WO2005047445A1

WO2005047445A1 - Cleaning implement

Info

Publication number: WO2005047445A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/004673
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dilip Shanker Mathur; Lisa Ann Napolitano
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc; Reckitt Benckiser(Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2003-11-07
Filing date: 2004-11-05
Publication date: 2005-05-26
Also published as: GB2407817A; GB0326022D0; EP1680496A1

Abstract

A moist wipe for cleaning a surface, the wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material premoistened with a soap containing liquid composition containing Marseilles soap as a necessary constituent; the soap containing liquid compositions comprise: Marseilles soap; a surfactant constituent, desirably an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or mixtures thereof, an organic solvent constituent; optionally one or more further constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; the balance being water. A package product comprising an airtight container containing the moist wipes. The wipes are used for cleaning a hard surface. The liquid compositions comprising the Marseilles soap are also claimed.

Description

CLEANING IMPLEMENT

The present invention relates to wipes for cleaning a surface. More particularly the present invention relates to a fibrous sheet material - a wipe - which is premoistened with a cleaning composition which comprises soaps. The use of a wipe articles to clean surfaces, especially hard surfaces is widely known and practiced. The use of wipes preimpregnated with a quantity of a cleaning composition is known. The use of such preimpregnated wipes offers certain technical benefits which are not always realized with the use of a cleaning composition dispensed in liquid or paste/gel form from a container with a non-impregnated wipe or wiping article. For example, the application of a liquid cleaning composition, such as from a bottle often exhibits a tendency to run off surfaces, particularly on inclined surfaces. This results in wastage of the cleaning composition and often, ineffective cleaning if the locus of the stain is not effectively treated with the cleaning composition. Application of a liquid cleaning composition from an aerosol or a pump-trigger spray device is even more prone to wastage due to overspray of the cleaning composition. Application of a cleaning composition directly to a portion of a dry cloth or dry wipe which is subsequently applied to a surface also suffers shortcomings; frequently not all of the dry cloth or dry wipe is effectively impregnated with the cleaning composition thus frequently providing an inefficient cleaning treatment to a hard surface. The prior art is replete with moist wipes which are preimpregnated with a specific cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions. Frequently such moist wipes are directed to a specific application, such as cleaning of glass surfaces, or for providing a disinfecting effect to hard surfaces, which specific functions influence the types of constituents which are present in the liquid compositions contained in the moist wipes. Typically for glass cleaning applications, moist wipes containing a liquid composition comprising one or more volatile organic solvents are known, while for disinfecting applications, moist wipes containing a liquid composition having one or more disinfecting -compositions are known. While the art is replete with many moist wipes containing different types of liquid compositions, there is nonetheless a real and urgent need in the art for further improved moist wipes which are useful in the treatment of hard surfaces. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a moist wipe for cleaning a surface, the wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material premoistened with a soap containing liquid composition containing Marseilles soap as a necessary constituent. Preferably the soap containing liquid compositions according to the invention comprise (preferably consist essentially of): Marseilles soap; a surfactant constituent, desirably an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or mixtures thereof, but most desirably solely one or more nonionic surfactants to the exclusion of anionic surfactants; an organic solvent constituent; optionally one or more further constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; the balance being water. Soaps are amongst the oldest known cleaning agents. Soaps are generally produced by combining fats or oils with alkalies or alkaline earths, usually by boiling, and consists of various salts e.g., potassium, sodium, of various fatty acids, e.g., oleic, stearic, palmitic, etc. According to this general reaction, many different soaps may be produced by variation of the reactants, especially the source of fats and/or oils which are reacted alkalies or alkaline earth. One well known type of soap is "Marseilles" soap, which is often generally formed by the reaction of a substantial proportion of olive oil with alkalies or alkaline earths, or with one or more naturally occurring sources of alkali materials such as seawater, with the resultant soap being a fine-grained hard soap, having either a white or mottled appearance, or may also be a liquid at room temperature. The moist wipes of the invention are moistened or impregnated with a liquid composition which comprises a soap constituent, particularly a soap constituent based on sodium soaps. A particularly preferred soap is marketed as "Marseilles" soap which is broadly described to be a composition based on the sodium salts of fatty acids derived from olive oil and/or cottonseed oils. Generally Marseilles soap is a described to be a mixture of olive oils and vegetable oils (copra oils, palm oils) which are reacted with alkaline ash derived from sea vegetation as wells as with saline water obtained from the Mediterranean Sea. The specific composition of such Marseilles soap may vary slightly amongst manufacturers however the sale of this product is regulated to comprise at least 72%wt. pure soap, and to contain not more than 0.1 %wt. free soda, not more than 0.4%wt. sodium chloride, and to contain not more that 0.5%wt. glycerol. Little or no coloring or artificial additives are included in the product. A traditional process for manufacturing Marseilles soap is described to include the following steps: the mixture of olive oils and vegetable oils is provided with the alkalies or alkaline earths (soda) to permit saponifϊcation of the oils, and this mixture is then cooked at about 120°C for about 10 days; subsequently the mixture is washed with seawater in order to remove the soda used in the saponification reaction, and the resultant composition is permitted to lay undisturbed for about 2 days; optionally one or more further wash operations, usually with fresh water (non-saline) may be used to further rinse any remaining alkali from the soap mixture; and, finally the mixture at an elevated temperature (usually 50°C - 70°C) is poured into forms in which it is allowed to cool and dry, after which it may be removed. The Marseilles soap is advantageously present in the soap containing liquid compositions of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.10%wt. to about 10.0% by weight, more preferably is present in an amount of from about 0.10-5.0%wt, and most preferably is present in an amount of from about 0.10 - 0.20%wt. The soap containing liquid compositions of the invention necessarily include a surfactant constituent, which is desirably selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof. Generally any nonionic surfactant material may be used in the inventive compositions. Practically any hydrophobic compound having a carboxy, hydroxy, amido, or amino group with a free hydrogen attached to the nitrogen can be condensed with an alkylene oxide, especially ethylene oxide or with the polyhydration product thereof, a polyalkylene glycol, especially polyethylene glycol, to form a water soluble or water dispersible nonionic surfactant compound. By way of non-limiting example, particularly examples of suitable nonionic surfactants which may be used in the present invention include the following: One class of useful nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols. These compounds include the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to 12 carbon atoms in either a straight chain or branched chain configuration with an alkylene oxide, especially an ethylene oxide, the ethylene oxide being present in an amount equal to 5 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol. The alkyl substituent in such compounds can be derived, for example, from polymerized propylene, diisobutylene and the like. Examples of compounds of this type include nonyl phenol condensed with about 9.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonyl phenol; dodecylphenol condensed with about 12 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol; dinonyl phenol condensed with about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol and diisooctyl phenol condensed with about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of phenol. A further class of useful nonionic surfactants include the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from about 1 to about 60 moles of an alkylene oxide, especially an ethylene oxide. The alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched, primary or secondary, and generally contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Examples of such ethoxylated alcohols include the condensation product of myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol and the condensation product of about 9 moles of ethylene oxide with coconut alcohol (a mixture of fatty alcohols with alkyl chains varying in length from about 10 to 14 carbon atoms). Other examples are those C₆ -Cπ straight-chain alcohols which are ethoxylated with from about 3 to about 6 moles of ethylene oxide. Their derivation is well known in the art. Examples include Alfonic® 810-4.5, which is described in product literature from Sasol as a C₈-C₁₀ straight-chain alcohol having an average molecular weight of 356, an ethylene oxide content of about 4.85 moles (about 60 wt.%), and an HLB of about 12; Alfonic® 810-2, which is described in product literature as a Cs- o straight-chain alcohols having an average molecular weight of 242, an ethylene oxide content of about 2.1 moles (about 40 wt.%), and an HLB of about 12; and Alfonic® 610-3.5, which is described in product literature as having an average molecular weight of 276, an ethylene oxide content of about 3.1 moles (about 50 wt.%), and an HLB of 10. Other examples of alcohol ethoxylates are C₁₀ oxo-alcohol ethoxylates available from BASF under the Lutensol® ON tradename. They are available in grades containing from about 3 to about 11 moles of ethylene oxide (available under the names Lutensol® ON 30; Lutensol® ON 50; Lutensol® ON 60; Lutensol® ON 65; Lutensol® ON 66; Lutensol® ON 70; Lutensol® ON 80; and Lutensol® ON 110). Other examples of ethoxylated alcohols include the Neodol® 91 series non-ionic surfactants available from Shell Chemical Company which are described as C9-C11 ethoxylated alcohols. The Neodol® 91 series non-ionic surfactants of interest include Neodol® 91-2.5, Neodol® 91-6, and Neodol® 91-8. Neodol® 91-2.5 has been described as having about 2.5 ethoxy groups per molecule; Neodol 91-6 has been described as having about 6 ethoxy groups per molecule; and Neodol 91-8 has been described as having about 8 ethoxy groups per molecule. Further examples of ethoxylated alcohols include the Rhodasurf® DA series non-ionic surfactants available from Rhodia which are described to be branched isodecyl alcohol ethoxylates. Rhodasurf® DA-530 has been described as having 4 moles of ethoxylation and an HLB of 10.5; Rhodasurf® DA-630 has been described as having 6 moles of ethoxylation with an HLB of 12.5; and Rhodasurf® DA-639 is a 90% solution of DA- 630. Further examples of ethoxylated alcohols include those from Tomah Products (Milton, WT) under the Tomadol® tradename with the formula RO(CH₂CH₂O)_nH where R is the primary linear alcohol and n is the total number of moles of ethylene oxide. The ethoxylated alcohol series from Tomah include 91-2.5; 91-6; 91-8 - where R is linear Cg/do/Cπ and n is 2.5, 6, or 8; 1-3; 1-5; 1-7; 1-73B; 1-9; where R is linear Cn and n is 3, 5, 7 or 9; 23-1; 23-3; 23-5; 23-6.5 - where R is linear C₁₂/C₁₃ and n is 1, 3, 5, or 6.5; 25-3; 25-7; 25-9; 25-12 - where R is linear C₁₂/C₁₃/C₁₄/ C₁₅ and n is 3, 7, 9, or 12; and 45-7; 45- 13 - where R is linear C₁₄/ C₁₅ and n is 7 or 13. A further class of useful nonionic surfactants include primary and secondary linear and branched alcohol ethoxylates, such as those based on C₆-C₁₈ alcohols which further include an average of from 2 to 80 moles of ethoxylation per mol of alcohol. These examples include the Genapol® UD (ex. Clariant, Muttenz, Switzerland) described under the tradenames Genapol® UD 030, Cπ-oxo-alcohol polyglycol ether with 3 EO; Genapol® UD, 050 Cπ-oxo-alcohol polyglycol ether with 5 EO; Genapol® UD 070, C_n- oxo-alcohol polyglycol ether with 7 EO; Genapol® UD 080, Cπ-oxo-alcohol polyglycol ether with 8 EO; Genapol® UD 088, C_n-oxo-alcohol polyglycol ether with 8 EO; and Genapol® UD 110, Cπ-oxo-alcohol polyglycol ether with 11 EO. Exemplary useful nonionic surfactants include the condensation products of a secondary aliphatic alcohols containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration condensed with 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide. Examples of commercially available nonionic detergents of the foregoing type are those presently commercially available under the trade name of Tergitol® such as Tergitol 15-S-12 which is described as being Cn- C₁₅ secondary alkanol condensed with 9 ethylene oxide units, or Tergitol 15-S-9 which is described as being Cn -C₁₅ secondary alkanol condensed with 12 ethylene oxide units per molecule. A further class of useful nonionic surfactants include those surfactants having a formula: RO(CH₂CH₂O)_nH wherein;

R is a mixture of linear, even carbon-number hydrocarbon chains ranging from C₁ H₂₅ to C₁₆H₃₃ and n represents the number of ethoxy repeating units and is a number of from about 1 to about 12. Surfactants of this formula are presently marketed under the Genapol® tradename (ex. Clariant), which surfactants include the "26-L" series of the general formula

RO(CH₂CH₂O)_nH wherein R is a mixture of linear, even carbon-number hydrocarbon chains ranging from C₁₂H₂₅ to C₁₆H₃₃ and n represents the number of repeating units and is a number of from 1 to about 12, such as 26-L-l, 26-L-1.6, 26-L-2, 26-L-3, 26-L-5, 26- L-45, 26-L-50, 26-L-60, 26-L-60N, 26-L-75, 26-L-80, 26-L-98N, and the 24-L series, derived from synthetic sources and typically contain about 55% C₁₂ and 45% C₁₄ alcohols, such as 24-L-3, 24-L-45, 24-L-50, 24-L-60, 24-L-60N, 24-L-75, 24-L-92, and 24-L-98N, all sold under the Genapol® tradename. A further class of useful nonionic surfactants include alkoxy block copolymers, and in particular, compounds based on ethoxy/propoxy block copolymers. Polymeric alkylene oxide block copolymers include nonionic surfactants in which the major portion of the molecule is made up of block polymeric C₂-C₄ alkylene oxides. Such nonionic surfactants, while preferably built up from an alkylene oxide chain starting group, and can have as a starting nucleus almost any active hydrogen containing group including, without limitation, amides, phenols, thiols and secondary alcohols. One group of such useful nonionic surfactants containing the characteristic alkylene oxide blocks are those which may be generally represented by the formula (A) :

HO-(EO)_x(PO)_y(EO)_z-H (A)

where EO represents ethylene oxide, PO represents propylene oxide, y equals at least 15, (EO)_x+y equals 20 to 50% of the total weight of said compounds, and, the total molecular weight is preferably in the range of about 2000 to 15,000. These surfactants are available under the PLURONIC (ex. BASF) or Emulgen (ex. Kao.) A further group of such useful nonionic surfactants containing the characteristic alkylene oxide blocks are those can be represented by the formula (B):

R-(EO,PO)_a(EO,PO)_b-H (B)

wherein R is an alkyl, aryl or aralkyl group, where the R group contains 1 to 20 carbon atoms, the weight percent of EO is within the range of 0 to 45% in one of the blocks a, b, and within the range of 60 to 100% in the other of the blocks a, b, and the total number of moles of combined EO and PO is in the range of 6 to 125 moles, with 1 to 50 moles in the PO rich block and 5 to 100 moles in the EO rich block. Specific nonionic surfactants which in general are encompassed by Formula B include butoxy derivatives of propylene oxide/ethylene oxide block polymers having molecular weights within the range of about 2000-5000. Still further examples of useful nonionic surfactants include those which can be represented by formula (C) as follows:

wherein EO represents ethylene oxide, BO represents butylene oxide, R is an alkyl group containing I to 20 carbon atoms, n is about 5-15 and x is about 5-15. Yet further useful nonionic surfactants include those which may be represented by the following formula (D):

HO-(EO)χ(BO)_n(EO)_y-H (D)

wherein EO represents ethylene oxide, BO represents butylene oxide, n is about 5-15, preferably about 15, x is about 5-15, preferably about 15, and y is about 5-15, preferably about 15. Still further exemplary useful nonionic block copolymer surfactants include ethoxylated derivatives of propoxylated ethylene dia ine, which may be represented by the following formula:

where (EO) represents ethoxy, (PO) represents propoxy, the amount of (PO)_x is such as to provide a molecular weight prior to ethoxylation of about 300 to 7500, and the amount of (EO)_y is such as to provide about 20% to 90% of the total weight of said compound. Further useful non-ionic surfactants which may be used in the inventive compositions include those presently marketed under the trade name Pluronics® (ex.

6 BASF). The compounds are formed by condensing ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic base formed by the condensation of propylene oxide with propylene glycol. The molecular weight of the hydrophobic portion of the molecule is of the order of 950 to 4,000 and preferably 200 to 2,500. The addition of polyoxyethylene radicals of the hydrophobic portion tends to increase the solubility of the molecule as a whole so as to make the surfactant water-soluble. The molecular weight of the block polymers varies from 1,000 to 15,000 and the polyethylene oxide content may comprise 20% to 80% by weight. Preferably, these surfactants are in liquid form and particularly satisfactory surfactants are available as those marketed as Pluronics® L62 and Pluronics® L64. Alkylmonoglycosides and alkylpolyglycosides which find use in the present inventive compositions include known nonionic surfactants which are alkaline and electrolyte stable. Alkylmonoglycosides and alkylpolyglycosides are prepared generally by reacting a monosaccharide, or a compound hydrolyzable to a monosaccharide with an alcohol such as a fatty alcohol in an acid medium. Various glycoside and polyglycoside compounds including alkoxylated glycosides and processes for making them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,974,134; 3,219,656; 3,598,865; 3,640,998; 3,707,535, 3,772,269; 3,839,318; 3,974,138; 4,223,129 and 4,528,106 the contents of which are incorporated by reference. One exemplary group of such useful alkylpolyglycosides include those according to the formula: R₂θ-(C_nH_2nO)_r(Z)_x wherein: R₂ is a hydrophobic group selected from alkyl groups, alkylphenyl groups, hydroxyalkylphenyl groups as well as mixtures thereof, wherein the alkyl groups may be straight chained or branched, and which contain from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, n has a value of 2 - 8, especially a value of 2 or 3; r is an integer from 0 to 10, but is preferably 0, Z is derived from glucose; and, x is a value from about 1 to 8, preferably from about 1.5 to 5. Preferably the alkylpolyglycosides are nonionic fatty alkylpolyglucosides which contain a straight chain or branched chain C₈ -C1_.5 alkyl group, and have an average of from about 1 to 5 glucose units per fatty alkylpolyglucoside molecule. More preferably, the nonionic fatty alkylpolyglucosides which contain straight chain or branched C₈ -C₁₅ alkyl group, and have an average of from about 1 to about 2 glucose units per fatty alkylpolyglucoside molecule. A further exemplary group of alkyl glycoside surfactants suitable for use in the practice of this invention may be presented by the following formula (A):

RO-^OMG)* Z_b (A) wherein: R is a monovalent organic radical containing from about 6 to about 30, preferably from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms,

Ri is a divalent hydrocarbon radical containing from about 2 to about 4 carbon atoms, y is a number which has an average value from about 0 to about 1 and is preferably 0, G is a moiety derived from a reducing saccharide containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms; and, x is a number having an average value from about 1 to 5 (preferably from 1.1 to 2); O II

Z is OsM¹, °^~C_R2 _s o(CH₂),

; R₂ is (CH₂)CO₂ M¹ or CH=CHCO₂M^! ; (with the proviso that Z can be O₂M^! only if Z is in place of a primary hydroxyl group in which the primary hydroxyl-bearing carbon atom, -

CH₂OH, is oxidized to form a

group b is a number of from 0 to 3x+l preferably an average of from 0.5 to 2 per glycosal group; p is 1 to 10, M¹ is H* or an organic or inorganic counterion, particularly cations such as, for example, an alkali metal cation, ammonium cation, monoethanolamine cation or calcium cation. As defined in Formula (A) above, R is generally the residue of a fatty alcohol having from about 8 to 30 and preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of such alkylglycosides as described above include, for example APG 325 CS Glycoside® which is described as being a 50% C₉ -Cn alkyl polyglycoside, also commonly referred to as D- glucopyranoside, (commercially available from Henkel KGaA) and Glucopon® 625 CS which is described as being a 50% C₁₀ -Cι₆ alkyl polyglycoside, also commonly referred to as a D-glucopyranoside, (ex. Henkel), well as Glucopon® 225DK, a further alkylpolyglycoside which is more specifically described as being 68 - 72%wt. of alkyl μ(+b) mono- and oligo- C₈ -C₁₀ glucopyranosides (ex. Henkel) which is derived from glucose derivatives of maize, and fatty alcohols derived from coconut and palm kern oils. Further commercially available examples of suitable alkyl polyglycosides having differing carbon chain lengths include those currently marketed under the tradename Glucopon 220, Glucopon 225, Glucopon 425, Glucopon 600, and Glucopon 625, all available from Henkel Corporation Further nonionic surfactants which may be included in the inventive compositions include alkoxylated alkanolamides, preferably C₈-C₂₄ alkyl di(C₂-C₃ alkanol amides), as represented by the following formula: R₅-CO-NH-R₆-OH wherein R₅ is a branched or straight chain C₈-C₂₄ alkyl radical, preferably a Cio- β alkyl radical and more preferably a C₁₂-C₁₄ alkyl radical, and Re is a d-C alkyl radical, preferably an ethyl radical. According to certain particularly preferred embodiments the surfactant constituent comprises a nonionic surfactant based on a linear primary alcohol ethoxylate particularly wherein the alkyl portion is a C₈ to C₁₂, but particularly a C₉ to Cn alkyl group, and having an average of between about 6 to about 8 moles of ethoxylation. hi certain preferred embodiments on the invention, the surfactant constituent consists solely of one or more nonionic surfactants to the exclusion of anionic or other classes of surfactants. Very desirably, the sole surfactants present are one or more nonionic surfactants selected from linear primary alcohol ethoxylates, linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates and alkyl polyglycosides. According to certain particularly embodiments the sole surfactants present in the soap containing liquid compositions are alkyl polyglycosides. Generally any anionic surfactant material may be used in the soap containing liquid compositions described hererin. By way of non-limiting example, particularly suitable anionic surfactants include: alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, amine salts, or aminoalcohol salts of one or more of the following compounds (linear and secondary): alcohol sulfates and sulfonates, alcohol phosphates and phosphonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, sulfate esters of an alkylphenoxy polyoxyethylene ethanol, alkyl monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, beta- alkoxy alkane sulfonates, alkylamidoether sulfates, alkylaryl polyether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, alkyl ether sulfonates, ethoxylated alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkylamide sulfonates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfonates, alkyl carboxylates, alkyl sulfoacetates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkyl alkoxy carboxylates having 1 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, octoxynol or nonoxynol phosphates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, taurates, N-acyl taurates, fatty taurides, fatty acid amide polyoxyethylene sulfates, isethionates, acyl isethionates, and sarcosinates, acyl sarcosinates, or mixtures thereof. Generally, the alkyl or acyl radical in these various compounds comprise a carbon chain containing 12 to 20 carbon atoms. Exemplary anionic surfactants useful in forming the compositions of the invention include alkyl sulfates which may be represented by the following general formula:

wherein R is an straight chain or branched alkyl chain having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated, and the longest linear portion of the alkyl chain is 15 carbon atoms or less on the average, M is a cation which makes the compound water soluble especially an alkali metal such as sodium, or is ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, and x is from 0 to about 4. Of these, most preferred are the non- ethoxylated C₁₂-C₁₅ primary and secondary alkyl sulfates. Exemplary commercially available alkyl sulfates include one or more of those available under the tradenames RHODAPON® (ex. Rhδne-Poulenc Co.) as well as STEPANOL® (ex. Stepan Chemical Co.). Exemplary alkyl sulfates which is preferred for use is a sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant presently commercially available as RHODAPON® LCP (ex. Rhδne-Poulenc Co.), as well as a further sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant composition which is presently commercially available as STEPANOL®) WAC (ex. Stepan Chemical Co.). Further exemplary anionic surfactants useful in forming the compositions of the invention include alkyl sulfonate anionic surfactants which may be represented according to the following general formula:

wherein R is an straight chain or branched alkyl chain having from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated, and the longest linear portion of the alkyl chain is 15 carbon atoms or less on the average, M is a cation which makes the compound water soluble especially an alkali metal such as sodium, or is ammonium or substituted ammonium cation, and x is from 0 to about 4. Most preferred are the C₁₂-C₁₅ primary and secondary alkyl sulfates. Exemplary, commercially available alkane sulfonate surfactants include one or more of those available under the tradename HOSTAPUR® (ex. Clariant). Also contemplated to be useful as anionic surfactants are carboxylates which include alkyl- and alkylaryl-carboxylates which include those which may be represented by the general formula: R-COO- M⁺ wherein R is a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing from about 9 to 21 carbon atoms, and which may also include an aromatic ring, especially a phenyl group as part of the hydrocarbon chain, and M is a metal or ammomum ion. Further preferred alkylpolyoxycarboxylates include polyethoxycarboxylates which may be represented by the general formula: R-[-OCH₂CH₂-]_n-CH₂COO- M⁺ wherein R is a straight chained or branched hydrocarbon chain which may include an aryl moiety, but is desirably a straight chained or branched hydrocarbon chain; and n is an integer value of from 1 - 24, and M is a metal or ammonium ion, but is preferably a alkali or alkaline earth metal ion, especially sodium. Exemplary useful alkylpolyoxycarboxylates and alkylarylpolycarboxylates include those commercially available in the SANDOPAN series from Clariant Inc. (Charlotte, NC), as well as in the SURFINE series from Finetex, Inc. Further, in certain preferred embodiments on the invention, the surfactant constituent consists of a linear primary alcohol ethoxylate with one or more linear straight chain alkylbenzene sulfonates, but may alternately consists solely of one or more anionic surfactants to the exclusion of nonionic or other classes of surfactants. The surfactant constituent is present in the soap containing liquid compositions of the present invention in an amount of from about 0.01%wt. to about 10.0%wt., more preferably is present in an amount of from 0.01 - 5.0%wt., and most preferably in amounts of from 0.05 - 0.5%wt. Although the surfactant constituent may comprise one or more surfactants based on anionic, nonionic or both anionic and nonionic surfactants according to certain preferred embodiments the surfactant constituent consists exclusively of one or more nonionic surfactants, particularly solely alkyl polyglycosides as discussed above. The present inventors have surprisingly found that the alkyl polyglycosides provide excellent cleaning, good compatibility in the soap containing liquid compositions used to make the moist wipes, and low streaking when applied to hard surfaces. This is a particularly surprising as the tendency of the Marseilles soap constituent to streak is diminished when the surfactant constituent comprises an alkyl polyglycoside, and particularly when the surfactant constituent consists solely of alkyl polyglycosides. The soap containing liquid compositions of the invention further include an organic solvent constituent which necessarily includes both (a) a first organic solvent exhibiting an flashpoint of at least 100°F, in conjunction with a (b) second organic solvent constituent exhibiting a flashpoint of up to 100°F. Various individual organic solvent constituents may be considered for use in the liquid compositions of the invention, including but not limited to at least partially water-miscible such as alcohols (e.g., low molecular weight alcohols, such as, for example, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and the like), glycols (such as, for example, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, and the like), water-miscible ethers (e.g. diethylene glycol diethylether, diethylene glycol dimethylether, propylene glycol dimethylether), water-miscible glycol ether (e.g. propylene glycol monomethylether, propylene glycol mono ethylether, propylene glycol monopropylether, propylene glycol monobutylether, ethylene glycol monobutylether, dipropylene glycol monomethylether, diethyleneglycol monobutylether), lower esters of monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol (e.g. propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate), and mixtures thereof. Glycol ethers having the general structure R_a-R_b-OH, wherein R_a is an alkoxy of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or aryloxy of at least 6 carbon atoms, and R_b is an ether condensate of propylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol having from one to ten glycol monomer units are particularly useful. Of course, mixtures of two or more organic solvents may be used in each of the (a) a first organic solvent and/or the (b) second organic solvent present as the organic solvent constituent according to the invention. hi preferred embodiments the (a) first organic solvent is one or more a Ci-C₆ monohydric alcohols with Cι-C₃ monohydric alcohols, and ethanol being especially preferred. Most preferably the (a) first organic solvent ethanol, and especially preferably solely consists of ethanol. In preferred embodiments the (b) second organic solvent is one or more glycol ethers according to the structure R_a-Rb-OH described above, of which propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether are preferred. In certain preferred embodiments the (b) second organic solvent constituent consists solely of propylene glycol methyl ether. According to preferred embodiments of the invention the (a) first organic solvent and the (b) second organic solvent is present in respective weight ratios of (a):(b) of 1- 25:1-25 more preferably are present in respective weight ratios of 1-10:1-10, yet more preferably 1-5:1-5, but especially preferably in approximately equivalent ratios of 1:1. The organic solvent constituent is present in the soap containing liquid compositions of the present invention in an amount of from about l%wt. to about 25% by weight, more preferably is present in an amount of from about l-15%wt, and most preferably is present in an amount of from about 5-12%wt based on the total weight of the soap containing liquid compositions of which they form an essential part. The present inventors have surprisingly found that the careful selection of the (a) a first organic solvent exhibiting an flashpoint of at least 100°F, in conjunction with a (b) second organic solvent constituent exhibiting a flashpoint of up to 100°F, especially when selected from the preferred constituents as described above provide good cleaning, excellent evaporative characteristics and advantageously, minimal streaking upon hard surfaces upon which the moist wipe according to the invention is applied. Such characteristics are surprising in view of the fact that the soap constituent present would be expected to leave undesirable residues upon treated surfaces, yet, in accordance with particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention streaking is minimized or absent. The soap containing liquid compositions of the invention necessarily further contain an alkanolamine constituent which provides alkalinity to the liquid compositions, as well as simultaneously providing excellent removal of hydrophobic soils which may be encountered, e.g., greases and oils. Exemplary useful alkanolamines include monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines, trialkanolamines, and alkylalkanolamines such as alkyl-dialkanolamines, and dialkyl-monoalkanolamines. The alkanol and alkyl groups are generally short to medium chain length, that is, from 1 to 7 carbons in length. For di- and trialkanolamines and dialkyl-monoalkanolamines, these groups can be combined on the same amine to produce for example, methylethylhydroxypropylhydroxylamine. One of skill can readily ascertain other members of this group. Particularly preferred as the alkanolamine constituent is monoethanolamine which has found to be effective both as an alkalinity source and as a cleaning component. The alkanolamine is desirably present in the soap contaimng liquid compositions of the invention in amounts of from about 0.01% - 10% by weight, more desirably from about 0.01% - 2% by weight, and most preferably from about 0.01 - l%wt. based on the total weight of the compositions of which they form a part. The compositions of the present invention may also optionally comprise one or more further optional constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions. By way of non-limiting example such further constituents include one or more of: coloring agents, fragrances and fragrance solubilizers, viscosity modifying agents, other surfactants, pH adjusting agents and pH buffers including organic and inorganic salts, optical brighteners, opacifying agents, hydrotropes, antifoaming agents, enzymes, and anti-oxidants. When one or more of the optional constituents is added, i.e., fragrance and/or coloring agents, the esthetic and consumer appeal of the product is often favorably improved. The use and selection of these optional constituents is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and any optional constituent may be included which does not deleteriously effect the favorable properties of the invention. While not an essential feature in all embodiments of the inventive compositions, according to certain preferred embodiments the liquid compositions of the invention necessarily comprise at least one fragrancing agent. Such may be one or more substances or mixtures of substances mcluding those which are naturally derived (i.e., obtained by extraction of flower, herb, blossom or plant), those which are artificially derived or produced (i.e., mixture of natural oils and/or oil constituents), and those which are synthetically produced substances (odiferous substances). In the present invention, the precise composition of the fragrance constituent is of no particular consequence as long as it may be effectively included as a constituent of the compositions, and have a pleasing fragrance. For those compositions which are intended to be used in a domestic environment, the fragrance constituent, as well as the other ingredients used in making up compositions of the invention should be cosmetically acceptable, i.e., feature low toxicity or no toxicity, hypoallergenic character, etc. The fragrance constituent may be included in any effective amount. Most desirably however the fragrance constituent is chosen to be compatible with the Marseilles soap and to imitate the fragrance provided by the Marseilles soap itself. Advantageously the liquid compositions according to the present invention comprise a preservative constituent. Since a significant portion of the liquid compositions comprise water, it is preferably that the preservative be water soluble. Desirably, the selected water soluble preservatives are those which exhibit stability and efficacy in the aqueous compositions according to the invention at neutral, but preferably at alkaline pH's especially in the preferred pH ranges noted above. Such water soluble preservatives include compositions which include parabens, including methyl parabens and ethyl parabens, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, 2-bromo-2-nitropropoane~l,3-diol, 5-chloro-2- methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, and mixtures thereof. One exemplary composition is a combination 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2- methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one where the amount of either component maybe present in the mixture anywhere from 0.001 to 99.99 weight percent, based on the total amount of the preservative. For reasons of availability, the most preferred preservative are those commercially available preservative comprising a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4- isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one marketed under the trademark KATHON® CG/ICP as a preservative composition presently commercially available from Rohm and Haas (Philadelphia, PA). Further useful preservative compositions include KATHON® CG/ICP II, a further preservative composition presently commercially available from Rohm and Haas (Philadelphia, PA), PROXEL® which is presently commercially available from Zeneca Biocides (Wilmington, DE), SUTTOCIDE® A which is presently commercially available from Sutton Laboratories (Chatam, NJ) as well as TEXTAMER® 38 AD which is presently commercially available from Calgon Corp. (Pittsburgh, PA). Particularly preferred for use in the inventive composition is a preparation containing l,3-dihydroxymethyl-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate which is presently commercially available as Dantogard® Plus Liquid from Lonza Corp. (Fairlawn, NJ.) When included, the preservative constituent is present in the liquid compositions of the present invention in any amount which is effective in retarding or eliminating the growth of undesired microorganisms in the inventive compositions particularly upon standing. The preservative constituent need be present in only minor amounts, and is advantageously present in amounts for from about 0. l%wt. to about 0.8%wt, more preferably is present in an amount of from about 0.2 - 0.6% wt. In preferred embodiments of the invention the preservative constituent is necessarily present. The soap containing liquid compositions are desirably at a neutral or alkaline pH, but desirably are at a pH of at least 7. Most desirably the inventive compositions are at a pH of about 8 to about 12, and especially preferably are at a pH of about 11-12. As is noted above, the soap containing liquid compositions according to the invention are aqueous in nature. Water is added to order to provide to 100% by weight of the compositions of the invention. The water may be tap water, but is preferably distilled and is most preferably deionized water. If the water is tap water, it is preferably substantially free of any undesirable impurities such as organics or inorganics, especially minerals salts which are present in hard water which may thus undesirably interfere with the operation of the constituents present in the aqueous compositions according to the invention. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a moist wipe for cleaning a surface, the wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material premoistened with a soap containing liquid composition containing comprising (preferably consisting essentially of): Marseilles soap; as the sole surfactants present, one or more nonionic surfactants selected from linear primary alcohol ethoxylates, linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates and alkyl polyglycosides; an organic solvent constituent which includes both (a) a first organic solvent exhibiting an flashpoint of at least 100°F, in conjunction with a (b) second organic solvent constituent exhibiting a flashpoint of up to 100°F.; optionally one or more further constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; the balance being water. According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a moist wipe for cleaning a surface, the wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material premoistened with a soap containing liquid composition containing comprising (preferably consisting essentially of): Marseilles soap; as the sole surfactants present, one or more alkyl polyglycosides; an organic solvent constituent which includes both (a) a Cι-C₆ monohydric alcohol, especially ethanol as a first organic solvent exhibiting an flashpoint of at least 100°F, in conjunction with (b) a glycol ether, especially one or more glycol ethers selected from propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether as a second organic solvent constituent exhibiting a flashpoint of up to 100°F; optionally one or more further constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; the balance being water. The soap containing liquid compositions may be produced by any of a number of known art techniques. Most simply the constituents may be added, under stirring to a large aliquot of the water used to produce the formulation until all of the constituents are added with the final amount of water added last. Alternately a large aliquot of the water is added to a mixing vessel provided with an agitator, and under agitation the following constituents are added in the following order: organic solvents, alkanolamine, surfactants, Marseilles soap, and finally any optional constituents (e.g., preservative, fragrance, coloring agents) which may be present. If the full volume of water was not originally provided, any any remaining water needed to provide the remaining 100%wt of the composition as a final mixing step. All or some of the individual constituents may be preheated in order to facilitate their mixing with the water, and the water may also be heated to an elevated temperature, but usually not heated in excess of about 90°C, and preferably not in excess of about 40°C. A first preferred process for the manufacture of the inventive compositions contemplates adding to a suitable mixing vessel containing the total amount of water (preferably "soft water") which is heated to 20°C-25°C the organic solvent(s), followed by the Marseilles soap which is stirred under moderate agitation using a conventional electrically driven laboratory agitator, and stirring is continued until the soap is melted and a homogenous mixture is formed. Subsequently under continued stirring is added the nonionic surfactant, then the source of potassium ions, and stirring is permitted to continue until the composition clarifies. Thereafter the remaining constituents may be added in any order. A second preferred process for the manufacture of the inventive compositions contemplates the following steps. To a suitable mixing vessel is supplied the total amount of "soft water" which heated to 40°C, to which is added the Marseilles soap which is stirred under moderate agitation using a conventional electrically driven laboratory agitator, and stirring at 40°C is continued until the soap is melted and a homogenous mixture is formed. Heating is discontinued, and thereafter the source of potassium ions is added to the solution, and stirring continued until the composition is homogenous and the composition clarifies. Subsequently under continuous stirring are added in order: surfactant(s), organic solvent(s), and when present, the remaining constituents, e.g., preservative, fragrance. The soap containing liquid compositions of the invention also find use without being provided to a wipe, and may be used directly with or without further dilution with water to provide a cleaning treatment to hard surfaces. When diluted, the soap containing liquid compositions are advantageously diluted on a respective volume ratio basis of soap containing liquid composition to water of 1 : 1 - 1000, preferably from 1 : 1 -500. Particularly preferred soap containing liquid compositions as described herein include those which exhibit low streaking following their application and use in cleaning a hard surface. Such particularly preferred soap containing liquid compositions exhibit such behavior when applied directly to a hard surface, or when applied in the form a moist wipe as described hererin. The moist wipes of the invention are useful in the cleaning of surfaces, particularly hard surfaces by contacting the hard surface with the moist wipe which contains the liquid composition within. Such provides a cleaning treatment to the hard surface, particularly when applied in the locus of stains or soils which are present on the hard surface. Most desirably, the moist wipe will normally have no dry portions which could contact the treated hard surface thus ensuring good delivery of the liquid composition to the surface and homogeneous distribution of the liquid composition within the moist wipe. Thus, the wipe is preferably thoroughly impregnated with the soap containing liquid composition. The composition of the present invention are applied to a substrate to form the wet wipes according to the present invention. The substrate can be a film substrate or a fabric substrate. The fabric substrates can be of a woven or non-woven nature, and may take a variety of forms. Exemplary useful fabric substrates can include nonwoven or woven pouches, sponges, in the form of abrasive or non-abrasive cleaning pads. Such fabrics are known commercially in this field, and are often referred to as wipes. Such substrates can be resin bonded, hydroentanged, thermally bonded, meltblown, needlepunched or any combination of the former. The nonwoven fabrics may be a combination of wood pulp fibers and textile length synthetic fibers formed by well known dry-form or wet-lay processes. Synthetic fibers such as rayon, nylon, orlon, polypropylene and polyester as well as blends of two or more thereof can be employed. The wood pulp fibers should comprise about 30 to about 60 percent by weight of the nonwoven fabric, preferably about 55 to about 60 percent by weight, the remainder being synthetic fibers. The wood pulp fibers provide for absorbency, abrasion and soil retention whereas the synthetic fibers provide for substrate strength and resiliency. The substrate of the moist wipe may also be a film forming material such as a water soluble polymer. Such self-supporting film substrates may be sandwiched between layers of fabric substrates and heat sealed to form a useful substrate. The free standing films can be extruded utilizing standard equipment to devolatihze the blend. Casting technology can be used to form and dry films, or a liquid blend can be saturated into a carrier and then dried in a variety of known methods. The soap containing liquid compositions may be applied to the substrate in any amount and the skilled artisan will recognize that a broad range of liquid loadings are contemplated, and the specific amount of soap containing liquid composition may vary and in part depends on the absorbtive capacity of the substrate, particularly a fabric substrate as described hererin. Advantageously wherein a fabric substrate is used, about 1-5 times the weight of the soap containing liquid compositions are provided per unit weight of dry fabric substrate, and desirably 3 to 5 times the weight, more preferably 3.5 - 5 times the weight of soap containing liquid composition is present per unit weight of the dry fabric substrate. The soap containing liquid compositions of the present invention are absorbed onto the substrate to form a moist wipe, and in preferred embodiments to form a saturated wipe. The moist wipe can then be sealed individually in a pouch or other container which can then be opened when needed or a multitude of moist wipes can be placed in a container for use on an as-needed basis. The container, when closed, is sufficiently sealed to prevent evaporation of any components from the compositions. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaged product comprising an airtight container having a resealable opening and a moist wipe as described hererin. Preferably, the container includes a plurality of moist wipes which are arranged in a generally folded configuration so that each wipe can be removed from the container one at a time. Such folded configurations well known to those skilled in the art and include C- folded, Z-folded, quarter-folded configurations and the like. Each moist wipe may also be interfolded with the moist wipe immediately above and below in the stack of moist wipes. Alternatively, moist wipes could be wound as a roll and separately by perforated tear zones and the container could be a tub having an opening through which moist wipes are pulled, and thereafter may be used. According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a moist wipe as defined hereinbefore, the method comprising the steps of providing as a substrate, a fibrous sheet material as defined hereinbefore and moistening the fibrous sheet material with a soap containing liquid composition as defined hereinbefore to form a moist wipe. Preferably, in the manufacturing method, a supply roll of fibrous material is unwound to provide a continuously moving web of material. The web of material is saturated or otherwise impregnated with the soap containing liquid composition by any suitable means such as spraying, dipping, or the like as are well known to those skilled in the art. In a particular aspect, the web of material is passed over several perforated tubes which feed the solution into the material. The web of material is slit in the machine direction into multiple ribbons, each of which may be folded into the type of fold desired for the individual wipe. The web of material is slit using a cutter, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The wipes may be stacked by methods well known to those skilled in the art. After the stack of wipes is properly configured, it may be placed in the interior of the container, such as a plastics wrap or tub, to provide a package of wipes. The container provides a substantially hermetically sealed environment for the wipes to minimize the escape of any of the soap containing liquid composition therefrom. According to a yet further aspect, the present invention provides the use of the moist wipe as defined hereinbefore for cleaning a hard surface. By way of non-limiting example, hard surfaces include surfaces composed of refractory materials such as: glazed and unglazed tile, brick, porcelain, ceramics as well as stone including marble, granite, and other stones surfaces; glass; metals; plastics e.g. polyester, vinyl; fiberglass, Formica®, Corian® and other hard surfaces known to the industry. Hard surfaces which are to be particularly denoted are lavatory fixtures such as shower stalls, bathtubs and bathing appliances (racks, curtains, shower doors, shower bars) toilets, bidets, wall and flooring surfaces especially those which include refractory materials and the like. Further hard surfaces which are to be denoted are those associated with kitchen environments and other environments associated with food preparation, including cabinets and countertop surfaces as well as walls and floor surfaces especially those which include refractory materials, plastics, Formica®, Corian® and stone. Such hard surfaces described above are to be understood as being recited by way of illustration and not be way of limitation. The following examples below illustrate exemplary and preferred formulations of the concentrate composition according to the instant invention. It is to be understood that these examples are presented by means of illustration only and that further useful formulations fall within the scope of this invention and the claims may be readily produced by one skilled in the art and not deviate from the scope and spirit of the invention. Throughout this specification and in the accompanying claims, weight percents of any constituent are to be understood as the weight percent of the active portion of the referenced constituent, unless otherwise indicated.

Examples: The following examples illustrate the formulation and performance of various embodiments of the invention, as well as certain particularly preferred embodiments of the invention. Exemplary formulations illustrating certain preferred embodiments of the inventive compositions and described in more detail in Table 1 below were formulated generally in accordance with the following protocol. The weight percentages indicated the "as supplied" weights of the named constituent from their respective supplier. Into a suitably sized vessel, a measured amount of water was provided after which the constituents were added in no specific or uniform sequence, which indicated that the order of addition of the constituents was not critical. All of the constituents were supplied at room temperature, and any remaining amount of water was added thereafter. Certain of the nonionic surfactants if gels at room temperature were first preheated to render them pourable liquids prior to addition and mixing. Mixing of the constituents was achieved by the use of a mechanical stirrer with a small diameter propeller at the end of its rotating shaft. Mixing, which generally lasted from 5 minutes to 120 minutes was maintained until the particular exemplary formulation appeared to be homogeneous. The exemplary compositions were readily pourable, and retained well mixed characteristics (i.e., stable mixtures) upon standing for extend periods. The compositions of the example formulations are listed on Table 1.

As is indicated, to all of the formulations of Table 1 was added sufficient deionized water in "quantum sufficient" to provide 100 parts by weight of a particular formulation. The identity of the constituents of used to produce various formulations described herein are disclosed on Table 2, below, including the "actives" percentage of each were a constituent was not 100%wt. "actives".

The compositions described in Table 1 illustrate exemplary embodiments of compositions which are useful in forming the moist wipes according t the invention.

Moist Wine A A first moist wipe was produced by applying 9.42 grams of the liquid soap containing liquid composition according to Example 12 to a nonwoven wipe, (Tharreau Aquadim VE 50 L) having a dry weight of 3.14 grams. Tharreau Aquadim VE 50 L is a commercially available nonwoven spunlaced nonwoven wipe comprising viscose and polyester (ex. Tharreau Industries, Chemille, France) The resulting wipe was found useful in the cleaning of hard surfaces, with little or no residual streaking following the cleaning step.

Moist Wipe B A second moist wipe was produced by applying 24.75 grams of the liquid soap containing liquid composition according to Example 12 to a nonwoven wipe, (Tharreau Aquadim VE 80 G NL) having a dry weight of 5.25 grams. Tharreau Aquadim VE 80 G NL is a commercially available nonwoven spunlaced apertured nonwoven wipe comprising viscose and polyester (ex. Tharreau Industries, Chemille, France) The resulting wipe was found useful in the cleaning of hard surfaces, with little or no residual streaking following the cleaning step.

Cleaning Evaluations: Cleaning evaluations comparing the performance of both Moist Wipe A and Moist Wipe B described compared to several commercially available products, "St. Marc Floor Wipes" (ex. Reckitt Benckiser - France), "Carolin Savon de Marseilles Floor

Wipes" (ex. Bolton Belgium N.V.) and "GIF Brilliance Citrus Floor Wet Wipes"(ex.

Lever Faberge Ireland Ltd.) were performed. Testing of the wipes was performed generally in accordance with the testing protocol outlined according to ASTM D4488 A2

Test Method, which evaluated the efficacy of the cleaning compositions on white vinyl floor tile samples. A test soil applied according to ASTM D4488 A2 was prepared; the amount of soil used was 0.5 grams mixed with 5 drops of mineral oil. The soiled area on the tiles was 2 by 4 inches; two separate soiled areas were prepared on each vinyl floor tile sample. Evaluation of floor wipes was "paired" with one side of each of the vinyl tile bearing a soil sample treated first with one wipe, and thereafter the soils sample present on the other side of the same sample treated with a further wipe, thus allowing a "side- by-side" comparison to be made. The selection of the wipes used for each tile was randomized in order to ensure an accurate result. For each test, 10 soil samples were tested for each wipe evaluated in each test, and the test results were statistically analyzed to at least a 95% confidence level. A Sheen Abrasion Tester was used to clean each soiled tile instead of manual cleaning in order to provide a more accurate result. Prior to testing, a sample floor wipe was first wrapped around a sponge and then loaded onto the holder of the Sheen Abrasion Tester to which was added a further 400 grams weight. For each cleaning evaluation Tester was cycled 20 times. The cleaning efficacy of each sample wipe was evaluated utilizing a Minolta Chroma Meter CF-110, with Data Processor DP- 100, which evaluated the reflective characteristics of the sample. In a first test the cleaning performance of samples of Moist Wipe A were evaluated against samples of the GIF Brilliance Citrus Floor Wet Wipes, and St. Marc Floor Wipes. The averaged results of the floor wipes tested are set forth in Table 3.

As can be seen from the results of Table 3, the cleaning efficacy of the Moist Wipe A according to the invention provided cleaning results comparable with those of known art floor wipe products. In a second test the cleaning performance of samples of Moist Wipe B were evaluated against samples of the GIF Brilliance Citrus Floor Wet Wipes, Carolin Savon de Marseilles Floor Wipes, and St. Marc Floor Wipes. The averaged results of the floor wipes tested are set forth in Table 4.

As can be seen from the results of Table 4, the cleaning efficacy of the Moist Wipe B according to the invention provided strikingly superior cleaning results comparable with those of known art floor wipe products. While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative forms, it is to be understood that specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example which are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed; on the contrary the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope and spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A moist wipe for cleaning a surface, the wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material premoistened with a soap containing liquid composition comprising: Marseilles soap; a surfactant constituent, desirably an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or mixtures thereof, an organic solvent constituent; optionally one or more further constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; the balance being water.

2. A moist wipe according to claim 1, wherein the soap containing liquid composition comprises : a surfactant constituent consisting solely one or more nonionic surfactants to the exclusion of anionic surfactants;

3. A moist wipe according to claim 2, wherein the soap containing liquid composition comprises: a surfactant constituent consisting solely of one or more nonionic surfactants selected from linear primary alcohol ethoxylates, linear secondary alcohol ethoxylates and alkyl polyglycosides.

4. A moist wipe according to claim 3, wherein the soap containing liquid composition comprises: a surfactant constituent consisting solely of one or more alkyl polyglycosides.

5. A moist wipe according to claim 1, wherein the soap containing liquid composition comprises: an organic solvent constituent which includes both (a) a Ci-Cβ monohydric alcohol, especially ethanol as a first organic solvent exhibiting an flashpoint of at least 100°F, in conjunction with (b) a glycol ether, especially one or more glycol ethers selected from propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether as a second organic solvent constituent exhibiting a flashpoint of up to 100°F.

6. A moist wipe according to claim 1, wherein the soap containing liquid composition comprises: an organic solvent constituent which includes ethanol as a first organic solvent exhibiting an flashpoint of at least 100°F.

7. A moist wipe according to claim 1, wherein the soap containing liquid composition comprises: an organic solvent constituent which includes especially one or more glycol ethers selected from propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether as a second organic solvent constituent exhibiting a flashpoint of up to 100°F.

8. A packaged product comprising an airtight container having a resealable opening containing a moist wipe according to claim 1.

9. A method of manufacturing a moist wipe according to claim 1 comprising the steps of providing as a substrate, a fibrous sheet material as defined hereinbefore and moistening the fibrous sheet material with said soap containing liquid composition to form a moist wipe.

10. The use of the moist wipe according to claim 1 for cleaning a hard surface.

11. A soap containing liquid compositions for providing a cleaning treatment to hard surfaces which comprises: Marseilles soap; a surfactant constituent, desirably an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or mixtures thereof, an orgamc solvent constituent; optionally one or more further constituents which are directed to improving the aesthetic or functional features of the inventive compositions; the balance being water.