WO2009042088A2

WO2009042088A2 - Washable colorant and cleaning compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2009042088A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/010961
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip T. Radford; Mary E. Mason; Mark E. Ragsdale; James B. Leapard
Original assignee: Milliken & Company
Priority date: 2007-09-24
Filing date: 2008-09-22
Publication date: 2009-04-02
Also published as: WO2009042088A3

Abstract

A washable colorant composition comprises carrier particles, at least one colorant, and an aqueous medium. The carrier particles can be suspended or dispersed in the aqueous medium. At least a portion of the colorant present in the colorant composition can be adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier particles. The colorant composition can comprise one or more auxiliary components, such as one or more thickeners, washability enhancers, surfactants, dispersing resins, and combinations thereof. A cleaning composition comprises carrier particles and an aqueous medium.

Description

WASHABLE COLORANT AND CLEANING COMPOSITIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to colorant compositions that are adapted to yield satisfactory coloring effects when applied to most substrates and yet are also adapted to be easily removed from substrates which are typically susceptible to staining (e.g., skin, fabric, wood, concrete, etc.). The colorant compositions can also be formulated to have a viscosity that is low enough to allow the composition to be sprayed from a suitable apparatus, such as an aerosol can. [0002] The present disclosure also relates to cleaning compositions that are adapted to be applied to a variety of substrates and remove at least some of the soil or dirt that may be present of the surface of such substrates. The cleaning compositions can also be formulated to have a viscosity that is suitable to allow the composition to be sprayed from a suitable apparatus, such as an aerosol can.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a washable colorant composition comprising carrier particles, at least one colorant, and an aqueous medium. In certain embodiments of the composition, the carrier particles can be suspended or dispersed in the aqueous medium. At least a portion of the colorant present in the colorant composition can be adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier particles. In certain further embodiments, the colorant composition can comprise one or more auxiliary components, such as one or more thickeners, washability enhancers, surfactants, dispersing resins, and combinations thereof. [0004] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning composition comprising carrier particles and an aqueous medium. In certain embodiments of the composition, the carrier particles can be suspended or dispersed in the aqueous medium. In certain further embodiments, the colorant composition can comprise one or more auxiliary components, such as one or more thickeners, washability enhancers, surfactants, dispersing resins, and combinations thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a washable colorant composition comprising carrier particles, at least one colorant, and an aqueous medium. In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can be suspended or dispersed in the aqueous medium. At least a portion of the colorant present in the colorant composition can be adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier particles. As utilized herein, the term "washable" refers to a colorant composition that can be washed or removed from substrate surfaces (e.g., skin, fabric, wood, and concrete) with relatively little effort and without staining the substrate surface to an appreciable extent.

[0006] The carrier particles present in the colorant composition can be any suitable particles. While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the carrier particles present in the colorant composition provide a surface onto which at least a portion of the colorant present in the composition is adsorbed. This adsorption is believed to leave the colorant available to produce coloring effects when the colorant composition is applied to a substrate, but it is also believed that the adsorption of the colorant onto the surface of the carrier particles inhibits the leaching of the colorant into the substrate surface after the colorant composition is applied thereto. It is believed that such leaching of the colorant into the substrate surface is a major cause of the staining exhibited by other colorant compositions.

[0007] As noted above, the carrier particles can be any suitable particles. In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can be polymeric particles (i.e., particles comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or more polymers). The polymeric particles suitable for use in the colorant composition can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any suitable polymer(s). In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can be polymeric particles comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a urea formaldehyde polymer.

[0008] The polymeric particles suitable for use in the colorant composition can be made by any suitable process. In certain embodiments, the polymeric particles can be made via a solution polymerization process (e.g., precipitation polymerization). While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that polymeric particles produced via solution polymerization (e.g., precipitation polymerization) can be synthesized to exhibit a substantially uniform size and shape and a relatively high surface area. This relatively high surface area is believed to provide a surface structure capable of adsorbing at least some of the colorant present in the coloring composition.

[0009] The carrier particles present in the colorant composition can be any suitable size. While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that relatively small carrier particles can increase the propensity of the colorant composition to stain certain surfaces. It is believed that these relatively small carrier particles, which can have at least some colorant adsorbed onto the surface thereof, can become embedded in certain surfaces (e.g., fabric, wood, and concrete) such that they cannot be easily removed by washing the surface. In certain embodiments, the carrier particles present in the colorant composition can have a mean volume diameter of about 1 μm or more, about 5 μm or more, about 10 μm or more, about 15 μm or more, or about 20 μm or more. The carrier particles present in the colorant composition can, in certain embodiments, have a mean volume diameter of about 100 μm or less, about 90 μm or less, about 80 μm or less, or about 70 μm or less. In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can have a mean volume diameter of about 20 μm to about 60 μm, about 30 μm to about 60 μm, or about 50 μm to about 60 μm. The size of the carrier particles can be measured using any suitable technique. For example, the size of the carrier particles can be measured using laser light scattering.

[0010] The carrier particles present in the colorant composition can have any suitable specific surface area. The specific surface area of the carrier particles can be determined using any suitable technique. For example, the specific surface area of the carrier particles can be determined by measuring the gaseous adsorption (e.g., nitrogen adsorption) of a sample of the carrier particles and calculating the spec'fic surface area of the carrier particles according to the method of Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (i.e., the so-called BET specific surface area). In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can have a specific surface area of about 10 m²/g or more, about 20 m²/g or more, about 30 m²/g or more, or about 40 m²/g or more. [0011] The carrier particles present in the colorant composition can have any suitable average pore diameter. The average pore diameter of the carrier particles can be determined using any suitable technique. For example, the average pore diameter of the carrier particles can be determined by measuring the gaseous adsorption (e.g., nitrogen adsorption) of a sample of the carrier particles and calculating the average pore diameter of the carrier particles according to the method of Barret, Joyner, and Halenda (i.e., the so-called BJH adsorption average pore diameter). In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can have an average pore diameter of about 1 nm to about 10 nm, about 2 nm to about 9 nm, or about 3 nm to about 8 nm (e.g., about 4 nm to about 7 nm).

[0012] The carrier particles can be present in the colorant composition in any suitable amount. For example, the carrier particles can be present in the colorant composition in an amount sufficient to provide a substrate onto which at least a portion of the colorant can be adsorbed, thereby allowing the colorant composition to produce a perceptible coloring effect when it is applied to a substrate. However, the carrier particles should not be present in the composition in such an amount as to render the colorant composition unstable (e.g., colloidally unstable, quick to settle, and/or not easily re-dispersed or re-suspended). In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can comprise about 10 wt.% or more, about 15 wt.% or more, about 20 wt.% or more, about 25 wt.% or more, or about 30 wt.% or more (e.g., about 40 wt.% or more) of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. The carrier particles can, in certain embodiments, comprise about 90 wt.% or less, about 85 wt.% or less, about 80 wt.% or less, about 75 wt.% or less, or about 70 wt.% or less of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. In certain embodiments, the carrier particles can comprise about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% (e.g., about 45 wt.% to about 55 wt.%) of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. [0013] The colorant composition can comprise any suitable colorant or combination of colorants. Colorants suitable for use in the colorant composition include, but are not limited to, pigments, dyes (e.g., acid dyes and dyestuffs comprising sulfonic acid solubilizing groups), polymeric colorants, and combinations thereof. As noted above, suitable colorants include dyes, such as Acid Blue 1 , Acid Blue 80, Acid Red 1 , Acid Yellow 9, Acid Yellow 17, FD&C Red 3, FD&C Red 4, FD&C Red 40, FD&C Blue 1 , FD&C Blue 2, FD&C Yellow 5, FD&C Yellow 6, FD&C Green 3, and combinations thereof. Colorants suitable for use in the colorant composition also include the line of Palmer Creative Colorants marketed by Milliken Chemical, a division of Milliken & Company (Spartanburg, South Carolina). [0014] Colorants suitable for use in the colorant composition also include polymeric colorants. As utilized herein, the term "polymeric colorant" refers to a colorant comprising a chromophore and an oligomeric constituent bound to the chromophore. The oligomeric constituent can be bound to the chromophore via any suitable means, such as a covalent bond, an ionic bond, or suitable electrostatic interaction. The oligomeric constituent can be any suitable constituent including, but not limited to, oligomeric constituents selected from the group consisting of (i) oligomers comprising at least two monomers (e.g., at least three monomers) selected from the group consisting of C2-C2₀ alkyleneoxy groups, glycidol groups, and glycidyl groups, (ii) aliphatic oligomeric esters conforming to structure (I)

and (iii) combinations of (i) and (ii). In structure (I), R2 and R₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C1₀ alkyl groups, f is an integer between and including 1 and 10, and g is any positive integer or fraction between and including 1 and 20. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, suitable values for g include both integers and fractions because the length of the oligomeric constituent on the individual polymeric colorant molecules may vary. Thus, the value for g represents an average length of the ester chain for a given sample or collection of polymeric colorant molecules. In certain embodiments, the polymeric colorant can comprise one or more oligomeric constituents consisting of three or more ethylene oxide monomer groups. [0015] The colorant(s) can be present in the colorant composition in any suitable amount. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the amount of colorant(s) present in the colorant composition should be high enough to provide a composition exhibiting the desired color strength. However, while not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that relatively high or excessive amounts of colorant(s) may increase the propensity of the colorant composition to stain certain surfaces. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the amount of colorant(s) required to produce a colorant composition may depend upon several factors, such as the particular color desired and the relative strength(s) of the particular colorant(s) used. In certain embodiments, the colorant(s) can comprise about 0.01 wt.% or more or about 0.015 wt.% or more of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. The colorant(s) can, in certain embodiments, comprise about 15 wt.% or less, about 10 wt.% or less, or about 5 wt.% or less of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

[0016] The aqueous medium in the colorant composition can be any suitable aqueous medium. For example, the aqueous medium can comprise deionized water, distilled water, purified water, and mixtures or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the aqueous medium can contain an acid, a base, or a combination of both in order to yield a medium and/or a colorant composition having a desired pH. The aqueous medium and/or colorant composition can have any suitable pH. However, if the carrier particles are polymer particles, the pH of the aqueous medium and the colorant composition should be within a range over which the polymer particles are stable (i.e., the polymer particles do not degrade). Thus, in certain embodiments, such as when the carrier particles comprise urea formaldehyde particles, the pH of the aqueous medium and/or colorant composition can be between about 2 and about 11. In certain embodiments, the aqueous medium and/or colorant can have a pH of about 7 to about 10 (e.g., about 7 to about 9, or about 8).

[0017] In addition to the carrier particles, colorant(s), and aqueous carrier, the colorant composition described above can, in certain embodiments, comprise one or more auxiliary components. Suitable auxiliary components include, but are not limited to, thickeners, emulsifiers, rheology modifiers, surfactants, dispersing resins, washability enhancers, preservatives (e.g., biocides), and combinations thereof. [0018] Thickeners suitable for use in the colorant composition include, but are not limited to, alginic acid (alginate) and salts thereof, clays (e.g., bentonite clays, smectite clays, and combinations thereof), methylcellulose, acrylic polymers and salts thereof, acrylic copolymers and salts thereof, and combinations of any of the foregoing. As noted above, clays suitable for use in the colorant composition include bentonite clays and smectite clays, such as Veegum® T from RT. Vanderbilt Company, Inc. In certain embodiments, the colorant composition comprises a methylcellulose, such as Methocel® A4M methylcellulose from The Dow Chemical Company. Acrylic polymers, acrylic copolymers, and salts thereof suitable for use in the colorant composition include, but are not limited to, Carbopol™ Ultrez 20 polymer (Noveon, Inc.), Pemulen™ TR-2 polymeric emulsion (Noveon, Inc.), Acrysol™ 8306 emulsion (Rohm and Haas Company), Acrysol™ G-111 emulsion (Rohm and Haas Company), Acrysol™ ASE-60 emulsion (Rohm and Haas Company), Acrysol™ ASE-95 NP thickener (Rohm and Haas Company), and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the colorant composition can comprise a combination of methylcellulose (e.g., Methocel® A4M methylcellulose) and an acrylic polymer (e.g., a sodium salt of an acrylic polymer, such as Acrysol™ 8306 emulsion). In such an embodiment, the methylcellulose and acrylic polymer can be present in any suitable amounts, such as about 0.06 wt.% methylcellulose and about 1.6 wt.% acrylic polymer, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. [0019] If present in the colorant composition, the thickener can comprise any suitable amount of the colorant composition. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the amount of thickener needed in the colorant composition may depend upon the target viscosity for the colorant composition and the particular thickener(s) used. In certain embodiments, the thickener(s) can comprise about 0.05 wt.% or more of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. The thickener(s) can, in certain embodiments, comprise about 5 wt.% or less of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. [0020] As noted above, the colorant composition can, in certain embodiments, comprise one or more washability enhancers. As utilized herein, the term "washability enhancer" refers to an additive which, when present in a given colorant composition, allows the composition to be more easily or more completely removed from certain surfaces (e.g., skin, fabric, wood, or concrete) than the same colorant composition in the absence of the additive. In certain embodiments, the washability enhancer can be a styrene-maleic acid copolymer (including copolymers comprising styrene-maleic acid partial salts), such as a styrene-maleic acid copolymer having a molecular weight of about 10,000 atomic mass units or less (e.g., about 1 ,800 atomic mass units). Suitable styrene-maleic acid copolymers include, but are not limited to, copolymers at least a portion of which are represented by structure (II)

In structure (II), m is 1 to 3, n is from about 6 to about 50, and X is selected from the group consisting of alkali metals (e.g. sodium), amines, hydrogen, and combinations thereof. Suitable washability enhancers include, but are not limited to, the styrene- maleic acid-based Milliguard™ copolymers (e.g., Milliguard™ 40 copolymer) available from Milliken Chemical, a division of Milliken & Company (Spartanburg, South Carolina).

[0021] If present in the colorant composition, the washability enhancer(s) can comprise any suitable amount of the colorant composition. In certain embodiments, the washability enhancer can comprise about 0.1 wt.% or more, about 0.5 wt.% or more, or about 1 wt.% or more of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. The washability enhancer can, in certain embodiments, comprise about 15 wt.% or less, about 10 wt.% or less, or about 5 wt.% or less of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. [0022] In certain embodiments, the colorant composition can comprise a dispersing resin. Suitable dispersing resins include, but are not limited to, styrene maleic anhydride amic acid resins. In certain embodiments, the styrene maleic anhydride amic acid resin can have a molecular weight of about 5,500 atomic mass units. One commercially-available example of a dispersing resin suitable for use in the colorant composition is SMA® 1000MA styrene maleic anhydride amic acid resin, available from Sartomer Company. If present, the dispersing resin can comprise any suitable amount of the colorant composition. In certain embodiments, the dispersing resin can comprise about 0.1 wt.% or more or about 0.5 wt.% or more of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. The dispersing resin can, in certain embodiments, comprise about 5 wt.% or less, about 3 wt.% or less, or about 2 wt.% or less (e.g., about 1 wt.%) of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition. [0023] As noted above, the colorant composition can comprise a suitable preservative (e.g., a biocide). As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, a preservative (e.g., a biocide) can help to inhibit or retard the growth fungi, algae, bacteria, and other organisms, thereby extending the useful life of the colorant composition. If present in the colorant composition, the preservative (e.g., biocide) can comprise any suitable amount of the colorant composition. In certain embodiments, the preservative (e.g., biocide) is selected from the group consisting of isothiazolinones (such as methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, and combinations thereof), hydroxy benzoates, 1 -(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1 -azoniaadamantane chloride, 2,6-dimethyl-/77-dioxan-4-ol acetate, 5-hydroxymethyl-1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo(3.3.0)octane, 5-hydroxymethoxymethyl-1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo(3.3.0)octane, 5-hydroxypoly[methyleneoxy]-methyl-1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo(3.3.0) octane, and combinations of any of the foregoing.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the colorant composition can comprise a colorant composition base containing the components listed in Table 1 below. Table 1. Colorant composition base formulation.

Certain embodiments of the finished colorant composition can then be produced by adding the desired colorant(s) in the desired amount(s) to the colorant composition base described in Table 1 above.

[0025] The colorant composition described above can be made by any suitable process. For example, the colorant composition can be made by combining the appropriate amounts of the aqueous medium and any auxiliary components (e.g., thickener(s), washability enhancer, and biocide) in a suitable mixing apparatus and mixing the components until a satisfactorily homogeneous mixture is obtained (e.g., about 30 seconds). Then, the appropriate amount of carrier particles is slowly added to the aforementioned mixture while the mixture is continuously blended. After the desired amount of carrier particles has been added, the resulting mixture is then blended for an additional 30 to 60 seconds, or until a satisfactorily homogeneous mixture is obtained. Lastly, the appropriate amount(s) of colorant(s) are added to the resulting mixture, and the resulting composition is mixed until the colorant(s) are evenly dispersed or distributed throughout the composition (e.g., about 15 to about 30 seconds of additional mixing).

[0026] The colorant composition described herein can be adapted for use in a variety of applications. For example, the colorant composition can be formulated so that it can be sprayed from a suitable apparatus (e.g., aerosol can) and used as a washable or impermanent paint or marking composition. Alternatively, the colorant composition can be formulated as a paint that can be directly applied to a suitable substrate using brushes, rollers, hands, and/or fingers.

[0027] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cleaning composition comprising carrier particles and an aqueous medium. The carrier particles are suspended or dispersed in the aqueous medium. In certain embodiments, the carrier particles are present in the cleaning composition in an amount of about 20 wt.% or more, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. The carrier particles and aqueous medium used in the cleaning composition can be any suitable carrier particles and aqueous medium, including the carrier particles and aqueous media described and discussed above for the washable colorant composition. Furthermore, the carrier particles and aqueous medium can comprise any suitable amount of the cleaning composition, including the amounts described and discussed above for the washable colorant composition. [0028] In addition to the carrier particles and the aqueous medium, the cleaning composition can, in certain embodiments, comprise one or more auxiliary components. Suitable auxiliary components include, but are not limited to, thickeners, emulsifiers, rheology modifiers, surfactants, dispersing resins, washability enhancers, preservatives (e.g., biocides), and combinations thereof. In particular, the auxiliary components suitable for use in the cleaning composition include, but are not limited to, the auxiliary components described and discussed above for the washable colorant composition. Furthermore, the auxiliary components can be present in the cleaning composition in any suitable amount, including the amounts described and discussed above for the washable colorant composition. [0029] As with the colorant composition described above, the cleaning composition described herein can be adapted for use in a variety of applications. For example, the cleaning composition can be formulated so that it can be sprayed from a suitable apparatus (e.g., pump sprayer or aerosol can) and used as a cleaning composition for a variety of surfaces or substrates. In particular, it is believed that the cleaning composition described herein can be particularly useful as a cleaner for carpet, rugs, and other textile-based substrates. In such applications, the cleaning composition can first be applied to (e.g., sprayed onto) the surface of a soiled substrate. The cleaning composition can then be worked into the substrate (e.g., by brushing or other mechanical action) in order to distribute the carrier particles over the surface and increase the amount of contact with the soil or dirt on the substrate surface. The carrier particles can then be removed from the substrate surface by any suitable means, such as laundering or vacuuming. [0030] While not wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the cleaning properties of the cleaning composition are attributable, at least in part, to the relatively high surface area of the carrier particles. In particular, it is believed that at least a portion of the soil or dirt on the substrate is adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier particles. These carrier particles can then be more easily removed due to their relatively large size (i.e., large size relative to the soil or dirt particles), thereby removing soil or dirt from the substrate and cleaning the substrate. [0031] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0032] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the subject matter of this application (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the subject matter of the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the subject matter unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the subject matter described herein. [0033] Preferred embodiments of the subject matter of this application are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the subject matter described herein to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above- described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A washable colorant composition comprising:

(a) carrier particles, the carrier particles having a surface and a mean volume diameter of about 1 μm or more;

(b) at least one colorant; and

(c) an aqueous medium, wherein at least a portion of the at least one colorant is adsorbed onto at least a portion of the surface of the carrier particles, and wherein the carrier particles are suspended in the aqueous medium.

2. The washable colorant composition of claim 1 , wherein the carrier particles are selected from the group consisting of polymer particles.

3. The washable colorant composition of claim 2, wherein the carrier particles comprise urea formaldehyde polymer particles.

4. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the carrier particles have a mean volume diameter of about 20 μm to about 60 μm.

5. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the carrier particles comprise about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

6. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one colorant is selected from the group consisting of pigments, dyes, polymeric colorants, and combinations thereof.

7. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one colorant comprises about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

8. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the composition further comprises one or more thickeners.

9. The washable colorant composition of claim 8, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of alginic acid and salts thereof, clays, methylcellulose, acrylic polymers and salts thereof, acrylic copolymers and salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

10. The washable colorant composition of claim 9, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of clays, methylcellulose, acrylic polymers and salts thereof, and combinations thereof.

11. The washable colorant composition of claim 10, wherein the thickener comprises a mixture of methylcellulose and an acrylic polymer salt.

12. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 8-11 , wherein the thickener comprises about 0.05 wt.% to about 5,wt.% of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

13. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the composition further comprises one or more washability enhancers.

14. The washable colorant composition of claim 13, wherein the washability enhancer is selected from the group consisting of styrene-maleic acid copolymers and salts thereof.

15. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 13-14, wherein the washability enhancer comprises about 0.1 wt.% to about 15 wt.% of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

16. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the composition further comprises a dispersing resin.

17. The washable colorant composition of claim 16, wherein the dispersing resin is a styrene maleic anhydride amic acid resin.

18. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the dispersing resin comprises about 0.1 wt.% to about 5 wt.% of the colorant composition, based on the total weight of the colorant composition.

19. The washable colorant composition of any one of claims 1 -18, wherein the composition further comprises a biocide.

20. A cleaning composition comprising:

(a) carrier particles, the carrier particles having a surface and a mean volume diameter of about 1 μm or more; and

(b) an aqueous medium, wherein the carrier particles are suspended in the aqueous medium, and wherein the carrier particles comprise about 20 wt.% or more of the cleaning composition, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

21. The cleaning composition of claim 20, wherein the carrier particles comprise urea formaldehyde polymer particles.

22. The cleaning composition of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the carrier particles have a mean volume diameter of about 20 μm to about 60 μm.

23. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 20-22, wherein the carrier particles have a specific surface area of about 10 m²/g or more

24. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 20-23, wherein the carrier particles have a specific surface area of about 20 m²/g or more.

25. The cleaning composition of any one of claims 20-24, wherein the carrier particles comprise about 40 wt.% to about 60 wt.% of the cleaning composition, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.