HUT72818A - Detergent composition, and process for washing and soffening of textiles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a detergent for washing and softening textiles and to a process. The detergent according to the invention comprises at least one detergent-active substance and a fabric softening bentonite-type clay. The invention also relates to the production of such clay.

Repeated washing of certain textiles, especially those of natural origin, can lead to roughening, which can cause discomfort when wearing them. Textile conditioning products have been available for a number of years, which serve, inter alia, to reduce the roughness of the fabric by softening the fabric in a post-wash step, such as a rinse step in the washing process. There are also detergents in a single product that can also be used to wash and soften textiles to avoid the inconvenience of using different products.

GB 1 400 898 provides such a single product detergent and plasticizer by introducing into the detergent a substance containing at least 50 milliequivalents per 100 g of a smectite-type clay with a cation exchange capacity.

GB 2,138,037 discloses a fabric softener detergent in which clay is activated by introducing a monovalent metal into its structure. Sodium and potassium are used as monovalent ions in the examples.

Although some results have been achieved with the use of these types of clays, the effectiveness of softening is generally not

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P 95 02469 has reached the level available for a separate product used for this purpose. On this basis, there is a need to improve softening.

The clays of interest to the present invention are of the swelling type, which expand in liquid media and separate into layers. These clays belong to the group of phyllosilicates and are three-layered sheet crystalline materials. The plate structure consists of a three-layer arrangement of tetrahedral silica, octahedral alumina, and tetrahedral silica. The interlayer may be dioctahedron or trioctahedron, and the three-layer plate structures are separated by space between plates.

Clays are defined as crystalline and amorphous hydrated silicates of Al, Mg, Li and Fe, which contain fine colloidal particles. Different versions of clay differ in the following essential characteristics:

(a) chemical composition; and

(b) degree of isomorphic substitution (substitution of one skeletal ion with another ion of similar size but usually of different valence).

Point (b) provides an opportunity for the lattice to have a constant charge which must be balanced by cations in close proximity. These characteristics are easily illustrated by the examples of talc and hectorite (magnesium silicates), as well as pyrophyllite and montmorillonite (aluminosilicates), for which data are given in Table I.

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Table 1

clay isomorphic substitution formula talc - Mg ₃ Si ₄ O ₁₀ (OH) ₂ hectorite + (M3) _a (Mg) ₆ . _a (Li) _a Si ₈ O ₂₀ (OH) ₄ pyrophyllite - Al ₂ Si ₄ O ₁₀ (OH) ₂ montmorillonite + (M +) _a (Al _{4 a} (Mg) _a Si ₈ O ₂₀ (OH) ₄

In the table, M ⁺ refers to charge-equalizing cations introduced into the crystal lattice as a result of isomorphic substitution. The degree of isomorphic substitution determines the degree of charge of the layer, which is a decisive factor in the swelling of clays.

The layered structure occurs in nature in many variations. Thus, in the middle octahedron layer, the two (dioctahedron) aluminum ^ions (Al ³⁺ ) can be replaced by three (trioctahedron) magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ), or in the octahedron layer an (dioctahedron) Mg ²⁺ ion is replaced by an Al ³⁺ a Mg ²⁺ ion can be replaced by a (trioctahedron) Li ⁺ ion, resulting in a negative charge excess of the structure. Negative charge excess can also be achieved by replacing aluminum ^ions (Al ³⁺ ) with silicon ^ions (Si ⁴⁺ ) in the tetrahedral layer.

Negative charge excess requires the presence of charge equalization cations, which are located between the plates in the plate structure. The magnitude of the negative charge is given by the number of exchangeable cations and is expressed by the ability of the pure mineral to exchange cations. It's a mineral cation

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The exchangeability of P 95 02469 is directly related to the lack of charge characteristic of the crystal lattice of the given mineral.

This can also be expressed in general terms in that the clays useful for the present invention can be described by the following general formulas:

(Si _{fourth y} Al _y) (M ^III aN ^II b) O ₁₀ (OH) ₂ ^{Xn +} (y ₊ b) / n (dioctahedral clays) or (Si _{fourth y} Al _y) (N ^yl al ^l b) O ₁₀ (OH) ₂ X ^{n +} ( _y + b) / n (trioctahedral clays).

In the formulas above

X ^{n + represents} one or two divalent, charge-balancing, exchangeable cations, y + ba represents the charge deficiency of the crystal lattice with respect to half of the elemental cell of the mineral,

M ⁱⁿ is a trivalent metal ion such as Al ³⁺ , Fe ³⁺ or Cr ³⁺

N ¹¹ is a divalent metal ion such as Mg ²⁺ , Fe ²⁺ , Ni ²⁺ or Zn ²⁺ ,

L ¹ is a divalent metal ion such as Li ⁺ , y is a positive number less than 0 or 4, and a and b are independently 0 or a positive number.

Measurements of the cation exchange capacity directly determine the value of X ^{n +} _{y + b / n} in milliequivalents per 100 g of mineral.

The value of y + b (crystalline lattice deficiency), expressed in grams equivalent to half of the elemental cell of the crystal lattice, is therefore directly related to the cation exchange capacity.

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Swelling is the process by which the solvent molecules penetrate into the space between the disks between the individual crystals. This process is readily accomplished in clays containing interchangeable cations such as hectorites and montmorillonites. The factors most influencing the swelling behavior in aqueous suspension are:

(i) the origin of the charge of the layer, ie whether the substitution occurred in the octahedron (Mg or Al) layer or in the tetrahedral (Si) layer;

(ii) the charge size of the layer; and (iii) the material quality of the interlayer cation.

The factor under (i) is important because substitution in the tetrahedral layer produces a localized charge while substitution in the octahedron layer produces a delocalized charge. The latter interacts only weakly with water molecules.

Clays used to soften textiles during washing are usually montmorillonites. Although the effectiveness of softening seemed to depend on the filling of the crystal lattice, the detailed mechanism of action of clays in softening textiles is not yet fully known. The gross process is believed to be influenced by both the peeling behavior (swelling) and the electrostatic forces between the clay particles and the textile substrate, and thus the charge of the layer affects both conditions.

Naturally occurring montmorillonites have a bedding range within a certain range, and optimum annealing has been observed for some light-colored clays whose bedding has been near the lower end of the range. However, the layer loading of clays may be affected by chemical treatment. EP 0

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No. 401,047 describes the controlled incorporation of lithium cations (by ion exchange / calcination) into a crystal lattice, which results in improved clay applicability by reducing charge.

Reducing the layer charge of montmorillonite requires neutralization of the delocalized negative charge. This is believed to be the case when dehydration enters Li-cations into the crystal lattice. These cations reach octahedral vacancies in the aluminum rich region of the montmorillonite crystal lattice. This process requires a costly calcination step to ensure that the Li-cations are dehydrated before penetration into the crystal lattice.

Soil scientists have observed the close attachment of certain cations to clay surfaces, called cation trapping. The most studied ion is the potassium ion. its diameter is exactly the same as that of the six-oxygen ring on the crystal surface of the clay. Therefore, good coordination between potassium and clay is expected.

EP 0 401 047 discloses a fabric softening clay, which is a 2: 1 layered phyllosilicate containing at least 100 pg of lithium per gram of clay mineral. According to the above document, K ⁺ can play the role of a charge equalizer exchangeable cation in clay.

Introduction of K ^{+ in} the petroleum industry into clays by ion exchange. KCI or KOH used as electrolyte in rinsing fluids to stabilize montmorillonite or other smectite clays in drilling operations. In certain naturally occurring bentonite clays, potassium is natural

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P 95 02469 is also present as an ingredient in an amount of up to 1% by weight, expressed as K ₂ O.

Potassium has also been used in combination with bentonite clays due to its low content in sodium salts during industrial production. In this case, the amount of potassium, expressed as K ₂ O, is less than 1% by weight based on the total weight of the clay.

The number and availability of naturally occurring clays is quite limited. Such naturally occurring clays, because of their color, may be unsuitable as a detergent ingredient or may discolour the fabric when deposited on the fabric. Therefore, it is desirable to enhance the applicability of naturally occurring colored clays to widen the range of clays that can be used to soften textiles.

It has been found that the potency of bentonite-type clay can be enhanced by treatment with potassium. It has also been found that this treatment can be carried out before the clay is incorporated into the detergent or during the washing by ion exchange.

Accordingly, the present invention, for washing and softening detergent for fabrics, comprising at least one detergent active textile softening agent at least 1% soluble potassium salt and bentonite type clay by weight of the detergent composition, expressed as K ₂ O salt.

The invention further relates to detergent fabrics for washing and softening textiles comprising at least one detergent-active substance and a bentonite type

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P 95 02469

-, / 8- ', where the potassium content, expressed as K ₂ O, is greater than 1.5% by weight.

The advantage of such potassium-treated clays is that clays of appropriate color can be used over a wide range. Detergents containing modified clays have the advantage that color fading due to the use of colored clays is avoided and an improved softening effect is achieved.

The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of clays partially substituted by calcium. Such clays can be prepared by mixing a dry sodium clay with a solution containing potassium ions, typically KCl, to form a thick mass. The resulting mass is agitated in a Sigma rotary vane mixer under high shear stress, then dried and ground.

Such clays can also be prepared by spraying the sodium-containing clay in a rotary drum such as a potassium-containing solution in an agglomerator.

Further, such clays can be prepared by:

(i) mixing the aqueous suspensions of fully potassium-exchanged and completely sodium-exchanged clays, or (ii) ion exchange of the clay in a sodium / potassium-containing mixed medium.

The weight ratio of sodium to potassium clays is preferably from 8: 2 to 2: 8. If an ion exchange occurs in the solution prior to the formulation of the detergent, drying of the clay is desirable.

After the ion exchange, the sodium: potassium ratio in the clay is preferably not more than 2: 1, more preferably not more than 1: 1.

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P 95 02469 <1

Surprisingly, it has been found that instead of potassium ion exchange prior to the introduction of the clay into the detergent, a non-partially or partially deionized clay can be used for the formulation and a potassium ion source is provided for ion exchange during washing. Preferably, the potassium ion source can be provided by replacing the sodium salt normally present in the detergent with some or all of the corresponding potassium salt. Preferably, the corresponding potassium salt is present in an amount of at least 2.5 wt.%, More preferably at least 5 wt.%, Most preferably at least 7.5 wt.%, Based on the total weight of the detergent.

In order to provide potassium ions, potassium carbonate may be added to the composition instead of the usual sodium carbonate, or it may be carried out by replacing the sodium citrate with potassium citrate I.

It is also advantageous to include in the composition a potassium-containing base such as potassium hydroxide which provides potassium ions and neutralizes any acids present in the composition such as citric acid.

Useful clay minerals for use in the present invention are dioctahedral and trioctahedral tri-layer smectite clays, ideally calcium and / or sodium montmorillonite clays. Examples of such materials are PRASSA (Greece), GELWHITE (Texas, USA), Willemse (South Africa) and VOLCLAY BC (Wyoming). Your brain

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The effectiveness of a material containing a fabric as a fabric softener depends in part on the amount of clay mineral present in the material.

The detergents of the present invention may have various physical forms and may contain a number of additional ingredients.

An essential ingredient is a detergent active substance. These can be anionic, nonionic, amphoteric, inner salt type and cationic, of which synthetic anionic surfactants, with or without nonionic surfactants, are particularly preferred.

Particularly preferred are mixtures of anionic and nonionic detergent active compounds, such as a mixture of an alkali metal salt of an alkyl benzene sulfonate with an alkoxylated alcohol. The amount of detergent active substance (s) in the detergent may be from 2 to 50% by weight, most preferably from 5 to 30% by weight.

In certain formulations, the composition preferably contains at least 25% by weight of a substance having an anionic detergent activity.

Preferred detergent compounds which may be used are synthetic anionic and nonionic compounds. The foregoing is usually the water-soluble alkali metal salts of organic sulfates and sulfonates containing C8-C22 alkyl groups, where alkyl is understood to mean the alkyl portion of longer acyl groups. Suitable synthetic anionic detergent compounds include sodium and potassium (C 9-20) alkylsulfates of sodium and potassium alkyl sulfates, in particular tallow (C8-C18) alcohols derived from tallow or coconut oil. benzene sulphonates;

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P 95 02469 • especially sodium (C 10 -C 15 straight-chain secondary) alkylbenzene sulfonates; sodium alkyl glyceryl ether sulfates, in particular higher alcohols of tallow and coconut oil and synthetic alcohols of petroleum origin; sodium coconut oil fatty acid monoglyceride sulfates and sulfonates; sodium and potassium salts of higher alkyl (C8-C18) fatty alcohol alkylene oxides, in particular ethylene oxide sulfuric acid esters, and reaction products thereof; reaction products of fatty acids, such as coconut fatty acids esterified with isethionic acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide; sodium and potassium salts of fatty acid amides of methyl taurine; reaction products of alkane monosulfonates such as C8-20 alpha-olefins with sodium bisulfite, reaction products of paraffins with sulfur dioxide and chlorine followed by base hydrolysis to form randomly distributed sulfonates; and olefin sulfonates, which refers to substances obtained by reaction of olefins, in particular C 10 -C 20 α-olefins, with sulfur trioxide followed by neutralization and hydrolysis of the resulting reaction product. Preferred anionic detergent compounds are sodium (C 11 -C 15) alkylbenzene sulfonates and sodium (C 16 -C 18) alkyl sulfates.

Suitable nonionic detergent compounds are the products of the reaction of compounds containing a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, such as aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkyl phenols, with alkylene oxides, in particular ethylene oxide or a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Specific nonionic detergent compounds are generally

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Condensates of (C 6 -C 22) alkyl phenols and ethylene oxide with up to 25 EO, ie 25 ethylene oxide units per molecule, C 8-18 aliphatic primary or secondary alcohols with ethylene oxide and condensation products of ethylene oxide with reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. Other so-called nonionic detergent compounds include long chain tertiary amine oxides, long chain tertiary phosphine oxides, and dialkyl sulfoxides.

Mixtures of detergent compounds, such as mixed anionic or mixed anionic and nonionic compounds, can be used in detergents, in particular the latter variant is suitable for limiting foaming properties. This is advantageous for detergents intended for use in low-foaming automatic washing machines.

Amphoteric or inner salt detergent compounds may also be used in the detergents of the present invention but are generally undesirable due to their relatively high cost. When an amphoteric or inner salt type detergent compound is used, it will generally be present in small amounts relative to the amount of synthetic anionic and / or nonionic detergent compounds commonly used.

A detergent builder may also be present in the detergents of the present invention. This may be any material which is suitable for reducing the amount of free calcium ions in the washing liquor, and which advantageously imparts additional beneficial properties to the composition, thus providing an alkaline pH,

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P 95 02469 • · Suspend dirt removed from the fabric and suspend the fabric softening clay. The detergent builder may be present in an amount of 10-70% by weight, most preferably 25-50% by weight.

Detergent builders may include precipitating agents such as alkali metal carbonates (with or without crystalline germs such as calcite), bicarbonates, orthophosphates, complexing agents such as alkali metal tripolyphosphates or nitrile triacetates, alkali metal exchangers and ion exchange agents.

The clay can be added in various physical forms. Thus, it can be treated with other components of the formulation by spray drying or may be added separately to the formulation. In the latter case, the clay may be ground to a suitable size, such as from 5 to 2000 µm, or may be in the form of granular fine particles, which may optionally contain a binder such as an inorganic salt or a surfactant.

The amount of fabric softening clay in the composition should be sufficient to provide softening, so that it may be in the range of 1.5 to 35% by weight, most preferably 4 to 15% by weight, based on the clay mineral itself.

In addition to the detergent active ingredient, the detergent builder and the clay containing material, the compositions of the present invention may optionally contain other ingredients.

In addition to the above-mentioned components, the detergent composition of the present invention may contain any conventional additive in the amount normally found in such detergents for textiles. Such ada82219-2227 / VO / LZs

P 95 02469 ·· ···· · ♦ · t · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·ics 78ouslyics

The additives may include, but are not limited to, additional fabric softeners such as cationic fabric softeners or fatty amines. Further examples of such additives include foaming agents such as alkanolamides, especially monoethanolamides derived from palm kernel fatty acids and coconut fatty acids, antifoaming agents, oxygen bleaching agents such as sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate, peracid bleaching agent, trichloroisocyanuric acid, inorganic salts such as sodium sulfate, other fillers such as kaolin and, in very minor amounts, fluorescents, perfumes, enzymes such as proteases, lipases and amylases, germicidal agents and dyes.

The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1 - Preparation of ion-exchanged clay

Potassium-exchanged clay and, for comparison, ammonium-exchanged clay were prepared as follows. The montmorillonite clay used in the process was Prassa type (manufactured by Colin Stewart Minerals). Anhydrous potassium acetate (Sigma) was used without further drying. For the experiments, ammonium, sodium, and potassium salts of BDH GPR were used and solutions of the desired concentration were prepared in water filtered through a Millipore filter.

150 ml of a 0.1 molar solution of KCl or NH ₄ Cl (20 g in 500 ml of water) was added to the montmorillonite suspension. The mixture was stirred overnight and then centrifuged, followed by washing with water until the traces of the anion were washed in the wash.82219-2227 / VO / LZs

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- They were detectable in 15 waters. The resulting paste was dried at 60 ° C, ground to a small particle size, and stored in a screw-top closure.

Example 2 - Further Production Process

Montmorillonite (20 g) was added to a 200 ml polyethylene vessel containing a 1.0 mol / L solution of NaCl and KCl (or NH ₄ Cl). The relative proportions of sodium and potassium were changed while maintaining the resulting ionic strength at the same value. The contents of the dishes were shaken vigorously and stored for one week while stirring repeatedly. The mixtures were centrifuged and washed as described in Example 1 and then dried at 100 ° C. It was finely ground in a mortar and stored as described in Example 1.

Example 3 - Washing experiments

The washing experiments were performed in a Tergotometer under the conditions given in Table 2.

Table 2

temperature 40 ° C washing 15 mins rinse 2x2 min volume of wash liquor 1 I observation material 50 g Terry terry cloth laundry liquor: linen 20: 1 Water hardness 26 ° f

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The materials used for the experiments were degassed.

The degree of softening achieved with different clays was determined by comparing subjectively paired samples using experienced evaluators.

In Example 1, montmorillonite clays exchanged for K and NH ₄ cations were added to a phosphate-based washing powder at 0.5 g / l and tested against a control sample containing no clay or containing montmorillonite exchanged with Na-ions.

All of the clays tested have a softening effect greater than that of the clay-free comparator, so all clays have an advantage in softening, see Table 3. However, within the clay series tested, the substance exchanged for NH ₄ ions exhibits the same efficacy as the reference sample. The softening effect of K-ion-exchanged clay is greater than that of any of its formulations.

Table 3

clay relative softening (%) - 0 Na-montmorillonite 83 K ⁺ ion exchange 100 NH ₄ ⁺ ion exchange 86

Comparison of the softening results of the clay exchanged for potassium and ammonium ions shows that, although the ion beam is similar to potassium, it does not lead to an improvement in the softening effect of the clay.

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Example 4 - Effect of variable K / Na ratio

Using the procedure of Example 2, a series of variable K / Na clay samples were prepared and tested. again, this time again served as a clay-free pattern. Table 4 shows the results of the phosphate formulation containing 0.5 g / l of sample. Compared to the clay-free sample, all clays show an increased softening effect.

Table 4

clay (Na / K) relative softening (%) - 0 200/0 46 140/60 78 60/140 100

The phosphate formulation used in Examples 3 and 4 was as follows:

component parts straight chain alkyl sulfonate (Dobane 113) 9.0 nonionic surfactant (Synperonic A7) 1.0 Sodium tripolyphosphate 21.5 alkali metal silicate 5.5 water 10.3 sodium carboxymethylcellulose 2.7 50.0 dosage 2.5 g / l

Similar results were obtained for zeolite feedstock.

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Binding of potassium by montmorillonite can therefore be used to enhance the ability of clays to soften during washing. Without adhering to theoretical considerations, this is likely to be the result of an effective reduction of the grid loading of clay. Even if the potassium-de-ionized clay has to be dried, the gross process is much more advantageous than the costly calcination process.

Example 5

For this example, unexposed clay was used and the effect of ion exchange with Na and K electrolytes was investigated under the conditions of Example 3, except that experiments with 0.5 g / L of deionized water to avoid the action of any detergent or active ingredient. Comparison of the softening effect of clay from Na and K solutions of the same ionic strength (10 ' ² mol / l) showed a significantly better potency of the potassium system (see Table 5). Mixtures of sodium and potassium show similar effects.

Table 5

relative softening (%) ash (% by weight) comparative sample - without clay 0 0.05 clay + 10 ' ² mol / l NaCl (1) 68 0.17 clay + 10 ² mol / l KCI (1) 100 0.20 clay + 10 ' ² mol / l NaCl (2) 60 0.18 Clay I + 10 ² mol / l KCI (2) 96 0.24

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P 95 02469 · * · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · (1) Saline at the beginning of the wash cycle We added.

(2) The saline was added after 10 minutes of the wash cycle.

In each case, 0.5 g / l Na Montmorillonite (manufactured by CSM) was used as the clay. Similar results to those obtained in Example 4 were obtained with the addition of sodium or potassium salts in the middle of a wash cycle. This indicates that the effect is valid even if the initial interaction between the clay and the fabric is established.

Table 4 also shows the results of the washing experiments, which show that the increased softening in the presence of potassium ions is the result of increased clay removal.

Example 6

The procedure of Example 5 was repeated using simulated wash liquors.

Annealing of solutions of LAS nonionic surfactant (0.83 g / L, 9: 1 by weight LAS: NI) was observed. The same tests were performed in the presence and absence of zeolite (type 4A, 1.8 g / l hydrated).

The results shown in Table 6 show that potassium increases the ability of the clay to soften in the presence of active substances and zeolite.

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Table 6

preparation relative softening (%) just basic 0 base + clay 66 base + material + 10 ' ² mol / l KCI 100 base + material + 10 ' ² mol / l KCI + zeolite 98

Basic composition: 0.75 g / l LAS

0.08 g / l NI

1.20 g / L Na ₂ CO ₃

Example 7

This example demonstrates the effect of added potassium on the plasticity of the clay in a detergent system containing various proportions of anionic linear alkyl sulfonate and nonionic detergent activity. Table 7 shows that the improvement due to the use of potassium-treated clay is greatest in 100% anionic formulation. This effect was demonstrated by measuring the deposition of clay (ash content). Mixtures of soap and nonionic surfactants showed similar behavior.

Table 7

nonionic surfactant (%) I Ash (Clay Deposition) (%) Nazi KCI 0 0.8 1.3 25 0.85 1.05 50 0.8 0.95 75 0.6 0.9

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Example 8

The cleaning effects of zeolite-based systems were investigated in the presence and absence of added potassium and clay using tissue samples sensitive to detergent builders. The cleaning effect was measured as the change in reflectance (AR 460 *) at 460 nanometers for two types of sample tissue. The reflectance was measured on tissue samples before and after washing with an Ultrascan spectrophotometer.

Comparison of the results obtained with the equivalent formulations, whether using sodium or potassium chloride, showed no difference in the cleaning effect (see Table 8).

Table 8

salt (*) Δ R460 1.szövet Tissue 2 Nazi 19.7 10.2 KCI 20.9 11.2 |

composition of the washing liquor:

0.75 g / l LAS 0.08 g / l NI (3 EO) 1.2 g / l Na ₂ CO ₃ 1.8 g / l Zeolite type 4A 10 ' ² mol / L salt (*)

Example 9

5-8 above. Examples 1 to 4 use potassium in the form of chloride. Potassium can also be used in the form of carbonate which is 822219-2227 / VO / LZs

P 95 02469 Replace sodium carbonate, which provides alkalinity, with 9 · ··· 9 ····························································································· · . Studies were carried out to investigate the suitability of clay for softening in the presence of sodium and potassium carbonate. The results shown in Table 9 clearly show an increase in the softening effect of potassium carbonate, with or without zeolite. Enhancing the softening effect of clay appears to be possible by replacing sodium carbonate with potassium carbonate.

Table 9

product (*) relative softening (%) 1.1 x 10 ' ² mol / L Na ₂ CO ₃ 0 + 0.5 g / l clay 56 1.1 x 10 ' ² mol / l K ₂ CO ₃ + 0.5 g / l clay 100 1.1 x 10 ' ² mol / l K ₂ CO ₃ + 0.5 g / l clay + + 1.8 g zeolite 97

(*) In addition, all products contain 0.75 g / l LAS and 0.08 g / l Synperonic A7 (manufactured by ICI).

The simplest and cheapest way to improve the suitability of the clay is to use potassium-exchanged clays or, in particular, to add potassium salts to the washing liquor containing the clay and thereby provide highly suitable clay softening.

Claims (9)

1 for washing and softening fabrics Detergents, characterized in that it contains at least 1% soluble potassium salt and a bentonite type clay by weight of the detergent composition, expressed as K ₂ O in the form of at least one detergent active textile softening agents. Detergent according to claim 1, characterized in that the potassium salt is potassium carbonate. Detergent according to Claim 1, characterized in that it contains potassium citrate as the potassium salt. 4. 8. A detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains montmorillonite and / or hectorite as a bentonite type clay. Detergent according to claim 4, characterized in that it contains montmorillonite as a clay. 6. Use of potassium modified bentonite clay for softening textiles. Detergent for washing and softening textiles, characterized in that it contains at least one detergent active substance and a bentonite-type clay, which has an potassium ionic form in an ion exchange form, the potassium content of which is greater than 1.5% by weight of K ₂ O. 8. A method for washing and softening textiles, characterized in that: (a) Bentonite-type clay, detergent active substance and at least 1% by weight of the total preparation 82219-2227 / VO / LZs P 95 02469 ··························································· (5 (hours) away from, the amount of soluble potassium salt detergent added to water to form a wash liquor, (b) the textile shall be washed in a washing liquor, and c) rinsing the washing liquor from the fabric with water. 9. A method for washing and softening textiles, characterized in that a) adding a liquid detergent comprising at least 1 wt. (b) washing the textile in the washing liquor; and c) rinsing the wash liquor from the fabric with water.