Hard surface cleaning composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising a surfactant system comprising a primary surfactant as an anionic surfactant and a secondary surfactant as an amphoteric surfactant and one or more enzymes, meanwhile, the surfactant system does not contain alkyl benzene sulfonate and derivatives thereof. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning stainless steel hard surfaces using the composition according to the invention and to the use thereof.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions, in particular liquid aqueous detergent compositions comprising a surfactant system which provide good foam and cleaning performance on stainless steel hard surfaces such as stainless steel cutlery. Background of the Invention

[0003] Household cleaning activities involve the use of a detergent product and water to rinse off the detergent product and complete the cleaning process. These activities are typically performed daily, often more than once a day, such as dishwashing. That is, hard surface cleaning, dishwashing, and other household cleaning activities are time-consuming activities, and ideally, these activities can be optimized when using products with excellent cleaning power and stain removal capabilities.

[0004] Dishwashing can be done in an automatic dishwasher, commonly known as machine dishwashing, or by hand, commonly known as hand dishwashing. For hand dishwashing, consumers use visual cues to determine whether the dishes have been adequately cleaned. One such cue is the formation of foam. When no foam forms while washing, the user may think that the cleaning solution used can no longer clean. For stainless steel tableware, especially stainless steel tableware popular in South Asia, consumers are also sensitive to "water splitting". When stainless steel tableware items (such as plates) are cleaned with a tool (such as a sponge) immersed in a cleaning solution, the plates are rinsed with water to remove foam and emulsified dirt. On stainless steel surfaces, if the surface is made hydrophobic, for example, because there are traces of greasy dirt, water will be repelled. This will appear as "water splitting", meaning that the water is visible as discrete water droplets. If the stainless steel surface is hydrophilic, the water will cover the surface as a more or less continuous sheet of water, which is called "water filming". Consumers associate water filming with clean dishes. On the other hand, water splitting is associated with dishes that are still dirty.

[0005] Today, some consumers prefer cleaning products that have a favorable environmental profile. That is, they prefer products that are "eco-friendly" and have little or no impact on the environment both when the product is used and when it is manufactured. There are many cleaning products on the market that claim to be "eco-friendly" or "natural," but it is not always easy for consumers to understand what these positive terms really mean. In addition, some consumers still associate "eco-friendly" cleaning products with inefficient cleaning products.

[0006] The Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) is a method of quantifying the "eco-friendly" characteristics of ingredients and products. The higher the RCI, the better the renewable characteristics of the ingredient or product. A further refinement of this index is the Bio-Renewable Carbon Index (BCI), where at least part of the carbon in the ingredient or product originates from recently living plant or animal organisms.

[0007] The surfactant system in cleaning products contributes to the cleaning efficacy of such products. The RCI and BCI of surfactants can vary greatly, with some having high RCI or BCI due to their specific properties, such as alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) and rhamnolipids, and other surfactants that are not available from renewable resources at all. Due to supply, cost and / or formulation limitations, it may not always be possible to formulate a surfactant system using only surfactants such as APGs and rhamnolipids, and sometimes such surfactant mixtures do not match the desired cleaning properties. Some of the most widely used surfactants cannot (economically) be obtained as ingredients with high RCI or BCI, for example, alkylbenzenesulfonates (ABS).

[0008] In view of the above, there remains a need for a hard surface cleaning composition having good environmental characteristics without compromising consumer satisfaction in terms of cleaning feel and performance and / or aspects such as foam formation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The inventors have developed a liquid detergent composition that provides improved visual cues such as foam and water film formation, particularly on stainless steel hard surfaces.

[0011] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising:

[0012] a. 8 to 30 wt % of a surfactant system comprising

[0013] i. As the main surfactant of anionic surfactant, it includes

[0014] Surfactant A of formula I: (R1-(OR') n -O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,

[0015] in:

[0016] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain;

[0017] R' is ethylene;

[0018] n is 1 to 18;

[0019] x is equal to 1 or 2;

[0020] M x+ is a suitable cation to provide electroneutrality selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium; and

[0021] Surfactant B of formula II: (R1-O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,

[0022] in:

[0023] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16 hydrocarbon chain;

[0024] x is equal to 1 or 2;

[0025] M x+ is a suitable cation to provide electroneutrality selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium; and

[0026] ii. A secondary surfactant as an amphoteric surfactant comprising betaine;

[0027] b. 0.1 to 5 wt % of an inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof; and

[0028] c. one or more enzymes;

[0029] wherein the main surfactant comprises at least 70 wt % of surfactant A and surfactant B based on the total amount of the main surfactant;

[0030] wherein the weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.5;

[0031] wherein the surfactant system does not contain alkylbenzene sulfonate and its derivatives;

[0032] wherein the composition comprises 0 to 1 wt % siloxane; and

[0033] The weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is in the range of 4:1 to 13:1.

[0034] The invention further relates to a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the composition according to the invention, and to the use thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Any feature of one aspect of the present invention can be used for any other aspect of the present invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including", but not necessarily "consisting of" or "consisting of". In other words, the steps or options listed do not have to be exhaustive. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this specification indicating the amount of material or reaction conditions, the physical properties of the material and / or the use thereof should be understood to be modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the format of "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges are described in the format of "x to y" for a particular feature, it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also considered. Unless otherwise stated, the amounts used herein are expressed in weight percentages based on the total weight of the composition, and are abbreviated as "weight %". The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein, such as "such as", is only to better illustrate the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention otherwise claimed in any way. Room temperature is defined as a temperature of approximately 25 degrees Celsius.

[0037] Aqueous detergent composition

[0038] The composition of the present invention is an aqueous cleaning composition, that is, the composition comprises water. The amount of water will depend on the desired concentration of the other ingredients. Preferably, the composition comprises 60 to 92% by weight of water, more preferably not less than 62% by weight, still more preferably not less than 65% by weight, but usually not more than 85% by weight, more preferably not more than 80% by weight, still more preferably not more than 75% by weight.

[0039] The composition is liquid, i.e. it can be poured. The composition of the present invention preferably has a -1 The viscosity of the composition is preferably in the range of 1000 to 2700 cps, preferably 1500 to 2500 cps, more preferably 1700 to 2300 cps, as measured at a controlled temperature of 25°C on a Haake viscometer (models include VT181, VT501, VT550 or equivalent) with a "cup" and "pendulum" geometry equipped with an MV cup and an MV2 pendulum. Users sometimes prefer thicker compositions because these compositions can be more easily dosed. For compositions with lower amounts of surfactant, thick products can also verify the user's perception of adequate cleaning ability of these compositions.

[0040] Surfactant system

[0041] The composition of the present invention comprises a surfactant system. The surfactant system comprises at least a primary surfactant and a secondary surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is in the range of 4:1 to 13:1. Preferably the weight ratio is 6:1 to 12:1, more preferably 8:1 to 11:1.

[0042] The surfactant system is present in the composition at a concentration of 8 to 30 wt %. Preferably, the surfactant system is present in an amount of 8 to 25 wt %, more preferably 8 to 20 wt %, even more preferably 10 to 20 wt %.

[0043] Main surfactants

[0044] The main surfactant is an anionic surfactant, including surfactant A of the following formula (Formula I):

[0045] (R1-(OR') n -O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,in:

[0046] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16, preferably C12-C14 hydrocarbon chain; preferably, R1 is a saturated C8-C16, more preferably a saturated C12-C14 alkyl chain;

[0047] R' is ethylene;

[0048] n is 1 to 18, preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 1 to 10, still more preferably 1 to 5;

[0049] x is equal to 1 or 2;

[0050] M x+ is a suitable cation providing electroneutrality, preferably sodium, calcium, potassium or magnesium, more preferably a sodium cation.

[0051] Preferably, the primary surfactant comprises as surfactant A sodium lauryl ether sulfate having 1 to 3 ethylene oxide units per molecule, more preferably sodium lauryl ether sulfate having 1 to 2 ethylene oxide units per molecule.

[0052] The primary surfactant further comprises a surfactant B of the following formula (Formula II):

[0053] (R1-O-SO3 - ) x M x+ ,in:

[0054] R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C16, preferably C12-C14 hydrocarbon chain; preferably, R1 is a saturated C8-C16, more preferably a saturated C12-C14 alkyl chain;

[0055] x is equal to 1 or 2;

[0056] M x+ is a suitable cation providing electroneutrality, preferably sodium, calcium, potassium or magnesium, more preferably a sodium cation.

[0057] Examples of surfactant B include sodium lauryl sulfate. Suitable examples include alkyl sulfates of synthetic origin sold under the trade names Safol 23, Dobanol 23A or 23S, Lial 123S, Alfol 1412S, Empicol LC3, Empicol 075SR. Other suitable and preferred examples include commercially available alkyl sulfates of natural origin sold under the trade names Galaxy 689, Galaxy 780, Galaxy 789, Galaxy 799SP.

[0058] The weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B ranges from 2:1 to 1:2.5, preferably ranges from 1.5:1 to 1:2.

[0059] Based on the total amount of the main surfactant, the main surfactant comprises at least 70 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt%, even more preferably at least 90 wt%, still more preferably at least 95 wt% of surfactant A and surfactant B. It may be preferred that the main surfactant consists of surfactant A and surfactant B.

[0060] The primary surfactant may comprise other anionic surfactants, such as rhamnolipids, which are anionic biosurfactants.

[0061] The primary surfactant may be present in a concentration of 80 to 93 wt%, preferably 85 to 92 wt%, more preferably 89 to 92 wt%, based on the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0062] Secondary surfactant

[0063] The secondary surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant comprising betaine.

[0064] Preferably, the secondary surfactant comprises at least 70 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt%, even more preferably at least 90 wt%, yet more preferably at least 95 wt% betaine, calculated on the total amount of the secondary surfactant. It may be preferred that the secondary surfactant consists of betaine.

[0065] The secondary surfactant may be present in a concentration of 7 to 20 wt%, preferably 8 to 14 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the surfactant system.

[0066] Betaine

[0067] Amphoteric surfactants include betaines. Suitable betaines include alkyl betaines, alkyl amido betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfo betaines and alkyl phospho betaines, wherein the alkyl group preferably has 8 to 19 carbon atoms.

[0068] Examples include cocodimethyl sulphopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, caprylic / capric betaine, caprylic / capric amidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocobutylamidohydroxysultaine, preferably lauryl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoamphopropionate. Preferably, the betaine is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

[0069] Further surfactants

[0070] In addition to the anionic surfactants of the primary surfactant and the amphoteric surfactants of the secondary surfactant, the surfactant system of the present invention may comprise other types of surfactants. More specifically, the surfactant system may also comprise cationic and / or nonionic surfactants.

[0071] Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensation products of higher alcohols (e.g., alkanols containing from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms in a straight or branched chain configuration) with from about 5 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide, for example, lauryl or myristyl alcohol condensed with about 16 moles of ethylene oxide (EO), tridecanol condensed with about 6 moles of EO, myristyl alcohol condensed with about 10 moles of EO per mole of myristyl alcohol, condensation products of EO with a coconut fatty alcohol fraction containing a mixture of fatty alcohols (alkyl chain lengths varying from 10 to about 14 carbon atoms), wherein the condensate contains about 6 moles of EO / mole of total alcohol or about 9 moles of EO / mole of alcohol, and tallow alcohol ethoxylates containing from 6 EO to 11 EO / mole of alcohol. Particularly preferred are lauryl alcohol condensed with 5, 7 and 9 moles of ethylene oxide (laureth 5, laureth 7 and laureth 9). Preferably, the nonionic surfactant is selected from laureth 5, laureth 7 and laureth 9, or a mixture thereof.

[0072] Condensates of 2 to 30 moles of ethylene oxide with sorbitan mono- and tri-C10-C20 alkanoates having an HLB of 8 to 15 may also be used as nonionic surfactants. These surfactants are well known and available from Imperial Chemical Insuctries under the trade name Tween. Suitable surfactants include polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan trioleate and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate.

[0073] Another nonionic surfactant that can be used is an alkyl polyglycoside. These may be preferred because they have a high Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) and Biorenewable Carbon Index (BCI).

[0074] When present, the concentration of nonionic surfactant is from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the surfactant system, preferably at least 0.3% by weight, more preferably at least 0.5% by weight, but preferably not more than 4% by weight, more preferably not more than 3% by weight, even more preferably not more than 2% by weight.

[0075] Some surfactants are known to have other functions as well, and are sometimes classified as such, although these ingredients are generally known to be surfactants as well. For example, benzalkonium chloride (BKC) is a known cationic surfactant that can also be used as an antimicrobial agent. For purposes of the present invention, these ingredients are considered when calculating the weight percentage of surfactant.

[0076] Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) and Biorenewable Carbon Index (BCI)

[0077] Renewable carbon is defined as carbon derived from recently living plant or animal organisms (as opposed to carbon derived from fossil carbon based on coal, crude oil or petroleum), as well as carbon derived from CO2 capture.

[0078] Biorenewable carbon is defined as carbon derived from recently living plant or animal organisms, and therefore not carbon derived from fossil carbon based on coal, crude oil, or petroleum.

[0079] In the context of the present invention, RCI is defined as the value calculated by dividing the amount of renewable carbon by the total number of carbons in the entire molecule, while BCI is defined as the value calculated by dividing the amount of biorenewable carbon by the total number of carbons in the entire molecule. For example, if 80% of the amount of carbon present in the surfactant system is renewable carbon, the RCI is 0.8.

[0080] Preferably, the liquid detergent compositions of the present invention comprise a surfactant system having an RCI of at least 0.85, more preferably at least 0.9, even more preferably at least 0.95. Ideally, the surfactant system has an RCI of 1.

[0081] For liquid detergent compositions requiring an "eco" label, it will be appreciated that the surfactant system preferably has a BCI of at least 0.8. Preferably, the BCI is at least 0.85, more preferably at least 0.9, even more preferably at least 0.95. Ideally, the BCI of the surfactant system is 1.

[0082] Alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS)

[0083] ABS is not readily available from renewable carbon or biorenewable carbon sources. Therefore, any amount of ABS in the surfactant system of the present composition does not contribute to the RCI or BCI of the surfactant system. Therefore, the surfactant system of the present composition does not contain alkylbenzene sulfonates and their derivatives.

[0084] Alkylbenzenesulfonates (ABS) and their derivatives include alkali metal salts of water-soluble organic sulfonic acids, the hydrocarbon radicals of which generally contain from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, still more preferably from 12 to 15 carbon atoms, and may be saturated or unsaturated. Examples include sodium salts of linear alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, alkyltoluenesulfonates, alkylxylenesulfonates, alkylphenolsulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, diamylnaphthalene-ammoniumsulfonate and dinonylnaphthalene-sodiumsulfonate, and mixtures with olefinsulfonates.

[0085] Inorganic salt

[0086] The composition comprises 0.1 to 5 wt% of an inorganic salt selected from sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate and combinations thereof. The inorganic salt advantageously controls the viscosity of the detergent composition.

[0087] Preferably, the liquid detergent composition comprises from 0.5 to 4 wt%, more preferably from 1.0 to 3 wt%, even more preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 wt% of the inorganic salt.

[0088] Polyethylene oxide

[0089] The liquid detergent compositions of the present invention may optionally contain polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight above 200,000 g / mole. The polyethylene oxide may be present as a single compound or as a mixture of at least two polyethylene oxides having a molecular weight above 200,000 g / mole.

[0090] As used herein, "polyethylene oxide" refers to polyethylene oxide (PEO) or high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG). As used herein, "high molecular weight polyethylene glycol" refers to a linear homopolymer derived from ethylene oxide and having a molecular weight of at least 200,000 g / mol, such as 200,000 g / mol to 4,000,000 g / mol.

[0091] Preferably, the molecular weight of the polyethylene oxide is from 300,000 g / mol to 4,000,000 g / mol, more preferably from 500,000 g / mol to 3,000,000 g / mol, even more preferably from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 g / mol.

[0092] Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxides commercially available under the tradenames WSR N-10, WSR N-80, WSR N-750, WSR205, WSR 1105, WSR N-12K, WSR N-60K, WSR-301, WSR-303, WSR-308, all from Dow Chemical Company; polyethylene oxide (PEO) from MSE, Beantown chemicals or Acros Organics; PEO 100K from Polysciences; PEO-1, PEO2, PEO-3, PEO-4, PEO-8, PEO15, PEO-18, PEO-57, PEO-29 from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Ltd.; or ALKOX polyethylene glycol from Meisei ChemicalWorks.

[0093] If present, the polyethylene oxide is present in an amount of 0.001 to 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. Preferably, the polyethylene oxide is present in an amount of 0.01 to 0.18 wt %, more preferably 0.1 to 0.15 wt %.

[0094] pH of the composition

[0095] Preferably, the pH of the composition of the invention is between 4.0 and 8.0. Preferably, the pH is between 4.5 and 7.5, preferably between 4.5 and 7.0, more preferably between 5.0 and 6.5.

[0096] Enzymes

[0097] Compositions according to the present invention include one or more enzymes that provide cleaning performance benefits. The enzyme includes an enzyme selected from cellulase, hemicellulase, peroxidase, protease, glucoamylase, amylase, lipase, cutinase, pectinase, xylanase, reductase, oxidase, phenoloxidase (phenoxidases), phenolase, lipoxygenase, ligninase, pullulanase, tannase, pentosanase, malic enzyme, beta-glucanase, arabinosidase, fatty acid decarboxylase, hydroxyperoxy fatty acid generating enzyme, oleate invertase, glycol synthase, xyloglucosidase, nuclease, hexosaminidase and mixtures thereof. Preferably, one or more enzymes are selected from amylase, protease, lipase and peroxidase. More preferably, the composition includes one or more enzymes selected from amylase and protease, such as a composition wherein the enzyme includes an amylase and a composition wherein the enzyme includes a protease. Preferred compositions include enzymes, wherein the enzyme includes an amylase and a protease.

[0098] Amylases can digest starch molecules present in dirt residues into simpler short-chain molecules (e.g., monosaccharides), which themselves are more easily desorbed from the surface, dissolved, or otherwise more easily removed by a cleaning solution containing amylases. The amylases contained in the compositions of the present invention can be derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms. In one example, the composition comprises an amylase from a microorganism, such as a yeast, a mold, or a bacteria. For example, the composition can comprise an amylase derived from Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, or Bacillus stearothermophilus). The amylase can be purified or a component of a microbial extract, or a wild type or variant (chemical or recombinant). In some examples, the composition comprises alpha amylase (u-amylase). Examples of amylases that can be used in the composition include those derived from (Netherlands) sold under the trade name Rapidase and by Novozymes under the trade name Amplify or Stainzyme Sold by DuPont under the trade name AA, or Mixtures of amylases may also be used.

[0099] Protease can decompose the complex macromolecular protein structure present in the dirt residue into simpler short-chain molecules, which are themselves more easily desorbed, dissolved or otherwise more easily removed by the detergent composition containing protease from the surface. According to its active site, protease is generally classified as serine protease, thiol protease, carboxyl protease and metalloprotease. According to their source, they can also be classified into three categories: protease of microbial origin, plant origin and animal origin. Protease of microbial origin is further classified into protease of bacterial origin, actinomycete origin, mold origin and yeast origin. Any suitable protease can be included in the detergent composition of the present invention. In different examples, the protease contained in the composition can be derived from plants, animals or microorganisms. In one example, the composition includes a protease derived from a microorganism (such as yeast, mold or bacteria). For example, the composition can include a serine protease, for example, derived from a Bacillus strain, such as Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus licheniformis. These proteases can include natural and recombinant subtilisin. Protease can be a component of a purified or microbial extract, and is a wild type or variant (chemical or recombinant). Examples of commercially available proteases that may be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention include those sold under the trade names (For example, 15Ultra 16L),

[0100] Progress Lavergy PR, and Mixtures of different proteases may also be incorporated into the compositions.

[0101] Examples of preferred enzymes are sold under the following trade names: Purafect (DuPont), Stainzyme (Novozymes), Biotouch (ABEnzymes), (BASF).

[0102] Preferably, the composition comprises the one or more enzymes in an amount of 0.00001 to 4 wt.%, more preferably 0.0001 to 3 wt.%, even more preferably 0.0001 to 2 wt.%, still more preferably 0.0001 to 1 wt.%, and even more preferably 0.001 to 0.5 wt.% enzyme protein, for example a composition comprising 0.01 to 0.30 wt.% of one or more enzymes.

[0103] Optional Ingredients

[0104] The compositions according to the invention may contain other ingredients that contribute to the cleaning or sensory performance. In addition to the ingredients already mentioned, the compositions according to the invention may also contain various other optional ingredients such as thickeners, colorants, preservatives, fatty acids, antimicrobial agents, fragrances, pH regulators, chelating agents, alkalinity agents and hydrotropes.

[0105] Organic solvents

[0106] Preferred compositions do not contain significant amounts of organic solvents (which are typically added to enhance cleaning performance), ie 0 to 1 wt% organic solvents.Preferably, the composition does not contain organic solvents.

[0107] Siloxane

[0108] The compositions of the present invention preferably contain only limited amounts of silicones, as these silicones may not provide the desired user properties of the cleaning compositions of the present invention. For example, silicones may leave a "slippery" feel on hard surfaces. Therefore, the compositions of the present invention contain 0 to 1 wt. %, more preferably 0 to 0.5 wt. %, and even more preferably 0 to 0.1 wt. % of silicones. Even more preferably, the composition is free of silicones.

[0109] Product form

[0110] The composition can be used neat or in diluted form. For hard surface cleaning, or more specifically, for dishwashing purposes, the composition is typically applied neat directly onto the surface or onto a tool (e.g., a sponge or cloth). When applied in diluted form, the composition is preferably diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1 to 1:100, more preferably at a ratio of 1:1 to 1:10.

[0111] The composition may be packaged in any commercially available bottle format for storing liquids.

[0112] The bottle containing the liquid may have different sizes and shapes to hold different volumes of liquid; preferably between 0.25 and 2 L, more preferably between 0.25 and 1.5 L, or even between 0.25 and 1 L. The bottle is preferably provided with a dispenser, which enables a more convenient way of dispensing the liquid to the consumer. A sprayer or pump dispenser may also be used.

[0113] method

[0114] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning a stainless steel hard surface, comprising the following steps:

[0115] a. contacting a hard surface with a liquid detergent composition of the present invention (optionally in diluted form), and

[0116] b. Removal of detergent compositions from hard surfaces by rinsing with water.

[0117] Preferably, the cleaning method is manual cleaning, more preferably hand dishwashing.

[0118] As used herein, "hard surface" generally refers to utensils or kitchen utensils, kitchen countertops, sinks and kitchen countertops. Preferably, the hard surface is stainless steel cutlery.

[0119] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a liquid detergent composition according to the present invention for hand washing stainless steel hard surfaces, preferably stainless steel cutlery.

[0120] In any of the above methods, the composition of the present invention is applied to the hard surface in neat or diluted form. The composition can be applied by any known means, such as by using a cleaning tool, such as a scrub, sponge, paper, cloth, rag, or by any other direct or indirect application. The applied composition can be cleaned with water using a cleaning tool such as a scrub, sponge, paper, cloth or rag, or rinsed off with water, optionally with running water.

[0121] The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. Example

[0122] Standard dirt

[0123] A standard soil mixture was prepared by mixing the ingredients as shown in Table 1.

[0124] Table 1 – Standard Dirt Mixtures

[0125] Element gram Stearic acid 1.25 Oleic acid 1.25 Sunflower Oil 47.5 wheat flour 50 Water (5FH) Up to 500

[0126] Dirty dishes

[0127] A soiled stainless steel dish was prepared using the following protocol.

[0128] 1. Spread 1.5 ml of standard soil on a clean and dry stainless steel plate with a diameter of 20 cm. The plate should be at room temperature.

[0129] 2. Use a rubber stopper to spread the dirt evenly on the front surface of the plate and leave it for 15 minutes to age.

[0130] 3. Spray 5 ml of water on the surface of the dish to wet the dish.

[0131] 4. Allow the wet dirt to age for another 15 minutes.

[0132] 5. The soiled plate is now ready for the cleanliness test.

[0133] Cleaning fluid

[0134] A cleaning solution was prepared by mixing 3.75 grams of the cleaning composition in 40 grams of water. This was the "test solution."

[0135] Cleaning test

[0136] 1. A moistened green pad (Scotch Brite abrasive scrub pad from 3M, 224x158mm) was folded exactly in the middle.

[0137] 2. Dip the moistened green pad into the test solution. The pad is then used to touch the soiled dish at three points.

[0138] 3. Wipe the front of the plate 6 times clockwise and 6 times counterclockwise to cover the entire surface of the plate.

[0139] 4. Wipe the sides (i.e. edges) 5 times, 3 strokes each time.

[0140] 5. Wipe the back of the plate clockwise 3 times and counterclockwise 3 times.

[0141] 6. Visually assess the foam level on each plate and record as Foam (F), Low Foam (L), and No Foam (N).

[0142] 7. Rinse the plate under running water, then observe the water splitting pattern and record it as water splitting (X) or water filming (C).

[0143] Repeat steps 3 to 7 with another soiled dish until no foam is observed in step 6. The dishes are referred to as the first dish (1S), the second dish (2S), the third dish (3S), etc.

[0144] Cleaning composition

[0145] Cleaning compositions were prepared according to Table 2. Cleaning tests were performed for each of the prepared cleaning compositions. The results of the cleaning tests can be found in Table 3.

[0146] Table 2 (weight percentage calculated based on total product, water to 100)

[0147] sample SLES CAPB PAS LAS <![CDATA[Na2SO4]]> 1 6.24 1.57 10.2 - 1 2 6.24 - 10.2 - 1 3 6.24 2.7 - - 1 4 - 1.57 7.5 - 1 5 - 1.57 7.5 8.94 1 6 6.24 1.57 2.7 7.5 1 7 6.24 - 10.2 1.57 1 8 6.24 - 11 - 1 9 11.51 1.57 4.93 - 1 10 - 1.57 16.44 - 1 11 6.24 1.57 10.2 1 1 12 6.24 1.57 10.2 5 1 13 6.24 1.57 10.2 7.5 1 14 6.24 1.57 10.2 2.5 1 15 3.13 1.57 13.31 - 1 16 8.88 1.57 7.56 - 1

[0148] SLES: Galaxy TMLES 170, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C14 natural, 1EO; CAPB: Galaxy TM CAPB SB, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C18 natural; PAS: Galaxy TM 780, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C14 natural; LAS: LABSA, from Fogla Corp.

[0149] Table 3 – Cleaning Test Results

[0150]

[0151] F = foam; L = low foam; N = no foam; X = water splitting; C = water film forming

[0152] Samples 1 and 16 provided adequate foam formation and adequate water film formation.

[0153] Enzyme-containing cleaning compositions

[0154] Cleaning compositions were prepared according to Table 4. Cleaning tests were performed on each of the prepared cleaning compositions. The results of the cleaning tests can be found in Table 5.

[0155] Table 4 (weight percentage calculated based on total product, water to 100)

[0156]

[0157] SLES: Galaxy TM LES 170, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C14 natural, 1EO.

[0158] CAPB: Galaxy TM CAPB SB, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C18 natural.

[0159] PAS: Galaxy TM 780, from Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., C12-C14 natural.

[0160] Amylase: Amplify Prime 100L, Novozymes Ltd

[0161] Protease: Carnival Evity 16L, Novozymes Ltd

[0162] Table 5 – Cleaning Test Results

[0163]

[0164] F = foam; L = low foam; N = no foam; X = water splitting; C = water film forming

Claims

1. A liquid aqueous detergent composition comprising: a. 8 to 30 wt % of a surfactant system comprising i. As the main surfactant of anionic surfactant, it includes Surfactant A of formula I: (R1-(OR') n -O-SO3 - ) x M x+ , in: R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C 16 Hydrocarbon chain; R' is ethylene; n is 1 to 18; x is equal to 1 or 2; M x+ is a suitable cation to provide electroneutrality selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium; and Surfactant B of formula II: (R1-O-SO3 - ) x M x+ , in: R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C8-C 16 Hydrocarbon chain; x is equal to 1 or 2; M x+ is a suitable cation to provide electroneutrality selected from the group consisting of sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium; and ii. A secondary surfactant as an amphoteric surfactant comprising betaine; b. 0.1 to 5 wt % of an inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and combinations thereof; and c. one or more enzymes; wherein the main surfactant comprises at least 70 wt % of surfactant A and surfactant B based on the total amount of the main surfactant; wherein the weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 2:1 to 1:2.5; wherein the surfactant system does not contain alkylbenzene sulfonate and its derivatives; wherein the composition comprises 0 to 1 wt % of siloxane; and The weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is in the range of 4:1 to 13:

1.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the primary surfactant comprises sodium lauryl ether sulfate having 1 to 2 ethylene oxide units per molecule.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of surfactant A to surfactant B is in the range of 1.5:1 to 1:

2.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the secondary surfactant comprises a betaine selected from the group consisting of alkyl betaines, alkyl amido betaines, alkyl amidopropyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaines, alkyl phosphobetaines, and combinations thereof.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the betaine is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB).

6. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the amount of surfactant system is from 8 to 25 wt%, preferably from 8 to 20 wt%, more preferably from 10 to 20 wt%.

7. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the weight ratio of the primary surfactant to the secondary surfactant is in the range of 6:1 to 12:1, preferably 8:1 to 11:

1.

8. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pH of the composition is in the range of 4 to 8.

9. according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition has a -1 The viscosity is preferably in the range of 1000 to 2700 cps, preferably 1500 to 2500 cps, more preferably 1700 to 2300 cps, as measured on a Haake viscometer with "cup" and "pendulum" geometry (models include VT181, VT501, VT550 or equivalent) equipped with an MV cup and MV2 pendulum at a controlled temperature of 25°C.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising 0.001 to 0.2 wt% of polyethylene oxide having a molecular weight above 200,000 g / mol.

11. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the surfactant system has a Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) of at least 0.85, preferably at least 0.9, more preferably at least 0.

95.

12. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition comprises the one or more enzymes in an amount of 0.00001 to 4% by weight.

13. A method for cleaning a stainless steel hard surface, comprising the steps of: a. contacting the hard surface with a liquid detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, optionally in diluted form, and b. Removing the detergent composition from the hard surface by rinsing with water.

14. The cleaning method of claim 13, wherein the hard surface is stainless steel cutlery.

15. Use of a liquid detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for hand washing of stainless steel hard surfaces, preferably stainless steel cutlery.

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