HUP0100954A2 - Carpet cleaning composition and process for cleaning carpets - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a carpet cleaning process in which the residual index of the liquid product used after vacuum cleaning is less than 40%, and which consists of the following steps: - the product is applied in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v, 0 . 9) of less than 1500 mm in the form of 1-120 ml/ it is sprinkled on the carpet in the amount of m2; - the product is left to dry on the carpet and finally removed from the carpet with a vacuum cleaner. The invention also covers a liquid preparation suitable for carpet cleaning, with a residual index of less than 40% after vacuum cleaning, packed in a container that allows the preparation to be sprayed on carpets in the form of droplets with an average diameter of less than 1500mm D(v,0.9). HE

Description

· S.B.G.&K.

International Patent Office H-1062 Budapest, Andrássy út 113. Telephone: 34-24-950, Fax: 34-24-323

PUBLICATION • ·· ö

COPY 4/

Carpet cleaning composition and method for cleaning carpets

The invention relates to an easy and fast carpet cleaning method in which little wetting is used and no rinsing is required to achieve excellent cleaning effect and, while the composition is in a wet state, no manual action (except for application) is required. More specifically, the method according to the invention uses a liquid carpet cleaning composition packaged in a container that allows the composition to be sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average particle diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm. The composition used is suitable for removing various types of stains/soils from carpets and does not leave a sticky residue after drying.

Carpets made from synthetic or natural fibers or their blends are commonly used materials for industrial and domestic floor coverings. Carpets are made from various types of fibers, such as polyamide, polyester, wool, cotton, or — in the case of strong carpets — even silk.

However, carpets, regardless of the natural or synthetic fibers used to make them, are prone to dirt and stains when they come into contact with various household items. Food, fats, oils, soft drinks, especially coffee, tea and soft drinks, and substances containing acidic dyes often cause dark stains on the carpet. Carpet fibers can also become dirty with dirt particles, clay, dust, i.e. generally granular dirt, that come into contact with and adhere to them. The latter dirt often does not appear as stains, but as a diffuse layer of dirt and accumulates mainly in so-called “high-traffic areas”, such as near doors, due to increased use of such areas.

The art describes a number of carpet cleaning compositions that are suitable for removing soil and stains from carpet fibers. These carpet cleaning compositions can be divided into two main groups, shampoos and stain removers. Shampoos are applied to the entire carpet using a typical extraction machine. The disadvantage of their use is that, although they loosen and/or disperse the soil, they do not pick up or retain the soil, which results in it being redeposited on the carpet fibers. Furthermore, these compositions are not very effective against more problematic soils, such as acid and/or coffee stains. Furthermore, since acid or coffee stains are not soluble in water, aqueous shampoos are not very effective on them, and it is often difficult to remove all of the shampoo from the surface of the fibers, even when rinsing with large amounts of water or steam. This causes the carpet fibers to become sticky due to the shampoo/detergent film. The film attracts and retains dirt, making a clean carpet less likely to become soiled after cleaning than before. These shampoos require large amounts of water to rinse out, resulting in the carpet fibers and, in many cases, the cushion underneath becoming saturated with water, which can result in the cushion and/or carpet becoming damaged. In addition, water remaining in the cushion can cause microbial growth in the carpet.

70.681/BE can cause rotting, which can cause health and/or odor problems. Finally, a further disadvantage of using such shampoos, which require large amounts of water or steam, is that the drying time is long, usually several hours or a whole day.

Stain removers are typically applied to the carpet to be cleaned. One problem with such compositions is that their application requires brushing, mopping, scrubbing, rubbing, or other manual intervention while the composition is wet to achieve the desired result. The use of cleaning tools such as cloths, mops, or sponges for stain/soil removal actually limits their application to localized areas of the carpet. Such cleaning tools should also be rinsed with sufficient water as necessary to remove visible soil. Stain removers do disperse the soil onto the carpet surface, but they often do not prevent the dispersed soil from redepositing on the cleaned carpet fibers if the soil has not been removed by the cleaning tool. For example, it has been found that if a water-dispersible or soluble coffee stain remains after cleaning, the stain will concentrate on the surface of the cleaned carpet after drying, indicating inadequate cleaning. Another problem with stain removers is that, if not rinsed properly, they leave sticky stains on the carpet, similar to shampoos.

One object of the invention is to provide a carpet cleaning method that overcomes the disadvantages described above and is applicable to localized areas of the carpet or the entire carpet.

70.681/BE. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a carpet cleaning method which is capable of removing various types of stains, including stains resulting from particulate matter, greasy soil, bleachable soil and/or enzymatic soil, more easily and more quickly than before. It is also an object of the invention to provide a carpet cleaning method which does not require manual intervention (except for application) while the composition is wet. It is also an object of the invention to provide a carpet cleaning method which requires a limited drying time after application of the composition to the carpet.

During our work, we have found that the above objectives can be achieved with a carpet cleaning process in which the residual index of the liquid preparation used after vacuum cleaning is less than 40%, and which consists of the following steps:

- the composition is sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm; the amount applied to the carpet is 1-120 ml/m ² of carpet;

- let the product dry on the carpet and finally remove it from the carpet with a vacuum carpet cleaner.

The invention also relates to a liquid composition suitable for carpet cleaning, packaged in a container which allows the composition to be sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm; the composition has a residual index of less than 40%.

One advantage of the carpet cleaning method according to the invention, in addition to the excellent cleaning effect, is that it can be applied easily and quickly. The carpet cleaning method according to the invention is further advantageous

70.681/BE has the advantage that it can be used with excellent cleaning effect on the entire surface of the carpet or on localized carpet stains, and a reduced amount of product needs to be distributed on the carpet to be cleaned. This is primarily manifested in the short drying time. In addition, this method does not leave a sticky residue on the carpet.

The method according to the invention can advantageously clean a wide variety of stains and dirt, including, for example, bleachable stains, enzymatic stains, as well as granular and/or greasy stains, primarily in so-called "high-traffic areas".

A further advantage of the invention is that the method according to the invention and the composition according to the invention packaged in a container which allows the composition to be sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm, on all types of carpets, in particular on fine natural fiber carpets, and can be safely used on all types of carpet dyes, in particular on sensitive natural dyes. The method according to the invention can also be used to clean upholstery and car seat covers.

A further advantage of the method and composition of the invention is that it can be applied directly to the carpet without damaging the carpet. In addition, the cleaning effect begins immediately after the carpet cleaning composition is sprayed into droplets of the size described above.

Representatives of the compositions previously described in the art are as follows:

EP-A-629694 describes a carpet cleaning

70.681/BE mas discloses stable aqueous compositions containing an active oxygen source and having a pH of 1-6. EP-A-751213 discloses compositions suitable for carpet cleaning which contain salicylic acid and a compound selected from the group consisting of amine oxides, soil suspending polycarboxylate and polyamine polymers, hydroxypyridine N-oxides, chelating mixtures and mixtures thereof.

The invention relates to a carpet cleaning process in which the residual index of the liquid composition used after vacuum cleaning is less than 40%, and which comprises the following steps:

- the composition is sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v, 0.9) of less than 1500 pm; the amount applied to the carpet is 1-120 ml/m ² of carpet;

- let the product dry on the carpet and finally remove it from the carpet with a vacuum cleaner.

The invention also provides a liquid composition suitable for carpet cleaning, having a residual index of less than 40% after vacuum cleaning, packaged in a container which allows the composition to be sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm. Carpet cleaning compositions suitable for the purposes of the invention contain at least one polymer which does not leave a sticky residue after drying. Highly preferred compositions according to the invention also contain surfactants and/or a suitable organic compound.

The quantities, percentages and

70.681/BE ratios are given based on the weight of the total preparation, unless otherwise specified.

The carpet cleaning process

An essential feature of the carpet cleaning method according to the invention is that the liquid composition is sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 gm, and the amount of the composition used is 1-120 ml/m ² of carpet surface.

In our work, we have found that when the liquid composition is sprayed onto the surface of the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm, preferably less than 1000 pm, more preferably less than 750 pm, even more preferably less than 500 pm and most preferably 350-10 pm, the composition forms a homogeneous layer on the surface of the carpet, which results in an excellent cleaning effect, and the amount used is less than conventionally. When the composition is applied to the carpet in the form of small droplets as described above, greater coverage can be achieved with the same amount of composition than when a larger droplet size composition is used. In addition, when the composition is applied as described above, surface wetting is also reduced and the carpet dries faster. This means that the housewife has to wait less time between applying the product to the carpet and removing it from the carpet with a vacuum cleaner.

The term “average diameter less than 1500 µm (Dv0.9)” for droplet size distribution means that 90% of the droplets distributed by the spray (expressed in units of volume)

70-681/BE has a droplet diameter of less than 1500 pm. For example, the expression D(v,0.9) less than 1500 pm means that 90% of the total sprayed volume distributed in droplet form has a droplet diameter of less than 1500 pm.

The particle size distribution of the sprayed droplets can be determined using the following procedure:

A suitable test apparatus is the Malvern Mastersizer S LongBed, with a particle size limit of up to 3475 pm, equipped with a 1000 mm lens. This apparatus has a 21 cm aperture suitable for receiving the spray stream. The scale of the apparatus and the lens surfaces should not be contaminated by the spray. In the present test, the nozzle is set to a distance of 8 cm from the laser beam to minimize lens contamination. The sprays at a distance of 8 cm are directed to the laser beam so that the center of the laser beam is in the spray cone. At least 3 readings are taken for each formulation to determine the size distribution of the spray droplets. The spray apparatus used in the method of the invention is electrically operated. The battery drive system of the sprayer is set to “full charge” in accordance with the sprayer head power supply operating at 3.9 volts direct current (VDC) supplied from an external source. The comparison sprayer used is a hand-operated sprayer. The repeatability of the hand-operated sprayer is to be tested by three different individuals. The test subjects are to be selected so that the force exerted on the actuating element of the device is different, i.e. a short woman, a strong-handed woman and a medium-sized man are selected.

70.681/BE ··;· ··:: ;

Any container capable of dispensing the composition of the invention in the form of droplets of the size described above may be used for packaging the composition. A number of modifications can be made to the conventional single-hole spray head to produce droplets suitable for the purposes of the invention. Suitable containers (also known as spray containers) have in common that they contain at least one or more openings, otherwise known as "distribution openings", through which the composition can be dispensed. The openings are designed to be capable of dispensing a spray of the droplet size described above.

The flow rate of the composition of the invention flowing out of the container is 5-750 ml/min, preferably 20-400 ml/min, more preferably 150-250 ml/min.

These spray containers are operated manually or electrically. Typical manually operated spray containers include those that are pump-operated and those that are operated by a trigger switch. From such spray containers, the composition in the container is passed through the spray head by means of a pumping mechanism actuated by the user or by an electrical mechanism. A container that is preferably used for the purposes of the invention includes an electrically operated pump and an extended or extendable spray arm with at least one spray opening for delivering the composition; upon operation, the electric pump forces the composition from the container through the spray arm to the spray opening from which the composition is dispersed. The spray arm is preferably connected to a flexible connector by means of a flexible connector.

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The spray arm is connected to the container by a gas. One or more nozzles may be arranged along the length of the spray arm. The spray arm makes it easier to direct the spray of the composition to the desired location. The electrically operated pump may be, for example, a gear pump, a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, a screw pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump or any other small pump. For the purposes of the invention, the most preferred electric pump variant is a gear pump with a typical speed of 6000-12000 rpm. For example, an electric motor with a torque of 1-20 mN.m is used to drive the electric pump. The electric motor may be powered by a power source. The power source may be the network (optionally via a transformer) or a disposable or rechargeable battery. The spray arm is extended by a rigid structure. However, such a spray arm is difficult to store, therefore the extension of the spray arm is preferably done with a telescopic or foldable structure.

An essential feature of the carpet cleaning method according to the invention is that the amount of composition used is 1-120 ml/m ² , preferably 10-80 ml/m ² , more preferably 20-60 ml/m ² and most preferably 30-50 ml/m ² . When the composition with such particle size distribution is sprayed onto the carpet as described above, optimal carpet surface coverage is obtained and, in addition, excellent cleaning performance is achieved in a short drying time.

The spray from spray tanks previously used for localized carpet stains typically has a mean diameter (Dv0.9) of 1800 pm or more and the typical application rate is 400 ml/m2 ^.

70.681/BE »* **£* · V* _w * · _β# · (e.g. SC Johnson Shout), i.e. the droplet size is larger and a significantly larger amount of the composition must be used per 1 m ² of carpet than the composition according to the invention. A significant advantage of the composition according to the invention is that less amount of the composition is required to achieve an excellent cleaning effect. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the typical cone diameter of the spraying device is 15-90 degrees, which allows the composition to be sprayed over a surface of 50-200 cm ^2. With a spray container of this design, a larger carpet surface coverage can be achieved with a given amount of composition. In the spray container previously used for carpet cleaning, the composition was sprayed through a relatively narrow cone or nozzle.

An essential feature of the method according to the invention is that the composition is allowed to dry on the carpet after application, before vacuum cleaning. The drying of the composition on the carpet (drying step) can be carried out by "active drying" or "passive drying". By the term "active drying" we mean that the evaporation of the appropriate components of the liquid composition according to the invention is promoted by heating the carpet and the liquid composition thereon, for example by using hot air or infrared radiation. By the term "passive drying" we mean that the evaporation of the appropriate components of the liquid composition according to the invention takes place without further intervention.

The term "drying" is understood to mean a step in which at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, of the initial amount of composition sprayed onto the carpet evaporates.

After applying the product to the carpet, the carpet should be—

70.681/BE is preferably allowed to dry for less than at least 2 hours, preferably less than 70 minutes, more preferably less than 50 minutes, and most preferably 15-25 minutes.

One of the advantageous features of the invention is that the cleaning effect of the composition begins immediately after application to the carpet. Accordingly, in the method according to the invention, while the carpet is wet, no manual intervention is required (except for application). After the composition has dried, the carpet is vacuum cleaned. For this, any commercial vacuum cleaner, such as a standard Hoover 1300 W brand device, can be used.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, for example, an additional cleaning composition, such as a composition containing perfume, is used before, between or after the three steps of the method according to the invention.

The surface to be cleaned with the composition according to the invention can be any size. The carpet cleaning composition according to the invention can be sprayed on a section of the carpet or, preferably, the entire carpet.

Another important feature of the carpet cleaning method according to the invention is that the residual index of the applied composition after vacuum cleaning is less than 40%.

The residual index of the compositions of the invention after vacuum cleaning is less than 30%, preferably less than 25%, more preferably less than 15% and most preferably less than 10%.

The residual index (TVRi) after vacuum cleaning is determined by the following equation: = x 100 ,

Wt-Ws where

Ws is the initial weight of the carpet sample (without treatment);

Wt is the weight of the carpet sample immediately after application of the cleaning composition; Wt may be affected by the rate of application of the composition (g/ ^m2 sec) and/or the application time (sec);

Wfv is the final weight of the carpet sample after vacuum cleaning with a standard Hoover 1300 W commercial appliance.

The values Ws, Wt and Wfv can be expressed in any mass unit, but all three parameters must be expressed in the same unit.

One method for determining the residual indicator is as follows:

The mass of a 10x10 cm carpet sample is weighed before and after vacuum cleaning for 10 seconds using a Hoover 1300W machine. In order not to be affected by the carpet's own mass loss (e.g. fibre loss), the vacuum cleaning is repeated several times and the mass of the sample is determined only afterwards; an exception is made when the mass loss due to vacuum cleaning is less than 5% by weight of the amount of preparation used (i.e. for a 100 ^cm2 sample with a 50 g/ ^m2 amount of preparation, the loss due to vacuum cleaning should be less than 0.025 g). Ws is the minimum mass of the carpet sample measured after the above procedure. Then

70.681/BE ; · 50 g/m ² of the composition is spread on the carpet, then the sample is weighed, the weight thus obtained is the Wt. The carpet is then dried for 60 minutes and vacuum cleaned for 10 seconds with a Hoover 1300W type device. The drying of the composition on the carpet is naturally allowed to take place at “normal temperature” and “normal humidity”. The expression “normal temperature” means a temperature of 15-15 °C, preferably 20-25 °C, and the expression “normal humidity” means a relative humidity (RH) of 40-80 %, preferably 50-65 %. Finally, the sample is weighed, and the Wfv value is obtained.

During our work, we have found that the cleaning effect of a product characterized by the residue index determined as above is excellent, and the formation of sticky residue on the surface of the carpet is reduced or eliminated.

Preferred embodiments of the compositions of the invention, which are characterized by a residual index of less than 40% after vacuum cleaning, typically contain at least one polymer that does not form a sticky residue upon drying.

The polymers used

The compositions of the invention typically comprise a polymer or a polymer blend.

Preferred compositions of the invention typically contain from 0.01 to 50% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.3 to 10% by weight and most preferably from 0.5 to 3% by weight of polymer or a polymer mixture, based on their total weight.

Polymers that do not leave a sticky residue after drying are suitable for use. Such polymers include:

70.681/BE ···· ··?· soil-suspending polycarboxylate and polyamine polymers and mixtures thereof.

For the purposes of the invention, all known soil-suspending polymers, such as homo- and copolymeric polycarboxylic acids, including, for example, maleic anhydride and/or acrylic acid copolymers, or salts thereof, may be used. Such soil-suspending polycarboxylate polymers are prepared by polymerization or copolymerization of suitable unsaturated monomers, preferably in acid form. Unsaturated monomeric acids used for the preparation of suitable polymeric polycarboxylates include the following: acrylic acid, maleic acid (or anhydride), fumaric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid and methylenemalonic acid. The monomeric segments not containing carboxyl groups present in the polycarboxylates of the invention, such as vinyl methyl ether, styrene, ethylene segments, may constitute up to 40% by weight of the polymer.

Polycarboxylates derived from acrylic acid are suitable for use in the present invention. Examples of such compounds include water-soluble salts of polymerized acrylic acid. They preferably have an average molecular weight of about 2,000 to 10,000, more preferably about 4,000 to 7,000, and most preferably about 4,000 to 5,000. Examples of water-soluble salts of acrylic acid polymers include alkali metal, ammonium, and substituted ammonium salts. These polymers are known materials. Polyacrylates of this type for use in detergent compositions are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,308,067.

Acrylic acid/maleic acid-based copolymers can also be used as preferred soil-suspending polymers. Such

70.6Θ1/ΒΕ materials are, for example, water-soluble salts of acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers. Such copolymers have an average molecular weight in the acid form of about 2000-100000, more preferably about 5000-75000 and most preferably about 7000-65000. The ratio of acrylate segments to maleate segments in such copolymers is generally about (30:1)-(1:1), more preferably about (10:1)-(2:1). Water-soluble salts of such acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymers include, for example, alkali metal, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts. Such soluble acrylate/maleate copolymers are known and are described in EP-A-66915. A particularly preferred maleic acid/acrylic acid copolymer has an average molecular weight of about 70,000. Such copolymers are marketed by BASF under the trade name SOKALAN CP5.

Any known soil suspending polymer may be used for the purposes of the invention. Polyamine polymers suitable for use in the compositions of the invention are alkoxylated polyamines. These materials have the following repeating units:

N r— amine form (alkoxy)y ⁿ and R i

I © Θ quaternized form

--N------R--η X - I (alkoxy)y, in which R is generally a hydrocarbon group of 2-6 carbon atoms;

R ¹ is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

70.681/BE the alkoxy group may be, for example, an ethoxy or propoxy group;

y is preferably 2-30, more preferably 10-20;

n is at least 2 integers, preferably 2-20 and most preferably 3-5; and

X ^- represents the anion resulting from the quaternization reaction, such as a halide or methyl sulfate anion.

The most preferably applicable polyamines for the purposes of the invention are the so-called ethoxylated poly(ethylamines), i.e. the polymerized reaction products of ethylene oxide with ethyleneimine, having the general formula (EtO)y--N----CH2 —CH2--N-----(EtO)y ^L (EtO)y ⁿ (EtO)y, in which y=2-30, preferably 15 and n is 1-30, preferably 4. Particularly preferably applicable for the purposes of the invention are the ethoxylated poly(ethyleneamine), primarily tetraethylenepentamine and quaternized ethoxylated hexamethylenediamine.

Such polymers used in the carpet cleaning compositions of the present invention do not form a sticky residue. This means that these polymers do not form a sticky residue that would trap soil, thereby preventing these soils from being redeposited on the cleaned carpet fibers.

In other words, the polymers used in the compositions of the invention enhance the overall cleaning performance while reducing or even preventing the formation of sticky residues on the carpet surface after drying. It has been observed that when such polymers are present in the compositions of the invention

70.681/BE is more than 90% by weight, preferably more than 95% by weight, the residue deposited on the carpet fibers is solid and non-sticky. With this carpet cleaning method, the residue on the carpet can therefore be removed more easily than sticky residues that are difficult to remove by vacuum cleaning. In addition, in addition to the almost complete residue removal, the deposition of dirt on the carpet is also reduced or even eliminated.

The carpet cleaning compositions of the invention have excellent cleaning properties on a wide variety of soils. Such soils include diffuse soils (e.g., particulate and/or greasy soils) that tend to accumulate in "high-traffic areas." Other types of soils, such as stain-like, bleachable soils (such as coffee, soft drinks, food) and/or enzymatic soils, such as blood, are also well cleaned.

The term “granular soil” refers to any granular soil or stain found on any carpet. Examples include clay, dirt, dust, mud, or concrete.

The term "greasy/oily soil" refers to any greasy/oily soil found on any carpet. Examples include powder, lipstick, dirty motor oil and mineral oil, greasy food stains such as mayonnaise and spaghetti.

The term “bleachable soil” refers to any soil or stain that contains components that are sensitive to bleach and can be found on any carpet.

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The term “enzymatic soil” refers to any soil or stain that can be found on any carpet. An example of this is grass stains.

The cleaning performance of a given composition on a soiled carpet can be determined by the following test procedure: The cleaning composition of the invention is first sprayed onto the soiled surface of the carpet, left to act for about 1-10 minutes, preferably 5 minutes, and then the carpet is subjected to vacuum cleaning. For the cleaning performance test, a real, typically soiled carpet from a "high traffic area" is used. A visual method is used to estimate the cleaning performance.

In the version of the compositions of the invention containing a peroxygen bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide, the presence of the polymer further improves the cleaning properties of the composition.

The surfactants used

Highly preferred compositions of the invention also contain a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants.

Typical compositions of the invention contain up to 50% by weight of the total weight of the surfactant, preferably 0.5-25% by weight, more preferably 1-10% by weight and most preferably 1.5-5% by weight, of the surfactant or a mixture thereof.

Surfactants suitable for the purposes of the invention do not leave a sticky residue after drying and are well known materials selected from the following: anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants or combinations thereof.

70.681/BE containing mixtures.

Anionic surfactants are particularly suitable for the purposes of the invention. They are advantageous because they further enhance the excellent cleaning effect of the compositions of the invention on a wide variety of soils. In addition, they do not leave a sticky residue on the carpet, thereby reducing resoiling.

Anionic surfactants which are preferred for the purposes of the invention include sulfonate and sulfate type surfactants. These are well known and are found in many commercial detergent compositions. Examples of such anionic surfactants include: C8-22 alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), C4-22 alkyl sulfates (AS), unsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate, C10-18 alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AES) and C10-18 alkyl alkoxy carboxylates. The cations used for the anionic synthetic sulfonates and/or sulfates are conventional cations widely used in the manufacture of detergents, such as sodium, potassium or alkanol ammonium cations. For the purposes of the invention, alkyl sulfates are preferably used, especially coco alkyl sulfates having 6-18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, preferably 8-15 carbon atoms.

The compositions of the invention may also contain other anionic surfactants useful for cleaning purposes. These include the following: soap salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts, such as mono-, di- and triethanolamine); primary or secondary alkane sulfonates having 8 to 22 carbon atoms; olefins having 8 to 24 carbon atoms

70.681/BE sulfonates; sulfonated polycarboxylic acids obtained by sulfonation of pyrolyzed products of alkaline earth metal citrates, such as those described in patent document BP 1 082 179; alkyl polyglycol ether sulfates having 8 to 24 carbon atoms (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide); alkyl ester sulfonates, such as methyl ester sulfonates having 14 to 16 carbon atoms; acyl glycerol sulfonates; gyroleyl glycerol sulfates; alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates; paraffin sulfonates; alkyl phosphates; isethionates, such as acyl isethionates; N-acyl taurates, alkyl succinates and sulfosuccinates; sulfosuccinate monoesters (primarily saturated and unsaturated monoesters having 12-18 carbon atoms), sulfosuccinate diesters (primarily saturated and unsaturated diesters having 12-18 carbon atoms); alkyl polysaccharide sulfates, such as alkyl polyglucoside sulfates (nonionic non-sulfated compounds will be described later). Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids, such as hydrogenated rosin, and resin acids or hydrogenated resin acids derived from or contained in tallow oil, are also suitable. Further representatives are described in the following literature: Surface Active Agents and Detergents (Vol. I and II, Schwartz, Perry and Berch). A general description of many such surfactants is given in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678.

Other anionic surfactants suitable for use in the compositions of the invention include acyl sarcosinate acid and/or salt forms or mixtures thereof. Preferred are those

70.681/BE

O

long-chain acyl sarcosinate of the general formula, in which:

M represents a hydrogen atom or a cationic group;

R is an alkyl group having 11-15 carbon atoms, preferably 11-13 carbon atoms.

M is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal atom, especially sodium and potassium. These acyl sarcosinate surfactants are derived from natural fatty acids and the amino acid sarcosine (N-methylglycine). They can be conveniently used in their salt form in aqueous solutions or in their acid form as a powder. Since these acyl sarcosinates are natural fatty acid derivatives, they are rapidly and completely biodegradable and have good skin compatibility.

Accordingly, long chain acyl sarcosinates which are particularly useful for the purposes of the invention include C12 acyl sarcosinate (i.e., the compound of the above formula wherein M is hydrogen and R is C11 alkyl) and C14 acyl sarcosinate (i.e., the compound of the above formula wherein M is hydrogen and R is C13 alkyl). C12 and C14 acyl sarcosinate are commercially available products. Examples include Hamposyl L-30 and Hamposyl M-30, respectively, manufactured by Hampshire.

An anion that is particularly advantageous for the purposes of the invention is

70.681/BE surfactants are alkyl sulfate surfactants of the general formula R^C^M, in which R ₃ is a hydrocarbon group, including a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and in the alkyl group an alkylphenyl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. R _T is preferably a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 12 carbon atoms and most preferably 6 to 10 carbon atoms; M is a hydrogen atom or a cation, for example an alkali metal or earth metal cation (such as sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium or magnesium cation) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (such as methyl, dimethyl, trimethylammonium) cation or quaternary ammonium cation, such as tetramethylammonium and dimethylpyridinium cation, as well as quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines, such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine and mixtures thereof.

Other surfactants particularly useful for the purposes of the invention include amine oxide surfactants of the general formula R ₁ R ₂ R ₃ NO, wherein R ₁ R ₂ R ₃ are independently an optionally substituted, saturated, linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

Amine oxide surfactants particularly useful for the purposes of the invention include compounds of the general formula R ₁ R ₂ R ₃ NO, wherein R ₃ is a saturated, linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 16 carbon atoms; and R ₂ R ₃ is independently an optionally substituted,

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A linear or branched alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, preferably 1-3 carbon atoms, preferably methyl. Suitable amine oxide surfactants for the purposes of the invention are not mixtures of amine oxides of different chain lengths, but are purely separated, i.e. pure, single amine oxides. An example of this is N,N-dimethylamine oxide having 8 carbon atoms.

Suitable amine oxide surfactants for the purposes of the invention include, for example, pure separated C8 amine oxide, pure separated C10 amine oxide, pure separated C14 amine oxide, natural C8-C10 amine oxide mixtures, and C12-C16 amine oxide mixtures. Such amine oxides are commercially available from, for example, Hoechst or Stephan.

Suitable nonionic surfactants for the purposes of the invention include: ethoxylated (C6-C24) fatty alcohol nonionic surfactants, alkyl propoxylates and mixtures thereof, fatty acid (C6-C24) alkanolamides, C6-C20 poly(ethyl glycol) ethers, 1000-80000 molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) and glucose amides, alkyl pyrrolidones and betaines.

Cationic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula R _X R ₂ R ₃ R ₄ N ⁺ , wherein R _X R ₂ and R ₃ are methyl, R ₄ is C 12-15 alkyl; or, when R ₃ is ethyl or hydroxyethyl, R ₂ and R ₃ are methyl, and R ₄ is C 12-15 alkyl.

Additives used where applicable include:

70.681/BE zwitterionic surfactants are also suitable. Aliphatic quaternary ammonium, phosphonium and sulfonium compounds in which the aliphatic group is straight or branched chain and at least one of the aliphatic substituents has from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms and the other substituent contains at least one anionic water-solubilizing group are suitable. Ethoxylated ammonium sulfonate zwitterionics and the sulfates described in U.S. Patents 3,925,262 and 3,929,678 are particularly preferred.

In a preferred embodiment of the compositions of the invention, a surfactant is used in addition to the polymer. The surfactant helps prevent the polymer from forming a sticky residue that traps dirt.

In a preferred embodiment of the compositions according to the invention, the weight ratio of polymer to surfactant in the composition is (1:40)-(20:1), preferably (1:20)-(10:1), more preferably (1:10)-(5:1) and most preferably (1:6)-(1:1). The combined weight of surfactant and polymer is 1-20% by weight, preferably 2-10% by weight and more preferably 3-6% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. The advantage of the invention is that the excellent cleaning effect is associated with the use of a reduced amount of cleaning agent, i.e. surfactant and/or polymer.

The pH of the liquid compositions of the invention may be from 1 to 14. In a preferred embodiment, the suggested pH is from 1 to 8, preferably from 1 to 7, more preferably from 2 to 6.5 and most preferably from 4 to 6.5. It has been found that further improvement in cleaning performance can be achieved at these suggested pH ranges. Accordingly, the present invention provides

The composition according to 70.681/BE also contains an acid or alkali suitable for adjusting the pH. The acid and alkali suitable for this purpose may be of organic or inorganic origin, the acid being preferably an inorganic acid, such as sulfuric acid, and the alkali being preferably an inorganic alkali, such as sodium hydroxide.

Optional additives

The compositions of the invention may also contain a number of additional additives, such as volatile organic compounds, peroxygen bleaches, stabilizers, chelating agents, builders, perfumes, colorants, antifoaming agents, enzymes, photobleachers, bleach activators and other minor additives.

Volatile organic compounds

Preferred compositions of the invention typically contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or mixtures thereof. The compositions of the invention typically contain up to 90% by weight, preferably 1-50% by weight, more preferably 1.5-20% by weight, and most preferably 2-8% by weight of the total weight of the volatile organic compound or mixture thereof.

Suitable volatile organic compounds for the purposes of the invention include aliphatic and/or aromatic alcohols, glycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof, polyols and mixtures thereof.

Aromatic alcohols suitable for the purposes of the invention are compounds of the general formula R x OH, in which R _x has 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, and preferably

70.681/BE is more preferably an aryl group substituted with an alkyl group having 2-10 carbon atoms. An example of such an aromatic alcohol is benzyl alcohol.

Aliphatic alcohols suitable for the purposes of the invention are those compounds of the general formula R ₂ -OH, in which R ₂ is a linear or branched, optionally unsaturated hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Very preferably, aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and most preferably 4 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof are suitable for the purposes of the invention. Aliphatic alcohols suitable for the purposes of the invention include linear alcohols, such as 2-octanol, decanol, isopropyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, ethanol and/or methanol. Of these, isopropyl alcohol is very preferred.

Isopropanol is a substance manufactured by Merck/BDH and is available under its chemical name.

Glycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof suitable for the purposes of the invention include polyglycol ethers and/or derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof.

Monoglycol ethers and their derivatives useful for the purposes of the invention include the following: n-butoxypropanol (n-BP), water-soluble CELLOSOLVE brand solvents, or mixtures thereof. Preferred Cellosolve solvents include: propoxyethyl acetate salt (i.e., Propyl Cellosolve acetate salt), ethanol 2-butoxyphosphate salt (i.e., Butyl Cellosolve phosphate salt), 2-(hexyloxy)ethanol (i.e., 2-hexyl Cellosolve), 2-ethoxyethanol (i.e.,

70.681/BE

2-ethyl Cellosolve (trade name product), 2-butoxyethanol (trade name product 2-butyl Cellosolve) or mixtures thereof.

Suitable polyglycol ethers and their derivatives for the purposes of the invention include: n-butoxypropanol (n-BPP), butyl triglycol ether (BTGE), butyl diglycol ether (BDGE), water-soluble CARBITOL solvents, or mixtures thereof.

Preferred water-soluble CARBITOL solvents are compounds belonging to the following groups: 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)ethanol compounds, 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)propanol compounds and/or 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)butanol compounds, in which the alkoxy group is derived from ethyl, propyl or butyl. The preferred water-soluble carbitol is 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, also known as butyl carbitol.

Glycol ethers and/or their derivatives which can be used preferably for the purposes of the invention are the following substances: 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-butoxyethanol, n-butoxypropoxypropanol, butyl carbitol and mixtures thereof.

Polyol solvents that are preferred for the purposes of the invention, like diols, contain at least 2 hydroxyl groups (-OH). Suitable diols include: 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, methyl-2,4-pentanediol and mixtures thereof.

The suitable organic compounds used in the compositions of the invention further enhance the excellent cleaning performance of the compositions. If the compositions of the invention are used with the suitable organic compounds, the compositions of the invention will be more effective.

·* · In addition to the compounds, they also contain a peroxygen bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide, the cleaning effect of the preparations is further improved.

Peroxygen bleaches

The compositions of the invention may optionally contain a peroxygen bleach or a mixture thereof as a very advantageous additive.

A preferred peroxygen bleach for the purposes of the invention is hydrogen peroxide or a source thereof. The term hydrogen peroxide source is understood to mean any compound which forms perhydroxyl ions when the compound comes into contact with water. The use of a peroxygen bleach, preferably hydrogen peroxide, in the compositions of the invention further enhances the excellent cleaning performance of the compositions.

Suitable water-soluble sources of hydrogen peroxide for the purposes of the invention include percarbonates, persilicates, persulfates, e.g. monopersulfate, perborates, preformed peroxyacids, alkyl hydrogen peroxides, peroxides, aliphatic diacyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. Hydrogen peroxide is preferred for use in the compositions of the invention.

Preformed peroxyacids suitable for use in the carpet cleaning compositions of the present invention include: diperoxydodecanedioic acid (DPDA), magnesium perphthalic acid, perlauric acid, perbenzoic acid, diperoxyazelaic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Hydroperoxides suitable for use in the compositions of the invention include the following: tert-butyl hydroperoxide,

70.681/BE ··;· i.p ··· J ** »

2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene monohydroperoxide, tert-amyl hydroperoxide, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-dihydroperoxide and mixtures thereof.

Aliphatic diacyl peroxides suitable for use in the compositions of the invention include the following: dilauroyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dimyristoyl peroxide, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of peroxygen bleaches or mixtures thereof used in the compositions according to the invention is 0.01-20% by weight, preferably 0.5-10% by weight and more preferably 1-7% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Stabilizers

The compositions of the invention are

may also contain hydroxypyridine N-oxides or derivatives thereof of the general formula, in which

X represents a nitrogen atom;

Y is a group selected from the following: oxygen, -CHO or -OH or -( _CH2 ) _n -COOH, wherein n is an integer of 0-20, preferably 0-10 and more preferably 0; and Y is preferably oxygen. Accordingly, a particularly preferred hydroxypyridine N-oxide for the purposes of the invention is 2-hydroxypyridine N-oxide.

Hydroxypyridine N-oxides and their derivatives are available from Sigma.

70.681/BE ·* ·*·* **f· ** ’ ·

The amount of hydroxypyridine N-oxides or their derivatives or mixtures used in the compositions according to the invention ranges from 2% by weight, preferably from 0.001 to 1% by weight and more preferably from 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

The compositions of the invention may also contain chelating agents or mixtures thereof. Suitable chelating agents are known. Suitable examples include phosphonate chelating agents, polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents, aminocarboxylate chelating agents, other chelating agents such as ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of chelating agents or mixtures thereof used in the compositions of the invention ranges from 0.001 to 1% by weight, and more preferably from 0.001 to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Suitable phosphonate chelating agents include etidronic acid, alkali metal ethane-1-hydroxydiphosphonate, and aminophosphonate compounds including aminoalkylene poly(alkylene phosphonate), nitrilotrimethylene phosphonate, ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonate, and diethylenetriaminepentamethylene phosphonate. The phosphonate compounds may be used in acid form or in salt form by replacing some or all of the acid functional groups with cations. A preferred phosphonate chelating agent is diethylenetriaminepentamethylene phosphonate (DETPMP). Such phosphonate chelating agents are available from Monsanto under the trade name DEQUEST.

Polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents may also be used in the compositions of the invention. See US

70.681/BE

Patent No. 812,044. Of these types of compounds, dihydroxydisulfobenzene in the acid form, such as 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-disulfobenzene, is preferred.

A preferred biodegradable chelating agent for the purposes of the invention is ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salt thereof or mixtures thereof. Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, particularly the (S,S) isomer, is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,233. Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid is available, for example, from Palmer Research Laboratories under the trade name ssEDDS.

Chelating agents suitable for the purposes of the invention include the following: ethylenediaminetetraacetate, diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), N-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetate, nitrilotriacetate, ethylenediaminetetrapropionate, triethylenetetraminehexaacetate, ethanoldiglycine, propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA) and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), which can be used in the acid form or in the form of an alkali metal, ammonium or substituted ammonium salt. An aminocarboxylate which is particularly suitable for the purposes of the invention is diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA).

Other chelating agents suitable for use in the present invention include:

Y

70.681/BE ·’·· ·«£* ··♦« ’*· salicylic acid or its derivatives or mixtures thereof, in which

X represents a carbon atom;

Y is a group selected from the following: -CHO, -OH or -(CH ₂ ) _n -COOH, where n is an integer of 0-20, preferably 0-10 and more preferably 0. Salicylic acid and its derivatives can be used in acid form or in alkali metal salt form.

Salicylic acid, which is particularly suitable for the purposes of the invention, is marketed by Rhone Poulenc.

The compositions of the invention may also contain up to 1% by weight, preferably 0.01-0.1% by weight and more preferably 0.01-0.06% by weight, of propyl gallate, based on the total weight of the composition, which, in our experience, results in excellent chemical stability of the preferred liquid compositions of the invention containing peroxygen bleach.

Whitening activators

The compositions of the invention optionally further comprise a bleach activator or a mixture thereof. The term "bleach activator" is understood to mean a compound which reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form a peracid. The peracid thus formed constitutes the activated bleach. Bleach activators suitable for the purposes of the invention include esters, imides or anhydrides. Compounds of this type are described in GB 1 586 769 and 2 143 231, and a process for their preparation in bulk form is described in EP-A-62 523. Such compounds suitable for the purposes of the invention are

70.681/BE compounds include, for example, tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED), sodium 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, diperoxydodecanoic acid, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,818,425, peroxyadipic acid nonylamide, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,259,201, and n-nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (NOBS). The following N-acyl caprolactam compounds are also suitable: optionally substituted benzoyl caprolactam, octanoyl caprolactam, nonanoyl caprolactam, hexanoyl caprolactam, decanoyl caprolactam, undecanoyl caprolactam, formyl caprolactam, acetyl caprolactam, propanoyl caprolactam, butanoyl caprolactam, pentanoyl caprolactam and mixtures thereof. A particular group of suitable bleach activators is described in EP 624 154, and of these, acetyl triethyl citrate (ATC) is particularly preferred, which has the advantage of being environmentally friendly and practically decomposes to citric acid and alcohol. Acetyl triethyl citrate has the further advantage of exhibiting good stability during storage in the formulation and is an excellent bleach activator.

The compositions of the invention contain up to 30% by weight, preferably 1-20% by weight and more preferably 2-10% by weight, of bleaching activator based on their total weight.

Builders

The compositions of the invention also comprise a building system. As a builder, any known building system suitable for such purposes can be used. Suitable builders for the purposes of the invention are succinic acid derivatives of the general formula R-CH (COOH) CH ₂ (COOH), in which R is 10-20

70.681/BE alkyl or alkenyl group with 12-16 carbon atoms, preferably with 12-16 carbon atoms, which may contain hydroxyl, sulfo, sulfoxyl or sulfone groups as substituents. Typical representatives of these are: lauryl succinate, myristyl succinate, palmityl succinate, 2-dodecenyl succinate and 2-tetradecenyl succinate. The succinate builders are used in the form of their water-soluble sodium, potassium, ammonium and alkanol ammonium salts.

Other suitable builders include oxodisuccinates and mixtures of monosuccinic acid tartrate and disuccinic acid tartrate, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,663,071.

For the purposes of the invention, suitable builders are fatty acid builders, including optionally unsaturated fatty acids having 10-18 carbon atoms, and their corresponding soap derivatives. Preferred saturated compounds contain 12-16 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. Oleic acid is preferred among the unsaturated fatty acids.

The compositions according to the invention contain 0-10% by weight, preferably 1-7% by weight, of the building system, based on their total weight.

The preparations

The invention also provides a liquid composition having a residual index of less than 40% after vacuum cleaning as described above, and packaged in a container designed to deliver the composition to the carpet in the form of a spray of droplets with an average particle diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm.

After vacuum cleaning (as described in the carpet cleaning procedure

70.681/BE) are described above) typically contain a polymer that does not form a sticky residue after drying. The composition of the invention also contains a volatile organic compound and/or a surfactant. Suitable surfactants and/or polymers and volatile organic compounds, as well as the amounts used, are described above in the description of the carpet cleaning process. Other additives optionally used in the composition are also described above. Another preferred composition of the invention also contains a peroxygen bleach or a mixture of such substances. These preferred compositions are particularly well suited for hygienic and disinfecting carpet cleaning and for the disinfestation of carpets and upholstery. The presence of a polymer that does not form a sticky residue enhances the disinfecting effect of the peroxygen bleach.

A suitable spray device for applying the composition to the carpet surface, which is configured to deliver the composition to the carpet in the form of a spray of droplets having an average particle diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm, is described above. An electrically operated spray device is preferred.

A typical amount of the composition applied to the surface to be cleaned is 1-120 ml/ ^m2 of carpet, preferably 10-80 ml/ ^m2 of carpet, more preferably 20-60 ml/ ^m2 of carpet and most preferably 30-50 ml/ ^m2 of carpet.

With the method according to the invention, easy and fast carpet cleaning can be achieved by removing particles smaller than 1500 pm, preferably 1000 pm.

Droplets with an average particle diameter of less than 70.681/BE pm, more preferably less than 750 pm, even more preferably less than 500 μιη and most preferably 350-10 pm D(v, 0.9) are sprayed onto the surface of the carpet, thus achieving an excellent cleaning effect.

The compositions of the invention are used to remove dirt, stains and odors from carpets and upholstery.

The following examples are presented to illustrate the invention in more detail.

Examples

Compositions I-VI and VII-XII according to the invention are prepared from the following ingredients (quantities are given in [% by weight]):

Ingredients I II III IV Sun VI Hydrogen peroxide 5, 0 6, 0 6.0 3, 0 - 4.0 NaCnAS 3, 0 - 1.0 2.0 - 2.0 PA 1, p. 0.5 0.2 1.5 1.0 - AMCP - 1.0 2.0 - - 2.0 Salicylic acid o, 1 0.01 - 0.03 - - Chelating agent* o, 1 0.01 - 0.03 - - Benzyl alcohol - horse 3.0 - - - Isopropyl alcohol 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 Propyl gallate 0.01 0.03 0.1 - - - Butylated hydroxytoluene - - - 0.03 - - Water, additional part to the following pH 5 4 5 6 6 6

70.681/BE

Ingredients VII VIII IX X XI XII Hydrogen peroxide 7.0 7.0 7.0 4, 0 7.0 1.0 NaCnAS 1.0 - 3, 0 3, 0 2.0 3, 0 PA 0.8 1, p. 1.0 1, 0 - 0.9 AMCP - - - - 2.0 1.0 Salicylic acid 0.03 - - — - 0.03 Chelating agent* 0.03 - - 0, 2 - - Benzyl alcohol 3, 0 4.0 5.0 - 1.0 3.0 Isopropyl alcohol 0.5 1.5 1, 0 3, 0 1.0 1.0 Propyl gallate 0.01 - - 0.03 - 0.02 Water, additional part to the following pH 4 7 6 6 6 8 AMCP: acrylic acid/maleic acid copolymer (Many CP5 commercial non-

product);

*Chelating agent: DEQUEST brand phosphonate chelating agent;

Na CnAS: C8 alkyl sulfate or C7-C9 sodium alkyl sulfate;

PA: ethoxylated tetraethylenepentamine with an average molecular weight of approximately 70,000.

The compositions of the above examples are packaged in spray containers designed to deliver a spray of droplets with an average diameter of 200-400 pm D(v,0.9). The average diameter of the droplets is measured using the Malvern Mastersizer S LongBed apparatus described above.

70.681/BE

The compositions of the invention presented in the above examples have a residual index of 40% after vacuum cleaning and show excellent carpet cleaning performance, meaning that they have excellent cleaning performance on both the entire carpet and localized carpet soils, such as granular soils, greasy/oily and/or enzymatic soils, as well as other types of soils, such as bleachable soils.

Any of the compositions described in the above examples can be used to clean the entire carpet. The cleaning is carried out by the method described above by spraying the composition onto the carpet from the container described above in the form of a spray of droplets with an average diameter of 200-400 pm D(v,0.9). The amount of composition sprayed onto the carpet is approximately 40 ml/m ² of carpet. The composition is allowed to dry on the carpet. The drying time of the compositions according to the described examples I-XII is 15-25 minutes. After drying, the compositions do not form a sticky residue that would hold onto carpet dirt. The residues are removed from the carpet by vacuum cleaning, for example with a Hoover 1300 W device, without any further intervention by the user.

70.681/BE

Claims (17)

Patent claims 1. A carpet cleaning process using a liquid preparation, which consists of the following steps: - the composition is sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 pm; the amount applied to the carpet is 1-120 ml/m ² of carpet; and - let the product dry on the carpet and finally remove it from the carpet with a vacuum cleaner; the residual index of the applied preparation after vacuum cleaning is less than 40%. 2. A carpet cleaning composition with a residual index of less than 40 % after vacuum cleaning, packaged in a container that allows the composition to be sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets with an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1500 μm. 3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is sprayed onto the carpet in the form of droplets having an average diameter D(v,0.9) of less than 1000 µm, preferably less than 750 µm, more preferably less than 500 µm and most preferably 350-10 µm. 4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the typical amount of composition applied to the carpet is 10-80 ml/m ² of carpet, preferably 20-60 ml/m ² of carpet and more preferably 30-50 ml/m ² of carpet. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the residual index of the composition used is vacuum cleaning. 70.681/BE after treatment is less than 30%, preferably less than 15% and even more preferably less than 10%. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition used preferably contains 0.01-50% by weight, more preferably 0.1-20% by weight, even more preferably 0.3-10% by weight and most preferably 0.5-3% by weight of at least one polymer or polymer mixture, based on the total weight of the composition used. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the polymer used is a soil-suspending polycarboxylate polymer and/or a polyamine polymer, preferably an alkoxylated polyamine or mixtures thereof, which contains repeating units characterized by the following structural formulas: NR _amjn f _orm (alkoxy)y ⁿ and Ri I © θ quaternized form -- _N ----------- _R -- _n - I Jn (alkoxy)y Λ in which formulas: R is generally a hydrocarbon group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R ¹ is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; the alkoxy group may be, for example, an ethoxy or propoxy group; y is preferably 2-30, more preferably 10-20; n is at least 2 integers, preferably 2-20 and most preferably 3-5; and X is the anion resulting from the quaternization reaction, for example 70.681/BE is a halide or methyl sulfate anion; The soil suspending polymer is most preferably an ethoxylated polyethyleneamine of the general formula (EtO)y--N----CH2 —CH2--N-----(EtO)y (EtO)y ⁿ (EtO)y, wherein y=2-30, preferably 15, and n is 1-30, preferably 4. 8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition used preferably contains up to 50% by weight, more preferably 1-10% by weight and most preferably 1.5-5% by weight of surfactant or a mixture thereof, based on the total weight. 9. The method according to claim 8 above, wherein the surfactant component of the composition used may be anionic, nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic and/or amphoteric, preferably an anionic surfactant, more preferably a C4-C22 alkyl sulfate and most preferably a C6-C10 alkyl sulfate. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9 above, wherein the weight ratio of the polymer and surfactant component of the composition used is (1:40)-(20:1), preferably (1:20)-(10:1), more preferably (1:10)-(5:1) and most preferably (1:6)-(1:1). 11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition used comprises a suitable organic compound, preferably glycol ethers and/or a derivative thereof, more preferably butoxypropanol, propoxyethyl acetate, ethanol-2-butoxyphosphate, 2-(hexyloxy)ethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-butoxypropanol 70.681/BE ethoxyethanol, n-butoxypropoxypropanol, butyl triglycol ether, butyl diglycol ether, 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)ethanol, 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)propanol, 2-(2-alkoxyethoxy)butanol or mixtures thereof and/or a polyol, more preferably a diol, more preferably 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol, methyl-2,4-pentanediol or mixtures thereof and/or an aromatic alcohol of the general formula R ^X -OH — in which R ₂ is an aryl group optionally substituted by an alkyl group having 1-20 carbon atoms — and/or an aliphatic alcohol of the general formula R ₂ -OH — in which R ₂ is a linear or branched chain, optionally unsaturated, hydrocarbon group having 1-20 carbon atoms, preferably 2-10 carbon atoms, more preferably 2-4 carbon atoms - or mixtures thereof, most preferably isopropyl alcohol. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the composition used contains up to 90% by weight, preferably 1.5-20% by weight and more preferably 2-8% by weight, of volatile organic compounds, based on the total weight of the composition. 13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition used comprises a peroxygen bleach or a mixture of such substances. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the peroxygen bleach used is a compound selected from the following: percarbonate, persilicate, persulfate, perborate, pre-made peroxyacid, alkyl hydroperoxide, peroxide, aliphatic diacyl peroxide and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen peroxide. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the amount of the compound used is 0.01-20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. 70.681/BE preferably contains 0.5-10% by weight and more preferably 1-7% by weight of a peroxygen bleach or a mixture thereof. 16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the composition used in aqueous solution is 1-14, preferably 1-7, more preferably 2-6.5 and most preferably 5-6.5. 17. A method according to any one of the above, wherein the composition is applied packaged in a container comprising an electrically operated pump and an extended or extendable spray arm having at least one spray opening, wherein upon operation the composition is forced by the electric pump from the container through the spray arm to the spray opening from which the composition is dispersed. The authorized person: 4 <i3. 70.681/BE