WO2022162239A1 - Solid low foaming in dissolution and low ph all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Solid low foaming and low pH all-purpose cleaning and disinfectant compositions are disclosed. The solid disinfectant compositions comprise approximately 50% w/w to approximately 75% w/w of citric acid encapsulated by a binder and approximately 1% to approximately 5.5% w/w of sodium benzoate. The solid cleaning and disinfectant compositions comprise approximately 50% w/w to approximately 75% w/w of citric acid encapsulated by a binder; approximately 1% to approximately 5.5% w/w of sodium benzoate; and approximately 10%w/w to approximately 15% w/w of sodium lauryl sulfate. The solid compositions are dissolved in water to produce a disinfectant solution comprising approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate. A 10 minute contact time with the disinfectant solution provides a 5 log₁₀ reduction in Staphylococcus aureus on a surface.

Description

SOLID LOW FOAMING IN DISSOLUTION AND LOW PH ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER AND DISINFECTANT COMPOSITIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to GB application no. 2103108.3, filed 5 March 2021, which claims priority to US provisional application no. 63/144,220, filed 1 February 2021, the contents of both being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cleaning tablets are known in the art. See, e.g., US Pat No 3,639,169 to Broeg et al.; US Pat No 5,741,520 to Desenna; PCT Pub Nos WO99/65468, WO00/09094, WOOl/74988, and WO02/056728 to Chemlink Lab LLC; PCT Pub No W02002/086048 to Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited; US Pat No 6,713,441 to DeSenna et al.; US Pat App Pub No 2013/338053 to Casco; PCT Pub No WO2014/152734 to Hercules Inc.; and PCT Pub Nos W020/172420, WO20/172423, and WO20/214916 to One Home Brands Inc.

[0003] Commercial cleaning tablets are also available. See, e.g., the Filo bathroom cleaner (available online at the web address: https://filo.earth/products/bathroom-cleaner).

[0004] Citric acid is a common ingredient in these formulations, frequently serving as a pH adjuster/acidifier or an effervescing co-reactant.

[0005] Challenges have been encountered related to manufacturing and use of these tablets, particularly due to the hygroscopic nature of citric acid.

[0006] Concerns have also been raised that the combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate produces benzene at low pH. See, e.g., Johnson, Life One and Sodium Benzoate, Vol. 29, Issue 1, Page 52, 28 May 2012 (available online at the web address: https://hippocratesinst.org/learning- centre/blog/archive/life-one-and-sodium-benzonate/).

[0007] Quaternary ammonium compounds are known disinfectants exhibiting broad spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, concerns about resistant strains of bacteria have been investigated as early as the 1960s. See, e.g., Malizia et al., Benzalkonium chloride as a source of infection. N. Engl J Med 263:800-802 1960 and Adair et al., Resistance of Pseudomonas to quaternary ammonium compounds. I. Growth in benzalkonium chloride solution. Appl Microbiol 18:299-302. 1969. Quaternary ammonium compounds are also known skin irritants with occasional reports as allergens (skin sensitizers). [0008] A need remains for cleaning and disinfecting compositions that overcome the deficiencies noted above.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] Disinfectant compositions are disclosed. The disinfect compositions comprise approximately 50% w/w to approximately 75% w/w of citric acid encapsulated by a binder and approximately 1% w/w to approximately 5.5% w/w of sodium benzoate. The disclosed disinfectant compositions may include one or more of the following aspects:

• the disinfectant composition being a solid;

• the disinfectant composition being a tablet;

• the disinfectant composition being a powder;

• the disinfectant composition comprising approximately 51% w/w to approximately

60% w/w of the encapsulated citric acid;

• the disinfectant composition comprising approximately 52.3%w/w to approximately 57.8% w/w of the encapsulated citric acid;

• the encapsulated citric acid having an average particle size of 5% maximum >0.63 mm and 5% maximum < 0.100 mm;

• the disinfectant composition comprising approximately 2% w/w to approximately

5% w/w of sodium benzoate;

• the disinfectant composition comprising approximately 3.6% w/w to approximately

4.4% w/w of sodium benzoate;

• the sodium benzoate being a solid;

• the disinfectant composition being a cleaning and disinfectant composition;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition being a solid;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition being a tablet;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition being a powder;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition further comprising approximately 10% w/w to approximately 25% w/w of powdered sodium lauryl sulfate;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition further comprising approximately 10% w/w to approximately 25% w/w of granular sodium lauryl sulfate; • the cleaning and disinfectant composition further comprising approximately 12.5% w/w to approximately 20% w/w of powdered sodium lauryl sulfate;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition further comprising approximately 12.5% w/w to approximately 20% w/w of granular sodium lauryl sulfate;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition further comprising approximately 14.7% w/w to approximately 18% w/w of powdered sodium lauryl sulfate;

• the cleaning and disinfectant composition further comprising approximately 14.7% w/w to approximately 18% w/w of granular sodium lauryl sulfate;

• the sodium lauryl sulfate having a bulk density ranging from approximately 0.2 g/mL to approximately 0.3 g/mL;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising an effervescent;

• the effervescent being an alkali carbonate and/or an alkali bicarbonate;

• the effervescent being an alkali carbonate;

• the effervescent being an alkali bicarbonate;

• the effervescent being sodium carbonate;

• the effervescent being potassium carbonate;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising between 6.8% w/w to 8.3% w/w sodium carbonate;

• the sodium carbonate being a solid;

• the sodium carbonate solid having an 85% minimum particle size of 150 microns or greater and a 50% maximum particle size of 420 microns;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising a chelant;

• the chelant being methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA);

• the chelant being a solid;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising between approximately 7% w/w to approximately 9% w/w of a chelant;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising between approximately 7% w/w to approximately 9% w/w of MGDA; • the disinfectant composition further comprising one or more optional constituents, selected from the group consisting of dye, fragrance, fillers, binders, and combinations thereof;

• the fragrance being a powdered or spray dried fragrance;

• the disinfectant composition not comprising any added binding agent, such as polyethylene glycol;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising a binding agent, such as an alkoxylated alcohol or polyethylene glycol;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising a water-soluble polymer having residual activity, such as a polyethyloxazoline;

• the disinfectant composition further comprising a biofilm sealant, such as a polyethyloxazoline;

• the polyethyloxazoline being 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline;

• the disinfectant composition not being encapsulated in any water-soluble or removable film;

• the disinfectant composition being encapsulated in a water-soluble or removable film;

• the combined liquid content of all of the ingredients of the disinfectant composition being less than 10% w/w;

• the combined liquid content of all of the ingredients of the disinfectant composition being less than 7.5% w/w;

• the combined liquid content of all of the ingredients of the disinfectant composition being less than 5% w/w; and

• the combined liquid content of all of the ingredients of the disinfectant composition being less than 3% w/w, and/or

• wherein the disinfectant composition does not include any additional biocides, such as peroxides, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, bisguanides, or parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX).

[0010] Also disclosed are disinfectant solutions. The disinfectant solution is obtained by dissolving in water the disinfectant compositions disclosed above. The resulting disinfectant solution comprises approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.05% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate. The disclosed disinfectant solutions may include one or more of the following aspects:

• the disinfectant solution comprising approximately 1.3% w/v to approximately 1.6% w/v citric acid;

• the disinfectant solution comprising approximately 0.083% w/v and approximately 0.14% w/v sodium benzoate;

• the disinfectant solution including little to no alkali carbonate and/or alkali bicarbonate;

• the disinfectant solution having a pH ranging from approximately 2.5 to approximately 5; and/or

• the disinfectant solution having a pH ranging from approximately 2.8 to approximately 4;

• the disinfectant solution further comprising an anionic surfactant to produce a cleaning and disinfectant solution;

• the anionic surfactant being sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0011] Disinfectant kits are also disclosed. The disinfectant kit comprises a tablet consisting of the disinfectant compositions disclosed above and a bottle having a fill line at a volume sufficient to obtain the disinfectant solutions disclosed above from the disinfectant composition and water. The disinfectant kit may further include a spray trigger that delivers approximately 0.75 mL to approximately 3 mL of liquid/stroke, preferably approximately 1 mL to approximately 2 mL/stroke, and more preferably approximately 1.3 mL of liquid/stroke.

[0012] Also disclosed are methods to improve the disinfecting activity of citric acid by combining 1.2% w/v to 2% w/v citric acid with approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate in a disinfectant solution.

[0013] A method of providing a 5 logio reduction in Staphylococcus aureus on a surface in 2 minutes is also disclosed. The method comprises adding water to a fill line of a bottle. Any one of the disinfectant compositions disclosed above is added a bottle containing water to produce the disinfectant solutions disclosed above. A spray trigger is placed on the bottle and the disinfectant solution sprayed on the surface. After 10 minutes, the surface is wiped to produce a 5 logio reduction in Staphylococcus aureus on the surface. [0014] The above embodiments are exemplary only. Other embodiments as described herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbers and wherein: [0016] FIG 1 is a picture of some exemplary tablets according to the present invention;

[0017] FIG 2 is a picture of foam flowing out of the neck of a bottle; and

[0018] FIG 3 is a flow chart demonstrating the method of using the disclosed kits.

DEFINITIONS

[0019] As used herein, the term “a” or “an” means one or more.

[0020] As used herein, the term “approximately” or “about” means plus or minus 10 percent of the value stated.

[0021] As used herein, the w/w percent of an ingredient is based on the weight of the ingredient in grams in the total weight of the formulation in grams and the w/v percent of an ingredient is based on the weight of the ingredient in grams in the total volume of liquid in mL. When an ingredient does not contain 100% active material, two percentages may be provided: one for the weight of the ingredient and one for the weight of the active.

[0022] As used herein, any and all ranges are inclusive of their endpoints. For example, a pH ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 would include formulations having a pH of 2.5, formulations having a pH of 3.5, and formulations having any pH between 2.5 and 3.5.

[0023] As used herein, the term “solid” refers to a state of matter characterized by particles arranged such that its shape and volume are relatively stable. A solid state of matter differs from a liquid or gaseous states of matter. A solid state of matter includes powders and tablets.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “germ” means microorganisms which causes disease and encompasses both bacteria and viruses; “germicidal” means formulations that inactivate (or kill) germs and microbes. [0025] As used herein, the terms “disinfect,” “disinfecting,” and “disinfection” mean providing equal to or greater than a 3 logio reduction in 0.1 to 5 minutes of germs on a surface, with the germs including Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

[0026] As used herein, the term “comprising” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude any additional elements; the term “consisting of’ excludes any additional elements; and the term “consisting essentially of’ is in-between, only permitting additional elements that do not materially affect characteristics of the product or process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions are disclosed. The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions include a synergistic combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate. When the solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions are dissolved in water, the resulting cleaning and/or disinfecting solutions exhibits superior germ kill and superior CSPA soapscum and lime scale removal.

[0028] Citric acid is a known disinfectant. See, e.g., Dvorak, Disinfection 101, Center for Food Security and Public Health, May 2008. Lemon juice is a frequently used ingredient for green cleaning. Lemon juice contains approximately 5-8% citric acid, amongst other potentially disinfecting ingredients like malic acid, ascorbic acid, and essential oils. However, it also leaves behind a sticky residue.

[0029] Citric acid is also hygroscopic, making it difficult to use in large quantities in tablets. See infra Example 2. As a result, coated or encapsulated citric acid products have been developed. See, e.g., US Pat No 2,956,926 to Greif. Optimization of the type and amount of coating is necessary to obtain the desired tablet properties.

[0030] Applicants have discovered that citric acid encapsulated by a binder provides the reaction and dissolution rates required for the present formulation. Polysaccharide binders, such as maltodextrin, are preferred. Maltodextrin has a melting point of 240°C. Applicants believe that polysaccharides or other binders with similar melting points may work effectively in the present invention. Citric Acid DC sold by IBL containing 96% w/w citric acid in a maltodextrin binder works particularly well. The particle size of the Citric Acid DC powder has a maximum of 5% >0.63 mm and a maximum of 5% < 0.100 mm. [0031] For tablet embodiments, the binder encapsulant may provide sufficient binding activity to form a tablet so that a further binder is not required in the solid formulation. Alternatively, the solid formulation may include an additional binder, such as the alcohol ethoxylates sold by BASF under the trade name Lutensol™ AT 25 or the polyethylene glycols sold by BASF under the trade names Pluriol™ E4000 or Pluriol™ E6000. Any additional binder should be selected so as not to impact dissolution rate.

[0032] Alternatively, a co-crystal of citric acid may be used. Co-crystals are solid crystalline structures containing two or more solid components held together by non-covalent forces in a defined stoichiometric ratio. As water is liquid at room temperature, hydrates are not considered co-crystals. Similarly, co-crystals do not include two or more materials that crystallize at the same time but in individual and separate crystalline lattices (concurrent crystallization).

[0033] A citric acid-nicotinamide co-crystal may be prepared by mixing 250 mg of a 1 :2 molar mixture of citric acid and nicotinamide in a stainless steel jar with 100 pL of ethanol using 2 stainless steel grinding balls having a 7 mm diameter. The mixture is ground for approximately 30 minutes using a Retsch MM200 ball mill at a frequency of 30 Hz. See, e.g., Pagire et al., Improving the Stability of Effervescent Products by Co-Crystal Formulation: A Novel Application of Crystal Engineered Citric Acid, Cryst. Growth Des., 2020, 20, 7, 4839-4844. Alternatively, the co-crystal may be formed from citric acid combined with ascorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, isonicotinamide, histidine, urea, saccharine, glycine, tyrosine, vanillin, and/or valine. See, e.g., PCT Pub No W02016/001681 to University of Bradford.

[0034] In another alternative, the solid disinfectant formulation may further comprise a water- soluble polymer or biofilm sealant having residual activity, such as a polyethyloxazoline. Suitable polyethyloxazolines include 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline sold under the tradename Aquazol™ 500 by Polymer Chemistry Innovations, Inc. The polymer concentration may range from approximately 0.05%w/w to approximately 5% w/w. Preferably, the concentration is chosen so as to minimize impact to dissolution of the disinfectant formulation in solution, while still providing a thin coating on the surface to which it is applied.

[0035] Applicants have found that solid formulations containing approximately 50% w/w to approximately 75% w/w, preferably approximately 51% w/w to approximately 60% w/w, and more preferably approximately 52.3% w/w to approximately 57.8% weight/weight (w/w) of citric acid encapsulated by a binder provide sufficient reactant for effervescence and germ kill in solution. The resulting solution preferably contains approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid, preferably from approximately 1.3% w/v to approximately 1.6% w/v. One of ordinary skill in the art will know how to calculate the quantity of solid composition and volume of water needed to produce the desired concentration of citric acid in solution, with or without effervescing agents.

[0036] Applicants have further surprisingly discovered that enhanced germ kill is obtained from a combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate. As discussed above, lemon juice contains 5-8% citric acid, amongst other potentially disinfecting ingredients like malic acid, ascorbic acid, and essential oils. Prior to this project, R&D testing had demonstrated that aqueous solutions containing 2.5% w/v of citric acid did not produce consistent or satisfactory germ kill results. Surprisingly, the inventors have discovered that aqueous solutions containing approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.05% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate reproducibly provide consistent germ kill results, without the need for any other biocides, such as peroxides, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, biguanides or parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX).

[0037] Applicants have found that tablets containing approximately 1% w/w to approximately 5.5% w/w, preferably approximately 2% w/w to approximately 5% w/w approximately, and more preferably approximately 3.6% w/w to approximately 4.4% w/w of sodium benzoate provide the concentration required for enhanced germ kill in solution. Once again, one of ordinary skill in the art will know howto calculate the quantity of solid composition and volume of water needed to produce the desired concentration of sodium benzoate in solution.

[0038] Concerns have been raised that the combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate produces benzene at low pH (below 3.8 according to Johnson supra). Sodium benzoate has a pKa of 4.2, meaning that slightly more benzoic acid is in a solution at a pH of 3.8. The anionic cleaning surfactants help to increase the pKa of sodium benzoate. See, e.g., Formulating with Kalaguard™ SB by Emerald Performance Materials. This reduces the amount of benzoic acid in solution and the potential for benzene impurities.

[0039] The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting composition may further include a cleaning surfactant, such as an anionic surfactant. Exemplary anionic surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryol methyl isethionate, and combinations thereof. The cleaning surfactants improve the cleaning properties of the product. Solid cleaning surfactants are preferable for ease of tablet formulation. Preferably, the solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions comprises approximately 14.7% w/w to approximately 18% w/w of sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0040] The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions may further include an effervescent agent, such as an alkali carbonate and/or alkali bicarbonate. Exemplary alkali carbonates include sodium carbonate and/or potassium carbonate. Exemplary alkali bicarbonates include sodium bicarbonate and/or potassium bicarbonate. The effervescent agent helps speed up dissolution of the solid composition in tap water. Alkali carbonates and/or alkali bicarbonates react with citric acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles. Therefore, when included, the concentration of citric acid should be increased so that an effective concentration of citric acid remains in solution. The solid compositions are formulated so that all of the alkali carbonate and/or alkali bicarbonate is consumed during the effervescence reaction. The solution produced from the reaction of the solid composition with water contains little to no alkali carbonate and/or alkali bicarbonate, as evidenced by the low pH of the resulting solution. The concentration of alkali carbonate or alkali bicarbonate is selected to produce sufficient carbon dioxide to mix the ingredients with water without foam overflowing from the bottle. In the present formulations, Applicants have found approximately 6.5% w/w to approximately 8.3% w/w sodium carbonate grade 100 to provide suitable foaming behavior. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that different concentrations may be required for alternative carbonates and bicarbonates without departing from the teachings herein.

[0041] The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting composition may further include a chelant to keep the final solution clear. The chelant should be effective at a low pH ranging from approximately 2 to approximately 5, preferably from approximately 3 to approximately 4. As shown in the examples that follow, methylglycine diacetic acid trisodium salt (“MGDA” also known as trisodium N-iminodiacetate or trisodium alpha-DL-alanine diacetate) performed well.

[0042] The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions may include other excipients commonly used in household cleaning products, such as fragrance, dye, fillers, binders, or combinations thereof. Due to the solid formulation, the fragrance is preferably powdered or spray dried. The powdered or spray dried fragrance preferably contains approximately 10% to approximately 50% by weight of the fragrance oil on a suitable substrate. Exemplary substrates include starches, silica blends, silica and salt, such as sodium chloride or potassium iodide, or combination thereof.

[0043] The combined liquid content of all of the ingredients should not exceed 10% w/w of the final solid formulation, preferably ranging from approximately 0.1% w/w to approximately 7.5% w/w.

[0044] The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting composition may be in powdered or tablet form. The powder or tablet may be encapsulated in a water-soluble or removable film. Suitable water- soluble films include polymeric films or water-soluble paper. Alternatively, the powder may be provided in a single or multi-use containers, such as a pouch or bucket. A suitably sized scoop may be included with multi-use containers.

[0045] The weight of the cleaning and /or disinfecting tablets may range from about 0.5 g to about 500 g, preferably from about 1 g to about 30 g, more preferably from about 5 g to about 10 g. The solid cleaning and/or disinfecting composition is sized to be suitable for its intended purpose. Smaller sized tablets may be provided for single use purposes, ranging in weight from about 0.5 g to about 1 g. Larger size tablets ranging from about 400 g to about 500 g may be provided for commercial purposes, such as hotel or other large-scale cleaning operations. Applicants have found that three (3) 8.3 g tablets are suitably sized for use with standard 750 mL cleaning bottles. [0046] The tablets have an overall hardness that may be measured by acceptable industry standards, such as USP Test Method 1217, or using suitable tablet hardness tester equipment. The load at fracture may be determined in kiloponds (kp). A kilopond is a metric unit of force with 1 kp equivalent to 9.807 Newtons. The hardness of the tablets may range from about 0.2 to about 7.3 kp, preferably from about 0.7 to about 5.8 kp, more preferably from about 1.5 to 5.5 kp, and most preferably from about 3 to about 5.2 kp.

[0047] The tablets are also analyzed for resistance to breaking using tablet friability tests according to industry standards, such as USP Test Method 1216 or other acceptable standards. Using an ERWEKA TAR 220 friability tester at 25 RPM, the friability weight loss measurement of the tablet is less than 5 percent weight loss, preferably less than 4 percent, more preferably less than 3 percent, and most preferably less than 2 percent. [0048] A particularly preferred solid cleaning and disinfecting composition comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: a. 14.7 to 18% w/w of sodium lauryl sulfate having a bulk density ranging from 0.2 g/mL to 0.3 g/mL; b. 52.3 to 57.8% w/w of citric acid encapsulated by maltodextrin having an average particle size < 0.63 mm; c. 6.8% to 8.3% w/w of sodium carbonate; d. 7.2% to 8.7% w/w of chelating agent; e. 3.6% to 4.4% w/w of sodium benzoate; and f. one or more optional constituents, such as dye, fragrance, fillers, binders, polymers, or mixtures thereof, preferably a mixture of dye and fragrance.

[0049] To formulate the disclosed cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions, the ingredients are mixed in a powder mixer, such as a ribbon blender, until uniform. For tablets, the desired tablet weight is measured from the uniform mixture and added to the dye of a tablet press. The cleaning and/or disinfecting tablet is produced by compression using the tablet press. In R&D testing, the pressure was set at 80 N. During scale up testing, Applicant discovered that use of granulated sodium lauryl sulfate produces tablets exhibiting less friability than those produced by powdered sodium lauryl sulfate. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the specific ingredients and tablet size will dictate the pressure needed to produce the cleaning and disinfecting tablet. A picture of some exemplary tablets is provided in FIG 1.

[0050] For shipping and sales purposes, the tablets may be wrapped in a horizontal form fill seal flow wrap made from Metallized Bi-Oriented Polypropylene (OPP) film laminated with polypropylene sealant film. Similar packaging providing a suitable environmental barrier may be used without departing from the teachings herein.

[0051] The solid compositions are dissolved in water to produce the disclosed cleaner and/or disinfectant solutions. The quantity of water should be sufficient to produce a cleaner and/or disinfectant solution comprising approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate. In the examples that follow, 25 g of solid composition was added to 750 mL water. When an effervescent is included, the resulting solution is low foaming. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the quantity of solid composition and water volume may be changed without departing from the teachings herein. For example, two 12.5 g tablets may be used. Alternatively, one (1) 10 g tablet may be added to 300 mL water.

[0052] The solid compositions are dissolved in water to produce the disclosed cleaner and/or disinfectant solutions. Depending on the ingredients of the solid composition, the dissolution time may range from approximately 1 minute to approximately 30 minutes. The dissolution time is longer when the formulation includes an effervescent agent, ranging from approximately 10 minutes to approximately 20 minutes. The speed of the effervescent reaction may be increased by increasing the temperature of the water. As disclosed in the examples that follow, the quantity of effervescent agent has been optimized to prevent too much foam generation.

[0053] The disclosed cleaner and/or disinfectant solutions reduce the microorganism load on a variety of hard surfaces, including but not limited to countertops, floors, walls, sinks, toilets, toilet bowls, bathtubs, and the like. Exemplary hard surfaces include surfaces made of bricks, cement, ceramic, crystal, diamond, glass, latex, marble, metal, metal alloys, pebble, porcelain, polymers, quarry tiles, natural stone, and mixtures thereof.

[0054] Also disclosed are cleaner and disinfectant kits and refills. The kit includes the disclosed solid cleaning and/or disinfecting compositions and a bottle having a fill line. The bottle may be glass, plastic, or any other material capable of containing a liquid. A picture of one exemplary bottle is provided in FIG 2. Preferably the bottle material is suitable for repeated refilling. Stability testing of Example 8 demonstrates the solution produced from the solid cleaning and/or disinfecting composition does not react with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The fill line is at a volume sufficient to obtain a cleaning and disinfectant solution comprising approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate. In FIG 2, the fill line is indicated by a magic marker. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any form of marking may be used in the teachings herein, including labels, colored lines, etched or scored glass or plastic, change in bottle shape, and/or ridges or seams. The bottle may be transparent or translucent in order to better see the fill line, but transparency or translucency is not mandatory. The bottle may further comprise a spray trigger that delivers approximately 0.75 mL to approximately 3 mL of liquid/stroke, preferably approximately 1 mL to approximately 2 mL/stroke, and more preferably approximately 1.3 mL of liquid/stroke. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that effective germ kill is obtained when the surface is sprayed until wet, irrespective of the volume of solution delivered by the spray trigger.

[0055] FIG 3 is a flow chart demonstrating the method of using the disclosed kits. In FIG 3- Step 1, water is added to the fill line. Exemplary tablet(s) is(are) added to the bottles in FIG 3- Step 2. The tablet(s) dissolves in the water in approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, the tablets may be added to the bottles prior to adding the water. One of ordinary skill will recognize that this will increase the concentration of the ingredients due to the volume displacement caused by the tablet. In other words, the fill line no longer represents the full volume calculated due to the volume displacement caused by the tablet(s). The spray trigger is placed on the bottle in FIG 3- Step 3. As shown in the examples, the foam does not overflow for the preferred formulation E6, so the spray trigger can be placed on the bottle before dissolution is complete. However, it is preferred to wait to verify that dissolution is complete before adding the spray trigger. The cleaning and disinfectant solution may be used as soon as the tablet finishes dissolving. As shown in Example 8, the cleaning and disinfecting solution remains stable after two weeks at 54°C and is expected to remain stable for up to two years at room temperature and humidity.

[0056] Alternatively, the disclosed solid cleaner and/or disinfectant composition and/or solution may be provided with a carrier substrate, e.g., a wipe type product or article. Unlike quaternary germicides, citric acid is not known to bind to nonwoven substrates, leaving it chemically available to perform germ kill action. A suitable amount of solid composition may be provided with a set of dry wipes and wipes dispensing canister having a fill line. As above, the water is added to the fill line and the solid composition added to the water. After dissolution, the wipes can be added to the resulting solution. Alternatively, the solution and wipes may be combined in a wipes dispensing package.

[0057] Advantageously, fibrous materials formed of natural and/or synthetic fibers may be used. The nonwoven fabrics may be a combination of viscose, lyocell, wood pulp fibers and textile length synthetic fibers formed by dry-form or wet-lay processes. Synthetic fibers such as nylon, orlon, polyester, and polypropylene as well as blends thereof may be employed. Such may be woven, or nonwoven, wipes or pads. Such may be spunlace, spunbond, wetlaid, resin bonded, hydroentangled, thermally bonded, meltblown, needlepunched, or any combination of the former. The substrate of the wipe may also be a film forming material such as a water-soluble polymer. Such film substrates may be sandwiched between layers of fabric substrates and heat sealed to form a useful substrate. The films themselves can be extruded utilizing standard equipment to devolatilize 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.

[0058] Suitable pads or wipes may have little or no content of cellulosic materials. Alternatively, pads or wipes that are predominantly (e.g., in excess of 50%) based on cellulosic fibers may be used. Particularly preferred are pads or wipes based on natural fiber sources, such as cotton or pulp, due to their efficacy, ready availability, and low cost. More preferably the pads or wipes contain at least 60%, and in order of increasing preference, at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, and 100% based on cellulosic fibers. Closed cell or open celled foams are also useful as a pad or wipe. Such foams include polyurethane foams and regenerated cellulose foams, which may also be referred to as sponges.

[0059] Exemplary commercially available wipes include 100% regenerated cellulose at 45 or 70 grams per square meter (GSM) supplied by Spuntech Industries Inc.; 100% viscose at 35 or 40 GSM supplied by Sandler AG; 50% polypropylene and 50% pulp at 40 GSM supplied by Berry Global Inc.; 65% Pulp and 35% Polypropylene at 35 GSM supplied by Suominen Corp; 50% w/w viscose & 50% ww polyethylene terephthalate at 45 GSM supplied by Spuntech Industries Inc.; 51.1 % w/w wood pulp, 26.7% w/w polypropylene, & 22.2% polyethylene terephthalate at 45 GSM supplied by Suominen Corp; 41.73% wood pulp, 40.27% polypropylene, and 18% polyethylene terephthalate at 55 GSM supplied by Suominen Corp & Atex Inc.; and 100% polypropylene at 45 and 55 GSM supplied by PF Nonwovens Czech s.r.o.

[0060] Any of the foregoing wipe type product or wipe article may include a laminate layer, such as a liquid impervious layer which may be useful in limiting the wicking of the treatment composition to a part or surface of the pad, wipe, or sponge.

[0061] Preimpregnated wipes may be provided at any useful loading ratio of disclosed cleaner and disinfectant solution: non-impregnated pad or wipe, but preferably such are loading ratio is the range of about 0.1 - 5: 1 wt./wt, preferably 0.5-5: 1 wt./wt.

[0062] The cleaning and disinfecting solution provides a 5 logio reduction in Staphylococcus aureus on a hard surface in approximately 10 minutes, preferably in approximately 5 minutes, and more preferably in approximately 2 minutes. Applicants believe that similar results will be obtained from typical infection micro-organisms, including Salmonella typhi and non-enveloped viruses.

[0063] The surface may be wiped to remove any residual liquid after 2, 5, or 10 minutes. Applicants believe that the formulation will not leave any residual stickiness. Testing to confirm streaking is planned to verify this non- quantified R&D results.

[0064] In addition to germ kill, the disclosed cleaning and disinfecting solution provides superior cleaning results, as shown in the examples that follow. More particularly, the disclosed solutions provide loose grease, CSPA soapscum, and lime scale removal equivalent or superior to commercially available formulations.

[0065] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that concentrated formulations that provide both germ kill and cleaning are typically expensive. Concentrated formulations typically require more raw materials to obtain suitable germ kill and cleaning. The disclosed solid compositions successfully balance the raw material cost requirement while maintaining product efficacy.

[0066] The following examples illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that these examples are provided by way of illustration only and that further embodiments may be produced in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0067] Examples

[0068] The compositions in the following examples were prepared using the ingredients identified in Table A:

Table A:

[0069] Example 1: pH, Dissolution Time, and Foam Height

[0070] The ingredients in Table 1 were mixed in a plastic bag. The mixture was weighed and placed in tablet mould. The tablet was handpressed using a tablet press. This was repeated twice for each formulation. 750 mL (25.4 ounces) tap water was heated to 50°C in 800 mL bottles.

Three (3) tablets of each formulation E1-E6 having an average weight of 24-26 g was added to tap water in separate bottles labelled to reflect the E1-E6 formulation contained therein. No mixing was required due to the effervescent properties of the tablets. The dissolution time was measured. Any foam overflow was also noted. FIG 2 is an exemplary picture of a positive foam overflow result. The pH was measured on tablets dissolved in 750 mL (25.4 ounces) room temperature deionized water. The formulations and test results are provided in Table 1 :

Table 1:

NR = Not recorded

[0071] As can be seen from Table 1, higher concentrations of sodium bicarbonate or carbonate resulted in foam overflowing the top of the bottle. Foam overflow produces a negative consumer experience because the cap or spray trigger cannot immediately be placed on the container without producing a mess. Water and cleaning material may also be lost, negatively affecting efficacy of the cleaner. In contrast, too low of a concentration of sodium carbonate led to longer tablet dissolution times as shown for formulation E4. This effect is also not desirable because the consumer will question whether the solution has reached full cleaning potential. Consumers prefer clear or transparent cleaning solutions, not cloudy solutions. Formulation E6 provided the best results.

[0072] Example 2: Citric Acid

[0073] R&D formulations similar to Formula El in Example 1 were tested using citric acid anhydrous or citric acid coated with sodium citrate sold as Citrocoat™ N by Jungbunzlauer (JBL). Citric acid anhydrous was too hygroscopic for use in a tablet formulation. During stability testing, the size of the tablets increased, demonstrating water absorption. Citric acid coated with sodium citrate did not exhibit suitable tableting qualities, separating into loose powder after removal from the tablet mould. As a result, Applicants believe that sodium citrate coatings will not provide sufficient binding capabilities due at least partially to higher melting points (300°C) than maltodextrin (260°C).

[0074] Example 3 : Disinfecting Analysis

[0075] Applicants have surprisingly discovered that the germ kill efficacy of citric acid is significantly enhanced by the addition of sodium benzoate. It is known that limited to no germ kill results from sodium benzoate or citric acid solutions at pH ranging from 5-8 and that germ kill increases as pH decreases. Adamczak et al disclosed that a 1 mg/mL solution of citric acid in a

20% dimethyl sulfoxide water solution was inactive against Staphyloccocus aureus. Antibacterial

Activity of Some Flavonoids and Organic Acids Widely Distributed in Plants, J. Clin. Med., 2020,

9, 109. [0076] In dilution, formula E6 produces 1.3% w/v active citric acid (1.3 g/mL 192.2 g/mol x 1000 mL/L = 6.8 M) and 0.13 % w/v sodium benzoate at a pH of 3.25. After a 10 minute contact time, the total number of positive test results/the total number of samples tested for Formula E6 were 0/60 against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International (AO AC) 961.02 Germicidal Spray Products as Disinfectants (GSP) test in dirty conditions. As is well known in the art, S. aureus is one of the harder organisms for organic acids to kill and therefore indicative that this formulation will also be successful against other organisms. See, e.g., supra Adamczak et al. A previous dilution containing 1.25% w/v active citric acid and 0.26% w/v sodium benzoate produced 0/60 against both S. aureus and S. enterica after 10 minutes contact time. Applicant expects that formulations of 1.3% w/v citric acid with no sodium benzoate will struggle to successfully kill S. aureus.

[0077] The formulations in Table 2 were prepared in order to better evaluate the synergistic effect obtained by the combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate.

Table 2:

[0078] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that removal of the citric acid or sodium benzoate from these test formulations increases the total weight percent of the remaining ingredients. As a result, the same weight of material was used in all three formulations, with the size of the sample added to tap water changed to reflect the material change. Doing so ensures that the same amount of material is compared so that the only change is in the level of active ingredients.

[0079] As can be seen in Table 2, the pH of C2 remains below 7.5 even though all of the citric acid is consumed during effervescence. Applicants believe that some sodium citrate may remain in the formulation as demonstrated by the neutral pH. In contrast, without any citric acid in formula C3, sodium benzoate at the same concentration does not provide any germ kill. Similarly, formula Cl without any sodium benzoate does not provide any germ kill. These results demonstrate the synergistic germ kill effect obtained by the combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate.

[0080] These results lead Applicant to believe that these formulations containing the combination of citric acid and sodium benzoate may also successfully be used to kill enveloped viruses, such as Herpesviridae and Pleolipoviridae. Additional micro testing results are provided in Example 9 infra.

[0081] Example 4: Loose Grease Cleaning Efficacy

[0082] A comparison was made of the loose grease cleaning efficacy of Formula El, E5, water, two R&D formulations (C5 and C7), and two commercially available formulations (C4 and C6) of Table 3.

Table 3:

* Product ingredients obtained from company websites.

** C5 and C7 used the same CA as in the examples above.

[0083] The method used is based on ASTM D4488 A2 - Standard Guide for Testing Cleaning Performance of Products Intended for Use on Resilient Flooring and Washable Walls

[0084] Fine porosity cellulose sponges are cut to 4.445 cm (1.75 inches) by 9.2075 cm (3.625 inches) by 3.81 cm (1.5 inches). The sponges are rinsed and spun three times using warm water only in a Maytag washing machine to ensure that the sponges are free of contaminants/preservatives and to establish uniform dampness for all sponges. The sponges are then placed in a tightly sealed bag in order to maintain dampness until ready for use.

[0085] 0.3175 cm (0.125 inch) by 11.43 cm (4.5 inch) by 11.43 cm (4.5 inch) Masonite wallboard is double coated with a latex paint and allowed to set overnight. The reflectance of the white tile before soiling is measured and recorded as R3.

[0086] The soil to be cleaned is freshly prepared each day in a 600 mL Pyrex® beaker in a 55°C steam bath. 33% w/w vegetable shortening, 33% w/w vegetable oil, 33% w/w lard, and 1% w/w carbon lampblack are mixed in the heated beaker.

[0087] Cheesecloth is folded in half several times to produce a 6.35 cm (2.5 inch) by 5.08 cm (2 inch) piece. A binder clip is placed along the 6.35 cm edge of the folded cheesecloth.

[0088] Using the clip as a handle, soak the cheesecloth in the hot soil and apply the soil to the white-painted Masonite wallboard tiles using six strokes. The soil temperature should be maintained, and the soil should be stirred throughout the application process. Allow the soiled substrate to dry overnight at room temperature. The reflectance of the soiled tile is measured by either a tri-gloss meter, e.g., from BYK Gardner, or digital imaging, e.g., a digital monochrome camera using suitable software, such as Image Pro Plus, and recorded as R2.

[0089] Each tile is divided in two equal halves using masking tape. The tiles are numbered and the treatment each side will receive is indicated.

[0090] The soiled tile is placed on the platform of the Gardner Abrasion Tester (without tray) in such a manner that the soiled part of the tile is perpendicular to the direction of the sponge motion, so that the sponge will scrub an area centered within one half of the tile.

[0091] The sponge is placed in the holder and 15 grams of test product is poured onto the sponge. One half of the tile is scrubbed x times and immediately rinsed with cold running tap water. The tile position is reversed to repeat the process on the other half of the tile with a new sponge and product sample. The reflectance of the cleaned tile is measured and recorded as R1.

[0092] The percent cleaning efficiency is measured as [(Rl -R2)/R3-R2)]xl 00. The test is repeated for each formulation 3 times. The results are provided in Table 4.

Table 4:

[0093] The results show the percentage of soil removed from the tile. Higher percentages indicate better cleaning. C4 is considered one of the best loose grease cleaners available on the market. As can be seen, Formulation El provided comparable cleaning results. Formula El is also superior to Formula C5, which has similar ingredients.

[0094] While Formula El differs in foam generation from Formula E6, the cleaning structure is similar and similar loose grease cleaning results are expected from Formula E6. More specifically, all of the sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate is consumed during production of the carbon dioxide effervescent bubbles and, as a result, does not contribute to cleaning efficacy.

[0095] Example 5: CSPA Soapscum Removal

[0096] A comparison was made of the soapscum removal efficacy of Formula El, water, and three different cleaning formulations of Table 3.

[0097] The soapscum removal efficacy was based on CSPA Designation DCC 16 Part 2. [0098] A 10.76cm x 10.76cm Black Bathroom Tile is cleaned using ethanol and allowed to dry overnight in 105°C oven. The reflectance of the surface of this tile is read by either a tri-gloss meter, e.g., from BYK Gardner, or digital imaging, e.g., a digital monochrome camera using suitable software, such as Image Pro Plus and recorded as R3.

[0099] A Parent soil is created in a 600 mL Pyrex® beaker in a 55°C steam bath. 3.90% w/w Stearic Acid Soap Bar, 0.35% w/w shampoo (moderate alkyl ethoxylate containing with no conditioner), 0.06% w/w Black Charm Clay, 0.15% w/w Artificial Sebum, and 95.54% w/w Hard Water. The final soil is mixed on the day of application. The final mixture is 4.50% w/w Parent Soil, 9.00% w/w Hard Water 0.77% w/w Hydrochloric Acid 0.1N, and 85.73% Acetone. This is homogenized for 30minutes.

[00100] The tiles are cooled to room temperature and weighed.

[00101] The tiles are placed on a slant board. The soil applied in a continuous motion using an airbrush until the amount of soil on the tile weighs between 0.10g and 0.15g. The tiles are air dried for 15-30 minutes and re-weighed to verify that the weight remains in the above stated ranged.

[00102] Tiles are then heated for 25-30min in a 205°C oven, or until the tiles have a dull surface sheen. Once cooled the reflectance of the tile is measured and recorded as R2.

[00103] Each tile is divided in two equal halves using masking tape. The tiles are numbered and the treatment each side will receive is indicated.

[00104] The soiled tile is placed on the platform of the Gardner Abrasion Tester (without tray) in such a manner that the soiled part of the tile is perpendicular to the direction of the sponge motion, so that the sponge will scrub an area centered within one half of the tile.

[00105] The sponge is placed in the holder and 2.0 grams of test product is poured onto the tile surface using a disposable pipette. Allow a 30 second contact time to cleaning. One half of the tile is scrubbed 10 times and immediately rinsed with cold running tap water. The tile is dried using pressurized air. The tile position is reversed to repeat the process on the other half of the tile with a new sponge and product sample. The reflectance of the cleaned tile is measured and recorded as R1.

[00106] The percent soapscum removal is measured as [(Rl-R2)/R3-R2)]xl00. The test is repeated for each formulation 3 times. The average of the four results is provided in Table 5. Table 5:

[00107] As can be seen, Formula El provides beter soapscum removal than all of the comparative examples.

[00108] While Formula El differs in foam generation from Formula E6, the cleaning structure is similar and similar soapscum removal results are expected from Formula E6. More specifically, all of the sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate is consumed during production of the carbon dioxide effervescent bubbles and, as a result, does not contribute to cleaning efficacy.

[00109] Example 6: Limescale Removal

[00110] A comparison was made of the limescale efficacy of Formula El, water, and the four different cleaning formulations of Table 3.

[00111] The following process was performed to determine limescale removal efficacy.

[00112] 1.9 cm (0.75 inch) x 1.9 cm (0.75 inch) x 0.95 cm (0.375 inch) marble cubes were rinsed thoroughly with deionized water and dried for one hour at 105°C in an oven. 4 marble cubes are tested for each product sample.

[00113] 5 cm (2 inch) aluminum pans are labeled and weighed using an analytical balance.

The label and weights are recorded as the tare weight. A marble cube is placed in the pan, polished side up, and reweighed, with the weight recorded. The initial weight is the weight of the marble cube in the pan minus the weight of the pan (tare weight).

[00114] Approximately 40 grams of test product is placed in a glass or suitable container. The size of the glass or container must be large enough to completely submerge the marble in the test product. The marble cube is completely submerged in the test product using forceps, with polished side facing up. The marble cube is soaked in the test product for one minute. The marble cube is removed from the test product and immediately submerged in a beaker of deionized water. The marble cube is then placed on a perforated spoon and rinsed with deionized water for 30 seconds. The marble cube is placed back in its aluminum pan and dried for one hour at 105°C. The marble cubes are then allowed to cool in a dessicator and re- weighed. The final weight is the weight of the marble cube in the pan after testing and drying minus the weight of the pan (tare weight).

[00115] The percent lime scale dissolved is measured as [(Initial weight-Final weight)/Initial weight]xl00.

[00116] The average of the four test results is provided in Table 6.

Table 6:

[00117] As can be seen, Formula El provides better lime scale removal than all of the comparative examples.

[00118] While Formula El differs in foam generation from Formula E6, the cleaning structure is similar and similar lime scale removal results are expected from Formula E6. More specifically, all of the sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate is consumed during production of the carbon dioxide effervescent bubbles and, as a result, does not contribute to cleaning efficacy.

[00119] Example 7: Tablet Stability

[00120] Accelerated storage stability and corrosion studies were performed on tablets having formulation E6. The studies were conducted by an independent laboratory in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations codified at 40 CFR Part 160. The tablets tested included (3) different fragrance variants, identified as E6-1, E6-2, and E6-3 in Table 7 below. Three (3) tablets having the same fragrance were contained in one (1) flow wrap pack. The tablets in the flow wrap packaging were stored at 54±2°C for fourteen (14) days. The corrosion characteristics (identified as “Corrosion” in Table 7 below) were determined by two different individuals and included a visual examination of the container for evidence of corrosion. The physical assessment (identified as “Physical” in Table 7 below) was determined by two different individuals and included a visual inspection of a portion of the tablet in a small weigh boat. Analysis for any phase separation and/or clumping was included in the physical assessment review. The laboratory performed a full method validation of the assay used to determine the citric acid concentration. The assay result was calculated from the average of the assays for each of the three (3) tablets contained in the flow wrap package. Table 7:

[00121] The results in Table 7 demonstrate that tablets of formulation E6 will be stable for two (2) years at ambient storage conditions. Table 7 further demonstrates that the flow wrap packaging and tablet formulations successfully prevent weight gain due to water absorption from air (hygroscopicity).

[00122] Example 8: Solution Stability

[00123] Accelerated storage stability and corrosion studies were performed on solutions prepared from tablets having formulation E6. The tablets tested contained the same fragrance as

E6-2 in Table 7. The studies were conducted by an independent laboratory in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations codified at 40 CFR Part 160. The test solutions were prepared by dissolving three (3) tablets in 750 mL of 400 ppm AOAC hard water in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Nine (9) PET bottles containing the test solutions were stored at 54±2°C for fourteen (14) days. The corrosion characteristics (identified as “Corrosion” in Table 8 below) were determined by two different individuals and included a visual examination of the container for evidence of corrosion. This analysis included a visual examination of lids, liners, seams, and container sides. The physical assessment (identified as “Physical” in Table 8 below) was determined by two different individuals and included a visual inspection of the solution in a 50 mL glass beaker. Analysis for any phase separation and/or clumping is included in the physical assessment review. The laboratory performed a full method validation of the assay used to determine the citric acid concentration. The assay was performed in triplicate for each bottle. The results in Table 8 are the average from three (3) different bottles, with the average of bottles 2 (1.48), 3 (1.46), and 4 (1.46) being used for the Day 0 Assay and the average of bottles 5 (1.6), 6 (1.49), and 7 (1.44) being used for the Day 14 assay.

Table 8:

* Average of six (6) different bottles

[00124] The results in Table 8 demonstrate that solutions formed from tablets of formulation E6 will be stable for two (2) years at ambient storage conditions.

[00125] Example 9: Micro Testing

[00126] Micro efficacy testing studies against bacteria and viruses were performed using solutions prepared from tablets having formulation E6. The studies were conducted by an independent laboratory in compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations codified at 40 CFR Part 160. The test solutions were prepared by dissolving three (3) tablets in 750 mL of 400 ppm AO AC hard water in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with a spray trigger. The bottles were shaken to ensure homogeneity and sprayed to prime the spray trigger prior to testing. An average of 2.0 m was produced from three (3) pump sprays.

[00127] Virus tests (ASTM International El 053-20): The solution was sprayed (three pump sprays) onto the virus carriers in a horizontal position from a distance of six to eight inches. A control carrier was not treated with the solutions. The carriers were held at the specified conditions and for the contact time specified in Table 9 below. A cell scraper was used to scrape the carriers just prior to the end of the exposure time in order to resuspend the contents. The contents were passed through a Sephadex column utilizing the syringe plungers in order to detoxify the mixtures. The filtrates were then tiered by 10-fold serial dilution and assayed for infectivity and/or cytotoxicity.

[00128] Bacterial tests (AO AC Germicidal Spray Method 961.02): Bacterium culture was uniformly spread over individual glass slide carriers contained in a Petri dish. The carriers were allowed to dry for 30 minutes. The test solution was sprayed (three pump sprays) onto the carriers from a distance of six to eight inches. A control carrier was not sprayed with the solution to confirm growth. After the five (5) minute contact time, the excess liquid was drained off the carrier without touching the carrier to the Petri dish or filter paper. All subcultures were intubated for 48 hours at 35-37°C. Following intubation, the subcultures were visually examined for presence or absence of visible growth.

Table 9:

[00129] The results in Table 9 demonstrate that the disclosed tablets form solutions that provide biocidal protection against bacteria and viruses, including hard to kill bacterium like S. aureus and viruses like rhinovirus. One of ordinary skill in the art would not expect this activity from the concentration of citric acid in the solution.

[00130] The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Embodiments and/or features therein may be freely combined with one another. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A disinfectant composition comprising: a. approximately 50 to approximately 75% w/w of citric acid encapsulated by a binder; and b. approximately 1% to approximately 5.5% w/w of sodium benzoate.

2. The disinfectant composition of claim 1, further comprising approximately 10%w/w to approximately 15% w/w of sodium lauryl sulfate.

3. The disinfectant composition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an effervescent.

4. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a chelant.

5. A disinfectant composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: a. 10 to 25% w/w of sodium lauryl sulfate having a bulk density ranging from 0.2 g/mL to 0.3 g/mL; b. 50 to 75% w/w of citric acid encapsulated by a polysaccharide binder, the encapsulated citric acid having an average 5% maximum particle size >0.63 mm and an average 5% maximum particle size < 0.100 mm; c. 6.8% to 8.3% w/w of sodium carbonate; d. 7% to 9% w/w of chelating agent; and e. 1% to 5.5% w/w of sodium benzoate; and f. one or more optional constituents, selected from the group consisting of dye, fragrance, fillers, binders, and combinations thereof.

6. The disinfectant composition of claim 5, wherein the fragrance is a powdered or spray dried fragrance.

7. The disinfectant composition of claim 5 or 6, wherein the tablet does not contain any added binding agent, such as polyethylene glycol.

8. The disinfectant composition of claim 5 or 6, further comprising a binding agent, such as polyethylene glycol.

9. The disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the combined liquid content of all of the ingredients is less than 10% w/w of the formulation.

10. A disinfectant solution produced from dissolution of the composition of any one of claims 1-9, the disinfectant solution comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of the disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1-9 and a quantity of water sufficient to produce a disinfectant solution comprising approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate.

11. The disinfectant solution of claim 10, wherein the tablet comprises 25 g of the disinfectant composition of any one of claim 1-9 and 750 mL water.

12. A disinfectant kit comprising: a. the disinfectant composition of any one of claims 1-9; and b. a bottle having a fill line at a volume sufficient to obtain a disinfectant solution from the disinfectant composition and water, the disinfectant solution comprising approximately 1.2% w/v to approximately 2% w/v citric acid and approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate.

13. The disinfect kit of claim 12, the bottle further comprising a spray trigger.

14. A method to improve the disinfecting activity of citric acid, the method comprising combining 1.2% w/v to 2% w/v citric acid with approximately 0.083% w/v to approximately 0.15% w/v sodium benzoate in a disinfectant solution.

15. A method of providing a 5 logio reduction in Staphylococcus aureus on a surface in 5 minutes, the method comprising obtaining the disinfectant kit of claim 13, adding water to the fill line of the bottle, adding the composition to the bottle to produce a disinfectant solution, placing the spray trigger on the bottle, spraying the disinfectant solution on the surface, and wiping the surface after 10 minutes, producing a 5 logio reduction in Staphylococcus aureus on the surface.