 3,664,961 and 4,863,629, Lange, supra; Sittig, supra; Chemicals for the Detergent Industry, supra, Longman, supra; Allured, supra, which references are entirely incoφorated herein by reference with regard to their teaching of detergents and/or surfactants.

Preservatives/Disinfectants Preservatives/disinfectants suitable for use in a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate of the present invention are those that form homogeneous mixtures with detergents or surfactants of the nonionic or anionic type. The preservative/disinfectant component is present in concentrates ofthe invention in a quantity of from about 5-20% by weight or volume, or any range or value therein, preferably in a quantity of about 5-15% by weight or volume as a preservative and of about 10-20% by weight or volume as a disinfectant. A preferred quantity for cleaning is 10%.

The preservative/disinfectant can be provided as at least one water soluble or suspendable preservative or disinfectant, that provides bacteriocidal and/or fungicidal activity. The preservative/disinfectant preferably has chemical properties that allow it to mix homogeneously with the other components ofthe cleaning/disinfecting concentrate, such as with the non-ionic or anionic detergent surfactant and perfume/fragrance.

As a non-limiting example, the preservative/disinfectant can be cationic, such as a quaternary ammonium halide. Such quaternary ammonium chlorides are preferably a benzyl alkyl chloride. Examples of such preservatives/disinfectants include dialkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride and benzylcoco alkyldimethyl chloride. The dialkylbenzyl dimethyl chloride is preferably RHODAQUAT RP (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France). When a quaternary ammonium halide is used, it is preferably used with a non-ionic detergent. See, e.g., Lange, supra; Sittig, supra; Chemicals for the Detergent Industry, supra; Cutler supra; Longman, supra; Allured, supra, which references are entirely incoφorated herein by reference with regard to their teaching of preservatives or disinfectants.

Adjuncts In addition to the components described above, hydrophilic adjuncts may also be present in the cleaning/disinfecting concentrate at a level of 0-55% by weight ofthe aqueous phase according to the nature ofthe detergent product to which the perfume/fragrance is to be added. Examples of such materials are builders (e.g., tetrapotassium pyrophosphate) abrasives, colors, dyes, corrosion inhibitors, enzymes, alkalinity boosters, sudsing modifiers, florescent whitening agents, antiredisposition agents, softeners, anti-stats, bleaches, optical brighteners. thickeners, emollients, conditioners, water-soluble polymers, water-dispersible polymers, clarifiers, pearlescent agents, salts, structurants, stabilizers and/or organic solvents.

See, e.g., Allured, supra; Rosen, supra; Schick supra; Tadrcs, supra, Lange, supra; Sittig, supra; Chemicals for the Detergent Industry, supra, Cutler supra, Longman, supra; which references are entirely incorporated herein by reference with regard to their teaching of adjuncts.

Methods of Making

The concentrate can be made by using the steps of:

(a) providing the detergent/surfactant (to provide about 30-70% by volume of total mixture) in liquefied or dissolvable form; (b) mixing in the preservative/disinfectant (to provide about 5-20% by volume of total mixture);

(c) adding the perfume/fragrance as about 10-40% by volume ofthe total mixture; and

(d) letting the mixture stand until the mixture/suspension/solution is substantially homogeneous. The concentrate can then be further formulated in liquid or semi-liquid form, based on the percentage and type of compo- ents, according to known method steps. Gel capsules or granules can also be formulated as an altemative to providing the concentrate in liquid form. The concentrate can be packaged in any suitable form, such as plastic, glass or biodegradable containers, and stored for several weeks to years before use.

See, e.g., Lange, supra; Sittig, supra; Chemicals for the Detergent Industry, supra, Cutler supra, Longman, supra, which references are entirely incoφorated herein by reference with regard to their teaching of known method steps and components which can be used for making a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate ofthe present invention.

Methods of Using

For use as a cleaning/disinfectant composition, the concentrate can be diluted wid water or other suitable aqueous solvent, such as an alcohol, a glycol, an aqueous emulsion or other solvent which provides a stable mixture of the components of the cleaning/disinfecting concentrate. The cleaning concentrate can also be stored as a dilution of 1-50% by volume, with 12-25% preferred. The containers can be of any desired volume, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 50. 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 liters, or 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 48, 64 oz., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 50, 100, 200, 250 or 500 gallons, or any range or value therein. For use as a cleaning disinfecting solution, the concentrate can be diluted with an aqueous solvent as a 0.01-25% (vol.) solution. The concentrate can preferably be diluted in a range of 0.1- 250 ml/liter water, such as 0.2 -0.9 (e.g., 0.75), 1-10 (e.g., 5.0), 10-50 (e.g., 25), 50-150 (e.g., 120) or 150-250 (e.g., 250) ml/1 water, or any range or value therein. The cleaning/disinfecting properties, when used for cleaning hard surfaces, are found to be enhanced due to the prolonged, pleasant odor and enhanced sense of cleanliness. Preferably, the diluted concentrate is no rinsed with an aqueous solvent after use, in order to enhance the lifetime ofthe odor or sense of cleanliness.

Having now generally described the invention, the same will be more readily understood through reference to the following example which is provided by way of illustration, and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Example I: Cleaning Concentrate

A formulation of cleaning concentrate was made as a liquid concentrate having:

• 30% (vol.) of a non-emulsified fragrance, as at least one from the fragrances provided below (each from KAO Coφoration S.A., Fragrance Division, Barcelona, Spain);

• 60% (vol.) of a nonionic or anionic detergent as IGEPAL NP 12 (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France); and

10% (vol.) preservative/disinfectant as RHODOQUAT RP 80(Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France). Fragrances: One or more of the following fragrances were used in the formulation of a disinfectant cleaning concentrate ofthe present invention.

The fragrance LAVANDE (LAVENDER) PC 23696 has the following characteristics:

Table I

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Odor LAVANDE (LAVENDER), Powdery

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.965 - 0.975

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.471 - 1.481

Acid Value mg/g 15.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 135.0 - 175.0

GLC Figure 1

Flash Point 72°C P.M.C.C

'Pansky-Martens Closed Cup flash point test.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 1. The fragrance CITRUS PC 23969 had the following characteristics:

Table 2

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow

Odor Lemon. Green

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.888 - 0.898

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.474 - 1.484

Acid Value mg/g 3.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 20.0 - 60.0

GLC Figure 2

Flash Point 71 °C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 2. The fragrance MIMOSA (JASMINE) PC 24309 has the following characteristics:

Table 3

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid Odor Floral, Fruity

Specific Gravity (20/20) 1.073 - 1.083

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.529 - 1.539

Acid Value mg/g 9.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 142.0 - 182.0

GLC Figure 3

Flash Point 102°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 3. The fragrance ZESTY (GRAPEFRUIT) PC 24219 had the following characteristics:

Table 4

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Citrus, Green

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.902 - 0.912

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.469 - 1.479

Acid Value mg/g 2.0 max.

Saponification Value mg g 35.0 - 75.0

GLC Figure 4

Flash Point 50°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 4. The fragrance VIOLETTE (VIOLET) PC 27410 has the following characteristics:

Table 5

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Odor Floral, Violet

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.965 - 0.975

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.483 - 1.493

Acid Value mg g 2.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 151.0 - 191.0

GLC Figure 5 Flash Point 103°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 5. The fragrance SPITZ PC 24736 had the following characteristics:

Table 6

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Aromatic, Green, Woody

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.912 - 0.922

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.451 - 1.461

Acid Value mg/g 5.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 40.0 - 80.0

GLC Figure 6

Flash Point 67°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 6. The fragrance POMME (APPLE) I PC 25003 has the following characteristics:

Table 7

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Odor Fruity, Apple

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.994 - 1.004

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.464 - 1.474

Acid Value mg/g 1.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 74.0 - 114.0

GLC Figure 7

Flash Point 100°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 7. The fragrance CHYPRE PC 24447 had the following characteristics:

Table 8

Item Value Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Pine, Green

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.946 - 0.956

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.474 - 1.484

Acid Value mg/g 3.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 71.0 - 1 1 1.0

GLC Figure 8

Flash Point 73 °C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 8. The fragrance GUM (BUBBLEGUM) II PC 27038 has the following characteristics:

Table 9

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Tutti Fruitti

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.967 - 0.977

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.483 - 1.493

Acid Value mg/g 27.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 206.0 - 246.0

GLC Figure 9

Flash Point 35°C T.C.C

Tag-Closed Cup flash point test.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 9. The fragrance ZESTE (LEMON) PC 24449 had the following characteristics:

Table 10

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Citrus

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.887 - 0.897

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.454 - 1.464

Acid Value mg/g 2.0 max. Saponification Value mg/g 30.0 max

GLC Figure 10

Flash Point 53 °C T.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 10. The fragrance ARDANTE PC 24448 has the following characteristics:

Table 11

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Odor Floral, Aldehydic, Oriental

Specific Gravity (20'20) 1.020 - 1.030

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.502 - 1.512

Acid Value mg/g 6.0 max.

Saponification Va;-.e mg/g 75.0 - 115.0

GLC Figure 1 1

Flash Point 91 °C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 11.

The fragrance VANILLAROME (VANILLA) PC 24217 had the following characteristics:

Table 12

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Odor Fruity, Vanilla, Sweet

Specific Gravity (20/20) 1.039 - 1.049

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.464 - 1.474

Acid Value mg/g 91.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 63.0 - 103.0

GLC Figure 12

Flash Point 93 °C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 12. The fragrance PAOLA PC 24310 has the following characteristics: Table 13

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Floral, Aldehydic, Amber

Specific Gravity (20/20) 1.010 - 1.020

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.500 - 1.510

Acid Value mg/g 18.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 100.0 - 140.0

GLC Figure 13

Flash Point 102°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 13. The fragrance EUCALYPTUS PC 24583 had the following characteristics:

Table 14

Item Value

Appearance Clear liquid

Odor Eucalyptus

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.932 - 0.942

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.453 - 1.463

Acid Value mg/g 1.0 max.

Saponification Value mg g 40.0 max

GLC Figure 14

Flash Point 52°C T.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 14. The fragrance NECTAR PE 24180 has the following characteristics:

Table IS

Item Value

Appearance Clear liquid

Odor Fruity, Peach, Green, Floral

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.960 - 0.970 Refractive Index (20° C) 1.477 - 1.487

Acid Value mg/g 2.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 72.0 - 1 12.0

GLC Figure 15

Flash Point 93°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 15. The fragrance MUGUET PC 24311 has the following characteristics:

Table 16

Item Value

Appearance Pale Yellow liquid

Odor Floral, Miguet

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.976 - 0.986

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.495 - 1.505

Acid Value mg/g 2.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 40.0 - 80.0

GLC Figure 16

Flash Point 104°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 16. The fragrance GUM (BUBBLEGUM) PC 24446 has the following characteristics:

Table 17

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Fruity, Strawberry

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.969 - 0.979

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.481 - 1.491

Acid Value mg/g 30.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 205.0 - 245.0

GLC Figure 17

Flash Point 35°C T.C.C. This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 17.

The fragrance GRANY (GRANNY APPLE) PC 24453 had the following characteristics:

Table 18

Item Value

Appearance Clear liquid

Odor Fruity apple

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.963 - 0.973

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.496 - 1.506

Acid Value mg/g 1.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 123.0 - 163.0

GLC Figure 18

Flash Point 81 °C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 18. The fragrance CITRON (LIME)ELLE PC 24584 has the following characteristics:

Table 19

Item Value

Appearance Pale yellow liquid

Odor CITRON (LIME)ella, Pine. Aidehydic

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.863 - 0.873

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.457 - 1.467

Acid Value mg/g 3.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 36.0 max.

GLC Figure 19

Flash Point 63°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 19. The fragrance JASMIN PC 25512 had the following characteristics: Table 20

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Floral, Fruity

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.070 - 0.080

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.529 - 1.539

Acid Value mg/g 9.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 160.0 - 200.0

GLC Figure 20

Flash Point 106°C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 20. The fragrance CITRON (LIME)ADE PC 27039 has the following characteristics:

Table 21

Item Value

Appearance Yellow liquid

Odor Citrus, Green, Jasmin, Musky

Specific Gravity (20/20) 0.884 - 0.894

Refractive Index (20° C) 1.471 - 1.481

Acid Value mg/g 2.0 max.

Saponification Value mg/g 19.0 - 59.0

GLC Figure 21

Flash Point 73 °C P.M.C.C.

This fragrance had the gas-liquid chromatography profile presented in Figure 21. Detergent The nonionic detergent, IGEPAL NP 12 (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France) includes as an active ingredient a nonylphenol ethoxy ether (CAS Reg. No. 9016-45-9). The characteristics of this detergent are present in the following table 22:

Table 22

Detergent Characteristics

Appearance at 25 °C Clear liquid

Color (Hazel) 150 max. pH (aq. sol. 1%) 5 - 7.7

Flash point (°C) (sol. aq. 1%) 77 - 85

Water (%) (K. Fischer) 0.5 max.

Character Non-ionic

Active ingredients (%) 98 - 100

Density (g/cm³) 1.07

Melting point (°C) 14

Boiling point (°C) (NFT 6011 ) >150

H L B 13.9

Detergent Foaming:

Volume of Foam in ml (ISO) (solution at 1 g l):

Temp 30 sec. 3 min. 5 min

T. 20°C 250 240 220

A 50°C 240 200 180

Preservative. The preservative/disinfectant RHODOQUAT RP 80 (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France) includes as an active ingredient a quaternary ammonium compound, dialkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS Reg. No. 61789-71-7). The characteristics of this detergent are present in the following table 23: Table 23

Preservative/Disinfectant Characteristics

Activity (%) 79-81

Free amines + amine salts 2.5 max pH (aq. sol. 2%) 5 - 8

Character Cationic

Appearance at 20 °C Colorless viscous liquid

Solubility Soluble in water, alcohol, acetone, glycerol, glycols; insoluble in ether, chloroform, trichloroethylene, benzene, mineral oil

Dilution for Biocide (ppm) (BS: 6471) 250

Boiling point (°C) (PMCC) >70

Method of Making.

The concentrate was made by using the steps of:

(a) heating the detergent IGEPAL NP 12 ( to be about 60% (vol.) of total mixture), such that it is liquefied (at about 40-50 °C);

(b) mixing in the preservative RHODAQUAT RP 80 (to be about 10% (vol.) of total mixture);

(c) adding the perfume as about 30% (vol.) ofthe total mixture:

(d) letting the mixture stand until the mixture is homogeneous. This cleaning concentrate was provided undiluted, or diluted with water as a 12-25% (vol.) solution. The concentrate was diluted in a range of 10-40 ml/gallon water. The cleaning/disinfecting properties, when used for cleaning hard surfaces, were found to be enhanced due to the prolonged, pleasant odor and enhanced sense of cleanliness.

Example 2: Disinfecting Concentrate A formulation of disinfecting concentrate is made as a liquid concentrate as in Example 1 , except that 27-30% (vol.) of a non-emulsified fragrance, 50-60% (vol.) of a nonionic detergent as IGEPAL NP 12 (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France), and 12-20% (vol.) cationic preservative/disinfectant is used as RHODOQUAT RP 80 (Rhόne-Poulenc, Paris, France).

This disinfecting concentrate is found to be suitable for use as a commercial disinfecting solution, expected to have enhanced cleaning/disinfecting properties, when used for cleaning hard surfaces, due to the prolonged, pleasant odor and enhanced sense of cleanliness. All references cited herein are entirely incoφorated herein by reference, including all data, tables, figures, text and references presented in the cited references. Reference to known method steps, conventional methods steps, known methods or conventional methods is not in any way an admission that any aspect, description or embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, taught or suggested in the relevant art.

The description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the an (including the contents of the references cited herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the puφose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology is to be inteφreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate, comprising:

(a) 10-40% by volume of at least one non-emulsified perfume/fragrance ; (b) 30-70% by volume of at least one detergent/surfactant; and

(c) 5-20% by volume of at least one preservative/disinfectant, wherein the ratio of detergent/surfactant to perfume/fragrance is 0.75-5.0 by volume percent.

2. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1 , wherein said non-emulsified perfume/fragrance is 10-40% by volume.

3. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 2, wherein said perfume/fragrance is 30% by volume.

4. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1, wherein said detergent/surfactant is 40-70% by volume.

5. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 3, wherein said nonionic detergent/surfactant is 60% by volume.

6. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1, wherein said preservative/disinfectant is 5-12% by volume and provides preservative activity for said cleaning/disinfecting concentrate.

7. A cleaning disinfecting concentrate according to claim 5, wherein said detergent/surfactant is selected from nonionic and anionic.

8. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1, wherein said preservative/disinfectant is 12-20% by volume and provides disinfecting activity for said cleaning/disinfecting concentrate.

9. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 8, wherein said preservative/disinfectant is 15-20% by volume.

10. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 7, wherein said cleaning/disinfecting concentrate comprises 30% by volume non-emulsified perfume/fragrance; 60% by volume nonionic detergent; and 10% by volume preservative/disinfectant.

11. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1, wherein said perfume/fragrance is selected from the group consisting of LAVANDE (LAVENDER) PC 23696,

CITRON (LIME) PC 23969, MIMOSA (JASMINE) PC 24309, ZESTY (GRAPEFRUIT) PC 24219,

VIOLETTE (VIOLET) PC 27410, SPITZ PC 24736, POMME (APPLE) I PC 25003, CHYPRE PC

24447, GUM (BUBBLEGUM) II PC 27038, ZESTE (LEMON) PC 24449, ARDANTE PC 24448, VANILLAROME (VANILLA) PC 24217, PAOLA PC 24310, EUCALYPTUS PC 24583,

NECTAR PE 24180, MUGUET PC 24311, GUM (BUBBLEGUM) I PC 24446, GRANY (GRANNY APPLE) PC 24453, CITRON (LIME)ELLE PC 24584, JASMIN PC 25512 and CITRON (LIME)ADE PC 27039.

12. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 10, wherein said detergent/surfactant comprises a nonylphenol alkyl ether or acid.

13. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 12, wherein said preservative/disinfectant is cationic.

14. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 13, wherein said preservative/disinfectant is a quarternary ammonium halide.

15. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 14, wherein said detergent/surfactant is IGEPAL NP12 and said preservative/disinfectant is RHODAQUAT RP.

16. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1, wherein said concentrate is in the form of a liquid.

17. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1, wherein said concentrate is in the form of a highly viscous liquid.

18. A cleaning/disinfecting composition comprising a concentrate according to claim 1 , diluted with water in a volume ratio of 1 : 10,000 to 1 :0.

19. A method for making a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate, comprising:

(a) providing at least one detergent surfactant in liquid form; -uid

(b) mixing in at least one preservative and a perfume/fragrance to form a homogeneous solution, mixture or suspension, wherein said concentrate comprises:

(a) 10-40% by volume of said at least one non-emulsified perfume/fragrance ;

(b) 30-70%) by volume of said at least one of said detergent/surfactant; and

(c) 5 -20%> by volume of said at least one preservative/disinfectant, wherein the ratio of detergent/surfactant to perfume/fragrance is 0.75-5.0 by volume percent.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said detergent/surfactant is provided in liquid form by heating the detergent/surfactant.

21. A cleaning/disinfecting concentrate, produced by a method according to claim 19.

22. A method for cleaning or disinfecting a hard surface, comprising contacting the hard surface with a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 1 in a dilution of 1 : 10000 to 1 :0 with an aqueous solvent.

23. A method for cleaning or disinfecting a hard surface, comprising contacting the hard surface with a cleaning/disinfecting concentrate according to claim 21.