WO2024089067A2

WO2024089067A2 - Detergents and cleaning compositions with improved cleaning performance

Info

Publication number: WO2024089067A2
Application number: PCT/EP2023/079712
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tony BARTOLINI; Anne-Laure AZAIS
Original assignee: Symrise Ag
Priority date: 2022-10-25
Filing date: 2023-10-25
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions that comprise an enzyme and an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, and a surfactant, and the use of said detergents and cleaning compositions for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product for household, institutional and industrial application. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of treating a stained and/or soiled substrate using the enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. Additionally, the present invention relates to the use of specific substances as defined herein for boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or improving cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of boosting the enzyme performance in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance in a detergent and cleaning composition by adding an effective amount of a specific enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, to said detergent and cleaning composition.

Description

Detergents and cleaning compositions with improved cleaning performance

Technical field

[0001] The present invention refers generally to the field of detergents and cleaning compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions comprising specific hydroxyl compounds and having improved enzyme performance and improved cleaning performance.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to detergents and cleaning compositions that comprise an enzyme and an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, and a surfactant, and the use of said detergents and cleaning compositions for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product for household, institutional and industrial application. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of treating a stained and/or soiled substrate using the enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. Additionally, the present invention relates to the use of specific substances as defined herein for boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or improving cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of boosting the enzyme performance in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance in a detergent and cleaning composition by adding an effective amount of a specific enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, to said detergent and cleaning composition.

Background Art

[0003] Detergents and cleaning compositions, in particular cleaning compositions for laundry and textile cleaning, dishwashing and the like are composed predominantly of surfactants or a mixture of surfactants, whose main task is to remove water-insoluble substances like dirt and grease from surfaces such as fabric, clothes, dishes, wares, etc., and hard surfaces such as metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, etc. Other than surfactant, modern detergent and cleaning formulations consist of builders, chelating agents, co-builders, other polymer additives used for specific washing or cleaning effects such as soil release and anti-redeposition, dye transfer inhibition and rheology modification, and enzyme stabilizers. In addition to said ingredients, one or more enzymes as a further active substance with cleaning action are added to the detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0004] Enzymes have been employed in detergents and cleaning compositions since early 20^th century. Enzymes can be used to increase the performance of washing or cleaning agents. Enzymes are known as effective chemicals for use with detergents and other cleaning agents to break down stains and/or soils. Enzymes break down stains and/or soils, make them more soluble, and enable surfactants to remove them from a surface to provide enhanced cleaning. Specifically, enzymes can provide desirable activity for removal of, for example, protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or lipid-based (fat or oil-based) stains from substrates. As a result, enzymes have been used for various cleaning applications in order to digest or degrade stains and/or soils such as grease, oils (e.g. vegetable oils or animal fat), protein, carbohydrate, or the like. For example, enzymes may be added as a component of a composition for fabric care, cleaning textile, ware washing, cleaning-in-place, cleaning drains, cleaning floor, cleaning carpet, cleaning medical or dental instrument, cleaning meat cutting tool, cleaning hard surface, etc. Typical enzymes with a cleaning action are proteases, amylases as well as lipases and cellulases.

[0005] For some time, detergents and cleaning products must meet the heightened consumer expectations in terms of enhanced cleaning.

[0006] The detergent and cleaning industry is permanently searching for ingredients which can resolve these aspects.

[0007] Thus, there is still an ongoing need for substances with the ability for enhancing enzyme performance in detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, there is need for enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions which are less complex, highly effective, which avoid the use of unfavourable ingredients under environmental and health aspects.

[0008] Accordingly, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for multi-use enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions with a superior enzyme performance and with an improved cleaning performance.

[0009] Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a method of treating a substrate that furnished an improved cleaning performance.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide for agents/substances, which are capable of boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0011] Finally, it is an object of the present invention, to provide a method of increasing the enzyme’s performance in a detergent and cleaning composition and of improving the overall cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0012] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, to a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising an enzyme, has a positive influence on the enzymatic performance in that they enhance the performance of an enzyme or of enzymes of an enzyme mixture contained therein. The enzyme(s) in these detergents and cleaning compositions show(s) a superior enzymatic performance, compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme boosting agent.

[0013] Surprisingly, it has been found that the cleaning performance, in terms of stain removal and/or soil removal, of enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition is improved by the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4- hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, compared to an enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition without such a boosting agent.

[0014] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising a cellulase, such as fabric softeners, improves softness in laundry, compared to a cellulase containing detergent and cleaning composition without such an enzyme boosting agent.

[0015] Thus, the detergents and cleaning compositions which contain an enzyme in combination with a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, as further defined herein, exhibit improved overall cleaning performance over detergents and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme boosting agent.

[0016] Conversely, also because of the boosting effect, the amount of enzyme and other ingredients, for example enzyme stabilizers, for increasing the cleaning effectiveness in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced without loss of cleaning performance. The detergents and cleaning compositions show even at a low rate of addition of the enzyme boosting agent excellent stain and soil removal and improved cleaning performance.

Summary of the invention

[0017] The present invention was made in view of the aspects described above. To solve the above-mentioned demands, the present invention provides a detergent and cleaning composition having both improved enzyme performance and improved cleaning performance in terms of improved stain and/or soil removal.

[0018] In order to accomplish the above problem, the present invention provides in a first aspect a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of

(a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme; (b) at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of

(b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol;

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; and

(c) more than 3 % by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0019] In a further aspect, the present invention provides for the use of the detergent and cleaning composition as, or for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product.

[0020] In a further aspect, the present invention provides for a detergent and cleaning product.

[0021] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides for a method of treating a stained and/or soiled substrate, comprising the steps of treating the substrate with the detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention; and rinsing said substrate in water to remove said composition or product.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides for the use of at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; for boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0023] In a final aspect, the present invention provides for a method of boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising the steps of

(i) providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and (ii) adding thereto an effective amount of at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof.

[0024] The present invention is specified in the appended claims. The invention itself, and its preferred variants, other objects and advantages, are however also apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying examples and figures.

[0025] All percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

[0026] Numeric ranges recited within the specification and given in the form “x to y” include the values defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. When multiple preferred numeric ranges are specified in this format, all ranges created by combining the various endpoints are also included.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, the term “comprising” means that the named components are essential, but other components may be added and is still embraced by the present invention.

[0028] The term “consisting of’ as used according to the present invention means that the total amount of components (a) to (c) in a composition adds up to 100 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and signifies that the subject matter is closed-ended and can only include the limitations that are expressly recited.

[0029] Whenever reference is made to “comprising” it is intended to cover both meanings as alternatives, that is the meaning can be either “comprising” or “consisting of”, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term “at least one ...” means that the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention can comprise either one or a mixture of two, three, four, five, six or even more different of the respective components following said term.

[0031] The term “and/or” expresses that a linkage exists, or an alternative is provided. [0032] The term “optionally” means that the subsequently described component may but need not to be present in the detergent and cleaning composition, and that the description includes variants, where the compound is included or variants, where the compound is absent.

[0033] The term “stability” in the context of the present invention means resistance or the degree of resistance to change, unfolding, disintegration, denaturation or activity/performance loss. Non-limiting examples of stability include storage stability and reflects the stability of a polypeptide, such as an enzyme, as a function of time, e.g. how much activity is retained when said polypeptide is kept in a detergent or cleaning formulation. The stability is influenced by many factors, such as presence of chelators, pH, temperature, detergent composition, e.g. amount of builders, surfactants, etc.

[0034] The term “boosting” in the context of the present invention means “improving”, “enhancing”, “increasing”. Correspondingly, a “boosting agent” is either a single agent or a mixture of substances, capable of “improving”, “enhancing”, “increasing” certain features or properties as defined herein. In particular, the boosting agent according to the present invention improves, enhances or increases the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition, thus resulting in an improved cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning composition.

[0035] As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to saturated hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, including straight-chain alkyl groups (such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, etc.), cyclic alkyl groups (or cycloalkyl or alicyclic or carbocyclic groups) (such as cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, etc.), branched-chain alkyl groups (such as isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, etc.) and alkyl substituted alkyl groups (such as cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups).

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the term “alkyl” includes both unsubstituted alkyls and substituted alkyls. As used herein, the term “substituted alkyls” refers to alkyl groups having substituents, replacing one or more hydrogens on one or more carbons of the hydrocarbon backbone. Such substituents may include, for example, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, alkoxycarbonyloxy, aryloxy, aryloxycarbonyloxy, carboxylate, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, dialykaminocarbonyl, alkylthiocarbonyl, alkoxyl, phosphate, phosphonate, cyano, amino, imino, sulfhydryl, alkylthio, arylthiol, thiocarboxylate, sulfates, alkylsulfinyl, sulfonates, nitro, etc.

Detailed description of the invention

[0037] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of

(a1) at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme; (b1) 1 ,2-heptanediol; and

(c1) more than 3 % by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0038] Alternatively, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of

(a2) at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme;

(b2) 2,3-heptanediol; and

(c2) more than 3 % by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0039] In a further alternative, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of

(a3) at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme;

(b3) a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; and

(c3) more than 3 % by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0040] Alternatively, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of

(a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme;

(b) at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; and

[0041] In a preferred variant, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of

(b) at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of

(b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol;

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; and (c) more than 3 % by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0042] In an even more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention has a carbon chain length of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain length from 7 to 11 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain length from 7 to 10 carbon atoms, most preferred a carbon chain length from 7 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferred the linear alkanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition has a carbon chain length of 7 or 8 carbon atoms.

[0043] The term “detergent and cleaning composition” as contemplated herein, is understood to mean all products that are suitable and commonly used for washing or cleaning. Detergents and cleaning compositions are composed predominantly of surfactants or a mixture of surfactants. Other than surfactant, the detergents and cleaning compositions normally consists of builders and chelating agents, co-builders and other polymer additives used for specific effects such as anti-redeposition, dye transfer inhibition, rheology modification. Detergents and cleaning compositions refer to compositions that find use in the removal of undesired compounds from items to be cleaned, such as textiles (such as fabrics, clothes), dishes, floors, hard surfaces (such as metals, plastics and ceramics). These deposits might be caused by soils or stains, germs and other contaminants. Detergents are the most commonly used cleaning compositions for textiles. The detergents and cleaning compositions may be used for both household cleaning, institutional cleaning and industrial cleaning. The detergents and cleaning compositions also includes disinfectants that kills all vegetative cells including recognized pathogenic microorganism. The detergents and cleaning compositions can be used by the detergent composition itself or by a detergent product or by a use solution thereof.

[0044] The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention are preferably used for removing stain and/or soil from textile, fabrics, laundry, dishes, ware, medical and dental instruments, hard surfaces, etc.

[0045] Within the scope of the present invention the terms “cleaning” and “washing” are used synonymously and refer to the reduction and/or removal of deposits, i.e. the removal of undesired compounds from items to be cleaned, such as textiles or surfaces, on tableware/dishes and other kitchen utensils such as cutlery/silverware, pots, pans, bakeware and the like.

[0046] These deposits might be formed by stains caused by tea, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass/mud, fruit juice, blood, tomato puree, unused motor oil, salad dressing balsamico, cooked beef fat, French squeezy mustard, make-up, and the like or by soils caused by grease, starch based soils such as rice, pasta, protein based soils such as egg yolk, chocolate, mayonnaise, lipstick starch based soil, and the like and other remaining on the surfaces. Deposits are thus any form of unwanted residues of impureness, of dirt, food, grease etc. [0047] The term “substrate” in the context of the present invention includes fabrics, textiles, laundry, dishes, ware, any hard surfaces, medical and dental instruments, and the like which can be contaminated with stain and/or soil and can be treated by a washing or cleaning process.

[0048] As used herein, the term “fabric cleaning” includes detergents and cleaning compositions or products designed for cleaning stained and/or soiled material. Such compositions or products include but are not limited to, laundry detergent compositions, fabric softening compositions, fabric enhancing compositions, fabric freshening compositions, laundry prewash, laundry pre-treat, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agents or compositions, laundry rinse additive, wash additive, post-rinse fabric treatment, ironing aids, unit dose formulations, delayed delivery formulations, detergent contained on or in a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, substrate having fibres preferably said fibres including active agents, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0049] As used herein, the term “fabric care” relates to various fabric benefits including smoothness, shape maintenance, resilience, colour preservation, pilling control and others.

[0050] The term “dish” or “ware” as used herein, refers to a solid surface, such as a counter top, tile, floor, wall, panel, window, plumbing fixture, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliance, engine, circuit board, and dish. Hard surfaces may include for example, health care surfaces, such as surfaces of medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, electronic apparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and floors, walls or fixtures of structures in which health care occurs, and food processing surfaces, such as a surface of a took, a machine, equipment, a structure, or the like, that is employed as part of a food processing, preparation or storage activity. The term “ware” in the context of the present invention refers to items such as eating and cooking utensils, dishes, and other hard surfaces such as showers, sinks, toilets bathtubs, countertops, windows, mirrors, and floors.

[0051] The term “surface” as used herein, refers to a solid surface, such as a counter top, tile, floor, wall, panel, window, plumbing fixture, kitchen and bathroom furniture, appliance, engine, circuit board, and dish. Hard surfaces may include for example, health care surfaces, such as surfaces of medical or dental instruments, medical or dental devices, electronic apparatus employed for monitoring patient health, and floors, walls or fixtures of structures in which health care occurs, and food processing surfaces, such as a surface of a tool, a machine, equipment, a structure, or the like, that is employed as part of a food processing, preparation or storage activity.

[0052] Surprisingly, it was found that the addition of an enzyme boosting agent as specified herein or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, to a detergent and cleaning composition boosts, i.e. improves or enhances, the enzymatic performance of such an detergent and cleaning composition. [0053] Based on this advantageous effect, the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention provides for both, enhanced enzyme performance, improved soil removal, improved stain removal, and, thus improved overall cleaning performance.

[0054] Enzyme or enzyme formulation/component (a1, a2, a3, a)

[0055] The detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme, as component (a1 , a2, a3, a). The enzyme or enzyme formulation provides for cleaning performance, by removing stain and/or soil, and/or fabric care benefits.

[0056] Enzymes are known as effective chemicals for use with detergents and other cleaning agents to break down soils. Enzymes break down soils, make them more soluble, and enable surfactants to remove them from a surface to provide enhanced cleaning of a substrate. Specifically, enzymes can provide desirable activity for removal of, for example, protein-based, carbohydrate-based, or triglyceride-based stains from substrates. In addition, enzymes also help to improve wash results at lower temperatures. As a result, enzymes have been used for various cleaning applications in order to digest or degrade soils such as grease, oils (e.g. vegetable oils or animal fat), protein, carbohydrate, or the like. For example, enzymes may be added as a component of a composition for laundry, textiles, ware washing, cleaning-in-place, cleaning drains, floors, carpets, medical or dental instruments, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, or the like.

[0057] Enzymes suitable for the detergents and cleaning compositions can act by degrading or altering one or more types of soil residues encountered on an instrument or device thus removing the soil or making the soil more removable by a surfactant or other component of the cleaning composition. Both degradation and alteration of soil residues can improve detergency by reducing the physicochemical forces that bind the soil to the instrument or device being cleaned, e.g., the soil becomes more water soluble. For example, one or more proteases can cleave complex, macro molecular protein structures present in soil residues into simpler short chain molecules which are, of themselves, more readily desorbed from surfaces, solubilized or otherwise more easily removed by detersive solutions containing said proteases.

[0058] Detersive enzymes according to the present invention have a cleaning, destaining, desoiling or otherwise beneficial effect as a component of a detergent and cleaning composition for instruments, devices, or equipment, such as medical or dental instruments, devices, or equipment; or for laundry, textiles, ware-washing, cleaning-in-place, drains, carpets, meat cutting tools, hard surfaces, personal care, or the like.

[0059] Enzymes that can be used in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention include enzymes that provide desirable activity for removal of protein- based, carbohydrate-based, or lipide-based (fat or oil-based) stains and/or soils from substrates; for cleaning, destaining, desoiling, and sanitizing presoaks, such as presoaks for medical and dental instruments, devices, and equipment; presoaks for flatware, cooking ware, and table ware; or presoaks for meat cutting equipment; for machine ware washing; for laundry and textile cleaning and destaining; for carpet cleaning and destaining; for cleaning-in-place (CIP) and destaining-in-place; for cleaning and destaining food processing surfaces and equipment; for drain cleaning; presoaks for cleaning; and the like.

[0060] Suitable enzymes used according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including Dnase and/or Rnase), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, B-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixture thereof.

[0061] More preferred, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning compositions according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectate lyases, and any mixture thereof.

[0062] The enzymes used according to the present invention are of any suitable origin, such as vegetable, animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast origin.

[0063] Proteases: Any protease or mixture of proteases, from any source, can be used in the detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the protease enzymes can be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as a yeast, a mould, or a bacterium. Preferred protease enzymes include, but are not limited to, the enzymes derived from Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Streptomyces griseus. Protease enzymes derived from B. subtilis are most preferred. The protease can be purified or a component of a microbial extract, and either wild type or variant (either chemical or recombinant). Exemplary proteases are commercially available under the following trade names Alcalase®, Blaze®, Savinase®, Esperase®, Progress UNO™, Liquanase® and Pristine®, each available from Novozymes; and Preferenz® P and Excellenz® P, each available from DUPONT/IFF.

[0064] Amylases: Any amylase or mixture of amylases, from any source, can be used in the detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the amylase enzymes can be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as a yeast, a mould, or a bacterium. Preferred amylase enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from a Bacillus, such as B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, or B. stearothermophilus. Amylase enzymes derived from B. subtilis are most preferred. The amylase can be purified or a component of a microbial extract, and either wild type or variant (either chemical or recombinant). Preferred amylases are commercially available under the trade name Stainzyme® and Amplify®, each available from Novozymes; and Preferenz® S, available from DUPONT/IFF.

[0065] Lipases: Any lipase or mixture of lipases, from any source, can be used in the detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the lipase enzymes can be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as a fungus or a bacterium. Preferred protease enzymes include, but are not limited to, the enzymes derived from a Pseudomonas, such as Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 19.154, or from a Humicola, such as Humicola lanuginose (typically produced recombinantly in Aspergillus oryzae). The lipase can be purified or a component of a microbial extract, and either wild type or variant (either chemical or recombinant). Preferred lipases are commercially available under the trade names Lipex®, available from Novozymes, and Preferenz® L, available from DUPONT/IFF.

[0066] Cellulases: Any cellulase or mixture of cellulases, from any source, can be used in the detergents and cleaning compositions, provided that the selected enzyme is stable in the desired pH range (between about 6 and about 9). For example, the cellulase enzymes can be derived from a plant, an animal, or a microorganism such as a fungus or a bacterium. Preferred cellulase enzymes include, but are not limited to, those derived from Humicola insolens, Humicola strain DSM1800, or a cellulase 212-producing fungus belonging to the genus Aeromonas and those extracted from the hepatopancreas of a marine mollusc, Dolabella Auricula Solander. The cellulase can be purified or a component of a microbial extract, and either wild type or variant (either chemical or recombinant). Preferred cellulases are commercially available under the trade names Celluclean® and Carezyme®, each available from Novozymes; and Revitalenz®, available from DUPONT/IFF.

[0067] Preferred enzyme selections depend upon the conditions of final utility, including the physical product form, use pH, use temperature, and soil types to be degraded or altered and are influenced by factors such as pH-activity and/or stability optima, thermostability, and stability to active detergents, builders and the like. The enzyme can be chosen to provide optimum activity and stability for any given set of utility conditions. In this respect, bacterial or fungal enzymes are preferred.

[0068] Protease enzymes, amylase enzymes and lipase enzymes are the most used enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions. The protease enzymes are particularly advantageous for cleaning soils containing protein, e.g. egg, milk, meat residue, or the like. The amylase enzymes are particularly advantageous for removing starch-based soils, such as pasta and rice. The lipase enzymes are particularly advantageous for cleaning soils including fat/grease.

[0069] As one skilled in the art shall ascertain, enzymes are designed to work with specific types of soils. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, ware wash applications may use a protease enzyme as it is effective at the high temperatures of the ware wash machines and is effective in reducing protein-based soils. Protease enzymes are particularly advantageous for cleaning soils containing protein, such as blood, cutaneous scales, mucus, grass, food (e.g. egg, milk, spinach, meat residue, tomato sauce), or the like.

[0070] According to the invention, the enzyme containing detergent and cleaning composition may be varied based on the particular cleaning application and the types of soils in need of cleaning. For example, the temperature of a particular cleaning application will impact the enzymes selected for an enzyme composition according to the invention. Ware wash applications, for example, clean substrates at temperatures in excess of approximately 60 °C, or in excess of approximately 70 °C, or between approximately 65 °C to 80 °C, and enzymes such as proteases are desirable due to their ability to retain enzymatic performance at such elevated temperatures. Laundry applications, for example, clean laundry at temperatures in excess of approximately 40 °C, or in excess of approximately 50 °C, or between approximately 65 °C to 90 °C, and enzymes such as proteases are desirable due to their ability to retain enzymatic performance at such elevated temperatures.

[0071] Preferably, the at least one enzyme is selected from the group consisting of a protease, an amylase, a lipase, a cellulase, a gluconase, a peroxidase, or a mixture thereof.

[0072] In some variants, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, an amylase, a lipase, a cellulase, a gluconase, a peroxidase, a mannanase, or any mixture thereof.

[0073] Preferably the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a mixture of protease, an amylase, a lipase, a cellulase and/or pectate lyase.

[0074] Preferred detersive enzymes in the deterrent and cleaning composition include a hydrolase such as a protease, an amylase, a lipase, or a combination thereof.

[0075] Preferably, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, amylase, lipase, cellulose, peroxidase, gluconase, or any mixture thereof.

[0076] In a still more preferred variant, the enzyme in the detergents and cleaning compositions disclosed here is a protease, amylase, lipase, or any mixture thereof.

[0077] Still more preferred, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, an amylase, or a mixture thereof.

[0078] Still more preferred, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease, a lipase, or a mixture thereof.

[0079] Still more preferred, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is selected from an amylase, a lipase, or a mixture thereof. [0080] In some other embodiments, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a protease.

[0081] In yet some other variant, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is an amylase.

[0082] In yet some other variant, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a lipase.

[0083] In yet some other variant, the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is a cellulase.

[0084] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for cleaning medical or dental devices or instruments include a protease, an amylase, a cellulase, a lipase, or a combination thereof.

[0085] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for food processing surfaces and equipment include a protease, a lipase, an amylase, a gluconase, or a combination thereof.

[0086] Preferred enzymes in detergent and compositions according to the present invention for laundry or textiles include a protease, a cellulase, a lipase, a peroxidase, or a combination thereof.

[0087] Preferred enzymes in detergent and compositions for carpets include a protease, an amylase, or a combination thereof.

[0088] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for meat cutting tools include a protease, a lipase, or a combination thereof.

[0089] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for hard surfaces include a protease, an amylase, a lipase, or a combination thereof.

[0090] Preferred enzymes in detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention for drains include a protease, an amylase, a lipase, or a combination thereof.

[0091] For a stain remover, the enzymes are preferably selected from the group consisting of protease, amylase, lipase, mannanase, pectate lyase.

[0092] For a fabric softener, the enzymes are preferably cellulases. [0093] In order to increase the bleaching effect, oxidoreductases are optionally added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0094] The oxidoreductases are selected from the group consisting of oxidases, oxygenases, catalases, peroxidases, such as halo-, chloro-, bromo-, lignin-, glucose- or manganeseperoxidases, dioxygenases or laccases, such as phenoloxidases and polyphenol oxidases, and any mixture thereof.

[0095] Commercial enzymes are obtainable in liquid or dried form (i.e. puck, powder, etc.), are sold as raw aqueous solutions or in assorted purified, processed and compounded forms established in the prior art, and include about 0.1 % to about 80 % by weight active enzyme generally in combination with stabilizers, buffers, cofactors, impurities and inert vehicles. The actual active enzyme content depends upon the method of manufacture and is not critical, assuming the detergent and cleaning composition has the desired enzymatic performance.

[0096] This includes for example the solid enzyme preparations obtained by granulation, extrusion or lyophilization or, particularly in the case of liquid or gel-like agents, solutions of the enzymes, advantageously as concentrated as possible, low in water and/or with added stabilizers. Alternatively, the enzymes can be encapsulated both for the solid and for the liquid administration form, for example by spray drying or extrusion of the enzyme solution together with a preferably natural polymer, or in the form of capsules, for example those in which the enzymes are enclosed, such as in a solidified gel, or in those of the core-shell type, in which an enzyme-containing core is coated with a protective layer that is impermeable to water, air, and/or chemicals. Further active substances, for example stabilizers, emulsifiers, pigments, bleaches or dyes, can additionally be applied in superimposed layers. Such capsules are applied using methods known per se, for example by vibratory or roll granulation or in fluidized bed processes. Advantageously, such granulates are low in dust, for example as a result of the application of polymeric film formers and are storage-stable on account of the coating. Furthermore, it is possible to package two or more enzymes together so that a single granulate exhibits multiple enzyme performance.

[0097] In a preferred variant according to the present invention, the enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition as a single enzyme.

[0098] In some other variants, the enzyme added to the detergent and cleaning composition is preferably an enzyme cocktail of two, three, four or even more different enzymes. Typically, for laundry detergents an enzyme cocktail contains from two (preferably protease and amylase) to six enzymes.

[0099] In a more preferred variant, the at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention as enzyme formulation comprising an enzyme or a cocktail of different enzymes in mixture with one or more stabilizer(s), preferably with one or more enzyme stabilizer(s), and optionally buffers, additives, and the like. [0100] Preferably, an enzyme stabilizer is added to the enzyme formulation for stabilizing the enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition from loss of activity (i.e. retain enzymatic performance or enzymatic retention). The enzyme is stabilized by the enzyme stabilizer through a physical protection by means of a protective layer.

[0101] Negatively charged anionic surfactants trap Ca and/or Mg ions from the wash liquor and form a complex. This complex formation leads to a reduction in washing performance. To prevent this complex formation, chelating agents such as EDTA, HEDP etc. are added to the detergent and cleaning composition. However, these chelating agents do not only complex the Ca ions and/or Mg ions from the wash liquor, but also trap the Ca ions and Mg ions from the surface of the enzymes, which in turn leads to a denaturation. Thus, the enzymes lose their active form, which in turn results in a reduction of the enzymatic activity. Thus, enzyme stabilizers are added to the detergent and cleaning composition, which protect the enzymes. Accordingly, the chelating agent can only capture Ca ions and/or Mg ions from the wash liquor but can no longer trap Ca ions and/or Mg ions from the surface of the enzyme. Thus, the enzyme activity can be maintained by the addition of enzyme stabiliser.

[0102] The enzyme formulation may vary based upon the particular enzymes employed.

[0103] The at least one enzyme employed herein is stabilized by the presence of water- soluble sources of calcium and/or magnesium ions in the finished detergents which provide such ions to the enzymes. Calcium ions are generally somewhat more effective than magnesium ions and are preferred herein if only one type of cation is being used.

[0104] Typical detergents, especially liquids, comprise from 1 to 30, preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from 5 to 15, and most preferably from 8 to 12, millimoles of calcium ion per litre of finished composition.

[0105] It is to be understood that the foregoing levels of calcium and/or magnesium ions are sufficient to provide enzyme stability. More calcium and/or magnesium ions can be added to the compositions to provide an additional measure of grease removal performance. Accordingly, as a general proposition the compositions herein will typically comprise from 0.01 % to 2 % by weight of a water-soluble source of calcium or magnesium ions, or both. The amount can vary, of course, with the amount and type of enzyme employed in the composition.

[0106] Additional enzyme stability can be provided by the presence of various other art- disclosed stabilizers, especially borate species.

[0107] One group of stabilizers are reversible protease inhibitors. Benzamidine hydrochloride, borax, boric acids, boronic acids or their salts or esters are frequently used for this purpose, including in particular derivatives having aromatic groups. Typically, such enzyme stabilizers are used at levels in the compositions from 0.05 % to 5 % by weight, more preferably from 0.075 % to 3 % by weight of boric acid or other borate compound capable of forming boric acid in the composition (calculated on the basis of boric acid). Boric acid is preferred, although other compounds such as boric oxide, borax and other alkali metal borates (e.g., sodium ortho-, meta- and pyroborate, and sodium pentaborate) are suitable. Substituted boric acids (e.g., phenylboronic acid, butane boronic acid, and p-bromo phenylboronic acid) can also be used in place of boric acid.

[0108] Also, peptide aldehydes, i.e. oligopeptides having a reduced C-terminus, in particular those from 2 to 50 monomers, or hydrogen sulfite adducts thereof are used for this purpose. The peptidic reversible protease inhibitors include, but are not limited to, ovomucoid and leupeptin. Specific, reversible peptide inhibitors for the protease subtilisin and fusion proteins from proteases and specific peptide inhibitors are also suitable for this purpose.

[0109] Further enzyme stabilizers are amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanol- and propanolamine and mixtures thereof, aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, such as succinic acid, other dicarboxylic acids or salts of the acids mentioned.

[0110] End-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates are also suitable for this purpose.

[0111] Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer in the enzyme formulation is selected from the group consisting of polyols such as glycol, such as monopropylene glycol, glycerine, mannitol, isomaltol, sorbitol, xylitol, threitol, erythritol, arabitol; amino alcohols such as mono-, di-, triethanolamine and -propanolamine; aliphatic carboxylic acids up to C12, such as succinic acid and salts thereof; dicarboxylic acids and salts thereof; end-capped fatty acid amide alkoxylates; salts, preferably calcium and magnesium salts, such as calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate; reversible enzyme inhibitors such as borate-containing compositions, such as 4-FBPA, boron-free inhibitors, such as disubstituted alaninamide, sodium formate, and any mixture thereof.

[0112] Most preferred, the enzyme stabilizer in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate, and any mixture thereof.

[0113] Furthermore, with the addition of said enzyme stabilizer, it can be prevented that the negatively charged anionic surfactants form a complex with Ca ions and/or Mg ions from the washing liquid thereby reducing or losing their washing performance.

[0114] The enzyme stabilizer or the enzyme formulation including the enzyme stabilizer is added to the detergent and cleaning composition in such amounts, that the enzyme stabilizer is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.0001 to 5 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the enzyme stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.001 to 4 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Most preferred, the detergent and cleaning composition includes the enzyme stabilizer in an amount of 0.01 to 3 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0115] Alternatively, and still more preferred, the at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention as enzyme formulation in mixture with a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent (b), such as alkanediols having a carbon chain from 5 to 14 carbon atoms as specified herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4- hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, and optionally buffers, additives, and the like. Preferred combinations of an enzyme and a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent (b), such as alkanediols having a carbon chain from 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, are described in detail below.

[0116] In a further preferred variant, the at least one enzyme is added to the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention as enzyme formulation in mixture with one or more enzyme stabilizer(s) and a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent (b), such as alkanediols having a carbon chain from 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4- hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, which are different from the enzyme stabilizer, and optionally buffers, and the like.

[0117] Surprisingly, it turned out that in such formulations the addition of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent (b), such as alkanediols as defined herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4- hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, enhances or boosts the enzyme stabilizing effect of the enzyme stabilizers as specified above.

[0118] Unexpectedly, the combination of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent (b), such as alkanediols as defined herein, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, and an enzyme stabilizer results in an enhanced enzyme stabilizing effect in the detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme, in comparison to the use of the single enzyme stabilizer without the use of such enzyme boosting agents.

[0119] A particular boosting effect can be observed, for a combined use of an enzyme stabilizing agent (b1 , b2, b3, b), such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme stabilizing agents and an enzyme stabilizer comprising calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate, and any mixture thereof.

[0120] For the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the list of the enzyme boosting agents (b1 , b2, b3, b) specified herein can be arbitrary combined with the list of the enzyme stabilizers. [0121] A remarkable enzyme stabilizing enhancing effect is observed, when one of the following enzyme boosting agents (b1 , b2, b3, b) are used in combination with one or more of the above specified enzyme stabilizers, preferably calcium chloride, calcium formate, magnesium chloride, magnesium formate, and any mixture thereof:

■ 1 ,2-pentanediol;

■ 1 ,2-hexanediol;

■ 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ 1 ,2-tridecanediol;

■ 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

■ glyceryl caprylate;

■ 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ tropolone;

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol and tropolone; and

■ a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-octanediol.

[0122] Hence, the combined addition of an enzyme boosting agent as defined herein and an enzyme stabilizer results in an improved enzyme stability compared to the enzyme stabilisation effect of the single agents. The detergent and cleaning compositions comprising said mixtures show improved cleaning properties compared to a detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such mixtures.

[0123] Enzyme boosting agent/component (b1, b2, b3, b)

[0124] The enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention further includes at least one enzyme boosting agent as component (b1 , b2, b3, b).

[0125] In a preferred variant, the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a mixture of enzyme boosting agents as component (b).

[0126] Enzyme boosting agents within the meaning of the present invention are (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; (b^v) tropolone; or any mixture of said enzyme boosting agents. [0127] The enzyme boosting components (b1 , b2, b3, b) as specified above were found to efficiently enhance the performance of an enzyme or an enzyme mixture in a detergent and cleaning composition. In addition, the components (b1 , b2, b3, b) as specified above were found to considerably improve stain and/or soil removal from substrates such as laundry, fabrics, textiles, dishes, ware, surfaces, medical and dental instruments, and the like. Furthermore, components (b1 , b2, b3, b) as specified above were found to efficiently improve softness in laundry when used in combination with cellulases.

Alkanediols (b1, b2, b3, b¹)

[0128] The component (b) in the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention is either (b1) 1,2-heptanediol or (b2) 2,3-heptanediol, or (b3) a mixture comprising both heptanediols, i.e. 1,2-heptanediol plus 2,3-heptanediol.

[0129] 1 ,2-Heptanediol belongs to the category of alkanediols and is a straight chain alkanediol with the general formula:

It has a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms and the two functional OH groups of the alkanediol are in alpha, beta position and chemically bonded to the C1 and C2 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0130] 2,3-Heptanediol belongs to the category of alkanediols and is a straight chain alkanediol with the general formula:

It has a carbon chain with 7 carbon atoms and the two functional OH groups of the alkanediol are in beta, gamma position and chemically bonded to the C2 and C3 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain.

[0131] Alternatively, the enzyme boosting agent/component (b) in the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of

(b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0132] Alkanediols are glycols, i.e. any of a class of organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family; in the molecule of a glycol, two hydroxyl (-OH) groups are attached to different carbon atoms of a carbon chain.

[0133] Straight chain 1 ,2-alkanediols have been used for more than 15 years as multifunctional actives. Short chain 1 ,2-alkanediols are amphiphilic compounds and thus, like 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-heptanediol, are soluble both in water and oils. In contrast, 1 ,2-octanediol is a solid and tends to precipitate or recrystallize in oily solutions as well as in water at > 0.5 %. On the other hand, 1 ,2-decanediol is a solid and soluble only in oils. Apart from moisturizing, some 1 ,2-alkanediols are used as viscosity modifiers.

[0134] The enzyme boosting agent (b) of the detergent and cleaning composition according to another variant of the present invention is in a first alternative at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, and preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms. Most preferred the at least one linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferred the at least one linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms.

[0135] Moreover, in a second alternative of this another variant, the enzyme boosting agent/component (b) may include a first linear alkanediol in combination with a second linear alkanediol, preferably at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms and even more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms) and at least one second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to2 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, and even more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms). Therefore, the invention also entails a mixture comprising a first and a second alkanediol as described herein.

[0136] Since the first linear alkanediol of the invention can be selected from the same lists and types of compounds as the linear alkanediol according to the first alternative of the other variant, in the following, reference is made to the linear alkanediol in general, which can also be the first linear alkanediol. In mixtures of first and second linear alkanediols, where these are specifically different, the specific terms “first” and “second” will be used to distinguish the two alkanediol components. [0137] As used in this document, the phrase “at least one linear alkanediol” or “at least one first linear alkanediol” means that the composition can comprise one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or can comprise one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or can comprise more than one linear alkanediol or can comprise more than one linear alkanediol or more than one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, i.e. two, three, four or more different linear alkanediols or first linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0138] The at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol according to the present invention consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, sand even more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms) joined to each other by single covalent bonds with two OH functional groups attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

[0139] The at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0140] In a preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, and tridecanediol.

[0141] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

[0142] In a preferred variant, the at least one linear or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0143] In a further preferred variant, the at least one linear or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, and dodecanediol. [0144] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

[0145] In a most preferred variant, the at least one linear or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, and nonanediol.

[0146] In a most preferred variant, the at least one linear or the at least one first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, and nonanediol.

[0147] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0148] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 12, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 11 , i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 and 10, i.e. nonanediol, decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0149] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol or octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0150] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol or dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof. [0151] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol or dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0152] In a most preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least first linear alkanediol is heptanediol.

[0153] In a second alternative, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention comprises as enzyme boosting agent (b) a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms) and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms (preferably a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms, still more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, even more preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms, and most preferred a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms) which is/are different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0154] This means that the enzyme boosting agent (b) is an alkanediol mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more, i.e. two, three, four or more, second linear alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms. In this alternative, the first linear alkanediol can be any of the alkanediols as described herein for the linear alkanediol in general and in particular for the first alternative of the other variant.

[0155] For example, the mixture can include one first linear alkanediol and one, two, three or more second linear alkanediols; or the mixture can include two first linear alkanediols and one, two, three or more second linear alkanediols, etc. with the proviso, that in each mixture, the first linear alkanediols and the second linear alkanediols are different from each other.

[0156] The second linear alkanediol preferably consists of a chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms joined to each other by single covalent bonds with two OH functional groups attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain.

[0157] The at least one second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol. [0158] In a preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 13 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, and tridecanediol.

[0159] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 5 to 10 carbon atoms and is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

[0160] In a preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol.

[0161] In a further preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 12 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, and dodecanediol.

[0162] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 11 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol and undecanediol.

[0163] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 10 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, and decanediol.

[0164] In a most preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 to 9 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol, octanediol, and nonanediol.

[0165] In a most preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 or 8 carbon atoms in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention and is selected from the group consisting of heptanediol and octanediol.

[0166] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol and nonanediol. [0167] The phrase “different from each other means” that the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in the mixture are either different with regard to the length of their carbon chain, i.e. number of the carbon atoms, or with regard to their constitutional isomerism.

[0168] Likewise, the number of the carbon atoms of the first linear alkanediols and the second linear alkanediols in the mixture can also be same. For example, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol have a carbon chain of 7 carbon atoms, but the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are different with regard to their constitutional isomerism or with regard to their stereoisomerism.

[0169] If both the first and the second alkanediol is for example heptanediol, then the second linear alkanediol heptanediol is a different constitutional isomer or stereoisomer from the first linear alkanediol, according to the second alternative of the other variant.

[0170] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention comprises a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms wherein the number of the carbon atoms of the first and the second alkanediol is either same or different.

[0171] If both, the first and the second alkanediol have the same number of carbon atoms, such an alkanediol combination is herein also referred to as “homo alkanediol mixture” or “homo combination”. For example, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol have a carbon chain of 7 carbon atoms, but the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are different with regard to their constitutional isomerism or in regard to their stereoisomerism.

[0172] If the first and the second alkanediol have a different number of carbon atoms, such an alkanediol combination is herein also referred to as “hetero alkanediol mixture” or “hetero combination”. For example, the first linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 7 carbon atoms and the second linear alkanediol has a carbon chain of 8 carbon atoms. However, beyond that, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol can be different in regard to their constitutional isomerism or with regard to their stereoisomerism.

[0173] In a preferred variant the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, wherein the at least one linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol; and/or the one or more second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and tetradecanediol. [0174] Particular preferred is an enzyme boosting agent mixture, wherein the at least first linear alkanediol is selected from an alkanediol having a lower number of carbon atoms from 5 to 8 and wherein the one or more second alkanediol is selected from an alkanediol having a higher number of carbon atoms from 9 to 14.

[0175] Most preferred is an enzyme boosting agent mixture, wherein the at least first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of pentanediol, hexanediol, heptanediol, octanediol, and any mixture thereof, and the one or more second alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of nonanediol, decanediol, undecanediol, dodecanediol, tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0176] The term “alkanediol” within the context of the present invention also includes its constitutional isomers or position isomers. Constitutional isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula and different connectivity. Position isomers, a particular form of constitutional isomerism, are structural isomers that can be viewed as differing only on the position of a functional group on a parent structure, which in this case, in particular, is the position of the two alcohol functions.

[0177] Depending on the number of the carbon atoms of the carbon chain of the alkanediol, there are various position isomers of the alkanediol: (x,x+1) constitutional isomers; (x,x+2) constitutional isomers; (x,x+3) constitutional isomers; etc. and alpha, omega constitutional isomers when the alcohol functions are at the terminal ends of the carbon chain, wherein x stands for the number of the carbon atom in the alkanediol chain, to which the OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded. For example: if x is 1, the two OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded to the C1 and 02 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain; if x is 2, the two OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded to the 02 and 03 carbon atoms in the alkanediol chain, etc.

[0178] In the (x,x+1) constitutional isomers, the two OH functional groups are vicinal attached to two different adjacent carbon atoms in the chain. In the (x,x+2) constitutional isomers, the two OH functional groups are attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain where the two carbon atoms are separated by one C atom. In the (x,x+3) constitutional isomers, the two OH functional groups are attached to two different carbon atoms in the chain where the two carbon atoms are separated by two C atoms. In the alpha, omega constitutional isomers, the two functional groups are attached to the first C atom and to the terminal C atom.

[0179] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, is preferably a vicinal (x,x+1) diol, selected from the group consisting of a 1 ,2-diol, 2,3-diol, 3,4- diol, 4,5-diol, further (x,x+1) diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alpha, beta- 1,2- constitutional isomer. [0180] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and/or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms is a vicinal (x,x+1) diol, selected from the group consisting of a 1 ,2-diol, 2,3-diol, 3,4-diol, 4,5-diol, further (x,x+1) diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alpha, beta-1 , 2-constitutional isomer.

[0181] Preferably, the first linear alkanediol and/or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms are selected from 1 ,2-diols and/or 2, 3-diols.

[0182] Thus, according to a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the at least one linear alkanediol, the first linear alkanediol and/or the second linear alkanediol is an (x,x+1) constitutional isomer, wherein x stands for the number of the carbon atom in the alkanediol chain, to which the OH groups of the alkanediol are chemically bonded, in particular a 1 ,2-alkanediol, a 2,3-alkanediol, a 3,4-alkanediol, or mixtures thereof, preferably a 1 ,2-alkanediol or a 2,3-alkanediol.

[0183] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, is preferably a non-vicinal (x,x+2) diol, selected from the group consisting of a 1 ,3-diol, 2,4-diol, 3,5-diol, further (x,x+2) diols, and mixtures thereof, preferably an alpha, gamma-1 , 3- constitutional isomer.

[0184] According to the present invention, vicinal (x,x+1) diols are most preferred, such as alpha, beta or beta, gamma or gamma, delta etc.

[0185] In a still more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol and in particular the first linear alkanediol and/or the second linear alkanediol, is a 1 ,2-alkanediol, a 2,3-alkanediol, a 3,4-alkanediol, or mixtures thereof, more preferred 2,3-alkanediol.

[0186] The 1 ,2-alkanediols of the linear alkanediol, in particular the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and/or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, can preferably be those as represented by the following formulae:

1.2-pentanediol

1.2-hexanediol

1.2-heptanediol

1.2-octanediol

1.2-nonanediol

1.2-decanediol

1.2-undecanediol

1.2-dodecanediol

1.2-tridecanediol

1 .2-tetradecanediol

[0187] The 2,3-alkanediols of the linear alkanediol of the invention, in particular the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and/or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, can preferably be those as represented by the following formulae:

2,3-pentanediol

2,3-hexanediol

2,3-heptanediol

2,3-octanediol

2,3-nonanediol

2,3-decanediol

2,3-undecanediol

2,3-dodecanediol

2,3-tridecanediol

2,3-tetradecanediol

[0188] The 3,4-alkanediols of the linear alkanediol, preferably the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and/or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, can preferably be those as represented by the following formulae:

3,4-hexanediol

3,4-heptanediol

3,4-octanediol

3,4-nonanediol

3,4-decanediol

3,4-undecanediol

3,4-dodecanediol

3,4-tridecanediol

3,4-tetradecanediol

[0189] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol,

1.2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 3,4-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol,

1.2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 3,4-tridecanediol,

1.2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanedioll, 3,4-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0190] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of: 1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol,

1.2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 3,4-tridecanediol,

[0191] Even more preferred, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0192] Further preferred, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0193] Further preferred, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0194] Most preferred, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof. [0195] Most preferred, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0196] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3- nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3- tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0197] According to a further preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1 ,2- tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0198] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0199] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0200] According to an even more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol,

2.3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0201] According to a most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0202] According to a most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0203] Of the aforesaid linear alkanediols or the first linear alkanediols, the following (x,x+1) constitutional isomers are preferred: 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

2.3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or mixtures thereof. Said alkanediols are liquid at a purity of 90 to 99 %.

[0204] Of the aforesaid liquid alkanediols 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol,

2.3-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, or mixtures of said liquid alkanediols are particularly preferred.

[0205] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol,

1.2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0206] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

1.2-nonaediol, 2,3-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol,

1.2-tridecantediol, 2,3-tridecanediol,

1.2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0207] More preferred, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, and mixtures thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, and mixtures thereof. However, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol can also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0208] Even more preferred, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is an alpha, beta or a beta, gamma diol as either 1 ,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptandediol or a mixture thereof. However, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol can also preferably be an alpha, beta or a beta, gamma diol as either 1 ,2-octanediol or 2,3-octanediol or a mixture thereof. A mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol or a mixture comprising 1 ,2-octanediol and 2,3- heptanediol is also possible.

[0209] Most preferred, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is 1 ,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or 1 ,2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 1 ,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or

1.2-octanediol or 2,3-octanediol or 1 ,2-nonanediol or 2,3-nonanediol.

[0210] Likewise, in a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0211] More preferred, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof, or can also be preferably selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and mixtures thereof, or can also be preferably selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0212] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 14, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 12, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 11 , i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 10, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 9, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0213] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. Said 1 ,2-alkanediols are thus particularly efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0214] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2- octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0215] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either 1 ,2-pentanediol or 1 ,2-hexanediol or 1 ,2-heptanediol or 1 ,2- octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0216] In a most preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least first linear alkanediol is 1 ,2-heptanediol.

[0217] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. 1 ,2-Alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0218] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 12, i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 11 , i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 and 10, i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0219] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either 1 ,2-nonanediol or 1 ,2-decanediol or 1 ,2-undecanediol or 1 ,2- dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0220] According to a preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, i.e. 1 ,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol.

[0221] It was found that these alkanediols show pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols improve stain and/or soil removal.

1.2-Alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0222] In a more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 14, i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

2.3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 12, i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 11 , i.e. 2,3-heptanediol,

2.3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 10, i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 9, i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0223] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. Said 2,3-alkanediols are thus particularly efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0224] In a still more preferred variant, the linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0225] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either 2,3-pentanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3- octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0226] In a most preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least first linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0227] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. 2,3-Alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0228] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e.

2.3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 12, i.e. 2.3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 11 , i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

2.3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 and 10, i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof. [0229] In a still more preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is either 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol or 2,3- dodecanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0230] According to a preferred variant, the at least one linear alkanediol or the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, i.e. 2,3- undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0231] It was found that these alkanediols show pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols improve stain and/or soil removal. 2,3-Alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0232] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 3,4-pentanediol,

1.2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 3,4-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octancediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol,

1.2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 3,4-tridecanediol,

[0233] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol,

1.2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 3,4-tridecanediol,

1.2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanedioll, 3,4-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof. [0234] Even more preferred, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol,

1.2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 3,4-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0235] Further preferred, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 3,4-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0236] Further preferred, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 3,4-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0237] Most preferred, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 3,4-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0238] Most preferred, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 3,4-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 3,4-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0239] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of

1.2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol,

2.3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2- decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0240] According to a preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3- nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3- tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0241] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol,

2.3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0242] According to a more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol,

2,3-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0243] According to an even more preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1,2- nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0244] According to a most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol,

2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0245] According to a most preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0246] Of the aforesaid second linear alkanediols, the following (x,x+1) constitutional isomers are preferred: 1,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1,2- heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, or 2,3-tridecanediol. Said alkanediols are liquid at a purity of 90 to 99 %. [0247] Of the aforesaid liquid alkanediols 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol,

2,3-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol or mixtures of said liquid alkanediols are particularly preferred.

[0248] In a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of:

1 .2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol,

1.2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol,

1 .2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol,

1.2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

1 .2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol,

1 .2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol,

1 .2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol,

1 .2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0249] More preferred, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol,

2.3-pentanediol, and mixtures thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2- heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, and mixtures thereof. However, the second linear alkanediol can also preferably be selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0250] Even more preferred, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is an alpha, beta or a beta, gamma diol as either

1 .2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or a mixture thereof. However, the second linear alkanediol can also preferably be an alpha, beta or a beta, gamma diol as either 1 ,2-hexanediol or 2,3- hexanediol or a mixture thereof. A mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol or a mixture comprising 2,3-pentanediol and 1 ,2-hexanediol is also possible.

[0251] Most preferred, the second linear alkanediol is 1 ,2-pentanediol or 2,3-pentanediol or

1.2-hexanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 1 ,2-heptanediol or 2,3-heptanediol, or 2,3-octanediol or

2.3-nonanediol.

[0252] Likewise, in a further preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof. [0253] More preferred, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof, or can also be preferably selected form the group consisting of 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and mixtures thereof, or can also be preferably selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0254] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 14, i.e. 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 12, i.e.

1.2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 11 , i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol,

1.2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 10, i.e. 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 9, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e.

1.2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0255] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. Said 1 ,2-alkanediols are thus particularly efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0256] In a more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. 1 ,2- pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e.

1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0257] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is either 1 ,2-pentanediol or 1 ,2-hexanediol or 1 ,2-heptanediol or 1 ,2-octanediol or any mixture thereof. In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is either 1 ,2-heptanediol or 1 ,2-octanediol, or any mixture thereof. [0258] In a most preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is 1 ,2-heptanediol.

[0259] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. 1 ,2-Alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0260] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. 1 ,2- nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2- tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol,

1.2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 12, i.e.

1.2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 11 , i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 and 10, i.e. 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0261] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is either 1 ,2-nonanediol or 1 ,2-decanediol or 1 ,2-undecanediol or 1 ,2-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0262] According to a preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, i.e. 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol.

[0263] It was found that these alkanediols show pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols improve stain and/or soil removal.

[0264] In a more preferred variant, the at least one second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 14, i.e. 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 12, i.e.

2.3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 11 , i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol,

2.3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 10, i.e. 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 to 9, i.e. 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected form the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e.

2.3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0265] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. Said 2,3-alkanediols are thus particularly efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0266] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. 2,3- pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 6 to 8, i.e. 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 7 and 8, i.e. 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0267] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is either 2,3-pentanediol or 2,3-hexanediol or 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol or any mixture thereof. In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is either 2,3-heptanediol or 2,3-octanediol, or any mixture thereof.

[0268] In a most preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is 2,3-heptanediol.

[0269] It was found that these alkanediols show particular pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols remarkably improve stain and/or soil removal. The 2,3-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process. [0270] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms of 9 to 14, i.e. 2,3- nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3- tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. 2.3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol,

2.3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 12, i.e.

2.3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 to 11 , i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, and any mixture thereof, or is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a number of carbon atoms of 9 and 10, i.e. 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0271] In a still more preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is either 2,3-nonanediol or 2,3-decanediol or 2,3-undecanediol or 2,3-dodecanediol or any mixture thereof.

[0272] According to a preferred variant, the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, i.e. 11 , 12, 13 or 14 carbon atoms, i.e. 2,3- undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0273] It was found that these alkanediols show pronounced enzyme performance improving properties. In addition, it was found that these alkanediols improve stain and/or soil removal.

2.3-Alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms, and more specifically more than 10 carbon atoms, are thus efficient for use as enzyme boosting agents and stain and/or soil removal enhancer in detergents and cleaning compositions comprising an enzyme. Both, the improved enzyme performance and improved stain and/or soil removal result in a better cleaning performance in a washing or cleaning process.

[0274] In a further preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention the at least one linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3- nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3- tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof; and/or the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3- pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol,

2.3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof. [0275] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention which comprises a mixture or a combination comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol thus includes any one of the following mixtures/combinations:

■ 1,2-pentanediol in combination with one of 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2- octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-hexanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2- octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-heptanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2- octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-octanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-nonanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-decanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-undecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-dodecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-tridecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-tetradecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, or 1,2-tridecanediol; or

■ 1,2-pentanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1,2-hexanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediolm, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or 1.2-heptanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-octanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-nonanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-decanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-undecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-dodecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-tridecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-docanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

1.2-tetradecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-pentanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-hexanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2- octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-heptanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2- octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-octanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-nonanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-decanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or 2.3-undecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-dodecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-tridecanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, or 1,2-tetradecanediol;

2.3-tetradecanediol in combination with one of 1,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1,2- heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, or 1,2-tridecanedio; or

2.3-pentanediol in combination with one of 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3- octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-hexanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3- octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-heptanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-octanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-nonanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-decanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-undecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-dodecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-tridecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol; or

2.3-tetradecanediol in combination with one of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3- heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol or 2,3-tridecanediol. [0276] In a particular preferred variant, in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2- pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0277] In a more particular preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention which comprises a mixture or a combination comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol includes any one of the following mixtures/combinations:

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2- tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2- tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol.

[0278] In said homo alkanediol mixtures the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol have the same number of carbon atoms.

[0279] Particularly favourable is a mixture including 1 ,2-pentanediol in combination with 2,3- pentanediol or a mixture including 1 ,2-heptanediol in combination with 2,3-heptanediol, or a mixture including 1 ,2-octanediol in combination with 2,3-octanediol and/or 3, 4-octanediol.

[0280] Due to their outstanding enzyme boosting effect and stain and/or soil removal boosting efficacy a homo alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol or a homo alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol or a homo alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol are most preferred.

[0281] The above specified homo alkanediol mixtures according to the present invention, comprising a 1 ,2-alkanediol and a 2,3-alkanediol are characterized by a synergistically intensified action, i.e. the alkanediol mixtures boost an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition in a synergistic way compared to their respective single 1 ,2-alkanediol or 2,3- alkanediol substances.

[0282] Said synergistic effect or action in boosting an enzyme was found for the homo mixture including 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol. [0283] Said synergistic effect in boosting an enzyme is also observed for the homo mixture including 1 ,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol.

[0284] The homo mixture including 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol is particularly beneficial since it has a particular pronounced synergistic boosting effect on the enzyme performance in a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0285] The alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol or the alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol are particularly advantageous, since the mixtures are effective in synergistically boosting an enzyme in an enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition.

[0286] Also, the alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol or the alkanediol mixture comprising 1 ,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol synergistically enhance the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0287] An enzyme boosting effect is also true for an alkanediol mixture including 1 ,2- dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol or an alkanediol mixture including 1 ,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol.

[0288] The afore-mentioned synergistically improving effect towards the performance of enzymes in a detergent and cleaning composition is particularly pronounced for the homo mixture including 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol or the homo mixture including 1 ,2- octanediol and 2,3-octanediol or the homo mixture including 1 ,2-nonanediol and 2,3- nonanediol.

[0289] The afore specified homo alkanediol mixtures including a 1 ,2-alkanediol and the corresponding 2,3-alkanediol display a remarkably synergistic boosting activity and are clearly superior to the individually corresponding 1 ,2-alkanediols or 2,3-alkanediols and having the same concentration.

[0290] In a particular preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention which comprises a mixture or a combination comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol thus may include any of the following mixtures/combinations:

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-octanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or ■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 1 ,2-nonanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-pentanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-hexanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-nonanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-decanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-undecanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-dodecanediol; or

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-tridecanediol.

[0291] The afore specified alkanediol mixtures according to the present invention, comprising a first linear alkanediol and a second linear alkanediol, are characterized by synergistically intensified action, i.e. the alkanediol mixtures enhance the enzyme performance in a detergent and cleaning composition in a synergistic way compared to the corresponding individual 1 ,2- alkanediol and/or 2, 3-alkanediol substances.

[0292] In a particular preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention which comprises a mixture or a combination comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol thus may include the following mixture/combination:

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol.

[0293] Surprisingly, said alkanediol mixture has a particularly pronounced enzyme boosting effect.

[0294] Beside the above-described enzyme boosting effect, the afore specified mixtures or combinations comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol simultaneously have a synergistic stain and/or soil removal boosting efficacy, compared to the corresponding individual 1 ,2-alkanediol and/or 2, 3-alkanediol substances.

[0295] Still more preferred is an enzyme boosting agent mixture, wherein the at least first linear alkanediol is selected from a 1 ,2-alkanediol having a lower number of carbon atoms from 5 to 8 and the one or more second alkanediol is selected from a 1 ,2-alkanediol having a higher number of carbon atoms from 9 to 14.

[0296] Most preferred is an enzyme boosting agent mixture, wherein the at least first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, and the one or more second alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0297] Most preferred is an enzyme boosting agent blend, wherein the at least one first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a lower number of carbon atoms of 5 to 8, i.e. 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, and any mixture thereof, and the one or more second alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-alkanediols having a higher number of carbon atoms of 9 to 13, i.e. 1 ,2- nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, and any mixture thereof.

[0298] Surprisingly, such alkanediol mixtures of short chain alkanediols and long chain alkanediols have a particularly pronounced enzyme boosting effect. In addition, such alkanediol mixtures are also characterized by a remarkable stain and/or soil removal enhancing efficacy.

[0299] More preferred are such alkanediol mixtures, wherein the difference between the number of carbon atoms of the at least first linear alkanediol and the number of carbon atoms of the one or more second alkanediol is at least 2 carbon atoms. In those alkanediol mixtures, short-chained and long-chained alkanediols are combined with each other resulting in an improved enzyme performance.

[0300] Still more preferred is an enzyme boosting agent mixture, wherein the difference between the number of carbon atoms of the at least first linear alkanediol and the number of carbon atoms of the one or more second alkanediol is at least 3 carbon atoms. With such alkanediol mixtures, the enzyme boosting effect is particularly pronounced.

[0301] Such combinations may include any of the following mixtures/combinations:

■ 1 ,2-pentanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2- decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1 ,2- tetradecanediol; or

■ 1 ,2-hexanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol; or

■ 1 ,2-heptanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol; and

■ 1 ,2-octanediol in combination with one of 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol.

[0302] In a further preferred variant according to the present invention in the detergent and cleaning composition the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and mixtures thereof. [0303] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, and mixtures thereof.

[0304] Surprisingly, the addition of 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol as well as other 2,3-alkanediols such as 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, and 2,3-tetradecanediol to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme result in a remarkable enzyme boosting, compared to a composition without the addition of an 2,3-alkanediol.

[0305] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, which is different from the first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol.

[0306] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 6 to 7 carbon atoms, which is different from the first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol.

[0307] Surprisingly, it was found that these short-chained 1 ,2-alkanediols are particularly efficient enzyme boosting agents, which can also efficiently be incorporated into a broad range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it was found that these substances show outstanding stain and/or soil removal enhancing properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such substances.

[0308] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms, which is different from the first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol.

[0309] Surprisingly, it was found that these 1 ,2-alkanediols having a carbon chain of 7 to 14 carbon atoms are particularly efficient enzyme boosting agents, which can also efficiently be incorporated into a broad range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it was found that these substances show outstanding stain and/or soil removal enhancing properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such substances.

[0310] According to a particularly preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 9 to 14 carbon atoms, which is different from the first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol.

[0311] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 10 to 13 carbon atoms, which is different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0312] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 atoms, or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a carbon chain of 11 to 12 carbon atoms, which is different from the first linear alkanediol.

[0313] Surprisingly, it was found that these long-chained 1 ,2-alkanediols are particularly suitable enzyme boosting agents, which can also efficiently be incorporated into a broad range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it was found that these substances show outstanding stain and/or soil removal boosting properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such substances.

[0314] In a most preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of < 1 , or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of < 1 and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of < 1 , which is different from the first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol. [0315] The 1 ,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of < 1 are selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol (0.06), 1 ,2-hexanediol (0.58), 1 ,2-heptanediol (0.9), and any mixture thereof. Said 1 ,2-alkanediols are more soluble in water.

[0316] The Pow value is the partition coefficient of a chemical compound for the two- phase system consisting of the two immiscible solvents n-octanol and water at equilibrium. This value is therefore a comparison of the solubility of the solute in these two liquids. Hence the partition coefficient measures how hydrophilic or hydrophobic a chemical substance is.

[0317] The log Pow value is a constant defined in the following manner:

Log Pow = log 10 (Partition Coefficient)

Partition Coefficient, P = [n-octanol]/[water] where [ ] indicates the concentration of solute in the organic and/or aqueous partition.

The log Pow value is determined at a standard temperature of 25 °C.

[0318] The log Pow value < 1 means the compound has a higher affinity for the aqueous phase (it is more hydrophilic) and, thus, more soluble in water; a log Pow value > 1 denotes a higher concentration in the lipid phase (i.e. , the compound is more lipophilic) and, thus, more soluble in fat-like solvents.

[0319] Surprisingly, it was found that 1 ,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of < 1 are particularly suitable enzyme boosting agents, which can also efficiently be incorporated into a broad range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it was found that the aforesaid 1 ,2-alkanediols exhibit outstanding stain and/or soil removal boosting properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, detergents and cleaning compositions comprising 1 ,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of < 1 show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such 1 ,2-alkanediols.

[0320] In a still further preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of at least one linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of > 1 , or a mixture comprising at least one first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of > 1 and one or more second linear 1 ,2-alkanediol having a log Pow value of > 1 , which is different from the first linear 1 ,2-alkanediol.

[0321] The 1 ,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of > 1 are selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-octanediol (log Pow = 2.1), 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof. Said 1 ,2-alkanediols are more soluble in fat-like solvents, for example n-octanol.

[0322] Surprisingly, it was found that 1 ,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of > 1 are particularly suitable enzyme boosting agents, which can also efficiently be incorporated into a broad range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it was found that the aforesaid 1 ,2-alkanediols exhibit outstanding improved stain and/or soil removal properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, detergents and cleaning compositions comprising 1 ,2-alkanediols having a log Pow value of > 1 show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such 1 ,2-alkanediols.

[0323] The term “alkanediol” within the context of the present invention also includes its stereoisomers. Stereoisomers are molecules that have the same molecular formula and differ only in how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space. In accordance with said definition, the linear alkanediol of the invention or the first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or the second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms as described above in detail encompass the following stereoisomers:

[0324] 1 ,2-alkanediol stereoisomers:

(2S)-pentane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-pentane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-hexane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-hexane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-heptane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-heptane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-octane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-octane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-nonane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-nonane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-decane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-decane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-undecane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-undecane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-dodecane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-dodecane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-tridecane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-tridecane-1 ,2-diol,

(2S)-tetradecane-1 ,2-diol, (2R)-tetradecane-1 ,2-diol,

[0325] 2,3-alkanediol stereoisomers:

(25.35)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-pentane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-hexane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-heptane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-octane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-octane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-nonane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-decane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-decane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-undecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-undecane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-dodecane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-tridecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3R)-tridecane-2,3-diol,

(25.35)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2 R , 3R)-tetradecane-2 , 3-d iol ,

(2S,3R)-pentane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-pentane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-hexane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-hexane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-heptane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-heptane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-octane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-octane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-nonane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-nonane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-decane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-decane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-undecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-undecane-2,3-diol, (2S,3R)-dodecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-dodecane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-tridecane-2,3-diol, (2R,3S)-tridecane-2,3-diol,

(2S,3R)-tetradecane-2,3-diol, (2 R , 3S)-tetrad eca n e-2 , 3-d i ol .

[0326] 3,4-alkanediol stereoisomers:

(3R,4R)-pentane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-pentane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-hexane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-hexane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-heptane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-heptane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-octane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-octane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-nonane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-nonane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-decane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-decane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-undecane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-undecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-dodecane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-dodecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-tridecane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-tridecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4R)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (35.45)-tetradecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-pentane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-pentane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-hexane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-hexane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-heptane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-heptane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-octane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-octane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-nonane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-nonane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-decane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-decane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-undecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-undecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-dodecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-dodecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-tridecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-tridecane-3,4-diol,

(3R,4S)-tetradecane-3,4-diol, (3S,4R)-tetradecane-3,4-diol.

[0327] In the context of the present text, the terms “1 ,2-diol”, “2,3-diol” or “3,4-diol” includes both the corresponding S-configured enantiomers and also the R-enantiomeras well as arbitrary mixtures of these S- and R-configured enantiomers, i.e. mixtures of racemates of the respective diols.

[0328] The alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises the 1 ,2-heptanediol and the 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2 or still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0329] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are comprised in the mixture preferably in a ratio in a range of 98 : 2 to 99.9 : 0.1. [0330] In the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the first aspect of the present invention, 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are comprised in the alkanediol mixture preferably in a ratio in a range of 95 : 5 to 99.9 : 0.1 .

[0331] Preferably, 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol are comprised in the mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention in a ratio of > 95 : < 5, more preferred in a ratio of > 96 : < 4; still more preferred in a ratio of > 97 :

< 3, and most preferred in a ratio of > 98 : < 2.

[0332] Most of all the mixtures of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio of > 95 : < 5, including the ratios > 95.5 : < 4.5; > 96 : < 4; > 96.5 : < 3.5; > 97 : < 3; > 97.5 : 2,5 and > 98.0 : < 2.0.

[0333] Even more preferred the alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3- heptanediol in a ratio of > 98 : < 2, including the ratios of > 98.1 : < 1.9; > 98.2 : < 1.8; > 98.3 :

< 1.7; > 98.4 : < 1.6; > 98.5 : < 1.5; > 98.6 : < 1.4; > 98.7 : < 1.3; > 98.8 : < 1.2; > 98.9 : < 1.1 ;

> 99 : < 1.0; > 99.1 : < 0.9; > 99.2 : < 0.8; > 99.3 : < 0.7; > 99.4 : < 0.6; > 99.5 : < 0.5; > 99.6 :

< 0.4; > 99.7 : < 0.3; > 99.8 : < 0.2 and > 99.9 : < 0.1.

[0334] The first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol as defined in detail above, are present in the alkanediol mixture according to the other variant of the present invention in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0335] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are comprised in the mixture preferably in a ratio in a range of 98 : 2 to 99.9 : 0.1

[0336] In the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention, the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol are comprised in the alkanediol mixture preferably in a ratio in a range of 95 : 5 to 99.9 : 0.1.

[0337] Preferably, the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol are comprised in the mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention in a ratio of > 95 : < 5, more preferred in a ratio of > 96 : < 4; still more preferred in a ratio of > 97 : < 3, and most preferred in a ratio of > 98 : < 2.

[0338] Most of all the mixtures of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in a ratio of > 95 : < 5, including the ratios > 95.5 : < 4.5; > 96 : < 4; > 96.5 : < 3.5; > 97 : < 3; > 97.5 : 2,5 and > 98.0 : < 2.0.

[0339] Even more preferred the alkanediol mixture of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other variant of the present invention comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol in a ratio of > 98 : < 2, including the ratios of > 98.1 : < 1.9; > 98.2 : <

1.8; > 98.3 : < 1.7; > 98.4 : < 1.6; > 98.5 : < 1.5; > 98.6 : < 1.4; > 98.7 : < 1.3; > 98.8 : < 1.2; >

98.9 : < 1.1 ; > 99 : < 1.0; > 99.1 : < 0.9; > 99.2 : < 0.8; > 99.3 : < 0.7; > 99.4 : < 0.6; > 99.5 : <

0.5; > 99.6 : < 0.4; > 99.7 : < 0.3; > 99.8 : < 0.2 and > 99.9 : < 0.1.

[0340] Alternatively, said ratio ranges for the first and second alkanediol are switched, such that the second alkanediol is the main component and the first alkanediol is the secondary component.

[0341] In an advantageous variant according to the present invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as first linear alkanediol an 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and as second linear alkanediol the corresponding 2,3-alkanediols, such as 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3- octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol, in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0342] In a further advantageous variant according to the present invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as first linear alkanediol an 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2- octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, and as second linear alkanediol the corresponding 2,3- alkanediols, such as 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3- undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol, in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0343] Likewise, for said alkanediol mixtures the ratios of first linear alkanediol : second alkanediol or ranges of ratios as described above are also applicable.

[0344] In a still further variant, according to the present invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as first linear alkanediol an 2,3-alkanediol, such as 2,3-pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol,

2.3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3- dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol, and as second linear alkanediol the corresponding 1 ,2-alkanediols, such as 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2- octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2- tridecanediol, or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0345] In a further advantageous variant, according to the present invention, the alkanediol mixture comprises as first linear alkanediol an 2,3-alkanediol, such as 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3- octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3- tridecanediol, or 2,3-tetradecanediol, and as second linear alkanediol the corresponding 1 ,2- alkanediols, such as 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2- octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0346] Likewise, for said alkanediol mixtures the ratios of first linear alkanediol: second alkanediol or ranges of ratios as described above are also applicable.

[0347] In a more advantageous variant according to the present invention, in the alkanediol mixtures comprising a combination of a 1 ,2-alkanediol as first linear alkanediol and the corresponding 2,3-alkanediol as second linear alkanediol, such as

1.2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol, or

1.2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol, or

1.2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol, or

1 .2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol, or

1.2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol, or

1.2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol, or

1.2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecenaediol, or

1.2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol, or

1.2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol, or

1.2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol, the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol are present in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2 or still more preferred in ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0348] Likewise, for said alkanediol mixtures the ratios of first linear alkanediol: second alkanediol or ranges of ratios as described above are also applicable.

[0349] A preferred variant according to the present invention also encompasses a mixture including as first linear alkanediol 1 ,2-hexanediol and as second linear alkanediol 1 ,2- octanediol either in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2 or still more preferred in a ratio in a range of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0350] Thus, according to another preferred variant, the present invention relates to a detergent and cleaning composition, (i) wherein the mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol comprises the 1 ,2- heptanediol and the 2,3-heptanediol in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to

98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5; or

(ii) wherein the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to

99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5.

[0351] By these mixing ratios the afore mentioned alkanediol mixtures show a synergistically intensified enzyme boosting and stain and/or soil removal boosting effect in comparison with the corresponding individual alkanediols.

[0352] The alkanediols are obtained either by synthesis from petrochemical or other fossil fuel sources by known methods such as olefin bishydroxylation, hydrolysis from epoxide or various chemical transformations or from bioderived feedstock by fermentation or from biobased natural and renewable feedstock such as biomass by catalytic synthesis as it is described in US 2019/0241491 A1 and US 2020/0189995 A1. The alkanediols used according to the present invention comprise either petrochemically derived and biobased natural and renewable feedstock derived alkanediols. Preferably, the alkanediols are from bio-based sources and are thus bio-alkanediols.

[0353] Beyond the above specified alkanediols, the enzyme boosting agent (b) of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the other aspect/variant of the present invention is either (b") glyceryl caprylate, or (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone, or (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin, or (b^v) tropolone, or any mixture of the aforementioned agents.

[0354] Glyceryl caprylate (b")

is a natural emollient derived from glycerine and plant fatty acids, usually appearing as a white waxy solid. This ingredient is used in many skincare products for its emollient and moisturising properties, to help maintain the balance of moisture in the skin. In additional, glyceryl caprylate (b") is used as antimicrobial active component in cosmetic preparations.

[0355] It was surprisingly found that the oily, surface-active co-emulsifier glyceryl caprylate is a further suitable enzyme boosting agent within the meaning of the present invention.

[0356] 4-Hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) (b^IH)

possesses oxidation-inhibiting, fungicidal and bacterial growth-inhibiting properties and is therefore used to stabilize cosmetic preparations.

[0357] It was surprisingly found that the 4-HAP is a further suitable enzyme boosting agent within the meaning of the present invention.

[0358] Ethyl hexyl glycerin (EHG) (b^lv)

is a relatively new cosmetic ingredient that is used for its surfactant, dispersant, emollient, skinconditioning and antimicrobial properties. Ethyl hexyl glycerin (EHG or octoxyglycerin) is a glyceryl ether and a vicinal diol.

[0359] It was surprisingly found that EHG is suitable to boost the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition within the meaning of the present invention.

[0360] Tropolone (b^v)

is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chelating properties and is therefore used in cosmetic formulations.

[0361] It was surprisingly found that tropolone act as enzyme booster in a detergent and cleaning composition within the meaning of the present invention.

[0362] The above specified enzyme boosting agents (b") (b^IH), (b^lv) and (b^v) can be used in the detergent and cleaning composition either individually or in the form of mixtures of two, or even more enzyme boosting agents. [0363] In a particular preferred variant, the at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention includes any of the following mixtures/combinations:

■ a mixture comprising (b¹¹) glyceryl caprylate and (b¹¹¹) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹¹) glyceryl caprylate and (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹¹) glyceryl caprylate and (b^v) tropolone;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹¹¹) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹¹¹) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and (b^v) tropolone; and

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and (b^v) tropolone.

[0364] For said boosting agent mixtures even a synergistic enzyme boosting effect can be observed in comparison to the use of their single components.

[0365] Similarly, and still more preferred, the above specified single enzyme boosting agents (b¹¹) (b¹¹¹), (b^lv) and (b^v) or mixtures of two or three enzyme boosting agents (b¹¹) (b¹¹¹), (b^lv) and (b^v) can also be used in the detergent and cleaning composition in mixture with one or two or even more alkanediol(s) enzyme boosting agents (b¹) as defined herein. Preferably, such mixtures contain two, or even more enzyme boosting agents as defined herein.

[0366] In a particular preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention includes any of the following boosting agent mixtures/combinations:

■ a mixture comprising (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above, and (b") glyceryl caprylate;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above, and (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above, and (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ a mixture comprising (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above, and (b^v) tropolone. [0367] In a preferred variant, the deter detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention includes any of the following boosting agent mixtures/combinations selected from the group consisting of:

■ a mixture comprising (b¹¹) glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-pentanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-hexanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-heptanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-nonanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-decanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-undecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tridecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b") glyceryl caprylate and 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-nonanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tridecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-pentanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-hexanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-tridecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin and 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-pentanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-hexanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-heptanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-nonanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-decanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1,2-undecanediol; ■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1 ,2-tridecanediol; and

■ a mixture comprising (b^v) tropolone and 1 ,2-tetradecanediol.

[0368] Surprisingly, it was found that the above specified combinations are particularly efficient enzyme boosting agents, which can also efficiently be incorporated into a broad range of detergents and cleaning compositions. In addition, it was found that these substances show outstanding stain and/or soil removal enhancing properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such enzyme boosting combinations.

[0369] Surprisingly, for said boosting agent mixtures even a synergistic enzyme boosting effect can be observed in comparison to the use of their single components.

[0370] Most preferred, the deter detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention includes a mixture of enzyme boosting agents comprising an 1 ,2-alkanediol combined with 4-hydroxyacetophenone selected from the group consisting of:

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-pentanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-hexanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-tridecanediol;

■ a mixture comprising (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

[0371] It was found that these enzyme boosting mixtures show outstanding synergistic enzyme boosting effect in terms of stain and/or soil removal enhancing properties in a detergent and cleaning composition. Thus, such detergents and cleaning compositions show improved cleaning properties compared to detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such enzyme boosting combinations.

[0372] A particular pronounced boosting effect was observed when said enzyme stabilizing mixtures comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone are added to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising amylase.

[0373] However, a particular pronounced enzyme boosting effect can be observed for the following enzyme boosting agents:

■ 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ 1 ,2-octanediol; ■ 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ 1 ,2-tirdecanediol;

■ 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

■ glyceryl caprylate;

■ 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ tropolone;

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol and tropolone; and

■ a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1 ,2-octanediol.

[0374] For the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the list of enzyme boosting agents (b1 , b2, b3, b) specified herein can be arbitrary combined with the list of enzymes specified herein.

[0375] In a particular advantageously variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b):

■ proteases plus one or more of the following enzyme boosting agents: (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; or (b^v) tropolone; or

■ lipases plus one or more of the following enzyme boosting agents: (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; or (b^v) tropolone; or

■ amylases plus one or more of the following enzyme boosting agents: (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; or (b^v) tropolone; or ■ cellulases plus one or more of the following enzyme boosting agents: (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; or (b^v) tropolone; or

■ mannases plus one or more of the following enzyme boosting agents: (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; or (b^v) tropolone; or

■ pectate lyases plus one or more of the following enzyme boosting agents: (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined above; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; or (b^v) tropolone.

[0376] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b):

■ proteases plus 1 ,2-pentanediol;

■ proteases plus 1 ,2-hexanediol;

■ proteases plus 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ proteases plus 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ proteases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ proteases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ proteases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ proteases plus tropolone;

■ proteases plus a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ proteases plus a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol and tropolone;

■ proteases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol; 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1 ,2- tetradecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-pentanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-hexanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ amylases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ amylases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ■ amylases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ amylases plus tropolone;

■ amylases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol;

■ amylases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone;

■ amylases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1,2-alkanediols, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1 ,2- nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or

1.2-tetradecanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-pentanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-hexanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ lipases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ lipases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ lipases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ lipases plus tropolone;

■ lipases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol;

■ lipases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone;

■ lipases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as

1.2-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2- decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1,2- tetradecanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-pentanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-hexanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ mannanases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ mannanases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ mannanases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ mannanases plus tropolone;

■ mannanases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ mannanases plus a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol and tropolone;

■ mannanases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1,2alkanediol, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1 ,2- nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or

1.2-tetradecanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-pentanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-hexanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ pectate lyases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone; ■ pectate lyases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ pectate lyases plus tropolone;

■ pectate lyases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus a mixture comprising 1 ,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; or

■ pectate lyases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1,2-alkanediol, such as 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1 ,2- nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1,2-tridecanediol or 1 ,2-tetradecanediol.

[0377] Particular preferred is the use of an enzyme boosting agent mixture in a detergent and cleaning composition comprising amylases:

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol,

4-hydroxyacetonphenone and 1,2-nonanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol,

4-hydroxy1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0378] Particular preferred is the use of an enzyme boosting agent mixture in a detergent and cleaning composition comprising mannanases:

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-pentanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-hexanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-heptanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-octanediol,

4-hydroxyacetonphenone and 1,2-nonanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-decanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-undecanediol,

4-hydroxyacetophenone and 1,2-dodecanediol,

4-hydroxy1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0379] In a further preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b):

■ proteases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-nonanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-decanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-undecanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-tridecanediol; ■ proteases plus 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-tridecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-tridecanediol;

■ lipases plus 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-nonanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-decanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-undecanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-tridecanediol;

■ mannanases plus 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-nonanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-decanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-undecanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-tridecanediol; or

■ pectate lyases plus 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0380] It was found that the aforesaid combinations result in superior enzyme boosting performance in a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0381] However, said combinations comprising an enzyme and an enzyme boosting agent do not only have a remarkable enzyme boosting effect, but are simultaneously beneficial in laundry detergents, detergents for manual and automatic dishwash, hard surface cleaners, cleaners for medical and dental instruments, stain removers and the like, since they exhibit an enhanced stain and/or soil removal activity, resulting in an improved cleaning performance upon application, in comparison to a detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of said enzyme boosting agents.

[0382] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises one of the following combinations of components (a) and (b) selected from the group consisting of:

■ proteases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-nonanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-decanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-undecanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-tridecanediol;

■ proteases plus 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ proteases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ proteases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ proteases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ proteases plus tropolone;

■ proteases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ proteases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol and tropolone;

■ proteases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-heptanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-nonanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-decanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-undecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-dodecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-tridecanediol;

■ amylases plus 1 ,2-tetradecanediol;

■ amylases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ amylases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ amylases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ amylases plus tropolone;

■ amylases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol;

■ amylase plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol; 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol;

■ cellulases plus 1,2-heptanediol;

■ cellulases plus 1,2-octanediol;

■ cellulases plus 1,2-nonanediol; ■ cellulases plus 1,2-decanediol;

■ cellulases plus 1,2-undecanediol;

■ cellulases plus 1,2-dodecanediol;

■ cellulases plus 1,2-tridecanediol; or

■ cellulases plus 1,2-tetradecanediol.

■ cellulases plus glyceryl caprylate;

■ cellulases plus 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

■ cellulases plus ethyl hexyl glycerin;

■ cellulases plus tropolone;

■ cellulases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1 ,2-octanediol;

■ cellulases plus a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol and tropolone; and

■ cellulases plus a mixture comprising 4-hydroxyacetophenone and a 1 ,2-alkanediol, such as 1,2-heptanediol, 1,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1,2-decanediol, 1,2-undecanediol; 1,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol or 1,2-tetradecanediol.

[0383] The aforesaid combinations comprising a protease, amylase or cellulase and an enzyme boosting agent are particularly beneficial in laundry detergents, preferably in fabric softeners, since they improve softness in laundry.

[0384] Surfactants/component (c1, c2, c3, c)

[0385] The detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention includes at least one surfactant (c1, c2, c3, c).

[0386] Surfactants are added for a number of reasons, the main purposes being their washing and surface-active properties. They remove soils from the clothing and surfaces in the washing and cleaning process and keep it suspended in the washing solution. Some surfactants perform other functions such as foam inhibition.

[0387] The detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention may comprise any kind of surfactant, namely anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant, and any mixture thereof.

[0388] Suitable surfactants which can be incorporated into the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention are:

[0389] Anionic surfactants

Suitable anionic surfactants for the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention may include any conventional anionic surfactants. Typical examples for anionic surfactants encompass:

C10 to C18 alkyl benzene sulfonates;

C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates; C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates, ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles ethylene oxide;

C10 to C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates;

C8 to C18 alkyl carboxylates, ethoxylated with 1 to 10 moles ethylene oxide; and any mixture thereof.

[0390] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C10 to C13 alkyl benzene sulfonates;

C12 to C15 alkyl sulfates;

C12 to C14 alkyl sulfates, ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles ethylene oxide;

C12 to C16 alpha-olefin sulfonates;

C8 to C18 alkyl carboxylates, ethoxylated with 3 to 10 moles ethylene oxide; and any mixture thereof.

[0391] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of dodecyl benzene sulfonate; dodecyl sulfate; dodecyl sulfate, ethoxylated with 2 moles ethylene oxide;

C12 to C14 alpha-olefin sulfonates;

C18 alkyl carboxylates, ethoxylated with 9 to 10 moles ethylene oxide; and any mixture thereof.

[0392] For laundry detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferred selected from the group consisting of dodecyl benzene sulfonate, dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate, ethoxylated with 2 moles ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0393] For hand dishwashing detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferred selected from the group consisting of dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate, ethoxylated with 2 moles ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0394] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the anionic surfactant is most preferred selected from the group consisting of dodecyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate, ethoxylated with 2 moles ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0395] Cationic surfactants

Suitable cationic surfactants for the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention may include any conventional cationic surfactants. Typical examples for cationic surfactants encompass: quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ethanolamines; quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds;

C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium methosulfates; and any mixture thereof. [0396] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of quaternary C12 to C18 alkyl ethanolamines; quaternary C12 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds;

C12 to C18 alkyl ammonium methosulfates; and any mixture thereof.

[0397] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of quaternary C16 to C18 alkyl ethanolamines; quaternary C16 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds;

C14 to C18 alkyl ammonium methosulfates; and any mixture thereof.

[0398] For hard surface cleaning detergents, the cationic surfactant is most preferred selected form the group consisting of quaternary C16 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds, and any mixture thereof.

[0399] For fabric softener, the cationic surfactant is most preferred selected form the group consisting of C14 to C18 alkyl ammonium methosulfates, and any mixture thereof.

[0400] Non-ionic surfactants

Suitable non-ionic surfactants for the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention may include any conventional non-ionic surfactants. Typical examples for non-ionic surfactants encompass:

C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 1 to 12 moles ethylene oxide; alkoxylated C6 to C18 fatty alcohols such as

C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles ethylene oxide,

C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles propylene oxide,

C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles butylene oxide, and combinations thereof;

C6 to C18 sophorolipids;

C6 to C18 rhamnolipids;

C5 to C18 alkyl polyglycosides;

C6 to C18 alkanolamides;

C6 to C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixture thereof.

[0401] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles ethylene oxide; alkoxylated C8 to C15 fatty alcohols such as C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles ethylene oxide,

C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles propylene oxide, C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles butylene oxide, and combinations thereof;

C8 to C18 sophorolipids;

C8 to C18 rhamnolipids;

C7 to C15 alkyl polyglycosides;

C8 to C15 alkanolamides;

C8 to C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixture thereof.

[0402] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C10 to C18 sophorolipids;

C10 to C18 rhamnolipids;

C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides;

Cocamide DEA/MEA;

C10 to C14 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixture thereof.

[0403] In a still more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C10 to C18 sophorolipids;

C10 to C18 rhamnolipids;

C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides; and any mixture thereof.

[0404] Said non-ionic detergents are particularly beneficial for preparing “green” detergents and cleaning compositions.

[0405] For laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and hard surface cleaning detergents, the non-ionic surfactant is most preferred selected from the group consisting of C10 to C18 sophorolipids, C10 to C18 rhamnolipids, C8 to C14 alkyl polyglycosides, and any mixture thereof.

[0406] In a further preferred variant, for laundry detergents the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12 to C14 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 7 moles ethylene oxide, C13 to C15 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 7 moles ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0407] In a further preferred variant, for hard surface cleaning, such as degreaser, the non- ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C9 to C11 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles ethylene oxide, C10 fatty alcohol, ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles ethylene oxide, and any mixture thereof.

[0408] In a further preferred variant, for automatic dishwashing, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C12 to C14 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 5 mol ethylene oxide and/or propoxylated with 4 mol propylene oxide.

[0409] Amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants

Suitable amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants for the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention may include any conventional amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants. Typical examples for amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants encompass:

C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide;

C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide;

C10 to C18 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide;

C10 to C18 alkylbetaines;

C10 to C18 alkylamidobetaines;

C10 to C18 sulfobetaines; and any mixture of the above surfactants.

[0410] In a preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C10 to C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide;

C10 to C15 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide;

C10 to C15 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide;

C10 to C15 alkylbetaines;

C10 to C15 alkylamidobetaines;

C10 to C15 sulfobetaines; and any mixture of the above surfactants.

[0411] In a more preferred variant of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, the amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C12 to C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxides;

C12 to C14 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxides;

C12 to C14 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxides;

C12 to C14 alkylbetaines;

C12 to C14 alkylamidobetaines;

C12 to C14 sulfobetaines; and any mixture of the above surfactants. [0412] For hand dishwashing detergents, the amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant is most preferred selected from the group consisting of C12 to C14 alkylbetaines, and any mixture thereof.

[0413] In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises an anionic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more anionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of

C10 to C18 alkyl benzene sulfonates;

C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates;

C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates, ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles ethylene oxide;

C10 to C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates;

C8 to C18 alkyl carboxylates, ethoxylated with 1 to 10 moles ethylene oxide; and their preferred variants as specified before.

[0414] In a more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises a cationic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ethanolamines; quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds;

C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium methosulfates; and their preferred variants as specified before.

[0415] In a still more preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises a nonionic surfactant or a mixture of two or even more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of

C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 3 to 8 moles ethylene oxide; alkoxylated C8 to C15 fatty alcohols such as

C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles ethylene oxide,

C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles propylene oxide,

C8 to C15 fatty alcohols, butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles butylene oxide, and combinations thereof;

C8 to C18 sophorolipids;

C8 to C18 rhamnolipids;

C7 to C15 alkyl polyglycosides;

C8 to C15 alkanolamides;

C8 to C15 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and their preferred variants as specified before.

[0416] The above specified surfactants can be used either singular or in the form of mixtures of two, three, or even more surfactants, either from the same surfactant category (anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric/zwitterionic) or as mixture of surfactants of different surfactant categories. [0417] In a most preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises a combined mixture of one or even more of anionic surfactant and one or even more of non-ionic surfactant as specified herein, i.e. a combination of one or more anionic surfactant and one or more non-ionic surfactant.

[0418] Alternatively, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises a combined mixture of one or even more of cationic surfactant and one or even more of non-ionic surfactant as specified herein, i.e. a combination of one or more cationic surfactant and one or more non-ionic surfactant.

[0419] The above numeric ranges recited with respect of the number of C atoms of the surfactants, given in the form “Cx to Cy” include the values defining the range and include each integer within the defined range, the range C10 to C18 includes C10, C11 , C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17 and C18. For example, the term “C10 to C18 alkyl” includes decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl and octadecyl. Analogously, the term “C12 to C14 alkyl” includes dodecyl, tridecyl and tetradecyl. For example, the term “C6 to C18 fatty alcohols” includes fatty alcohols having a carbon chain with 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ,

12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 carbon atoms. Analogously, the term “C6 to C18 rhamnolipids” includes structures comprising a rhamnolipid and a carbon chain having 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12,

13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 carbon atoms.

[0420] Optional further components

[0421] Within the context of the present invention, it is also possible, and in some cases advantageous, to combine the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention with other active substances and/or additives, depending on the purpose of the composition, in order to obtain a ready-for-use composition or formulation. The active ingredients provide desired properties and functionalities to the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention. The term “functional ingredient” or “functional additive” includes an ingredient that provides a beneficial property in a particular use. Some particular examples of functional ingredients are discussed in more detail below. However, a broad variety of other functional ingredients may also be used.

[0422] The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention may comprise any of the ingredients customarily found in such compositions, such as, for example organic solvents, builders, and additional auxiliaries such as soil repellents, thickeners, colorants and fragrances or the like.

[0423] Preferably, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention can advantageously be combined or varied with at least one active substance and/or at least one (functional) additive, such as for example solvents, builders, bleaching agents, soil release agents, dispersing agents, foam inhibitors, sequestrant agents, chelating agents, antiredeposition agents, dye transfer inhibition/colour protection agents, dye scavengers, dyes, greying inhibitors, optical brighteners, ultraviolet light absorbers, thickeners or rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH-adjusting agents, buffers, solvents, anti-static agents, anti-wrinkling agents, antimicrobial agents, odor removal/odor capturing agents, ultraviolet light protection agents, fragrances, sanitizing agents, disinfecting agents, water repellency agents, insect repellency agents, anti-pilling agents, souring agents, mildew removing agents, allergicide agents, and any mixture thereof.

[0424] Chelating agents/sequestrants

[0425] The detergents and cleaning compositions disclosed herein can optionally contain one or more chelating agents, capable of complexing iron, manganese and/or calcium ions. This additionally allows for a softening of water.ln addition, negatively charged anionic surfactants trap Ca and/or Mg ions from the wash liquor and form a complex. This complex formation leads to a reduction in washing performance. To prevent this complex formation, chelating agents as described below, are also added to the detergent and cleaning composition. Hence, the addition of chelating agents allows that the performance of the anionic surfactant in the detergent and cleaning composition is not diminished.

[0426] Chelating agents can be present in the acid or salt form including alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

[0427] Preferably the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of amino carboxylates, phosphonates or mixtures thereof.

[0428] These agents as used herein include those chemicals which interact with divalent ions, cations and anions, having tendency to precipitate in their saturated aqueous solutions.

[0429] Useful amino carboxylate chelating agents include, but are not limited to, the following: N-(1 ,2-dicarboxy-ethyl)-D,L-aspartic acid (IDS), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (EDG), aspartic acid-N-monoacetic acid (ASMA), aspartic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (ASDA), aspartic acid-N-mono-propionic acid (ASMP), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA), N-(2-sulfomethyl) aspartic acid (SMAS), N-(2-sulfoethyl) aspartic acid (SEAS), N-(2- sulfomethyl) glutamic acid (SMGL), N-(2-sulfoethyl) glutamic acid (SEGL), N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA), a- alanine- N,N- diacetic acid (a - ALDA), serine-N,N-diacetic acid (SEDA), isoserine-N,N-diacetic acid (ISDA), phenylalanine-N,N-diacetic acid (PHDA), anthranilic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (AND A), sulfanilic acid-N, N-diacetic acid (SLDA), taurine-N,N-diacetic acid (TUDA), sulfomethyl-N,N- diacetic acid (SMDA), N-(hydroxyethyl)-ethylidenediaminetriacetate (HEDTA), diethanolglycine (DEG), aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP).

[0430] The preferred chelating agent may contain an amino group and may be, e.g., an amino-polycarboxylate or a phosphonate. It may be a monomeric molecule comprising one, two or three amino groups (typically secondary or tertiary amino groups), and it may contain two, three, four or five carboxyl groups or even more carboxyl groups. The chelating agents may be phosphorus containing or without phosphorus. Suitable chelating agents includes those based on carboxylate groups includes EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetate), NTA (2,2',2"-nitrilotriacetate), citrate, 2-hydroxypropan- 1 ,2,3-tricarboxylate, DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), MGDA (methylglycinediacetic acid OT N,N'- bis(carboxymethyl)alanine), EGTA (ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid), EDDS (ethylenediamine- N,W-disuccinic acid),, GLDA (L-Glutamic acid, N, N-diacetic acid), The composition preferably may also include other polycarboxylates such as PAA [poly(acrylic acid)], PAA/PMA [copoly(acrylic acid/maleic acid)], or mixtures thereof.

[0431] Another group of preferred chelating agents includes phosphonates. Aminoalkane and/or hydroxyalkane phosphonates are preferably used as phosphonates. Suitable examples of these phosphonate chelating agent includes HEDP (l-hydroxyethylidene- 1 ,1-diphosphonic acid), EDTMP [ethylenediamine tetra(methylene phosphonic acid], EDTMPA (ethylenediaminetetramethylene-tetraphosphonic acid), DTPMP (diethylenetriamine penta (methylene phosphonic acid), DTMPA (diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid)) nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (NTMP), 2-phosphonobutane-1 ,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonate (EDTMP), and the higher homologs thereof. Among the hydroxyalkane phosphonates, 1-hydroxyethane-1 ,1-diphosphonate (HEDP) is of particular importance. The chelating agents may contain nitrogen such as in EDTA, NTA, DTPA, PDTA, GLDA, MGDA, EDDS, EDTMP, EDTMPA, and DTPMP or ASMA, ASDA, ASMP, IDA, SMAS, SEAS, SMGL, SEGL, MIDA, a-ALDA, SEDA, ISDA, PHDA, ANDA, SLDA, TUDA, SMDA, HEDTA, DEG, ATMP, or mixtures thereof.

[0432] Particularly preferred chelating agents includes but are not limited to the following: ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), diethylene triamine pentamethylene phosphonic acid (DTMPA, DTPMP), hydroxy-ethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP), ethylenediamine N,N- disuccinic acid (EDDS), methyl glycine di-acetic acid (MGDA), diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA), propylene diamine tetraacetic acid (PDTA), 2-hydroxypyridine-N-oxide (HPNO), methyl glycine diacetic acid (MGDA), glutamic acid N, N-diacetic acid (N,N-dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid tetrasodium salt (GLDA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), sodium citrate, or mixtures thereof. The chelating agent may be present in their acid form or a salt, preferably the chelating agents may be present as a sodium, ammonium or potassium salt.

[0433] Especially preferred chelating agent includes diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenediamine-N,N’-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and 1 ,1 -hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or the alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. The most preferred chelating agent is a phosphonate. The phosphonate chelating agent includes HEDP in its acid form or salt form with alkali metal, potassium, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium.

[0434] Most preferred are the following chelating agents: GLDA, MGDA, sodium citrate, HEDP, and any mixture thereof. [0435] In the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention, the chelating agent is typically present in an amount from 0.1 to 10.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the compositions, preferably from 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, and more preferably from 0.1 to 3.0 % by weight.

[0436] Preferably the detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention comprises at least 0.2 % by weight chelating agent based on the total weight of the composition, still preferably at least 0.3 % by weight, still preferably at least 0.5 % by weight, most preferably at least 0.6 % by weight, but typically not more than 3 % by weight, still preferably not more than 2 % by weight, most preferably not more than 1 % by weight of the chelating agent.

[0437] However, in some automatic dish washing gels, the amount of GLDA can be from 30 to 40 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0438] Antimicrobial agents

[0439] The detergents and cleaning compositions can further include one or more antimicrobial agents.

[0440] The term “antimicrobial component” in the context of the present invention refers to a group of substances, in particular to agents that kills microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast and/or fungi, or stops or inhibits their growth, which prevents products from microbial contamination. Without the addition of such agents the products spoil, which may manifest changes in smell, discoloration, mould growth, gas formation, the separation of emulsions or changes in viscosity, rendering the product unacceptable to the consumer.

[0441] Suitable antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to, the antimicrobial classes such as phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds, metal derivatives, amines, alkanol amines, nitro derivatives, analides, organosulfur and sulfur-nitrogen compounds and miscellaneous compounds. Exemplary phenolic agents include pentachlorophenol, orthophenylphenol, phenoxyethanol. Exemplary quaternary antimicrobial agents include benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridiniumchloride, amine and nitro containing antimicrobial compositions such as hexahydro-1 , 3, 5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, dithiocarbamates such as sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and a variety of other materials known in the art for their antimicrobial properties. Other exemplary antimicrobial agents include glutaraldehyde, Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1 ,3-diol), silver, and isothiazolones such as methylisothiazolinone, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCI, sold under the tradename NeoIone™, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol, or methylbenzyl alcohol.

[0442] In a preferred variant according to the present invention, the detergents and cleaning compositions are further combined with benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and any mixture thereof. Said substances have a broad-spectrum activity against microorganisms and are added to the detergent compositions to inhibit microbial spoilage, and, thus, for stabilizing purposes.

[0443] In particular, the antimicrobial agents are added to liquid detergents due to their higher water content, which makes such compositions susceptible against microbial infestation and growth.

[0444] If an antimicrobial agent is included in the inventive detergents and cleaning compositions, it is preferably in an amount between about 0.0001 % by weight and about 15 % by weight, particularly in an amount of 0.001 to 10.0 % by weight, most particularly in an amount of 0.001 to 5.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0445] The enzyme(s) is/are normally incorporated into the detergent and cleaning composition according to the disclosure in an amount sufficient to yield effective cleaning during a washing procedure. An amount effective for cleaning refers to an amount that produces a clean, sanitary, and, preferably, corrosion free appearance to the material cleaned, particularly for medical or dental devices or instruments. An amount effective for cleaning also can refer to an amount that produces a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening deodorizing, or freshness improving effect on substrates such as medical or dental devices or instruments and the like. Such a cleaning effect can be achieved with amounts of enzyme as low as about 0.02 % by weight of the detergent and cleaning composition.

[0446] In the detergents and cleaning compositions of the present disclosure, suitable cleaning can typically be achieved when an enzyme is present at about 0.0001 to about 35 % by weight; preferably about 2 to about 15 % by weight; preferably about 3 to about 10 % by weight; preferably about 4 to about 8 % by weight; preferably about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, or about 8 % by weight. The higher enzyme levels are typically desirable in highly concentrated cleaning formulations.

[0447] In the detergent and cleaning composition of the present invention, suitable cleaning can be achieved when the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001 to 5 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the enzyme is present in an amount of 0.0001 to 4 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferred the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises the enzyme in an amount of 0.001 to 3 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Most preferred the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.01 to 2 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Further preferred the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.05 to 2 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0448] Typically, the enzyme is present in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention in an amount of 0.05 to 2.0 % by weight. Usually, proteases and amylase are used in higher concentrations in the detergents and cleaning compositions, namely proteases in an amount of 0.4 to 1.5 % by weight, amylases in an amount of 0.05 to 0.6 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0449] For an enzyme cocktail the above amounts relate to the total content of the enzymes in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the content of all enzymes in the mixture.

[0450] The 1 ,2-heptanediol (b1) or the 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or the mixture comprising 1 ,2- heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) according to the first aspect of the present invention is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises the 1 ,2-heptanediol (b1) or the 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or the mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a more preferred variant, the 1 ,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or the mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of at 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a still more preferred variant, the 1 ,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or the mixture comprising 1 ,2- heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of at 0.3 to 3.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a most preferred variant, the 1 ,2-heptanediol (b1) or 2,3-heptanediol (b2) or the mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of at 0.5 to 1.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0451] For the heptanediol mixture (b3), the above amounts relate to the total content of the 1 ,2-heptanediol and the 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the content of 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol in the mixture.

[0452] The at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) according to the present invention is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred variant, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises the at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a more preferred variant, the at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of at 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a still more preferred variant, the at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of at 0.3 to 3.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In a most preferred variant, the at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) is advantageously used in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of at 0.5 to 1.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. [0453] For the alkanediol mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol, the above amounts relate to the total content of the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol(s) in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the content of the first linear alkanediol and the second linear alkanediol in the mixture.

[0454] For an enzyme boosting agent mixture comprising two or more boosting agents, the above amounts relate to the total content of the boosting agents in the mixture, i.e. the amount is the sum of the content of the single boosting agents in the mixture.

[0455] In a particular preferred variant according to the first aspect of the present invention, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises the 2,3-heptanediol or the 2,3-heptanediol of the mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol (b3) in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 % by weight, preferred in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0 % by weight, more preferred in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, still more preferred in an amount of 0.3 to 3.0 % by weight, and most preferred in an amount of 0.5 to 1.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0456] Even more preferred, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises the 2,3- heptanediol or the 2,3-heptanediol of the mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3- heptanediol (b3) in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5 % by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.005 to 0.1 % by weight and most preferably in an amount of 0.01 to 0.075 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or homecare product.

[0457] In a particular preferred variant according to the present invention, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises the 2,3-alkandediol as linear alkanediol or of the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 % by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0 % by weight, more preferred in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, still more preferred in an amount of 0.3 to 3.0 % by weight, and most preferred in an amount of 0.5 to 1.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or homecare product.

[0458] Even more preferred, the detergent and cleaning composition comprises the 2,3- alkanediol as linear alkanediol or of the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol in an amount of 0.001 to 0.5 % by weight, preferably in an amount of 0.005 to 0.1 % by weight and most preferably in an amount of 0.01 to 0.075 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or homecare product.

[0459] Typically, the at least one surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention in an amount of more than 3 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in the detergent and cleaning composition in an amount of 4 to 90 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferred, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention comprises the surfactant in an amount of 10 to 60 % by weight, still more preferred in an amount of 20 to 50 % by weight and most preferred in an amount of 30 to 40 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0460] By contrast, light-duty compositions according to the present invention comprise the at least one surfactant in an amount of more than 3 % by weight to 40 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the surfactant is present in an amount of 4 to 30 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The dish cleaning and/or rinsing composition according to the present invention comprises the surfactant in an amount of 5 to 20 % by weight and preferred in an amount of 6 to 15 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0461] The detergents and cleaning compositions of the current disclosure are found, surprisingly, to have a superior cleaning performance, compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without the addition of an inventive enzyme boosting agent.

[0462] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, as defined herein, to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme or a mixture of enzymes, has a positive influence in that they enhance the performance of the enzyme or of the enzymes of an enzyme mixture contained therein. The enzyme(s) in these detergents and cleaning compositions show(s) a superior enzymatic performance, compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme boosting agent.

[0463] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, as defined herein, to a enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition, improves stain and/or soil removal, compared to enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions without such a boosting agent.

[0464] Without wishing to being bound by theory it is believed that alkanediols facilitate enzymes the access to stain and/or soil and are positively involved in the formation of micelles during the washing and cleaning process.

[0465] Unexpectedly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, as defined herein, to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising a cellulase, such as fabric softeners, improves softness in laundry, compared to cellulase containing detergents and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme boosting agent. [0466] Thus, the detergents and cleaning compositions which contain an enzyme or a mixture of enzymes in combination with a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4- hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, as defined herein, exhibit improved overall cleaning performance over detergents and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme boosting agent.

[0467] Conversely, also because of the boosting effect, the amount of enzyme and other ingredients for increasing the cleaning effectiveness in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced to achieve a similar cleaning effect, i.e. without loss of cleaning performance.

[0468] Additionally, with the addition of such enzyme boosting agents as defined herein, the enzyme stabilizing effect of a further enzyme stabilizer added to the detergent and cleaning composition, can even be improved.

[0469] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention is used as such or for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product.

[0470] The enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions or products as specified herein can be employed in a variety of cleaning methods. As used herein, the term “cleaning” refers to perform, facilitate, or aid in soil removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, disinfection, etc. Preferably, the enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions or products are useful for textile cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, fabric care, for household, institutional and industrial hard surfaces cleaning, such as ware or other surfaces, cleaning medical and dental instruments, etc.

[0471] Preferably, the enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions or products can be employed for cleaning, washing, or pre-soaking medical or dental devices, instruments, or equipment, including any of the various medical or dental instruments or devices that can benefit from cleaning with enzyme cleaning composition. Exemplary medical and dental instruments and devices include instruments, devices, tools, appliances, apparatus, and equipment used in medicine or dentistry including those than can be cold sterilized, soaked or washed and then heat sterilized. The medical and/or dental instruments can be soiled with blood, mammalian tissue, including but not limited to human tissue, or other foreign matter.

[0472] Suitable examples of detergents and cleaning compositions or products encompass heavy-duty detergents, colour-care detergents, light-duty detergents, all-purpose washing agents, fabric softeners, fabric laundry scents, scent lotions, laundry wipes, degreasing detergents, stain removers (pre-spotter, Vanish type), washing machine cleaner, all-purpose cleaners, hand dishwashing detergents, auto dishwashing detergents, hard surface cleaners, glass and mirror cleaners, wet cleaning wipes, kitchen cleaners, cleaners for cooking appliances, oven cleaners, floor cleaners, wood floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, bathroom and shower cleaners, toilet cleaners, grout cleaners, disinfectants, drain unblockers, toilet rim block gels, air fresheners, furniture polish, car shampoo, medical cleaning products, and the like.

[0473] The afore-mentioned detergents and cleaning compositions or products refer to compositions or products in the form of a liquid, a solid, tablets, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated form and optionally in two-compartment or multi-compartment form.

[0474] As used herein, a liquid includes free-flowing liquids, as well as pastes, gels, foams and mousses. Non-limiting examples of liquids include light-duty and heavy-duty liquid detergents and cleaning compositions, fabric enhancers, detergent gels commonly used for laundry, bleach and laundry additives. Gases, e.g. suspended bubbles, or solids, e.g. particles, may be included within the liquids.

[0475] A solid as used herein, includes powders, flakes, granules, pellets, tablets, microcapsules, beads, noodles, pearlized balls, lozenges, pucks, briquettes, bricks, blocks, or another solid form known to those of skill in the art.

[0476] A solid detergent and cleaning composition or product can be provided as a pressed solid block, a cast solid block, an extruded pellet or block, or a tablet. Furthermore, a solid detergent composition or product may be provided in the form of a unit dose. A unit dose refers to a solid detergent and cleaning composition unit sized so that the entire unit is used during a single washing cycle.

[0477] A solid detergent and cleaning composition or product may also be provided in the form of a multiple use (e.g., multi-use) solid, such as, a block or a plurality of pellets, and can be repeatedly used to generate aqueous use solutions of the detergent composition for multiple cycles or a predetermined number of dispensing cycles. A multiple use solid detergent composition can be repeatedly used to generate an aqueous detergent composition, e.g., use solution, for multiple washing cycles. Pressed solid detergent blocks are made suitable to provide stability such that reactive components in the compositions do not react with each other until a point of dilution and/or use. In some aspects, the order of introducing the components to form the solid are non-limiting as there is minimal and/or no water introduced into the solid compositions. However, in some aspects, pressed solid detergent blocks are made by using a binding system to minimize any damage to the coated granules which may be employed. Beneficially, a pressing process to make the pressed solid detergent blocks generates a pressed solid detergent block and prevents the reaction or mix of the components. In an aspect of the disclosure, the solid detergent composition remains unreacted or unmixed until a point of use, e.g. dilution.

[0478] In a pressed solid process, a flowable solid, such as granular solids or other particle solids including binding agents are combined under pressure. In a pressed solid process, flowable solids of the compositions are placed into a form (e.g., a mould or container). The method can include gently pressing the flowable solid in the form to produce the solid cleaning composition.

[0479] The enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions or products can be provided in concentrated form and diluted to a use solution or provided in a use solution. Preferably, the use compositions are diluted to a concentration between about 500 ppm and about 5000 ppm, more preferably between about 750 ppm and about 4500 ppm, most preferably between about 1000 ppm and about 4000 ppm.

[0480] The enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention are used for household cleaning, medical cleaning, institutional cleaning, such as cleaning in schools, airports, hospitals, or industrial cleaning.

[0481] The enzymatic detergents and cleaning compositions or products according to the present invention can be prepared by combining and mixing the various ingredients according to usual and known methods. Preferably, the enzyme is added last to prevent denaturation or inactivation of the enzyme. Mixing can be performed by any suitable automatic or manual method. For example, automatic or manual stirring can be performed. The enzymatic detergent compositions can be prepared in batch or continuous process.

[0482] Based on its afore described advantageously effects, the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention, comprising a combination of an enzyme and an enzyme boosting agent such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, is particularly efficient in washing and cleaning processes for efficiently removing stain and/or soil from substrates.

[0483] Thus, the present invention relates in a further aspect to a method of treating a stained and/or soiled substrate, comprising the steps of treating the substrate with the detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention; and rinsing said substrate in water to remove said composition or product.

[0484] Preferably, the method of treating a soiled/stained substrate takes place in a washing containing a wash liquor comprising water and the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention. The wash liquor may be applied to the substrate or the substrate may be immersed into the wash liquor.

[0485] The method may alternatively comprise direct application of the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition, i.e. undissolved without water on to part or whole of the substrate, so as to directly treat a stain and/or soil on the substrate. Such a process is preferably a pretreatment and may be followed by treatment with or within a wash liquor. [0486] The method according to the present invention is applied at both higher temperatures and well as lower temperatures. Ware wash applications, for example, clean substrates at temperatures in excess of approximately 60 °C, or in excess of approximately 70 °C, or between approximately 65 °C to 80 °C. Laundry applications, for example, clean laundry at temperatures in excess of approximately 40 °C, or in excess of approximately 50 °C, or between approximately 65 °C to 90 °C.

[0487] Preferably, the method is applied at low temperatures where removal of stain and/or soil is more problematic. Preferably, the treatment temperature is less than 50 °C and preferably less than 40 °C and more preferably less than 30 °C.

[0488] Surprisingly it turned out, that the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention is particularly efficient in stain and/or soil removal at said low temperatures.

[0489] Thus, the method allows for enzymatic removal of stain and/or soil in a low temperature range, without consideration to the temperature sensitivity of the used enzyme(s).

[0490] This is particularly advantageous in the treatment of sensitive substrates such as wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyacrylic, nylon, which can be washed or cleaned only at low temperatures.

[0491] Preferably, the substrate is cotton.

[0492] More preferably, the substrate is wool or silk.

[0493] Still more preferred, the substrates are blended fabrics such as cotton and polyester, or synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyacrylic, or nylon.

[0494] The use of the enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition or product according to the present invention in the method according to the present invention allows for improved removal of stain and/or soil, and, hence, results in an improved overall cleaning performance.

[0495] Based on the advantageously enzyme boosting and stain and/or soil removal boosting effects, as described above for the enzyme boosting agents, the present invention relates in a further aspect to the use of at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of

(b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined herein;

(b") glyceryl caprylate; (bill) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

[0496] With respect to the enzyme boosting agents and preferred variants thereof, reference is made to the above description in connection with the detergents and cleaning composition according to the present invention, which is equally valid in connection with the use of at least one enzyme boosting agent for boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, in order to avoid repetition.

[0497] With respect to the enzyme and preferred variants thereof, reference is made to the previous description of the enzyme(s) in connection with the detergents and cleaning composition according to the present invention, which is equally valid in connection with the use of at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) for boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, in order to avoid repetition.

[0498] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNase and/or RNase), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, B-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixture thereof.

[0499] More preferred, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectate lyases, and any mixture thereof.

[0500] It was surprisingly found that the use of at least one boosting agent (b) as specified herein improves the enzyme performance and enhances stain and/or soil removal in a detergent and cleaning composition, resulting in an improve overall cleaning performance, compared to a detergent and cleaning composition without said enzyme boosting substances. This superior effect is based on the combination of the enzyme and the enzyme boosting agent. This superior effect is based on the combination of the enzyme and the enzyme boosting agent in the detergent and cleaning composition. This improvement also allows for the reduction of the enzyme amount or enzyme stabilizer in a detergent and cleaning composition.

[0501] Based on the advantageously enzyme boosting and stain and/or soil removal enhancing effects, as described above for the enzyme boosting agents, the present invention finally relates to a method of boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising the steps of

(i) providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and

(ii) adding thereto an effective amount of at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) selected from the group consisting of

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof.

[0502] With respect to the enzyme boosting agents and preferred variants thereof, reference is made to the above description in connection with the detergents and cleaning composition according to the present invention, which is equally valid in connection with the method of boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, in order to avoid repetition.

[0503] With respect to the enzyme and preferred variants thereof, reference is made to the above description of the enzyme(s) in connection with the detergents and cleaning composition according to the present invention, which is equally valid in connection with the method of boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, in order to avoid repetition.

[0504] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNase and/or RNase), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, B-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixture thereof.

[0505] More preferred, the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, mannanases, pectate lyases, and any mixture thereof.

[0506] Surprisingly, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent, such as alkanediols having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms, glyceryl caprylate, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, ethyl hexyl glycerin, tropolone, or a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents, to a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme, has a positive impact in that they enhance the performance of the enzyme or of the enzymes of an enzyme mixture, contained therein. The enzyme(s) in these detergents and cleaning compositions show(s) a superior enzymatic performance, compared to detergents and cleaning compositions without such an enzyme boosting agent. For enzyme boosting agent mixtures as defined herein even a synergistic boosting effect could be observed. In addition, the combination of the inventive enzyme boosting agents with enzymes contributes to an improved stain and/or soil removal and results in improved cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning composition, compared to a detergent and cleaning composition without said enzyme boosting agents.

[0507] Conversely, also because of the enzyme boosting effect, the amount of enzyme or other ingredients for increasing the enzyme’s effectiveness, such as enzyme stabilizer, in these detergents and cleaning compositions can be reduced without loss of cleaning performance.

[0508] In addition, it has been found that the addition of an effective amount of a specific type of an enzyme boosting agent as specified herein to a detergent and cleaning composition is not only suitable to boost the enzyme performance but is also beneficial to compensate a reduction of the surfactant content in a detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention. This effect is particularly distinguished when a 1 ,2-alkanediol is used, as it is demonstrated in the following examples.

[0509] The present invention shall now be described in detail with reference to the following examples, which are merely illustrative of the present invention, such that the content of the present invention is not limited by or to the following examples.

Examples

[0510] Example 1 :

[0511] The following tests are performed to show the influence of different enzyme boosting agents according to the present invention on the performance of different enzymes and, thus, cleaning performance of the detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0512] The detergent and cleaning composition is a laundry detergent, a hand dishwashing detergent and an auto dishwashing detergent.

[0513] The enzyme in the detergent and cleaning composition is selected from protease, amylase, lipase, or cellulase for different sensitivities (protease sensitivity, amylase sensitivity, etc.).

[0514] In parallel, the same comparative tests under the same conditions are carried out for a detergent and cleaning composition with the same enzyme or enzyme mixture but without the enzyme boosting agent.

[0515] The cleaning performance of the tested detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention and the comparative detergents cleaning compositions is tested as described below.

[0516] Example 1.1 : Laundry detergent

[0517] The cleaning performance for the laundry detergent is analysed according to the standard A.I.S.E. (International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products) Laundry Detergent Testing Guidelines.

[0518] The cleaning performance test consists of assessing the stain removal efficiency of the tested laundry detergents on 14 stains.

[0519] Test conditions: Washing machine, Miele European Household front loader

Water hardness: 2.5 mmol/l

Water temperature: 40 °C

Wash cycle: 6 cycles (Heavy-duty detergent: cotton cycle; light-duty detergent: delicate cycle)

Ballast load: 3 kg, clean white ballast load

Ballast soil: 4 SBL 2004 sheets (100% cotton, approx. 8 g soil/swatch)

Dosage: recommended dosage for normal soil/medium hardness

Drying: in line during one night Stain sets: Tea, chocolate, coffee, grass, red wine, grass/mud, fruit juice, blood, tomato puree, unused motor oil, salad dressing balsamico, cooked beef fat, French squeezy mustard, and make-up.

[0520] The measurements/evaluation are taken on each stain before wash (to verify quality of stains) and after the wash.

[0521] The evaluation of the degree of stain removal can either be assessed by

(A) a sensory panel (scale 1 to 10: scale 1 : no cleaning; scale 10: complete removal); or

(B) a spectrophotometer, or digital image analysis system to determine the Stains Removal Index (SRI) whiteness degree W

[0522] The results are statistically treated using T ukey’s HSD test (HSD = honestly significant difference) with 95 % confidence level. The HSD value highlights the significant differences between each pair of products.

[0523] Example 1.2: Hand dishwashing detergent

[0524] The cleaning performance for the hand dishwashing detergent is analysed according to the I KW Recommendation for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Hand Dishwashing Detergents.

[0525] The test consists of measuring the efficiency of the hand dishwashing detergent through the stability of its foam while cleaning plates coated with a representative mixed soil containing liquids, proteins and carbohydrates (suds mileage test; foam duration).

[0526] Test conditions:

Water hardness: 16 ± 2 °d

Water temperature: 45 ± 1 °C

Test soil: (1) low fat soil: composition as specified in the IKW

Recommendation; and

(2) normal soil: composition as specified in the IKW Recommendation

The soil is coated onto the centre of the plate by means of an automatic dispenser.

Dishwashing process: as described in the IKW Recommendation

[0527] End point identification: When the foam layer has broken up permanently on the surface of the dishwashing soak, the dishwashing soak is deemed to be exhausted and the end point has reached. The number of washed plates per washing test is recorded in the test protocol. [0528] For each type of soil, five washing tests are to be conducted for each test product.

[0529] The products are compared on the basis of the number of washed-up plates until foam collapse. Turkey’s HSD statistic test with 95 % Confidence Level is performed.

[0530] Example 1.3: Machine dishwashing detergent

[0531] The cleaning performance for the machine dishwashing detergent is analysed according to the IKW Recommendations for the Quality Assessment of the Cleaning Performance of Dishwasher Detergents.

[0532] The cleaning performance test consists of assessing the stain removal efficiency of the tested dishwashing detergents on 14 stains.

[0533] Test conditions: Washing machine, Miele dishwasher GSL or Miele GSL 2

Water hardness: for classic products: 1.8 mmol/l for multifunctional products: 3.5 mmol/l

Water temperature: in main wash cycle: 45 °C

Wash cycle: at least 3 cycles

Dosage: recommended dosage for normal soil/medium hardness

Stain sets: Black tea (bleachable), milk, milk skin (persistent/alkaline-sensitive), starch mix, pasta (starch-containing, amylase sensitive), egg yolk, creme brulee, minced meat (protein-containing, protease sensitive)

Number of soiled items: 6 of each type

[0534] The measurements/evaluation are taken on each stain as described in the IKW Recommendation either by visual evaluation with reference to a photographic catalogue or gravimetric.

[0535] The obtained results are statistically treated using Tukey’s HSD test (HSD = honestly significant difference) with 95 % confidence level. The HSD value highlights the significant differences between each pair of products.

[0536] As can be seen from the results, the enzyme boosting agents improve stain and/or soil removal in an enzymatic detergent and cleaning composition. The detergents and cleaning compositions according to the present invention show a superior cleaning performance in terms of stain and/or soil removal, compared to a cleaning performance without an inventive enzyme boosting agent. This means conversely, that the enzyme performance in the detergent and cleaning composition is improved by the addition of the inventive enzyme boosting agent, whereas in the detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of an enzyme boosting agent the enzyme performance is lower.

[0537] Example 2: Evaluation of laundry stain removal performance of detergents and laundry compositions according to the present invention

[0538] For evaluating the laundry stain removal performance, a laundry detergent composition comprising an enzyme blend was tested in combination with different enzyme boosting agents. The laundry detergent composition was blended with different enzyme boosting agents as specified in the following tables and evaluated in accordance with the following described spectro colorimeter measurement in comparison to a laundry composition without the addition of an enzyme boosting agent (placebo).

[0539] The stain removal efficacy was tested according to the following test protocol:

[0540] Principle: The test consists of assessing the stain removal efficiency of the tested detergents on 12 stains. Fabric stains are artificially applied to specified fabric types and allowed to set for the prescribed amount of time. The size of each sample of stain allows for a reproducible reading (50 mm diameter). These stain swatches are washed/soaked with the tested detergents being compared and the relative degree of removal of the stains is evaluated. The test allows for comparing products’ stain removal ability under the same condition.

[0541] Stains selection: In order to test the effectiveness of the tested laundry detergent compositions, ready-to-use standardized multi-sample and multi-spot monitors were used (selected and manufactured by Warwick Equest and CFT).

[0542] Description of stains:

• C-S-44 Chocolate drink, pure, on cotton,

• C-S-07 Grass, pure, on cotton,

• PC-05 Blood, Milk, Ink (BMI), on Polyester/cotton,

• WE5DASB Double application sheep blood, on knitted cotton,

• C-S-68 Chocolate ice cream, aged, on cotton,

• E-165 Chocolate pudding, on cotton,

• E-161 Starch, on cotton,

• C-S-27 Potato starch, coloured, on cotton,

• C-S-62 Lard, coloured with Sudan red, on cotton,

• C-H126 "Vegetable oil, coloured with violet dye, on cotton,

• C-H141 Pectin without sugar, on cotton,

• C-H147 "Jam, forest fruit, on cotton.

[0543] The stains are manufactured in a reproducible manner and of consistent quality. The stains are a mix of "natural stains" and "standardized stains". The stains are homogeneously distributed and coloured before and after washing. Accordingly, 12 different stain formulas can be tested at the same time in one test process. Certain stains are particularly sensitive for the enzymes specified in the following table:

[0544] Test conditions: Each test sample group of 12 stains is soaked in a metal washpot containing 833.3 g of the test solution at a temperature of 40 °C for 30 min.

[0545] The 833.3 g of the solution is composed by a dilution as: 3 g of liquid laundry with a hardness of 15°Hf.

[0546] The test solutions are stirred using a Rotawash M228B/C.

[0547] After the end of the test cycle, the stains are taken out from the washpot and then positioned horizontally for dry.

[0548] Measurements/evaluation: Averaged reflectance measurements of the fabric are taken using the Spectro colorimeter Ci62 before the tissue is stained, after it is stained, and again after being treated with the tested laundry detergent and washed. Three measurements are carried out per stain. The performance of the product is evaluated instrumentally in terms of a Stain Removal Index (SRI). The SRI is a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 meaning no stain removal, and 100 meaning complete stain removal.

As describe in ASTM D4265, the SRI is calculated according to the following formula: > 100 x AE * (US - UF) - AE * (WS - UF)

^SRI “ AE * (US - UF) where:

US = unwashed stain area

UF = unwashed (unstained) fabric area

AE * (US - UF) = Delta-E colour difference between the unwashed stain and the unwashed fabric

AE * (WS - UF) = Delta-E colour difference between the washed stain and the unwashed fabric.

The value AE (absolute colour difference) is calculated as:

where:

L = reflectance a = redness/greenness b = yellowness/blueness

The tested detergents are compared to each other as follows: the higher the SRI is, the better is the laundry performance, i.e. stain removal performance.

[0549] For testing the boosting efficacy of different enzyme boosting agents in a detergent composition, an enzyme containing laundry detergent formulation was used with the following composition:

*) Medley pure 300L is a blend of protease, amylase, pectate lyase, mannanase and lipase enzymes.

[0550] To said laundry detergent formulation, different boosting agents according to the present invention were added as specified in the following tables, and the stain removal performance was evaluated according to the test method described above.

[0551] In the following tables, the following abbreviations are used:

C5 = 1 ,2-pentanediol

C6 = 1 ,2-hexanediol

07 = 1 ,2-heptanediol

C8 = 1 ,2-octanediol

C10 = 1 ,2-decanediol

4HAP = 4-hydroxyacetophenone

CG = glyceryl caprylate

[0552] 2.1 Stain removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols on amylase sensitive stains

Table 1 :

[0553] Surprisingly, the addition of a 1 ,2-alkanediol to a detergent and laundry composition result in an improved SRI on amylase sensitive stains compared to a detergent and laundry composition without the enzyme boosting agent. As can be seen from Table 1 , the higher the number of the carbon chain of the 1 ,2-alkanediol, the better is the SRI. By adding 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol or 1 ,2-decanediol to a detergent or laundry formulation, the stain removal performance can considerably be improved. The best enzyme boosting effect in terms of stain removal efficacy shows 1 ,2-decanediol. [0554] 2.2 Stain removal performance for mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols on amylase sensitive stains

Table 2:

[0555] As can be seen from Table 2, mixtures of 1 ,2-alkanediols surprisingly show a better stain removal performance in comparison to the respective single 1 ,2-alkanediols. In particular, 1 ,2-hexanediol in combination with 1 ,2-octanediol has a higher SRI than 1 ,2-hexanediol alone. Furthermore, the enzyme boosting effect is also enhanced, when 1 ,2-pentanediol is used in combination with 1 ,2-decanediol or 1 ,2-heptanediol. A distinguished stain removal effect can be observed when 1 ,2-decanediol is used either with 1 ,2-pentanediol or with 1 ,2-heptanediol in concentrations of each 1.0 or 0.75 % by weight in comparison to the use of the single 1 ,2- alkanediols. Accordingly, the use of a 1 ,2-alkanediol mixture in a detergent and laundry composition according to the present invention results in a synergistic stain removal performance.

2.3 Stain removal performance for mixtures of a 1,2-alkanediol and another enzyme boosting agent on amylase sensitive stains

Table 3:

[0556] As can be seen from Table 3, mixtures of a 1 ,2-alkanediol plus glyceryl caprylate or tropolone surprisingly show a better stain removal performance on amylase sensitive stain in comparison to the respective single 1,2-alkanediols. Accordingly, the combined use of a 1,2- alkanediol with another enzyme boosting agent according to the present invention results in a synergistic stain removal performance.

[0557] 2.4 Stain removal performance for mixtures of 4-HAP and a 1,2-alkanediol on amylase sensitive stains

Table 4:

[0558] As can be seen from Table 4, the addition of 4-HAP to an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition result in an increase of the SRI from 124.65 to 134.99. Surprisingly, the use of 4-HAP in combination with a 1 ,2-alkanediol results in an even higher SRI (4-HAP plus 05 = 139.10; 4-HAP plus C7 = 142.55; 4-HAP plus C10 = 143.11). The best performance is observed for a mixture of 4-HAP and 1 ,2-decanediol. All mixtures result in an improved stain removal performance, compared to the SRI of the single enzyme boosting agents.

[0559] 2.5 Stain removal performance for 1,2-heptanediol dependent on the surfactant content on amylase sensitive stains

Table 5:

[0560] As can be seen from Table 5, the addition of 1 ,2-heptanediol in a concentration of 1.0 % by weight to the laundry detergent composition can compensate the surfactant concentration decrease. The tested laundry detergent with a fifth part surfactant content upon addition of 1 ,2-heptanediol shows the same SRI in comparison with the laundry detergent with an unreduced surfactant content but without the use of an enzyme boosting agent. Thus, the 1 ,2-alkanediols used according to the present invention are not only suitable to boost the enzyme performance, but also suitable to compensate a reduction of the surfactant content in a detergent and cleaning composition according to the present invention.

[0561] 2.6 Stain removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols on lipase sensitive stains

Table 6:

[0562] Surprisingly, the addition of a 1 ,2-alkanediol to a detergent and laundry composition result in an improved SRI on lipase sensitive stain compared to a detergent and laundry composition without the enzyme boosting agent. As can be seen from Table 6, the higher the number of the carbon chain of the 1 ,2-alkanediol, the better is the SRI. By adding 1 ,2- heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol or 1 ,2-decanediol to a detergent or laundry formulation, the stain removal performance on lipase stain can considerably be improved. The best enzyme boosting effect in terms of stain removal efficacy shows 1 ,2-decanediol.

[0563] 2.7 Stain removal performance for mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols on lipase sensitive stains

Table 7:

[0564] As can be seen from Table 7, mixtures of 1 ,2-alkanediols surprisingly show a better stain removal performance in comparison to the respective single 1 ,2-alkanediols. In particular,

1.2-heptanediol in combination with 1 ,2-pentanediol has a higher SRI than 1 ,2-heptanediol or

1.2-pentanediol alone. Furthermore, the enzyme boosting effect is also enhanced, when 1 ,2- decanediol is used in combination with 1 ,2-pentanediol in comparison to 1 ,2-decanediol or 1 ,2- pentanediol alone. Accordingly, the use of a 1 ,2-alkanediol mixture in a detergent and laundry composition according to the present invention results in a synergistic stain removal performance.

2.8 Stain removal performance for a mixture of 4-HAP plus a 1 ,2-alkanediol on lipase sensitive stains

Table 8:

[0565] As can be seen from Table 8, the addition of 4-HAP as such to an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition has no stain removal effect on lipase sensitive stains. However, the combined use of 4-HAP with a 1,2-alkanediol result in an improved SRI, i.e. in a synergistic stain removal effect, compared to the use of the single 1,2-alkanediol. Hence, with a mixture of 4-HAP and 1,2-alkanediols enzyme boosting agents the stain removal effect can be considerable enhanced on lipase stain.

[0566] 2.9 Stain removal performance of different 1,2-alkanediols on protease sensitive stains

Table 9:

[0567] Surprisingly, the addition of a 1,2-alkanediol to a detergent and laundry composition results in an improved SRI on protease stains compared to a detergent and laundry composition without the enzyme boosting agent. As can be seen from Table 9, the higher the number of the carbon chain of the 1,2-alkanediol, the better is the SRI. By adding 1,2- pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol or 1 ,2-decanediol to a detergent or laundry formulation, the stain removal performance on protease stain can considerably be improved. The best enzyme boosting effect in terms of stain removal efficacy shows 1,2-decanediol.

[0568] 2.10 Stain removal performance for mixtures of 1,2-alkanediols on protease sensitive stains

Table 10:

[0569] As can be seen from Table 10, mixtures of 1 ,2-alkanediols surprisingly show a better stain removal performance on protease stains in comparison to the respective single 1 ,2- alkanediols. Accordingly, the use of a 1 ,2-alkanediol mixture in a detergent and laundry composition according to the present invention results in an enhanced stain removal performance.

[0570] 2.11 Stain removal performance for 1,2-alkanediols on mannanase sensitive stains

Table 11 :

[0571] Surprisingly, the addition of a 1 ,2-alkanediol to a detergent and laundry composition results in an improved SRI on mannanase stains compared to a detergent and laundry composition without the enzyme boosting agent. As can be seen from T able 11 , the higher the number of the carbon chain of the 1 ,2-alkanediol, the better is the SRI. By adding 1 ,2- hexanediol or 1 ,2-heptanediol to a detergent or laundry formulation, the stain removal performance on mannanase stain can considerably be improved.

[0572] 2.12 Stain removal performance for a mixture of a 1,2-alkanediol and a 2,3- alkanediol on mannanase sensitive stains

Table 12:

[0573] As can be seen from Table 12, a mixture of a 1 ,2-alkanediol and a 2,3-alkanediol surprisingly show a higher SRI on mannanase sensitive stains in comparison to the respective single 1 ,2-alkanediols. Accordingly, the combined use of a 1 ,2-alkanediol with a 2,3-alaknediol according to the present invention results in a synergistic stain removal performance.

[0574] 2.13 Stain removal performance for mixtures comprising a 1,2-alkanediol and a 2,3-alkanediol on different enzyme sensitive stains (as specified above)

Table 13:

[0575] As can be seen from Table 13, the combined use of 1 ,2-heptanediol and 2,3- heptanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition results in a synergistic stain removal effect compared to the use of the single 1 ,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol.

[0576] 2.14 Stain removal performance for mixtures comprising a 1,2-alkanediol and a 2,3-alkanediol on different enzyme sensitive stains (as specified above) Table 14:

[0577] As can be seen from Table 14, the combined use of 1 ,2-pentanediol and 2,3- pentanediol in the detergent and cleaning composition results in a synergistic stain removal effect compared to the use of the single 1 ,2-alkanediol and 2,3-alkanediol.

[0578] 2.15 Stain removal performance for a mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and ethyl hexyl glycerin on different enzyme sensitive stains (as specified above)

Table 15:

[0579] As can be seen from Table 15, the combined use of a 1 ,2-alkanediol and ethyl hexyl glycerin boosting agent in the detergent and cleaning composition results in a synergistic stain removal effect in comparison to the use of 1 ,2-octanediol alone. Hence, a mixture of said enzyme boosting agents in an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition considerably enhances stain removal performance.

[0580] 2.16 Stain removal performance for a mixture of 1,2-alkanediol and tropolone on different enzyme sensitive stains (as specified above)

Table 16:

[0581] As can be seen from Table 16, the combined use of a 1 ,2-alkanediol and tropolone boosting agent in the detergent and cleaning composition results in a synergistic stain removal effect in comparison to the use of1 ,2-pentanediol alone. Only a small concentration of tropolone is needed, in order to enhance the stain removal effect of 1 ,2-pentanediol. Hence, a mixture of said enzyme boosting agent in an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition is suitable to improve stain removal performance.

[0582] As can be seen from the above results, the addition of a boosting agent as specified in the present application in an enzyme detergent and cleaning composition either alone or in a mixture of two boosting agents results in a considerable improvement in stain removable. Hence, the enzyme detergent and cleaning. The detergents and cleaning compositions show even at a low rate of addition of the enzyme boosting agent or a mixture thereof excellent stain and soil removal and improved cleaning performance compared to a detergent and cleaning composition without the addition of such an enzyme boosting agent.

[0583] Example 3: Analytical enzyme performance

[0584] The effect of different enzyme boosting agents and their concentrations on enzyme performance are evaluated by an enzyme assay.

[0585] Enzyme assays are standardized experimental protocols, which are established in order to measure the performance or concentration of enzymes in biochemical systems. Mostly enzymatic assays are based upon the detection of fluorescent, luminescent, or spectrophotometric endpoint signal.

[0586] The enzyme boosting agents according to the present invention and an enzyme as specified herein are tested in a suitable puffer.

[0587] Three different enzymes are tested, namely a protease, an amylase, and a lipase.

[0588] Enzyme compositions are prepared varying the concentration of the enzyme boosting agent. The amount of enzyme in the buffer system were kept constant.

[0589] The samples are analysed for enzyme performance by a suitable enzyme assay. The results for each of the enzymes tested are collected.

[0590] In parallel, the same comparative tests under the same conditions are carried out for the same enzyme or enzyme mixture but without the enzyme boosting agent.

[0591] The comparative samples are analysed for enzyme performance under the same conditions as described for the aforesaid samples. The results for each of the enzymes tested are collected.

[0592] As can be seen from the results, the tested enzymes in combination with an enzyme boosting agent have an improved enzyme performance compared to the corresponding enzymes but without an enzyme boosting agent. These results demonstrate that the inventive enzyme boosting agents provide enhancement of enzyme performance.

[0593] Example 4: Formulation examples

0594] Table F1 : All-purpose cleaner

0595] Table F2: APC alkaline

0596] Table F3: Cleaner, liquid, citric acid

0597] Table F4: Detergent liquid light duty

598] Table F5: Dishwash liquid manual

599] Table F6: Fabric softener

600] Table F7: Fabric softener concentrate, encapsulated

601] Table F8: Rim block gel

602] Table F9: Cleaner, liquid, lactic acid

603] Table F10: ADW (Auto Dish Washing) gel

Claims

Claims A detergent and cleaning composition, comprising or consisting of (a) at least one enzyme or an enzyme formulation, comprising at least one enzyme; (b) at least one enzyme boosting agent selected from the group consisting of (b1) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol; (b") glyceryl caprylate; (bIH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone; (blv) ethyl hexyl glycerin; (bv) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; and (c) more than 3 % by weight of a surfactant, based on the total weight of the composition. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one enzyme is selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, cutinases, gluconases, peroxidases, pectinases, mannanases, esterases, hemicellulases, xylanases, phospholipases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, nucleases (including DNase and/or RNase), phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, B-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidases, chondroitinases, oxidoreductases, and any mixture thereof. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one linear alkanediol or the first linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol,

1.2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3- nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3-decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2- dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1 ,2- tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof; and/or the second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol,

2.3-pentanediol, 1 ,2-hexanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 2,3-heptanediol,

1.2-octanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 2,3- decanediol, 1 ,2-undecanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol,

1.2-tridecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 1 ,2-tetradecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 3, wherein the at least one linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-pentanediol, 1 ,2- hexanediol, 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1 ,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1 ,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof, preferably wherein the least one linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 1 ,2-heptanediol, 1 ,2-octanediol, 1,2-nonanediol, 1 ,2-decanediol, 1,2- undecanediol, 1 ,2-dodecanediol, 1 ,2-tridecanediol, 1,2-tetradecanediol, and any mixture thereof; or wherein the at least one linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of 2,3- pentanediol, 2,3-hexanediol, 2,3-heptanediol, 2,3-octanediol, 2,3-nonanediol, 2,3- decanediol, 2,3-undecanediol, 2,3-dodecanediol, 2,3-tridecanediol, 2,3-tetradecanediol and any mixture thereof; or wherein the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol is selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-pentanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-octanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-nonanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-decanediol and 2,3-decanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-undecanediol and 2,3-undecanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-dodecanediol and 2,3-dodecanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-tridecanediol and 2,3-tridecanediol; and a mixture comprising 1,2-tetradecanediol and 2,3-tetradecanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-hexanediol and 2,3-octanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-octanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-hexanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-heptanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-octanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-pentanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-pentanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-hexanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-octanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-octanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-nonanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 2,3-nonanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-decanediol; a mixture comprising 1,2-heptanediol and 1,2-undecanediol; a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-dodecanediol; and a mixture comprising 1 ,2-heptanediol and 1 ,2-tridecanediol. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol and one or more second linear alkanediol comprises the first linear alkanediol and the second alkanediol in a ratio in a range of 50 : 50 to 99.9 : 0.1 , preferably in a ratio in a range of 75 : 25 to 99 : 1 , more preferred in a ratio in a range of 80 : 20 to 98 : 2, still more preferred in a ratio of 90 : 10 to 95 : 5. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one surfactant is selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants, and any mixture thereof; preferably wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C10 to C18 alkyl benzene sulfonates;

C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates;

C10 to C18 alkyl sulfates, ethoxylated with 1 to 3 moles ethylene oxide;

C10 to C18 alpha-olefin sulfonates;

C8 to C18 alkyl carboxylates, ethoxylated with 1 to 10 moles ethylene oxide; and any mixture thereof; the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ethanolamines; quaternary C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium compounds;

C8 to C18 alkyl ammonium methosulfates; and any mixture thereof; the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of

C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, ethoxylated with 1 to 25 moles ethylene oxide, C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, propoxylated with 1 to 15 moles propylene oxide, C6 to C18 fatty alcohols, butoxylated with 1 to 10 moles butylene oxide, and combinations thereof;

C6 to C18 sophorolipids;

C6 to C18 rhamnolipids;

C5 to C18 alkyl polyglycosides;

C6 to C18 alkanolamides;

C6 to C18 fatty acid ester alkoxylates; and any mixture thereof; and the amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-dimethylamine oxide;

C10 to C18 N-(alkyl)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine oxide;

C10 to C18 alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide; C10 to C18 alkylbetaines;

C10 to C18 alkylamidobetaines;

C10 to C18 sulfobetaines; an any mixture thereof; and any mixture of the above specified cationic, anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactants. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising active substances and/or additives selected from the group consisting of solvents, builders, bleaching agents, soil release agents, dispersing agents, foam inhibitors, sequestrant agents, chelating agents, anti-redeposition agents, dye transfer inhibition/colour protection agents, dye scavengers, dyes, greying inhibitors, optical brighteners, ultraviolet light absorbers, thickeners or rheology modifiers, hydrotropes, solubility modifiers, pH-adjusting agents, buffers, solvents, anti-static agents, antiwrinkling agents, antimicrobial agents, odor removal/odor capturing agents, ultraviolet light protection agents, fragrances, sanitizing agents, disinfecting agents, water repellency agents, insect repellency agents, anti-pilling agents, souring agents, mildew removing agents, allergicide agents, and any mixture thereof. The detergent and cleaning composition according to claim 7, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the group consisting of benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, and any mixture thereof. The detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the enzyme in an amount of 0.0001 to 5 % by weight, preferred in an amount of 0.0001 to 4 % by weight, more preferred in an amount of 0.001 to 3 % by weight, still more preferred in an amount of 0.01 to 2 % by weight, most preferred in an amount of 0.05 to 2 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; and/or comprising the at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) in an amount of 0.001 to 15.0 % by weight, preferred in an amount of 0.01 to 10.0 % by weight, more preferred in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0 % by weight, still more preferred in an amount of 0.3 to 3.0 % by weight, most preferred in an amount of 0.5 to 1.0 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition; and/or comprising the at least one surfactant in an amount of 4 % by weight to 90 % by weight, preferred in an amount of 10 % by weight to 60 % by weight, more preferred in an amount of 20 % by weight to 50 % by weight, most preferred in an amount of 30 % by weight to 40 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Use of the detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 as, or for the preparation of a detergent and cleaning product; preferably for textile cleaning, laundry, fabric care, dishwashing, for household, institutional and industrial hard surface cleaning, cleaning medical and dental instruments. Detergent and cleaning product comprising the detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the detergent and cleaning composition or product is a heavy-duty detergent, colour-care detergent, light duty detergent, allpurpose washing agent, fabric softener, fabric laundry scent, scent lotion, laundry wipe, stain remover (pre-spotter, Vanish type), degreasing cleaner, washing machine cleaner, homecare products, all-purpose cleaner, hand dishwashing detergent, auto dishwashing detergent, hard surface cleaner, glass and mirror cleaner, wet cleaning wipe, kitchen cleaner, cleaner for cooking appliances, oven cleaner, floor cleaner, wood floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, bathroom and shower cleaner, toilet cleaner, grout cleaner, disinfectant, drain unblocker, toilet rim block gel, air fresheners, furniture polish, car shampoo; medical cleaning products, all of the aforementioned products in liquid, solid, gelled, bar, paste, spray, tablet, encapsulated, diluted or concentrated form and optionally in two- compartment or multi-compartment form; and all of the aforementioned products for household, medical, institutional, or industrial applications. A method of treating a stained and/or soiled substrate, comprising the steps of treating the substrate with the detergent and cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or product according to claim 11 ; and rinsing said substrate in water to remove said composition or product. Use of at least one enzyme boosting agent (b) selected from the group consisting of (b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined in any one of claims 3 to 5;

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof; for boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or for improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition. A method of boosting the performance of an enzyme in a detergent and cleaning composition and/or of improving the cleaning performance of a detergent and cleaning composition, comprising the steps of

(i) providing a detergent and cleaning composition comprising an enzyme; and

(b¹) at least one linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms or a mixture comprising at least one first linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms and one or more second linear alkanediol having a carbon chain of 5 to 14 carbon atoms which is different from the first linear alkanediol, as defined in any one of claims 3 to 5;

(b") glyceryl caprylate;

(b^IH) 4-hydroxyacetophenone;

(b^lv) ethyl hexyl glycerin;

(b^v) tropolone; and any mixture thereof.