NL1015355C1 - Process of treating a carpet with composition comprising a non irritant surfactant. A method of treating a carpet with a composition containing a non-irritating surfactant. - Google Patents

Description

- 1 -5

METHOD FOR TREATING A CARPET WITH A COMPOSITION CONTAINING A NON-IRRITANT SURFACE-ACTIVE

CONTAINS SUBSTANCE

10

Technical terrain

The invention relates to a method of treating a carpet with a liquid composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of treating a carpet, which method comprises applying a liquid composition to the carpet with an electric sprayer, the composition providing an advantage of no irritation to the mucous membranes .

20

Background of the invention

Carpets made of synthetic or natural fibers and mixtures thereof are commonly used for residential and commercial applications as a floor covering. Different types of fibers can be used in making carpets such as polyamide fibers, polyester fibers as well as wool, cotton or even silk in the case of rugs.

However, regardless of whether they are made of natural or synthetic fibers, carpets are all sensitive to dirt or stains if they come into contact with many household products. Foodstuffs, fats, oils, drinks, in particular such as coffee, tea and soft drinks in particular, which contain acidic dyes, can cause slight, often dark spots on carpets. Also, fibers can become dirty due to dirt particles, clay, dust, that is, particulate dirt in general, 1015355 * k - 2 - which comes into contact with and adheres to the fibers of the carpet. The latter dirt often appears in the form of a diffuse layer of dirt rather than in the form of stains and tends to collect especially in the so-called "high traffic areas" such as near doors, due to intensive use of the carpets in such areas.

Liquid compositions for treating carpets are already known in the art. For example, as described in WO 95/04127. To improve the cleaning performance of such liquid compositions, surfactants are added to the carpet cleaning compositions, as described, for example, in EP-A-0 794 244.

Liquid carpeting compositions can be applied to a carpet in a number of ways using, for example, manually operated sprayers such as hand-actuated trigger sprayers, pressurized aerosol sprayers such as pressurized aerosols, electrically powered sprayers and the like . However, large surfaces, such as carpets, are difficult to treat with manually powered sprayers or pressurized aerosol sprayers. The large surface to be treated requires the application of a large amount of the liquid composition. Pressurized aerosol sprayers contain only a limited amount of product and have negative environmental effects. Manually powered sprayers require repeated manual operation of the sprayer to apply the composition to the large area. This is laborious for the user and leads to an uneven distribution of the liquid composition over the treated surface. Therefore, electrically powered sprayers are a preferred application for liquid carpet treatment compositions. Electrically powered sprayers for use in carpet treatment applications are known in the art, 1015355

I I

3 - as described, for example, in pending patent application PCT / US99 / 07347.

However, liquid carpet treatment compositions containing a surfactant which have been applied to a carpet 5 with an electrically powered sprayer may cause irritation to the mucous membranes of the sprayer user or other persons standing near where the composition is placed on the carpet sprayed. During application of the liquid composition, the electrically powered sprayer forms a fine mist of drops of the composition. This fine mist of drops includes drops small enough to form an aerosol or mist of drops. This aerosol is at least partially suspended in the air for a limited period of time and can thus be inhaled by the user or by people in the vicinity. When the inhaled compositions contain a surfactant, it has been found that such compositions can cause irritation of mucous membranes, for example, in the nose, mouth, throat or eyes.

Thus, the object of the invention is to provide a method for treating a carpet, which method comprises applying a liquid composition to the carpet with an electric spraying device, whereby the user or the people in the vicinity are not affected by irritation of mucous membranes.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method of the invention for treating a carpet, which method provides an excellent all-round cleaning performance on various types of stains, including particulate stains, grease stains, bleachable stains and / or enzymatic stains.

It has now been found that the above objectives can be achieved by a method of treating a carpet according to the present invention.

1015355

"V

- 4 -

An advantage of the method of treating carpets of the invention is that the method provides a safe, convenient and quick way for the user to clean a carpet, while the method also provides excellent all-around cleaning performance.

Even more advantageously, the method of treating carpets of the invention provides excellent cleaning performance when used to clean both the entire carpet and localized carpet stains.

Advantageously, excellent cleaning performance is obtained on various types of stains and dirt, including enzymatic stains as well as particulate dirt and / or grease stains, particularly in heavily soiled so-called "high traffic areas".

A further advantage of the invention is that the method of treatment for carpets herein is applicable to all types of carpet, in particular delicate natural fibers. The invention is also suitable for use in cleaning durable textile materials and durable fabrics, eg upholstery, carpets and curtains.

Yet another advantage of the method of treating carpets and of the compositions of the present invention is that they can be applied directly to the carpet without causing damage. In particular, the compositions used in the invention are safe for all known carpet dyes, even well known particularly sensitive natural dyes.

30

Background technique

Certain surfactants are known to have the advantage of low skin, eye and / or mucous membrane irritation. For example, EP-A-0 396 340, JP-A-07197079 and GB 2,236,321 disclose compositions containing a sulfosuccinate surfactant, the compositions having the benefit of and low skin, eye, 1 015 3 5 5 I 1 - 5 - and / or mucosal irritation · However, no spray applications are described.

DE-OS-21 16 147 describes a sprayable carpet cleaning shampoo comprising a specific sulfosuccinamate surfactant, a sodium lauryl sulfate and a specific sulfosuccinate surfactant. Furthermore, the carpet cleaning shampoo provides the advantage of no irritation to the mucous membranes due to the presence of the surfactant system. However, no carpet cleaning compositions are described which are applied to the carpet with an electric sprayer.

Summary of the invention

The invention includes a method of treating a carpet, which method comprises applying a liquid composition to the carpet with an electric sprayer, the composition containing a non-irritating anionic surfactant which is non-irritating to mucous membranes is classified 20 as measured with a solution of 5% active surfactant by the Draize test method.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises a peroxygen bleaching agent.

Detailed description of the invention

Method for treating a carpet

The invention includes a method of treating a carpet, which method comprises applying a liquid composition to the carpet with an electric spray device, the composition containing a non-irritating anionic surfactant as described herein.

In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the method comprises the steps of applying the composition to the surface of the carpet and allowing the composition to substantially dry on the carpet. More preferably, the method of treating a carpet further comprises the step of removing the composition, even more preferably, the method of treating a carpet further comprises the step of removing the composition in combination with dirt particles .

In another embodiment of the application, the method comprises the steps of applying the composition to parts, preferably heavily soiled parts, of the carpet, mechanically moving the composition with a tool in the soiled parts of the carpet layer and 10 practically allowing the composition to dry on the carpet. More preferably, the method of treating a carpet further comprises the step of removing the composition, even more preferably, the method of treating a carpet further comprises the step of removing the composition in combination with dirt particles. A number of tools can be used to provide the mechanical movement, including brushes, paper towels, a human finger and the like. The mechanical movement allows the liquid composition to penetrate better into the carpet fibers and thus improves the chemical cleaning action. In addition, this contact loosens the dirt particles that form the stain.

In the method according to the invention, the composition is applied to the carpet with an electrically driven spraying device. The sprayer is preferably a container that has at least one opening through which the composition is dispensed to form a mist of droplets.

Such electrically powered sprayers 30 may include means for dispensing the composition by means of a pump ("pump sprayer"). The electrically powered sprayers are particularly preferred when a large area is to be treated and / or when a large amount is to be applied to a highly stained area ("stain") of the carpet because they facilitate ease of use by the consumer - 1015355 - 7 -. The electrically powered sprayers ensure uniform coverage of the area to be treated.

A preferred electrically powered sprayer herein is a container wherein the means for dispensing the composition comprises an electrically powered pump and a spray arm. The spray arm is either extended or retractable and has at least one opening so that in operation the composition is pumped from the container by the electrically driven pump, through the spray arm to the opening from which it is dispensed. It is preferred that the spray arm communicates with the container by means of a flexible connector. The spray arm may have at least one opening along its length. The spray arm makes it easier to control where the composition is sprayed, thereby increasing the accuracy with which the composition is applied. The electrically driven pump can be, for example, a gear pump, a impeller pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump or any other miniature pump. In a highly preferred embodiment, the electrically driven pump for use herein is a gear pump with a typical speed between 6000 rpm and 12000 rpm. The electrically driven pump is driven by means which usually produce a torque between 1 and 20 mN.m, such as an electric motor. The electric motor must in turn be supplied with an energy source. The energy source can either be electricity from the mains (possibly via a transformer), or it can be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. The spray arm can be stiffly extended. However, such a spray arm can be difficult to store and the spray arm is preferably extendable by a telescopic or folding configuration.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the composition is applied to the carpet in the form of a droplet mist having a particle size distribution with an average diameter D (v, 0.9) less than 1015355 • 1 - 8 - 1,500 microns, preferably less than 1,000 microns, more preferably less than 750 microns, even more preferably less than 500 microns, and most preferably from 350 microns to 10 microns.

By "mean diameter D (v, 0.9) less than 5,100 microns" for a droplet size distribution is meant that 90% of the mist of released droplets (expressed in unit of volume) has a droplet diameter less than 1500 microns. For example, a D (v, 0.9) less than 1500 microns indicates that 90% of the total sprayed volume is delivered with the droplets whose diameter is less than 1500 microns.

The particle size distribution of a drop of mist can be determined by the following procedure described in detail below: A suitable test equipment is the Malvern Master Sizer S LongBed® with a 1000 mm lens and a maximum particle size range of 3475 microns. The Malvern Mastersizer S LongBed® has a 21 cm gap (between its lenses) to allow flow of the mist. For all 20 readings on the Malvern®, the lens surface should be kept free from mist contamination. In the present setting procedure, the distance from the opening of the mist dispenser to the laser was set to 8 cm to minimize lens fouling. At a distance of 8 cm, the mist was directed at the laser beam to place the laser in the center of the spray cone. At least three readings must be taken for each sprayed composition to determine the particle size distribution of the droplet mist. The electrically powered sprayers to be used in the test of the invention are preferably battery powered systems. When such a battery powered system is used, a "full charge test" is performed. By "full charge test" herein is meant that the current was kept constant by connecting the battery powered sprayer 10153 55-9 with a 3.9 volt direct current (vdc) from an external power source ensuring a constant spraying power.

Any container adapted to deliver a spray of drops as defined herein is suitable for use herein. Various modifications can be made to the conventional single-hole spray nozzle to ensure that a mist of such droplets as required herein is formed.

The amount applied of the carpet treatment compositions 10 of the invention will depend on the severity of the stain or soil. In the case of stubborn stains, more than one application may be required to ensure complete stain removal.

The area to be treated by applying the compositions according to the invention can be of any size. For example, parts of the carpets, a full section and / or the entire carpet can be treated with the carpet treatment composition of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the composition applied to the carpet is allowed to virtually dry. Typically, the composition is allowed to dry on the carpet for less than two hours, preferably less than one hour, more preferably less than 40 minutes, more preferably 1 to 30 minutes, and most preferably 1 to 20 minutes.

Preferably, the step of allowing the composition to dry on the carpet (drying step) may be either an "active drying step" or a "passive drying step". By "active drying step" herein is meant to perform an additional action to facilitate evaporation of the volatile components of the liquid composition as described herein, preferably by heating the carpet and / or the liquid composition applied thereto, Preferably heating by applying hot air, infrared radiation and the like. By "passive drying step" is meant herein evaporation of the 1015355

I.

Volatile constituents of the liquid composition as described herein without taking further action.

By "substantially dry" herein is meant the phase where at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, of the initial amount of composition applied to the carpet is lost due to evaporation.

The step of allowing the composition to dry on the carpet is, of course, performed under "normal temperature" and "normal humidity conditions". By "normal temperature conditions" herein is meant 15 to 25 ° C, preferably 20 to 25 ° C. By "normal humidity conditions" herein is meant 40% relative humidity to 80% relative humidity, preferably 50% relative humidity to 65% relative humidity.

Of course, the composition can be allowed to dry practically until the composition combined with dirt forms substantially dry residues. Preferably, the composition, and more preferably, the substantially dry residues are then removed from the carpet. Even more preferably, the substantially dry residues are removed mechanically, such as, for example, by brushing, sweeping, tapping, and / or by vacuuming. This can be done using any commercially available vacuum cleaner, such as a standard Hoover® 1300W vacuum cleaner.

According to the invention, the compositions herein can be used to remove stains and dirt as well as odors from carpets or durable textile materials and durable fabrics, eg upholstery. Moreover, the compositions according to the invention can be used to carry out a hygienic treatment, to disinfect and / or to exterminate micro-insects in carpets or durable textile materials and fabrics, for example upholstery, carpets and curtains.

35 The composition

The compositions of the invention are formulated as liquid compositions. Preferred compositions herein are aqueous compositions, and they preferably contain water in an amount of from 60 to 98 wt%, more preferably from 80 to 97 wt%, and most preferably 85 to 97 wt% of the total composition .

The pH of the liquid compositions of the invention can usually be 1 to 14. In the preferred embodiment, the recommended pH range is 1 to 10, preferably pH 2 to 8, more preferably pH 3 to 7, and most preferably pH 3.5 to 6.5. Indeed, it has surprisingly been found that the cleaning performance is further improved at these preferred pH ranges. Also, these preferred pH ranges contribute to the stability of hydrogen peroxide, if any. Accordingly, the compositions herein may further contain an acid or base to properly adjust the pH.

Preferred acids herein are organic or inorganic acids or mixtures thereof. Preferred organic acids are acetic or citric acid or a mixture thereof. Preferred inorganic acids are sulfuric or phosphoric acid or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred acid which can be used herein is an inorganic acid and most preferably is sulfuric acid.

Typical levels of such acids, if present, are 0.01 to 1.0 wt%, preferably 0.05 to 0.8 wt%, and most preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt% of the total together rack .

The bases to be used herein can be organic or inorganic bases. Suitable bases for use herein are the caustic alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and / or lithium hydroxide, and / or the alkali metal oxides such as sodium and / or potassium oxide or mixtures thereof. A preferred base is a caustic alkali, more preferably sodium hydroxide and / or potassium hydroxide.

Other suitable bases include ammonia, ammonium carbonate and hydrogen carbonate.

Typical levels of such bases, if present, are 0.01 to 1.0 wt%, preferably 0.05 to 1015355 - 12 - 0.8 wt%, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 wt%. the total composition.

Non-irritating anionic surfactant 5 As an essential ingredient, the composition of the invention contains a non-irritating anionic surfactant which is classified as non-irritating to mucous membranes as measured with a 5% active surfactant solution containing the Drai-10 she test method.

Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 50% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, and most preferably 1 to 5% by weight, of the total composition of the non-irritating anionic surfactant 15 contain substance.

Preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactant is a non-irritating anionic surfactant that is considered non-irritating to mucous membranes, as measured with a 10% active surfactant solution using the Draize test method. More preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactant is a non-irritating anionic surfactant which is classified as non-irritating to mucous membranes as measured by a 20% active surfactant solution by the Draize test method.

The Draize Test Method (Draize, JH, Appraisal of the Safety of Chemicals in Foods, Drugs and Cosmetics, Assoc. Food Drug Officials, US, Topeka, Kansas, 1959) is used to identify ingredients (such as surfactants) in foods, pharmaceuticals and / or test cosmetic products for their irritation properties for skin, eyes, mucous membranes and the like.

A typical test according to the Draize test method uses between six and nine rabbits. Rabbits are traditionally used based on their body weight and ease of use. A predetermined amount (for example, 0.1 ml) and concentration (for example, a solution of 515% active surfactant, preferably a solution of 10% active surfactant, more preferably a solution of 20% active surfactant ) of the test substance is dripped, placed or injected into the lower eyelid of a rabbit eye with the untreated eye serving as a control. The resulting eye injuries are assessed visually by an assessment expert who determines the level of irritation (e.g., as viewed as redness) 10 at intervals of 1, 24, 48, 72, and 168 hours after exposure and instinctively determines an irritation value for the test substance. The assessment is based on the degree of redness of the cornea and inflammation of the iris and conjunctiva. The amount of total irritation is entered in a numbered scale from 0 to 110, 110 being a high degree of irritation. A score between 0 and 10 is required to define a chemical as "non-irritant", that is, the substance (for example, the surfactant) is "classified" as non-irritant to mucous membranes. A score between 11 and 25 defines a substance as slightly irritating. A score between 26 and 56 defines the chemical as moderately irritating. A score between 57 and 110 defines the chemical as severely irritating.

It has now been found that an advantage of no irritation is provided when using a non-irritating anionic surfactant as described herein in a composition applied to a carpet with an electric sprayer. The advantage of no irritation is evidenced by a reduction or even absence of irritation to the mucous membranes of the user of an electric sprayer or persons in the vicinity.

By "reduced irritation of the mucous membranes" 35 is meant herein that the irritation of mucous membranes of the user of an electrical sprayer while spraying, or in the vicinity thereof, a non-irritating anionic surfactant such as 1015355-14 is described herein. compared to the irritation of mucous membranes that can occur when an anionic surfactant which is not classified as non-irritating to mucous membranes as measured by a solution of 5% active surfactant by the Draize test method is present in the sprayed composition.

Suitable non-irritating anionic surfactants as described herein are selected from the group consisting of sarcosinate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, sulfosuccinamate surfactants, sulfosuccinami desurfactants, carboxylactactyls, carboxyl. Preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of sarcosinate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, carboxylate surfactants, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of sarcocinate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Highly preferred non-irritating anionic surfactants herein are sulfosuccinate surfactants.

In fact, sulfosuccinate surfactants have not only been found to be non-irritating or less irritating to mucous membranes than other surfactants, but have also been found to be the irritation caused by other surfactants 1 0 153 55 - 15 - used in combination (see Surfactant Science Series, Anionic Surfactants, Organic Chemistry Volume 56, page 341, Marcel Dekker, Inc. NY and Basel).

Suitable sulfosuccinate surfactants have the formula

O

R '^ ° i ^ Y0 ^ 10 0 = s = 00 O' +

M

Wherein: Rx is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl groups of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and alkylphenyl groups of 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; R2 is a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl groups of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and alkyl phenyl groups of 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group; and M is hydrogen or a cationic moiety, for example an alkali metal cation (eg sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (eg methyl, dimethyl and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethylarmranium-30 and dimethylpiperidinium cat ions and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof and the like).

Such sulfosuccinate surfactants are commercially available under the trademarks Aerosol® at Cytec, Anionyx® at Stepan, Arylene® at Hart, Setacin® at 1015355-16 -

Zschimmer & Schwarz, Mackanate® at McIntyre and Monowet® at Mona Industries.

Suitable alkyl sulfonate surfactants for use herein include water-soluble salts or acids of the formula RS03M, wherein R is a linear or branched C6-C20 saturated or unsaturated alkyl group, preferably a C8-C18 alkyl group, and more preferably a C10-C16 alkyl group and Μ is H or a cation, for example an alkali metal cation (eg sodium, potassium, lithium), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (eg methyl, dimethyl and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethyl ammonium and dimethylpiperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines, such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof and the like).

An example of a C14-C16 alkyl sulfonate is Hostapur® SAS available from Hoechst.

Suitable alkyl sulfate surfactants for use herein have the formula R 1 SC 4 M, which means a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups of 6 to 20, preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl. groups with 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M is H or a cation, for example an alkali metal cation (for example sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (for example methyl, dimethyl and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethylammonium and dimethylpiperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof and the like).

By "linear alkyl sulfate or sulfonate" is meant herein an unsubstituted alkyl sulfate or sulfonate in which the alkyl chain contains from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and wherein this alkyl chain is sulfated or sulfonated at one end.

By "branched sulfonate or sulfate" herein is meant an alkyl chain of 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, the alkyl main chain being substituted by at least one other alkyl chain, and the alkyl chain being one sulfated or sulfonated end.

Particularly preferred branched alkyl sulfates which can be used herein are those containing 10 to 14 carbon atoms in total, such as Isalchem 123 AS®. Isalchem 123 AS® commercially available from Enichem is a C12-13 surfactant that is 94% branched. This material can be described as CH3- (CH2) m-CH (CH20SO3Na) - (CH2) n-CH3 where n + m = 8-9. Also preferred alkyl sulfates are alkyl sulfates in which the alkyl chain contains a total of 12 carbon atoms, i.e. sodium 2-butyloctyl sulfate. Such an alkyl sulfate is commercially available from Condea under the trade name Isofol® 12S. Particularly suitable linear alkyl sulfonates include C12-C16 paraffin sulfonate such as Hosta-pur® SAS commercially available from Hoechst.

Suitable sulfosuccinamate surfactants for use herein have the formula 25

O

Rt \ JL 03

TV

o wherein R 3 and R 2 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl groups of 6 to 20, preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and alkyl phenyl groups of 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M is H or a 1015355-18 cation, for example an alkali metal cation (e.g. sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g. methyl, dimethyl and trimethyl ammonium cations and quater-5 nary ammonium cations such as tetramethylammonium and dimethylpiperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof and the like).

Suitable sulfosuccinamide surfactants for use herein have the formula

I M

Rl ^ N ^ Y ^ ° | Ri 15 b γ]%

O

wherein Rx and R2 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight and branched chain alkyl groups of 6 to 20, preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and alkyl phenyl groups of 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M is H or a cation, for example an alkali metal cation (eg sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (eg methyl, dimethyl and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethyl ammonium - and dimethylpiperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof and the like).

Suitable alkyl carboxylate surfactants for use herein have the formula RC02M, wherein: R represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or branched chain alkyl groups of 6 to 20, preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl 1015355 - 19 - groups with 6 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M is H or a cation, for example an alkali metal cation (for example, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (for example, methyl, dimethyl and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations such as tetramethylammonium and dimethylpiperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines, such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof and the like.

Suitable sarcosinate surfactants for use herein include acyl sarconsinate or mixtures thereof in the acid and / or salt form thereof, preferably long chain acyl sarcosinates of the following formula: 15 Av ”ch 3 o 20 wherein M is hydrogen or a cation residue and wherein R is a alkyl group of 11 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably 11 to 13 carbon atoms. Preference for M is hydrogen and alkali metals, in particular sodium and potassium. The 25 acyl sarcosinate surfactants are derived from natural fatty acids and the amino acid sarcosine (N-methylglycine). They are suitable for use as an aqueous solution of their salt or in their acid form as a powder. Because they are derivatives of natural fatty acids, the acylsarconsina-30s are rapidly and completely biodegradable and have good skin compatibility.

Accordingly, particularly preferred long chain acyl sarconsinates for use herein include C12 acyl sarcosinate, i.e., an acyl sarcosinate of the above formula wherein M is hydrogen and R is an alkyl group of 11 carbon atoms, sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate (i.e. an acyl sarcosinate of the above formula wherein M is sodium and R is an alkyl group of 11 carbon atoms) and C14 acyl sarcosinate (i.e. an acyl sarcosinate of the above formula wherein M is hydrogen and R is an alkyl-5 group with 13 carbon atoms). Sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate is commercially available as, for example, Hampo-syl L-30® supplied by Hampshire, or Crodasinic LS30® supplied by Croda. C14 acyl sarcosinate is commercially available as, for example, Hampsyl M-30® supplied by Hampshire or Crodasinic MS30® supplied by Croda.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-irritating anionic surfactant is a mixture of a sulfosuccinate surfactant and a second non-irritating anionic surfactant. More preferably, the non-irritating anionic surfactant is a mixture of a sulfosuccinate surfactant and a sulfate surfactant.

Such a mixture of a sulfosuccinate surfactant and a sulfate surfactant is commercially available under the trade name Zoharpon® from Zohar.

The compositions used in the method of treating carpets of the invention provide excellent cleaning performance on various soils including diffuse soils (eg particulate and / or greasy soils) that tend to accumulate in the so-called "areas where is walked a lot, but also gives a good cleaning performance on other types of stains or dirt, ie enzymatic stains such as blood.

By "high traffic areas" herein is meant areas of intensive use of the carpets in such areas such as, for example, in the vicinity of doors.

By "particulate stains" herein is meant any dirt or any particulate stains that may be found on a carpet, eg clay, dirt, dust, mud, concrete and the like.

1015355 - 21 -

By "grease / oil stains" herein is meant any grime or stain of a greasy / oily nature that can be found on a carpet, for example, make-up, lipstick, dirty motor oil and mineral oil, greasy foods such as mayonnaise and spaghetti sauce .

By "enzymatic stains" here is meant any dirt or stains of an enzymatic nature that can be found on a carpet, for example grass.

The cleaning performance of a given composition on a dirty carpet can be assessed by the following test method: a liquid composition according to the invention is first applied, preferably sprayed, on the dirty part of a carpet, it is left on it from 1 to 60 minutes, preferably 30 minutes, after which the carpet is vacuumed with a commercially available vacuum cleaner such as, for example, a standard Hoover® 1300W vacuum cleaner. The soil used in this test can be particulate stains, grease / oil stains or enzymatic stains as described above. The cleaning performance 20 can be visually assessed with panel score units to evaluate the cleaning performance.

Optional Ingredients Peroxygen Bleaching Agent As an optional ingredient having a strong advantage, the ingredients of the invention may contain a peroxygen bleaching agent.

Suitable peroxygen bleaches for use herein are selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen peroxide; water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide; organic or inorganic peracids; hydroperoxides; diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, a hydrogen peroxide source refers to any compound that forms perhydroxyl-35 ions when the compound is in contact with water. Suitable water-soluble hydrogen peroxide sources for use herein are selected from group 1015355-22 - consisting of percarbonates, perborates and persilicates and mixtures thereof.

Suitable diacyl peroxides for use herein are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, aromatic and aliphatic aromatic diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof.

Suitable aliphatic diacyl peroxides for use herein are dilaurol peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dimyrisyl peroxide or mixtures thereof. A suitable aromatic diacyl peroxide for use herein is, for example, benzoyl peroxide. A suitable aliphatic-aromatic diacyl peroxide for use herein is, for example, lauroyl benzoyl peroxide. Such diacyl peroxides have the advantage of being particularly safe for carpets and carpet dyes while providing excellent bleaching performance.

Suitable organic or inorganic peracids for use herein are selected from the group consisting of: persulfates such as monopersulfate; peroxyacids such as diperoxododecanedioic acid (DPDA); magnesium perphthalic acid; perlauric-20 acid; perbenzoic acid and alkyl perbenzoic acid and mixtures thereof.

Suitable hydroperoxides for use herein are selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumyl hydroperoxide, 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-hydroperoxide, di-isopropylbenzene monohydroperoxide, tert-amyl hydroperoxide and 2.5 dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide and mixtures thereof. Such hydroperoxides have the advantage of being particularly safe for carpets and carpet dyes while providing excellent bleaching performance.

Preferred peroxygen bleaches herein are selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen peroxide; water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide, organic or inorganic peracids; hydroperoxydes and diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof.

More preferred peroxygen bleaches herein are selected from the group consisting of 1015355-23 hydrogen peroxide, water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide and diacyl peroxides, and mixtures thereof. Even more preferred peroxygen bleaches herein are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide, aliphatic diacyl peroxides, aromatic diacyl peroxides and aliphatic aromatic diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. Most preferred peroxygen bleaches are hydrogen peroxide, water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide, or mixtures thereof.

Typically, the liquid compositions herein contain 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, and more preferably 1 to 7% by weight, of the total composition of a peroxygen bleach or mixtures thereof.

The presence of a peroxygen bleaching agent in preferred composition used in the carpet treatment process of the invention contributes to the excellent cleaning and purification performance on various soils including stains such as bleachable stains (eg coffee, beverage, foodstuffs) ) of the compositions of the present invention.

By "bleachable stains" herein is meant any dirt or stains that contain bleach-sensitive ingredients that can be found on a carpet, for example, coffee or tea.

Means to get dirty again

The compositions as described herein may contain a highly preferred optional constituent as an optional ingredient.

Suitable antifouling agents include antifouling polymers.

Suitable poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymers have the general formula: 1015355

- 24 -COOH

"T'Y)" n

5 OCH3 COOH

wherein n (degree of polymerization) is an integer from 50 to 1600, preferably 100 to 800, more preferably 200 to 400.

Accordingly, suitable poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymers for use herein have an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000,000, preferably 10,000 to 1,000,000, more preferably 10,000 to 500,000, and most preferably 50,000 to 100,000.

Suitable poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymers are commercially available from, for example, ISP Corporation, New York, NY and Montreal, Canada under the product name Gantrez AN Copolymer® (AN-119 copolymer, average molecular weight of 20,000; AN- 139 copolymer, average molecular weight of 41,000; AN-149 copolymer, average molecular weight of 50,000; AN-169 copolymer, average molecular weight of 67,000; AN-179 copolymer, average molecular weight of 80,000), Gantrez S® ( Gantrez S97®, average molecular weight of 70,000) and Gantrez ES® (ES-225, ES-335, ES-425, ES-435), Gantrez V® (V-215, V-225, 25 V-425).

Preferably, the poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymers are either cross-linked or non-cross-linked, i.e., linear. Most preferably, the poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymers are not cross-linked.

Suitable anti-fouling polymers include dirt-suspending polyamine polymers. Any soil suspending polyamine polymer known to those skilled in the art may also be used herein. Particularly suitable polyamine polymers for use herein are alkoxylated polyamines. Such materials can conveniently be represented as molecules with the empirical structures with the repeating units: 1015355 - 25 - ΓΝ R1 η.

-1 - J- Amxe shape

5 I

(alkoxy) y and R1

10 I

[N + ____ R 1 -n Quaternized form 15 (alkoxy) y in which R is a hydrocarbon group, usually with 2-6 carbon atoms; Rx may be a C 1 -C 10 hydrocarbon; the alkoxy groups are ethoxy, propoxy and the like and y is 2 to 30, most preferably 7 to 20; n is an integer of at least 20, preferably 2 to 40, most preferably 2 to 5, and X- is an anion such as halide or methyl sulfate from the quaternization reaction.

The most preferred polyamines for use herein are the so-called ethoxylated polyethylene amines, ie the polymerized reaction product of ethylene oxide with ethyleneimine of the general formula: (EtO) y_ [N_CH2_CH2 _] _ n_N_ (EtO) y 30 ii (EtO) y (EtO) y wherein y is 2 to 50, preferably 3 to 50 and η is 1 to 40, 3 preferably 2 to 40. Particularly preferred for use herein is an ethoxylated polyethylene amine, especially an ethoxylated polyethylene amine in which 1 0 15 3 5 5 - 26 - n = 2 and y = 20 and an ethoxylated polyethylene amine in which n = 40 and y = 7.

Suitable ethoxylated polyethylene amines are commercially available from Nippon Shokubai CO., LTD 5 under the product names ESP-062OA® (ethoxylated polyethylene amine in which n = 2 and y = 20) or from BASF under the product names ES-8165 and from BASF under the product name LUTENSIT K - 187 / 50® (ethoxylated polyethylene amine in which n = 40 and y = 7).

Suitable anti-fouling polymers also include polyamine N-oxide polymers.

Suitable polyamine N-oxide polymers for use herein have the following formula: R-Αχ-Ρ with at least one N-oxide group (N-O group); Wherein P is a polymerizable unit to which an N-O group can be attached and / or the N-O group can be part of the polymerizable unit; A is one of the following structures: 0 0 0 2 0 II II II | -NC-, -CO-, -C-, -N-, -O-, -S-; X 0 or 1 IS; and R is an aliphatic, ethoxylated aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic group or any combination thereof to which the N-O group can be attached to R or the nitrogen of the N-O group is part of R.

The "N-O group" means one of the following general structures: 30

O O

(R 1) x -N - (R 1) y = N (R 1) x (R-3) z where R 1; R2, R3 are aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof; x, y and z are 0 or 1; and the nitrogen of the N-O group may be 1015355-27 - bound to or part of the aforementioned groups.

Any polymerizable unit P can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is water soluble and the carpet treatment composition provides carpet cleaning benefits and / or advantages in respect of non-soiling of the carpet. For the polymerizable unit P, vinyl, alkylenes, esters, ethers, amides, imides, acrylates and mixtures thereof are preferred. A more preferred polymerizable unit P is vinyl.

Preferred polyamine N oxide polymers are those in which R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole or a derivative thereof, to which the nitrogen of the NO group can be attached or in which the NO group is part of these groups. Most preferred for polyamine N-oxide polymers are those polymers in which R is a pyridine.

The polyamine N-oxide polymer can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerization. Typically, the average molecular weight is in the range of 1,000 to 100,000, more preferably 5,000 to 100,000, most preferably 5,000 to 25,000.

Suitable polyamine N-oxide polymers are polyvinyl-pyridine-N-oxide polymers in which: the polymerizable unit P is vinyl; x = 0; and R is pyridine, the nitrogen of the N-O group being part of it.

Suitable polyvinylpyridine N-oxide polymers are commercially available from Hoechst under the trade name Hoe S 4268® and from Reilly Industries Ine. under the brand name 3 0 PVNO.

Furthermore, anti-fouling polymers include N-vinyl polymer.

Suitable N-vinyl polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid and mixtures thereof.

1015355 - 28 -

Suitable copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole polymers (referred to as a class as "PVPVI") have the formula:

5 Η H

-C-CH2 --- c-ch2 - HH n n m where n is between 50 and 500 and preferably between 80 and 200 and m is between 50 and 500 and preferably between 80 and 200.

The PVPVI preferably has an average molecular weight range from 1,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 100,000, and most preferably from 5,000 to 20,000. (The average molecular weight range is determined by light scattering as described in Barth, et al., Chemical Analysis, part 113. "Modern Methods of Polymer Characterization," the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.)

The PVPVI copolymers usually have a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-vinylpyrrolidone from 1: 1 to 0.2: 1, more preferably from 0.8: 1 to 0.3: 1, most preferably from 0.6: 1 up to 0.4: 1. These copolymers can be either linear or branched.

Suitable copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole are commercially available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan® PG55.

Suitable polyvinylpyrrolidone ("PVP") for use herein are homopolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone with the following repeating monomer: 1015355-29 -i-ch2--

N

5 n2c 'sc = o H2 C-Ah2

Preferred vinyl pyrrolidone homopolymers for use herein have an average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, preferably 5,000 to 100,000, more preferably 5,000 to 20,000.

Suitable vinyl pyrrolidone homopolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade names Luviskol® 15 KI5 (viscosity molecular weight of 10,000), Luviskol® K25 (viscosity molecular weight of 24,000), Luviskol® K30 (viscose molecular weight of 40,000) and other vinyl pyrrolidones known to those skilled in the art of ophthalmic polymer. for example EP-A-262,897 and EP-A-256,696).

Suitable copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid (designated as a class as "PV / AA") have the formula: 25 Γ ï Ί Γ ï --C-CH2 --- C-CH2--

I I

CO OH

* - - * 01 30 n wherein n is between 50 and 1000 and preferably between 100 and 200 and m is between 150 and 3000 and preferably between 300 and 600.

1015355 - 30 -

Preferably, the PV / AA have an average molecular weight range from 1,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 5.00 to 100,000, and most preferably from 5,000 to 25,000.

Suitable copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid are commercially available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan® PG 310.

Preferred N-vinyl polymers are polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrololidone and acrylic acid and mixtures thereof, even more preferred are polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers.

Suitable anti-fouling polymers also include soil-suspending polycarboxylate polymers.

Any soil-suspending polycarboxylate polymer known to those skilled in the art can be used according to the present invention such as homo- or copolymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts including polyacrylates and copolymers of maleic anhydride or / and acrylic acid and the like. In fact, such soil suspending poly-20 carboxylate polymers can be prepared by polymerizing or copolymerizing suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in their acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids that can be polymerized to form suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include acrylic acid, maleic acid (or maleic anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid, and methylene malonic acid. The presence in the polymeric polycarboxylates herein of monomeric segments which do not contain carboxylate groups such as vinyl methyl ether, styrene, ethylene, etc. is suitable with the proviso that such segments do not form more than 40% by weight.

Particularly suitable polymeric polycarboxylates for use herein can be derived from acrylic acid. Such acrylic acid based polymers useful herein are the water-soluble polymerized acrylic acid salts. The average molecular weight of such polymers in the acid form preferably ranges from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 4,000 to 7,000, and most preferably from 4,000 to 5,000. For example, water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid polymers can include the alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble polymers of this type are known materials. Use of polyacrylates of this type in the detergent composition is described, for example, in Diehl U.S. Patent 3,308,067, issued March 7, 1967.

Acrylic acid / maleic acid based copolymers can also be used as a preferred soil suspending carboxylic acid polymer. Such materials include water-soluble salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The average molecular weight of such acid form copolymers preferably ranges from 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 75,000, most preferably from 7,000 to 65,000. The ratio of acrylate to maleate segments in such copolymers will generally range from 30: 1 to 1: 1, more preferably from 10: 1 to 2: 1. Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid / maleic acid copolymers can include, for example, the alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Soluble acrylate / maleate copolymers of this type are known materials described in European patent application 25 66915, published December 15, 1982. Particularly preferred is a copolymer of maleic / acrylic acid with an average molecular weight of 70,000. Such copolymers are commercially available from BASF under the trade name SOKALAN® CP5.

Other suitable antifouling polymers include those antifouling polymers having: (a) one or more nonionic hydrophilic components consisting essentially of (i) polyoxyethylene segments with a degree of polymerization of at least 2 or (ii ) oxypropylene or 3-5 polyoxypropylene segments with a degree of polymerization of 2 to 10, the hydrophilic segment not comprising an oxypropylene unit unless it is bonded to adjacent portions at 1015355-32 - each end by ether linkages, or (iii) a mixture of oxyalkylene units which oxyethylene units and 1 to about 30 oxypropylene units, the mixture containing a sufficient amount of oxyethylene units such that the hydrophilic component has a hydrophilicity large enough to increase the hydrophilicity of conventional synthetic polyester fiber surfaces upon deposition of the soil release agent on such a surface, wherein the hydrophilic segments preferably at 1 At least about 25% oxyethylene units, and more preferably, especially for such components having about 20 to 30 oxypropylene units, at least about 50% oxyethylene units; or (b) one or more hydrophobic components comprising (i) C3-oxyalkylene terephthalate segments wherein, when the hydrophobic components also include oxyethylene terephthalate, the ratio of oxyethylene terephthalate: C3-oxyalkylene terephthalate units is about 2: 1 or less, (ii ) C 4 -C 6 alkylene or oxy-C 4 -C 6 alkylene segments or mixtures thereof, (iii) poly (vinyl ester) segments (preferably polyvinyl acetate) with a degree of polymerization of at least 2 or (iv) C 1 -C alkyl ether or C4 hydroxyalkyl ether substituents or mixtures thereof, the substituents being in the form of C1-6 alkyl ether or C4 hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivatives or mixtures thereof, and the like cellulose derivatives amphiphilic of C 1 -C 2 -alkyl ether and / or C 4 -hydroxyalkyl ether units have to be deposited on conventional synthetic polyester fiber surfaces and have retained sufficient hydroxyl content once adhered to such use any synthetic fiber surface, to increase the hydrophilicity of the fiber surface, or a combination of (a) and (b).

Typically, the polyoxyethylene segments of (a) (i) will have a degree of polymerization of from about 1 to about 200 200, although higher levels may be used, preferably 3 to about 150, more preferably about 6 to about 100. Suitable hydrophobic oxy-C4-C6 alkylene segments 1 0 153 55 I - 33 - include, but are not limited to, "end caps" of polymeric soil release agents such as M03S (CH2) nOCH2CH2O-, wherein M is sodium and n is an integer of 4-6 , as described in U.S. Patent 4,721,580, issued January 5, 1988 to Gosselink.

Anti-fouling polymers useful in the present invention also include cellulose derivatives such as hydroxyether cellulose polymers, copolymer blocks of ethylene terephthalate or propylene terephthalate with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide terephthalate and the like. Such anti-fouling polymers are commercially available and include cellulose hydroxyethers such as METHOCEL® (Dow). Anti-fouling cellulosic polymers for use herein also include those selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 4 alkyl and C 4 hydroxyalkyl cellulose; see U.S. Patent 4,000,093 issued December 28, 1976 to Nicol et al.

Anti-dirt polymers characterized by hydrophobic poly (vinyl ester) segments include graft copolymers of poly (vinyl ester), for example, C 1 -C 6 vinyl esters, preferably poly (vinyl acetate) grafted on polyalkylene oxide backbones, such as polyethylene oxide backbones. See European Patent Application 0 219 048 published April 22, 1987 to Kud, et al. Commercially available anti-fouling polymers of this type include the SOKALAN® type material, for example, SOKALAN HP-22®, available from BASF.

A preferred type of anti-fouling polymers is a copolymer with random blocks of ethylene terephthalate and polyethylene oxide (PEO) terephthalate. The molecular weight of these anti-fouling polymers ranges from about 25,000 to about 55,000. See U.S. Patent 3,959,230 issued May 25, 1976 to Hays and U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,929 issued July 8, 1975 to Hays U.S. Pat.

Basadur.

1015355 - 34 -

Another preferred anti-fouling polymer is a polyester with repeating units of ethylene terephthalate units containing 10-15 wt% ethylene terephthalate units together with 90-80 wt% polyoxyethylene-5 terephthalate units derived from a polyoxyethylene glycol with an average molecular weight of 300-5000. Examples of this polymer include the commercially available material ZELCON 5126® (from Dupont) and MILEASE T® (from ICI). See also U.S. Patent 4,702,857 issued October 10, 1987 to Gosselink.

Another preferred anti-fouling agent is a sulfonated product of a substantially linear ester oligomer consisting of an oligomeric backbone of repeating terephthaloyl and oxyalkyleneoxyene-presents and terminal moieties covalently bonded to the backbone. These antifouling polymers are fully described in U.S. Patent 4,968,451 issued November 6, 1990 to J.J. Scheibel and E.P. Gosselink. Other suitable antifouling polymers include the terephthalate polyesters of U.S. Patent 4,711,730 assigned to Gosselink et al. On December 8, 1987, the anionically end-capped oligomeric esters of U.S. Patent 4,721,580 assigned to Gosselink on January 26, 1988, and the oligomeric Polyester block compounds of U.S. Patent 4,702,857 issued October 27, 1987 to Gosselink.

Preferred antifouling polymers also include the soil release agents of U.S. Patent No. 4,877,896 issued October 31, 1989 to Maldonado et al., Which describes anionic, especially sulfoaroyl, end-capped terephthalate esters.

Yet another preferred anti-fouling agent is an oligomer having repeating units of terephthaloyl units, sulfoisoterephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy and oxy-1,2-propylene units. The repeating units form the backbone of the oligomer and are preferably terminated with modified isethionate end caps. A particularly preferred antifouling agent of this type includes about one sulfoisophthaloyl unit, 5 terephthaloyl units, oxyethyleneoxy-5 and oxy-1,2-propyleneoxy units in a ratio of about 1.7 to about 1.8 and two end cap units of sodium 2- (2-hydroxyethoxy) ethanesulfonate. The anti-fouling agent may also contain about 0.5 to about 0.20% by weight of the oligomer of a crystallinity-reducing stabilizer, for example, selected from the group consisting of xylene sulfonate, cumene sulfonate, toluene sulfonate and mixtures thereof . See U.S. Patent No. 5,415,807, issued May 16, 1995 to Gosse-link et al.

The liquid compositions may contain 0.01 to 10 wt%, preferably 0.01 to 5 wt%, and more preferably 0.05 to 2 wt%, of the total composition of a further anti-fouling agent.

A preferred antifouling agent is an antifouling polymer. A more preferred anti-fouling agent is a poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymer, a soil suspending polyamine polymer, a polyvinylpyridine N-oxide polymer or a mixture thereof. An even more preferred antifouling agent is a poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymer, an alkoxylated polyamine polymer, a polyvinylpyridine N-oxide polymer, or a mixture thereof. The most preferred anti-fouling agent useful in the compositions herein is selected from the group consisting of: a poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymer; an ethoxylated polyethylene amine of the formula as described above wherein n = 2 and y = 20; an ethoxylated polyethylene amine of the formula as described herein wherein n = 40 and y = 7; a polyvinylpyridine ΚΓ-oxide polymer and mixtures thereof.

1015355 - 36 -

Volatile organic compounds

As an optional but highly preferred component, the compositions of the invention may contain a volatile organic compound (VOC, volatile organic compound) or a mixture thereof.

Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 90% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, and most preferably 1 to 5% by weight, of the total composition of a volatile organic compound or a mixture of 10 thereof.

Suitable volatile organic compounds for use herein are selected from the group consisting of: an aliphatic and / or aromatic alcohol; glycol ethers and / or a derivative thereof; a polyol and mixtures thereof. Suitable aromatic alcohols to be used herein have the formula R 1 -OH, wherein R x is an alkyl-substituted or non-alkyl-substituted aryl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 15 and more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms. A suitable aromatic alcohol to be used herein is benzyl alcohol.

Suitable aliphatic alcohols for use herein have the formula R2-0H, wherein R2 is a linear or branched saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 10 and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms. More preferred herein are aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and most preferably 4 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof. Suitable aliphatic alcohols to be used herein include linear alcohol, such as 2-octanol, dicanol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, ethanol and / or methanol. Highly preferred herein are ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or a mixture thereof.

Ethanol is commercially available from Eridania Italia under its chemical name.

Isopropanol can be obtained commercially from

Merck / BDH Italia under its chemical name.

1015355 - 37 -

Suitable glycol ethers and / or derivatives thereof for use herein include monoglycol ethers and / or derivatives thereof, polyglycol ethers and / or derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable monoglycol ethers and derivatives thereof for use herein include n-butoxypropanol (n-BP), water-soluble CELLOSOLVE® solvents or mixtures thereof. Preferred CELLOSOLVE® solvents include propoxyethyl acetate salt (i.e., 10 Propyl Cellosolve acetate salt®), ethanol-2-butoxyphosphate salt (i.e., Butyl Cellosolve phosphate salt®), 2- (Hexyloxy) ethanol (i.e. 2-hexyl Cellosolve®), 2-ethoxyethanol (ie 2-ethyl Cellosolve®), 2-butoxyethanol (ie 2-butyl Cellosolve®) or mixed mixture thereof.

Suitable polyglycol ethers and derivatives thereof to be used herein include n-butoxypropoxypropanol (n-BPP), butyl triglycol ether (BTGE), butyl diglycol ether (BDGE), water-soluble CARBITOL® solvents or mixtures thereof.

Preferred water-soluble CARBITOL® solvents are compounds of the 2- (2-alkoxyethoxy) ethanol class, 2- (2-alkoxyethoxy) propanol class and / or 2- (2-alkoxyethoxy) butanol class where the alkoxy-25 group is derived from ethyl, propyl, or butyl. A preferred water-soluble carbitol is 2- (2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol also known as Butylcarbitol®.

Preferred glycol ethers and / or derivatives thereof are 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, n-bu-toxypropoxypropanol, Butylcarbitol® or mixtures thereof.

Suitable polyol solvent to be used herein are the polyols having at least two hydroxyl groups (-OH) such as diols. Suitable diols to be used herein include 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, methyl 2,4-pentanediol or mixtures thereof.

1015355 - 38 -

The volatile organic compounds, if any, further contribute to the excellent overall cleaning performance of the present invention. In addition, their addition into the compositions herein also improves the purification properties of the compositions.

Surfactants

The preferred compositions of the invention usually contain an additional surfactant or a mixture thereof in addition to the non-irritating anionic surfactant as described above.

Typically, the compositions herein may comprise up to 50% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, and most preferably 1 to 5% by weight, of the total composition of an additional surfactant. contain.

Suitable additional surfactants can be selected from those known in the art including anionic surfactants in addition to the non-irritating anionic surfactant as described above, non-ionic surfactants, black ionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants substances and cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Suitable nonionic surfactants include amine oxide surfactants. Suitable amine oxide surfactants have the formula R 1 R 2 R 3 NO, wherein each of R 3, R 2 and R 3 is independently a saturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and 30 mixtures thereof.

Particularly preferred amine oxide surfactants for use according to the invention are amine oxide surfactants of the following formula R 1 R 2 R 3 NO, wherein R 3 is a saturated linear or branched alkyl group 3 having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 16 carbon atoms, and wherein R 2 and R 3 are independently substituted or unsubstituted, 1015355-39, linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably methyl groups. Preferred amine oxide surfactants used herein are uncut amine oxide surfactants, i.e., a pure single amine oxide desurfactant, for example, CB-N, N-dimethylamine oxide, as opposed to mixtures of amide oxide surfactants of different chain lengths.

Suitable amine oxide surfactants for use herein are, for example, uncut CB amine oxide, uncut C10 amine oxide, uncut C14 amine oxide, natural mixed C8-C10 amine oxides, as well as natural mixed C12-C16 amine oxides. Such amine oxide surfactants can be obtained commercially from Hoechst or Stephan.

Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein also include any nonionic ethoxylated C6-C24 fatty alcohol surfactant, alkyl propoxylates and mixtures thereof, fatty acid Ce-C24 alkanolamides, C6-C20 polyethylene-20 glycol ethers, polyethylglycol ethers, polyethylene glycol of molecular weight of 1,000 to 80,000 and glucose amides, alkyl pyrrolidones.

Suitable cationic surfactants for use herein include quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 N +, wherein R 1, R 2 and R 3 are methyl groups and R 4 is a C 12 11 alkyl group, or wherein 1 is ethyl or hydroxyethyl group, R 2 and R 3 are methyl groups, and R4 is a C12-15 alkyl group.

Suitable zwitterionic surfactants are zwitterionic betaine surfactants. Suitable zwitterionic betainesurfactants for use herein contain both a cationic hydrophilic group, ie, a quaternary ammonium group, and an anionic hydrophilic group on the same molecule at a relatively wide range of pH's. The typical anionic hydrophilic groups are carboxylates and sulfonates, although other groups such as sulfates, phosphonates and the like can be used. A general formula for the zwitterionic betainesurfactant to be used herein is: Η, -Ν + ί ^) (R3) R4X-5 wherein Rx is a hydrophobic group, R2 is hydrogen, C1 -C8 alkyl, -hydroxyalkyl or other substituted C 1 -C 8 alkyl group; R 3 is a C 1 -C 6 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or other substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl group which may also be attached to R 2 to form ring structures with the N, or a C 1 -C 8 sulfonate group; R4 is a radical connecting the cationic nitrogen atom to the hydrophilic group and usually is an alkylene, hydroxyalkylene or polyalkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and X is the hydrophilic group which is a carboxylate or sulfonate group.

Preferred hydrophobic groups Rx are aliphatic or aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chains which may contain linking groups such as amido groups and ester groups. More preferably, R3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 24, preferably 8 to 18, more preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. These simple alkyl groups are preferred for reasons of cost and stability. The hydrophobic group R3 may also be an amido group of the formula Ra-C (O) -NH- (C (Rb) 2) m, where Ra is an aliphatic or aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chain, at preferably an alkyl group having 8 to 20, preferably up to 18, more preferably up to 16 carbon atoms, Rb is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy groups and ml is up to 4, preferably 2 to 3, more preferably 3, with no more than 1 hydroxy group in each (C (Rb) 2) residue.

R2 is preferably hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl and more preferably methyl. R 3 is preferably a C 1 -C 4 sulfonate group or a C 1 -C 12 alkyl, more preferably methyl. R4 is preferably 35 (CH2) n, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 6, more preferably 1 to 3.

1015355 - 41 -

Some common examples of betaine / sulfo betaine are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,082,275, 2,702,279, and 2,255,082, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of particularly suitable alkyl dimethyl betaines include coconut dimethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl betaine, decyldimethyl betaine, 2- (N-decyl-N, N-dimethyl-ammonia) acetate, 2- (N-coconut-N, N-dimethylammonio) acetate , myristyldimethyl betaine, palmityldimethyl betaine, cetyldi-10 methyl betaine, stearlyldimethyl betaine. For example, coconut dimethyl betaine is commercially available from Seppic under the trade name Amonyl 265®. Lauryl betaine is commercially available from Albright & Wilson under the brand name Empigen BB / L®.

Examples of amidobetains include coconut amiethyl ethyl betaine, kokoamidopropyl betaine or C10-C14 vetacyla-miopropylene (hydropropylene) sulfobetaine. For example, C 10 -C 15 vetacylamiopropylene (hydropropylene) sulfobetaine is commercially available from Sherex Company under the trade name "Varion CAS® sulfobetaine".

A further example of betaine is laurylimino dipropionate which is commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc under the trade name Mirataine H2C-HA®

A preferred additional surfactant for use herein is a zwitterionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant or a cationic surfactant or a mixture thereof, a more preferred surfactant is a zwitterionic betainesurfactant.

30

Other optional ingredients

The compositions herein may further contain conventional carpet cleaning ingredients. The compositions herein may preferably include a number of additional components selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, chelants, builder systems, radical scavengers, perfumes, dyes, suds suppressants, 1015 355-42 enzymes, photobleaches, bleach activators and others contain minor substances and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the compositions herein may further contain a number of additional compounds selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, chelating agents, builder systems, radical scavengers, perfumes, dyes, suds suppressants, enzymes, photobleaches, bleach activators and other minor substances and mixtures thereof.

10

Stabilizers

The compositions of the invention may further contain a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxypyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof.

Suitable hydroxypyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof have the following formula:

Y.

Wherein X is nitrogen, Y is one of the following groups of oxygen, -CHO, -OH, - (CH 2) n -COOH, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 20, preferably 0 to 10, more preferably 0, and wherein Y is preferably oxygen. Accordingly, a particularly preferred hydroxypyridine N-oxide or derivative thereof to be used herein is 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide.

Hydroxypyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof can be commercially available from Sigma.

Typically, the compositions herein may contain up to 2 wt%, preferably 0.001 to 1 wt%, and more preferably 0.001 to 0.5 wt%, of the total composition of a hydroxypyri-1015355

(I

- 43 - dine N-oxide or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof.

Chelating Agents The compositions of the invention may further contain a chelating agent.

Suitable chelating agents are those known to those skilled in the art. Particularly suitable chelating agents include, for example, phosphonate chelating agents, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, amino carboxylate chelating agents, other chelating agents such as ethylenediamine-Ν-disuccinic acid and mixtures thereof.

Typically, the compositions herein may contain up to 4% by weight, preferably 0.001 to 1% by weight, and more preferably 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, of the total composition of a chelating agent.

Suitable phosphonate chelating agents for use herein may include ethydronic acid, alkali metal ethane-1-hydroxy diphosphonates, as well as amine phosphonate compounds, including aminoalkylene poly (alkylene phosphonate), alkali metal ethane-1-hydroxy diphosphonethylene ethylene phosphethylene ethylene phosphethylene. The phosphonate compounds can be present on some or all of their acid functionalities either in their acid form or as salts of different cations. Preferred phosphonate chelating agents for use herein are ethylene triamine pentamethylene phosphonates (DETPMP). Such phosphonate chelating agents are commercially available from Monsanto under the trade name DEQUEST®.

Polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents may also be useful in the compositions herein. See U.S. Patent 3,812,044, issued May 21, 1974 to Connor et al. For preferred acid formations of this type are dihydroxydisulfobenzenes such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene.

1015355 - 44 -

A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for use herein is ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid, or alkali or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts thereof, or mixtures thereof. Ethylenediamine-Ν, Ν'-succinic acids, in particular the (S, S) isomer, are described in detail in U.S. Patent 4,704,233 issued November 3, 1987 to Hartman and Perkins. For example, ethylenediamine-Ν, Ν '-succinic acid is commercially available under the trade name ssEDDS® from Palmer Research Laboratories.

Suitable aminocarboxylate chelating agents for use herein include ethylene diamine tetraacetates, diethylenetriamine pentaacetates, diethylenetriamine 15 pentaacetate (DTPA), N-hydroxyethyl ethylene diamine triacetamide, nitrilotriacetates, ethylenediamethyletetetraethyltetrylethetetraethyltetraethyltetetraatenate, both in its acid form or in its alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salt forms. A particularly suitable amino carboxylate for use herein is diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA).

Other suitable chelating agents for use herein include salicylic acid or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof of the following formula:

ex

30 Y.

wherein X is carbon, Y is one of the following groups -CHO, -OH, - (CH 2) n -C00H and preferably is - (CH 2) n -COOH, and 35 wherein n is an integer from 0 to 20, at preferably from 0 to 10 and more preferably is 0. Salicylic acid and its derivatives can be used herein either in their acid form or in their salt form such as, for example, sodium salt.

Salicylic acid is particularly preferred herein and can be obtained commercially from Rhone Poulenc.

5

Bleach activators

In an embodiment of the invention where the compositions herein contain a peroxygen bleach, preferably hydrogen peroxide, the compositions 10 may further contain a bleach activator as an optional ingredient.

By "bleach activator" herein is meant a compound which reacts with the peroxygen bleach, preferably hydrogen peroxide, to form a peracid. The peracid so formed forms the activated bleaching agent.

Suitable bleach activators to be used herein include those belonging to the class of esters, amides, imides or anhydrides. Examples of suitable compounds of this type are described in British patent specification GB 1 586 769 and GB 2 143 231 and a method for their prill formation is described in published European patent application EP-A-62 523. Suitable examples of such compounds to be used herein are tetracetylethylenediamine (TAED), sodium-3,5,5,5-trimethylhexanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, diperoxydodanoic acid as described, for example, in US 4,818,225, and nonylamide of peroxyadipic acid as described, for example, in US 4 259 201 and n-nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate (NOBS). Also suitable are N-acyl caprolactam selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted benzoyl caprolactam, octanoyl caprolactam, nonanoyl caprolactam, hexanoyl caprolactam, decanoyl caprolactam, undecenoyl caprolactam, propyl caprolactam, pentyl caprolactam, acetyl caprolactam, acetyl caprolactam. A particular family of bleach activators of interest has been described in EP 624 154, and acetyltriethyl citrate (ATC) is particularly preferred in this family. Acetyl triethyl citrate has the advantage of being environmentally friendly because it eventually breaks down into citric acid and alcohol. Furthermore, acetyl triethyl citrate has good hydrolytic stability in the composition upon storage and is an efficient bleach activator.

The compositions of the invention may contain up to 30% by weight, preferably 1 to 20% by weight, more preferably 2 to 10% by weight, of the total composition of a bleach activator.

10

Builders

The compositions of the invention may further contain a builder system. Any conventional builder system known in the art is suitable for use herein. Suitable builders for use herein include succinic acid derivatives of the formula R-CH (COOH) CH 2 (COOH) wherein R is C 10-20 alkyl or alkenyl, preferably C 12-16 alkyl or alkenyl, or wherein R can be substituted with hydroxyl -, sulfo, sulfoxyl or sulfone-20 substituents. Specific examples include lauryl succinate, myristyl succinate, palmityl succinate, 2-dodecenyl succinate, 2-tetradecenyl succinate. Succinate builders are preferably used in the form of their water-soluble salts, including sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts.

Further suitable builders are oxodisuccinates and mixtures of tartrate monosuccinic acid and tartrate dibarnic acid as described in US 4,663,071.

Further suitable builders for use herein are fatty acid builders including saturated or unsaturated Cic.iB fatty acids, as well as the corresponding soaps. Preferred saturated species have 12 to 16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The preferred unsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid.

The compositions herein may contain up to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 7% by weight, of the total composition of a builder system.

1015355 - 47 -

Radical fans

The compositions herein may contain a radical scavenger as another optional ingredient. Suitable radical scavengers for use herein include the well known substituted mono- and dihydroxybenzenes and derivatives thereof, alkyl and aryl carboxylates and mixtures thereof. Preferred radical scavengers for use herein include di-tert-butylhydoxytoluene (BHT), p-hydroxytoluene, hydoquinone (HQ), di-tert-butylhydroquinone (DTBHQ), mono-tert-butylhydroquinone (MTBHQ), tert-butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA), p-hydroxyanisole, benzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid, toluic acid, catechol, t-butylcatechol, 4-allylcatechol, 4-acetylcatechol, 2-methoxyphenol, 2-ethoxyphenol , 2-methoxy-4- (2-propenyl) phenol, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, benzyl amine, 1,1,3-tris (2-methyl-4-hydroxy-5-t -butylphenyl) butane, tert-butyl-hydroxyaniline, p-hydroxyaniline as well as n-propyl gallate. Highly preferred for use herein is di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene, which is for example commercially available from SHELL under the trade name IONOL CP® and / or tert-butylhydroxyanisole and / or propyl gallate. These radical scavengers further contribute to the stability of the compositions herein.

Typically, the compositions of the invention may contain up to 5 wt%, preferably 0.002 to 1.5 wt%, and more preferably 0.002 to 0.5 wt%, of the total radical scavenger composition.

Examples The following examples will further illustrate the invention. The compositions are made by combining the stated ingredients in the stated amounts (wt% unless otherwise indicated). The following examples are intended to illustrate compositions used in a method of the invention, but are not necessarily used to limit or further define the scope of the invention.

1015355 - 48 -

Compositions (wt%) __ I II III XV V VI

Hydrogen peroxide__4.0 4.0 - 6.0 4.0 4.0 PVNO__0.5 0.4 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 PVPVI__0.5 5 PV / AA__0.3 PVP __-.... 0.1

Ethanol 3.0 2.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 3.0

PnB__1.0 0.5 PA__0.1 0.2 0.1 - 0.1 10 Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate__1.0 - 0.3 - 2.5 5.0

Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate 2.5 0.7-0.5

Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate - - 1.0 3.0 __--

Disodium lauramido-MEA-sulfosuc- 0.5 cinate_______ 15 Sodium lauryl sulfate __ - __ 0.5 __ - ____ BHT__0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 - 0.01 AMCP__0.5

Chelating agent * __ 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3

NaCnAS - 3.0 0.5 20 Salicylic acid - 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 - 0.5

Propyl gallate __ - __ - ____ - __ 1.0

NaOH-0.16 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.06 0.26

Water and minor substances Rest Rest Rest Rest Rest Rest

Maximum pH_6_6_6_6_3.5 8-25 PVP is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

PVNA is poly (4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide) (Mw 20,000) commercially available from Reilly.

PV / AA is the copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid that is commercially available under the brand name Sokalan® PG 310.

PVPVI is the copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole which is commercially available under the brand name Sokalan® PG55.

1015355 - 49 -

Sarcosinate is sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate commercially available from Croda under the brand name Crodasinic® LS 30.

Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate is commercially available from Cytec under the trade name Aerosol OT®.

Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate is commercially available from Witco under the brand name Rewopol SBF 12®.

Disodium lauramido-MEA sulfosuccinate is available from Witco under the brand name Rewopol SBC212P®.

PnB is propylene glycol n-butyl ether commercially available from Arco under the trade name Acrosolv® PNB.

BHT is butylated hydroxytoluene.

AMCP is a acrylic / maleic acid-based copolymer commercially available under the brand name Sokalan CP5®.

Chelating Agent * is a phosphonate chelating agent available under the brand name DEQUEST®.

NaCnAS is sodium alkyl sulfate.

PA is an ethoxylated tetraethylene pentamine, average molecular weight 12,000.

The above-described compositions are preferably packaged in an electrically powered spray device.

The compositions in the above examples, when used in a method of the invention, provide the advantage of no irritation to the mucous membranes.

1015355

Claims (15)

A method of treating a carpet, which method comprises applying a liquid composition to the carpet with an electric sprayer, the composition comprising a non-irritating anionic surfactant which is classified as non-irritating to mucous membranes as measured with a 5% active surfactant solution using the Draize test method. The method of treating a carpet according to claim 1, wherein the non-irritating anionic surfactant is classified as non-irritating to mucous membranes as measured with a 10% active surfactant solution by the Draize test method. A method of treating a carpet according to any preceding claim, wherein the composition contains up to 50% by weight of the total composition of the non-irritating anionic surfactant. A method of treating a carpet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-irritating surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sarcosinate surfactants, sulfosuccinate surfactants, alkyl sulfonate surfactants, alkyl sulfate surfactants, sulfosuccinamate surfactants, sulfo-succinamides, sulfo-succinamides, sulfo-succinamides and mixture thereof. A method of treating a carpet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the 1015355 4-51 non-irritating surfactant is a mixture of a sulfosuccinate surfactant and a second anionic surfactant. A method of treating a carpet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further contains a peroxygen bleach. A method of treating a carpet according to claim 6, wherein the composition contains 0.01 to 20% by weight of the total composition of the peroxygen bleaching agent. A method of treating a carpet according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the peroxygen bleach is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen peroxide, water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide, organic or inorganic peracids, hydroperoxides and diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. A method of treating a carpet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further contains an antifouling agent. The method of treating a carpet according to claim 9, wherein the anti-fouling agent is a poly (vinyl methyl ether / maleic acid) copolymer, a soil suspending polyamine polymer, a polyvinylpyridine-N-oxide polymer or a mixture thereof. A method of treating a carpet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further contains a volatile organic compound. The method of treating a carpet according to claim 11, wherein the volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of: an aliphatic and / or aromatic alcohol; glycol ethers and / or a derivative thereof; a polyol and mixtures thereof. A method of treating a carpet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further contains an additional surfactant 1015355 ** - 52 - in addition to the non-irritating anionic surfactant. A method of treating a carpet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises a number of additional compounds selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, chelating agents, builder systems, radical scavengers, perfumes, dyes, suds suppressants. , enzymes, photobleaching agents, bleach activators and other minor substances and mixtures thereof. 15. Use of an anionic surfactant classified as non-irritating to mucous membranes as measured with a solution of 5% active surfactant using the Draize test method in a composition to treat carpets with an electric sprayer, allowing the composition to provides the advantage that it does not irritate mucous membranes when sprayed onto the carpet. 1015355