Improved method for cleaning

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning of O, wherein O is preferably an article A or the human or animal body B. In the method, at least one glucolipid G is used in an aqueous mixture MG comprising water W, wherein the total concentration of all metal ions with a positive charge of two or more is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l. In contrast to other biosurfactants, glucolipids G show a surprisingly improved cleaning efficiency in water W in which the concentration of these metal ions is within this range. The invention further relates to an article A which is in contact with such mixture MG, wherein the mixture additionally comprises at least one impurity I.

Description

[0001] Improved method for cleaning

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning O, wherein O is an article A or the human or animal body B. In the method, at least one glucolipid G is used in an aqueous mixture MG comprising water W, wherein the total concentration of all metal ions with a positive charge of two or more is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l. In contrast to other biosurfactants, glucolipids G show a surprisingly improved cleaning efficiency in water W in which the concentration of these metal ions is within this range. The invention further relates to an article A which is in contact with such mixture MG, wherein the mixture additionally comprises at least one, preferably dispersed, impurity I.

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] Glucolipids and similar compounds such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids (commonly referred to as “glycolipids”) are biosurfactants which are used in a wide range of applications. They may be obtained by biofermentation, as described e.g. for sophorolipids in US 2013 / 0035403 A1 and for rhamnolipids in US 2013 / 0130319 A1 , US 2014 / 0148588 A1 , US 10,174,353 B2, WO 2016 / 131801 A1 , US 2018 / 016525 A1 , US 2019 / 0233856 A1 , US 2019 / 0271020 A1 . WO 2019 / 154970 A1 discloses a biotechnological method for producing glucolipids. US 2020 / 0407761 A1 discloses a biotechnological method for producing glycolipids.

[0005] The use of certain biosurfactants in the area of plant protection is described in the art, e.g. for sophorolipids in US 2012 / 0220464 A1 and for rhamnolipids in US 2005 / 0266036 A1 .

[0006] DE 10 2012 201 360 A1 . US 2017 / 0094968 A1 discloses a method for increasing plant yield by treatment with sophorolipids.

[0007] In a different application, glycolipids such as rhamnolipids or sophorolipids may also be used as food preservatives in combination with benzoic acid or sorbic acid, as disclosed in US 2019 / 0269158 A1. Also, they may be used in coating compositions, as disclosed in US 2022 / 0186048 A1 and US 2022 / 186075 A1.

[0008] Biosurfactants also find application in personal and household care, as widely described in the art.

[0009] US 2019 / 0307657 A1 discloses oral care compositions comprising a fluoride ion source and biosurfactants.

[0010] US 2004 / 0152613 A1 disclose detergent compositions comprising glycolipids.

[0011] JP 2008 062179 A disclose micro-emulsions comprising biosurfactants. JP 2007181789 A discloses emulsifiers comprising biosurfactants. US 2014 / 0296168 A1 and US 2020 / 0199492 A1 disclose formulations comprising biosurfactants, in particular rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, and their use in cleaning.

[0012] US 2014 / 0296125 A1 discloses detergent formulations for textiles comprising rhamnolipids, which predominately are di-rhamnolipids.

[0013] EP 2 786 742 A1 discloses cosmetic formulations comprising rhamnolipids.

[0014] US 2016 / 0045424 A1 discloses cosmetic formulations comprising biosurfactants, which may be selected from rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, glucolipids.

[0015] US 2014 / 0349902 A1 discloses several compositions comprising sophorolipids or rhamnolipids for use in body care.

[0016] US 2017 / 0306264 A1 discloses a formulation comprising rhamnolipids and sophorolipids for use as a hand dishwashing detergent.

[0017] US 2017 / 0335238 A1 discloses compositions with low-viscosity comprising dispersed rhamnolipids.

[0018] US 2020 / 0214959 A1 discloses dispersions comprising rhamnolipid esters and / or rhamnolipid amides.

[0019] US 2018 / 0016525 A1 discloses spreadable compositions comprising rhamnolipids and siloxanes that may be used in personal care, in particular as shaving foam. US 2019 / 0256542 A1 discloses compositions comprising rhamnolipid esters in a similar application, namely for providing a soft feel after shaving. WO 2022 / 017844 A1 discloses cosmetic formulations comprising rhamnolipid esters.

[0020] US 2018 / 0023040 A1 discloses formulations for cleaning, in particular for laundry cleaning, comprising biosurfactants, in particular sophorolipids or rhamnolipids, and peptidases.

[0021] JP 2006-274233 A describes a bleaching composition comprising sophorolipids.

[0022] JP 2006-083238 A describes a cleaning composition comprising sophorolipids.

[0023] JP 2006-070231 A describes a liquid detergent composition comprising sophorolipids.

[0024] FR 2740 779 A1 discloses laundry compositions comprising sophorolipids and enzymes, in particular cellulases.

[0025] FR 2 855 752 A1 describes the cosmetic application of sophorolipids. US 2019 / 0031977 A1 discloses a granulate comprising an inorganic carrier with at least one biosurfactant adsorbed thereon, wherein this biosurfactant is preferably a rhamnolipid or a sophorolipid. This granulate is preferably used in machine dishwashing.

[0026] US 2019 / 0040095 A1 discloses compositions comprising rhamnolipid amides for retention of hair scent.

[0027] WO 2019 / 154970 A1 discloses the use of mixtures comprising certain glucolipids, their use for producing formulations and formulations comprising these mixtures.

[0028] WO 2023 / 099346 A1 discloses compositions comprising glucolipids and a method for preparing formulations containing glucolipids. These formulations can be concentrated to high levels, bear very low viscosities, and are stable at pH values as low as 4.0.

[0029] US 2022 / 0183958 A1 discloses rhamnolipids as auxiliary for deposition of at least one substance from a medium onto a surface, in particular a surface of skin or hair.

[0030] US 2023 / 0121094 A1 disclose compositions containing glycolipids such as rhamnolipids and triethyl citrate. These compositions display excellent foaming capabilities. It discloses in Example 1 an aqueous solution of glucolipid and triethyl citrate in contact with an apparatus for foam-testing (“SITA foam tester R-2000”).

[0031] US 2023 / 190615 A1 discloses a cosmetic formulation comprising a cosmetic oil and a rhamnolipid.

[0032] WO 2022 / 233700 A1 discloses cosmetic compositions comprising at least one biosurfactant and at least one sulfonic or sulfinic acid derivative. These compositions provide an improved odour profile.

[0033] EP 4 234 671 A1 is a post-published European patent application which discloses in Example 2 a method of washing laundry in which glucolipids are mixed with water with a water hardness of 14 °dGH.

[0034] EP 0 499 434 A1 discloses glucolipids and specifically discloses in Examples 4 to 10 a test procedure for different glycolipids using deionized water.

[0035] The prior art thus discloses many applications of glycolipids for cleaning or personal hygiene, where surfactants and biosurfactants are applied as concentrates which are mixed or diluted with water upon use. A common problem in such cleaning applications is the redeposition of impurities, dyes and other substances in the wash water on the article or body during the cleaning process. This problem is ubiquitous in all cleaning applications. In textile washing, it is commonly known as greying of laundry, which intensifies over the course of many washing cycles. In personal care, this redeposition of impurities manifests itself in seemingly incomplete removal of dirt from skin or hair. To tackle this problem, additives such as polymers are usually added to the laundry formulation (see e.g. S. J. Boardman, A.S Hayward, N.J. Lant, R.D. Fossum, J Appl Polym Sci. 2021 , 138, :e49632; DOI: 10.1002 / app.49632). These solutions, however, require, in addition to the surfactant, a further component for inhibiting redeposition.

[0036] Hence, in view of the prior art, there is a need for improved cleaning methods that do not require the addition of an anti-redeposition agent to the surfactant. In particular, these cleaning methods should minimize the problem of redeposition, in particular greying. These methods should in particular be easily applicable in consumers1everyday care of article and body, respectively.

[0037] Short Description of the invention

[0038] It was now found that the described problem may be solved by a method of cleaning in which a special class of biosurfactants, namely glucolipids, is used. In particular, it was found that these biosurfactants, when used in water with a certain concentration of multivalent metal ions (i.e. metal ions with a positive charge of two or higher), exhibit a superior performance by preventing redeposition on the object to be cleaned. This finding is surprising, as other, structurally similar, biosurfactants, such as rhamnolipids, were found to not display this property to the same extent. Also, it was found that metal ions with a positive charge of one do not display this effect to the same extent.

[0039] The gist of the invention lies in that an object O is contacted with an aqueous mixture MG comprising at least one glucolipid G, wherein the concentration of all metal ions with a positive charge of two or higher in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably

[0040] 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably

[0041] 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably

[0042] 1 .00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably

[0043] 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably

[0044] 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably

[0045] 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l. This provides for a superior dispersing effect of the mixture MG. The present invention therefore provides in a first aspect a method of cleaning of O. O is selected from an article A or the human or animal body B, wherein in case of B, it is preferable to clean a part selected from skin, hair. O is preferably an article A. In the method according to the first aspect of the invention, O is contacted with the mixture MG.

[0046] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an article A in contact with mixture MG, wherein the mixture MG further comprises at least one impurity in dissolved or dispersed, preferably dispersed, form.

[0047] Detailed Description of the invention

[0048] 1 . Method for cleaning an object O

[0049] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method of cleaning of O. O is selected from an article A and the human or animal body B. In the embodiment where O is the human or animal body, it is preferred that a part of the human or animal body B selected from skin, hair, most preferred hair, is cleaned.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, O is an article A.

[0051] An “article A” is a lifeless object and preferably comprises at least one material selected from natural fibre, ceramic, metal, plastic, glass, stone.

[0052] “Natural fibre” in the context of the invention preferably is one selected from the group consisting of vegetable fibres, animal fibres. Typical vegetable fibres are based on cellulose and in particular selected from wood, cotton, hemp, jute, flax, abaca, pina, ramie, sisal, bagasse, banana.

[0053] Preferably, vegetable fibres are selected from the group consisting of wood, cotton. Vegetable fibres may for example be found in paper, cardboard.

[0054] Typical animal fibres are in particular selected from the group consisting of wool, silk.

[0055] The article A in a preferred embodiment is selected from the group consisting of a woven, a non-woven, a vehicle, crockery, cutlery, food storage containers, furniture, flooring, panelling, paving, domestic machine, garden tool, construction equipment, building for livestock or domestic animal, music instrument, toy, window. The article A, in particular is selected from the group consisting of a woven, a non-woven, a vehicle, crockery, cutlery, food storage containers. More preferably, the article A is selected from the group consisting of a woven, a non-woven. The woven is in particular selected from an article of clothing, curtains, napkins, bed linen, tablecloth, blanket, bedspread, duvet cover.

[0056] The non-woven is in particular selected from an article of clothing, curtains, napkins, bed linen, tablecloth, blanket, bedspread, duvet cover.

[0057] The article of clothing is in particular selected from the group consisting of sweaters, shirts, pants, shoes, socks, hosiery, coats, haberdashery, suits, hats, caps, bonnets, scarfs, gloves.

[0058] The vehicle is in particular selected from the group consisting of car, train (which may be selected from the group consisting of railroad cars, tram cars, underground railway cars), plane, bicycle, motor-bike, rocket, water vehicles (which may be selected from ships, boats, hovercraft).

[0059] Crockery is in particular selected from the group consisting of dishes, glassware (such as drinking glasses), cups, platters, mugs, pitchers, pots, cannikins.

[0060] Cutlery is in particular selected from the group consisting of knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks.

[0061] Food storage containers are in particular selected from the group consisting of barrels, lunchboxes, bottles, jars.

[0062] Furniture is in particular selected from the group consisting of shelves, boards, wardrobes, cupboards, desks, tables, chairs, chest of drawers.

[0063] Flooring is in particular selected from the group consisting of laminate floor, parquet floor, tiled floor, carpeted floor, ceramic floor.

[0064] Panelling is in particular selected from the group consisting of wallpaper, wall tiles, tapestry.

[0065] Paving may be any kind of road surface, and is in particular selected from cobblestone, asphalt, gravel.

[0066] A domestic machine may be any electric machine used in the household, and is in particular selected from washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, sound system, lamp, TV, computer, printer, heater, electrical kitchen appliances such as fridge, oven, stove, boiler, egg boiler, toaster, sandwich maker, waffle iron, mixer, bread machine, yogurt maker, coffee maker, electric kettle.

[0067] A garden tool is preferably selected from the group consisting of rake, grate, lawnmower, scythe, spade, shovel, Construction equipment is in particular any equipment, electrical or non-electrical, which may be used in handcraft or in construction of buildings, roads. Construction equipment is preferably selected from drilling machines, tools such as hammer, rasp, screwdriver.

[0068] Building for livestock or domestic animal is in particular any container or building in which pets or farm animals may be kept. In particular, the building for livestock or domestic animal is selected from the group consisting of terrarium, aquarium, cage, pen, kenner, cowshed, hennery, pigsty, coop.

[0069] Music instrument may be any keyboard instrument, string instrument, wind instrument, percussion instrument and is preferably selected from piano, guitar, drums.

[0070] Toy is preferably selected from video game console, doll.

[0071] Window may be any transparent light opening, and is particular selected from outside window of a building, inside window of a building, bull’s eyes of washing machines, bull’s eyes of ships, preferably selected from outside window of a building, inside window of a building.

[0072] In those embodiments where O is the human or animal body B, this means that the method according to the first aspect of the invention is applied to a living human being or animal. In the embodiment wherein a part of B selected from skin, hair, is cleaned, this means that the respective part of B of the living human or living animal is cleaned.

[0073] The method according to the present invention is a method of cleaning. In those embodiments where O is the human or animal body B, the method is hence a cosmetic method, and non- therapeutic. It goes without saying that in those preferred embodiments where O is an article A, the method is also non-therapeutic, since the article A is lifeless.

[0074] 1.1 Step a.

[0075] In step a., a composition ZG comprising at least one glucolipid G is provided. The composition is typically a concentrate, which in step c. of the method according to the first aspect of the invention is mixed with water.

[0076] 1.1.1 Glucolipid G

[0077] Glucolipids are biosurfactants which are a subclass of glycolipids. Glucolipids and other glycolipids, such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, are described in the art together with their syntheses, for example in EP 0499 434 A1 (glucolipids are referred to as “glucose lipids” in this document), DE 196 48 439 A1 , DE 196 00 743 A1 . WO 03 / 006146 A1 , US 2008 / 0213194 A1 , JP H01 -304034 A1 , CN 1337439 A describe further methods for the synthesis of rhamnolipids. WO 03 / 002700 A1 , US 4,305,961 A, US 7,556,654 B1 describe further methods for the synthesis of sophorolipids.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one glucolipid G comprised by composition ZG has a structure according to formula (I), even more preferred a structure according to formula (II):

[0079] In formulae (I) and (II), mGL = 3, 2, 1 or 0, preferably 1 or 0.

[0080] Residues R1GLand R2GLare, independently of one another, an organic radical having 2 to 24, preferably 5 to 20, more preferably 7 to 15, even more preferably 7, carbon atoms, wherein preferably R1GLand R2GLare independently of one another selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl radicals with 2 to 24, preferably 5 to 20, more preferably 7 to 15, even more preferably 7, carbon atoms, wherein hydroxy substituted alkyl radicals are preferred substituted alkyl radicals, optionally substituted alkenyl radicals with 2 to 24, preferably 5 to 20, more preferably 7 to 15, even more preferably 7, carbon atoms, wherein hydroxy substituted alkenyl radicals are preferred substituted alkenyl radicals, wherein more preferably R1GLand R2GLare independently of one another selected from the group consisting of pentenyl, heptenyl, nonenyl, undecenyl, tridecenyl and -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = 1 to 23, preferably 4 to 12. Most preferably, R1GLand R2GLare each n-heptyl.

[0081] Distinct glucolipids for mGL = 0 are abbreviated according to the following nomenclature:

[0082] “GL-CX” is understood as meaning glucolipids of the general formulae (I) or (II) in which mGL = 0 and in which the radical R1GL= -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = X-4.

[0083] Distinct glucolipids for mGL = 1 are abbreviated according to the following nomenclature: “GL-CXCY” is understood as meaning glucolipids of the general formulae (I) or (II) in which mGL = 1 and in which one of the radicals R1GLand R2GL= -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = X-4 and the remaining radical R1GLor R2GL= -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = Y-4. The nomenclature used thus does not differentiate between “CXCY” and “CYCX”.

[0084] If one of the aforementioned indices X and / or Y is provided with “:Z”, then this means that the respective radical R1GLand / or R2GL= an unbranched, unsubstituted hydrocarbon radical with X-3 or Y-3 carbon atoms having Z double bonds.

[0085] The curvy bond in structure (I) [and also (III), further described hereinafter] implies that the respective substituent may be axial or equatorial, preferably is equatorial.

[0086] Alkyl radicals may be branched or linear.

[0087] Alkenyl radicals may be branched or linear and preferably contain between one to three double bonds.

[0088] In those cases where structures according to formulae (I) and (II) comprise more than one residue R2GL, these residues R2GLmay be identical or different from one another.

[0089] Composition ZG comprises the at least one glucolipid G. In a particular embodiment, composition ZG essentially consists of the at least one glucolipid G.

[0090] In another embodiment, the amount of all glucolipids G, by weight of the composition ZG, is in the range of from 0.1 wt.-% to 50 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.2 wt.-% to 40 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.5 wt.-% to 30 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of from 1 wt.-% to 20 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of from 2 wt.-% to 15 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of from 3 wt.-% to 12 wt.-%.

[0091] In another embodiment, the amount of all glucolipids G, by weight of the composition ZG, is at least 50 % by weight, preferably at least 80 % by weight, particularly preferably at least 90 % by weight, of all glucolipids G, where the percentages by weight refer to the total dry mass of the overall composition ZG.

[0092] The term “total dry mass” in the context of the present invention is understood to mean the portion of the composition ZG according to the invention which remains - naturally in addition to water - after the composition ZG according to the invention has been freed of the components which are liquid at 25 °C and 1 bar for 12 hours.

[0093] The at least one glucolipid G present in the composition ZG according to the invention may be present at least partially as salts, depending on the pH of the composition ZG. In those cases, it is preferred that at least a part of the glucolipids G in the composition ZG are present as the respective salts.

[0094] In those embodiments where at least a part of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG is present as salts, it is preferred that at least a part of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG are salts in which the cation is selected from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, NH4+, ammonium ions, wherein the ammonium ions may be primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary. Particularly preferred cations are selected from the group comprising, preferably consisting of, Na+, K+, NH4+and the triethanolammonium cation.

[0095] Exemplary representatives of suitable ammonium ions are tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, [(2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium] (choline) and also the cations of 2-aminoethanol (ethanolamine, “MEA”), diethanolamine (“DEA”), 2,2’,2”-nitrilotriethanol (triethanolamine, “TEA”), 1-aminopropan-2-ol (monoisopropanolamine), ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, 1 ,4-diethylenediamine (piperazine), aminoethylpiperazine and aminoethylethanolamine.

[0096] Mixtures of the abovementioned cations may also be present as cations of the glucolipid G salts.

[0097] It may be advantageous and is therefore preferred if the composition ZG according to the invention comprises 1 % by weight to 30 % by weight, preferably 5 % by weight to 25 % by weight, particularly preferably 10 % by weight to 20 % by weight, of GL-C8C10, where the percentages by weight refer to the sum of all of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG.

[0098] A further preferred composition ZG according to the invention is characterized in that the composition ZG comprises 0.5 % by weight to 20 % by weight, preferably 3 % by weight to 17 % by weight, particularly preferably 5 % by weight to 15 % by weight, of GL-C10C12:1 , where the percentages by weight refer to the sum of all of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG.

[0099] A further preferred composition ZG according to the invention is characterized in that the composition ZG comprises 0.5 % by weight to 20 % by weight, preferably 2 % by weight to 15 % by weight, particularly preferably 3 % by weight to 12 % by weight, of GL-C10C12, where the percentages by weight refer to the sum of all of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG.

[0100] A particularly preferred composition ZG according to the invention is characterized in that the composition ZG comprises

[0101] 1 % by weight to 30 % by weight, preferably 5 % by weight to 25% by weight, particularly preferably 10 % by weight to 20 % by weight, of GL-C8C10,

[0102] 0.5 % by weight to 20 % by weight, preferably 3 % by weight to 17 % by weight, particularly preferably 5 % by weight to 15 % by weight, of GL-C10C12:1 ,

[0103] 0.5 % by weight to 20 % by weight, preferably 2 % by weight to 15 % by weight, particularly preferably 3 % by weight to 12 % by weight, of GL-C10C12, where the percentages by weight refer to the sum of all of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG. A very particularly composition ZG according to the invention is characterized in that the composition ZG comprises

[0104] 10 % by weight to 20 % by weight, of GL-C8C10,

[0105] 5 % by weight to 15 % by weight, of GL-C10C12:1 ,

[0106] 3 % by weight to 12 % by weight, of GL-C10C12, where the percentages by weight refer to the sum of all of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG.

[0107] Over and above this, it is preferred if the composition ZG according to the invention comprises glucolipids G of the formula GL-CX in only small amounts. In particular, the composition ZG according to the invention comprises preferably comprises

[0108] 0 % by weight to 5 % by weight, preferably 0.01 % by weight to 4 % by weight, particularly preferably 0.1 % by weight to 3 % by weight, of GL-C10, where the percentages by weight refer to the sum of all of the glucolipids G comprised by composition ZG.

[0109] Preferably, in case the composition ZG is aqueous, the composition ZG according to the invention is characterized in that the pH of the composition ZG at 25 °C is from 3.5 to 9, preferably from 5 to 7 and particularly preferably from 5.6 to 6.6.

[0110] In contrast to glucolipids, another class of biosurfactants are rhamnolipids. Rhamnolipids, as shown in the example section, do not display the surprisingly superior dispersing ability in water with the respective concentration of Mn+.

[0111] The term "rhamnolipid" is in particular to be understood as referring to compounds of the general formula (III) and salts thereof, preferably compounds according to the general structure (IV) and salts thereof, In formulae (III) and (IV), mRL = 2, 1 or 0, preferably 1 or 0. nRL = 1 or 0.

[0112] Residues R1RLand R2RLare independently of one another, an organic radical having 2 to 24 carbon, preferably 5 to 13 carbon atoms, wherein preferably R1RLand R2RLare independently of one another selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl radicals with 2 to 24, preferably 5 to 13 carbon atoms, wherein hydroxy substituted alkyl radicals are preferred substituted alkyl radicals, optionally substituted alkenyl radicals with 2 to 24, preferably 5 to 13, carbon atoms, wherein hydroxy substituted alkenyl radicals are preferred substituted alkenyl radicals, wherein more preferably R1 RLand R2RLare independently of one another selected from the group consisting of pentenyl, heptenyl, nonenyl, undecenyl, tridecenyl and -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = 1 to 23, preferably 4 to 12.

[0113] If nRL = 1 , the glycosidic bond between the two rhamnose units is preferably in the a-configuration. The optically active carbon atoms of the fatty acids are preferably present as R-enantiomers (e.g. (R)-3-{(R)-3-[2-O-(a-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl]oxydecanoyl}oxydecanoate).

[0114] The term "di-rhamnolipid" in the context of the present invention is understood to mean compounds of the general formulae (III) and (IV) or salts thereof, where nRL = 1 .

[0115] The term "mono-rhamnolipid" in the context of the present invention is understood to mean compounds of the general formulae (III) and (IV) or salts thereof, where nRL = 0.

[0116] Distinct rhamnolipids are abbreviated according to the following nomenclature:

[0117] "diRL-CXCY" are understood to mean di-rhamnolipids of the general formulae (III) and (IV), in which one of the residues R1RLand R2RL= -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = X-4 and the remaining residue RIRLOR R2RL=_(CH2)O-CH3where o = Y-4.

[0118] "monoRL-CXCY" are understood to mean mono-rhamnolipids of the general formulae (III) and (IV), in which one of the residues R1RLand R2RL= -(CH2)o-CH3 where o = X-4 and the remaining residue RIRLOR R2RL=_(CH2)O-CH3where o = Y-4.

[0119] The nomenclature used therefore does not distinguish between "CXCY" and "CYCX".

[0120] For rhamnolipids where mRL=0, the terms “monoRL-CX” or “diRL-CX” are used accordingly.

[0121] If one of the abovementioned indices X and / or Y is provided with ":Z", this signifies that the respective residue R1RLand / or R2RLis equal to an unbranched, unsubstituted hydrocarbon residue having X-3 or Y-3 carbon atoms having Z double bonds.

[0122] Glucolipids are also superior over yet a further class of biosurfactants, sophororlipids, in terms of dispersing ability in water with the respective concentration of Mn+.

[0123] 1 .1 .2 Optional components in composition ZG Composition ZG may comprise further components, depending on the specific area of application of composition ZG.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, composition ZG comprises, besides the at least one glucolipid G, at least one further surfactant that is different from the at least one glucolipid G, wherein the further surfactant may be a biosurfactant or a non-biosurfactant, preferably is a non-biosurfactant. The at least one further surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and in particular is selected from anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants.

[0125] In those cases where the composition ZG comprises at least one further surfactant that is different from the at least one glucolipid G, it is preferred that the ratio of the amount of all glucolipids G in the composition ZG to the amount of all surfactants different from the glucolipids G in the composition ZG is in the range of from 100 : 1 to 1 : 100, preferably 10 : 1 to 1 : 10, more preferably 1 : 1.

[0126] 1. 1.2. 1 Nonionic surfactants

[0127] In case the composition ZG comprises nonionic surfactants, these nonionic surfactants are preferably alkoxylated, advantageously ethoxylated, in particular primary alcohols having preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms and on average 1 to 12 mol of ethylene oxide (“EO”) per mol of alcohol, in which the alcohol radical can be linear or branched, preferably 2-position methyl-branched, or can contain linear and methyl-branched radicals in a mixture, as are customarily present in oxo alcohol radicals. In particular, however, alcohol ethoxylates with linear radicals from alcohols of native origin having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, for example from coconut, palm, tallow fat or oleyl alcohol, and on average 2 to 8 EO per mol of alcohol are preferred. The preferred ethoxylated alcohols include, for example, Ci2-Ci4-alcohols with 3 EO, 4 EO or 7 EO, Cg-Cn-alcohol with 7 EO, C13-C15- alcohols with 3 EO, 5 EO, 7 EO or 8 EO, Ci2-Cia-alcohols with 3 EO, 5 EO or 7 EO and mixtures of these, such as mixtures of Ci2-Ci4-alcohol with 3 EO and Ci2-Cia-alcohol with 7 EO. The stated degrees of ethoxylation are statistical average values which can be an integer or a fraction for a specific product. Preferred alcohol ethoxylates have a narrow homolog distribution.

[0128] In addition to these nonionic surfactants, it is also possible to use fatty alcohols with more than 12 EO. Examples thereof are tallow fatty alcohol with 14 EO, 25 EO, 30 EO or 40 EO. Nonionic surfactants which contain EO and propylene oxide (“PO”) groups together in the molecule can also be used. In this connection, it is possible to use block copolymers with EO-PO block units or PO-EO block units, but also EO-PO-EO copolymers or PO-EO-PO copolymers.

[0129] It is of course also possible to use mixed alkoxylated nonionic surfactants in which EO and PO units are not distributed blockwise, but randomly. Such products are obtainable as a result of the simultaneous action of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide on fatty alcohols. Furthermore, alkyl glycosides can also be used as further nonionic surfactants.

[0130] A further class of preferably used nonionic surfactants, which are used either as the sole nonionic surfactant or in combination with other nonionic surfactants, are alkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated or ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, preferably having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, in particular fatty acid methyl esters, as are described for example in JP S58-217598 A or which are preferably prepared by the process described in WO 90 / 13533 A1 .

[0131] Nonionic surfactants of the amine oxide type, for example A / -cocoalkyl-A / ,A / -dimethylamine oxide and A / -tallowalkyl-A / ,A / -dihydroxyethylamine oxide, and of the fatty acid alkanolamide type may also be suitable. The amount of these nonionic surfactants is preferably not more than that of the ethoxylated fatty alcohols, in particular not more than half thereof.

[0132] Further suitable nonionic surfactants are polyhydroxy fatty acid amides; the polyhydroxy fatty acid amides are substances which can usually be obtained by reductive amination of a reducing sugar with ammonia, an alkylamine or an alkanolamine and subsequent acylation with a fatty acid, a fatty acid alkyl ester or a fatty acid chloride.

[0133] 1. 1.2.2 Anionic surfactants

[0134] In case the composition ZG comprises anionic surfactants, it is preferred that these anionic surfactants are of the sulphonate and sulphate type.

[0135] Suitable surfactants of the sulphonate type here are preferably Cg-Cn-alkylbenzenesulphonates, olefinsulphonates, i.e. mixtures of alkene- and hydroxyalkanesulphonates, and also disulphonates, as are obtained, for example, from Ci2-Ci8-monoolefins with a terminal or internal double bond by sulphonation with gaseous sulphur trioxide and subsequent alkaline or acidic hydrolysis of the sulphonation products. Also of suitability are alkanesulphonates which are obtained from Ci2-Cis-alkanes, for example by sulphochlorination or sulphoxidation with subsequent hydrolysis or neutralization. Similarly, the esters of a-sulpho fatty acids (ester sulphonates), for example the a-sulphonated methyl esters of hydrogenated coconut, palm kernel or tallow fatty acids, are also suitable.

[0136] Further suitable anionic surfactants are sulphated fatty acid glycerol esters. Fatty acid glycerol esters are to be understood as meaning the mono-, di- and triesters, and also mixtures thereof, as are obtained in the preparation by esterification of a monoglycerol with 1 to 3 mol of fatty acid or in the transesterification of triglycerides with 0.3 to 2 mol of glycerol. Preferred sulphated fatty acid glycerol esters here are the sulphation products of saturated fatty acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, for example of caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid or behenic acid.

[0137] Preferred alkyl sulphates and alkenyl sulphates are the alkali metal and in particular the sodium salts of the sulphuric acid half-esters of the Ci2-Cis-fatty alcohols, for example from coconut fatty alcohol, tallow fatty alcohol, lauryl, myristyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol or the C10-C20-OXO alcohols and those half-esters of secondary alcohols of these chain lengths. Furthermore, preference is given to alkyl sulphates and alkenyl sulphates of the specified chain length which contain a synthetic straight-chain alkyl radical prepared on a petrochemical basis, and which have an analogous degradation behaviour to the suitable compounds based on fatty chemical raw materials. From the point of view of washing, the Ci2-Ci6-alkyl sulphates and Ci2-Cia-alkyl sulphates and also Ci4-Cia-alkyl sulphates are preferred. 2,3-Alky I sulphates, which are prepared for example in accordance with the US 3,234,258 A or US 5,075,041 A and can be obtained as commercial products of the Shell Oil Company under the name DAN®, are also suitable anionic surfactants. The sulphuric acid monoesters of the straight-chain or branched C7-C2o-alcohols ethoxylated with 1 to 6 mol of ethylene oxide (“EO”), such as 2-methyl-branched Cg-Cn-alcohols having on average 3.5 mol of (“EO”) or Ci2-Cis-fatty alcohols with 1 to 4 EO, are also suitable. On account of their high foaming behaviour, they are used in cleaning compositions only in relatively small amounts, for example in amounts of from 1 to 5% by weight.

[0138] Further suitable anionic surfactants are also the salts of alkylsulphosuccinic acid, which are also referred to as sulphosuccinates or as sulphosuccinic acid esters and constitute the monoesters and / or diesters of sulphosuccinic acid with alcohols, preferably fatty alcohols and in particular ethoxylated fatty alcohols. Preferred sulphosuccinates contain Cs-Os-fatty alcohol radicals or mixtures of these. Particularly preferred sulphosuccinates contain a fatty alcohol radical which is derived from ethoxylated fatty alcohols. In this connection, sulphosuccinates whose fatty alcohol radicals are derived from ethoxylated fatty alcohols with a narrow homolog distribution are particularly preferred in turn. It is likewise also possible to use alkylsuccinic acid and alkenylsuccinic having preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain / alkenyl chain or salts thereof.

[0139] Particularly preferred anionic surfactants are soaps. Also of suitability are saturated and unsaturated fatty acid soaps, such as the salts of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, (hydrogenated) erucic acid and behenic acid, and also soap mixtures derived in particular from natural fatty acids, for example coconut, palm kernel, olive oil or tallow fatty acid.

[0140] The anionic surfactants including the soaps can be in the form of their sodium, potassium or ammonium salts, as well as soluble salts of organic bases, such as mono-, di- or triethanolamine. Preferably, the anionic surfactants are in the form of their sodium or potassium salts, in particular in the form of the sodium salts.

[0141] Non-limiting examples of anionic surfactants include sulphates and sulphonates, in particular, linear alkylbenzenesulphonates (“LAS”), isomers of LAS, branched alkylbenzenesulphonates (“BABS”), phenylalkanesulphonates, a-olefinsulphonates (“AOS”), olefin sulphonates, alkene sulphonates, alkane-2,3-diylbis(sulphates), hydroxyalkanesulphonates and disulphonates, alkyl sulphates (“AS”) such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (“SDS”), fatty alcohol sulphates (“FAS”), primary alcohol sulphates (“PAS”), alcohol ethersulphates (“AES” or “AEOS” or “FES”, also known as alcohol ethoxysulphates or fatty alcohol ether sulphates) such as sodium dodecylpoly(oxyethylene) sulphate (“SLES”), secondary alkanesulphonates (“SAS”), paraffin sulphonates (“PS”), ester sulphonates, sulphonated fatty acid glycerol esters, a-sulpho fatty acid methyl esters (“a-SFMe” or “SES”) including methyl ester sulphonate (“MES”), alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid, dodecenyl / tetradecenyl succinic acid (“DTSA”), fatty acid derivatives of amino acids, diesters and monoesters of sulfo-succinic acid or soap, and combinations thereof.

[0142] 1. 1.2.3 Amphotheric surfactants

[0143] In case the composition ZG comprises amphotheric surfactants, it is preferred that these amphotheric surfactants are those surface-active compounds which carry at least one quaternary ammonium group and at least one -COO - or -SOs- group in the molecule. Particularly preferred amphoteric surfactants in this connection are betaine surfactants such as alkyl- or alkylamidopropylbetaines. In particular, betaines such as the A / -alkyl-A / ,A / -dimethylammonium glycinates, e.g. the cocoalkyldimethylammonium glycinate, A / -acylaminopropyl- A / ,A / -dimethylammonium glycinates, e.g. the cocoacylaminopropyldimethylammonium glycinate, the Ci2-Ci8-alkyldimethylacetobetaine, the cocoamidopropyldimethylacetobetaine, 2-alkyl- 3-carboxymethyl-3-hydroxyethylimidazolines and sulphobetaines having in each case 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl or acyl group, and also the cocoacylaminoethylhydroxyethylcarboxymethyl glycinate are preferred here. A particularly preferred zwitterionic surfactant is the A / ,A / -dimethyl-A / -(lauroylamidopropyl)ammoniumacetobetaine known under the INCI name Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

[0144] Further suitable amphoteric surfactants are formed by the group of amphoacetates and amphodiacetates, in particular, for example, coco- or laurylamphoacetates or -diacetates, the group of amphopropionates and amphodipropionates, and the group of amino acid-based surfactants such as acyl glutamates, in particular disodium cocoyl glutamate and sodium cocoyl glutamate, acyl glycinates, in particular cocoyl glycinates, and acyl sarcosinates, in particular ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate and sodium cocoyl sarcosinate.

[0145] Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants include betaine, alkyldimethylbetaine, sulfobetaine.

[0146] 1. 1.2.4 Cationic surfactants

[0147] Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include alklydimethylethanolamine quat (“ADMEAQ”), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (“CTAB”), dimethyldistearylammonium chloride (“DSDMAC”), and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium, alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, alkoxylated quaternary ammonium (“AQA”) compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0148] Non-limiting examples of non-ionic surfactants include alcohol ethoxylates (“AE” or “AEO”), alcohol propoxylates, propoxylated fatty alcohols (“PFA”), alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, such as ethoxylated and / or propoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, alkylphenol ethoxylates (“APE”), nonylphenol ethoxylates (“NPE”), alkylpolyglycosides (“APG”), alkoxylated amines, fatty acid monoethanolamides (“FAM”), fatty acid diethanolamides (“FADA”), ethoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamides (“EFAM”), polyglycerol esters, glaycerol esters, propoxylated fatty acid monoethanolamides (“PFAM”), polyhydroxy alkyl fatty acid amides, or A / -acyl A / -alkyl derivatives of glucosamine (glucamides, “GA”, or fatty acid glucamide, “FAGA”), as well as products available under the trade names “SPAN” and “TWEEN”, and combinations thereof.

[0149] 1.1.2.5 Enzymes

[0150] Composition ZG may also comprise at least one enzyme E. This is especially useful in those cases where composition ZG is applied as laundry composition, i.e. in those cases where O is a woven or non-woven.

[0151] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one enzyme E, it is further preferred that the enzyme E is selected from the group consisting of protease, amylase, cellulase, mannanase, lipase, cutinase, pectate lyase, peroxidase, oxidase, laccase. It is even more preferred that the at least one enzyme E is selected from the group consisting of protease, amylase, lipase, mannanase. Most preferred, the at least one enzyme E is a lipase.

[0152] In case the composition ZG comprises at least one enzyme E, it is preferred that the amount of all enzymes E in the composition ZG is in the range of 0.1 to 4 wt.-% per the total weight of composition ZG.

[0153] 1.1.2.5.1 Cellulases

[0154] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one cellulase, suitable cellulases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Suitable cellulases include cellulases from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Humicola, Fusarium, Thielavia, Acremonium, e.g., the fungal cellulases produced from Humicola insolens, Myceliophthora thermophila and Fusarium oxysporum disclosed in US 4,435,307 A, US 5,648,263 A, US 5,691 ,178 A, US 5,776,757 A and WO 89 / 09259 A1 .

[0155] Especially suitable cellulases are the alkaline or neutral cellulases having color care benefits. Examples of such cellulases are cellulases described in EP 0 495 257 A1 , WO 91 / 17243 A1 , WO 96 / 11262 A1 , WO 96 / 29397 A1 , WO 98 / 08940 A1 . Other examples are cellulase variants such as those described in WO 94 / 07998 A1 , WO 91 / 17244 A1 , US 5,457,046 A, US 5,686,593 A, US 5,763,254 A, WO 95 / 24471 A1 , WO 98 / 12307 A1 and WO 99 / 01544 A1.

[0156] Example of cellulases exhibiting endo-beta-1 ,4-glucanase activity (EC 3.2.1.4) are those having described in WO 02 / 099091 A2. Commercially available cellulases include Celluzyme™, and Carezyme™ (Novozymes A / S), Clazinase™, and Puradax HA™ (Genencor International Inc.), and KAC-500(B)™ (Kao Corporation).

[0157] 1.1.2.5.2 Proteases

[0158] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one protease, suitable proteases include those of bacterial, fungal, plant, viral or animal origin e.g. vegetable or microbial origin. Microbial origin is preferred. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. It may be an alkaline protease, such as a serine protease or a metalloprotease. A serine protease may for example be of the S1 family, such as trypsin, or the S8 family such as subtilisin. A metalloproteases protease may for example be a thermolysin from e.g. family M4 or other metalloprotease such as those from M5, M7 or M8 families.

[0159] The term “subtilases” refers to a sub-group of serine protease according to R.J. Siezen, W.M. de Vos, J.A.M. Leunissen, B.W. Dijkstra, Protein Engineering, Design and Selection 1991 , 4, 719-737 and R.J. Siezen & J.A. Leunissen, Protein Science 1997, 6, 501-523. Serine proteases are a subgroup of proteases characterized by having a serine in the active site, which forms a covalent adduct with the substrate. The subtilases may be divided into 6 sub-divisions, i.e. the Subtilisin family, the Thermitase family, the Proteinase K family, the Lantibiotic peptidase family, the Kexin family and the Pyrolysin family.

[0160] Examples of subtilases are those derived from Bacillus such as Bacillus lentus, B. alkalophilus, B. subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus gibsonii described in: US 7,262,042 B2 and WO 2009 / 021867 A2, and subtilisin lentus, subtilisin Novo, subtilisin Carlsberg, Bacillus licheniformis, subtilisin BPN', subtilisin 309, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 168 described in

[0161] WO 89 / 06279 A1 and protease PD138 described in (WO 93 / 18140 A1). Other useful proteases may be those described in WO 2019 / 105675 A1 , WO 01 / 016285 A2, and WO 02 / 016547 A2. Examples of trypsin-like proteases are trypsin (e.g. of porcine or bovine origin) and the Fusarium protease described in WO 89 / 06270 A1 , WO 94 / 25583 A1 and WO 2005 / 040372 A1 , and the chymotrypsin proteases derived from Cellumonas described in WO 2005 / 052161 A2 and

[0162] WO 2005 / 052146 A2.

[0163] A further preferred protease is the alkaline protease from Bacillus lentus DSM 5483, as described for example in WO 95 / 23221 A1 , and variants thereof which are described in WO 92 / 21760 A2, WO 95 / 23221 A1 , EP 1 921 147 A2 and EP 1 921 148 A2.

[0164] Examples of metalloproteases are the neutral metalloprotease as described in

[0165] WO 2007 / 044993 A2 (Genencor I nt.) such as those derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Examples of useful proteases are the variants described in: WO 92 / 19729 A1 , WO 96 / 34946 A1 , WO 98 / 20115 A1 , WO 98 / 20116 A1 , WO 99 / 11768 A1 , WO 01 / 44452 A1 , WO 03 / 006602 A2, WO 2004 / 03186 A2, WO 2004 / 041979 A2, WO 2007 / 006305 A1 , WO 2011 / 036263 A1 , WO 2011 / 036264 A1 . Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Duralase™, Durazym™, Relase®, Relase® Ultra, Savinase®, Savinase® Ultra, Primase, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase® Ultra, Liquanase® 2.5 L, Ovozyme®, Coronase, Coronase® Ultra, Neutrase®, Everlase® and Esperase® (Novozymes A / S), those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxacai®, Maxapem®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Eraser®, Purafect MA®, Purafect Ox®, Purafect OxP®, Puramax®, Properase®, Ultimase®, FN2®, FN3®, FN4®, Excellase®, Opticlean® and Optimase® (Danisco / DuPont), Axapem™ (Gist-Brocases N.V.), BLAP (sequence shown in Figure 29 of US 5,352,604 A) and variants hereof (Henkel AG) and KAP (Bacillus alkalophilus subtilisin) from Kao.

[0166] A protease preferably comprised in the composition according to the instant invention is Liquanase® 2.5 L.

[0167] 1.1.2.5.3 Lipases and cutinases

[0168] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one of lipase, cutinase, suitable lipases and cutinases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutant enzymes are included. Examples include lipase from Thermomyces, e.g. from T. lanuginosus (previously named Humicola lanuginosa) as described in EP 0258 068 A2 and EP 0 305216 A1 , cutinase from Humicola, e.g. H. insolens (WO 96 / 13580 A1), lipase from strains of Pseudomonas (some of these now renamed to Burkholderia), e.g. P. alcaligenes or

[0169] P. pseudoalcaligenes (EP 0218272 A1), P. cepacia (EP 0 331 376 A2), P. sp. strain SD705 (US 5,827,718 A & US 5,942,431 A), P. wisconsinensis QNO 96 / 12012 A1),

[0170] GDSL-type Streptomyces lipases (WO 2010 / 065455 A2), cutinase from Magnaporthe grisea (WO 2010 / 107560 A2), cutinase from Pseudomonas mendocina (US 5,389,536 A), lipase from Thermobifida fusca (WO 2011 / 084412 A1), Geobacillus stearothermophilus lipase (WO 2011 / 084417 A1), lipase from Bacillus subtilis QNO 2011 / 084599 A1), and lipase from Streptomyces griseus (WO 2011 / 150157 A2) and S. pristinaespiralis (WO 2012 / 137147 A1). Other examples are lipase variants such as those described in EP 0 407 225 A1 , WO 92 / 05249 A1 , WO 94 / 01541 A1 , WO 94 / 25578 A1 , WO 95 / 14783 A1 , WO 95 / 30744 A2, WO 95 / 35381 A1 , WO 95 / 22615 A1 , WO 96 / 00292 A1 , WO 97 / 04079 A1 , WO 97 / 07202 A1 , WO 00 / 34450 A1 , WO 00 / 60063 A1 , WO 01 / 92502 A1 , WO 2007 / 87508 A2, ON 104031899 A and WO 2009 / 109500 A1 .

[0171] Preferred commercial lipase products include Lipolase™, Lipex™; Lipolex™, Lipex™ 100 L Evity and Lipoclean™ (Novozymes A / S), Lumafast (originally from Genencor) and Lipomax (originally from Gist-Brocades).

[0172] A lipase preferably comprised in the composition according to the instant invention is Lipex™ 100 L Evity.

[0173] Still other examples are lipases sometimes referred to as acyltransferases or perhydrolases, e.g. acyltransferases with homology to Candida antarctica lipase A (WO 2010 / 111143 A2), acyltransferase from Mycobacterium smegmatis (WO 2005 / 56782 A2), perhydrolases from the CE 7 family (WO 2009 / 67279 A1), and variants of the Mycobacterium smegmatis perhydrolase in particular the S54V variant used in the commercial product Gentle Power Bleach from Huntsman Textile Effects Pte Ltd (WO 2010 / 100028 A2).

[0174] 1.1.2.5.4 Amylases

[0175] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one amylase, suitable amylases which can be used herein may be an a-amylase or a glucoamylase and may be of bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Amylases include, for example, a-amylases obtained from Bacillus, e.g., a special strain of Bacillus licheniformis, described in more detail in GB 1 ,296,839.

[0176] Suitable amylases include amylases having SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 95 / 10603 A1 or variants having about 90 % sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3 thereof. Preferred variants are described in WO 94 / 02597 A1 , WO 94 / 18314 A1 , WO 97 / 43424 A1 and SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 99 / 19467 A1. Different suitable amylases include amylases having SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 02 / 10355 A2 or variants thereof having about 90% sequence identity thereto.

[0177] Further amylases which are suitable are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 99 / 019467 A1or variants thereof having about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 6.

[0178] Additional amylases which can be used are those having SEQ ID NO: 1 , SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 7 of WO 96 / 23873 A1 or variants thereof having 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 , SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 7.

[0179] Other amylases which can be used are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2008 / 153815 A1 , SEQ ID NO: 10 in WO 01 / 66712 A2 or variants thereof having about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2008 / 153815 A1 or about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 10 in WO 01 / 66712 A2.

[0180] Further suitable amylases are amylases having SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2009 / 061380 A2 or variants having about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 thereof.

[0181] Other suitable amylases are the a-amylase having SEQ ID NO: 12 in WO 01 / 66712 A2 or a variant having at least about 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12.

[0182] Other examples are amylase variants such as those described in WO 2011 / 098531 A1 , WO 2013 / 001078 A1 and WO 2013 / 001087 A2.

[0183] Commercially available amylases are Amplify™ Prime 100 L, Duramyl™, Termamyl™, Fungamyl™, Stainzyme™, Stainzyme Plus™, Natalase™, Liquozyme X and BAN™ (from Novozymes A / S), and Rapidase™, Purastar™ / Effectenz™, Powerase and Preferenz S100 (from Genencor International Inc. / DuPont).

[0184] Amplify™ Prime 100 L is preferably comprised in the composition ZG according to the instant invention.

[0185] 1.1.2.5.5 Peroxidases / oxidases In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one peroxidase or oxidase, suitable peroxidases / oxidases include those of plant, bacterial or fungal origin. Chemically modified or protein engineered mutants are included. Examples of useful peroxidases include peroxidases from Coprinus, e.g., from C. cinereus, and variants thereof as those described in WO 93 / 24618 A1 , WO 95 / 10602 A1 , and WO 98 / 15257 A1 .

[0186] Commercially available peroxidases include Guardzyme™ (Novozymes A / S). The detergent enzyme(s) may be included in a detergent composition by adding separate additives containing one or more enzymes, or by adding a combined additive comprising all of these enzymes. A detergent additive as contemplated herein, i.e., a separate additive or a combined additive, can be formulated, for example, as a granulate, liquid, slurry, etc. Preferred detergent additive formulations are granulates, in particular non-dusting granulates, liquids, in particular stabilized liquids, or slurries.

[0187] Non-dusting granulates may be produced, e.g., as disclosed in US 4,106,991 A and US 4,661 ,452 A and may optionally be coated by methods known in the art. Examples of waxy coating materials are poly(ethylene oxide) products (polyethyleneglycol, PEG) with mean molar weights of from about 1000 to about 20000; ethoxylated nonylphenols having from 16 to 50 ethylene oxide units; ethoxylated fatty alcohols in which the alcohol contains from 12 to 20 carbon atoms and in which there are 15 to 80 ethylene oxide units; fatty alcohols; fatty acids; and mono- and di- and triglycerides of fatty acids. Examples of film-forming coating materials suitable for application by fluid bed techniques are given in GB 1483591. Liquid enzyme preparations may, for instance, be stabilized by adding a polyol such as propylene glycol, a sugar or sugar alcohol, lactic acid or boric acid according to established methods. Protected enzymes may be prepared according to the method disclosed in EP 0 238 216 A1 .

[0188] 1.1.2.5.6 Mannanases

[0189] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one mannanase, mannanases which are particularly preferred according to the invention are mannanases which are sold, for example, under the trade names Mannaway® by the company Novozymes or Purabrite® by the company Genencor. A mannanase preferably comprised in the composition according to the instant invention is Mannaway® 4.0 L.

[0190] 1. 1.2.6 Builders

[0191] Composition ZG may also comprise at least one builder Bz. This is especially useful in those cases where composition ZG is applied as laundry composition, i.e. in those cases where O is a woven or non-woven. In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one builder Bz, the amount of all builders Bz in composition ZG is preferably between 0.1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%, preferably 1 to 7 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of composition ZG.

[0192] The builder Bz may particularly be a chelating agent that forms water-soluble complexes with calcium and magnesium. Non-limiting examples of builders Bz include zeolites, diphosphates (pyrophosphates), triphosphates such as sodium triphosphate (“STP” or “STPP”), carbonates such as sodium carbonate, soluble silicates such as sodium metasilicate, layered silicates (e.g., SKS-6 from Hoechst), ethanolamines such as 2-aminoethan-1-ol (“MEA”), diethanolamine (“DEA”, also known as iminodiethanol), triethanolamine (“TEA”, also known as 2,2',2"-nitrilotriethanol) , and carboxymethyl inulin (“CMI”), and combinations thereof.

[0193] Non-limiting examples of builders Bz include homopolymers of polyacrylates or copolymers thereof, such as poly(acrylic acid) (“PAA”) or copoly(acrylic acid / maleic acid) (“PAA / PMA”). Further nonlimiting examples of builders Bz include polyaspartic acids and polyglutamic acids and their salts, citrates, ascorbic acid chelators such as aminocarboxylates, aminopolycarboxylates, like A / ,A / -dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid and methylglycine A / ,A / -diacetic acid, and phosphonates, and alkyl- or alkenylsuccinic acid. Additional specific examples of builders Bz include 2,2’,2”-nitrilotriacetic acid (“NTA”), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (“EDTA”), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (“DTPA”), iminodisuccinic acid (“IDS”), ethylenediamine- A / ,A / ’-disuccinic acid (“EDDS”), glutamic acid-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“GLDA”), 1-hydroxyethane-1 ,1- diphosphonic acid (“HEDP”), ethylenediaminetetra-(methylenephosphonic acid) (“EDTMPA”), diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylenephosphonic acid) (“DTPMPA” or “DTMPA”), N-(2- hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“EDG”), aspartic acid-AZ-monoacetic acid (“ASMA”), aspartic acid- A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“ASDA”), aspartic acid-AZ-monopropionic acid (“ASMP”), iminodisuccinic acid (“IDA”), A / -(2-sulfomethyl)-aspartic acid (“SMAS”), A / -(2-sulfoethyl)-aspartic acid (“SEAS”), A / -(2- sulfomethyl)-glutamic acid (“SMGL”), A / -(2-sulfoethyl)-glutamic acid (“SEGL”), AZ- methyliminodiacetic acid (“MIDA”), a-alanine-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“a-ALDA”), serine-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“SEDA”), isoserine-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“ISDA”), phenylalanine-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“PHDA”), anthranilic acid-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“ANDA”), sulfanilic acid-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“SLDA”), ta urine- AZ, AZ- diacetic acid (“TUDA”) and sulfomethyl-A / ,A / -diacetic acid (“SMDA”), A / -(2-hydroxyethyl)- ethylidenediamine-A / ,A / ',A / '-triacetate (“HEDTA”), diethanolglycine (“DEG”), diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic acid) (“DTPMP”), aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (“ATMP”), and combinations and salts thereof.

[0194] Preferred builder Bz comprised in the composition ZG according to the instant invention are selected from the group of aminopolycarboxylates, like A / ,A / -dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid and methylglycine A / ,A / -diacetic acid, citrates, polyaspartic acids and polyglutamic acids and their salts.

[0195] 1.1.2.7 Solvents In a preferred embodiment, composition ZG may comprise at least one solvent selected from water or non-aqueous solvent, preferably non-aqueous solvent. Suitable non-aqueous solvents include monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines or glycol ethers, provided they are miscible with water in the specified concentration range. The solvents are preferably selected from ethanol, n-propanol, / so-propanol, butanols, glycol, propanediol, butanediol, glycerine, diglycol, propyldiglycol, butyldiglycol, hexylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol propyl ether, n-butyl glycol ether, ethylene glycol mono-glycol ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol propyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monomethyl ether, diisopropylene glycol monoethyl ether, methoxy triglycol, ethoxy triglycol, butoxy triglycol, 1 -butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, n-butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, di- butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-butyl-3-methoxyether solvents, and mixtures of these solvents, butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-buty l-3-butyl ether, propyl glycol, di-octanol ether, di-butoxy-2- propanol, 3-butyl-3-butylether, propanol, propylenglycol, di-butoxyethoxy-2- propanol, di- butoxyethoxy-2-propanol, 3-butoxy-3-methoxyether solvents, diisopropylene glycol monomethylether, diisopropylene glycol monomethylether, and mixtures of these solvents. In case composition ZG is a surfactant preparation, it preferably contains a polyol as the non-aqueous solvent. The polyol can comprise glycerol, 1 ,2-propanediol, 1 ,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and / or dipropylene glycol.

[0196] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one non-aqueous solvent, the amount of all non-aqueous solvent in composition ZG is preferably between 0.5 wt.-% to 15 wt.-%, preferably 1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of composition ZG.

[0197] 1. 1.2.8 Preservatives

[0198] In a preferred embodiment, composition ZG may comprise at least one preservative. Exemplary preservatives include phenoxyethanol, sodium levulinate, sodium benzoate, p-anisic acid, potassium sorbate, benzoic acid, glyceryl caprylate, capryl glycol, penthylene glycol, methyl propane diol, bronopol, isothiazolinone (methylisothiazolinone, chloromethylisothiazolinone).

[0199] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one preservative, the amount of all preservatives in composition ZG is preferably between 0.001 wt.-% to 2 wt.-%, preferably 0.01 to 0.1 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of composition ZG.

[0200] 1. 1.2.9 Benefit agent In a preferred embodiment, composition ZG may comprise at least one encapsulate comprising a benefit agent, preferably a sensorial benefit agent. The preferred benefit agent is a perfume. A benefit agent may be provided in an encapsulate. The composition ZG may also comprise an unconfined (also called non-encapsulated) benefit agent, for example a volatile benefit agent. Where the volatile benefit agent is a perfume, the perfumes are suitable for use as the encapsulated volatile benefit agent and also as the unconfined perfume component.

[0201] Preferred encapsulates in this context comprise shear / pressu re-sensitive action encapsulates, whereby the sensorial benefit agent is released in response to mechanical force (e.g., friction, pressure, shear stress) on the encapsulate. The encapsulate shell is preferably comprised of materials including but not limited to polyurethane, polyamide, polyolefin, polysaccharide, protein, silicone, lipid, modified cellulose, gums, polyacrylate, polyphosphate, polystyrene, polyesters or combinations of these materials. Preferably the benefit agent is a sensorial benefit agent, a skin benefit agent or an olfactory benefit agent and / or may be a volatile benefit agent. Sensorial benefit agents may also have benefits for hair and / or hard surfaces and / or fabrics. The sensorial benefit may have anti-foam properties, and as such it is advantageous for foaming purposes that it is encapsulated so as not interfering with the foam until release by rubbing. Suitable volatile benefit agents include but are not limited to perfumes, insect repellents, essential oils, sensates such as menthol and aromatherapy actives, preferably perfumes. Mixtures of volatile benefit agents may be used.

[0202] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one benefit agent, the total amount of benefit agent is preferably from 0.01 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.05 wt.-% to 5 wt.-%, even more preferably from 0.1 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.15 wt.-% to 4.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition ZG.

[0203] 1. 1.2. 10 Polymers

[0204] In a preferred embodiment, composition ZG may comprise at least one polymer for use in detergents that are different from the polymers described before. The polymer may function as a co-builder as mentioned above, or may provide a further antiredeposition effect or one function selected from fiber protection, soil release, dye transfer inhibition, viscosity modifiers, grease cleaning and / or anti-foaming properties. Exemplary polymers include (carboxymethyl)cellulose (“CMC”), poly(vinyl alcohol) (“PVA”), polyvinylpyrrolidone) (“PVP”), poly(ethyleneglycol) or polyethylene oxide) (“PEG”), ethoxylated poly(ethyleneimine), carboxymethyl inulin (“CMI”), and polycarboxylates such as PAA, PAA / PMA, poly-aspartic acid, and lauryl methacrylate / acrylic acid copolymers, hydrophobically modified CMC (“HM-CMC”) and silicones, copolymers of terephthalic acid and oligomeric glycols, copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(oxyethene terephthalate) (“PET-POET”), PVP, poly(vinylimidazole) (“PVI”), poly(vinylpyridine-A / -oxide) (“PVPO” or “PVPNO”) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinylimidazole (“PVPVI”). Further exemplary polymers include sulfonated polycarboxylates, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide (“PEO- PPO”) and diquaternium ethoxy sulfate. Other exemplary polymers are disclosed in, e.g., WO 2006 / 130575 A2. Salts of the above-mentioned polymers are also contemplated.

[0205] Preferably a composition ZG according to the instant invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one selected from anti-redeposition polymers and soil release polymers, with soil release polymers being preferred. This has the technical effect, that the cleaning capabilities of the composition according to the instant invention is even more enhanced. It is preferred in the context of the instant invention, that the anti-redeposition polymer or soil release polymer is selected from the group consisting of modified cellulose, preferably carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate and methylcellulose, modified starch, modified inulin, preferably carboxy methyl inulin, polyitaconic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol, with carboxymethylcellulose and methylcellulose being most preferred.

[0206] Further preferred soil release polymers are water soluble polyesters as for example from the TexCare® range commercially available under the name TexCare SRN 260, TexCare SRN 170, TexCare SRN 260 Life and combinations thereof, as well, as the soil release polymers disclosed in WO 2016 / 075178 A1 , WO 2016 / 075179 A1 , EP 3 489 340 A1 and EP 3 489 338 A1 . Further preferred soil release polymers are selected from carboxy methyl inulins. A commercial example is CarboxylineOCMI.

[0207] EP 1 746 109 A2 discloses hybrid polymers of amylose and acrylates, that can also advantageously used in the composition of the instant invention as soil release polymers. A commercial example for this type of soil release polymers is Alcoguard® H 5941.

[0208] Non-limiting examples of biopolymers including: starch, like e.g. corn starch, zea mays starch and tapioca starch, modified starch, like e.g. starch hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride and hydrolyzed corn starch, cellulose, bacterial cellulose, modified cellulose, like e.g. microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, guar gum, pectin, inulin, carrageenan, alginate, galactoarabinan, polycitronellol, carboxymethyl inulin, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyitaconic acid and combinations and salts thereof.

[0209] In those embodiments where composition ZG comprises at least one polymer, the amount of all polymers in composition ZG is preferably between 0.05 wt.-% to 8 wt.-%, preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of composition ZG.

[0210] 1. 1.2.11 Other Additives

[0211] In a preferred embodiment, composition ZG may comprise at least one further additives selected from the group consisting of bleaching systems, anti-redeposition aids, fibre protection agents, soil release agents, dye transfer inhibitors, fabric hueing agents, blueing dyes, enzyme stabilizing agents like boric acid, pH-regulators, emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners / viscosity regulators / stabilizers, UV photoprotective filters, antioxidants, hydrotropes (or polyols), solids and fillers, film formers, pearlescent additives, deodorant and antiperspirant active ingredients, insect repellents, self-tanning agents, preservatives, conditioners, perfumes, dyes, odour absorbers, cosmetic active ingredients, care additives, superfatting agents, solvents, malodor removers.

[0212] Substances which can be used as exemplary representatives of the individual groups are known to the person skilled in the art and can be found for example in US 2011 / 0091399 A1 .

[0213] As regards further optional components and the amounts of these components used, reference is made expressly to the relevant handbooks known to the person skilled in the art, for example K. Schrader, “Grundlagen und Rezepturen der Kosmetika [Fundamentals and Formulations of Cosmetics]”, 2nd edition, page 329 to 341 , Huthig Buch Verlag Heidelberg.

[0214] The amounts of the respective additives are dependent on the intended use.

[0215] Typical guide formulations for the respective applications are known prior art and are contained for example in the brochures of the manufacturers of the respective base materials and active ingredients. These existing formulations can generally be adopted unchanged. If required, however, the desired modifications can be undertaken without complication by means of simple experiments for the purposes of adaptation and optimization.

[0216] 1.1.2. 12 Form of composition ZG

[0217] The form in which composition ZG is provided in step a. depends on the area of use.

[0218] In particular in those cases, where composition ZG is a detergent composition, i.e. in those cases where O is a woven or non-woven article A or where article A is crockery (e.g. dishes, cups) or cutlery, composition ZG may be in any convenient form, e.g., a bar, a homogenous tablet, a tablet having two or more layers, a pouch having one or more compartments, a regular or compact powder, a granule, a paste, a gel, or a regular, compact or concentrated liquid. There are a number of detergent formulation forms such as layers (same or different phases), pouches, as well as forms for machine dosing unit.

[0219] Pouches can be configured as single or multi-compartments. It can be of any form, shape and material which is suitable for holding the composition, e.g. without allowing the release of the composition from the pouch prior to water contact. The pouch is made from water soluble film which encloses an inner volume. Said inner volume can be divided into compartments of the pouch. Preferred films are polymeric materials preferably polymers which are formed into a film or sheet. Preferred polymers, copolymers or derivates thereof are selected polyacrylates, and water soluble acrylate copolymers, methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, sodium dextrin, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, maltodextrin, poly methacrylates, most preferably polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (“HPMC”). Preferably the level of polymer in the film, for example PVA, is at least about 60%. Preferred average molecular weight will typically be from about 20,000 g / mol to about 150,000 g / mol. Films can also be of blend compositions comprising hydrolytically degradable and water soluble polymer blends such as polyactide and polyvinyl alcohol (known under the Trade reference M8630 as sold by Chris Craft In. Prod. Of Gary, Ind., US) plus plasticisers like glycerol, ethylene glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol and mixtures thereof. The pouches can comprise a solid laundry detergent composition or part components and / or a liquid cleaning composition or part components separated by the water-soluble film. The compartment for liquid components can be different in composition than compartments containing solids, see for example US 2009 / 0011970 A1 . Detergent ingredients can be separated physically from each other by compartments in water dissolvable pouches or in different layers of tablets. Thereby negative storage interaction between components can be avoided. Different dissolution profiles of each of the compartments can also give rise to delayed dissolution of selected components in the wash solution.

[0220] In those cases where composition ZG is a detergent composition for body, i.e. in which O is the human or animal body B, according to the instant invention, composition ZG can be in form of a laundry soap bar and used for hand washing laundry, fabrics and / or textiles. The term laundry soap bar includes laundry bars, soap bars, combo bars, syndet bars and detergent bars. The types of bar usually differ in the type of surfactant they contain, and the term laundry soap bar includes those containing soaps from fatty acids and / or synthetic soaps. The laundry soap bar has a physical form which is solid and not a liquid, gel or a powder at room temperature. The term solid is defined as a physical form which does not significantly change over time, i.e. if a solid object (e.g. laundry soap bar) is placed inside a container, the solid object does not change to fill the container it is placed in. The bar is a solid typically in bar form but can be in other solid shapes such as round or oval.

[0221] Composition ZG, in particular in those embodiments where it is a detergent composition for household care, can be formulated as a granular detergent as described in WO 2009 / 092699 A1 , EP 1 705241 A1 , EP 1 382 668 A1 , WO 2007 / 001262 A1 , US 6,472,364 B1 , WO 2004 / 074419 A2 or WO 2009 / 102854 A1 .

[0222] Nevertheless, in those cases where composition ZG is a detergent composition for body, i.e. in which O is the human or animal body B, according to the instant invention, composition ZG preferably is in the form of a liquid or gel detergent. This may be aqueous, typically containing at least 20 wt.-% water, with the percentages referring to the total composition ZG. Other types of liquids, including without limitation, alkanols, amines, diols, ethers and polyols may be included in an aqueous liquid or gel. An aqueous liquid or gel detergent composition may contain from 0-30 wt.-% organic solvent, with the percentages referring to the total composition. A liquid or gel detergent may be non-aqueous. In those embodiments, composition ZG according to the invention is characterized in that the pH of the composition at 25 °C is from 3.0 to 9.0, preferably from 4.0 to 7.0 and particularly preferably from 5.0 to 6.6.

[0223] 1.2 Step b.

[0224] In step b. according to the method of cleaning of the first aspect of the invention, water W is provided. The provision of water W may be carried out according the skilled person’s knowledge and depends on the context in which the method according to the first aspect of the invention is carried out.

[0225] For example, in those embodiments where O is an article A selected from woven, non-woven, crockery, cutlery, and the method is carried out in a washing machine or dishwasher, respectively, the water W may simply be provided through the water tap to which the respective machine is connected.

[0226] Likewise, in those embodiments where O is a human or animal body B, and in particular a part of the body selected from skin and hair is cleaned, the water W may simply be provided through the water tap to which the respective tap (e.g. shower head) is connected.

[0227] The characteristic feature of the invention lies in the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in steps c. and d, which concentration is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l.

[0228] M is a metal and n is an integer and n > 2, preferably in the range of from 2 to 7.

[0229] “Ions Mn+” are all cations (i.e. positively charged) metal ions with a positive charge of 2 or more, preferably a charge in the range of from 2 to 7.

[0230] Hence, the concentrations of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is not in particular limited, as long as the concentration of the all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in steps c. and d. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l. For example, in those embodiments where composition ZG comprises ions Mn+, the concentration of Mn+in the water W provided in step b. must be so that after mixing in step c., the concentration of Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l. An embodiment where ZG comprises ions Mn+is where at least a part of the glucolipids G comprised by ZG are present as salts of earth alkaline ions such as Ca2+, Mg2+.

[0231] Nevertheless, in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to

[0232] 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to

[0233] 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably 0.85 mmol / l to

[0234] 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.87 mmol / l to

[0235] 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to

[0236] 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1.00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1.25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably

[0237] 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0238] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0239] Hence, in this particular embodiment, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0240] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0241] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0242] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0243] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0244] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0245] 2.67 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0246] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0247] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0248] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0249] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0250] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0251] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0252] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0253] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0254] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0255] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0256] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0257] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0258] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0259] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0260] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0261] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0262] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0263] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0264] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0265] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0266] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0267] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0268] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0269] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0270] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0271] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0272] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0273] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1.00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0274] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0275] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0276] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1 .25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0277] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0278] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0279] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0280] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0281] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0282] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1 .25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0283] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0284] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0285] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0286] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0287] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0288] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0289] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0290] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0291] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0292] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0293] 2.67 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1.783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0294] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0295] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0296] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0297] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0298] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0299] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0300] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to

[0301] 2.67 mmol / l.

[0302] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0303] 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l.

[0304] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 2.67 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0305] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0306] In a further preferred embodiment, of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.53 mmol / l to 3.57 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.21 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .6 mmol / l to 3.1 mmol / l, wherein it is preferred in each case that the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded.

[0307] It is preferred that at least 50 % of all ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. are earth alkaline metal ions, even more preferred at least 60 %, even more preferred at least 70 %, even more preferred at least 80 %, even more preferred at least 90 %, even more preferred at least 99 %, even more preferred essentially 100 % of all ions Mn+in the mixture MG are earth alkaline metal ions.

[0308] Preferably, at least a part of the ions Mn+in the water W provided in step b. that are different from earth alkaline metal ions are selected from the group consisting of iron, aluminium, manganese.

[0309] Preferably, the pH of water W provided in step b. at 25 °C is from 3.5 to 9, preferably from 5 to 9, preferably from 6 to 9, and particularly preferably from 7 to 8.

[0310] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the weight of water W provided in step b., relative to the weight of all glucolipids G provided in step a., is in the range of from 1 : 10 to 10000 : 1 , preferably 1 : 1 to 1000 : 1 , more preferably 10 : 1 to 100 : 1 .

[0311] 1.3 Step c.

[0312] In step c. of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the water W and the composition ZG are mixed, and an aqueous mixture MG comprising at least one glucolipid G is obtained. The mixture MG comprises water W, and preferably it is an aqueous solution of the at least one glucolipid G.

[0313] The concentration of the at least one glucolipid in the mixture MG that is obtained in step c. is not particularly limited. It is, however, preferred, that the concentration of all glucolipids G in the water W of mixture MG that is obtained in step c. is in the range of from 0.01 wt.-% to 30 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of from 0.1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%, even more preferably in the range of from 0.5 wt.-% to 5 wt.-%, even more preferably of from 1 wt.-% to 2.5 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the water W comprised by mixture Melt is a characteristic feature of the method according to the first aspect of the invention that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step c. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably

[0314] 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably

[0315] 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .25 mmol / l to < 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably

[0316] 1 .70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably

[0317] 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l..

[0318] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges.

[0319] In this particular embodiment, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step c. is not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, more preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0320] “M” is a metal, “n” gives the amount of positive charges of the metal M.

[0321] “Ions Mn+” are all cations (i.e. positively charged) metal ions with a positive charge of 2 or more, preferably a charge in the range of from 2 to 7.

[0322] In a further preferred embodiment, of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step c. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.53 mmol / l to 3.57 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.21 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .6 mmol / l to 3.1 mmol / l, wherein it is preferred in each case that the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded.

[0323] Namely, it was surprisingly found that in this concentration range for Mn+, the dispersing efficiency of glucolipids G is enhanced considerably, as shown in the example section, where the capability to disperse an inorganic substance which is a typical representative of an impurity, namely kaolin, was investigated.

[0324] This is highly advantageous for a cleaning process, since the dispersion efficiency reflects the ability to prevent redeposition of impurities on O to be cleaned during the cleaning process. This was even more surprising, as structurally related compounds such as rhamnolipids were found to not display the same dispersing potential over such a large concentration range of Mn+to the same extent as glucolipids G.

[0325] Namely, it was surprisingly found that in case of glucolipids G, and in contrast to other biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids, the concentration of these metals in the aqueous mixture MG, which is in particular an aqueous solution, highly influences the dispersing and hence the cleaning effect. This finding was even more surprising, as the concentration of monovalent metal cations, such as alkaline metals, in the mixture MG did not have such effect on the dispersing efficiency of the glucolipid G.

[0326] Preferably, the pH of water W in mixture MG obtained in step c. at 25 °C is from 3.5 to 9, preferably from 5 to 9, preferably from 6 to 9, and particularly preferably from 7 to 8.

[0327] It is preferred that at least 50 % of all ions Mn+in the mixture MG are earth alkaline metal ions, even more preferred at least 60 %, even more preferred at least 70 %, even more preferred at least 80 %, even more preferred at least 90 %, even more preferred at least 99 %, even more preferred essentially 100 % of all ions Mn+in the mixture MG are earth alkaline metal ions.

[0328] Preferably, at least a part of the ions Mn+that are different from earth alkaline metal ions are selected from the group consisting of iron, aluminium, manganese.

[0329] The mixing of the composition ZG with the water W is not particularly limited, as long as a mixture MG results in which the concentration of the ions Mn+is in the specified range.

[0330] For example, in case the method according to the first aspect of the invention is carried out in a device D which is selected from a dishwasher, in those embodiments where O is crockery or cutlery, or a washing machine, in those embodiments where O is woven or non-woven, the composition ZG is provided in the detergent compartment (corresponding to step a.), while water W is provided during the wash (corresponding to step b.). ZG and W are then mixed (corresponding to step c.), for example in the wash drum of the washing machine.

[0331] 1.4 Step d.

[0332] In step d. of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, O is contacted with the aqueous mixture Melt is a characteristic feature of the method according to the first aspect of the invention that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to

[0333] 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.86 mmol / l to

[0334] 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably 0.88 mmol / l to

[0335] 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .00 mmol / l to

[0336] 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .25 mmol / l to < 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1.783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0337] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges.

[0338] In this particular embodiment, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., preferably in steps c. and d., is not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, more preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0339] Hence, in this particular embodiment, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to

[0340] 5.17 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0341] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0342] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0343] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0344] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0345] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0346] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0347] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0348] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0349] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0350] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0351] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0352] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0353] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0354] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0355] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0356] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0357] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0358] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0359] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0360] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0361] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0362] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0363] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0364] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0365] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0366] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0367] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0368] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from

[0369] 1.52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0370] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0371] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0372] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0373] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0374] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0375] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 1.96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0376] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0377] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0378] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0379] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to

[0380] 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l.

[0381] In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 2.67 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0382] “M” is a metal, “n” gives the amount of positive charges of the metal M.

[0383] “Ions Mn+” are all cations (i.e. positively charged) metal ions with a positive charge of 2 or more, preferably a charge in the range of from 2 to 7.

[0384] In a further preferred embodiment, of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step d., in particular in steps c. and d., is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.53 mmol / l to 3.57 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.21 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .6 mmol / l to 3.1 mmol / l, , wherein it is preferred in each case that the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded.

[0385] “Contacting O with MG” is a further essential feature of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. This is to be understood as meaning that at least a part of the surface of O and the aqueous mixture MG are in direct contact.

[0386] In the context of the present invention “in direct contact” is to be understood as meaning “wetting” of O with the mixture MG- It will be appreciated that O and the mixture MG are thus in direct contact at a contact surface of O.

[0387] In a preferred embodiment of step d. of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, O is at least partially immersed into the mixture Mein an even more preferred embodiment, O is moved in mixture MG during step d.

[0388] The method according to the first aspect of the present invention is a cleaning method. This means in particular that during step d., at least one impurity I which is absorbed or adsorbed on O is at least partially desorbed and thus removed from O and dispersed or dissolved, in particular dispersed, in mixture MG- In other words: in step d., the mixture MG is brought in direct contact with at least a part of the surface of O, onto which at least one impurity I is absorbed or adsorbed, so that the at least one impurity I is at least partially desorbed and thus removed from O and dispersed or dissolved, in particular dispersed, in mixture MG- While the mixture MG has both a dissolving and dispersing effect on the impurity I, it is shown that it is the dispersing effect which is surprisingly enhanced. A skilled person knows that a “dispersed” impurity I is typically present heterogeneously in mixture MG, meaning that impurity I and mixture MG constitute different phases, in particular impurity I as solid and mixture MG as liquid. A “dissolved” impurity I is typically present homogeneously in mixture MG, meaning that impurity I and mixture MG form one phase. Therefore, in particular, after step d., a mixture MG is obtained wherein in the water W comprised by mixture MG, at least one impurity I in dissolved or dispersed, preferably dispersed.

[0389] The concentration of impurities I in the water W comprised by mixture MG obtained after step d. is higher than in the water comprised by mixture MG that is obtained in step c. and employed in step d. In a preferred embodiment, the mixture MG that is obtained in step c. and employed in step d. is essentially free of impurity I.

[0390] Preferably, the mixture MG that is obtained in step d. is a dispersion, in which the at least one impurity I is the dispersed phase in the water W comprised by mixture MG-

[0391] The gist of the present invention lies in the fact that the redeposition of these impurities I from the mixture MG onto O during step d. is minimized to a surprising degree due to the surprisingly improved dispersing effect of the at least one glucolipid G in the water W (i.e. the aqueous phase) of mixture MG-

[0392] The impurity I may either be in the form of a liquid (e.g. droplet) or a particle, and preferably is a particle.

[0393] In a preferred embodiment, the impurity I is at least one impurity which may be inorganic or organic, in particular inorganic, preferably clay, more preferably kaolin.

[0394] Organic impurities are preferably selected from oils and fats, which may be of vegetable, animal or synthetic origin, food based particles, soil, pollen, sebum, body fluids, for example, blood, sperm, sweat, urine, feces, liquor.

[0395] Inorganic impurities are preferably selected from the group consisting of carbon black, fine dust, plastic particles (e.g. microplastic particles), metal oxides (preferably iron oxide), silica (such as sand), clay, dyes (such as pigments), more preferably clay, in particular kaolin.

[0396] If O is an article A, it is preferred that the temperature of the aqueous mixture MG in step d. is in a range of from 10 °C to < 100 °C, in particular of from 20 °C to 95 °C, preferably of from 25 °C to 65 °C, more preferably of from 30 °C to 45 °C.

[0397] If O is a human or animal body B, and preferably in those embodiments where a part of B selected from skin, hair, is cleaned, it is preferred that the temperature of the aqueous mixture MG in step d. is in a range of from 15 °C to 45 °C, in particular of from 20 °C to 40 °C, preferably of from 25 °C to 35 °C.

[0398] In a further preferred embodiment, step d. is carried out for at least 1 second (“second” = “s”), preferably at least 10 s, preferably for at least 1 minute (“minute” = “min”), more preferably for at least 5 min, preferably for at least 15 min, more preferably from 15 min to 240 min, more preferably from 30 min to 180 min, more preferably from 45 min to 120 min.

[0399] Preferably, the pH of water W in mixture MG in step d. at 25 °C is from 3.5 to 9, preferably from 5 to 9, preferably from 6 to 9, and particularly preferably from 7 to 8. 1.5 Step e.

[0400] In step e. of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, aqueous mixture MG is at least partially separated from O.

[0401] The separation is, in a preferred embodiment, carried out so that MG is essentially complete separated from O.

[0402] The skilled person is aware of how to carry out this separation in each specific context. Generally, this separation is carried out by withdrawing O from at least a part of mixture MG-

[0403] During step e., O may be subjected to centrifugation (for example in a washing machine).

[0404] 1.6 Optional step f.

[0405] In an optional step f. of the method according to the first aspect of the invention, O is rinsed with further water. This water employed in optional step f. is preferably from the same source as water W provided in step b. In this case, the water W employed in step f. has the same concentration of ions Mn+as the water provided in step b.

[0406] 2. Article A

[0407] In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to an article A, which is in contact with a mixture MG, where the mixture MG comprises at least one glucolipid G and water W, where the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to

[0408] 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably 0.85 mmol / l to

[0409] 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.87 mmol / l to

[0410] 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to

[0411] 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .25 mmol / l to < 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, and wherein the water W comprises at least one impurity I in dissolved or dispersed, preferably dispersed form, wherein M is a metal and n is an integer and n > 2, preferably in the range of from 2 to 7.

[0412] “Ions Mn+” are all cations (i.e. positively charged) metal ions with a positive charge of 2 or more, preferably a charge in the range of from 2 to 7.

[0413] In a particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded from the above ranges.

[0414] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, more preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0415] Hence, in this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0416] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0417] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0418] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0419] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0420] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0421] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0422] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0423] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0424] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0425] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0426] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0427] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0428] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0429] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0430] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0431] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0432] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0433] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0434] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0435] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0436] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0437] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0438] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0439] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0440] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0441] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0442] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0443] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0444] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0445] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0446] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0447] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0448] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0449] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l. In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0450] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0451] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 1.96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0452] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0453] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0454] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

[0455] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, but not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from

[0456] 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l.

[0457] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step c. is in the range of from 2.67 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0458] In this particular embodiment of the second aspect of present invention, it is even more preferred that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in step c. is in the range of from 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l.

[0459] In a further preferred embodiment, the article A is in contact with a mixture MG, where the mixture MG comprises at least one glucolipid G and water W, where the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.53 mmol / l to 3.57 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.21 mmol / l, more preferably 1.6 mmol / l to 3.1 mmol / l, wherein it is preferred in each case that the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l is excluded, in particular the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, preferably the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l is excluded.

[0460] The mixture MG comprises water W, and preferably it is an aqueous solution of the at least one glucolipid G.

[0461] It is preferred that at least 50 % of all ions Mn+in the water W are earth alkaline metal ions, even more preferred at least 60 %, even more preferred at least 70 %, even more preferred at least 80 %, even more preferred at least 90 %, even more preferred at least 99 %, even more preferred essentially 100 % of all ions Mn+in the mixture MG are earth alkaline metal ions.

[0462] Preferably, at least a part of the ions Mn+in the water W that are different from earth alkaline metal ions are selected from the group consisting of iron, aluminium, manganese.

[0463] The article A according to the second aspect of the present invention is a lifeless object and preferably comprises at least one material selected from natural fibre, ceramic, metal, plastic, glass, stone.

[0464] The article A in a preferred embodiment is selected from the group consisting of a woven, a non-woven, a vehicle, crockery, cutlery, food storage containers, furniture, flooring, panelling, paving, domestic machine, garden tool, construction equipment, building for livestock or domestic animal, music instrument, toy, window. The article A, in particular is selected from the group consisting of a woven, non-woven, a vehicle, crockery, cutlery, food storage containers. Preferably, the article A is selected from the group consisting of a woven, non-woven.

[0465] Preferred embodiments of a woven, a non-woven, a vehicle, crockery, cutlery, food storage containers, furniture, flooring, panelling, paving, domestic machine, garden tool, construction equipment, building for livestock or domestic animal, music instrument, toy, window are those described for the article A in the context of the first aspect of the invention.

[0466] The glucolipid G used in the second aspect of the invention is preferably a glucolipid according to formula (I), even more preferably according to formula (II) as disclosed in the context of the first aspect of the invention (point 1.1.1.).

[0467] In the second aspect of the present invention, article A is in contact with the aqueous mixture MG. This is a further essential feature of the second aspect of the invention. This is to be understood as meaning that at least a part of the surface of the article A and the aqueous mixture MG in question are in direct contact.

[0468] In the context of the present invention "in direct contact" is to be understood as meaning "wetting" of the article A with the mixture MG. It will be appreciated that the article A and the mixture MG are thus in direct contact at a contact surface.

[0469] In a preferred embodiment of second aspect of the invention, the article A is at least partially immersed into the mixture MG.

[0470] In the second aspect of the invention, the water W comprises at least one impurity I in dissolved or dispersed, preferably dispersed form.

[0471] The impurity I may either be in the form of a liquid (e.g. droplet) or a particle, and preferably is a particle.

[0472] In a preferred embodiment, the impurity I is at least one impurity which may be inorganic or organic, in particular inorganic, preferably clay, more preferably kaolin.

[0473] Organic impurities are preferably selected from oils and fats, which may be of vegetable, animal or synthetic origin, food based particles, soil, pollen, sebum, body fluids, for example, blood, sperm, sweat, urine, feces.

[0474] Inorganic impurities are preferably selected from the group consisting of carbon black, fine dust, plastic particles (e.g. microplastic particles), metal oxides (preferably iron oxide), silica (such as sand), clay, dyes (such as pigments), more preferably clay, in particular kaolin.

[0475] Due to the fact that the article A according to the second aspect of the invention is in contact with the aqueous mixture MG, which comprises the at least one glucolipid G, the at least one impurity I in dissolved or dispersed, preferably dispersed form, and the ions Mn+in the advantageous concentration range, the redeposition of the impurity I on the surface of the article A is surprisingly well prevented.

[0476] The concentration of the at least one glucolipid in the mixture MG is not particularly limited. It is, however, preferred, that the concentration of all glucolipids G in the water W of mixture MG is in the range of from 0.01 wt.-% to 30 wt.-%, more preferably in the range of from 0.1 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%, even more preferably in the range of from 0.5 wt.-% to 5 wt.-%, even more preferably of from 1 wt.-% to 2.5 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the water W comprised by mixture Mein a further preferred embodiment, the present invention also relates to a cleaning device D comprising an article A in contact with a mixture MG-

[0477] Preferably, device D is selected from the group consisting of a washing machine, a dishwasher, a vehicle wash, a food processing device, a high pressure washing device, a cleaning robot, more preferably a washing machine, a dishwasher. 3. General

[0478] In connection with the present invention, the “pH” is defined as the value which is measured for a corresponding substance at 25 °C after stirring for five minutes using a pH electrode calibrated in accordance with ISO 4319 (1977).

[0479] In connection with the present invention, the term “aqueous medium” is understood as meaning a composition which comprises water, preferably at least 1 % by weight of water, more preferably at least 5 % by weight of water, more preferably at least 50 % by weight of water, even more preferably at least 75 % by weight of water, based on the total composition under consideration.

[0480] Unless stated otherwise, all percentages (%) given are percentages by mass.

[0481] Examples

[0482] In order to assess the ability of different detergents to prevent redeposition, a dispersing properties test based on each detergent’s ability to disperse clay (kaolin) was used.

[0483] This test gives an overview over the respective surfactant’s ability to disperse impurities in water and thus to prevent redeposition.

[0484] In the comparative and inventive examples, the dispersing properties of different surfactants was assessed in water with different concentrations of alkaline earth cations. In particular, the water samples had 5 °, 10 °, 16 °, 30 °dGH (°dGH = “Deutscher Hartegrad").

[0485] 1 °dGH corresponds to a total concentration of 0.1783 mmol / l of alkaline earth metal cations.

[0486] Hence, 5 °dGH correspond to a total of 0.89 mmol / l of alkaline earth metal cations.

[0487] 10 °dGH correspond to 1.78 mmol / l of alkaline earth metal cations.

[0488] 16 °dGH correspond to 2.85 mmol / l of alkaline earth metal cations.

[0489] 30 °dGH correspond to 5.35 mmol / l of alkaline earth metal cations

[0490] 1 . Devices and Materials

[0491] The devices used were a beaker glass, a magnetic stirrer, an Imhoff funnel, and a pH meter with electrode. NaOH and citric acid were used to adjust the pH of the respective solutions.

[0492] 1. 1 Water

[0493] Water with the respective concentration of metal ions with a positive charge of two or more was obtained by dissolving CaCl2*2 H2O, MgCl2*6 H2O and NaHCOs in distilled water so to obtain the respective concentration of alkaline earth cations. The concentration of metal ions with a charge of two or more in the tested solutions is established by the concentration of earth alkaline metal ions. Further metal ions with a charge of two or more that are different from alkaline earth metal ions were not present.

[0494] 1.2 Kaolin

[0495] Sillitin V 85 (Hoffmann Mineral®) was used in the examples as substance to assess the dispersion properties of the respective detergent solution.

[0496] Sillitin 85 V is a mixture of silica and kaolinite, SiO2 - Al2[(OH)4Si2O5] with the following properties: Dso-value (maximum particle size of 50 % of all particles comprised by the mixture) and the D97-value (maximum particle size of 97 % of all particles comprised by the mixture) are 4.5 pm and 18 pm, respectively, as determined in accordance with ISO 13320:2020-01.

[0497] Specific surface area (“BET”): 10 m2 / g, as determined in accordance with DIN ISO 9277:2014-01.

[0498] Chemical analysis as determined in accordance with DIN 51001 :2003-08 (X-ray fluorescence analysis): 87 % SiO2, 8 % AI2O3, < 1 % Fe2Os.

[0499] Mineralogical composition as determined from X-ray diffraction analysis and evaluation according to the Rietveld method: 70 % Neuburg silica, 17 % kaolinite, 8 % amorphous mineral phases, 5 % not further identified accompanying materials.

[0500] 1.3 diRL

[0501] The term "di-rhamnolipid" in the context of the present invention is understood to mean compounds of the general formula (III), where nRL = 1 .

[0502] Di-rhamnolipids (“diRL”) were prepared as described in example 1 of EP 3 061 442 A1 .

[0503] The di-rhamnolipid was employed as aqueous solution (50 wt.-%).

[0504] 1.4 mono RL

[0505] The term "mono-rhamnolipid" in the context of the present invention is understood to mean compounds of the general formula (III), where nRL = 0.

[0506] Mono-rhamnolipid (“mono RL”) was prepared as described in example 2 of EP 3 061 442 A1 .

[0507] The mono-rhamnolipid was employed as aqueous solution (75 wt.-%).

[0508] 1.5 Glucolipid

[0509] Glucolipid (“GL”) was produced as set forth in Examples 1 to 3 of WO 2019 / 154970 A1 .

[0510] The glucolipid was employed as aqueous solution (50 wt.-%).

[0511] 1.6 Surfactants

[0512] In the comparative examples, the dispersing properties of the following surfactants were also examined:

[0513] Sodium Laureth Sulphate (“SLES”) was obtained from BASF (TEXAPON® N70), CAS-No. 68891- 38-3.

[0514] Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (“LAS”) was obtained from Sasol (MARLON ARL). Fatty (C12 - C14) alcohol ethoxylate („FAEO 12 / 14 EO“) was obtained from Sasol (MARLIPAL 24 / 70).

[0515] 2. Testing Method

[0516] In the following, a star (“*”) indicates the comparative examples.

[0517] 2. 1 Test series I

[0518] A first test series I was conducted as follows:

[0519] 2.1.1 Blank tests (Comparative Examples 1*, 2*, 3*, 4*)

[0520] For the blank tests, 10 g of Sillitin 85 V were added to a beaker glass and mixed with water of the respective water hardness (example 1*: 5 °dGH; example 2*: 10 °dGH; example 3*: 16 °dGH; example 4*: 30 °dGH) up to one liter. The pH is set to a value of pH 7. The respective dispersion is stirred for ten minutes and then added to the Imhoff funnel. It is left to settle for one hour. Then, the volume of the precipitated solid is determined by measuring the height of the precipitate in the Imhoff funnel.

[0521] 2.1 .2 Comparative Examples 5* to 24*, 28*, Inventive Examples 25 to 27

[0522] In the comparative examples 5* to 24*, 28* and inventive examples 25 to 27, 10 g of Sillitin 85 V were added to a beaker glass and mixed with water of the respective water hardness (examples 5*, 9*, 13*, 17*, 21*, 25: 5 °dGH; examples 6*, 10*, 14*, 18*, 22*, 26: 10 °dGH; examples 7*, 11*, 15*, 19*, 23*, 27: 16 °dGH; examples 8*, 12*, 16*, 20*, 24*, 28*: 30 °dGH) up to one liter.

[0523] Then, the respective surfactant as set forth in table 1 was added to the mixture, so that the mixture contained ~ 1 weight-% of the respective surfactant. The pH is set to a value of pH 7. The respective dispersion is stirred for ten minutes and then added to the Imhoff funnel. It is left to settle for one hour. Then, the volume of the precipitated solid is determined by measuring the height of the precipitate in the Imhoff funnel.

[0524] Table 1 gives the results, wherein “Ex.” means “Example”, “VK” means the volume of the precipitate determined in each example in ml. Table 1

[0525] It was further determined that with deionized water, i.e. at a water hardness of 0 °dGH, there is no difference in the volume of precipitate between SLES, LAS, diRL, mono RL, and GL.

[0526] A comparison of the results of Examples 25 to 27 with those of Examples 1* to 24* and 28* surprisingly showed, that in case of the use of glucolipid, less precipitate is formed, but only if water is used, wherein the hardness is within a certain range:

[0527] Namely, for water with a hardness of 30 °dGH, all surfactants basically showed the same dispersion ability as the blank test (example 4*). However, at a water hardness of 5 °dGH, 10 °dGH, and 16 °dGH, the dispersion of the glucolipid surfactant is better than of any of the other surfactants.

[0528] Even more surprising, while the dispersion potential of all surfactants in the comparative examples decreases with augmenting water hardness, the dispersion potential of GL stays almost constant and shows a minimum at 16° dGH.

[0529] This shows that, surprisingly for these hardness values, glucolipids display a superior dispersion ability compared to other surfactants, and even compared with structurally very similar surfactants such as diRLs or mono RLs and thus are surprisingly more effective at preventing redeposition of the dispersed impurities during the cleaning process.

[0530] This is even more surprising as no such difference in the dispersing ability of the examined surfactants may be observed when the respective Examples 25 to 27 and Examples 5* to 24* and 28* are repeated with the difference that, instead of earth alkali metal ions, the same concentrations of monovalent alkaline ions (Na+, K+) are used.

[0531] 2.2 Test series II

[0532] A second test series II was conducted as follows:

[0533] In the comparative examples 29* to 37* and inventive examples 38 to 40, 10 g of Sillitin 85 V were added to a beaker glass and mixed with water of 16 °dGH water hardness and different pH values (examples 29*, 32*, 35*, 38: pH 7; examples 30*, 33*, 36*, 39: pH 8; example 31*, 34*, 37*, 40: pH 9, respectively) up to one liter.

[0534] Then, the respective surfactant as set forth in table 2 was added to the mixture, so that the respective mixture contained ~ 1 weight-% of the respective surfactant. The respective dispersion is stirred for ten minutes and then added to the Imhoff funnel. It is left to settle for one hour. Then, the volume of the precipitated solid is determined by measuring the height of the precipitate in the Imhoff funnel.

[0535] Table 2 gives the results, wherein “Ex.” means “Example”, “VK” means the volume of the precipitate determined in each example in ml.

[0536] Table 2

[0537] The results of test series II, as summarized in table 2, show that the superior dispersing activity of glucolipid compared to the other biosurfactants may be observed also for other pH values, i.e. over a pH range of at least 7 to 9.

Claims

Claims1 . A method of cleaning of O, wherein O is an article A or the human or animal body B, comprising the steps of a. providing a composition ZG comprising at least one glucolipid G, b. providing water W, c. mixing ZG and W, to obtain an aqueous mixture MG comprising at least one glucolipid G, d. contacting O with MG, e. at least partially separating MG from O, f. optionally rinsing O with further water, characterized in that the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in steps c. and d. is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, wherein M is a metal and n is an integer and n > 2.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein O is the human or animal body B.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein a part of B selected from skin, hair, is cleaned.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the temperature of the aqueous mixture MG in step d. is in a range of from 15 °C to 45 °C, in particular of from 20 °C to 40 °C, preferably of from 25 °C to 35 °C.

5. A method according to claim 1 , which is for cleaning an article A, wherein O is an article A.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the article A comprises at least one material selected from natural fibre, ceramic, metal, plastic, glass, stone.

7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the article A is selected from a woven, a nonwoven, a vehicle, crockery, cutlery, food storage containers, furniture, flooring, panelling, paving, domestic machine, garden tool, construction equipment, building for livestock or domestic animal, music instrument, toy, window.

8. A method according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the temperature of the aqueous mixture MG in step d. is in a range of from 10 °C to < 100 °C, in particular of from 20 °C to 95 °C, preferably of from 25 °C to 65 °C, more preferably of from 30 °C to 45 °C.

9. A method according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the article A is moved in the mixture MG during step d.

10. A method according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the contacting according to step d. is carried out for at least 1 s, preferably at least 10 s, preferably for at least 1 min, more preferably for at least 5 min, preferably for at least 15 min, more preferably from 15 min to 240 min, more preferably from 30 min to 180 min, more preferably from 45 min to 120 min.

11. A method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG in steps c. and d., is not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, more preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to 2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

12. An article A, which is in contact with a mixture MG, where the mixture MG comprises at least one glucolipid G and water W, where the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by aqueous mixture MG is in the range of from 0.10 mmol / l to 5.17 mmol / l, preferably 0.20 mmol / l to 5.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.36 mmol / l to 4.75 mmol / l, more preferably 0.535 mmol / l to 4.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.624 mmol / l to 4.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.71 mmol / l to 4.00 mmol / l, more preferably 0.75 mmol / l to 3.80 mmol / l, more preferably 0.80 mmol / l to 3.60 mmol / l, more preferably 0.85 mmol / l to 3.50 mmol / l, more preferably 0.86 mmol / l to 3.40 mmol / l, more preferably 0.87 mmol / l to 3.30 mmol / l, more preferably 0.88 mmol / l to 3.20 mmol / l, more preferably 0.89 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .00 mmol / l to 3.10 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .25 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .43 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .52 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .60 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, morepreferably 1 .783 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 1 .96 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.14 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.32 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.66 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, more preferably 2.70 mmol / l to 3.00 mmol / l, and wherein the water W comprises at least one impurity I in dissolved or dispersed, preferably dispersed, form, wherein M is a metal and n is an integer and n > 2.

13. Article A according to claim 12, wherein the concentration of all ions Mn+in the water W comprised by mixture MG is not in the range of from 2.49 mmol / l to 2.50 mmol / l, in particular not in the range of from 2.48 mmol / l to 2.51 mmol / l, preferably not in the range of from 2.47 mmol / l to 2.52 mmol / l, more preferably not in the range of from 2.40 mmol / l to2.58 mmol / l, even more preferably not in the range of from 2.31 mmol / l to 2.67 mmol / l.

14. Article A according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the article A comprises at least one material selected from natural fibre, ceramic, metal, plastic, glass, stone.

15. A cleaning device D comprising an article A which is in contact with a mixture MG according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the cleaning device D is preferably selected from a washing machine, a dishwasher, a vehicle wash, a food processing device, a high pressure washing device, a cleaning robot.

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