Home care composition

Abstract

Disclosed herein are fabric compositions, such as fabric conditioner compositions, that provide softening benefits to fabrics. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fabric conditioner composition comprising: from about 20% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, of a softener comprising clay; from about 25% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, of a filler selected from a metal sulfate, a metal carbonate, and a combination of two or more thereof; and from about 1% to about 15% by weight of a polyol based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 420,750, entitled “Home Care Compositions,” filed on October 31, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] At present, clothing softening is the most common and is actually done during the rinsing step with a liquid softening composition separate from the detergent composition or during the drying step. In order to apply the liquid softening composition to the clothes in the washing machine, the liquid softening composition is introduced into the clothes during the rinsing step. The liquid softening composition can be automatically introduced into the rinse from a compartment that keeps the liquid softening composition separate from the detergent composition. The compartment can be part of the agitator (if present), or another part of the washing machine that can be opened to distribute the liquid softening composition into the drum.

[0004] This is often referred to as softening by flushing. Softening by flushing requires the consumer to dose the detergent composition and softening composition to different locations in the washing machine. In addition, liquid softening compositions may accumulate in the washing machine.

[0005] Some attempts have been made in the art to develop wash cycle active fabric softeners, which are usually in powder form. However, these products are characterized by the same inconveniences inherent in the use of powdered detergents, namely problems with handling, caking in the container or wash cycle dispenser, and the need for a dosing device to deliver the desired amount of active softener material to the wash water.

[0006] The use of a unit dose wash cycle fabric softening composition in the form of a compacted granular tablet provides many advantages, but it is important that such tablets are hard and non-brittle enough to withstand handling and transportation without cracking or breaking. In order to achieve the desired hardness level, tablet manufacturers generally tend to increase the compression pressure. However, high compression pressures, while beneficial to the hardness of the tablet, reduce the disintegration rate of such tablets. Cycle fabric softening compositions in tablet form may also interact with detergents, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the detergent, fabric softening composition and / or causing accumulation of residues.

[0007] Improved fabric compositions would be desirable. Summary of the invention

[0008] Summary of the invention is only intended to introduce a brief overview of some aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Other applicable fields of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. Summary of the invention is not a broad overview, nor is it intended to identify the key elements or important elements of this teaching, nor is it intended to delimit the scope of the present disclosure. On the contrary, its purpose is only to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a preface to the following detailed description.

[0009] Aspects of the present invention relate to fabric compositions, such as fabric conditioner compositions, that provide softening benefits to fabrics. The fabric composition may be suitable for use during the drying of fabrics, such as during the drying cycle of a clothes dryer. According to one aspect of the present invention, a fabric conditioner composition is provided, comprising: about 20% to about 70% by weight of a softener comprising clay, based on the gross weight of the fabric conditioner composition; about 25% to about 70% by weight of a filler selected from a combination of metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and two or more thereof, based on the gross weight of the fabric conditioner composition; and about 1% to about 15% by weight of a polyol, based on the gross weight of the fabric conditioner composition, wherein the fabric conditioner composition has less than about 1% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound, based on the gross weight of the fabric conditioner composition. In some embodiments, the fabric composition is in the form of a tablet.

[0010] According to another aspect, a fabric conditioner tablet is provided, comprising: about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % of bentonite, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner tablet; a filler selected from the group consisting of metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof; and about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner tablet, wherein the fabric conditioner tablet comprises less than about 3 wt % water, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner tablet.

[0011] According to another aspect, a fabric conditioner composition is provided having: from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % of bentonite, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition; a filler selected from the group consisting of metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof; and from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, wherein the fabric conditioner composition does not contain a softener other than the bentonite. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of certain embodiments of the invention and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a graph showing the softness of fabrics subjected to non-limiting example compositions or comparative compositions according to aspects of the present invention.

[0014] It should be understood that the various aspects are not limited to the compositions, arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] For the purpose of illustration, the principles of the present invention are described by reference to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Although certain embodiments of the present invention are specifically described herein, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the same principles are equally applicable and can be used for other devices and methods. Before describing the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of any particular embodiment shown in its application. The terms used herein are for descriptive purposes rather than for limiting purposes.

[0016] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. The singular form of any class of components refers not only to one chemical substance within that class, but also to mixtures of those chemical substances. The terms "one", "one or more", and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" may be used interchangeably. The term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to". The term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to".

[0017] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing individual values ​​and each value within a range. Any value within a range can be selected as the endpoint of the range. Therefore, ranges 1 to 5 specifically include 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and subranges such as 2 to 5, 3 to 5, 2 to 3, 2 to 4, 1 to 4, etc.

[0018] The term "about" when referring to a number means any number within 10% of that number. For example, the phrase "about 2 wt %" means a number between and including 1.8 wt % and 2.2 wt %.

[0019] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0020] Unless otherwise indicated, the abbreviations and symbols as used herein adopt their ordinary meanings. The abbreviation "% by weight" means the percentage by weight relative to the fabric composition. The symbol "°" refers to a degree, such as a temperature degree or an angle degree. The symbols "h", "min", "mL", "nm" and "μm" refer to hours, minutes, milliliters, nanometers and micrometers, respectively. The abbreviation "UV-VIS" referring to a spectrometer or spectroscopy means ultraviolet-visible. The abbreviation "rpm" means revolutions per minute.

[0021] When referring to chemical structures and names, the symbols "C", "H" and "O" mean carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, respectively. The symbols "-", "=" and "≡" mean a single bond, a double bond and a triple bond, respectively.

[0022] As used herein, "volatile" means having a flash point below about 100°C. As used herein, "non-volatile" means having a flash point above about 100°C.

[0023] Any member of a species list used to exemplify or define a genus may be mutually distinct from, overlap with, be a subset of, be equivalent to, be nearly identical to, or be identical to any other member of the species list. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, such as when listing Markush groups, a species list defining or exemplifying a genus is open-ended, given that there may be other species that define or exemplify the genus just as well as or better than any other species listed.

[0024] The phrase "a mixture thereof", "a combination thereof" or "a combination of two or more thereof" does not require that the mixture contains all of A, B, C, D, E and F (although it may contain all of A, B, C, D, E and F). Rather, it means a mixture that may contain any two or more of A, B, C, D, E and F. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase "one or more elements selected from A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E and F". Likewise, the term "salt thereof" also relates to "salts thereof". Therefore, when the present disclosure refers to “an element selected from A, B, C, D, E, F, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof”, it means that it may include one or more of A, B, C, D, and F, may include one or more of salts of A, salts of B, salts of C, salts of D, salts of E, and salts of F, or may include a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, salts of A, salts of B, salts of C, salts of D, salts of E, and salts of F.

[0025] All components and elements that are affirmatively set forth in the present disclosure may be negatively excluded from the claims. In other words, the fabric compositions of the present disclosure may be free of or substantially free of all components and elements that are affirmatively detailed throughout the present disclosure. In some cases, the fabric compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of unincidental amounts of ingredients or compounds described herein. An unincidental amount of an ingredient or compound is the amount of the ingredient or compound itself added to the fabric composition. For example, a fabric composition may be substantially free of unincidental amounts of an ingredient or compound, although such an ingredient or compound may be present as part of a raw material (included as a blend of two or more compounds).

[0026] Some of the components of the different categories identified may overlap. In such cases where there may be overlap and the fabric composition comprises two components (or the composition comprises more than two overlapping components), the overlapping compounds do not represent more than one component. For example, certain compounds may be described as both lubricants and glidants. If a particular fabric composition comprises both a lubricant and a glidant, a compound that may be described as both a lubricant and a glidant will only act as either a lubricant or a glidant—not as both.

[0027] For readability purposes, chemical functional groups are presented in their adjective form; for each adjective, the word "group" is assumed to be used. For example, the adjective "alkyl" without a noun following it should be read as "alkyl group."

[0028] Aspects of the present invention relate to fabric compositions, such as fabric conditioner compositions, that provide softening benefits to fabrics. The fabric compositions disclosed herein may be fabric care compositions and / or fabric conditioner compositions. The inventors have discovered that by employing certain combinations of ingredients in specific amounts, fabric compositions having desired softening properties can be obtained without the use of quaternary ammonium compounds. In addition, the fabric compositions disclosed herein ideally utilize natural softeners while providing fabrics with similar softening properties and fragrance intensity as conventional fabric compositions (e.g., those containing quaternary ammonium compounds).

[0029] The fabric compositions disclosed herein can be substantially free of or free of quaternary ammonium compounds. For example, the fabric composition can have less than about 5 wt%, less than about 4 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, or less than about 0.1 wt% of quaternary ammonium compounds based on the total weight of the fabric composition. In at least one embodiment, the fabric composition has about 0 wt% or 0 wt% of quaternary ammonium compounds based on the total weight of the fabric composition.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fabric composition is provided, comprising: from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % of a softener comprising clay, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition; from about 25 wt % to about 70 wt % of a filler selected from metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition; and from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, wherein the fabric conditioner composition has less than about 1 wt % of a quaternary ammonium compound, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0031] The fabric composition can be formulated to be in the form of a tablet. For example, the fabric composition can be in the form of a compressed powder tablet, or can have a powder core and a shell encapsulating the powder core. In some preferred embodiments, the fabric composition can be formulated for use during the drying of the fabric, such as during the drying cycle of a clothes dryer. Therefore, at least one aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a fabric composition for use during the drying of the fabric (e.g., during the drying cycle of a clothes dryer), the fabric composition can be in the form of a tablet.

[0032] The fabric composition can have a reduced amount of water, for example, when the fabric composition is in the form of a powdered tablet. No matter what form, in some embodiments, based on the gross weight of the fabric composition, the fabric composition has less than about 5 wt %, less than about 4 wt %, less than about 3 wt %, less than about 2 wt %, less than about 1 wt %, less than about 0.5 wt % or less than about 0.1 wt % of water. In at least one embodiment, the fabric composition can be substantially free of water or free of water. For example, based on the gross weight of the fabric composition, the amount of water present in the fabric composition can be about 0 wt % or 0 wt %. In some cases, based on the gross weight of the fabric composition, the fabric composition can have less than about 5 wt %, less than about 4 wt %, less than about 3 wt %, less than about 2 wt %, less than about 1 wt %, less than about 0.5 wt %, less than about 0.1 wt %, about 0 wt % or 0 wt % of the non-incident amount of water.

[0033] In some cases, the fabric composition can achieve the desired performance while having a reduced amount of acid. For example, based on the gross weight of the fabric composition, the fabric composition can have less than about 5 wt%, less than about 4 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, or less than about 0.1 wt% acid. In some embodiments, the fabric composition can be substantially free of acid or free of acid. In at least one embodiment, based on the gross weight of the fabric composition, the amount of acid present in the fabric composition is about 0 wt% or 0 wt% acid. In some cases, based on the gross weight of the fabric composition, the fabric composition can have less than about 5 wt%, less than about 4 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, less than about 1 wt%, less than about 0.5 wt%, less than about 0.1 wt%, about 0 wt%, or 0 wt% of the non-incident amount of acid.

[0034] The fabric composition may have a disintegration time that may vary according to the formulation and form of the fabric composition. The disintegration time of the fabric composition in tablet form may be determined using a disintegration tester USP with an improved one-tube basket, in which the fabric composition tablet is placed. The disintegration tester USP operates by immersing the tablet in tap water maintained at a temperature of 20 ± 5 ° C, moving the basket vertically up and down along its axis at a constant rate. Therefore, the disintegration time may be determined as the amount of time required for the fabric composition tablet to completely disintegrate. In some embodiments, the fabric composition disintegrates in about 1 second to about 45 minutes. For example, the fabric composition can be formulated and in such a form that the fabric composition disintegrates within about 1 second to about 45 minutes, about 1 second to about 35 minutes, about 1 second to about 25 minutes, about 1 second to about 20 minutes, about 1 second to about 15 minutes, about 1 second to about 10 minutes, about 1 second to about 5 minutes, about 1 second to about 1 minute, about 1 second to about 45 seconds, about 1 second to about 30 seconds; about 1 minute to about 45 minutes, about 1 minute to about 35 minutes, about 1 minute to about 25 minutes, about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, about 1 second to about 10 minutes, about 1 second to about 5 minutes, about 1 second to about 1 minute, about 1 second to about 45 seconds, about 1 second to about 30 seconds; From about 1 minute to about 20 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes, from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes; from about 10 minutes to about 45 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 35 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 25 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes, from about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes; from about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes, from about 15 minutes to about 35 minutes, from about 15 minutes to about 25 minutes, from about 15 minutes to about 20 minutes; from about 25 minutes to about 35 minutes, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0035] The fabric composition may be suitable as a fabric conditioner composition. The fabric conditioner composition generally increases the softness of the fabric. For example, the fabric composition may be a fabric conditioner composition that reduces the displacement stress of the fabric as measured using a Wool-HandleMeter instrument after the fabric composition is applied to the fabric (e.g., during drying of the fabric). The Wool-HandleMeter instrument measures the displacement stress of the towel as an inverse measure of softness, which means that for a towel a lower displacement stress corresponds to a higher softness value.

[0036] Suitable components, such as those listed below, may be included in or excluded from the formulation for a fabric composition, depending on the specific combination of other components, the form of the fabric composition, and / or the use of the formulation (e.g., when the fabric composition is a fabric conditioner composition and / or the fabric composition is suitable for use during drying of fabrics, such as during the drying cycle of a clothes dryer).

[0037] The fabric compositions disclosed herein contain softening agents in an amount that can vary but is generally about in the range of about 20% to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the fabric composition. For example, the total amount of softening agents in the fabric composition can be about 20% to about 65% by weight, about 20% to about 60% by weight, about 20% to about 57% by weight, about 20% to about 54% by weight, about 20% to about 51% by weight, about 20% to about 49% by weight, about 20% to about 47% by weight, about 20% to about 45% by weight, about 20% to about 43% by weight, about 20% to about 41% by weight, about 20% to about 39% by weight, about 25% to about 70% by weight, about 25% to about 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric composition. %, about 25 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 43 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 41 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 39 wt %; about 30 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 54 wt % %, about 30 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 43 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 41 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 39 wt %; about 33 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 47 wt % , about 33 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 43 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 41 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 39 wt %; about 36 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 43 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 41 wt %;about 39 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 43 wt %; about 41 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 41 wt % to about % to about 54 wt%, about 41 wt% to about 51 wt%, about 41 wt% to about 49 wt%, about 41 wt% to about 47 wt%, about 41 wt% to about 45 wt%, about 41 wt% to about 43 wt%; about 43 wt% to about 70 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 65 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 57 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 54 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 51 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 49 wt%, about 43 wt% to about 47 wt%, or any ranges and sub-ranges thereof.;

[0038] The softening agent of the fabric composition generally comprises at least one softening agent, which may comprise one or more clays or be composed of one or more clays. The clay may be selected from smectite clays, such as montmorillonite, hectorite, bentonite, beidellite, saponite, vermiculite, stevensite, chlorite and a combination of two or more thereof. For example, the softening agent may comprise kaolinite, montmorillonite, bentonite, montmorillonite and a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, the softening agent may comprise montmorillonite, bentonite or a combination thereof. Preferably, the clay comprises bentonite.

[0039] In some embodiments, the softening agent is substantially composed of one or more clays or is composed of one or more clays. For example, one or more clays can be the only softening agent in the fabric composition. Clay can comprise about 50 % by weight or more of bentonite. In some cases, bentonite can account for about 55 % by weight or more, about 60 % by weight or more, about 65 % by weight or more, about 70 % by weight or more, about 75 % by weight or more, about 80 % by weight or more, about 85 % by weight or more, about 90 % by weight or more, about 95 % by weight or more, about 98 % by weight or more of the total amount of softening agent. In at least one embodiment, the softening agent is substantially composed of bentonite or is composed of bentonite.

[0040] The fabric composition typically comprises one or more fillers in an amount of about 25 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.For example, the total amount of filler in the fabric composition can be about 25% to about 65% by weight, about 25% to about 60% by weight, about 25% to about 57% by weight, about 25% to about 54% by weight, about 25% to about 51% by weight, about 25% to about 49% by weight, about 25% to about 47% by weight, about 25% to about 45% by weight, about 25% to about 43% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric composition; about 30% to about 70% by weight, about 30% to about 65% by weight, about 30% to about 60% by weight, about 30% to about 57% by weight, about 25% to about 54% by weight, about 25% to about 51% by weight, about 25% to about 49% by weight, about 25% to about 47% by weight, about 25% to about 45% by weight, about 25% to about 43% by weight; % to about 49 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 43 wt %; about 33 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 33 wt % to about 43 wt %; about 36 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 57 wt %, %, about 36 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 36 wt % to about 43 wt %; about 39 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 39 wt % to about 43 wt %; about 41 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 41 wt % to about % to about 65 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 47 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 45 wt %, about 41 wt % to about 43 wt %; about 43 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 60 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 57 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 54 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 51 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 49 wt %, about 43 wt % to about 47 wt %, or any ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0041] One or more fillers of the fabric composition include metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof. Metal sulfates and / or metal carbonates may be selected from those having alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. For example, metal carbonates may be carbonates and / or bicarbonates having metal ions that are alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Examples of metal carbonates that may be incorporated into the fabric composition or that may be excluded from the fabric composition in some cases include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium monohydrogen carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium monohydrogen carbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium monohydrogen carbonate, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, the filler may include a metal sulfate selected from sulfates and / or bisulfates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Non-limiting examples of metal sulfates include sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, potassium sulfate, potassium bisulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, magnesium bisulfate, calcium bisulfate, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0043] The fabric composition may include two or more fillers, such as three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, or nine or more fillers. The fabric composition may include at least one filler selected from metal sulfates and at least one filler selected from metal carbonates. The fabric composition may include metal sulfates in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % and metal carbonates in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt %, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the fabric composition. For example, based on the total weight of the fabric composition, the metal sulfate can be present in the fabric composition in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 10 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 12 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 14 wt %; % to about 24 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 18 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof.Additionally or alternatively, the fabric composition may include the metal carbonate in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 10 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 12 wt % to about 24 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 22 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 14 wt %; 4 weight %, about 12 weight % to about 22 weight %, about 12 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 12 weight % to about 18 weight %, about 12 weight % to about 16 weight %, about 12 weight % to about 14 weight %; about 14 weight % to about 24 weight %, about 14 weight % to about 22 weight %, about 14 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 14 weight % to about 18 weight %, about 14 weight % to about 16 weight %; about 16 weight % to about 24 weight %, about 16 weight % to about 22 weight %, about 16 weight % to about 20 weight %, about 16 weight % to about 18 weight %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the filler comprises sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or a combination of two or more thereof. In at least one embodiment, the filler comprises sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate. For example, in at least one preferred embodiment, the filler comprises sodium sulfate in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition and sodium carbonate in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric composition.

[0045] The fabric composition may include one or more additional fillers, for example, fillers other than metal sulfates and metal carbonates, or in some cases exclude one or more additional fillers, for example, fillers other than metal sulfates and metal carbonates. Additional fillers that may be included in or excluded from the fabric composition may be alkali metal salts, such as sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, sodium tartrate, sodium silicate, sodium ascorbate, potassium fluoride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide, potassium iodide, potassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium lactate, potassium tartrate, potassium silicate, potassium ascorbate, or a combination of two or more thereof. Examples of additional fillers selected from alkaline earth metals that may be included in or excluded from the fabric composition include alkali metal fluorides, alkali metal chlorides, alkali metal bromides, alkali metal iodides, alkali metal phosphates, alkali metal monohydrogen phosphates, alkali metal dihydrogen phosphates, alkali metal acetates, alkali metal citrates, alkali metal lactates, alkali metal pyruvates, alkali metal silicates, alkali metal ascorbates, or combinations of two or more thereof. The alkaline earth metal salt may be selected from magnesium fluoride, magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, magnesium iodide, magnesium phosphate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium dihydrogen phosphate, magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium silicate, magnesium ascorbate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, calcium bromide, calcium iodide, calcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium tartrate, calcium silicate, calcium ascorbate, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0046] Based on the total weight of the fabric composition, the additional filler (e.g., fillers other than metal sulfates and metal carbonates) can be present in an amount of about 6 wt % to about 20 wt %. For example, based on the total weight of the fabric composition, the fabric composition can include additional fillers (e.g., fillers other than metal sulfates and metal carbonates) in the following amounts: about 6 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 8 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 10 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % to about % to 18 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 10 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 12 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 16 wt %, about 12 wt % to about 14 wt %; about 14 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 18 wt %, about 14 wt % to about 16 wt %; about 16 wt % to about 20 wt %, about 16 wt % to about 18 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof. In at least one embodiment, the additional filler comprises sodium chloride, optionally in an amount of about 6 wt % to about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0047] The fabric composition may include one or more polyols. Based on the total weight of the fabric composition, the amount of the polyol in the fabric composition may be from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %. In some cases, based on the total weight of the fabric composition, the total amount of the polyol in the fabric composition is from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 13 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 11 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 9 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 7 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %; from about 3 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 13 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 11 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 9 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 7 wt %, from about 3 wt % to about 6 wt %; from about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %, from about 5 wt % to about 13 wt %, from about 5 % to about 11 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 9 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 5 wt % to about 7 wt %; about 6 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 13 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 11 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 9 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 6 wt % to about 7 wt %; about 7 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 13 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 11 wt %, about 7 wt % to about 9 wt %; about 8 wt % to about 15 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 13 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 11 wt %, about 8 wt % to about 9 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0048] The polyol can be selected from glycols, glycerol, organic compounds containing 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more or 500 or more hydroxyl groups. For example, the polyol can include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, a block copolymer containing a polyethylene group and polypropylene glycol, or a combination of two or more thereof. In one embodiment, the polyol includes a polyethylene glycol diol. The fabric composition can have at least one polyol having a molecular weight of 1,000 grams per mole (g / mole) or greater. For example, the molecular weight of the polyol can be about 1,500 g / mole or more, about 1,750 g / mole or more, about 2,000 g / mole or more, about 2,250 g / mole or more, about 2,500 g / mole or more, about 2,750 g / mole or more, about 3,000 g / mole or more, about 3,250 g / mole or more, about 3,500 g / mole or more, about 3,750 g / mole or more, about 4,000 g / mole or more, about 5 In some embodiments, the polyol may have a molecular weight of up to about 10,000 g / mole, up to about 9,000 g / mole, up to about 8,000 g / mole, up to about 7,000 g / mole, up to about 6,000 g / mole, up to about 5,000 g / mole, or up to about 4,500 g / mole, or any range or subrange thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the molecular weight of the polyol may be up to about 10,000 g / mole, up to about 9,000 g / mole, up to about 8,000 g / mole, up to about 7,000 g / mole, up to about 6,000 g / mole, up to about 5,000 g / mole, or up to about 4,500 g / mole. In some embodiments, the polyol includes polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and / or a block copolymer comprising polyethylene groups and polypropylene glycol, having a molecular weight according to a range formed by any of the aforementioned molecular weights for the polyol, such as about 1,500 g / mole or more and up to about 10,000 g / mole, about 2,000 g / mole up to about 8,000 g / mole, or about 3,000 g / mole up to about 7,000 g / mole. The melting point temperature of the polyol can be 50° C. or higher, such as about 60° C. or higher, about 70° C. or higher, or about 85° C. or higher.

[0049] The fabric composition comprises at least one lubricant. The lubricant can be present in the fabric composition in an amount up to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the fabric composition. For example, the total amount of lubricant in the fabric composition can be up to about 5 wt %, up to about 4 wt %, up to about 3 wt %, up to about 2 wt %, up to about 1.5 wt %, up to about 1 wt %, up to about 0.5 wt %; about 0.05 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 2 wt %; %, about 0.05 wt % to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.3 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.2 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.1 wt %; about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 .5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.3 wt %; about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 1 wt %; about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 1 wt % to From about 3 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 1.5 wt %; from about 1.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, from about 2.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 2.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, from about 2.5 wt % to about 3 wt %; from about 3.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 3.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0050] The fabric composition may comprise one or more lubricants suitable for improving the flowability of the fabric composition when in powder form.The lubricant may reduce the coefficient of friction between fibers and yarns in an article subjected to the fabric composition during and after the drying process.

[0051] The lubricant can be starch, modified starch (including but not limited to corn starch, potato starch or hydroxyethyl starch), silica, siloxane, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, clay, talc, silicic acid, kaolin, gypsum, zeolite, cyclodextrin, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum oxide, magnesium stearate, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, kaolin, stearic acid, sodium stearyl fumarate or a combination of two or more thereof. In one embodiment, the lubricant is selected from starch, modified starch, silica, siloxane, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, clay, talc, silicic acid, gypsum, zeolite, cyclodextrin, calcium stearate, zinc stearate, aluminum oxide, magnesium stearate, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, kaolin, stearic acid, sodium stearyl fumarate and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0052] In some cases, the lubricant may be in the form of a powder.For example, the lubricant may be a powder having an average particle size of at least about 0.1 μm or in the range of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm.

[0053] Lubricants can include fiber lubricants, such as those described herein, or in some cases do not include fiber lubricants, such as those described herein. Fiber lubricants enhance the conditioning, softening, wrinkle reduction and protective effects of fabric compositions. As used herein, "fiber lubricant" refers to a non-cationic material intended to lubricate fibers for the purpose of reducing friction between fibers or yarns in an article comprising a textile, which provides one or more of wrinkle reduction, fabric conditioning and / or protective benefits.

[0054] The example of fiber lubricant comprises oily sugar derivative, functionalized plant and animal derived oil, organosilicon, mineral oil, natural wax, synthetic wax and triglyceride.Such composition has the low HLB value lower than about 10 usually, but surpasses this level and is not outside the scope of the present invention.The limiting examples of triglyceride material of plant origin comprises hydrophilic modified triglyceride oil, for example sulfated, sulfonated, carboxylated, alkoxylated, esterified, sugar-modified and amide derived oil, tall oil and derivative thereof.The example of triglyceride material of animal origin comprises hydrophilic modified fish oil, tallow, lard and lanolin wax.

[0055] The fabric composition may include one or more glidants. The glidant may be present in the fabric composition in an amount up to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric composition. For example, the total amount of glidant in the fabric composition may be up to about 5% by weight, up to about 4% by weight, up to about 3% by weight, up to about 2% by weight, up to about 1.5% by weight, up to about 1% by weight, up to about 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric composition; about 0.05% by weight to about 5% by weight, about 0.05% by weight to about 4% by weight, about 0.05% by weight to about 3% by weight, about 0.05% by weight to about 2% by weight; about 0.05% by weight to about 1.5% by weight, ... %, about 0.05 wt % to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.3 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.2 wt %, about 0.05 wt % to about 0.1 wt %; about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 .5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 0.3 wt %; about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 1.5 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 1 wt %; about 1 wt % to about 5 wt %, about 1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 1 wt % to From about 3 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 2 wt %, from about 1 wt % to about 1.5 wt %; from about 1.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, from about 1.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, from about 2.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 2.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, from about 2.5 wt % to about 3 wt %; from about 3.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, from about 3.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0056] Examples of glidants that may be included in or excluded from the fabric composition include colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, talc, hydrogenated castor oil, sucrose esters of fatty acids, microcrystalline wax, yellow beeswax, white beeswax, metal silicates, glyceryl behenate, sodium benzoate, sodium stearyl fumarate, starch, or a combination of two or more thereof. The glidant may be a metal silicate, such as an alkali metal silicate and / or an alkaline earth metal silicate. Preferably, the metal silicate is selected from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the glidant may be selected from glyceryl behenate, sodium benzoate, sodium stearyl fumarate, starch, and a combination of two or more thereof.

[0057] The fabric composition can include one or more oils in amounts that can vary, but typically includes one or more oils in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 8 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric composition. For example, the oil can be present in the fabric composition in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %; about 0.3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.3 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.1 wt % to about 1 wt %; % by weight; about 0.5 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.5 wt % to about 1 wt %; about 0.8 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 6 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 4 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 3 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 2 wt %, about 0.8 wt % to about 1 wt %, or any ranges and sub-ranges thereof.

[0058] The fabric composition may include an oil, including hydrocarbon oils and plant-based oils. The oil may be a volatile or non-volatile, linear or branched hydrocarbon and derivatives thereof of mineral or synthetic origin. For example, the oil may be a mineral oil or a synthetic oil, such as a linear or branched alkane. The linear or branched alkane may have 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of linear alkanes suitable for use in the fabric composition include n-heptane (C 2-6- 14- 18 alkylene glycols). 7 ), n-octane (C 8 ), n-nonane (C 9 ), n-decane (C 10 ), n-undecane (C 11 ), n-dodecane (C 12 ), n-tridecane (C 13 ) and n-tetradecane (C 14 ), and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the oil is mineral oil.

[0059] The oil may be an ester oil or an ether oil. Examples of synthetic ester oils and ether oils include those of fatty acids and / or fatty alcohols, such as those of formula R 1 COOR 2 and R 1 OR 2 of oil, of which R 1 represents a fatty acid residue containing 7 to 29 carbon atoms, and R 2Representatives include chains based on branched or unbranched hydrocarbons of 3 to 30 carbon atoms. For example, synthetic ester oils and ether oils can be selected from purcellin oil, isononyl isononanoate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-octyldodecyl stearate, isohexadecanyl stearate, 2-octyldodecyl erucate, isostearyl isostearate and a combination of two or more thereof. Additionally or alternatively, esters can be selected from hydroxylated esters, such as isostearyl lactate, octyl hydroxystearate, octyldodecyl hydroxystearate, diisostearyl malate, triisohexadecyl citrate; fatty alkyl heptanoate, caprylate and / or caprate; polyol esters, such as propylene glycol dicaprylate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate and diethylene glycol diisononanoate; and pentaerythritol esters, such as pentaerythritol tetraisostearate.

[0060] The oil may be a plant-based oil selected from hydrocarbon-based oils of vegetable origin, liquid triglycerides of fatty acids containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms (such as heptanoic or caprylic triglycerides), fatty ester oils and fatty ether oils. Non-limiting examples of liquid triglycerides and oils of plant origin include Alexandrian laurel oil, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, barley oil, borage seed oil, calendula oil, canelle nut tree oil, canola oil, caprylic / capric triglyceride castor oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cotton oil, cottonseed oil, evening primrose oil, linseed oil, peanut oil, hazelnut oil, glyceryl triacetate, triheptanoin, glyceryl tricaprylate, glyceryl triundecanoate, sesame oil, jojoba oil, alfalfa oil, corn germ oil, marrow oil, millet oil, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate / dicaprate, olive oil, palm oil, passionflower oil, pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, poppy oil, oil), propylene glycol ricinoleate, rapeseed oil, rye oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, shea butter, soybean oil, soybean oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, sysymbrium oil, syzigium aromaticum oil, tea tree oil, walnut oil, wheat germ glycerides, wheat germ oil, and combinations of two or more thereof.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the natural oils that can be included or excluded include natural oils of plant origin, such as amaranth seed oil, almond oil, argan oil, avocado oil, babassu oil, cottonseed oil, borage seed oil, camelina oil, thistle oil, peanut oil, pomegranate seed oil, grapefruit seed oil, hemp oil, hazelnut oil, elderberry seed oil, currant seed oil, jojoba oil, linseed oil, macadamia nut oil, corn oil, almond oil, marula oil, evening primrose oil, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, Brazil nut oil, pecan nut oil, peach kernel oil, rapeseed oil, castor oil, sea buckthorn pulp oil, sea buckthorn kernel oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, walnut oil, wild rose oil, wheat germ oil, liquid components of coconut oil, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the oils disclosed in the present application can be excluded from the fabric composition.

[0062] The fabric composition may include water. Although the fabric composition may be in the form of tablets and / or powders having less than 5% by weight of water, in some embodiments, the fabric composition includes 5% by weight or more of water. For example, based on the total weight of the fabric composition, the fabric composition may include from about 6% by weight to about 20% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the amount of water present in the fabric composition is from about 6% to about 18%, from about 6% to about 16%, from about 6% to about 14% by weight; from about 8% to about 20%, from about 8% to about 18%, from about 8% to about 16%, from about 8% to about 14% by weight; from about 10% to about 20%, from about 10% to about 18%, from about 10% to about 16%, from about 10% to about 14% by weight; from about 12% to about 20%, from about 12% to about 18%, from about 12% to about 16%, from about 12% to about 14% by weight, based on the total weight of the fabric composition; from about 14% to about 20%, from about 14% to about 18%, from about 14% to about 16%; from about 16% to about 20%, from about 16% to about 18%, or any range or sub-range thereof.

[0063] According to another aspect, a method of applying a fabric composition is provided. According to certain embodiments, the method can improve or enhance certain properties of a fabric subjected to the fabric composition, including, for example, the softness, fragrance, and / or appearance of the fabric.

[0064] The process of washing fabrics can be broken down into three basic steps: washing, rinsing and drying. The washing step typically uses water and a detergent composition comprising an anionic surfactant, and other active agents that are compatible with the anionic surfactant, both in unused product form and in the wash liquor formed during the washing step. After washing, the garments are rinsed one or more times as part of the rinsing step.

[0065] The drying step typically occurs after washing of the clothing. In some embodiments, the method includes applying the fabric composition during the drying step. The application of the fabric composition may occur due to thermal and / or physical impacts to the fabric composition during the drying step (e.g., tumbling in a clothes dryer). Therefore, although the fabric composition can be placed in a dryer before the drying step, the fabric composition can be applied only after the drying step begins.

[0066] In some embodiments, applying the fabric composition comprises heating the fabric composition at a temperature of about 100° F. or more, about 110° F. or more, about 120° F. or more, about 125° F. or more, about 130° F. or more, about 135° F. or more, about 140° F. or more, about 145° F. or more, or about 150° F. or more. In some cases, applying the fabric comprises heating the fabric composition at one of the temperatures listed above for at least 1 second, about 30 seconds or more, about 60 seconds or more, about 5 minutes or more, about 15 minutes or more, or about 25 minutes or more.

[0067] Non-limiting embodiments of certain aspects of the invention are discussed below to illustrate various combinations of features in accordance with the disclosure herein. The inventors contemplate additional combinations of features of the embodiments of the invention.

[0068] According to embodiment 1, there is provided a fabric conditioner comprising:

[0069] - from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % of a softening agent comprising clay, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition;

[0070] - from about 25 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of a filler selected from metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition; and

[0071] - from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition,

[0072] wherein the fabric conditioner composition has less than about 1% by weight of a quaternary ammonium compound.

[0073] According to embodiment 2, a fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 1, wherein the clay comprises bentonite.

[0074] According to embodiment 3, the fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 2, wherein the bentonite accounts for about 55% by weight or more of the total amount of the softening agent, based on the total weight of the softening agent.

[0075] According to embodiment 4, the fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 2 or embodiment 3, wherein the bentonite accounts for about 90 wt% or more of the total amount of the softener based on the total weight of the softener.

[0076] According to embodiment 5, the fabric conditioner composition according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the bentonite accounts for about 99 wt% or more of the total amount of the softener based on the total weight of the softener.

[0077] According to embodiment 6, the fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the filler comprises sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0078] According to embodiment 7, the fabric conditioner composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filler comprises sodium sulfate in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition and sodium carbonate in an amount of about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0079] According to embodiment 8, the fabric conditioner composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the filler further comprises sodium chloride, optionally in an amount of from about 6 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0080] According to embodiment 9, the fabric conditioner composition according to any of the preceding embodiments further comprises:

[0081] - Oil, optionally in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0082] According to embodiment 10, a fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 9, wherein the oil comprises a hydrocarbon oil, preferably a mineral oil.

[0083] According to embodiment 11, a fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 9 or embodiment 10, wherein the oil comprises a plant based oil.

[0084] According to embodiment 12, the fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polyol has a melting point temperature of 50°C or higher.

[0085] According to embodiment 13, a fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the polyol comprises a diol.

[0086] According to embodiment 14, a fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 12 or embodiment 13, wherein the polyol comprises polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, a block copolymer comprising a polyethylene group and polypropylene glycol, or a combination of two or more thereof, wherein the molecular weight of the polyol is from about 1,600 g / mole to about 10,000 g / mole.

[0087] According to embodiment 15, the fabric conditioner composition according to any of the preceding embodiments further comprises:

[0088] - a lubricant, optionally in an amount of up to about 5 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0089] According to embodiment 16, the fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 15, wherein the lubricant comprises magnesium stearate.

[0090] According to embodiment 17, the fabric conditioner composition according to any of the preceding embodiments further comprises:

[0091] - a glidant, optionally in an amount of up to about 5 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

[0092] According to embodiment 18, a fabric conditioner composition according to embodiment 17, wherein the glidant is a metal silicate.

[0093] According to embodiment 19, a fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fabric conditioner composition is substantially free or free of quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0094] According to embodiment 20, the fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fabric conditioner has less than about 3 wt% acid based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner.

[0095] According to embodiment 21, a fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fabric conditioner composition is substantially free or free of acid.

[0096] According to embodiment 22, the fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fabric conditioner composition has less than about 3 wt% water based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner.

[0097] According to embodiment 23, a fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fabric conditioner composition is substantially free of water or free of water.

[0098] According to embodiment 24, a fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the fabric conditioner composition is in the form of a tablet.

[0099] According to embodiment 25, a fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the conditioner composition has a disintegration time of 20 minutes or less.

[0100] According to embodiment 26, there is provided a fabric conditioner tablet comprising:

[0101] - from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % bentonite, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner tablet;

[0102] - a filler selected from metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof; and

[0103] - from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner tablet,

[0104] wherein the fabric conditioner tablet comprises less than about 3 wt % water based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner tablet.

[0105] According to embodiment 27, there is provided a fabric conditioner composition comprising:

[0106] - from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % bentonite, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition;

[0107] - a filler selected from metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof; and

[0108] - from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition,

[0109] wherein the fabric conditioner composition does not contain a softening agent other than bentonite.

[0110] Example

[0111] Example 1

[0112] A non-limiting exemplary fabric conditioner composition (Example Composition A) was prepared according to aspects of the present invention. Example Composition A was in the form of a tablet and had the formulation shown in Table 1.

[0113] Table 1

[0114] INCI compound name Example Composition A (wt%) Bentonite 42.7 Sodium sulfate 16.7 Sodium carbonate 17.6 Sodium chloride 11.1 to 14.6 Mineral oil 0.5 PEG 4000 7.6 Sodium silicate 0.1 Magnesium Stearate 0.15 to 0.2 Powder colorant 0 to 0.04 Fragrance Oil 0 to 3

[0115] Example 2

[0116] The fragrance of Example Composition A was evaluated in comparison to a commercial benchmark fabric conditioner (Comparative Composition 1). Comparative Composition 1 was in liquid form and had the formulation provided in Table 2.

[0117] Table 2

[0118] INCI compound name Comparative composition 1 (wt%) water 92 Dialkyl triethanolammonium methyl sulfate 6.7 lactic acid 0.08 etidronic acid 0.06 Cationic acrylate thickener 0.2 Colorants 0.002 Aroma Oil & Capsules 1 Modified Polyquaternium 7 0.3

[0119] Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1 were added to separate washes of cotton towels and then evaluated to assess the fragrance of the towels after washing. Specifically, a 2.5 kg laundry load of 100% cotton towels was washed by adding a conventional liquid fabric detergent and Example Composition A at the beginning of the laundry wash. A second laundry load of 2.5 kg of 100% cotton towels was washed by adding the same conventional liquid fabric detergent at the beginning of the laundry wash and adding Comparative Composition 1 during the rinse cycle of the wash.

[0120] After the laundry cycle was complete, samples of the wet towels were evaluated by an aroma expert, and the remainder were dried in a tumble dryer and dried online (e.g., hung indoors and dried under ambient conditions). After the towels were dried, samples of the dry towels were evaluated by an aroma expert. It was determined that Example Composition A released a fragrance intensity similar to Comparative Composition 1.

[0121] Example 3

[0122] The softness of towels after washing with Example Composition A or Comparative Composition 1 was evaluated. Specifically, two standardized cotton towels were washed according to the steps described in Example 2, except that the two cotton towels were dried only online. After drying, each towel was cut into a circle with a diameter of 15 cm, placed on a clean tray, and stored in a climate-controlled room at a temperature of 25°C and a relative humidity of 60% for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the weight and thickness of the towel pieces were measured and then analyzed one by one with a Wool-HandleMeter instrument. The Wool-HandleMeter instrument measures the displacement stress of the towel as an inverse measure of softness, which means that lower displacement stress for the towel corresponds to higher softness values.

[0123] like Figure 1 As shown, Example Composition A and Comparative Composition 1 have similar softness measurements, thus demonstrating the ability of Example Composition A to provide adequate softness.

Claims

1. A fabric conditioner composition comprising: from about 20 wt % to about 70 wt % of a softening agent comprising clay, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition; From about 25 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of a filler selected from the group consisting of metal sulfates, metal carbonates, and combinations of two or more thereof, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition; and From about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of a polyol, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, wherein the fabric conditioner composition has less than about 1 wt % of a quaternary ammonium compound based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

2. The fabric conditioner composition of claim 1 wherein the clay comprises bentonite.

3. The fabric conditioner composition of claim 2, wherein the bentonite accounts for about 55 wt% or more of the total amount of the softening agent, based on the total weight of the softening agent.

4. The fabric conditioner composition of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the bentonite accounts for about 90 wt% or more of the total amount of the softener, based on the total weight of the softener.

5. The fabric conditioner composition according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the bentonite accounts for about 99 wt% or more of the total amount of the softening agent, based on the total weight of the softening agent.

6. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the filler comprises sodium sulphate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate or a combination of two or more thereof.

7. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the filler comprises sodium sulfate in an amount from about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition and sodium carbonate in an amount from about 8 wt % to about 24 wt % based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

8. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the filler further comprises sodium chloride, optionally in an amount of from about 6 wt% to about 20 wt% based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

9. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim further comprising: Oil, optionally, is present in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition.

10. A fabric conditioner composition according to claim 9 wherein the oil comprises a hydrocarbon oil, preferably a mineral oil.

11. A fabric conditioner composition according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the oil comprises a plant based oil.

12. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the polyol has a melting point temperature of 50°C or above.

13. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the polyol comprises a diol.

14. The fabric conditioner composition of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the polyol comprises polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, a block copolymer comprising polyethylene groups and polypropylene glycol, or a combination of two or more thereof, wherein the polyol has a molecular weight of about 1,600 g / mole to about 10,000 g / mole.

15. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim further comprising: A lubricant is optionally present in an amount of up to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, optionally wherein the lubricant comprises magnesium stearate.

16. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim further comprising: A glidant is optionally present in an amount of up to about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner composition, optionally wherein the glidant is a metal silicate.

17. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the fabric conditioner composition is substantially free or free of quaternary ammonium compounds.

18. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the fabric conditioner has less than about 3 wt% acid, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner.

19. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the fabric conditioner composition has less than about 3 wt% water, based on the total weight of the fabric conditioner.

20. A fabric conditioner composition according to any preceding claim wherein the fabric conditioner composition is in the form of a tablet.

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