Foaming cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foam-forming cleaning composition in solid form, in particular a toilet cleaner.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a foam-forming cleaning composition in solid form, in particular a toilet cleaner. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to use cleaning compositions containing gas-releasing, foam-forming components for cleaning solid surfaces. Examples of well-known gas-forming components for foam formation include a combination of acids, such as citric acid, with carbonates, which react with water to form foam, or oxygen-releasing components, such as those used as bleaching agents in cleaners. To promote foam formation, such cleaners often contain foaming surfactants.

[0003] Foam-forming cleaning compounds have found widespread application. They serve, for example, as cleaners for hard surfaces such as glass, ceramics, tiles, stone, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, etc. Foam-forming cleaning compounds are also commonly used for textiles, upholstery, carpets, fabrics, tarpaulins, foils, tents, leather, etc. A specific area of ​​application is the cleaning of toilets, drains, siphons, grease traps, sinks, washbasins, bathtubs and shower trays, hard-to-reach areas in piping systems, and the cleaning of containers.

[0004] EP 2338960 A1 describes a toilet cleaner and descaler in solid form, which comprises at least one acid and at least one gas-generating agent, as well as a fatty acid alkanolamide as a foam stabilizer. Suitable acids include hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as citric acid, and sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and bleaching agents as gas-generating agents.

[0005] The solid foam-forming cleaners known from the state of the art often tend to deteriorate their application properties during storage. Especially upon contact with moisture or heat, the product clumps. This is particularly disadvantageous for products in powder and granular form, as these lose their flowability as the product is gradually removed from the packaging.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning composition which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. It should be characterized by good storage stability, even when exposed to moisture and / or heat. In particular, it should have low hygroscopy. Solid, particulate formulations such as powders or granules should not lose their flowability, especially when the product is taken out of packaging in portions for use over a longer period of time and the remainder is stored in the packaging. At the same time, the application properties such as foam formation and cleaning performance should not be negatively affected. The components of the cleaning composition should, if possible, come from bio-based raw materials (i.e. raw materials of non-fossil origin).

[0007] Surprisingly, it has now been found that this task is solved by a foam-forming cleaning composition containing monosodium citrate and a bicarbonate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A first object of the invention is a foam-forming cleaning composition containing a) monosodium citrate, b) at least one hydrogen carbonate or carbonate selected from NaHCO3, KHCO3, NH4HCO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3 and mixtures thereof, c) at least one fatty alcohol sulfate.

[0009] In a specific embodiment, the cleaning composition additionally contains at least one component selected from surfactants other than fatty alcohol sulfates c), builders, rheology modifiers, fillers, flow aids, stabilizers, fragrances, dyes, antioxidants and mixtures thereof.

[0010] In particular, the cleaning composition according to the invention is free from added, fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and free from added, fully protonated mono- or polybasic hydroxycarboxylic acids. The cleaning composition according to the invention is specifically free from added citric acid (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid).

[0011] In particular, the cleaning composition according to the invention is also free from added foam inhibitors.

[0012] The cleaning composition according to the invention is specifically in solid form. Even more specifically, the cleaning composition is in free-flowing form, in particular in the form of a powder or granules.

[0013] Another object of the invention is the use of a cleaning composition as defined above and below, for cleaning hard surfaces, as an all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner or household cleaner, especially as a toilet cleaner or drain cleaner. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The cleaning composition according to the invention has at least one of the following advantages: The composition has good application properties, in particular good foaming capacity, high foam stability and good cleaning performance. The composition has good storage stability, even when exposed to moisture and / or heat. Its components have low hygroscopy. Solid, particulate formulations, such as powders or granules, can be produced which are characterized by good flowability. This flowability is not lost even if the product is successively removed (in portions) from a package for use and the remaining quantity is stored in the same container. It is based on harmless components, is suitable for safe use even by untrained persons (end users) and poses no danger to humans or the environment. Monosodium citrate in particular can be produced from bio-based citric acid (i.e.from raw materials of non-fossil origin).

[0015] The components used according to the invention impart foaming properties to the cleaning composition. Upon contact with water, vigorous foaming occurs, resulting in high-quality foam. It is characterized by good foam volume, fine bubble formation, and good density, consistency, and strength. The foam is stable, thus allowing for a good contact time with the substrate to be cleaned. The product possesses good cleaning properties, especially with regard to dirt removal and re-soiling prevention. The product rinses off easily with water and leaves no unwanted films or contaminants, especially those removed during the cleaning process.

[0016] The cleaning composition according to the invention is advantageously suitable for solid formulations, preferably free-flowing formulations, especially in the form of a powder or granules.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the cleaning composition according to the invention is free from added fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and free from added fully protonated mono- or polybasic hydroxycarboxylic acids. In the context of the invention, "free from fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and free from added fully protonated mono- or polybasic hydroxycarboxylic acids" means that these components are not added during the preparation of the composition. It is preferred that the composition is completely free from fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and mono- or polybasic hydroxycarboxylic acids. The composition preferably contains fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids in an amount in the range of 0 to 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, particularly preferably from 0 to 0.1 wt.%.-%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, in particular from 0 to 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. Specifically, the composition contains fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids in an amount of 0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0018] In a specific embodiment, the cleaning composition according to the invention is free of added citric acid. In the context of the invention, this means that citric acid is not added during the preparation of the composition. It is preferred that the composition is completely free of citric acid. Preferably, the composition contains citric acid in an amount in the range from 0 to 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, more preferably from 0 to 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, in particular from 0 to 0.01 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. Specifically, the composition contains citric acid in an amount of 0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the cleaning composition according to the invention is free from added foam inhibitors. In particular, the cleaning composition is free from added foam inhibitors selected from soaps, paraffins, silicone oils, and alkyl phosphate esters. The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains foam inhibitors in an amount ranging from 0 to 0.05 wt.%, particularly preferably from 0 to 0.01 wt.%, in particular from 0 to 0.001 wt.%, especially 0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition. Component a) (monosodium citrate)

[0020] The cleaning composition according to the invention contains as component a) monosodium citrate (sodium dihydrogen citrate), the monosodium salt of citric acid (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid).

[0021] Monosodium citrate is available in anhydrous or monohydrate form. The quantities and ratios specified in this application refer to the anhydrous form.

[0022] As the acidic salt of citric acid, monosodium citrate is advantageously suitable for use with the basic carbonate or bicarbonate as a gas-forming component in the foam-forming cleaning compositions according to the invention. The combination of monosodium citrate with a bicarbonate as a gas-forming component is particularly preferred. Monosodium citrate is less hygroscopic than citric acid and highly soluble in water.

[0023] In a specific embodiment, the cleaning composition according to the invention contains monosodium citrate from bio-based citric acid.

[0024] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains 35.0 to 65.0 wt.%, particularly preferably 40.0 to 60.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of monosodium citrate (component a)). Component b) (hydrogen carbonate)

[0025] The cleaning composition according to the invention contains as component b) at least one hydrogen carbonate or carbonate selected from NaHCOs, KHCO 3 , NH 4 HCO 3 , Na 2 CO 3 , K 2 CO 3 and mixtures thereof.

[0026] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains as component b) at least one bicarbonate, preferably selected from NaHCOs, KHCO 3 , NH 4 HCO 3 and mixtures thereof.

[0027] Component b) particularly preferably comprises sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate; baking soda). In a specific embodiment, component b) consists of sodium hydrogen carbonate.

[0028] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains 27.0 to 57.0 wt.%, particularly preferably 32.0 to 52.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of sodium bicarbonate (component b)).

[0029] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains monosodium citrate a) and hydrogen carbonates b) in a weight ratio of 1.00 : 0.60 to 1.00 : 1.10, preferably of 1.00 : 0.75 to 1.00 : 0.95. Component c) (fatty alcohol sulfate)

[0030] The cleaning composition according to the invention contains as component c) at least one fatty alcohol sulfate selected from compounds of the general formula (I) R 1< -O-SO 3 X 1< (I) and mixtures thereof, where R 1< represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, X 2< represents hydrogen or a cation equivalent selected from alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, NH 4 +< , alkylammonium cations or alkanolammonium cations.

[0031] Component c) preferably comprises sodium lauryl sulfate. In a specific embodiment, component c) consists of sodium lauryl sulfate.

[0032] The cleaning composition preferably contains 0.05 to 10.0 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.10 to 7.5 wt.%, in particular 0.5 to 5.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of at least one fatty alcohol sulfate (component c)).

[0033] Specifically, the cleaning composition contains 0.05 to 10.0 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.10 to 7.5 wt.%, in particular 0.5 to 5.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of sodium lauryl sulfate. Additional components

[0034] The cleaning composition according to the invention may contain additional components. In principle, conventional active ingredients and adjuvants for such cleaning compositions are suitable, provided that they do not prevent or impair foam formation or negatively affect storage stability.

[0035] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains at least one component selected from surfactants other than fatty alcohol sulfates c), builders, rheology modifiers, fillers, flow aids, stabilizers, fragrances, dyes, antioxidants and mixtures thereof Other surfactants

[0036] Suitable other surfactants are non-ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and mixtures thereof.

[0037] Preferably, at least one anionic surfactant is used as an additional surfactant.

[0038] Other suitable anionic surfactants are alkyl sulfonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, olefin sulfonates, methyl ester sulfonates, sulfofatty acids, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinamates, sulfotriglycerides, amide soaps, ether carboxylic acids and their salts, fatty acid isethionates, fatty acid sarcosinates, fatty acid taurides, N-acylamino acids, e.g. acyl lactylates, acyl tartrates, acyl glutamates and acyl aspartates, alkyl oligoglucoside sulfates, alkyl glucose carboxylates, protein fatty acid condensates and alkyl (ether) phosphates.

[0039] Suitable anionic surfactants are also surfactants containing polyether groups, preferably selected from alkyl polyether sulfates, aryl polyether sulfates, alkylaryl polyether sulfates, alkyl polyether sulfonates, aryl polyether sulfonates, alkylaryl polyether sulfonates, alkyl polyether phosphates, aryl polyether phosphates, alkylaryl polyether phosphates, glyceryl ether sulfonates, glyceryl ether sulfates, monoglyceride (ether) sulfates, fatty acid amide ether sulfates and mixtures thereof. Builder

[0040] The cleaning composition according to the invention may contain at least one builder. Builders (also called chelating agents or sequestering agents) are generally components that improve the performance of surfactants by removing metal ions, primarily calcium and magnesium, from the water phase, thus reducing water hardness and reducing the formation of insoluble salts. In addition, they may have one or more functions, e.g., a dispersing effect, a foam-stabilizing effect, an anti-redeposition effect, etc.

[0041] Suitable builders can be inorganic or organic builders. Examples of suitable builder classes include alkaline silicates, hydrated silicates, inorganic carbonates, phosphates and polyphosphates, hydroxycarboxylic acids and their salts, polyhydroxycarboxylic acids (sugar acids) and their salts, phosphonic acids and their salts, aminophosphonic acids and their salts, aminopolycarboxylic acids and their salts, polycarboxylic acids and their salts containing carboxylic acid groups and their salts, and mixtures thereof. Inorganic builders, such as hydrated silicates, are preferred.

[0042] If the cleaning composition according to the invention contains at least one builder, then it is preferably present in an amount of at least 0.1% by weight, more preferably at least 0.5% by weight, especially at least 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Specifically, the cleaning composition contains at least one builder in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight, more preferably 0.3 to 15% by weight, especially 0.5 to 10% by weight, especially 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Rheology modifiers

[0043] To impart the desired viscosity to the cleaning composition according to the invention, it is possible to use at least one rheology modifier. In the context of this application, the terms "rheology modifier" and "thickener" are used synonymously.

[0044] In principle, all known rheology modifiers (thickeners) are suitable, provided they do not impair the foaming effect of the cleaning composition and its storage stability.

[0045] Suitable rheology modifiers can be of natural or synthetic origin.

[0046] Examples of rheology modifiers of natural origin are xanthan gum, locust bean gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agar, tragacanth, gum arabic, alginates, modified starches such as hydroxyethyl starch, starch phosphate esters or starch acetates, dextrins, pectins and cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose and the like.

[0047] The cleaning composition preferably contains 0 to 10 wt.%, particularly preferably 0 to 8 wt.%, in particular 0 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one rheology modifier. Fragrances and dyes

[0048] The cleaning composition according to the invention may contain at least one fragrance as a further additive. Fragrances serve both to impart a pleasant odor to the product and to scent the room when the cleaning composition is used.

[0049] In principle, all fragrances commonly used in cleaner formulations are suitable, as long as they are compatible with the other components. Suitable examples are synthetic fragrances such as esters, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and hydrocarbons. Suitable ester-type fragrances include benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, etc. Ethers include benzyl ethyl ether, aldehydes include citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde and hydroxycitronellal, ketones include ionones, alcohols include anethole, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol, and hydrocarbons mainly include terpenes such as limonene and pinene. Natural fragrances and fragrance mixtures are also suitable, such asare accessible from plant sources, e.g. pine oil, citrus oil, jasmine oil, patchouli oil, rose oil, ylang-ylang oil, sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, lemon balm oil, mint oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, orange peel oil, sandalwood oil, etc. The fragrances can be incorporated directly into the cleaners according to the invention, but it can also be advantageous to apply the fragrances to carriers or to use them in encapsulated form.

[0050] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains 0 to 1.0 wt.%, e.g. 0.01 to 1 wt.%, in particular 0.05 to 0.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one fragrance.

[0051] To improve the aesthetic appearance of the cleaning composition according to the invention, they can be colored with suitable dyes. Suitable dyes are those that have a high storage stability and are compatible with the other ingredients of the cleaning composition and that do not stain the substrates to be cleaned, e.g., a toilet bowl. The selection of suitable dyes is within the skill of the person skilled in the art.

[0052] The cleaning composition according to the invention preferably contains 0 to 0.1% by weight, e.g. 0.01 to 1% by weight, in particular 0.01 to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one dye.

[0053] A preferred cleaning composition according to the invention contains, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition: 35.0 to 65.0 wt.% monosodium citrate (component a)), 27.0 to 57.0 wt.% of at least one bicarbonate (component b)), 0.05 to 10.0 wt.% of at least one fatty alcohol sulfate (component c)), 0.1 to 50 wt.% of at least one builder, 0 to 10 wt.% of at least one rheology modifier, 0 to 1.0 wt.% of fragrances, and 0 to 0.1 wt.% of dyes.

[0054] Specifically, sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as component b) and sodium lauryl sulfate is used as fatty alcohol sulfate.

[0055] A particularly preferred cleaning composition according to the invention contains, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition: 40.0 to 60.0 wt.% monosodium citrate (component a)), 32.0 to 52.0 wt.% of at least one bicarbonate (component b)), 0.10 to 7.5 wt.% of at least one fatty alcohol sulfate (component c)), 0.3 to 30 wt.% of at least one builder, 0 to 8 wt.% of at least one rheology modifier, 0 to 0.5 wt.% fragrances, and 0 to 0.1 wt.% dyes.

[0056] Specifically, sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as component b) and sodium lauryl sulfate is used as fatty alcohol sulfate.

[0057] The cleaning composition can, in principle, be used in the usual way for foam-forming cleaning formulations. The cleaning composition can be brought into direct contact with the surfaces to be treated. These are brought into contact with a quantity of water sufficient to generate foam before, together with, or after contact with the cleaning composition. The cleaning composition can also be introduced into a water phase that is in contact with the surfaces to be treated, e.g., the water phase in a toilet bowl or a drain.

[0058] The cleaning composition can be used, for example, together with a suitable dispenser, e.g. in the form of cans, bags, stand-up pouches, bottles, etc., which allow application of the cleaning composition.

[0059] The cleaning composition according to the invention is generally suitable for cleaning hard surfaces. Hard surfaces refer to all common hard surfaces in the home, institutional, and industrial sectors. Hard surfaces include, for example, tiles, porcelain, ceramics, glass, concrete, brick, stone, painted and sealed surfaces, linoleum, metal surfaces, plastic surfaces, wood surfaces, epoxy flooring, plastic laminates, etc.

[0060] The cleaning composition according to the invention is particularly suitable for cleaning hard surfaces made of ceramic, glass, steel, stainless steel, aluminum and plastics.

[0061] A special area of ​​application is the cleaning of toilets, drains, siphons, grease separators, sinks, wash basins, bathtubs and shower trays, hard-to-reach places in pipe systems and the cleaning of containers.

[0062] After the composition has been applied and foam has been generated, the surface to be cleaned can be treated manually or with conventional automatic cleaning equipment. This includes, for example, applying the composition to the surface to be cleaned and then scrubbing the surface with a suitable device, such as a brush, cloth, sponge, scouring pad, or scrubbing machine.

[0063] Areas of application include surfaces in private, public and industrial areas as well as other areas for professional activities. EXAMPLES

[0064] The following foaming cleaner compositions were prepared: Example component 1 (according to the invention) [wt.%] 2 (Comparison) [wt.%] Monosodium citrate (anhydrous) 50,0 0 Citric acid 0 50,0 Sodium bicarbonate 42,6 42,6 Sodium lauryl sulfate 3,5 3,5 Silica 3,5 3,5 Perfume oils 0,4 0,4

[0065] The powder mixture according to the invention is characterized by significantly improved flow properties and is non-clumping. When stored at 30°C and 50% relative humidity, the comparison formulation began to clump after just 5 days. The composition according to the invention showed no clumping under these conditions even after 12 months.

Claims

1. A foam-forming cleaning composition comprising a) monosodium citrate, b) at least one hydrogen carbonate or carbonate selected from NaHCO3, KHCO3, NH4HCO3, Na2CO3, K2CO3 and mixtures thereof, c) at least one fatty alcohol sulfate.

2. Cleaning composition according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one component selected from surfactants other than fatty alcohol sulfates c), builders, rheology modifiers, fillers, flow aids, stabilizers, perfumes, dyes, antioxidants and mixtures thereof.

3. Cleaning composition according to claim 1 or 2, containing 35.0 to 65.0 wt.%, preferably 40.0 to 60.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of monosodium citrate (component a)).

4. Cleaning composition according to one of the preceding claims, containing 27.0 to 57.0 wt.%, preferably 32.0 to 52.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of at least one bicarbonate (component b)).

5. Cleaning composition according to one of the preceding claims, containing component a) and component b) in a weight ratio of 1.00 : 0.60 to 1.00 : 1.10, preferably of 1.00 : 0.75 to 1.00 : 0.

95.

6. A cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein component b) comprises or consists of sodium bicarbonate.

7. Cleaning composition according to one of the preceding claims, which is free from added fully protonated mono- or polybasic carboxylic acids and hydroxycarboxylic acids, in particular free from added citric acid.

8. A cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, which is free from added foam inhibitors.

9. Cleaning composition according to one of the preceding claims in solid form, preferably in free-flowing form, in particular in the form of a powder or granules.

10. Cleaning composition according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty alcohol sulfate c) is selected from compounds of the general formula (I) R 1 -O-SO3X 1 (I) and mixtures thereof, wherein R 1 represents a linear or branched alkyl chain having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, X 2 represents hydrogen or a cation equivalent selected from alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, NH4 + , alkylammonium cations or alkanolammonium cations.

11. A cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty alcohol sulfate c) comprises or consists of sodium lauryl sulfate.

12. Cleaning composition according to one of the preceding claims, containing 0.05 to 10.0 wt.%, preferably 0.10 to 7.5 wt.%, in particular 0.5 to 5.0 wt.%, based on the total weight of the cleaning composition, of at least one fatty alcohol sulfate (component c)).

13. Cleaning composition containing, in each case based on the total weight of the cleaning composition: - 35.0 to 65.0 wt.% monosodium citrate (component a)), - 27.0 to 57.0 wt.% of at least one hydrogen carbonate (component b)), - 0.05 to 10.0 wt.% of at least one fatty alcohol sulfate (component c)), - 0.1 to 50 wt.% of at least one builder, - 0 to 10 wt.% of at least one rheology modifier, - 0 to 1.0 wt.% fragrances, and - 0 to 0.1 wt.% dyes.

14. Use of a cleaning composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 - for cleaning hard surfaces, - as an all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner or household cleaner, - in particular as a toilet cleaner or drain cleaner.

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