Laundry sanitizing and softening composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry sanitizing and softening composition to be used in a laundry washing process to provide improved reduction in bacteria during a laundry washing process while also providing fabric softening and imparting additional fabric care benefits.

Description

[0001] LAUNDRY SANITIZING AND SOFTENING COMPOSITION

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to GB patent application number 2319844.3 filed 21 December 2023, which claims priority to US provisional patent application 63 / 580,416 filed 4 September 2023 and US provisional patent application 63 / 520,732 filed 21 August 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a laundry sanitizing and softening composition to be added to a laundry washing process to provide improved reduction in bacteria and viruses on fabrics being laundered during a laundry washing process while also providing fabric softening benefits.

[0006] Background

[0007] Consumers have increased interest in washing laundry under energy and water efficient conditions due to environmental concerns, and also washing with laundry compositions with reduced environmental impact, such as less environmentally harmful laundry detergents. Consumers are therefore interested in washing laundry at cooler temperatures, with less water and with milder laundry detergents. Washing laundry under these conditions raises concerns that the resulting items may be visibly clean but may be unhygienic because they may still harbour pathogens, especially when using cooler temperatures, with less water and with milder laundry detergents. Therefore, there is a growing demand for laundry sanitizing compositions to ensure that clean laundry harbours fewer pathogens. However, laundry sanitizing compositions are added to the fabric softener drawer of the washing machine, making it difficult to use both laundry sanitizing compositions and fabric softener compositions in the same wash cycle.

[0008] Liquid fabric softener (also known as fabric conditioner) compositions are typically a dispersion of cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants in an aqueous carrier. These cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants form positively charged vesicles dispersed in the carrier. Adding further cations to the system may affect the stability of the vesicles, leading to flocculation and thus instability of the composition. Thus, it has been difficult to combine in a single composition the actives used in laundry sanitizing compositions, typically cationic biocidal agents, with the cationic quaternary ammonium surfactants used as fabric softening agents in liquid fabric softeners.

[0009] WO 96 / 21715 seeks to provide a means for stabilizing dispersions of cationic fabric softeners in liquid carriers, particularly those containing added electrolytes, by using certain polymers incorporated into concentrated fabric softener compositions to enhance stability. In particular, when formulating fabric softeners with higher concentrations of cationic surfactant it is usually desirable to incorporate materials such as inorganic electrolytes, e.g. to de-water the softener vesicles and to incorporate perfume with the cationic vesicles to stabilise the perfume. It is suggested that the polymers interact with the cationic softener vesicles, inhibiting their coalescence in the presence of high ionic strength, such as when adding further cations to the system. Suggested polymers are water-soluble polyesters that can be formed from: (1) ethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol or a mixture thereof; (2) a polyethylene glycol (PEG) capped at one end with a Ci-4 alkyl group; and (3) a dicarboxylic acid (or its di ester).

[0010] US 3,349,033 relates to microbiologically active softeners. It discusses how mixtures of germicidal quaternary ammonium salts with fabric softeners are unstable, remaining homogeneous for at most a few weeks. This instability is allegedly overcome by adding a small amount of an emulsifier (e.g. a long chain fatty alcohol) to the mixture causing the mixture to remain homogenously emulsified for longer and under successive freeze-thaw cycles. The long chain fatty alcohol emulsifiers are disclosed to be Cio-is fatty alcohols, such as “topped fatty alcohols” like “Lorol 5”, disclosed to have an alkyl chain distribution of 3% Cio, 61% C12, 23% Ci4, 11% Ci6 and 2% Cis. The cationic quaternary ammonium softeners discussed are of the formula NR’R”R”R”’X, where R and R’ are C10-20 alkyl groups; R” is methyl; R”’ is methyl, ethyl or (CH2-CHO)nH where n>0, and X is chlorine, bromine, sulfate, methosulfate or ethosulfate. An example of a common contemporaneous cationic quaternary ammonium softener is di-(hydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium methosulfate, which has since been superseded by more biodegradable compounds, such as esterquats. The germicidal quaternary ammonium salts used in US 3,349,033 are of the single-chain variety, such as Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (“ADBAC” or “BKC”). Germicidal quaternary ammonium salts have developed considerably since US 3,349,033 with Alkyl Dimethyl EthylBenzyl Ammonium Chloride (“ADEBAC” or “EBC”) and Dialkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (“DDAC”, a twin-chain quat) becoming available, as well as mixtures of these quaternary ammonium salts. DDAC is the most efficacious germicidal quaternary ammonium and has improved tolerance for anionic surfactants, organic loads and hard water compared with the single-chain quats BKC and EBC. EBC is typically used in combination with BKC. Both the germicidal quaternary ammonium salts and the fabric softener actives have therefore advanced considerably since US 3,349,033.

[0011] US 4,476,030 relates to concentrated masterbatches of fabric softeners, for instance containing distearyl-dimethylammonium chloride. However, US 4,476,030 is not concerned with reduction of bacteria and viruses during a laundry washing process.

[0012] W02002 / 072745A1 provides a rinse added composition for the conditioning of fabric in a rinse, the composition comprising a fabric softener active, a suds suppressing system and a surfactant scavenger.

[0013] W02006 / 094582A1 discusses how consumers prefer liquid fabric conditioners that appear thick and creamy, which is indicated by having a high viscosity and a high opacity. Thin, translucent, or watery liquid fabric conditioners are perceived as cheap and / or ineffective. W02006 / 094582A1 suggests that polymeric viscosity modifiers may be used to impart a high viscosity and opacity to the composition and uses water-soluble polysaccharide polymers to this effect.

[0014] WO97 / 47716A2 describes aqueous softening dispersions containing 0.5 to 20 wt% of at least one non-ionic fat, 0.2 to 10 wt % of a water-soluble or insoluble cationic emulsifier and possibly up to 10 wt% of a non-ionic emulsifier, in which the weight ratios between fat and emulsifiers is between 10: 1 and 0.5:1, and which are alleged to exhibit a good soft-care effect if the zeta potential of the dispersion is at least +30 mV at 25°C and a pH of 7.

[0015] GB2207446 relates to aqueous fabric softening compositions based on cationic fabric softeners and fatty alcohols. The weight ratio of cationic softening agent to fatty alcohols is in the range of from about 6:1 to 2.8: 1.

[0016] W002 / 20706A1 describes a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of a fabric conditioning composition comprises mixing 7.5 to 60 wt% of a cationic fabric softening compound with 0.01 % - 1.5 wt% of a non-ionic surfactant viscosity modifier and up to 1.4 % by weight of a fatty alcohol, the combination of (b) and (c) being no more than 1.5 % by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Saturated fatty alcohols are preferred as these were considered to deliver greater benefits in terms of stability, especially low temperature stability.

[0017] WO03 / 022972A1 also describes a method of preparing an aqueous, liquid fabric conditioning composition wherein saturated fatty alcohols are preferred as these were considered to deliver greater benefits in terms of stability, especially low temperature stability.

[0018] W023 / 105205A1 describes a laundry composition comprising a cationic biocidal active, a cationic fabric softener and an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier is an unsaturated fatty alcohol. In this document, unsaturated fatty alcohols are considered to deliver greater benefits in terms of stability compared to saturated alcohols.

[0019] Dettol™ Laundry Cleanser is one commercially available product that is used for sanitizing clean laundry. It contains the dialkyl (Cs-io) dimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and benzyl-Ci2-i8-alkyldimethyl chloride (ADBAC). Typically, about 120mL of Dettol™ Laundry Cleanser is added to the fabric softener drawer of the washing machine so that it is used in the washing machine rinse cycle. Dettol™ Laundry Cleanser kills 99.9% of bacteria (z.e., a 3 logio reduction in bacteria) in laboratory tests. However, this Laundry Cleanser does not contain cationic fabric softener ingredients and is not intended to provide fabric softening effects in addition to the sanitizing effect it provides.

[0020] It is known in the art to use enzymes in laundry detergents, for example to enable washing at lower temperatures to reduce the environmental impact. Enzymes can be selected for removing specific types of stains, for example amylases remove starch stains such as pasta and potatoes. As well as stain removal, enzymes may impart other beneficial properties to fabrics. For example, cellulases can provide colour care for fabric and act as an anti -pilling agent.

[0021] Enzymes are also known for use in liquid fabric softener compositions. For example, US 5,767,052 is concerned with liquid fabric softener compositions containing at least about 10% by weight of a cationic fabric softener. The cationic fabric softener may be a quaternary ammonium compound and may contain ester linkages. Cellulase enzymes are optionally present in the composition for improving the appearance of the fabrics.

[0022] There remains a need for laundry softener compositions containing enzymes that also provide a germ kill benefit.

[0023] It is an object of the invention to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0024] It is a further object of the invention to provide a laundry softener composition that also provides a germ kill benefit during a laundry rinse cycle, whilst also including enzymes to impart additional benefits to the fabrics. Statement of invention

[0025] In a first aspect, the invention provides a laundry composition comprising: a) at least one cationic biocidal active; b) at least one cationic fabric softener; c) at least one emulsifier, and d) at least one enzyme.

[0026] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of sanitizing and softening laundry during a laundry washing process comprising adding from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition according to the first aspect to the fabric softener compartment of an automatic washing machine and using the automatic washing machine to perform a laundry washing process.

[0027] Alternatively, the invention provides a method of sanitizing and softening laundry during a laundry washing process comprising adding from about 30 to about 60 mL, preferably about 40 mL, of the laundry composition according to the first aspect to the fabric softener compartment of an automatic washing machine and using the automatic washing machine to perform a laundry washing process.

[0028] In a third aspect, the invention provides the use of an enzyme for providing fabric care benefits in a laundry composition comprising a cationic biocide and a cationic fabric softener. Preferably, the enzyme is a cellulase enzyme, a phosphodiesterase enzyme, or, a combination of a cellulase enzyme and a phosphodiesterase enzyme. The fabric care benefits may include acting as an anti-pilling agent and / or as a grime removal agent.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides the use of an unsaturated fatty alcohol (such as those described above) as an emulsifier for stabilising a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant and at least one enzyme. Preferably, the use of an unsaturated fatty alcohol (such as those described above) for preventing flocculation in a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant and at least one enzyme is provided.

[0030] The at least one cationic surfactant may be a cationic biocide (such as a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant, e.g., those described herein), a cationic fabric softener (such as those described herein), or, a combination of a cationic biocide and a fabric softener. The carrier liquid may be aqueous. The liquid dispersion may be a dispersion of vesicles.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides the use of an unsaturated fatty acid ester (such as those described above) for stabilising a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant and at least one enzyme. Preferably, the use of an unsaturated fatty acid ester (such as those described herein) for preventing flocculation in a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant is provided.

[0032] The at least one cationic surfactant may be a cationic biocidal active (such as a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant, e.g., those described above), a fabric softener (such as those described above), or, a combination of a cationic biocidal active and a fabric softener. The carrier liquid may be aqueous. The liquid dispersion may be a dispersion of vesicles.

[0033] In sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of stabilising a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant, comprising adding an unsaturated fatty alcohol emulsifier (such as those described herein) and / or an unsaturated fatty acid ester emulsifier (such as those described herein) to a liquid dispersion containing the at least one cationic surfactant. The unsaturated fatty acid ester prevents flocculation in the liquid dispersion, thus stabilising the cationic liquid dispersion. The cationic surfactant may be a cationic biocidal active (such as a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant, e.g., those described herein), a cationic fabric softener (such as those described herein), and a combination of a cationic biocidal active and a cationic fabric softener. The carrier liquid may be aqueous. The liquid dispersion may be a dispersion of vesicles.

[0034] Terms and Definitions

[0035] As used herein: the terms “approximately” and “about” mean plus or minus 10% of the value stated; the term “a” or “an” means one or more; any and all ranges are inclusive of their endpoints, e.g. a range of from lwt% to 10wt% w / w includes lwt% and 10wt% and any concentration between lwt% and 10wt%; all amounts given in % are % by weight (wt%) based on the total weight of the composition unless otherwise stated. When a raw material does not contain close or equal to 100% active material, two percentages may be provided: one for the weight of the raw material and one for the weight of the active. For example, 0.5% wt of Acticide™ DDQ80 contains approximately 80% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride in water and ethanol, which equates to approximately 0.4% wt of didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride in the composition. This would be represented as 0.5% wt (0.4% wt) DDAC; all amounts given in % refer to the active amounts, unless otherwise stated; the term “benzyl group” is C6H5CH2-; the term “comprising” means “includes” and encompasses the terms “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’; z.e., the compositions of the invention comprising the components as herein defined may consist essentially of these components or may consist of these components.

[0036] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] Cationic Biocidal Active

[0038] The at least one cationic biocidal active is a cationic surfactant.

[0039] The at least one cationic biocidal active may be selected from one or more quaternary ammonium compounds. Quaternary ammonium compounds are compounds of the formula (N+R1R2R3R4)X‘, where X' is a salt-forming anion which permits water solubility of the quaternary ammonium compounds. X may be chloride, bromide, iodide, a saccharinate, or a methosulfate anion. Any quaternary ammonium compound with antimicrobial activity may be used in the invention.

[0040] The at least one cationic biocidal active agent may be selected from one or more dialkyldimethyl ammonium chlorides (DDAC), where each alkyl group is independently selected from straight chain Cs-Cio alkyl.

[0041] The at least one cationic biocidal active agent may be selected from one or more alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides (ADBAC also known as BKC): where n = 8-18, preferably n = 12-14 as these chain lengths are the most biocidal.

[0042] The at least one cationic biocidal active agent may be selected from one or more alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides (ADEBAC also known as EBC), which are preferably Cs-n-alkyl [(ethylphenyl) methyl] dimethyl chlorides.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one cationic biocidal active agent is selected from ADBAC, ADEBAC, DDAC and combinations thereof, such as ADBAC and DDAC, or ADBAC and ADEBAC, or ADBAC, ADEBAC and DDAC. More preferably, the at least one cationic biocidal active agent is BKC or DDAC or a combination of ADBAC and DDAC. Most preferably, the at least one cationic biocidal active agent is DDAC or a combination of ADBAC and DDAC.

[0044] These cationic biocidal agents are typically provided as solutions containing the cationic biocidal agent and solvents, typically selected from water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol and mixtures thereof. The at least one cationic biocidal active may be present in the laundry composition at about 0.2 to about 5 wt% of the composition. Preferably, the at least one cationic biocidal active is present at about 0.3 to about 4 wt% of the laundry composition. More preferably, the at least one cationic biocidal active is present at about 0.4 to about 4 wt% of the laundry composition, most preferably at about 0.4 to about 3 wt%.

[0045] Cationic Fabric Softener

[0046] The at least one cationic biocidal active is a cationic surfactant. The at least one cationic fabric softener is different from the at least one cationic biocidal agent described above.

[0047] The at least one fabric softener is a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant containing ester linkages, commonly called an esterquat. The term ‘esterquat’ is also used herein to describe these types of cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant containing ester linkages.

[0048] The at least one fabric softener may be a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant derivable from the reaction of triethanolamine with fatty acids or with fatty alcohols. When a fatty acid is used, the fatty acid may be cis-9-octadecenoic acid. In this case, the cationic fabric softener may be dioleoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, which is a reaction product of cis-9-octadecenoic acid triethanolamine and then quatemized with dimethyl sulfate. Dioleoylethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate is commercially available from Kao under the trade name Tetranyl™ CO-40. Alternatively, the fatty acid may be a mixture of C10-20 saturated and unsaturated organic functional groups. The reaction of this fatty acid triethanoamine quaternized with dimethyl sulfate produces an esterquat. This esterquat is commercially available from Stepan under the trade name Stepanex™ SP90. This esterquat is also commercially available from Solvay under the trade name Fentacare™ TEP 88. This esterquat is also commercially available from Godrej under the trade name Ginoquat FC PLC- IPA.

[0049] When a fatty alcohol is used, the fatty alcohols may be partially hydrogenated. The fatty alcohols may be derived from plant oils (e.g., palm, palm kernel or coconut oil) or animal sources (e.g., tallow). The cationic fabric softener may be a partially hydrogenated palm esterquat. Kao sells a partially hydrogenated palm esterquat under the tradename Tetranyl™ L6 / 90. Alternatively, the cationic fabric softener may be a partially hydrogenated tallow esterquat. Exemplary partially hydrogenated tallow esterquats include dihydrogenerated tallowethyl, ditallowethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate. Dihydrogenerated tallowethyl, ditallowethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate is commercially available from Kao under the trade name Tetranyl™ AT7590.

[0050] The at least one cationic fabric softener may be present in the laundry composition at about 1 to about 25 wt% of the composition. Preferably, the at least one cationic fabric softener is present at about 1 to about 10 wt% of the laundry composition, more preferably at about 1 to about 5 wt%, yet more preferably at about 2 to about 4 wt% of the laundry composition. More preferably, the laundry composition comprises about 3.5 wt% to about 4 wt% of the at least one cationic fabric softeners. Alternatively, the at least one cationic fabric softener may preferably be present in the laundry composition at about 3 to about 15 wt% of the laundry composition, more preferably at about 3 to about 10 wt%.

[0051] Emulsifier

[0052] The at least one emulsifier may be an unsaturated fatty alcohol, an unsaturated fatty acid ester, or a combination of an unsaturated fatty alcohol and an unsaturated fatty acid ester.

[0053] The at least one unsaturated fatty alcohol may contain at least one cis double bond. The at least one unsaturated fatty alcohol may be a monounsaturated fatty alcohol. The at least one unsaturated fatty alcohol may be a Cs-26 unsaturated fatty alcohol or a Cio-26 unsaturated fatty alcohol. Preferably, the at least one unsaturated fatty alcohol is a C12-26 unsaturated fatty alcohol. More preferably the at least one unsaturated fatty alcohol is a C16-22 unsaturated fatty alcohol. The unsaturated fatty alcohol may be oleyl alcohol (cis-9-octadecen-l-ol); palmitoleyl alcohol (cis-9-hexadecen-l-ol), erucyl alcohol (cis-13-docosen-l-ol), preferably oleyl alcohol (ci s-9-octadecen- 1 -ol) .

[0054] The at least one unsaturated fatty acid ester may contain at least one cis double bond. The at least one unsaturated fatty acid ester may be a monounsaturated fatty acid ester.

[0055] The at least one unsaturated fatty acid ester may be an unsaturated fatty acid monoester, an unsaturated fatty acid diester, or a combination of an unsaturated fatty acid monoester and an unsaturated fatty acid diester. For example, the at least one unsaturated fatty acid ester may be an unsaturated fatty acid monoester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with an unsaturated fatty acid, an unsaturated fatty acid diester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with at least one unsaturated fatty acid, or a combination of an unsaturated fatty acid monoester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with an unsaturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acid diester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with at least one unsaturated fatty acid.

[0056] The at least one unsaturated fatty acid ester may be derivable from the reaction of glycerol with at least one unsaturated fatty acid selected from a Cs-26 unsaturated fatty acid or a Cio-26 unsaturated fatty acid. Preferably the at least one unsaturated fatty acid is a C12-26 unsaturated fatty acid, more preferably a C16-22 unsaturated fatty acid. The unsaturated fatty acid may be oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid), palmitoleic acid (cis-9-hexadecenoic acid), erucic acid (cis-13-docosenoic acid), preferably oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid). For example, the at least one unsaturated fatty acid ester may be a mixture of glyceryl monooleate and glyceryl dioleate. A mixture of glyceryl monooleate and glyceryl dioleate is available commercially as Monegyl GO-60 (Mohini Organics).

[0057] The at least one emulsifier may be present in the laundry composition at about 0.5 to about 4 wt% of the composition. Preferably, the at least one emulsifier is present at about 1 to about 3 wt% of the laundry composition. More preferably, the laundry composition comprises about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of the at least one emulsifier.

[0058] The weight ratio of the at least one cationic biocidal active : at least one cationic fabric softener : at least one emulsifier may be 1 :1-40: 1-10, preferably, about 1 : 10:2.5. Alternatively, the weight ratio of the at least one cationic biocidal active : at least one cationic fabric softener : at least one emulsifier may be 1-40: 1-40: 1, preferably, about 1.2: 1.35: 1.

[0059] Enzymes

[0060] The laundry composition contains at least one enzyme. The enzyme included in the composition may be any enzyme suitable for inclusion in a laundry composition comprising at least one cationic biocidal active and at least one cationic fabric softener.

[0061] The enzyme or enzymes may provide benefits in relation to fabric care, such as acting as an anti-pilling agent. The enzyme or enzymes may provide benefits in relation to natural and body grime removal. Specifically, cellulase keeps clothes looking new longer. Phosphodiesterase helps remove body stains from clothes. Amylase and protease help remove generic stains from clothes, including enzymatic stains left behind by detergents. Amylase and / or protease also help remove food for bacteria, which may lead to bad smells.

[0062] Preferably, the enzyme is selected from a cellulase enzyme, a phosphodiesterase enzyme, or a combination of a cellulase enzyme and a phosphodiesterase enzyme. Most preferably, the laundry composition contains a combination of a cellulase enzyme and a phosphodiesterase enzyme. Suitable cellulase enzymes include those available from Novozymes as Carezyme™ Suitable phosphodiesterase enzymes include those available from Novozymes as Pristine™.

[0063] The at least one enzyme may be present at about 0.001 to about 2 wt% of the composition. Preferably, the at least one enzyme is present at about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt% of the laundry composition. More preferably, the at least one enzyme is present at about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt% of the laundry composition.

[0064] Additional components

[0065] The laundry composition may contain chelating agents. In particular, the laundry composition may contain one or more of aminopolycarboxylates (such as EDTA); nitrilotriacetic acid (NT A); iminodisuccinic acid (IDS); polyaspartic acid; S,S- ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS); methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA); and L- Glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA).

[0066] The laundry composition may contain organic acids and / or salts thereof. In particular, the laundry composition may contain organic acids that have antimicrobial activity, such as glycolic acid, citric acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, malic acid and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the organic acid is glycolic acid or a salt thereof.

[0067] The laundry composition may contain antifoam agents. In particular, the laundry composition may contain silicone antifoam emulsions such as those available from Wacker as SILFOAM™. Alternatively, the antifoam agent may be free from silicon. Exemplary silicon-free antifoam agents include the organic defoamer sold by Crucible Chemical Company under the tradename Foamkill 660P. In another alternative, the laundry composition may be free of any antifoam agent.

[0068] The laundry composition may contain pH adjusting agents. The pH of the laundry composition may range from approximately 2.3 to approximately 4.5, preferably from approximately 2.5 to approximately 3.5. In particular, the laundry composition may contain sulfuric acid.

[0069] The laundry composition may include non-ionic surfactants, such as alcohol ethoxylates.

[0070] The laundry compositions may contain one or more of the following added solvents: water, glycerine, ethanol, propanol, isopropyl alcohol, glycerine and / or propylene glycol. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many raw materials are supplied in non-aqueous carrier solvents. Any added non-aqueous solvent, such as glycerine or propylene glycol, may enhance stability of the disclosed compositions at low temperatures.

[0071] The laundry composition may contain perfumes and colourants or colouring agents.

[0072] The above ingredients may be included in conventional amounts by weight.

[0073] The resulting laundry composition has a viscosity ranging from approximately 50 cps to approximately 1,500 cps as measured on a Brookfield LV viscometer using a LV62 spindle at 30 RPM at 25°C, preferably from approximately 80 cps to approximately 600 cps, more preferably from approximately 150 cps to approximately 350 cps. Alternatively, the viscosity may range from 1,000 cps to approximately 1,500 cps.

[0074] In one embodiment, the laundry composition comprises: about 0.2 to about 5 wt% of the at least one cationic biocidal active, preferably about 0.3 to about 4 wt%, more preferably about 0.4 to about 3 wt%; and / or about 1 to about 25 wt% of the at least one cationic fabric softeners, preferably about 1 to about 10 wt%, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt%, yet more preferably about 2 to about 4 wt%; and / or about 0.5 to about 4 wt% of the at least one emulsifier, preferably about 1 to about 3 wt%, and / or about 0.001 to about 2 wt% of the at least one enzyme, preferably about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt%, more preferably about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt%.

[0075] In one embodiment, the laundry composition comprises: about 2.4 wt% to about 3.36wt% of the at least one cationic biocidal active; about 2.7wt% of the at least one cationic fabric softeners; about 2wt% of the at least one emulsifier, preferably wherein the at least one emulsifier is an unsaturated fatty alcohol, and about 0.001 to about 2 wt%, for example about 0.013 wt%, of the at least one enzyme.

[0076] In one embodiment, the laundry composition comprises: i. about 1.44wt% or about 2.8wt% of at least one dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), where each alkyl group is independently selected from straight chain Cs-Cio alkyl; ii. about 0.96wt% of one or more alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride: n = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 • iii. about 2.70wt% of cationic fabric softeners; iv. about 2.00wt% oleyl alcohol; v. about 0.006wt% cellulase, and vi. about 0.007wt% phosphodiesterase. In another embodiment, the laundry composition comprises: about 0.4wt% of the at least one cationic biocidal active; about 3.5 wt% to about 4 wt% of the at least one cationic fabric softeners; about lwt% of the at least one emulsifier, preferably wherein the at least one emulsifier is an unsaturated fatty acid ester, and about 0.001 to about 2 wt%, for example about 0.013 wt%, of the at least one enzyme.

[0077] In another embodiment, the laundry composition comprises: i. about 0.4wt% of at least one dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), where each alkyl group is independently selected from straight chain Cs-Cio alkyl; ii. about 3.5wt% to about 4wt% of cationic fabric softeners; iii. about 1.00wt% emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier is a mixture of glyceryl monooleate and glyceryl dioleate; iv. about 0.006wt% cellulase, and v. about 0.007wt% phosphodiesterase.

[0078] The laundry composition may optionally comprise a non-ionic surfactant, such as an alcohol ethoxylate.

[0079] In one embodiment, from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition of the invention at about 1 : 159 dilution with water achieves at least a 3 logio reduction according to the EN1276:2009 protocol, under clean conditions in no more than 22 minutes at 20°C. Preferably, from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition of the invention at about 1 : 159 dilution with water achieves at least a 4 logio reduction according to the EN1276:2009 protocol, under clean conditions in no more than 22 minutes at 20°C.

[0080] In one embodiment, from about 30 to about 60 mL, preferably about 40 mL, of the laundry composition of the invention at about 1 : 125 dilution with water achieves at least a 3 logio reduction according to the EN1276:2009 protocol, under clean conditions in no more than 20 minutes at 25°C. Preferably, from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition of the invention at about 1 : 125 dilution with water achieves at least a 4 logio reduction according to the EN1276:2009 protocol, under clean conditions in no more than 20 minutes at 25°C.

[0081] In one embodiment, from about 30 to about 60 mL, preferably about 40 mL, of the laundry composition of the invention at about 1 :250 dilution with water achieves at least a 3 logio reduction according to the EN1276:2009 protocol, under clean conditions in no more than 20 minutes at 25°C. Preferably, from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition of the invention at about 1 :250 dilution with water achieves at least a 4 logio reduction according to the EN1276:2009 protocol, under clean conditions in no more than 20 minutes at 25°C.

[0082] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of sanitizing laundry during a laundry washing process comprising adding from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition described herein to the fabric softener compartment of an automatic washing machine and using the automatic washing machine to perform a laundry washing process.

[0083] Alternatively, the invention provides a method of sanitizing laundry during a laundry washing process comprising adding from about 30 to about 60 mL, preferably about 40 mL, of the laundry composition described according to the first aspect to the fabric softener compartment of an automatic washing machine and using the automatic washing machine to perform a laundry washing process.

[0084] In a third aspect, the invention provides the use of an enzyme for providing fabric care benefits in a laundry composition comprising a cationic biocide and a cationic fabric softener. Preferably, the enzyme is a cellulase enzyme, a phosphodiesterase enzyme, or a combination of a cellulase enzyme and a phosphodiesterase enzyme. The fabric care benefits may include acting as an anti-pilling agent and / or as a grime removal agent.

[0085] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides the use of an unsaturated fatty alcohol (such as those described herein) as an emulsifier for stabilising a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant and at least one enzyme. Preferably, the use of an unsaturated fatty alcohol (such as those described herein) for preventing flocculation in a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant and at least one enzyme is provided.

[0086] The at least one cationic surfactant may be a cationic biocide (such as a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant, e.g., those described above), a cationic fabric softener (such as those described above), or, a combination of a cationic biocide and a fabric softener. The carrier liquid may be aqueous. The liquid dispersion may be a dispersion of vesicles.

[0087] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides the use of an unsaturated fatty acid ester (such as those described above) for stabilising a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant and at least one enzyme. Preferably, the use of an unsaturated fatty acid ester (such as those described above) for preventing flocculation in a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant is provided. The inventors have surprisingly found that the inclusion of an unsaturated fatty acid ester emulsifier in a laundry composition comprising a cationic fabric softener, a cationic biocidal agent and an enzyme produced stable laundry fabric softeners compositions that provide germ kill during a laundry process, whilst imparting other benefits derived from the choice of enzyme.

[0088] In sixth aspect, the invention provides a method of stabilising a cationic liquid dispersion containing at least one cationic surfactant, comprising adding an unsaturated fatty alcohol emulsifier (such as those described above) and / or an unsaturated fatty acid ester emulsifier (such as those described above) to a liquid dispersion containing the at least one cationic surfactant. The unsaturated fatty acid ester prevents flocculation in the liquid dispersion, thus stabilising the cationic liquid dispersion. The cationic surfactant may be a cationic biocidal active (such as a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant, e.g., those described herein), a cationic fabric softener (such as those described herein), and a combination of a cationic biocidal active and a cationic fabric softener. The carrier liquid may be aqueous. The liquid dispersion may be a dispersion of vesicles.

[0089] Examples

[0090] The following examples illustrate exemplary formulations as well as preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that these examples are provided by way of illustration only and that further useful formulations falling within the scope of the present invention and the claims may be readily produced by one skilled in the art without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0091] The compositions in the following examples were prepared using the materials identified in Table A:

[0092] Table A:

[0093] Example 1

[0094] The formulations in Table 1 were made by preparing a pre-mix of the following components: cationic biocidal compound, cationic fabric softener, emulsifier, glycerin, enzymes and fragrance. These components are added to water and mixed until homogeneous.

[0095] The dye solution and an encapsulated fragrance are then added to the formulation.

[0096] Table 1:

[0097] Example 2 Some further compositions demonstrating how the invention may be put into effect are proposed in Table 2 below. Table 2:

[0098] Example 3 - Stability

[0099] Composition A from Table 1 underwent up to 12-week stability testing in glass jars with polypropylene plastic lids. The results are provided in Table 3:

[0100] Table 3:

[0101] N / A = Not Analyzed

[0102] *Freeze / Thaw = 6 days only: 3 cycles of 24 hours each at -10°C and 25°C

[0103] Color deviation at higher temperatures is typical of fabric softeners and was within an acceptable fade range. Separation during freeze / thaw cycles is typical of fabric softeners. The results are passing due to the ability to return to homogeneity with shaking and remain homogenous upon standing. These results demonstrate that Formulation A will exhibit a shelf life of at least 2 years at standard room temperature.

[0104] Composition E from Table 1 underwent up to 12-week stability testing in glass jars with polypropylene plastic lids. The results are provided in Table 4: Table 4:

[0105] N / A = Not Analyzed

[0106] *Freeze / Thaw = 6 days only: 3 cycles of 24 hours each at -10°C and 25°C

[0107] These results demonstrate that Formulation E will exhibit a shelf life of at least 2 years at standard room temperature. Example 4 - Antimicrobial Efficacy (British Standard)

[0108] Two different batches of Composition A from Table 1 were evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352) using an antimicrobial suspension test based on British Standard reference No: EN 1276:2009 method entitled "Chemical Disinfectants and Antiseptics — Quantitative Suspension Test for the Evaluation of bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas. One batch of Composition F from Table 1 was similarly tested, replacing K. pneumoniae with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442). The test protocol tests the efficacy of the compositions of the present invention and the comparative examples against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

[0109] Test method and requirements (Phase 2, step 1)". A greater than 3 logic reduction of all organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli Enterococcus hirae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) for a contact time of 20 minutes (determined by product specification) at a testing temperature of 25°C is required to pass the EN1276.

[0110] The bacterial strains were cultured on tryptic soy agar (TSA) slant from frozen stock and incubated for 18-24 hours. Following incubation, 2ndand 3rdgeneration transfers were prepared and used to prepare test suspensions as described in the BS EN 1276:2009 test method. The working culture must be either a second or third generation subculture on TSA slants from a cryogenic stock. The cell suspensions were adjusted to produce approximately 1.5-5.0 x 108CFU mL’1. Subcultures were prepared on TSA slants and incubated at 36±1°C for 18-24 hours. The growth medium and temperature used were TSA and 36±1°C. Test solutions and test cultures are equilibrated to a test temperature of 20±l°C in a water bath.

[0111] The tests were performed using "clean" experimental conditions, i.e., 0.3g / l Bovine Albumin (BA) in-test concentration, rather than "dirty" experimental conditions, i.e., 3g / l BA in-test concentration. For laundry sanitizers / softeners, the desired experimental conditions are "clean conditions" because the laundry sanitizer / softener is used after a laundry detergent in a laundry washing process, i.e., on clean laundry.

[0112] Experimentally, a 1 : 1 dilution of the test culture and test conditions was performed and allowed to react for 2 minutes. 2.0mL of the test culture was exposed to 8.0mL of the test product for a 22-minute contact time and then a l.OmL aliquot was neutralized in a verified neutralizer. After a 5-minute neutralization time, the neutralized sample was serially diluted, plated on TSA and incubated at 36±1°C for 48 hours. The average logic CFU / mL for the test suspension was calculated and used to compute the logic reduction post-treatment. At least a 3 logio reduction of all organisms tested for a 20 minute contact time was chosen to indicate that the tested formulation has the desired level of antimicrobial properties against tested organisms. Logio reduction greater than 4 means >99.99% reduction in the number of cells; logio reduction greater than 5 means >99.999% reduction in the number of cells and denotes complete kill.

[0113] The average of 3 results from the antimicrobial efficacy tests are given in Table 5 below.

[0114] Table 5:

[0115] N / A = Not Analyzer

[0116] The same two batches of Composition A from Table 1 were also evaluated for antimicrobial efficacy against Candida albicans based on British Standard reference No: EN 1650 method entitled "Chemical Disinfectants and Antiseptics — Quantitative Suspension Test for the Evaluation of fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.” The average of 3 results are provided in Table 6.

[0117] Table 6:

[0118] A 3 logio reduction results in a 99.9% reduction in the cited bacteria, demonstrating the microbiocidal efficacy of these formulations.

[0119] Example 5 - Removes bacteria from fabric - Test Method Development Test Materials (Media, Reagents, Equipment Supplies) 1. 1 x 1.5 inch cotton fabric test swatches (Fabric specifications are from ASTM E2274)(ASTM was formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials). Swatches are sterilized by autoclaving in glass petri dishes.

[0120] 2. Positive displacement micropipette capable of delivering lOOpL

[0121] 3. Sterile disposable petri dishes (20 x 150mm)

[0122] 4. Sterile glass petri dishes (20 x 150 mm)

[0123] 5. Test Cultures: 48 ± 4 hour test culture of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. 48± 4 hour culture of Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352. These are the representative gram (+) and gram (-) organisms found in ASTM 2274 Laundry Sanitization and Disinfection method. Additional organisms can be used in testing if desired. (ATCC is the American Type Culture Collection)

[0124] 6. Organic Soil (Horse Serum or Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS))

[0125] 7. Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB)

[0126] 8. Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA)

[0127] 9. Tryptone Sodium Chloride (TSC), Phosphate Buffer Working Solution (PBWS) or other appropriate diluent used for serial diluting microbiological samples.

[0128] 10. Letheen Broth, Dey Engley (DZE) Broth or any other appropriate neutralizing media (as determined from a passing neutralization assay)

[0129] 11. Sterile specimen cups (minimum lOOmL capacity)

[0130] 12. Sterile glass beakers (assorted sizes)

[0131] 13. Assorted sterile serological disposable pipettes (1 mL, 2.2 mL, 5 mL, 10 mL, 25 mL, and 50 mL)

[0132] 14. Volumetric flasks

[0133] 15. Calibrated Balance

[0134] 16. Calibrated clock / timer / stopwatch

[0135] 17. Forceps

[0136] 18. 70 to 99% Ethanol

[0137] 19. 1 N HC1

[0138] 20. 1 N NaOH

[0139] 21. Bunsen Burner

[0140] 22. Vortex mixer

[0141] 23. Orbital shaker

[0142] 24. pH meter

[0143] 25. Sterile 20 x 100 mm test tubes 26. Sterile 25 x 100 mm test tubes containing 5 grams of 3mm sterile glass beads

[0144] 27. Autoclave

[0145] 28. Water batch for molten agar (45 to 48°C)

[0146] 29. Incubators (35 to 37°C)(for drying inoculated test swatches and for incubating test agar plates).

[0147] 30. Biological safety cabinet for performing sterile culture transfers

[0148] 31. 400ppm AO AC Hard Water (tested as a control, used to make test substance dilutions, used to rinse treated fabric prior to neutralization) (AO AC used to be the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, which changed to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, and now is simply AO AC - allegedly no longer an acronym).

[0149] Preparation of Fabric

[0150] Fabric swatches are prepared a couple of days prior to testing. 300 g ± 10 g of fabric are boiled in 3 L of distilled, deionized, or purified water containing 1.5 g (± 0.075 g) of sodium carbonate and 1.5 g (± 0.075 g) of a nonionic wetting solution (e.g., Triton X-100). Different ratios of fabric to water may be used if the amount of chemicals added are adjusted proportionally. After boiling, the fabric is rinsed in cold water until all visual traces of wetting agents are removed. Using gloved hands, excess water is removed from the fabric by squeezing and wringing. The fabric is air dried over night at ambient room temperature by hanging over a wire clothes hanger or similar device. Once dried, 1 x 1.5 inch strips are cut from the dried fabric. The 1 x 1.5 inch fabric test swatches are placed in glass petri dishes or autoclave pouches and sterilized.

[0151] Organism Preparation / Test Swatch Inoculation and Drying

[0152] 1. The bacteria is thawed and prepared using standard biological preparation techniques.

[0153] 2. Each 48 ± 4 hour test culture is vortexed for 10 to 15 seconds, and allowed to sit on the bench top for at least 10 minutes. At that time, the top 2 / 3rds of the test culture is pipetted off. The top portion of different test culture tubes of the same organism can be pooled.

[0154] 3. A 1 :10 dilution of the pooled culture is prepared using Tryptic Soy Broth as the diluent.

[0155] 4. Organic soil is added to the 1 : 10 culture dilution to yield a final concentration of 5% organic soil (e.g. 1 mL of Horse Serum or FSB + 19.0 mL of Test Culture dilution).

[0156] 5. As discussed above, the test swatches are contained in sterile glass petri dishes (3 per dish).

[0157] 6. Each test swatch is inoculated with lOOpL (0.1 mL) of the test culture containing organic soil. 7. (5) inoculated swatches will be evaluated for each test substance dilution. (3) swatches will be evaluated for the hard water control. (3) inoculated swatches will be dried but not treated. These will serve as Dried Recovery controls and will be assayed to determine the average number of organisms on a swatch after drying. The number of test replicates is taken from an established test method: ASTM El 153 Non Food Contact Sanitization.

[0158] 8. Inoculated swatches are dried at 36.0 ± 1 ,0C for 20 to 30 minutes. “Cracking” open the lid of the petri dish will assist in drying the inoculated swatches in this time period.

[0159] 9. Inoculated swatches must be completely dried before testing. A visual assessment of each swatch can determine if the swatch is dry (no wetness observed). If a swatch is picked up with sterile forceps, it should not “stick” to the petri dish. This is a sign that a swatch is not entirely dry.

[0160] 10. After drying, each inoculated and dried test swatch is aseptically placed into a sterile specimen cup. This is where the treatment / exposure / agitation will occur. Test Substance Dilution Preparation

[0161] 1. Each test substance dilution is prepared using 400ppm AO AC Hard Water as the diluent. This is a choice of the hard water in the recent 810 guidelines that must be used when diluting test substances for efficacy testing.

[0162] 2. Dilutions are prepared as “part to total parts”. A 1 : 100 dilution is defined as 1 part of test substance + 99 parts of diluent.

[0163] 3. In cases where a test substance would be used in conjunction with a laundry detergent, both doses are considered and added to an appropriate volume of 400ppm Hard Water diluent.

[0164] 4. 400ppm AO AC Hard Water will used as the Non-Active control in this testing and will be used to evaluate the removal of bacteria from fabric by water alone. Recovery from each test substance will be compared to the recovery from water alone. A difference of >1 logic will satisfy the acceptance criteria for a claim of “Removes Bacteria”. An example of how this is determined is discussed in more detail in the Calculation Section below.

[0165] Treatment of Inoculated Swatches with Test Substance As described previously, each specimen cup will contain an inoculated and dried test swatch. Fifty (50) mL of a test substance dilution is added to each of 5 specimen cups (5 replicates per test substance). For water control replicates, Fifty (50) mL of Hard Water is used in place of the test substance dilution. The lids of the specimen cups are tightly secured. The specimen cups are each placed into a holder of the orbital shaker. The shaker is set to approximately 200 rotations per minute. The specimen cups are allowed to shake / agitate for 20 minutes. A 20-minute exposure time was chosen as it reflects an average washing machine wash cycle.

[0166] Subculture and Plating

[0167] 1. After the 20-minute exposure time, the specimen cups are removed from the orbital shaker.

[0168] 2. Using alcohol flamed and cooled forceps, each swatch is removed from 50 mL of test substance dilution and added to a sterile test tube containing 20 mL of sterile 400 AOAC Hard Water. The tube is vortexed for 10 to 15 seconds. This step simulates the rinse cycle after clothes are washed in a washing machine.

[0169] 3. After vortexing, the swatch is removed and subcultured into a 25 x 100 mm test tube containing 5 grams of glass beads, and 20 mL of neutralizing media.

[0170] 4. The 20 mL of sterile 400ppm hard water used to rinse the fabric test swatch is added to the specimen cup containing the 50mL of test substance dilution.

[0171] 5. The test tube containing the swatch is vortexed for 10 to 15 seconds, and 1 :10 serial dilutions are performed using Tryptone Sodium Chloride diluent. One (1) mL of the 10°, 10’1, 10'2and 10'3dilutions are plated in duplicate using Tryptic Soy Agar.

[0172] 6. The specimen cup containing the 70 mL (50 mL of test substance dilution and 20 mL of 400ppm AOAC Hard Water rinse water) is swirled to mix, and one (1) mL is subcultured into 9 mL of neutralizing media. Serial dilutions are performed using TSC diluent. One (1) mL of the 10’1, 10'2, 10'3and 1 O'4dilutions are plated in duplicate using Tryptic Soy Agar.

[0173] 7. Dried Recovery control replicates (3) are not treated and are each subcultured into 10 mL of neutralizing media / 5 grams glass beads after drying. Each tube is vortexed for 10 to 15 seconds. Serial dilutions are performed using an appropriate diluent. One (1) mL of the 10'2, 10'2and 10'4dilutions are plated in duplicate using Tryptic Soy Agar.

[0174] Incubation / Plate Counting

[0175] All test plates are incubated at 36 ± 1.0°C for 48 + / - 2 hours. A longer incubation period is acceptable as long as it is evident that the plates are still countable, and the agar media has not dried up / become dehydrated.

[0176] Each plate is counted. Plates with >300 colonies are deemed as TNTC (Too Numerous to Count). All plates with counts between 0 and 300 will be used in calculations. Calculation / Determination of the Logic Reductions of Organisms on Fabric Test Carriers

[0177] The instructions for determining the recovery of organism on each fabric test carrier is being taken from the latest revision of the AO AC Use Dilution Test Method for Staphylococcus aureus. This method, 955.15, was revised by the AOAC in January 2013. This calculation uses plate counts from 0 to 300 and takes into consideration the dilutions from which the recovery / counts were obtained and the volume of subculture. The results in Table 7 are the average of 5 replicates for the product and 3 replicates for hard water.

[0178] Table 7:

[0179] *These numbers are slightly higher than the standard 5-6.5 acceptable initial range, but can be considered valid due to acceptable results

[0180] These results demonstrate that Formulation E provides a greater than 1.0 Logic reduction in bacteria. This means the formulations successfully remove bacteria from the fabric.

[0181] Example 6 - Softness

[0182] Detergent alone and the compositions in Table 8 were tested for softness using the some concentration of different softeners.

[0183] Table 8:

[0184] The different softeners tested are provided in Table B.

[0185] Table B:

[0186] A fabric bundle consisting of cotton towels, pillowcases, and tablecloths was washed with laundry detergent and rinsed using 40 mL of the formulations of Table 4 in a top loader US washing machine. The resulting dilution of the formulation was 1 :500. After wash / rinse completion, towels were removed and air dried overnight at ambient temperature and humidity. Substrates were then prepared for panel evaluation.

[0187] Nineteen (19) individual panelists evaluated the blinded samples based on a Ranking Comparison. Prior to evaluations, each panelist was instructed to wash and dry hands. If re- evaluations were needed, panelists were instructed to evaluate different sections of the towel. Panelists were presented with the tested fabrics on a table, with each fabric presented randomly and containing a different softener treatment and a blinded control. Each of the substrates were ranked with a scale from 1 to 9, with 1 being very rough and 9 being very soft. Results are provided in Table 9 below.

[0188] Table 9: Similar testing was performed with seven (7) panelists using 40 mL of two different batches of Formula G from Table 1 and two different commercially available formulations. Unfortunately, the ingredients are not listed on the label of these commercial products. The average of the 7 results are provided in Table 10 below.

[0189] Table 10:

[0190] These results demonstrate that these formulations provide both germ kill and softness. The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Embodiments and / or features therein may be freely combined with one another. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims1. A laundry composition comprising: a) at least one cationic biocidal active; b) at least one cationic fabric softener; c) at least one emulsifier, and d) at least one enzyme.

2. A laundry composition according to claim 1, wherein the laundry composition comprises about 0.2 to about 5 wt% of the at least one cationic biocidal active and wherein the at least one cationic biocidal active is selected from one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, for example, wherein the at least one cationic biocidal active agent is selected from: one or more dialkyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC), where each alkyl group is independently selected from straight chain Cs-Cio alkyl; one or more alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC): Q^\® / CnH2n+1N „ / \ ci®H3C CH3Uwhere n = 8-18, preferably n = 12-14; one or more alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADEBAC also known as EBC), which are preferably Cs-n-alkyl [(ethylphenyl) methyl] dimethyl chlorides; combinations of ADB AC, ADEBAC, DDAC, such as ADB AC and DDAC, or ADBAC and ADEBAC, or, ADBAC, ADEBAC and DDAC; preferably DDAC, ADBAC, or a combination thereof.

3. A laundry composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the laundry composition comprises about 1 to about 25 wt% of the at least one cationic fabric softeners and wherein the at least one cationic fabric softener is a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant containing ester linkages (esterquat), preferably, the at least one fabric softener is a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant derivable from the reaction of triethanolamine with fatty alcohols or fatty acids, preferably the fatty acid is cis-9- octadecenoic acid, preferably, the fatty alcohols are partially hydrogenated, more preferably the cationic fabric softener is a partially hydrogenated palm esterquat or apartially hydrogenated tallow esterquat (e.g. dihydrogenerated tallowethyl, ditallowethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate).

4. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the laundry composition comprises about 0.5 to about 4 wt% of the at least one emulsifier.

5. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the laundry composition comprises about 0.001 to about 2 wt% of the at least one enzyme6. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one enzyme is a cellulase, a phosphodiesterase, or a combination of a cellulase and a phosphodiesterase.

7. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one emulsifier is an unsaturated fatty alcohol, an unsaturated fatty acid ester, or a combination of an unsaturated fatty alcohol and an unsaturated fatty acid ester.

8. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one emulsifier is an unsaturated fatty alcohol containing at least one cis double bond or a monounsaturated fatty alcohol; preferably a Cs-26 unsaturated fatty alcohol or a Cio-26 unsaturated fatty alcohol; more preferably a C12-26 unsaturated fatty alcohol; even more preferably a C16-22 unsaturated fatty alcohol, for example: oleyl alcohol (cis-9- octadecen-l-ol), palmitoleyl alcohol (cis-9-hexadecen-l-ol), erucyl alcohol (cis-13- docosen-l-ol), particularly oleyl alcohol (cis-9-octadecen-l-ol).

9. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one emulsifier is an unsaturated fatty acid ester containing at least one cis double bond or a monounsaturated fatty acid ester; preferably an unsaturated fatty acid monoester, an unsaturated fatty acid diester, or a combination of an unsaturated fatty acid monoester and an unsaturated fatty acid diester, for example: an unsaturated fatty acid monoester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with an unsaturated fatty acid,an unsaturated fatty acid diester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with at least one unsaturated fatty acid, or, a combination of an unsaturated fatty acid monoester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with an unsaturated fatty acid and an unsaturated fatty acid diester derivable from the reaction of glycerol with at least one unsaturated fatty acid; wherein the at least one emulsifier is preferably derivable from the reaction of glycerol with at least one unsaturated fatty acid selected from a Cs-26 unsaturated fatty acid or a C10-26 unsaturated fatty acid; more preferably the at least one unsaturated fatty acid is a C12-26 unsaturated fatty acid; even more preferably a C16-22 unsaturated fatty acid, for example: oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid), palmitoleic acid (cis-9- hexadecenoic acid), erucic acid (cis-13-docosenoic acid), particularly oleic acid (cis-9- octadecenoic acid).

10. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the laundry composition comprises: about 0.2 to about 5 wt% of the at least one cationic biocidal active, preferably about 0.3 to about 4 wt%, more preferably about 0.4 to about 4 wt%; yet more preferably about 0.4 to about 3 wt% and / or about 1 to about 25 wt% of the at least one cationic fabric softeners, preferably about 1 to about 10 wt%, more preferably about 1 to about 5 wt%, yet more preferably about 2 to about 4 wt%; and / or about 0.5 to about 4 wt% of the at least one emulsifier, preferably about 1 to about 3 wt%, and / or about 0.001 to about 2 wt% of the at least one enzyme, preferably about 0.005 to about 0.5 wt%, more preferably about 0.01 to about 0.2 wt%.

11. A laundry composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one cationic biocidal active : at least one cationic fabric softeners : at least one emulsifier is 1-40: 1-40 : 1.

12. A laundry composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one cationic biocidal active : at least one cationic fabric softeners : at least one emulsifier is 1 : 1-40: 1-10.

13. A method of sanitizing and softening laundry during a laundry washing process comprising adding from about 30 to about 180 mL, preferably about 120 mL, of the laundry composition according to any preceding claim to the fabric softener compartment of an automatic washing machine and using the automatic washing machine to perform a laundry washing process.

14. Use of an unsaturated fatty alcohol emulsifier in stabilising a laundry composition comprising at least one cationic biocidal active, at least one cationic fabric softener and at least one enzyme.

15. Use of an unsaturated fatty acid ester emulsifier in stabilising a laundry composition comprising at least one cationic biocidal active, at least one cationic fabric softener and at least one enzyme.

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