Fabric washing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for washing fabrics in a washing machine having a laundry treatment chamber and a storage container for a surfactant concentrate, having the following steps: a) providing a washing machine having a washing procedure; b) introducing the fabric into a laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine; c) introducing an aqueous liquid into a laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine; d) providing a detergent composition comprising a surfactant by diluting a surfactant concentrate, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises i) from 50 to 90% by weight of surfactant and ii) less than 10% by weight of water; e) introducing the detergent composition comprising surfactant into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fabric washing method. In particular, the present application relates to a fabric washing method during which a detergent active substance and a cleaning active substance are diluted and subsequently introduced into the laundry treatment chamber of a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] Although fewer than a third of the population today has access to a fabric washing machine, machine fabric cleaning has been the standard method for removing dirt and freshening clothes in some parts of the world since the 1970s.

[0003] In recent decades, machine technology and detergents used in machine-based fabric cleaning methods have been continuously developed and improved, both in terms of their performance and their ecological footprint. While development efforts were initially focused on improving individual components of the washing process (e.g. fabric washing machines and their mechanical aspects and procedures or fabric detergents), for some time now the focus has also been on consumer-friendly implementation of machine washing methods.

[0004] One development aimed at improving operator comfort is to provide storage and dosing devices for detergent. These devices can be fixed outside the textile washing machine or integrated therein.

[0005] European patent EP 3 305 969 B1 describes a storage container which is connected to a metering device and is used to receive the required amounts of detergent for a plurality of cleaning programs.

[0006] European patent EP 2 478 146 B1 discloses a textile washing machine having at least two metering containers.

[0007] European Patent EP 3 296 448 B1 describes a method for operating a washing machine having one or more metering devices.

[0008] International application WO 2010 / 019841 A2 relates to highly concentrated detergent compositions comprising surfactants.

[0009] The means and methods for machine washing fabrics known so far by those skilled in the art need to be further improved in terms of user comfort and in terms of the cleaning performance achieved. Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a method for machine fabric cleaning, which, in addition to increasing comfort, also provides improved cleaning results for consumers. In addition, the detergent compositions used should be characterized in that both the active ingredients they contain and the packaging and transportation means required for them are provided to reduce resource use. Another object of the present application is to provide a highly concentrated detergent for use in a washing machine. Summary of the invention

[0010] A first subject of the present application is a method for washing fabrics in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine has a laundry treatment chamber and a storage container for a surfactant concentrate, the method comprising the following steps:

[0011] a) providing a washing machine with a washing program;

[0012] b) introducing fabrics into a laundry treatment chamber of said washing machine;

[0013] c) introducing an aqueous liquid into a laundry treatment chamber of said washing machine;

[0014] d) providing a detergent composition comprising a surfactant by diluting a surfactant concentrate, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises:

[0015] i) 50 to 90% by weight of a surfactant;

[0016] ii) less than 10% by weight of water;

[0017] e) introducing the surfactant-containing detergent composition into a laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A motor-driven device for cleaning fabrics is called a washing machine. Particularly preferred are rotary washing machines having an inner tub rotatable about a horizontal axis. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for implementation in a washing machine having an outer tub, an inner tub attached to the outer tub as a laundry treatment chamber, and a pumping device configured to pump an aqueous liquid out of the outer tub.

[0019] In step a) of the method, a washing machine having a washing program is provided. Conventional washing machines usually have a plurality of washing programs provided for cleaning different fabrics, and the washing program may also have a pre-rinsing, rinsing and / or dehydration cycle in addition to the main washing cycle. A preferred washing program comprises a main wash cycle, at least one rinse cycle and at least one spin cycle. An alternative washing program has at least one pre-wash cycle, a main wash cycle, at least one rinse cycle and at least one spin cycle.

[0020] In addition to the mechanical forces acting on the laundry, the detergent used and the liquid temperature reached in the wash liquor, the duration of the wash cycle, in particular the main wash cycle, also has an influence on the cleaning performance achieved. The duration t of the main wash cycle used in the washing method w It is preferably from 15 to 400 minutes, preferably from 30 to 240 minutes, and particularly from 60 to 180 minutes.

[0021] The fabric introduced into the laundry treatment chamber in step b) may be, for example, cotton, wool or synthetic fabric, but also a mixed fabric.

[0022] The volume of aqueous liquid introduced into the laundry treatment chamber in step c) is preferably from 8 to 40 1, preferably from 12 to 35 1.

[0023] The loading of the washing machine with fabric in step b) and the volume of aqueous liquor introduced in step c) are preferably coordinated with one another in such a way that the weight ratio of aqueous liquor to fabric in step c) is higher than 1:1, preferably higher than 2:1 and in particular higher than 5:2.

[0024] In step c), the temperature T1 of the aqueous liquid is preferably from 18 to 25°C.

[0025] The surfactant concentrate used in step d) is preferably taken from a container integrated into the washing machine, which container is filled with several times the amount of surfactant concentrate required to carry out the washing program.

[0026] The surfactant concentrate comprises preferably 55 to 92% by weight, in particular 60 to 88% by weight and particularly preferably 68 to 80% by weight, of anionic surfactants, relative to its total weight.

[0027] Surfactants include nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. The composition according to the present invention may contain one or more of the mentioned surfactants. Particularly preferred compositions contain a surfactant selected from anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

[0028] Anionic surfactants are preferably selected from C 9-13 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, olefin sulfonic acid, C 12-18 Alkane sulfonic acid, ester sulfonic acid, alkyl (alkenyl) sulfonic acid, fatty alcohol ether sulfonic acid and their mixtures. 9-13 The combination of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and fatty alcohol ether sulfonic acid as anionic surfactant has particularly good dispersing properties. The sulfonic acid surfactant that can be used is preferably C 9-13 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acids, olefinsulfonic acids (ie, mixtures of olefin and hydroxyalkanesulfonic acids, and disulfonic acids), which are composed, for example, of C 12-18 Monoolefins are obtained by sulfonation with gaseous sulfur trioxide and subsequent alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of the sulfonation product. 12-18 Also suitable are esters of alkanesulfonic acids and α-sulfofatty acids (ester sulfonic acids), for example the α-sulfonated methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids.

[0029] In a particularly preferred washing method, the surfactant concentrate comprises a surfactant selected from C8-18 Anionic surfactants selected from C 9-15 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, especially C 9-13 Alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.

[0030] Alternatively, but preferably in combination with the alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, the surfactant concentrate comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl ether sulfonic acids.

[0031] Preferably, the compound has the formula R1-O-(AO) n -SO3H alkyl ether sulfonic acid, wherein

[0032] - R1 represents a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical, preferably a linear, unsubstituted alkyl radical, particularly preferably a fatty alcohol radical. Preferred radicals R1 are selected from the group consisting of decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, nonadecyl and eicosyl radicals and mixtures thereof, with preference given to representatives with an even number of C atoms. Particularly preferred radicals R1 are derived from fatty alcohols having 12 to 18 C atoms, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol, or from oxo alcohols having 10 to 20 C atoms.

[0033] -AO represents an ethylene oxide (EO) or propylene oxide (PO) group, preferably an ethylene oxide group. The index n in the formula is an integer from 1 to 50, preferably from 1 to 20 and in particular from 2 to 10. Very particularly preferably, n is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

[0034] As a further optional component, which is preferably present in the surfactant concentrate in combination with the aforementioned alkylbenzene sulfonic acids and alkyl ether sulfonic acids, the surfactant concentrate comprises an anionic surfactant selected from fatty acids. Particularly preferred fatty acids are selected from caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and mixtures thereof.

[0035] Preferred surfactant concentrates used in step d) of the process contain 30 to 90 wt.-%, preferably 40 to 80 wt.-%, more preferably 45 to 70 wt.-% and in particular 51 to 70 wt.-% of anionic surfactant, relative to their total weight. The weight proportion of anionic surfactant is determined as the weight proportion of anionic surfactant acid, irrespective of the degree of neutralization of the anionic surfactant in the surfactant concentrate.

[0036] Specific weight ratios of the anionic surfactants to one another have proven to be advantageous with regard to the rheological properties and the dilution characteristics of the surfactant concentrates.

[0037] Therefore, it is preferred that the surfactant concentrate comprises C 8-18 A washing method using alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and alkyl ether sulfonic acid as anionic surfactants, wherein the C 8-18 The alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and the alkyl ethersulfonic acid are present in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:1, preferably 7:1 to 2:1 and in particular 5:1 to 5:2.

[0038] Also preferred is a surfactant concentrate comprising C 8-18 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and fatty acid as anionic surfactant washing method, wherein the C 8-18 The alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and the fatty acid are present in a weight ratio of 20:1 to 6:1, preferably 18:1 to 6:1 and in particular 15:1 to 8:1.

[0039] Preference is also given to washing processes in which the surfactant concentrate comprises an alkyl ether sulfonic acid and a fatty acid as anionic surfactant, wherein the alkyl ether sulfonic acid and the fatty acid are present in a weight ratio of 6:1 to 1:1, preferably 5:1 to 3:2 and in particular 4:1 to 2:1.

[0040] The above-mentioned weight ratios are suitable for advantageously influencing the properties of the surfactant concentrate during filling and metering, and are also suitable with regard to rapid and uniform dilution.

[0041] As a further optional component, the surfactant concentrate comprises a nonionic surfactant, preferably selected from ethoxylated C 6-18 Nonionic surfactants of primary alcohols, preferably ethoxylated C with a degree of alkoxylation ≥ 2 6-18 Primary alcohols, particularly preferably C with 4 EO or 7 EO 12-14 Alcohol, C with 7 EO 9-11 Alcohol, C with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO 13-15 Alcohol, C with 7 EO 13-15 Oxo alcohols, C with 5 EO or 7 EO 12-18 Alcohols, especially C with 7 EO 12-18 Fatty alcohol or C with 7 EO 13-15 Oxo alcohols.

[0042] Preferred surfactant concentrates used in step d) of the process comprise from 7 to 50% by weight, preferably from 12 to 40% by weight and in particular from 15 to 30% by weight of nonionic surfactants, relative to their total weight.

[0043] In particular with regard to rapid and uniform dilution of the surfactant concentrate, it has proven to be advantageous to maintain the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant in the surfactant concentrate in the range from 4:1 to 1:8, preferably from 3:1 to 1:4 and in particular from 11:4 to 1:1.

[0044] One optional component of the surfactant concentrate is formed by polyalkoxylated amines having a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 600 g / mol to 10 000 g / mol, obtained by reacting ammonia or primary alkylamines or hydroxyalkylamines having a molecular weight of less than 200 g / mol with alkylene oxides. The weight proportion of these polyalkoxylated amines, relative to the total weight of the surfactant concentrate, is preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 8% by weight and in particular 2 to 6% by weight.

[0045] Preferred polyalkoxylated amines have a weight average molecular weight M in the range of 1300 g / mol to 6000 g / mol, in particular 1400 g / mol to 4500 g / mol. w (The average molecular weight indicated here, and the average molecular weight that may be used for other polymers later, is the weight average molecular weight M w, which can in principle be determined by gel permeation chromatography with the aid of an RI detector, the measurement being conveniently carried out against an external standard. ) To prepare them, it is possible in a known manner to start from ammonia, monoalkylamines, monoalkyl-monoalkanolamines or monoalkyl-dialkanolamines or monoalkanolamines, dialkanolamines or trialkanolamines (for example triethanolamine, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and isopropyl-diethanolamine, methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and isopropyl-diisopropanolamine, tripropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, N,N-di-(2-hydroxyethyl)cyclohexylamine, N,N-di-(2-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexylamine, n-butylamine, n-hexylamine, n-octylamine, isopropylamine, sec-butylamine, tert-butylamine, cyclohexylamine, 2-ethylhexylamine, 2-phenylethylamine and mixtures thereof), which are reacted with alkylene oxides, in particular selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures thereof, in particular with mixtures comprising propylene oxide and preferably ethylene oxide, particularly preferably with propylene oxide. The polyalkoxylated amines thus obtained may be block structures or random structures. Particularly preferred among them are polyalkoxylated amines obtained by propoxylation of triethanolamine, which preferably have a length of three side arms containing 15 propylene oxide units in each case. Also preferred are polyalkoxylated amines obtainable by propoxylation of triisopropanolamine, which preferably have a length of three side arms containing 15 propylene oxide units in each case. Polyalkoxylated monoalkylamines with linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups are likewise suitable, wherein an alkylene oxide selected from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide and mixtures thereof is alkoxylated, preferably with a mixture containing propylene oxide, more preferably with propylene oxide. Also preferred are polyalkoxylated amines obtained by propoxylation of tert-butylamine, which preferably have a length of two side arms containing 12 propylene oxide units in each case.

[0046] Preferred polyalkoxylated amines satisfy the general formula

[0047]

[0048] wherein R represents a linear, optionally branched or optionally cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 12 C atoms, or -(CH2CHR'O) n” -(CH2CHR'O) m” -H group,

[0049] R' and R" independently represent H, CH3 or CH2CH3,

[0050] n, n' and n" independently of one another represent values ​​from 0 to 30, preferably from 0 to 10 and in particular from 0 to 5, and

[0051] m, m' and m" independently of one another represent values ​​from 0 to 30, preferably from 5 to 20 and in particular from 12 to 16,

[0052] The prerequisite is that the sum of n+n'+n"+m+m'+m" is at least 14, preferably in the range of 18 to 100 and in particular in the range of 20 to 70. Preferably, in the compounds of formula I, at least one of the functional groups R' and R" is a CH3 group.

[0053] As a further optional component, the surfactant concentrate comprises polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines obtainable by reaction of polyalkyleneimines with alkylene oxides, wherein preferably the weight proportion of the polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, relative to the total weight of the surfactant concentrate, is 0.5 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 8% by weight and in particular 2 to 6% by weight.

[0054] Polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines are polymers with a polyalkyleneimine backbone, which carry polyalkoxy groups on the N atoms. They preferably have a weight average molecular weight Mw in the range of 5000 g / mol to 60000 g / mol, in particular 10000 g / mol to 22500 g / mol. The polyalkyleneimines have primary amino functional groups at the ends and preferably have secondary and tertiary amino functional groups in the interior, and optionally it can also have only secondary amino functional groups in the interior, so that the result is not a branched but a linear polyalkyleneimines. The ratio of primary amino groups to secondary amino groups in the polyalkyleneimines is preferably in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:1.5, in particular in the range of 1:0.7 to 1:1. The ratio of primary amino groups to tertiary amino groups in the polyalkyleneimines is preferably in the range of 1:0.2 to 1:1, in particular in the range of 1:0.5 to 1:0.8. The polyalkyleneimines preferably have a weight average molecular weight in the range of 500 g / mol to 50 000 g / mol, in particular 550 g / mol to 2000 g / mol. The N atoms in the polyalkyleneimines are preferably separated from one another by alkylene groups having 2 to 12 C atoms, in particular 2 to 6 C atoms, although all alkylene groups do not necessarily have the same number of C atoms. Ethylene groups, 1,2-propylene groups, 1,3-propylene groups and mixtures thereof are particularly preferred. The primary amino functions in the polyalkyleneimines may carry 1 or 2 polyalkoxy groups and the secondary amino functions may carry 1 polyalkoxy group, wherein not every amino function must be substituted by an alkoxy group. The average number of alkoxy groups per primary and secondary amino function in the polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines is preferably 5 to 100, in particular 10 to 50. The alkoxy groups in the polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines are preferably ethoxy, propoxy or butoxy groups or mixtures thereof. Polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines are particularly preferred. Polyalkoxylated polyalkyleneimines can be obtained by reacting polyalkyleneimines with epoxides corresponding to the alkoxy groups. If desired, at least some of the terminal OH functions of the polyalkoxy substituents can be replaced by alkyl ether functions having 1 to 10, in particular 1 to 3, C atoms.

[0055] Preferred surfactant concentrates contain 12 to 36% by weight, preferably 18 to 34% by weight, and in particular 24 to 32% by weight of solvent relative to their total weight. As mentioned at the beginning, surfactant concentrates with the lowest possible proportion of inactive ingredients are used in the washing method according to the invention. Since water is an inactive ingredient, it is preferred that the surfactant concentrate contains less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight, and in particular less than 2% by weight of water. With the reduction of the proportion of inactive ingredients, not only the amount of resources required for packaging, storage and transportation of the surfactant concentrate is reduced, but at the same time the volume of surfactant concentrate used per washing method is also reduced, so that the range of storage containers (e.g., storage containers integrated into washing machines) is expanded.

[0056] For the operability of the surfactant concentrate, in particular for the dilution in step e), a weight ratio of 0.5 to 29 wt.-%, preferably 4.5 to 27 wt.-% and in particular 10 to 24 wt.-% of organic solvent relative to the total weight of the surfactant concentrate has proven to be advantageous. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the washing method, the surfactant concentrate comprises 12 to 38 wt.-%, preferably 15 to 35 wt.-% and in particular 20 to 32 wt.-% of organic solvent relative to its total weight. The cleaning-enhancing effect in the washing method can be attributed to the organic solvent. This is particularly applicable when using an organic solvent selected from organic amines, preferably monoethanolamine. The use of these substances not only has a cleaning-enhancing effect, but is also able to partially or completely neutralize any anionic surfactant acid present in the surfactant concentrate.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the washing method, the surfactant concentrate comprises a surfactant selected from C 8-18 Anionic surfactants of alkylbenzenesulfonic acid, alkylethersulfonic acid and fatty acid and an organic amine, preferably monoethanolamine, in a stoichiometric excess relative to the anionic surfactant. This mode of proceeding makes it possible to carry out the neutralization reaction during the dilution of the surfactant concentrate, for example in parallel with the addition of further acid during the dilution.

[0058] With regard to the packaging, filling, metering, dilution and subsequent cleaning performance of the surfactant concentrates, the use of organic amines, in particular the use of monoethanolamine, has proven to be superior to the use of low molecular weight organic alcohols and ethers. For this reason, it is preferred that the surfactant concentrates contain less than 12% by weight, preferably less than 8% by weight, particularly preferably less than 4% by weight and in particular less than 1% by weight of organic solvents selected from mono-, di- or tri-ols having a molecular weight of 30 to 120 g / mol, relative to their total weight.

[0059] It is further preferred that the surfactant concentrate comprises less than 12% by weight, preferably less than 8% by weight, particularly preferably less than 4% by weight and in particular less than 1% by weight of organic solvents, based on the total weight of the surfactant concentrate, selected from ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, methylpropylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from propylene glycol, glycerol and mixtures thereof.

[0060] In general, preference is given to washing processes in which the surfactant concentrate in step d) comprises, relative to its total weight

[0061] i) 30 to 90% by weight, preferably 40 to 80% by weight, and in particular 45 to 70% by weight of 8-18 Anionic surfactants of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid,

[0062] ii) 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols,

[0063] iii) 0.5 to 29% by weight, preferably 4.5 to 27% by weight and in particular 10 to 24% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines,

[0064] iv) less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water.

[0065] In particular, a washing method using a surfactant concentrate is preferred, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises

[0066] i) 30 to 80 wt. %, preferably 40 to 70 wt. %, and in particular 45 to 60 wt. % of 8-18 Anionic surfactants of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid,

[0067] ii) 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols,

[0068] iii) 12 to 38% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight and in particular 20 to 32% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines,

[0069] iv) less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water.

[0070] Finally, preference is given to washing methods in which the surfactant concentrate comprises, relative to its total weight,

[0071] i) 30 to 80 wt. %, preferably 40 to 70 wt. %, and in particular 45 to 60 wt. % of C 8-18 anionic surfactants in the form of mixtures of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid,

[0072] ii) 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols,

[0073] iii) 12 to 38% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight and in particular 20 to 32% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines,

[0074] iv) less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water.

[0075] The compositions of some particularly preferred surfactant concentrates for use in the process can be found in the table below (unless otherwise stated, the amounts are given in % by weight relative to the total weight of the surfactant concentrate).

[0076]

[0077]

[0078]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088]

[0089]

[0090]

[0091] Preferred surfactant concentrates do not contain enzymes.

[0092] Preferred surfactant concentrates also do not contain any detergent-active or cleaning-active polymers.

[0093] Preferred surfactant concentrates do not contain any cationic surfactants.

[0094] In step d), a detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate. The dilution of the surfactant concentrate preferably takes place internally, i.e. inside the housing of the washing machine. Since the composition comprising a surfactant provided in step d) is introduced into the laundry treatment chamber in the subsequent step e), the dilution must be carried out outside the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine, for example in a pipe connecting a storage container for the surfactant concentrate to the laundry treatment chamber or in a mixing device.

[0095] In step d), the surfactant concentrate is preferably metered in via a metering device integrated into the washing machine from a container integrated into the washing machine, wherein the container is filled with several times the amount of surfactant concentrate required for carrying out the washing program.

[0096] The surfactant concentrate is preferably metered in step d) at a shear rate of greater than 10 s-1, preferably greater than 200 s-1 and in particular greater than 400 s-1. The metering rate is preferably 0.1 g / s to 10 g / s, preferably 0.5 g / s to 8 g / s. The preferred shear rate and the preferred metering rate have proven to be advantageous for rapid and uniform dilution.

[0097] The detergent composition containing surfactant can be obtained in step d), for example, by diluting the surfactant concentrate with water. As in the case of metered addition, it is also preferred to work at a shear rate of greater than 10 s-1, preferably greater than 200 s-1 and in particular greater than 400 s-1 during the dilution process.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is preferably obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate with an aqueous composition. The aqueous composition comprises at least one washing-active or cleaning-active ingredient in addition to water. The composition used to dilute the surfactant concentrate preferably does not contain any fabric softening active compounds.

[0099] In step d), the surfactant concentrate is preferably at least partially diluted by taking the composition from a container integrated into the washing machine, wherein the container is filled with several times the amount of this composition required to carry out the washing program.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, in step d), the surfactant-containing detergent composition is obtained by diluting the surfactant concentrate with an aqueous acid-containing composition. Organic acids, in particular organic acids selected from citric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, gluconic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, glutamic acid, diacetic acid and copolymeric polysulfonates, are particularly suitable as acids in the aqueous acid-containing composition.

[0101] The surfactant concentrate is particularly preferably diluted with an aqueous composition comprising citric acid selected from citric acid.

[0102] It is also preferred to dilute the surfactant concentrate with an aqueous composition comprising an acid, wherein the acid is selected from copolymeric polysulfonates, in particular copolymeric polysulfonates which, in addition to one or more monomers containing sulfonic acid groups, comprise at least one monomer from an unsaturated carboxylic acid, in particular acrylic acid.

[0103] Finally, it is very particularly preferred to use, as the acid of the aqueous acid-comprising composition, an organic peracid, preferably a peroxycarboxylic acid, in particular a peroxycarboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of:

[0104] i) mono- and diperoxycarboxylic acids, for example performic acid, peracetic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid,

[0105] ii) monoperoxyphthalic acid and diperoxyphthalic acid,

[0106] iii) Monoperoxyterephthalic acid and diperoxyterephthalic acid ),

[0107] iv) Imidoperoxycarboxylic acids, such as 6-phthalimidocaproic acid ( The use of 6-phthalimidocaproic acid (PAP) is very particularly preferred.

[0108] If the surfactant concentrate contains an excess of alkaline components, for example an excess of organic amines, the dilution in step d) is accompanied by a neutralization reaction when an aqueous acid-containing composition is used. This neutralization reaction is suitable for accelerating the dilution process. When the above-mentioned acids are selected, the resulting acid-containing composition is also enriched in detergent active ingredients, for example complexing agents or oxygen bleaches.

[0109] For rapid and uniform dilution, it has proven advantageous if, in step d), the detergent composition comprising surfactants is obtained by diluting the surfactant concentrate with a composition having a temperature above 15°C, preferably above 25°C and in particular above 30°C.

[0110] In step d), the surfactant concentrate is preferably diluted by a factor of 5 to 50.

[0111] In order to monitor and control the dilution occurring in step d), and in order to monitor and control any reactions associated with the dilution, the composition comprising the surfactant may be analyzed in step d). Suitable analytical parameters include, for example, pH, turbidity, conductivity or temperature of the composition comprising the surfactant.

[0112] In step e) of the method, a composition comprising a surfactant is introduced into the laundry treatment chamber of a washing machine.

[0113] The surfactant-comprising composition which is introduced into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine in step e) preferably comprises no enzymes and / or no detergent-active or cleaning-active polymers and / or no fabric softening active compounds.

[0114] In order to achieve the desired cleaning effect, it has proven to be advantageous to add the composition to the wash liquor within a short time. Therefore, a preferred washing method is characterized in that, in step e), the composition comprising a surfactant is introduced into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine within a time of less than 5 minutes, preferably within a time of less than 2 minutes, and in particular within a time of less than 1 minute.

[0115] In contrast to conventional washing methods, the washing-active or cleaning-active ingredients in the method according to the invention are introduced into the laundry treatment chamber in pre-dissolved or fully dissolved form and immediately reach their maximum effective concentration.

[0116] This application provides, among other things, the following topics:

[0117] 1. A method for washing fabrics in a washing machine having a laundry treatment chamber and a storage container for a surfactant concentrate, the method comprising the following steps:

[0118] a) providing a washing machine with a washing program;

[0119] b) introducing fabrics into a laundry treatment chamber of said washing machine;

[0120] c) introducing an aqueous liquid into a laundry treatment chamber of said washing machine;

[0121] d) providing a detergent composition comprising a surfactant by diluting a surfactant concentrate, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises:

[0122] i) 50 to 90% by weight of a surfactant;

[0123] ii) less than 10% by weight of water;

[0124] e) introducing the surfactant-containing detergent composition into a laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine.

[0125] 2. The washing method according to item 1, wherein the surfactant concentrate contains 55 to 92% by weight, preferably 60 to 88% by weight and in particular 68 to 80% by weight of surfactant, relative to its total weight.

[0126] 3. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a surfactant selected from C 8-18 Anionic surfactant based on alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.

[0127] 4. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl ether sulfonic acids.

[0128] 5. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises anionic surfactants selected from fatty acids.

[0129] 6. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 30 to 90% by weight, preferably 40 to 80% by weight, in particular 45 to 70% by weight and very particularly preferably 51 to 70% by weight of anionic surfactants, relative to its total weight.

[0130] 7. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises C 8-18 Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and alkyl ether sulfonic acid are used as anionic surfactants, wherein the C 8-18 The alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and the alkyl ethersulfonic acid are present in a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:1, preferably 7:1 to 2:1 and in particular 5:1 to 5:2.

[0131] 8. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises C 8-18Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and fatty acid are used as anionic surfactants, wherein the C 8-18 The alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and the fatty acid are present in a weight ratio of 20:1 to 6:1, preferably 18:1 to 6:1 and in particular 15:1 to 8:1.

[0132] 9. The washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises an alkyl ether sulfonic acid and a fatty acid as anionic surfactant, wherein the alkyl ether sulfonic acid and the fatty acid are present in a weight ratio of 6:1 to 1:1, preferably 5:1 to 3:2 and in particular 4:1 to 2:1.

[0133] 10. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols; preferably ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols having a degree of alkoxylation ≥ 2; particularly preferably C12-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, C9-11 alcohols with 7 EO, C13-15 alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, C13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO, C12-18 alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO; in particular C12-C18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO or C13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

[0134] 11. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of nonionic surfactants, relative to its total weight.

[0135] 12. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to nonionic surfactant is from 4:1 to 1:8, preferably from 3:1 to 1:4 and in particular from 11:4 to 1:1.

[0136] 13. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises polyalkoxylated amines having a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 600 g / mol to 10 000 g / mol, obtained by reacting ammonia or a primary alkylamine or hydroxyalkylamine having a molecular weight of less than 200 g / mol with an alkylene oxide; wherein the weight proportion of the polyalkoxylated amines is preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 8% by weight and in particular 2 to 6% by weight, relative to the total weight of the surfactant concentrate.

[0137] 14. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a polyalkoxylated polyalkylene imine obtainable by reaction of a polyalkylene imine with an alkylene oxide; wherein preferably the weight proportion of the polyalkoxylated polyalkylene imine relative to the total weight of the surfactant concentrate is 0.5 to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 8% by weight and in particular 2 to 6% by weight.

[0138] 15. Washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 12 to 36% by weight, preferably 18 to 34% by weight and in particular 24 to 32% by weight of solvent, relative to its total weight.

[0139] 16. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises less than 8% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water, relative to its total weight.

[0140] 17. Washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 0.5 to 29% by weight, preferably 4.5 to 27% by weight and in particular 10 to 24% by weight of organic solvent, relative to its total weight.

[0141] 18. Washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 12 to 38% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight and in particular 20 to 32% by weight of organic solvents, relative to its total weight.

[0142] 19. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a solvent selected from organic amines, preferably monoethanolamine.

[0143] 20. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a surfactant selected from C 8-18 Anionic surfactants of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid, and an organic amine, preferably monoethanolamine, in a stoichiometric amount relative to the anionic surfactant.

[0144] 21. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate contains less than 12% by weight, preferably less than 8% by weight, particularly preferably less than 4% by weight and in particular less than 1% by weight of organic solvents, relative to its total weight, selected from mono-, di- or tri-ols having a molecular weight of 30 to 120 g / mol.

[0145] 22. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises less than 12% by weight, preferably less than 8% by weight, particularly preferably less than 4% by weight and in particular less than 1% by weight of an organic solvent, relative to its total weight, selected from the group consisting of ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol, methylpropylene glycol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, propyl diglycol, butyl diglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol, The invention relates to alcohol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxytriglycol, ethoxytriglycol, butoxytriglycol, 1-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol tert-butyl ether, di-n-octyl ether and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from propylene glycol, glycerol and mixtures thereof.

[0146] 23. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises

[0147] i) 30 to 90 wt. %, preferably 40 to 80 wt. %, and in particular 45 to 70 wt. % of 8-18 Anionic surfactants of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid,

[0148] ii) 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols,

[0149] iii) 0.5 to 29% by weight, preferably 4.5 to 27% by weight and in particular 10 to 24% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines,

[0150] iv) less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water.

[0151] 24. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises

[0152] v) 30 to 80 wt. %, preferably 40 to 70 wt. %, and in particular 45 to 60 wt. % of 8-18 Anionic surfactants of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid,

[0153] vi) 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols,

[0154] vii) 12 to 38% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight and in particular 20 to 32% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines,

[0155] viii) less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water.

[0156] 25. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises

[0157] v) 30 to 80 wt. %, preferably 40 to 70 wt. %, and in particular 45 to 60 wt. % of C 8-18 anionic surfactants in the form of mixtures of alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, alkyl ether sulfonic acid and fatty acid,

[0158] vi) 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of a nonionic surfactant selected from ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols,

[0159] vii) 12 to 38% by weight, preferably 15 to 35% by weight and in particular 20 to 32% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines,

[0160] viii) less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water.

[0161] 26. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate does not contain enzymes.

[0162] 27. The washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate contains no washing-active or cleaning-active polymers.

[0163] 28. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant concentrate does not contain cationic surfactants.

[0164] 29. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the surfactant concentrate is taken from a container integrated into the washing machine, which container is filled with several times the amount of surfactant concentrate required for carrying out the washing program.

[0165] 30. A washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the surfactant concentrate is preferably metered in from a container integrated into the washing machine by means of a metering device integrated into the washing machine, wherein the container is filled with several times the amount of surfactant concentrate required for carrying out the washing program.

[0166] 31. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the surfactant concentrate is metered at a shear rate of greater than 10 s-1, preferably greater than 200 s-1 and in particular greater than 400 s-1.

[0167] 32. The washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the surfactant concentrate is metered at a metering rate of 0.1 g / s to 10 g / s, preferably 0.5 g / s to 8 g / s.

[0168] 33. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the dilution of the surfactant concentrate takes place inside the washing machine.

[0169] 34. A washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate with water, preferably by diluting a surfactant concentrate with water at a shear rate of greater than 10 s-1, preferably greater than 200 s-1 and in particular greater than 400 s-1.

[0170] 35. The washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate with an aqueous composition.

[0171] 36. Washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the surfactant concentrate is at least partially diluted by taking the composition from a container integrated into the washing machine, wherein the container is filled with several times the amount of this composition required to perform the washing program.

[0172] 37. The washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate with a composition which does not comprise any fabric softening active compound.

[0173] 38. The washing process according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate with an aqueous composition comprising an acid.

[0174] 39. The washing method according to point 38, wherein the acid in the aqueous acid-containing composition is selected from organic acids, in particular from citric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, gluconic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, glutamic acid, diacetic acid and copolymeric polysulfonates.

[0175] 40. The washing method according to point 38, wherein the acid in the aqueous acid-containing composition is selected from citric acid.

[0176] 41. A washing method according to point 38, wherein the acid in the acid-containing aqueous composition is selected from copolymeric polysulfonates, in particular copolymeric polysulfonates which, in addition to one or more monomers containing sulfonic acid groups, also contain at least one monomer from an unsaturated carboxylic acid (in particular acrylic acid).

[0177] 42. The washing method according to point 38, wherein the acid in the aqueous acid-containing composition is selected from organic peracids, preferably peroxycarboxylic acids, in particular peroxycarboxylic acids selected from the following:

[0178] i) mono- and diperoxycarboxylic acids, for example performic acid, peracetic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedioic acid,

[0179] ii) monoperoxyphthalic acid and diperoxyphthalic acid,

[0180] iii) monoperoxyterephthalic acid and diperoxyterephthalic acid,

[0181] iv) Imidoperoxycarboxylic acids, such as 6-phthalimidocaproic acid (PAP).

[0182] 43. The washing method according to point 38, wherein the acid in the aqueous acid-containing composition is selected from 6-phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP).

[0183] 44. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate with a composition having a temperature above 15° C., preferably above 25° C. and in particular above 30° C.

[0184] 45. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step d), the detergent composition comprising a surfactant is obtained by diluting a surfactant concentrate by a factor greater than 3, preferably by diluting a surfactant concentrate by a factor of 5 to 50.

[0185] 46. ​​The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein in step d) a composition comprising a surfactant is analyzed.

[0186] 47. The washing method according to point 46, wherein in step d) the pH of the composition comprising a surfactant is analyzed.

[0187] 48. The washing method according to point 46 or 47, wherein in step d) the turbidity of the composition comprising a surfactant is analyzed.

[0188] 49. The washing method according to points 46 to 48, wherein in step d) the conductivity of the composition comprising a surfactant is analyzed.

[0189] 50. The washing method according to points 46 to 49, wherein in step d) the temperature of the composition comprising a surfactant is analyzed.

[0190] 51. The washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the surfactant-containing composition introduced into the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine in step e) comprises no enzymes and / or no detergent-active or cleaning-active polymers and / or no fabric softening-active compounds.

[0191] 52. A washing method according to one of the preceding points, wherein, in step e), a composition comprising a surfactant is introduced into the laundry treatment chamber of a washing machine within a time of less than 5 minutes (preferably within a time of less than 2 minutes, and in particular within a time of less than 1 minute).

Claims

1. A method for washing fabrics in a washing machine having a laundry treatment chamber and a storage container for a surfactant concentrate, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a washing machine with a washing program; b) introducing fabrics into a laundry treatment chamber of said washing machine; c) introducing an aqueous liquid into a laundry treatment chamber of said washing machine; d) providing a detergent composition comprising a surfactant by diluting a surfactant concentrate, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises i) 50 to 90% by weight of a surfactant; ii) less than 10% by weight of water; e) introducing the surfactant-containing detergent composition into a laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine.

2. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 55 to 92 wt. %, preferably 60 to 88 wt. % of surfactant.

3. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of 8-18 Anionic surfactant based on alkylbenzenesulfonic acid.

4. The washing method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl ether sulfonic acids.

5. The washing method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises anionic surfactants selected from fatty acids.

6. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 30 to 90% by weight, preferably 40 to 80% by weight and in particular 45 to 70% by weight of anionic surfactants, relative to its total weight.

7. The washing method according to claim 1 , wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols; preferably ethoxylated C6-18 primary alcohols having a degree of alkoxylation ≥ 2; particularly preferably C12-14 alcohols with 4 EO or 7 EO, C9-11 alcohols with 7 EO, C13-15 alcohols with 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, C13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO, C12-18 alcohols with 5 EO or 7 EO; in particular C12-C18 fatty alcohols with 7 EO or C13-15 oxo alcohols with 7 EO.

8. Washing method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 7 to 50% by weight, preferably 12 to 40% by weight and in particular 15 to 30% by weight of nonionic surfactants, relative to its total weight.

9. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 6% by weight and in particular less than 2% by weight of water, relative to its total weight.

10. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant concentrate comprises 0.5 to 29% by weight, preferably 4.5 to 27% by weight and in particular 10 to 24% by weight of an organic solvent, preferably an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of organic amines, in particular monoethanolamine.

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