Method for assessing efficacy of detergent composition in preventing formation of second-hand stains on fabrics

Abstract

A method of assessing the efficacy of a detergent composition in preventing the formation of second-hand stains (also referred to as "cross-contamination stains") on fabrics is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the effectiveness of detergent compositions in preventing the formation of secondhand stains (also known as "cross-contamination stains") on fabrics. Background Art

[0002] With the development of detergent products, consumers' needs for cleaning have been well met. However, there are still some other unmet consumer needs in the field of clothing washing. In particular, one unresolved problem is that after a period of use, when washed multiple times, most clothes will become grayer / darker and lighter in color. Although the clothes look clean after washing, they do not look as new and colorful as they were originally. In other words, over time, the clothes look "old".

[0003] The reasons behind the above problems are quite complex. Previous studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms behind this problem. For example, soil redeposition phenomenon is believed to be one of the causes of the above problems, and various active agents including soil redeposition polymers (SRPs) have been developed to alleviate the above problems. However, consumers are not satisfied with the efficacy of such SRPs. Therefore, there is a need to understand more about this problem and develop additional methods to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The inventors surprisingly found that an important reason for the above-mentioned problem is that the clothes are contaminated by mixed stain sources during the washing process (especially in the mixed washing process). The inventors refer to the stains formed by such mixed stain sources during the washing process as second-hand stains (also referred to as "cross-contamination stains"). Similar to second-hand smoke, the so-called second-hand stains refer to stains caused by passive processes (i.e., washing fabrics) rather than active processes (i.e., ordinary use). In particular, the inventors found that second-hand stains are formed by a mixture of clay soil and body soil and optionally dyes (also referred to as "second-hand soil") during the mixed washing loading of clothes. In mixed washing, men's and women's clothes, outer clothes and inner clothes, and light-colored and dark-colored clothes are mixed together. In this case, different stain sources (e.g., clay soils including SiO2 and / or metal oxide particles, body soils including lipids and proteins, and dyes) are present together in the washing liquid. Unlike simple soil redeposition, clay soil and body soil and optional dyes in mixed washing can constitute a complex washing liquid in which these components can interact. This wash liquor containing used soil may contain smaller particles (e.g., submicron and / or nanometer particle sizes) that can penetrate deep into the interstices of fabrics or yarns, or even deep into the internal pores of fibers. They are not easily visible to consumers and analytical equipment, but these particles may cause problems with graying and / or darkening of clothes after washing.

[0005] Based on the above surprising findings, the present inventors have developed a method for evaluating the efficacy of a detergent composition in preventing the formation of secondhand stains on fabrics, the method comprising the following steps: A) providing a secondhand soil composition, a fabric and a detergent composition to be evaluated; B) adding the secondhand soil composition, the fabric and the detergent composition to be evaluated to water to form a wash liquor; C) washing the fabric in the wash liquor; and D) measuring the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric, wherein the secondhand soil composition comprises clay soil and body soil, wherein the weight ratio of the clay soil to the body soil is 5:1 to 1:3.

[0006] In some embodiments according to the present application, the weight ratio of the clay soil to the body soil is 4:1 to 1:3, preferably 3:1 to 1:2.5, more preferably 2:1 to 1:2.5, and most preferably 1:1 to 1:2.5.

[0007] In some embodiments according to the present application, the second-hand dirt composition further comprises a dye, and the content of the dye is 0.001 wt% to 1.5%, or 0.01 wt% to 1 wt%, preferably 0.03 wt% to 0.5 wt%, more preferably 0.05 wt% to 0.3 wt%, based on the total weight of the second-hand dirt composition.

[0008] In some embodiments according to the present application, the second-hand soil composition is present in the washing liquid at a content of 0.03 g / L to 15 g / L, preferably 0.1 g / L to 10 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 5 g / L, even more preferably 0.5 g / L to 2 g / L, 0.1 g / L, 0.2 g / L, 0.3 g / L, 0.4 g / L, 0.5 g / L, 0.7 g / L, 1 g / L, 1.5 g / L, 2 g / L, 2.5 g / L, 3 g / L or any range therebetween.

[0009] In some embodiments according to the present application, in the wash liquor, the clay soil is present in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, such as 0.05 g / L, 0.3 g / L, 1.0 g / L, 2.0 g / L or any range therebetween.

[0010] In some embodiments according to the present application, in the washing liquid, the body soil is present in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, for example 0.05 g / L, 0.3 g / L, 1.0 g / L, 2.0 g / L or any range therebetween.

[0011] In some embodiments according to the present application, in the wash liquor, the dye is present in an amount of 0.0005 g / L to 1 g / L, preferably 0.001 g / L to 0.5 g / L, more preferably 0.005 g / L to 0.2 g / L, for example 0.0001 g / L, 0.0002 g / L, 0.0005 g / L, 0.001 g / L, 0.002 g / L, 0.003 g / L, 0.004 g / L, 0.01 g / L, 0.02 g / L, 0.03 g / L, 0.04 g / L, 0.05 g / L, 0.1 g / L, 0.2 g / L or any range therebetween.

[0012] In some embodiments according to the present application, the average particle size of the clay soil is 0.03 μm to 50 μm, preferably 0.1 μm to 30 μm, more preferably 0.2 μm to 10 μm, most preferably 0.5 μm to 5 μm, for example 0.1 μm, 0.2 μm, 0.3 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.5 μm, 0.7 μm, 0.9 μm, 1 μm, 2 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm, 5 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 30 μm, 35 μm, 40 μm, 45 μm or any range therebetween.

[0013] In some embodiments according to the present application, the detergent composition is determined to have the efficacy of preventing the formation of second-hand stains when the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric is 0.1 to 8, preferably 0.3 to 7, more preferably 0.5 to 6.5, and most preferably 0.5 to 6, as measured according to Test 1: Whiteness Maintenance Index Test for Second-hand Stains.

[0014] In some embodiments according to the present application, the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, polyester cotton, recycled cotton, synthetic modified cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, elastic fiber, silk, acrylic, and any combination thereof, preferably the fabric is cotton, polyester cotton, recycled cotton, synthetic modified cotton, polyester, nylon, elastic fiber, or any combination thereof.

[0015] In some embodiments according to the present application, the detergent composition comprises a processing aid, which is preferably selected from: a surfactant system, a fatty acid and / or a salt thereof, an enzyme, an encapsulated benefit agent, a soil release polymer, a hueing agent, a builder, a chelating agent, a dye transfer inhibitor, a dispersant, an enzyme stabilizer, an antioxidant, a catalytic substance, a bleaching agent, a bleaching catalyst, a bleach activator, a polymer dispersant, a soil removal / anti-redeposition agent, a polymer grease cleaning agent, an amphiphilic copolymer, a whitening agent, a foam suppressant, a dye, a hueing agent, a perfume, a structure elasticizing agent, a fabric softener, a carrier, a filler, a hydrotrope, a solvent, an antimicrobial agent and / or a preservative, a neutralizer and / or a pH adjuster, a processing aid, a rheology modifier and / or a structurant, an opacifier, a pearlescent agent, a pigment, an anticorrosive agent and / or an antirust agent, and mixtures thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments according to the present application, the secondhand stain is a stain on fabric formed during washing of the fabric, preferably wherein the secondhand stain is a stain on fabric formed by a mixture of clay soil and body soil and optionally dyes during washing of the fabric.

[0017] In some embodiments according to the present application, the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric is determined by measuring L*AB and calculating ΔE as the whiteness maintenance index, preferably wherein the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric is determined according to Test 1: Whiteness maintenance index test for second-hand stains.

[0018] In another aspect, the present application relates to a method for preventing the formation of secondhand stains on fabrics, the method comprising the steps of:

[0019] A) providing fabric;

[0020] B) treating the fabric with a detergent composition comprising from about 0.05% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%, by weight of the detergent composition, of a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer comprising:

[0021] a) a polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base, wherein the polyalkylene oxide component has a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 20,000 Daltons and is based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or mixtures thereof,

[0022] b) a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, wherein the polyvinyl ester is derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and

[0023] c) polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain,

[0024] wherein the weight ratio of (a):(c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2, and

[0025] wherein the amount of (a) is greater than the amount of (b) by weight.

[0026] In another aspect, the present application relates to a method for washing fabrics, the method comprising the steps of:

[0027] A) providing a mixed fabric and detergent composition;

[0028] B) adding the mixed fabric and the detergent composition to water to form a wash liquor; and

[0029] C) washing the mixed fabric in the wash liquor,

[0030] Wherein, based on the weight of the detergent composition, the detergent composition comprises from about 0.05% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 3% of a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer comprising:

[0031] a) a polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base, wherein the polyalkylene oxide component has a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 20,000 Daltons and is based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or mixtures thereof,

[0032] b) a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, wherein the polyvinyl ester is derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, and

[0033] c) polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain,

[0034] wherein the weight ratio of (a):(c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2, and

[0035] wherein the amount of (a) is greater than the amount of (b) by weight.

[0036] In one embodiment according to the present application, mixed fabrics refer to fabrics with different types of stains. Preferably, the mixed fabrics are selected from the group consisting of: a mixture of men's and women's clothes, a mixture of outerwear and innerwear, a mixture of light-colored and dark-colored clothes, and any combination thereof.

[0037] In one embodiment according to the present application, in the graft copolymer, a) the polyalkylene oxide comprises and preferably consists of ethylene oxide units or ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units, and b) the polyvinyl ester comprises and preferably consists of vinyl acetate.

[0038] In one embodiment according to the present application, in the graft copolymer, the polyalkylene oxide has a number average molecular weight of 2000 to 15,000 Daltons; and / or the weight ratio of (a):(b) is 1.0:0.1 to 1.0:0.99, preferably 1.0:0.3 to 1.0:0.9; and / or the polyalkylene oxide graft polymer has a weight average molecular weight of 4,000 to 100,000 Da. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] definition

[0040] As used herein, articles including "a" and "an" when used in a claim should be understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0041] The terms "comprising", "including", and "containing" used herein are not limited in meaning, that is, other steps and other ingredients that do not affect the results can be added. The above terms include the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of".

[0042] As used herein, when a composition is "substantially free" of a particular ingredient, it means that the composition comprises less than trace amounts, alternatively less than 0.1%, alternatively less than 0.01%, alternatively less than 0.001% of the particular ingredient by weight of the composition.

[0043] The term "laundry detergent composition" used herein refers to a composition for cleaning contaminated materials, including fabrics. This composition can be used as a laundry pre-treater, a laundry post-treater, or can be added during the rinse cycle or wash cycle of a laundry operation. The laundry detergent composition can have a form selected from the following: liquid, powder, unit dose such as a single compartment or multi-compartment unit dose, a pouch, a tablet, a gel, a paste, a rod or a thin sheet. Preferably, the laundry detergent composition is a liquid or unit dose composition. The term "liquid laundry detergent composition" refers to a composition in the following form in this article, and the form is selected from the group consisting of the following items: pourable liquid, gel, cream and their combination. The liquid laundry detergent composition can be aqueous or non-aqueous, and can be anisotropic, isotropic or their combination. The term "unit dose laundry detergent composition" refers to a water-soluble pouch comprising a certain volume of liquid in this article, and the liquid is wrapped by a water-soluble film.

[0044] The term "second-hand stains" as used herein means stains on fabrics which are not formed during the use of the fabrics but are formed during the washing of the fabrics. In particular, during the washing process, various stains / soils / dyes are removed from the fabric surface and enter the washing liquid, and then become a complex mixture (e.g., a mixture containing clay soils and body soils and optionally dyes), which may stain other clothes washed in the washing liquid.

[0045] The term "second-hand soil" as used herein means soil in the wash liquor during the laundry washing process. Second-hand soil may result in the formation of second-hand stains on fabrics during the laundry washing process.

[0046] The term "second-hand soil composition" as used herein means a combination comprising at least clay soil and body soil, which can stimulate the formation of second-hand soil on fabrics in the wash liquor. Clay soil and body soil can exist in a mixture or be separated in space. In the case where clay soil and body soil exist separately, these soils can be added to water separately to form a wash liquor together with the detergent composition and fabrics. In some embodiments, the second-hand soil composition may also contain a dye.

[0047] The term "body soil" as used herein refers to body oils, dead skin flakes, sweat, scaling, dander, sebum, or any combination thereof. There are some commercially available body soils, such as JB03 from Sino light inspection & certification Co., Ltd.

[0048] As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a branched or unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety. Included within the term "alkyl" is the alkyl portion of an acyl group.

[0049] As used herein, the term "primary surfactant" refers to a surfactant present in a composition in an amount greater than any other surfactant contained by the composition. Similarly, the term "primary anionic surfactant" refers to an anionic surfactant present in a composition in an amount greater than any other anionic surfactant contained by the composition.

[0050] As used herein, the term "majority surfactant" refers to surfactants present in the composition in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the total surfactant content. Similarly, the term "majority anionic surfactant" refers to anionic surfactants present in the composition in an amount of at least 50% by weight of the total anionic surfactant content.

[0051] The term "wash liquor" as used herein refers to a typical amount of aqueous solution for one laundry wash cycle, preferably 1 L to 50 L, alternatively 1 L to 20 L for hand wash, and 20 L to 65 L for machine wash.

[0052] As used herein, the term "fabric" is used in an indefinite manner and may refer to any type of fabric made of natural or man-made fibers, including natural fibers, man-made fibers, and synthetic fibers, such as but not limited to cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, silk, acrylic, etc., as well as various blends and combinations.

[0053] Detergent composition

[0054] The detergent composition of the present disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of detergent powder compositions, light-duty liquid detergent compositions, heavy-duty liquid detergent compositions, detergent gels typically used for laundry, bleaching compositions, laundry additives, fabric enhancer compositions, unit dose preparations, and mixtures thereof.

[0055] The composition may be in any suitable form. The composition may be in the form of a liquid composition, a granular composition, a single compartment pouch, a multi-compartment pouch, a sheet, a lozenge or a bead, a fiber product, a tablet, a bar, a flake, or a mixture thereof. The composition may be selected from liquid, solid, or a combination thereof.

[0056] The composition may be an aqueous liquid laundry detergent composition. For such an aqueous liquid laundry detergent composition, the water content may be present at a level of 5.0 wt % to 95 wt %, preferably 25 wt % to 90 wt %, more preferably 50 wt % to 85 wt % of the liquid detergent composition.

[0057] The pH range of the detergent composition may be preferably 6.0 to 8.9, more preferably pH 7 to 8.8.

[0058] The detergent composition may also be encapsulated in a water-soluble film to form a unit dose article. Such a unit dose article comprises a detergent composition of the present invention, wherein the detergent composition comprises less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 15% by weight, more preferably less than 10% by weight of water, and the detergent composition is encapsulated in a water-soluble or water-dispersible film. Such a unit dose article may be formed using any method known in the art. Suitable unit dose articles may comprise a compartment, wherein the compartment comprises a liquid laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, the unit dose article may be a multi-compartment unit dose article, wherein at least one compartment comprises a liquid laundry detergent composition.

[0059] Polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer

[0060] The detergent composition may contain one or more polyalkylene oxide graft copolymers. The graft copolymer may be present at a level of from about 0.01% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.05% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, and most preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%, for example 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 1%, 2% or 3%, by weight of the composition.

[0061] In a specific embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer comprises: (a) polyalkylene oxide having a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 20,000 daltons and based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide, (b) a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, and (c) polyvinyl pyrrolidone as a side chain. In particular, the polyvinyl ester component is derived from a saturated monocarboxylic acid containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms and / or methyl or ethyl ester of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid.

[0062] In a specific embodiment, the weight ratio of component a) to component b) is from 1:0.1 to 1:0.99, preferably from 1:0.3 to 1:0.9.

[0063] In a specific embodiment, the weight ratio of component a) to component b) is from 1:0.1 to 1:2, preferably from 1:0.3 to 1:1.

[0064] In a specific embodiment, in the polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer, 1.0 mol% to 60 mol%, preferably 20 mol% to 60 mol%, more preferably 30 mol% to 50 mol% of the graft monomer of component (b) is hydrolyzed.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide comprises or consists of ethylene oxide units or ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units.

[0066] In particular embodiments, the polyvinyl ester comprises vinyl acetate.

[0067] Suitable polyalkylene oxides can be based on homopolymers or copolymers, wherein homopolymers are preferred. Suitable polyalkylene oxides can be based on ethylene oxide homopolymers or ethylene oxide copolymers with ethylene oxide content of 40 mol % to 99 mol %. Comonomers suitable for such copolymers can include propylene oxide, n-butylene oxide and / or isobutylene oxide. Suitable copolymers can include copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, copolymers of ethylene oxide and butylene oxide and / or copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and at least one butylene oxide. Copolymers can include 40 mol % to 99 mol % ethylene oxide content, 1.0 mol % to 60 mol % propylene oxide content and 1.0 mol % to 30 mol % butylene oxide content. The graft base can be linear (straight chain) or branched, such as branched homopolymers and / or branched copolymers.

[0068] Branched copolymers can be prepared by adding ethylene oxide with or without propylene oxide and / or butylene oxide to polyhydric low molecular weight alcohols such as trimethylolpropane, pentoses or hexoses.

[0069] The alkylene oxide units may be randomly distributed in the polymer or may be present therein as blocks.

[0070] The polyalkylene oxides of component (a) may be the corresponding polyalkylene glycols in free form, i.e. with OH end groups, or they may be capped at one or both end groups. Suitable end groups may be, for example, C1-C25-alkyl, phenyl and C1-C14-alkylphenyl groups. The end groups may be C1-alkyl (e.g. methyl) groups. Suitable materials for the graft base may include PEG 1000, PEG 2000, PEG 4000, PEG 6000, PEG 8000, PEG 10000, PEG 12000 and / or PEG 20000 (which are polyethylene glycols), and / or MPEG 2000, MPEG 4000, MPEG 6000, MPEG 8000 and MEG 10000 (which are monomethoxy polyethylene glycols commercially available from BASF under the trade name PLURIOL, and / or block copolymers made of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EO-PO-EO) or propylene oxide-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (PO-EO-PO) such as PE 6100, PE 6800 or PE 3100 commercially available from BASF under the trade name PLURONIC).

[0071] The polyalkylene oxide can be grafted with N-vinyl pyrrolidone as the monomer of component (b). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of N-vinyl pyrrolidone monomer in the graft copolymer according to the present disclosure provides water solubility and good film-forming properties compared to other similar polymers that do not contain N-vinyl pyrrolidone ("VP") monomer. The vinyl pyrrolidone repeating unit has an amphiphilic character with polar amide groups that can form dipoles, and non-polar parts with methylene groups in the main chain and rings, making it hydrophobic.

[0072] The polyalkylene oxide may be grafted with vinyl esters as monomers of component (c). The vinyl esters may be derived from saturated monocarboxylic acids which may contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or 1 to 2 carbon atoms, or 1 carbon atom. Suitable vinyl esters may be selected from the group consisting of vinyl formate, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl valerate, vinyl isovalerate, vinyl caproate or mixtures thereof. Preferred monomers of component (c) include those selected from vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate or mixtures thereof, preferably vinyl acetate.

[0073] Conventionally, the molecular weight is indicated by its "K value", which is derived from relative viscosity measurements. The K value of the graft copolymers can be from 5.0 to 200, optionally from 5.0 to 50, determined according to H. Fikentscher in 2% strength by weight solution in dimethylformamide at 25°C.

[0074] Particularly preferred graft copolymers of the present invention have a polyethylene oxide backbone grafted with one or more polyvinyl acetate side chains. More preferably, the weight ratio of the polyethylene oxide backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains is in the range of about 1:0.2 to about 1:10, or about 1:0.5 to about 1:6, and most preferably about 1:1 to about 1:5. An example of such a preferred amphiphilic graft copolymer is Sokalan TM HP22 polymer, which is commercially available from BASF Corporation. The polymer has a polyethylene oxide backbone with polyvinyl acetate side chains grafted thereto. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polyethylene oxide backbone of the polymer is about 6,000 g / mol (equivalent to about 136 ethylene oxide units), and the weight ratio of the polyethylene oxide backbone to the polyvinyl acetate side chains is about 1:3. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer itself is about 24,000 g / mol.

[0075] Surfactant system

[0076] According to the weight of the composition according to the present disclosure, the composition may comprise 1% to 99%, preferably 4% to 80%, preferably 6% to 50%, more preferably 10% to 30%, such as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or any range therebetween of the surfactant system. In particular, the surfactant system may comprise anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

[0077] In particular, the anionic surfactant may comprise linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), alkyl ethoxylated sulfate (AES), alkyl sulfate (AS), methyl ester sulfonate (MES), alkyl ether carboxylate (AEC) or any combination thereof, preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6-C 20 Alkyl ethoxylated sulfate (AES), C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), and any combination thereof; and / or

[0078] In particular, the nonionic surfactant may include alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, alkyl alkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, and any combination thereof, preferably the nonionic surfactant is selected from the nonionic surfactant represented by formula (1):

[0079] R 12 -X-[(EO) s / (PO) t ]-R 13 (1)

[0080] Where R 12 is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, X is -O- or -C(O)O-, R 13 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, s represents the average repeating number of EO, t represents the average repeating number of PO, s is 3 to 20, t is 0 to 6, EO represents ethylene oxide, PO represents propylene oxide, and EO and PO may be arranged in a mixed manner.

[0081] Anionic surfactants suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention may be selected from C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AAS), C6-C 20 Methyl ester sulfonate (MES), C6-C 20Alkyl ether carboxylates (AEC), and any combination thereof. For example, the laundry detergent composition may contain C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AA x S), wherein x is about 1-30, preferably about 1-15, more preferably about 1-10, and most preferably x is about 1-3. x The alkyl chain in S can be straight or branched, with mid-chain branched AA x S surfactants are particularly preferred. Preferred AA x The S group includes C with x being about 1-3 12 -C 14 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from 1% to 30%, preferably from 2% to 25%, more preferably from 3% to 20%, for example 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20% or any range therebetween, by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant.

[0082] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use in the compositions of the present invention may be selected from alkyl alkoxylated alcohols, alkyl alkoxylated phenols, alkyl polysaccharides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, and any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include: 12 -C 18 Alkyl ethoxylates, such as those available from Shell Nonionic surfactant; C6-C 12 Alkylphenol alkoxylates, wherein the alkoxylate units are a mixture of ethyleneoxy and propyleneoxy units; C 12 -C 18 Alcohol and C6-C 12 Condensates of alkylphenols with ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block alkylpolyamine ethoxylates, such as those available from BASF C 14 -C 22 mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, BAEx, wherein x is from about 1 to about 30; alkyl polysaccharides, specifically alkyl polyglycosides; polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; and ether-terminated poly(alkoxylated) alcohol surfactants. Also useful as nonionic surfactants herein are alkoxylated ester surfactants, such as those having the formula R 1 C(O)O(R2O)nR 3 Those, among which R 1 Selected from linear or branched C6-C 22 Alkyl or alkylene moiety; R 2 is selected from the moieties C2H4 and C3H6, and R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, C2H5 and C3H7 moieties; and n has a value between about 1 and about 20. Such alkoxylated ester surfactants include aliphatic methyl ester ethoxylates (MEE) and are well known in the art. In some specific embodiments, the alkoxylated nonionic surfactants included in the laundry detergent compositions of the present invention are C6-C 20 Alkoxylated alcohols, preferably C8-C 18 Alkoxylated alcohols, more preferably C 10 -C 16 Alkoxylated alcohols. C6-C 20 The alkoxylated alcohol is preferably an alkyl alkoxylated alcohol having an average degree of alkoxylation of from about 1 to about 50, preferably from about 3 to about 30, more preferably from about 5 to about 20, even more preferably from about 5 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from 1% to 30%, preferably from 2% to 25%, more preferably from 3% to 20%, for example 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20% or any range therebetween, by weight of the composition of a nonionic surfactant.

[0083] The ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be between 0.01 and 100, preferably between 0.05 and 20, more preferably between 0.1 and 10, and most preferably between 0.2 and 5.

[0084] In some embodiments, the anionic surfactant includes C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS), preferably C 10 -C 16 LAS, and more preferably C 12 -C 14 In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant includes C6-C 20 Alkyl alkoxy sulfate (AAS), preferably C 10 -C 16 AAS, and more preferably C 12 -C 14 In other embodiments, the anionic surfactant includes C6-C 20 Alkyl sulfate (AS), preferably C 10 -C 16 AS, and more preferably C 12 -C 14 A.S.

[0085] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, anionic surfactants may be present in the composition as the main surfactant, preferably as the primary surfactant. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be between 1.05 and 100, preferably between 1.1 and 20, more preferably between 1.2 and 10, and most preferably between 1.3 and 5. In particular, the anionic surfactant may include C6-C 20 Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS).

[0086] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, nonionic surfactants may be present in the composition as the main surfactant, preferably as the primary surfactant. Preferably, the ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant may be between 0.01 and 0.95, preferably between 0.05 and 0.9, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.85, and most preferably between 0.2 and 0.8. In particular, the nonionic surfactant may include C6-C 20 Alkoxylated alcohols.

[0087] The laundry detergent composition of the present invention may also contain a cationic surfactant. Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include: quaternary ammonium surfactants, which may have up to 26 carbon atoms, including: alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (AQA) surfactants; dimethyl hydroxyethyl quaternary ammonium compounds; dimethyl diisopropyl quaternary ammonium compounds; dimethyl hydroxyethyl lauryl ammonium chloride; polyamine cationic surfactants; and amino surfactants, specifically amidopropyl dimethylamine (APA).

[0088] The laundry detergent composition of the present invention may also contain an amphoteric surfactant. Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include: amine oxides, derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines, derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, or derivatives of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds. Preferred examples include: C6-C 20 Alkyl dimethylamine oxides, betaines, including alkyl dimethyl betaine and cocodimethylamidopropyl betaine, sulfo- and hydroxybetaines, such as N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylamino-1-propane sulfonate, in which the alkyl group can be C8-C 18 or C 10 -C 14 .

[0089] Other Ingredients

[0090] The laundry detergent compositions according to the present disclosure may also comprise from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5%, more preferably from 0.2% to 3%, most preferably from 0.3% to 2%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant boosting polymer, preferably a polyvinyl acetate grafted polyethylene oxide copolymer.

[0091] The laundry detergent compositions herein may contain auxiliary ingredients. Suitable auxiliary materials include, but are not limited to, builders, chelating agents, rheology modifiers, dye transfer inhibitors, dispersants, enzymes and enzyme stabilizers, antioxidants, catalytic substances, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide sources, preformed peracids, polymeric dispersants, clay soil removal / anti-redeposition agents, brighteners, foam suppressors, dyes, photobleaches, spices, spice microcapsules, structural elasticizers, fabric softeners, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, solvents, toners, structurants and / or pigments. The exact nature of these auxiliary ingredients and their content in the laundry detergent compositions will depend on the physical form of the composition and the properties of the cleaning operation performed using it.

[0092] In some embodiments, laundry detergent compositions according to the present disclosure may also comprise from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.1% to 5%, more preferably from 0.2% to 4%, most preferably from 0.3% to 3%, for example 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% or any range thereof, of fatty acid by weight of the composition.

[0093] Composition preparation

[0094] The laundry detergent compositions of the present invention are generally prepared by conventional methods, such as methods for preparing laundry detergent compositions known in the art. Such methods generally involve mixing the essential ingredients and optional ingredients in any desired order to a relatively uniform state, with or without heating, cooling, application of vacuum, etc., to provide a laundry detergent composition containing the ingredients in the necessary concentrations.

[0095] How to use

[0096] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating mixed fabrics using a laundry detergent composition. This method can provide the benefit of preventing the formation of second-hand stains. The method includes the step of applying 5g to 120g of the above-mentioned laundry detergent composition to a laundry washing basin containing water to form a washing solution. The washing solution in the laundry washing basin herein preferably has a volume of 1L to 65L, or 1L to 20L for hand washing, and a volume of 10L to 65L for machine washing. The temperature of the laundry washing solution is preferably in the range of 5°C to 60°C.

[0097] The dosage in the method herein may vary depending on the type of washing. In one embodiment, the method comprises: applying from about 5 g to about 60 g of a laundry detergent composition to a wash basin (e.g., about 2L-4L). In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises: applying from about 5 g to about 100 g, preferably from about 10 g to about 65 g of a laundry detergent composition to a washing machine (e.g., about 10L-45L).

[0098] Test Method

[0099] Test 1: Whiteness maintenance index test of used dirt composition

[0100] The whiteness maintenance index test was conducted by using a cleaning power washing machine (model: NE6-COP, obtained from Copley Scientific Co., Ltd.) as follows:

[0101] Clay dirt: Arizona dust clay with an average particle size of about 0.5 μm-2 μm, available from Shanghai Rainbow Technology Co., Ltd., 0.75 g / L

[0102] Body Soil: JB03 Carbon Black Free, available from Sino Light Inspection & Certification Co., Ltd., 0.15g / L to 2.25g / L

[0103] Dyes: Reactive Red 3BS and Reactive Black WNN, available from Zhejiang Longsheng Co., Ltd.

[0104] The weight ratio of clay soil to body soil is from 5:1 to 1:3, preferably 1:2.

[0105] The dosage of dyes is from 5 ppm to 300 ppm, preferably 12 ppm reactive red and 30 ppm reactive black.

[0106] Water capacity: 0.8L

[0107] Water type: City water

[0108] Detergent composition concentration: 2000 ppm

[0109] Fabric tracer: 10 cm x 10 cm PCW13 with brightener (50% cotton 50% polyester, purchased from Danxin Textile Co. Beijing, China), 2 pieces, which were pre-stripped 6 times with Chinese national standard powdered detergent (obtained from Taiyuan, China) in DI water

[0110] The L*ab of the fabric tracer is measured before washing (then the whiteness is calculated as maintainindex of ΔE).

[0111] 1. Add city water

[0112] 2. Add HDL and dissolve for 1 minute.

[0113] 3. Add clay dirt and dissolve for 3 minutes.

[0114] 4. Add body soil (and optionally dye) and dissolve for 5 minutes, wherein the dye solution is prepared by previously adding dye powder separately into RO water.

[0115] 5. Add in fabric tracer and start agitation (main wash).

[0116] 6. The main washing time is 10 minutes.

[0117] 7. Rinse once after the main wash.

[0118] 8. The rinsing time is 3 minutes.

[0119] 9. Remove the fabric from the rinse container and allow to ventilate naturally.

[0120] 10. Measure the L*ab of the tracer washed with detergent and clay by using IA measurement and calculate ΔE.

[0121] Determination 2: General Cleaning Test

[0122] The whiteness maintenance index test was conducted by using a cleaning power washing machine (model: NE6-COP, obtained from Copley Scientific Co., Ltd.) as follows:

[0123] Clay dirt (Arizona dust clay with an average particle size of about 0.5 μm-2 μm), available from Shanghai Rainbow Technology Co., Ltd., 0.75 g / L

[0124] Water capacity: 0.8L

[0125] Water type: City water

[0126] Detergent composition concentration: 2000 ppm

[0127] Fabric tracer: 10 cm x 10 cm PCW13 with brightener (50% cotton 50% polyester, purchased from Danxin Textile Co. Beijing, China), 2 pieces, which were pre-stripped 6 times with Chinese national standard powdered detergent (obtained from Taiyuan, China) in DI water

[0128] The L*ab of the fabric tracer was measured before washing (and the ΔE designated as the whiteness maintenance index was then calculated).

[0129] 1. Add city water

[0130] 2. Add HDL and dissolve for 1 minute.

[0131] 3. Add clay dirt and dissolve for 3 minutes.

[0132] 4. Add in fabric tracer and start agitation (main wash).

[0133] 5. The main washing time is 10 minutes.

[0134] 6. Rinse once after the main wash.

[0135] 7. The rinsing time is 3 minutes.

[0136] 8. Remove the fabric from the rinse container and allow to ventilate naturally.

[0137] 9. Measure the L*ab of the tracer washed with detergent and clay by using IA measurement and calculate ΔE.

[0138] Test 3: Whiteness grade test data

[0139] A score from -2 to 2 was given by five panelists to observe the fabric whiteness between the test sample and the reference sample, wherein a negative number means that the panelists gave a high score to the reference sample, a positive number means that the panelists gave a high score to the test sample, and 0 means there is no difference between the samples.

[0140]

[0141]

[0142] Example

[0143] Synthesis Example 1: Synthesis of Graft Copolymer

[0144] A graft copolymer with a weight average molecular weight of 16,800 Daltons of PVP / PVAc-g-PEG at a weight ratio of 20:30:50 was prepared as follows.

[0145] Under nitrogen atmosphere, 720 g of PEG (6000 g / mol) and 60 g of 1,2-propylene glycol (MPG) were initially added to a polymerization vessel equipped with a stirrer and a reflux condenser. The mixture was homogenized at 70°C.

[0146] Then 432 g of vinyl acetate (over 2 h), a solution of 288 g of vinylpyrrolidone in 576 g of MPG (over 5 h) and a solution of 30.2 g of tert-butyl perpivalate in 196.6 g of MPG (over 5.5 h) were metered in. After the additions were complete, the solution was stirred at 70° C. for 1 h. Then 3.8 g of tert-butyl perpivalate in 25.0 g of MPG (over 1.5 h) were metered in and then stirred for 0.5 h.

[0147] The volatiles were removed by vacuum stripping. Then, 676.8 g of deionized water were added and steam distillation was performed at 100°C for 1 hour.

[0148] The temperature of the reaction mixture was lowered to 80°C and 160.6 g of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (50%, 40 mol % corresponding VAc) were added at maximum feed rate. After complete addition of the sodium hydroxide solution, the mixture was stirred at 80°C for 1 hour and then cooled to ambient temperature.

[0149] The resulting graft copolymer was characterized by a K value of 24. The solids content of the final solution was 45%.

[0150] Example 1: Establishment of a method for evaluating the prevention of second-hand stain formation

[0151] In order to understand why clothes become gray and / or dark after washing, the wash liquor of consumers who reported the above problems was analyzed. 30 wash liquor samples were collected from 30 consumers. The dirt content and dirt composition in the wash liquor samples were determined. The average total dirt content was 200 mg / L, which is much higher than the dirt content (~60 mg / L) used in the standard laundry cleaning test (SBL2004). The composition of the dirt is shown below. Proteins and lipids usually come from body soil. In the standard laundry cleaning test (SBL2004), proteins and lipids are underrepresented.

[0152] Table 1

[0153]

[0154] In addition, the particle size of the wash liquor samples was determined. The median particle size was 41 μm, which is much smaller than the average particle size (~77 μm) of soils used in the standard laundry cleaning test (SBL2004).

[0155] Thus, the inventors recognize that the presence of second-hand soil (i.e., soil in a wash liquor containing a mixture of clay soil and body soil and optionally a dye) may be the cause of graying and / or darkening of clothes after washing. In other words, second-hand soil in the wash liquor leads to the formation of second-hand stains on fabrics. Therefore, the inventors have developed a method for evaluating the efficacy of a detergent composition in preventing the formation of second-hand stains on fabrics, wherein a certain ratio (e.g., 5:1 to 1:3) of clay soil and body soil and optionally a combination of dyes are added to the wash liquor to simulate the formation of second-hand stains. In particular, four second-hand soil compositions (SSCs), SSC 1 to 4, are prepared as shown below.

[0156] Table 2

[0157]

[0158] 1 Clay dirt: Arizona dust clay with an average particle size of about 0.5 μm-2 μm, available from Shanghai Rainbow Technology Co., Ltd.

[0159] 2 Body dirt: JB03 carbon black free, available from Sino Light Inspection & Certification Co., Ltd.

[0160] In order to test whether the second-hand soil composition can simulate the formation of second-hand stains during washing, a sample liquid detergent composition (Sample 1) based on a national standard liquid (NSL) laundry detergent was tested by using SSC 1 according to Test 1: Whiteness Maintenance Index Test of Second-hand Soil Composition and Test 2: Conventional Cleaning Test. The results show that although the cleaning performance of Sample 1 under conventional conditions (i.e., the test results according to Test 2) is very good, the cleaning performance of Sample 1 for the second-hand soil composition (i.e., the test results according to Test 1) is quite poor (3.4 vs. 13.8), which is consistent with the experience of consumers. Therefore, the second-hand soil composition can be used to evaluate the prevention of the formation of second-hand stains.

[0161] Table 3

[0162]

[0163] Example 2: Improved Second-Hand Stain Prevention in Laundry Detergent Compositions Containing Polyalkylene Oxide Graft Copolymers

[0164] Two (2) samples of liquid laundry detergent compositions were prepared containing the following ingredients, wherein Sample 2 contained a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer and Sample 3 did not contain such a graft copolymer.

[0165] Table 4

[0166] Ingredients (weight %) Sample 2 Sample 3 <![CDATA[C 12-14 EO7]]> 5.7 5.7 <![CDATA[C 11-13 THE]]> 4.2 4.2 <![CDATA[C 12-14 AE 1-3 S]]> 4.2 4.2 fatty acid 1.0 1.0 NaOH 0.6 0.6 <![CDATA[Na2SO4]]> 0.9 0.9 <![CDATA[Polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer 1 > 0.4 - water margin margin Remark Polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer No polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer

[0167] 1 The polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer described in Synthesis Example 1, having a weight ratio of PVP / PVAc-g-PEG at a ratio of 20:30:50, and a weight average molecular weight of 16,800 Daltons.

[0168] The ΔE of Samples 2 and 3 was measured according to Test 1: Whiteness Maintenance Index of Secondhand Soil Compositions as described above by using SSC 1 to SSC 4 as mentioned in Example 1. Surprisingly, Sample 2 comprising such graft copolymer showed significantly improved secondhand stains compared to Sample 3 without graft copolymer, as shown in Table 5 below.

[0169] Table 5

[0170] ΔE Sample 2 Sample 3 SSC 1 3.8 7.6 SSC 2 5.6 7.0 SSC 3 3.8 5.9 SSC 4 4.3 5.5 Remark Polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer No polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer

[0171] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0172] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0173] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the effectiveness of a detergent composition in preventing the formation of second-hand stains on fabrics, the method comprising: The following steps are involved: A) providing a used soil composition, fabrics and the detergent composition to be evaluated; B) adding the used soil composition, the fabric and the detergent composition to be evaluated to water to form a wash liquor; C) washing said fabric in said wash liquor; as well as D) measuring the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric, The secondhand soil composition comprises clay soil and body soil, wherein the weight ratio of the clay soil to the body soil is from 5:1 to 1:

3.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of the clay soil to the body soil is from 4:1 to 1:3, preferably from 3:1 to 1:2.5, more preferably from 2:1 to 1:2.5 and most preferably from 1:1 to 1:2.

5.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second-hand soil composition is present in the wash liquor in an amount of 0.03 g / L to 15 g / L, preferably 0.1 g / L to 10 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 5 g / L, even more preferably 0.5 g / L to 2 g / L.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second-hand dirt composition further comprises a dye, and the content of the dye is 0.001 wt.% to 1.5 wt.%, preferably 0.03 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%, more preferably 0.05 wt.% to 0.3 wt.%, based on the total weight of the second-hand dirt composition.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the clay soil is present in the wash liquor in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, and / or wherein the body soil is present in the wash liquor in an amount of 0.05 g / L to 12 g / L, preferably 0.2 g / L to 5 g / L, more preferably 0.3 g / L to 2 g / L, and / or Wherein in the washing liquid, the dye is present in an amount of 0.0005 g / L to 1 g / L, preferably 0.001 g / L to 0.5 g / L, more preferably 0.005 g / L to 0.2 g / L.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of cotton, polyester cotton, recycled cotton, synthetic modified cotton, linen, wool, polyester, nylon, spandex, silk, acrylic, and any combination thereof.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric is cotton, polyester cotton, recycled cotton, synthetic modified cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex, or any combination thereof.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent composition comprises a processing aid, preferably selected from the group consisting of a surfactant system, a fatty acid and / or salt thereof, an enzyme, an encapsulated benefit agent, a soil release polymer, a hueing agent, a builder, a chelating agent, a dye transfer inhibitor, a dispersant, an enzyme stabilizer, an antioxidant, a catalytic material, a bleaching agent, a bleach catalyst, a bleach activator, a polymeric dispersant, a soil removal / anti-redeposition agent, a polymeric grease cleaner, an amphiphilic copolymer, a brightener, a suds suppressor, a dye, a hueing agent, a perfume, a structure elasticizer, a fabric softener, a carrier, a filler, a hydrotrope, a solvent, an antimicrobial and / or preservative, a neutralizer and / or a pH adjuster, a processing aid, a rheology modifier and / or a structurant, an opacifier, a pearlescent agent, a pigment, a corrosion and / or rust inhibitor, and mixtures thereof.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondhand stains are stains on fabric formed during washing of the fabric, preferably wherein the secondhand stains are stains on fabric formed during washing of the fabric from a mixture of clay soils and body soils and optionally dyes.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric is determined by measuring L*AB and calculating ΔE as the whiteness maintenance index, preferably wherein the whiteness maintenance index of the fabric is determined according to Test 1: Whiteness Maintenance Index Test of Second-hand Soil Composition.

11. A method for preventing the formation of second-hand stains on fabrics, the method The following steps are involved: A) providing fabric; B) treating said fabric with a detergent composition comprising, by weight of said detergent composition, from about 0.05% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%, of a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer comprising: a) a polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base, wherein the polyalkylene oxide has 1000 Dalton to 20,000 Dalton number average molecular weight and based on ethylene oxide, cyclopentane Propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, b) a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, wherein the polyvinyl ester is derived from a polyvinyl ester comprising 1 Saturated monocarboxylic acids with up to 6 carbon atoms and / or acrylic acid or methacrylic acid The methyl or ethyl ester of c) polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain, wherein the weight ratio of (a):(c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2, and wherein the amount of (a) is greater than the amount of (b) by weight.

12. A method for washing fabrics, the method The following steps are involved: A) providing a mixed fabric and detergent composition; B) adding the mixed fabric and the detergent composition to water to form a wash liquor; as well as C) washing said mixed fabric in said wash liquor, Wherein, the detergent composition comprises from about 0.05% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably from about 0.2% to about 3%, by weight of the detergent composition, of a polyalkylene oxide graft copolymer comprising: a) a polyalkylene oxide component as a graft base, wherein the polyalkylene oxide has 1000 Dalton to 20,000 Dalton number average molecular weight and based on ethylene oxide, cyclopentane Propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, b) a polyvinyl ester component as a side chain, wherein the polyvinyl ester is derived from a polyvinyl ester comprising 1 Saturated monocarboxylic acids with up to 6 carbon atoms and / or acrylic acid or methacrylic acid The methyl or ethyl ester of c) polyvinylpyrrolidone as a side chain, wherein the weight ratio of (a):(c) is 1:0.1 to 1:2, and wherein the amount of (a) is greater than the amount of (b) by weight.

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