Fabric color restoration composition, article, and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stable, preferably well dispersed, more preferably translucent, and even more preferably clear, aqueous fabric color-restoring composition, fabric color-restoring methods, and articles of manufacture that use such fabric color-restoring composition. The fabric color-restoring composition comprises an effective amount of a silicone polymer fabric color-restoring agent, typically the minimum levels of fabric color-restoring agent included in the composition are at least about 1.75%, preferably at least about 2.0%, more preferably at least about 2.5%, even more preferably at least about 3.0% and typically maximum levels of fabric color-restoring agent are less than about 10.0%, preferably less than about 7.0%, particularly in the range of about 3.0% to about 6.0%; and optionally, but preferably, an effective amount to increase the coefficient of static friction, of a static friction-increasing agent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to fabric care compositions and methods for treating fabrics in order to improve various properties of fabrics, in particular, restoration of color appearance in faded fabrics.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Age and laundering of fabrics, especially clothing, results in fading and dulling of non-white colors that eventually results in clothing obsolescence and expensive replacement. As a result, there has been a long-felt need to find a product that is simple and easy to use for at least partially restoring faded, non-white color in fabrics, particularly in articles of clothing.[0003]Various compositions are disclosed in patents and applications of this assignee, as well as other applicants, as wrinkle control compositions. The commercial wrinkle control compositions commercialized by this assignee, however, do not include sufficient silicone polymer to produce visible color restoration of colored, faded fabrics. Prior art wrinkle ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The compositions and methods described herein restore faded, non-white color in fabrics, including clothing, dry cleanables, linens, bed clothes, upholstery, and draperies, and have supplemental benefits such as wrinkle reduction, freshness, and improved softness. Other surfaces can be treated including, but not limited to, automobile interiors, shoes, and furniture. The compositions and methods described herein can be used on damp or dry clothing to restore faded color and give clothes a ready to wear or use look. The compositions and methods described herein also essentially eliminate or reduce the need for touch up ironing usually associated with closet, drawer, and suitcase storage of garments. Fabric color restoration in the context of this invention means restoration of color appearance, unless the composition optionally contains a dye or colorant to “re-color” faded colored fabrics.

[0007]When ironing is desired however, the compositions described herein can also act as an excellent ironing aid. The compositions make the task of ironing easier and faster by creating less iron drag. When used as an ironing aid, the compositions help produce a crisp, smooth appearance, while partially restoring faded color.

[0012]C. optionally, but preferably, to reduce surface tension, and / or to improve performance, active spreading, and formulatability, an effective amount of surfactant;

[0020]In a preferred embodiment, the color-restoring compositions described herein are incorporated into a spray dispenser to create an article of manufacture that can facilitate treatment of fabrics and / or surfaces with said compositions containing the color-restoring agent and other optional ingredients at a level that is effective, yet is not readily discernible when dried on fabrics, with the exception of color fade restoration. The spray dispenser comprises manually activated and non-manual powered (operated) spray means and a container containing the color-restoration composition. In one embodiment of the color restoration compositions described herein, a static friction increasing component, such as cyclodextrin or a polyacrylate, is included in an increased amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate this potential safety hazard.

Problems solved by technology

Age and laundering of fabrics, especially clothing, results in fading and dulling of non-white colors that eventually results in clothing obsolescence and expensive replacement.

The commercial wrinkle control compositions commercialized by this assignee, however, do not include sufficient silicone polymer to produce visible color restoration of colored, faded fabrics.

It has also been found that in using spray treatments, an appreciable amount of the aqueous composition misses the fabric, and instead falls on flooring surfaces, such as rugs, carpets, concrete floors, tiled floors, linoleum floors, and bathtub floors, which can leave a silicone layer that is accumulated on and / or cured on and / or bonded to the flooring surfaces.

Such silicones that are accumulated on such surfaces, and especially those that are bonded to such surfaces, are difficult to remove.

Flooring surfaces thus can become slippery and can present a safety hazard to the household members.

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