DE69830723T2 - CLEANING COMPOSITION, METHOD AND / OR ARTICLE FOR HARD SURFACES - Google Patents

Abstract

Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning hard surfaces are provided. Compositions safe for use on surfaces which are contacted by food intended for ingestion by humans or lower animals, even when the compositions are incompletely removed from the cleansed surface, are described. Liquid formulations comprising surfactant, such as sodium alkyl sulfate, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, etc., and having a pH of above 11.6 are contacted directly onto hard surfaces to remove soil and unwanted deposits. Articles for applying the compositions to hard surfaces by spraying are disclosed.

Description

technical area

The The present invention relates to compositions, methods and / or objects for removing dirt and other undesirable residues from hard surfaces, in particular such surfaces, those in contact with food come, which for the intake by humans or lower organisms are determined.

background The invention

Liquid alkaline Cleaning compositions for hard surfaces are known in the art. The alkalinity ensures improved grease cleaning performance, but is usually used together with other components the one careful rinse the cleaned surface require before the surface in direct contact with things as food for humans or lower organisms are provided, can be used. conventional Cleaning agent for hard surfaces usually contain inorganic and organic compounds, their transmission on foods which are in contact with the cleaned surface come, would not be acceptable. Some detergents use bleach, abrasives and / or Solvent, which could also have a negative impact on food.

A further consideration related to cleaners for hard surfaces, especially those, for which does not provide for careful rinsing after use the filming / streaking properties after wiping or Drying the cleaner off the surface. As is known, detergent compositions, and in particular compositions useful for the cleaning of glass and Kitchen tiles made will have, especially good film / streaking properties. As good film / streaking properties especially for this Cleaners are required the levels of surfactants and other active ingredients kept low be to this cheap Property to achieve. Such compositions are common the use of ammonia and strong organic solvents instructed to get good results.

It it is clear that the formulation of truly effective compositions, especially those that are safely used by individual consumers can be around hard surfaces to wash off, for presents a particular problem to the product developer, insofar as as many detergent ingredients disclosed in the art probably for use in direct contact with food would be undesirable unless they would Completely away.

Furthermore would it be particularly desirable effective, toxicologically acceptable detergent compositions for hard surfaces in the form of substantially low-foaming liquid solutions which are clear or have only minimal turbidity. Liquid solutions are for the Users comfortable, as they applied directly to hard surfaces and afterwards can be wiped off. The clarity of the liquids is associated with cleanliness by the consumer and is therefore very desirable. A low foaming is an important feature to allow the solution by wiping fast and can be easily removed. It would also be beneficial if such Compositions are provided in the form of concentrates could diluted by the consumer before use and / or by direct spray on on the surfaces could be applied.

Unfortunately fulfill many toxicologically acceptable detergent ingredients the mentioned requirements for clear, low-foaming, dilutable liquid Not products. Many cleansing surfactants form cloudy or even water opaque emulsions. Naturally Many surfactants are special for that designed to foam heavily. Still others form relatively persistent phases in their concentrated form.

It has now been found that certain anionic or nonionic Surfactants that formulate in the right way with other ingredients be, liquid Can provide compositions which have the desired, have properties described above.

technical background

Use and selection of detergent ingredients for the purpose of washing fruits and vegetables are described in United Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Section 172, 173, 182 and / or 184 wrote. These regulations limit the ingredients that may be used for direct food contact to those described as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) and some other selected ingredients For the purposes of the present invention For example, ingredients that are approved for direct addition to foods for human consumption are defined as "food grade". These sections also indicate certain restrictions on the amount of material that can be used in a particular context.

Under these components, the experienced product developers only one Few constituents find an effective removal of hydrophobic Residues, like Waxing, oils or residues of artificially produced chemical compounds. You know that These types of residues are the easiest by surface-active Surfactants in water or by organic solvents in the substantial absence be removed from water. Other types of pollution, in particular insoluble, particulate Dirt that will not easily spread in water by surface-active Materials effectively removed in water, in particular with assistance from complex anionic salts, such as citrates (polycarboxylates) or polyphosphate salts.

Within This group of ingredients has been the range of effective Detergent compositions that are for the purpose of cleaning of foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in particular like this is done by the individual consumer, in the US patents 5,500,048, 5,500,143, 5,500,295 and 5,503,764 have already been described. This state of the art deals However, it deals primarily with problems related to the Cleaning fruits and vegetables and does not go to the unique characteristics of the present Invention, including the superior Film / banding properties, a.

Summary the invention

The The present invention includes compositions, merchandise and Procedure for the cleaning of hard surfaces, especially such surfaces, which are contacted with food for taking are thought of by humans or lower life forms. The compositions show superior Filming / streaking properties.

• (a) von 0,005% bis unter 0,5%, mehr bevorzugt von etwa 0,01% bis etwa 0,1% nichtionisches und/oder anionisches Tensid;
• (b) bezogen auf das Gewicht der Zusammensetzung bis zu 6%, vorzugsweise von etwa 0,01% bis etwa 4%, mehr bevorzugt von etwa 0,1% bis etwa 2% GRAS-Duftstoff;
• (c) eine toxikologisch annehmbare Alkaliverbindung;
• (d) optional ein toxikologisch annehmbares Sequestriermittel/einen toxikologisch annehmbaren Builder;
• (e) optional ein toxikologisch annehmbares Konservierungsmittel; und
• (f) zu übrigen Teilen einen wässrigen Träger, ausgewählt aus Wasser und gegebenenfalls einem niedermolekularen, toxikologisch annehmbaren organischen Lösungsmittel. Die Zusammensetzungen sind im Wesentlichen frei von C'_8-18-Fettsäure oder ihren Salzen.

These aqueous compositions are useful for hard surface cleaning, even when the compositions are incompletely removed from the surfaces. Such a composition comprises only food-grade ingredients, has a pH of above 12.0, more preferably about 12.5, and is substantially free of C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acid or its salts. To provide superior filming / streaking performance, the compositions preferably comprise less than 2.0%, more preferably less than about 1.75%, and even more preferably less than about 1.0, based on the total weight of the composition % non-volatile components. The compositions of the present invention comprise:

• (a) from 0.005% to less than 0.5%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1% of nonionic and / or anionic surfactant;
• (b) up to 6%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 4%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 2% GRAS fragrance based on the weight of the composition;
• (c) a toxicologically-acceptable alkali compound;
• (d) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable sequestering agent / builder;
• (e) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable preservative; and
• (f) to other parts an aqueous carrier selected from water and optionally a low molecular weight, toxicologically-acceptable organic solvent. The compositions are substantially free of C ' _8-18 fatty acid or its salts.

preferred Compositions for The use herein includes only materials that are GRAS, of course, including direct food additives, which are recognized as GRAS to provide security in a possible to ensure wrong application by the consumer.

• (a) von 0,005% bis unter 0,5%, vorzugsweise von etwa 0,01% bis etwa 0,1% nichtionischem oder anionischem, vorzugsweise anionischem Tensid;
• (b) von etwa 0,01% bis etwa 4%, vorzugsweise von etwa 0,1% bis etwa 2%, bezogen auf das Gewicht der Zusammensetzung, GRAS-Duftstoff;
• (c) einer toxikologisch annehmbare Alkaliverbindung;
• (d) von etwa 5% bis etwa 8%, vorzugsweise von etwa 2 bis etwa 6% niedermolekularem, toxikologisch annehmbarem organischem Lösungsmittel; und
• (e) zu übrigen Teilen Wasser;

wobei die Zusammensetzung einen pH von über 12,0 und noch mehr bevorzugt von mehr als 12,5 aufweist. Überraschenderweise liefert diese Formulierung eine überlegene Reinigungsleistung ohne die herkömmlichen Builder, Sequestriermittel oder anderen Bestandteile, die üblicherweise in Zusammensetzungen für die Reinigung harter Oberflächen gefunden werden.A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a composition suitable for the cleaning of hard surfaces, even if the composition is not completely removed from these surfaces, and which comprises only ingredients suitable for food, wherein the compositions consist essentially out:

• (a) from 0.005% to less than 0.5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1% of nonionic or anionic, preferably anionic, surfactant;
• (b) from about 0.01% to about 4%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 2%, by weight of the composition, of GRAS fragrance;
• (c) a toxicologically-acceptable alkali compound;
• (d) from about 5% to about 8%, preferably from about 2 to about 6% of low molecular weight, toxicologically-acceptable organic solvent; and
• (e) to other parts of water;

wherein the composition has a pH above 12.0, and more preferably greater than 12.5. Surprisingly, this formulation provides superior cleaning performance without the conventional builders, sequestering agents, or other ingredients commonly found in hard surface cleaning compositions.

The present invention also encompasses methods of using the compositions, which bring hard surfaces into contact by direct application of the compositions in an amount effective to increase the surface area clean, include. The compositions of the present invention are particularly effective in cleaning greasy deposits and coffee, tea and juice stains as commonly found in kitchen environments.

A further preferred modification of the above methods for purification of hard surfaces giving the detergent compositions into a spray container to provide a spray of this composition to the composition or the compositions over the surfaces to distribute while Only a minimal amount of cleaning solution is used and the suspension the rest solution to the atmosphere minimizing where the solution is rather contaminated and / or exposed to oxygen what both easy to aesthetic and / or performance considerations undesirable changes the solutions to lead can. In such spraying only a small amount of material needs to be in the package, and for the application by the individual consumer, this is desirable since Some consumers are unable to handle large weights.

The present invention also encompasses merchandise comprising a container, containing the cleaning compositions. For use by the individual consumers, the container is usually no longer than about two gallons (about eight liters), preferably not more than about one gallon (about four liters), in particular if the container is a spray container, even if he has a hose that allows, the sprayer to press, while the reservoir stays in place. More preferably, such spray containers contain about one liter or less of cleaning solution.

The present invention, in particular the methods of use a pump lever actuated Handsprühmittels lock in, are primarily / exclusively for the Use suitable by the individual consumer, so it imperative is to equip the product with more security. The Compositions described herein are for use without rinsing thought. After cleaning hard surfaces, it is envisaged that the detergent compositions of the present invention from the surface be wiped off. The absence of a thorough rinse after cleaning is less questionable if all components are GRAS. This is special important when using concentrated basic compositions become.

The Ingredients in the above compositions are preferably so selected and used in such proportions that are substantially clear compositions to be provided. "In the Essentially clear "concludes only one minimal turbidity and preferably the compositions are completely clear. The ingredients are also selected to have a minimum Odor, both at the beginning and after storage.

The Absence of odor is particularly important in compositions for use with food.

All cited herein Fonts are incorporated herein by reference. All percentages refer on the weight unless otherwise stated. All Temperatures are calculated as at standard temperature and pressure unless otherwise stated.

Full Description of the invention

The The following toxicologically acceptable ingredients are used in the Preparation of the preferred compositions herein. With "toxicologically acceptable "is meant that any residues of the Ingredients of the compositions based on the purified with it hard surfaces stay behind, for the recording are harmless by humans and / or lower organisms.

surfactant

One indispensable ingredient in the compositions of the present invention Invention is one for food suitable surface-active Connection. Base stable anionic surfactants can be used, such as they are from the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, section 173,315, are admitted. Preferred are salts of dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Also described in the CFR are phosphate esters of ethylene and / or ethylene / propylene oxide adducts of aliphatic alcohols, dioctylsulfosuccinate or 2-ethylhexyl sulfate.

The anionic surfactants are suitably water-soluble alkyl or alkylaryl compounds, wherein the alkyl has from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms and a sulfate or sulfonate substituent group. Depending on desired Degree of cleaning, only the anionic cleaning surfactant can be used or, less preferably, the anionic detergent surfactant be combined with a cosurfactant. Nonionic surfactants, e.g. As ethoxylated alcohols and / or alkylphenols, may also used as cosurfactants or the anionic compounds completely replace.

The anionic detergent surfactants herein are selected from the group consisting of C ₆ -C ₂₀ alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy ether sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the surfactant is selected from sodium sulfates and sulfonates, especially sodium alkyl sulfonates, sodium n-alkyl benzene sulfonates, sodium mono- and dimethyl naphthalene sulfonates. More preferably, the anionic detergent surfactant is C ₆ -C ₂₀ alkyl sulfate, more preferably C ₈ -C ₁₆ alkyl sulfate. To achieve superior cleaning performance but to maintain acceptable filming / streaking performance, it is preferred that greater than about 95% of the surfactant, based on the weight of the surfactant, have an alkyl chain length of C ₁₀ to C ₁₆ . Even more preferred is that greater than about 50% of the surfactant, based on the weight of the surfactant, has an alkyl chain length of C ₁₂ .

The nonionic surfactant is preferably selected from materials well known in the art, such as alkylene oxide (ethylene oxide or propylene oxide) adducts of C _10-18 aliphatic alcohols or acids, C _10-18 aliphatic alcohol adducts of glucose (alkyl polyglucosides). , The specially selected nonionic surfactant ideally has a hydrophile / lipophile balance (HLB) of greater than about 10 and a cloud point above about 35 ° C in the composition. The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifically describes an ethylene oxide / propylene oxide adduct of C12-18 aliphatic alcohol having a molecular weight of about 800. Such a material is available as PLURAFAC RA-20 (BASF).

It It should be clear that the alkoxylated alcohol in basic compositions mainly as a dispersant for Any soap flocculants will be used during the cleaning process can form. Furthermore, the selection of non-nitrogen containing nonionic The risk of microbial growth in the diluted surfactant compositions minimize.

The Concentrations of anionic and / or nonionic surfactant, the useful in the present invention is through the cleaning and film / streaking performance and also by the concentrations considered suitable for food can be certainly. The surfactants of the present invention are in concentrations from 0.005 to 0.5%, and preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%.

alkali compound

Of the pH of the composition is essential for superior cleaning performance the compositions described herein. This strongly basic Compositions show a superior Cleaning performance on difficult stains, as in kitchen environments can be found. Usually become persistent Stains, like those left by coffee, tea and juices, effectively removed by these compositions. The pHs of the compositions of the present invention are above 12, and more preferably above 12.5.

toxicological acceptable alkali compounds used in the compositions herein to adjust the pH of the Keep products in the basic range. Generally, alkali compounds defined as substances that have a pH greater than 7.0 in aqueous solution exhibit. Carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides are convenient and preferred alkali compounds. For it is an easy formability and improved stability strongly preferred that these alkali compounds in their sodium salt form available. Sodium bicarbonate is a very desirable material for the addition to the compositions of the invention as part of a buffering system, as it is easily available as a baking powder in food grade and therefore relatively inexpensive is while it a highly desirable Purity for provides the composition. Sodium hydroxide is also a highly preferred ingredient.

Compositions admixed with a mixture of potassium and sodium cations in molar ratios of from about 1: 1 to about 10: 1, preferably from about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, more preferably from about 4: 1 to about 5: 1 potassium Be formulated sodium, z. As provided in mixtures of potassium hydroxide (hydrate) and sodium bicarbonate, have desirable rheological properties in some respects. The compositions are thick so that they adhere to the surfaces until dispersed, but are easy to disperse, e.g. Example by means of a spray device, either an aerosol or a finger-operated pump. The concentrations and identities of the ingredients are adjusted to have the desired viscosities as listed below, e.g. Greater than about 5, preferably greater than about 10, more preferably greater than about 50 cP (0.05 Pa · s) at rest, and less than about 150, preferably less than about 100, more preferably less than about 50 cp (0.05 Pa · s) under a shear of ≥ ~ 1000 s ^-1 .

The ability preferred compositions containing mixtures of both sodium as well as potassium cations, behave pseudoplastic, is important to promote easy distribution, especially if the Sprays compositions be while she the ability maintain to be thick, stick and delay after they expire on the hard surfaces were applied.

The Presence of a mixed cation buffer system, in particular with regard to the possible Presence of cations in combination with anionic surfactants, However, it can also lead to instability of the product. Therefore is a highly preferred embodiment the present invention, in particular in the formulation with anionic surfactant systems, one in which the cation associated with the anionic surfactant is the same as that with the alkaline compound connected. In this regard, the use is of sodium sulfates and / or sodium sulfonates associated with Sodium hydroxide, carbonate and / or bicarbonate strongly preferred, especially in the case that the composition is substantially free of potassium cations from other sources.

solvent

Of the Main proportion (usually 90 wt .-% to 98 wt .-%) of the compositions herein includes water as solubilizing carrier for the Ingredients. The compositions also include an organic one Auxiliary solvents. To comply with the idea of the present invention must the organic solvent be one for that the use in the food industry is considered acceptable becomes. As indicated in the following examples, water-ethanol be used and is particularly preferred when the compositions with basic pH herein. Other comparable, water-soluble, low molecular weight solvents, such as glycerol, isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol, may also be used. The solvent concentration should be 10% in the solution, the for the cleaning of hard surfaces used, do not exceed and is preferably in the range of about 0.05% to about 10% on the weight of the composition, more preferably about 0.5% to about 8%, and more preferably from about 2% to about 6%.

perfume

Most hard surface cleaning products contain some fragrance to make them smell more pleasant and to mask any "chemical" odor that may be inherent in the product, the main function of a small fraction of high volatility, low boiling point (low boiling points) Fragrance components in these fragrances are intended to enhance the fragrance of the product itself rather than subsequently affecting the odor of the cleaned surface Some of the less volatile, high boiling perfume ingredients, however, may provide a fresh and clean impression of the surfaces, and sometimes it is desirable in that these ingredients are deposited on the dry surface and are present For the purposes of the present invention, the term "fragrance" will be used to include those ingredients that provide a better odor. Such ingredients may include conventional fragrances, natural extracts, essences and flavors. The perfumes are preferably those which are more water-soluble and / or volatile to minimize staining and filming. All fragrances useful in the present invention must be suitable in the amounts used for food or GRAS to conform to the basic property of the invention. Particularly suitable are those fragrances that give the composition a citrus or lemon note. Some of the fragrances useful herein are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent 5,108,660, Michael, issued April 28, 1992, in Sp. 8, lines 48 to 68, and Sp. 9, lines 1 to 68, and Sp. 10, lines 1 to 24, described.

Sequestrant / builder

Detergent builder, which are effective for Cleaning agent for hard surfaces and having reduced filming / streaking properties at the critical concentrations, are an optional element of the present invention. organic polycarboxylic especially those that are GRAS, such as citron, wine, and apple and other acids, can be used. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (hereinafter EDTA) also an effective additive for this purpose.

The additional optional detergent builders, if any, usually have Concentrations of from about 0.001% to about 0.5%, more preferably from from about 0.002% to about 0.3%, most preferably from about 0.01% to about about 0.15%. The concentrations of the additional builders used in the wash solution present for Glass should be below about 0.2%. Therefore, in usually a dilution for cleaning highly preferred by glass while for general Cleaning purposes, the full power is preferred, depending on the concentration of the product.

preservative

The Formulation of the present compositions reduced at high pH the inclination for the biological growth of contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi or mold. For Foods suitable standard preservatives, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and / or their salts, at a concentration of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or their sodium and / or potassium salts from about 0.01% to about 0.2%, can although the compositions have basic pH Do not require a preservative here.

The Use of commercial Surfactants, the unsaturated Containing alkyl groups may be due to the development of bad smells and / or a yellowing the compositions in which they occur are complicated. It is believed that these are undesirable Properties of complex side reactions are caused by the reaction of oxygen with primarily the multiple unsaturated Components are initiated. These consequences can be avoided or minimized by avoiding contact with air or by the quality the alkyl substituent controls so that the amount and type of polyunsaturated Compounds are minimized as described above, and / or by the Addition of antioxidants.

It it was found that the addition of tocopherols (eg, vitamin E or tocoperol acetates) in alkaline formulations of advantage is because they are not degraded and also do not contribute a strong color. They hinder the development of bad odors for extended periods of time, thus minimizing the need for masking fragrances or eliminated. The use of butylated phenols, such as BHT and BHA, is also useful, but the amount should be limited to prevent colors from being communicated to the compositions. Other for Foods suitable antioxidants, such as vitamin C and sulfates, are desired to a deterioration of the composition by the action of oxygen to prevent, but care must be taken, as vitamin C can undergo color degradation and sulfates cause odor problems can. Sulfates were also the subject of concern over possible Health hazard.

spraying

The compositions herein are preferably used by placing them in a package comprising either an aerosol container or a non-aerosol "sprayer." This sprayer is any of the manually operated means, preferably of the "pump-lever type", for the Producing a liquid droplet spray as known in the art. Typical spray equipment are described in US Pat. Nos .: 4,082,223, Nozawa, issued Apr. 4, 1978; 4,161,288, McKinney, issued July 17, 1979; 4,558,821, Tada et al., Issued Dec. 17, 1985; 4,434,917, Saito et al., Issued Mar. 6, 1984; and 4,819,835, Tasaki, issued Apr. 11, 1989. The spray bottle or container may be any or any of those used to contain detergent compositions for hard surface cleaners. Examples of bottles are those described in U.S. Design Patent Nos .: 244,991, Weekman et al., Issued July 12, 1977; and 275,078, Wassergord et al., issued Aug. 14, 1984.

The spraying herein may also include those of the liquid Add a propellant gas, and those who use detergent compositions themselves with a viscosity less than about 0.015 Pa · s (15 cP) foam. The device can also be one that can be adapted that they are either a liquid one Spray or foam. The sprayers herein are usually those who own even a limited amount of Acting composition, usually by means of a piston, the Composition displaced and expels the composition through a nozzle to a spray or a thin one liquid to create. The sprayers can include a foaming spray head, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos .: 4,350,298; 4,730,775; 4,883,227 and 4,890,792. An example of an acceptable in the trade available Foaming spray head is Model TS-800 with spray nozzles, manufactured by Calmar, Inc.

use

The Compositions described herein are for inanimate ones household surfaces used, in particular for those used in food production and others Surfaces, which come into contact with food (surfaces that are contaminated with food get in touch). For example, cutting boards, counter tops, utensils, Dishes, sieves, sinks, sponges, towels, tea towels, cloths (napkins), tablecloths and other surfaces, that come into contact with food. It is desirable the surfaces to disinfect / sanitize before using the food come into contact and it is desirable the surfaces to disinfect / sanitize each time they return be contaminated. The products here, the thoroughly GRAS ingredients are perfect for this purpose. On hard surfaces can the compositions of course be removed after a sufficient time has elapsed rinse or by absorption / wiping with a suitable object, z. As a paper towel, a sponge, a scraper, etc. The Compositions are particularly well suited for removal by simple Wipe off the treated surface.

Examples

The explain the following examples but they are intended to be the compositions and methods of the invention do not limit. The basic, liquid Example compositions can at a pH of from 11.6 to over 12.5 by loosening the components in water or water-ethanol by means of a conventional mixing device getting produced. The values are by weight, unless otherwise stated.

Claims (9)

Aqueous composition suitable for cleaning hard surfaces, even if the composition is not completely removed from the surfaces, comprising only ingredients necessary for life and (a) from 0.005% to less than 0.5% of nonionic and / or anionic surfactant; (b) up to 6% by weight of GRAS fragrance; (c) a toxicologically-acceptable alkali compound; (d) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable sequestering agent / builder; (e) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable preservative; and (f) to other parts, an aqueous carrier selected from water and, optionally, low molecular weight, toxicologically-acceptable organic solvent; wherein the aqueous solution has a pH of greater than 12, and wherein the composition is substantially free of C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acids or their salts. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the constituent (f) water and, based on the weight of the composition, of 0.05% to 10% organic solvent includes, selected from the group consisting of ethanol, glycerol, isopropanol and Propylene glycol. A composition according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the surfactant is an anionic compound optionally selected from Group selected which consists of sodium alkyl sulfates and sulfonates, and wherein the Component (c) selected is from the group consisting of alkaline compounds with sodium cations. A composition according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein either more than 95% by weight of the surfactant has an alkyl chain length of C ₁₀ to C ₁₆ or more than 50% by weight of the surfactant has an alkyl chain length of C ₁₂ . A composition according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the composition has a pH above 12.5 and / or wherein component (d) is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, tartaric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and mixtures thereof, and / or wherein the aqueous cleaning solution either has a viscosity of less than 0.1 Pa · s (100 cP) at a shear greater than 1000 s ^-1 or a viscosity of less than 0.05 Pa · s (50 cP). An aqueous composition suitable for the cleaning of hard surfaces, even if the composition is not completely removed from the surfaces, comprising only ingredients suitable for food, wherein the composition each comprises: I. (a) from 0.005% to less than 0 5% nonionic and / or anionic surfactant; (b) from 0.01% to 4%, by weight of the composition, of GRAS fragrance; (c) a toxicologically-acceptable alkali compound; (d) from 0.5% to 8% of low molecular weight, toxicologically-acceptable organic solvent; (e) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable sequestering agent / builder; (f) optionally, a toxicologically acceptable preservative; and (g) to residual water, the composition having a pH above 12.0, and wherein the composition is substantially free of C ₈ -C ₁₈ fatty acid or its salts; or II. (a) from 0.005% to less than 0.5% of nonionic and / or anionic surfactant; (b) from 0.01% to 4%, by weight of the composition, of GRAS fragrance; (c) a toxicologically-acceptable alkali compound; (d) from 0.5% to 8% of low molecular weight, toxicologically-acceptable organic solvent; and (e) to other parts of water; wherein the composition has a pH above 12. The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the surfactant comprises a sodium alkyl sulfate wherein more than 50% by weight of the surfactant has an alkyl chain length of C ₁₂ , wherein the alkali compound is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate; and wherein the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, glycerol, isopropanol and propylene glycol, and wherein, optionally, the surfactant is present at a level of from 0.01% to 0.1%, and / or the perfume is in a concentration of 0.1% to 2%, and / or the composition has a pH above 12. A method of cleaning hard surfaces, comprising contacting the hard surfaces by direct application of an aqueous detergent composition according to any one of the claims 1-7. Commodity comprising a container containing an aqueous detergent composition according to one of the claims Contains 1-7, and the container optional is a spray container, the for The use by an individual is suitable to hard surfaces too clean, and optionally includes a Schäumungssprühkopf.