Method of washing a garment in a laundry washing machine

Abstract

A method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine comprising the steps: adding a laundry detergent composition and a laundry additive composition to the wash tank; adding water to the wash

Description

The present invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine having a wash tank. The method comprises adding a laundry detergent composition and a laundry additive composition to the wash tank, forming a washing liquor comprising the laundry detergent composition, the laundry additive composition, and water, and washing the fabric by contacting it with the washing liquor. Background Consumers associate desirability and wearability of a garment with characteristics such as e.g. absence of stains, good smell, elimination or reduction of bacteria, viruses and / or fungi (i.e. sanitization), and, in the case of white garments, improved whiteness. Normally, people are required to follow long cleaning procedures, involving pretreatment, vigorous rubbing action, or washings at high temperatures to achieve acceptable stain and malodour removal. For example, washing operations are normally performed at temperatures between 40°C and 60°C; and for sanitization purposes as high as 90°C. Furthermore, consumers tend to use long washing cycles to achieve the desired characteristics in a garment. All in all, long washing cycles and the temperatures normally used in these, not only imply high energy consumption but also faster deterioration of the garments. Patent application EP0446982 A2 to Unilever describes a bleaching composition that includes a peroxygen compound such as sodium perborate, an oxygen transfer agent, and a bleach precursor. The bleaching composition of this document would operate over a wide range of temperatures including that of under 60 °C. However, this document does not provide any information regarding the amounts of peroxygen compound, oxygen transfer agent and bleach precursor needed to provide stain removal at temperatures under 60 °C. Patent application US 2018 / 0187130 A1 to WeylChem Wiesbaden GmbH describes granulates comprising sulfonimines and / or quaternary iminium salts as bleach catalysts, and acids that are solid at 25°C. The granulates can be used in dishwashing agents or cleaning agents for low temperatures, e.g. temperatures of less than 35°C. However, this document does not provide any information regarding the amounts of bleaching agents, e.g. sodium percarbonate, needed in a detergent composition to provide the claimed enhanced bleaching effect. When looking at the removal of stains from a garment, foods prepared with blends of spices containing turmeric or curry lead to stains that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove with common laundry detergents, chlorine bleaches, existing laundry additives or any home remedies. Turmeric is a strong natural colourant containing curcumin and the additional presence of oil, fat, meat and other protein components like egg and milk make this type of stains even more complicated to clean. This means that in cuisines where curry / turmeric plays an important role, people are left with no solution and they have no choice than to cope with curry / turmeric stains residues on their garments, even after washing. In particular, curry / turmeric greasy stains are hard to tackle, because these contain several components; for example: fats, proteins, colourants and odour. Clothing is also where germs and bacteria can grow, allowing the formation of malodour. Often laundry detergents and fragrance boosters try to overcome this issue by introducing a substantial amount of scent, for example in the form of microcapsules, that covers the undesired smells. However, once the volatile fragrance molecules leave the fabric, the unpleasant malodour will still be present, or can rebloom, over time or upon ironing. Regular laundry compositions are useful for cleaning clothes, meaning that grime and dirt are removed. However, for the removal of stains, malodour removal, elimination or reduction of bacteria, viruses and / or fungi (i.e. sanitization), and, in the case of white garments, improved whiteness, additional laundry compositions need to be used. Patent application WO 2022 / 069468 A1 to Reckitt Benckiser Vanish describes compositions for the removal of stains and malodour. This effect is achieved at temperatures lower than 40°C. However, this document does not mention nor suggests that it is possible to use compositions similar to those described therein to provide removal of stains and / or malodour removal at temperatures lower than 40°C and washing times shorter than those normally used in a washing machine, e.g. 90 minutes. Hence, there is a need of a method for laundering a fabric in a laundry machine at low temperatures and short washing cycles in a washing machine. The method should provide stain removal and / or malodour removal. In particular the method should provide removal of turmeric stains from a fabric. Ideally, the method should also improve the whiteness of a fabric. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of laundering a fabric in a washing machine having a wash tank, in which the washing liquor is at a temperature lower than 40°C and the washing time is 60 minutes of less. The method removes stains from a fabric and / or malodour from a fabric. Furthermore, the method optionally improves the whiteness of a fabric. Summary of the invention In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine having a wash tank comprising the following steps: a) adding a laundry detergent composition to the wash tank, b) adding a laundry additive composition to the wash tank, c) adding water to the wash tank to form a washing liquor comprising the laundry detergent composition, the laundry additive composition, and water, d) washing the fabric by contacting it with the washing liquor, e) discharging the washing liquor from the wash tank, f) optionally centrifuging the remaining washing liquor from the wash tank, g) adding water to the wash tank to rinse the fabric, h) rinsing the fabric, and i) discharging the water used to rinse the fabric from the wash tank, j) optionally centrifuging the remaining water used to rinse the fabric from the wash tank, wherein: the washing liquor is at a temperature higher than 15°C and lower than 40°C; between 0.5 g and 20 g of the laundry additive composition are added to the wash tank per litre of washing liquor, - the total washing time is 60 minutes or less, and - the laundry additive composition comprises, based on the total weight of the additive composition: o between 20 wt.% and 60 wt.% of at least one bleaching agent, o between 0.1 wt.% and 20 wt.% of at least one bleach activator, and o between 0.001 wt.% and 2 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide. In one embodiment, the method removes stains from a fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the stains are turmeric and / or curry stains. In another preferred embodiment, the method removes malodour from a fabric. In another preferred embodiment, the method improves the whiteness of a fabric. In an embodiment, the fabric is in contact with the washing liquor for 20% to 80% of the total washing time. In another embodiment, the fabric is in contact with the washing liquor for 30% to 70% of the total washing time, preferably for 40% to 60% of the total washing time. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is made of cotton, one or more synthetic materials, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the one or more synthetic materials is polyester. In an embodiment the washing liquor is at a temperature lower than 25°C. In a preferred embodiment, the washing liquor is at a temperature of about 20°C. In an embodiment, between 1 g and 15 g of the laundry additive composition are added to the wash tank per litre of washing liquor, preferably between 2 g and 10 g, more preferably between 2 g and 6 g, even more preferably between 3 g and 5 g. In an embodiment, the total washing time is less than 50 minutes. In another embodiment, the total washing time is less than 40 minutes. In a preferred embodiment, the total washing time is between 10 minutes and 35 minutes. In another preferred embodiment, the total washing time is between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. In an embodiment, the laundry additive composition comprises between 25 wt.% and 55 wt.% of said at least one bleaching agent, based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the laundry additive composition comprises between 0.25 wt.% and 15 wt.% of the at least one bleach activator, based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the laundry additive composition comprises between 0.005 wt.% and 1.5 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide, based on the total weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the laundry additive composition comprises a protease, preferably the laundry additive composition comprises between 0.001 wt.% and 5 wt.% of the protease, based on the total weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment, the laundry additive composition is in the form of a solid or a powder, which comprises: between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.% of at least one bleaching agent, preferably comprising or consisting of sodium percarbonate; between 0.025 wt.% and 0.75 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide; between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% of at least one protease; - between 1 wt.% and 5 wt.% of at least one bleach activator, preferably comprising or consisting of tetraacetylethylendiamine (TAED); and preferably further comprising between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% or one or more further enzymes, preferably selected from the group consisting of a mannanase, a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase, and combinations thereof; based on the total weight of the composition. Definitions The following definitions are used in the present application. “Ganz value I Instrumental evaluation” as used in the present application means: whiteness degree simulated as Ganz-Griesser value as specified in the A.I.S.E. Laundry detergent testing guidelines. “Protease” as used in the present application means: class of enzymes that catalyse the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids. “Amylase” as used in the present application means: class of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of starch into sugars such as glucose and maltose. “Mannanase” as used in the present application means: class of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of mannose derivatives. “Mannose” as used in the present application means: sugar monomer of the aldohexose series of carbohydrates. “Lipase” as used in the present application means: class of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of fats or lipids. “Cellulase” as used in the present application means: class of enzymes that catalyse the cellulolysis or hydrolysis of cellulose. “Laundry detergent composition” as used in the present application means: composition used primarily for the cleaning of garments and whose main action is the removal of grime and dirt, comprising a builder and not having lipases. “Laundry additive composition” as used in the present application means: composition which is used for providing a specific consumer benefit, such as: removal of stains, elimination of malodour, improvement of whiteness and / or disinfection of garments. This means that the mean action of a laundry additive is not the removal or grime and dirt. “Total washing time” as used in the present application means: the time just after a laundry washing machine has been loaded with fabrics and a laundry detergent composition and a laundry additive composition have been added to the wash tank. Therefore, it will be understood that the time is counted from the moment the laundry washing machine is turned on and water starts entering the wash tank. When one or more centrifugation steps are involved, it is considered that the washing has finished after the laundry washing machine performs the last centrifugation. “Laundering” as used in the present application means: the act washing a fabric. The purpose of laundering as intended in the present application is to remove grime and dirt from a fabric, whilst also providing a specific consumer benefit. Detailed description of the invention The present invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine having a wash tank comprising the following steps: a) adding a laundry detergent composition to the wash tank, b) adding a laundry additive composition to the wash tank, c) adding water to the wash tank to form a washing liquor comprising the laundry detergent composition, the laundry additive composition, and water, d) washing the fabric by contacting it with the washing liquor, e) discharging the washing liquor from the wash tank, f) optionally centrifuging the remaining washing liquor from the wash tank, g) adding water to the wash tank to rinse the fabric, h) rinsing the fabric, and i) discharging the water used to rinse the fabric from the wash tank, j) optionally centrifuging the remaining water used to rinse the fabric from the wash tank, wherein: - the washing liquor is at a temperature higher than 15°C and lower than 40°C; - between 0.5 g and 20 g of the laundry additive composition are added to the wash tank per litre of washing liquor, the total washing time is 60 minutes or less, and the laundry additive composition comprises: o between 20% and 60% of at least one bleaching agent, o between 0.1 wt.% and 20 wt.% of at least one bleach activator, and o between 0.001 wt.% and 2 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide. The present inventors have observed that the use of a laundry detergent composition comprising at least one bleaching agent, at least one bleach activator and 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide in a method of laundering a fabric, allows for the laundering of the fabric in a laundry washing machine at a temperature higher than 15°C and lower than 40°C, wherein the total washing time is 60 minutes or less. Despite washing the fabric at low temperatures and during a short period of time, the method according to the invention provides not only cleaning of the fabric, but also removal of stains. The method also provides malodour removal and, preferably, also whiteness improvement of the fabric. Steps a) and b) of the method according to the invention can be inverted or carried out simultaneously, this means that it is possible to first add the laundry additive composition and then the laundry detergent composition to the wash tank. It is also possible to add the laundry detergent composition and the laundry additive simultaneously to the wash tank. It will be understood that the total washing time refers to the time needed to perform all steps in the method according to the invention, i.e. steps a) to j). This means that the fabric is in contact with the washing liquor (step d) only for a fraction of the total washing time. The fabric can be in contact with the washing liquor (step d) for 20% to 80% of the total washing time, preferably for 30% to 70% of the total washing time, more preferably for 40% to 60% of the total washing time. The compound 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide reacts in the washing liquor to produce oxaziridines, which are responsible for the improved stain removal. It is believed that by adding 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide to a laundry additive composition comprising a bleaching agent and a bleach activator, the activation energy needed to bleach a stain is reduced. When this energy is reduced, is it possible to remove stains at lower temperatures, for example, 25°C or 20°C, in shorter washing times, for example 60 minutes, 50 minutes, 40 minutes, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, or even 10 minutes. Therefore, in an embodiment, the invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine, wherein the method removes stains from the fabric, preferably wherein the stains are turmeric and / or curry stains. In addition, the present inventors have observed a synergistic effect between all ingredients of the laundry additive composition used in the method according to the invention. This is evidenced by the combined removal of stains and malodour and optionally the whiteness improvement. Therefore, in an embodiment, the invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine, wherein the method removes malodour from the fabric. In addition, in an embodiment, the invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine, wherein the method improves the whiteness of the fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine, wherein the method removes stains and malodour from the fabric. An effect that can be obtained with the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention, in particular in garments made of polyester, is improvement of whites or whitening. As previously discussed, 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide produces oxaziridines, which have a hydrophobic nature and can interact with polyethylene terephthalate in polyesters textiles. This interaction allows for a better whitening of the textiles. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine, wherein the method removes stains and malodour from the fabric and improves the whiteness of the fabric. The fabric can be made of cotton, one or more synthetic materials, or a combination thereof, preferably the one or more synthetic materials is polyester. The temperature of the washing liquor in the method according to the invention can be at a temperature lower than 25°C, preferably at a temperature of about 20°C. The amount of laundry additive composition that is added to the wash tank per litre of washing liquor in the method according to the invention can be between 1 g and 15 g, preferably between 2 g and 10 g, more preferably between 2 g and 6 g, even more preferably between 3 g and 5 g. The total washing time in the method according to the invention can be of less than 50 minutes, preferably less than 40 minutes, more preferably between 10 minutes and 35 minutes, even more preferably between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprises between 25 wt.% and 55 wt.% of said at least one bleaching agent, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.%. The bleaching agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of an oxygenreleasing bleaching agent, a chlorine-releasing bleaching agent and combinations of two or more thereof. The at least one bleaching agent may then comprise at least one source of active oxygen selected from the group comprising an inorganic peroxide, an organic peracid, hydrogen peroxide, and combinations thereof; preferably selected from the group comprising sodium percarbonate, s-phthalimido-peroxy-hexanoic acid (PAP), peracetic acid, potassium peroxymonosulfate (KMPS), and combinations thereof; most preferably wherein said at least one bleaching agent comprises or consist of sodium percarbonate. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise between 0.01 wt.% and 1.00 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.025 wt.% and 0.75 wt.%. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise between 0.25 wt.% and 15 wt.% of the at least one bleach activator, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.5 wt.% and 10 wt.%, more preferably between 1 wt.% and 5 wt.%. The at least one bleach activator is preferably selected from the group consisting of tetraacetylethylendiamine (TAED), acetylated triazine derivatives, acetylated glycoluriles, acylimides, acetylated phenolsulfonates, acetylated phenol carbonic acids, carbonic acid anhydrides, acetylated sugar derivatives, N- acetylated lactams, and combinations thereof; preferably said at least one bleach activator comprises or consists of tetraacetylethylendiamine (TAED). In a preferred embodiment, the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention comprises between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.% of the at least one bleaching agent, between 0.025 wt.% and 0.75 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide, and between 1 wt.% and 5 wt.% of the at least one bleach activator, based on the total weight of the composition, The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise a protease. For example, the laundry additive composition may comprise between 0.001 wt.% and 5 wt.% of the protease, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.001 wt.% and 2.5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.%. The protease in the laundry additive composition further enhances the stain removal, malodour removal, and whitening performance of the method according to the invention. Furthermore, the combination of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide and the protease allow for the incorporation of further enzymes, which have a synergistic effect with the other elements of the composition. For example, the laundry additive composition may comprise between 0.001 wt.% and 10 wt.% of one or more further enzymes, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.001 wt.% and 5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.001 wt.% and 2.5 wt.%, even more preferably between 0.001 wt.% and 2 wt.%, most preferably between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.%; wherein said one or more further enzyme are selected from the group consisting of a mannanase, a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase, and combinations thereof. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may take any form, e.g. solid, liquid, gel, powder or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the laundry additive composition is in form of a solid or a powder. Preferably, the pH of a dilution of 1:100 at 20°C of the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention is between 9 and 12, more preferably between 9.5 and 11.5, even more preferably between 10 and 11. Preferably the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention further comprises a rheology modifier agent, a fragrance, a phase stabilizer, a dye, a softening agent, a chelating agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a transition metal compound, an anti-foaming agent, a preservative, one or more surfactants, one or more fillers, a dye-transfer inhibitor, an optical brightener, or combinations thereof. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise one or more non-ionic surfactants. The amount of said one or more non-ionic surfactants in the laundry additive composition may be between 0.01 wt.% and 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.05 and 5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.1 and 1.0 wt.%. Examples of non-ionic surfactants are ethoxylated alcohols and ethoxylated alkyl phenols having the formula R1(OCH2CH2)nOH; wherein R1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals containing between 10 and 24 carbon atoms or alkyl phenyl radicals in which the alkyl groups contain from 10 to 22 carbon atoms; and n has an average value of from 1 to 10. Preferably, the one or more non-ionic surfactants have the formula R1(OCH2CH2)nOH; wherein R1 is an alkyl moiety having between 10 and 24 carbon atoms, and n has an average value of from 1 to 10. For example, when R1 is defined as being a C12-14 moiety, it is meant an alkyl moiety having between 12 and 14 carbon atoms. For example, when R1 is defined as being a C12-16 moiety, it is meant an alkyl moiety having between 12 and 16 carbon atoms. For example, when R1 is defined as being a C13 moiety, it is meant an alkyl moiety having 13 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention comprises between 0.01 wt.% and 10 wt.% of one or more non-ionic surfactants, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.05 and 5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.1 and 1.0 wt.%; wherein said one or more non-ionic surfactants have the formula R1(OCH2CH2)nOH; wherein R1 is an alkyl moiety having between 12 and 16 carbon atoms, and n has an average value of from 3 to 6, preferably between 4 and 5. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may further comprise any conventional anionic surfactant or a mixture of them used in detergent products. These include, for example, the alkyl benzene sulfonic acids and their salts as well as alkoxylated or non-alkoxylated alkyl sulphate materials. The anionic surfactants may be present in acid form or in neutralized (e.g., salt) form. The anionic surfactants may be linear, branched, or a mixture thereof. An example of an anionic surfactant is sodium cumenesulphonate. Examples of anionic surfactants are the alkali metal salts of Cw-w alkyl benzene sulphonic acids or Cn-14 alkyl benzene sulphonic acids. Another exemplary type of anionic surfactant is alkoxylated alkyl sulphate surfactants, such as ethoxylated alkyl sulphate surfactants. Such materials are also known as alkyl ether sulphates or alkyl polyethoxylate sulphates. Alkyl ether sulphates are generally available in the form of mixtures comprising varying R' chain lengths and varying degrees of ethoxylation. Frequently such mixtures also contain some non- ethoxylated alkyl sulphate ("AS") materials. In a preferred embodiment, the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention comprises: - between 0.01 wt.% and 10 wt.% of one or more non-ionic surfactants, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.05 and 5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.1 and 1.0 wt.%; wherein said one or more non-ionic surfactants have the formula R1(OCH2CH2)nOH; wherein R1 is an alkyl moiety having between 12 and 16 carbon atoms, and n has an average value of from 3 to 6, preferably between 4 and 5; and - between 0.01 wt.% and 10 wt.% of one or more anionic surfactants, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.05 and 7.5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.1 and 5 wt.%; wherein said one or more anionic surfactants preferably comprise a sodium salt o linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, an alcohol sulphate, an alfa olefin sulfonate, or combinations thereof. The selection of non-ionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, in, for example, this preferred embodiment, is important for the compatibility of the laundry additive composition with the high amounts of the bleaching agent, but also for controlling the foaming, detergency, flowability, and other physical and chemical properties of the composition. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may optionally contain a filler. Suitable fillers include bicarbonates and carbonates of metals, such as alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. Examples include sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate and sesqui-carbonates of sodium, calcium and / or magnesium. Other examples include metal carboxy glycine and metal glycine carbonate. Chlorides, such as sodium chloride; citrates; and sulphates, such as sodium sulphate, calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate, may also be employed. Preferably the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention comprises at least one filler selected from the group comprising alkyl carbonate, alkyl sulphate and combinations thereof; more preferably selected from the group comprising sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate and combinations thereof. When a filler is present, the composition may comprise between 0.1 wt.% and 80 wt.% of said at least one filler, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 10 wt.% and 75 wt.%, more preferably between 20 wt.% and 70 wt.%. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise an optical brightener, preferably selected from the group comprising stilbene, benzidine, benzothiazole, benzimidazole, benzoxazole, coumarin, pyrazoline, naphtalimide, naphtoxazole, distyryl-biphenyl, benzonitrile, benzopyrazole, including their derivatives and substituted compounds, and combinations thereof. Suitable optical brighteners include 4,4’-bis(2-sulphostyryl)diphenyl, 7-Diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin, benzoxazole, 2,2'-(1,2-ethenediyl) bis[5-methyl] including their substituted compounds, 4,4'-bis (triazine-2ylamino) stilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid, mono (azol-2-yl) stilbene and bis (azol-2yl) stilbene; styryl derivatives of benzene and biphenyl, such as 1,4-bis (styryl) benzene, 4,4'-bis (styryl) benzene, 4,4'-bis- (styryl) biphenyl, 4,4'-bis (sulphostryryl) biphenyl sodium salt; pyrazolines such as 1, 3-diphenyl-2-pyrazoline; bis (benzene-2-yl) derivatives, bis (benzoxazol-2-yl) derivatives and bis (benzimidazol-2-yl) derivatives; 2-(benzofuran-2-yl) benzimidazole; coumarins such as 4-methyl-7-hydroxy-coumarin or 4- methyl-7-diethylaminocoumarin; carbostyrils; naphthalimides; dibenzothiophene5,5-dioxide; pyrene; or pyri dotri azole derivatives and combinations thereof. When an optical brightener is present, the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% of at least one optical brightener, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.01 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%, more preferably between 0.05 wt.% and 0.25 wt.%. The laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may further comprise a dye-transfer inhibitor. Preferred dye-transfer inhibitors (sometimes called dye anti-redisposition agents or soil suspending agents) include polyvinylalcohol, fatty amides, sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrollidone, polyvinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidone, polyamine N-oxide polymers and copolymers or N-vinylpyrollidone and N-vinylimidazole. When a dye-transfer inhibitor is present, the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention may comprise between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% of at least one dye transfer inhibitor, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably between 0.01 wt.% and 0.75 wt.%, more preferably between 0.05 wt.% and 0.50 wt.%. In a preferred embodiment, the laundry additive composition in the method according to the invention is in the form of a solid or a powder, which comprises: - between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.% of at least one bleaching agent, preferably comprising or consisting of sodium percarbonate; between 0.025 wt.% and 0.75 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide; between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% of at least one protease; between 1 wt.% and 5 wt.% of at least one bleach activator, preferably comprising or consisting of tetraacetylethylendiamine (TAED); and - preferably further comprising between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% or one or more further enzymes, preferably selected from the group consisting of a mannanase, a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase, and combinations thereof; based on the total weight of the composition. All percentages used in this disclosure are by weight unless otherwise specified. The present invention will now be described in relation to the following non-limiting Examples. Examples Formulations Table 1. Formulations Table 1 shows a comparative formulation (Formulation A) and a formulation to be used in the method according to the invention (Formulation 1). Ingredient Formulation A 1 Sodium Carbonate 13.00 22.00 Sodium Sulphate 38.46 36.81 Sodium Percarbonate 40.00 35.00 TAED (free) 4.00 2.00 Oxygen transfer agent 0 0.200 Non-ionic surfactant 0.25 0.25 Anionic surfactant 2.00 1.75 Protease 0.29 0.12 Additional enzymes 0.48 0.45 Fragrance 0.03 0.03 Additional ingredients q.s. q.s. Oxygen transfer agent = 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide. The amounts of enzymes in table 1 are the amounts of these as received from a supplier. Additional enzymes: a mannanase, a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase, or a combination thereof. The additional enzymes used in formulation A and 1 are the same. Additional ingredients such as: thickeners and fillers. Performance tests Removal of stains in washing machine Technical stains supported on cotton, as defined in Table 3, were washed in a laundry washing machine in a washing liquor containing one of the detergent systems shown in Table 2 at 20°C. The washing liquor was prepared by adding water to a detergent system having a laundry detergent and a laundry additive. This means that the laundry detergent and the laundry additive were added to the wash tank; subsequently, water was added to the wash tank to form the washing liquor. Table 2. Detergent systems Detergent system Components Det 35 mL Commercial detergent Da 35 mL Commercial detergent + 60 g Formulation A D1 35 mL Commercial detergent + 60 g Formulation 1 The commercial detergent in Table 2 is Ariel brrrilliant stain removal as sold in the UK. Washing test conditions Each sample (technical stain supported on cotton) was washed in a Bosch WAV28MA9II laundry washing machine at a temperature of 20°C using a quick cycle (length of full cycle of about 30 minutes), water hardness of 28 °f. In the washing cycle, the samples were in direct contact with the washing liquor for approximately 15 minutes. Test swatches were dried using an industrial dryer and ironed with a domestic iron. Stain removal was determined using a Datacolor 700 spectrophotometer and by measuring the Y-value of the technical stain after washing. The results of these tests are shown in Table 3, wherein the stain removal performance of the detergent system containing the composition according to the method of the invention (D1) is compared to the stain removal performance of a regular liquid detergent (Det) and of the detergent system containing a composition not according to the method of the invention (Da). In table 3, “0” means no difference in stain removal performance, “+” means improved stain removal performance, and the greyed out boxes were not tested. Table 3. Stain removal performance on technical stains supported on cotton at 20°C and a wash cycle with a total length of about 30 minutes Stain removal performance Stain Code Stain Name D1 vs Det D1 vs Da C-S-15 blueberry juice + + W-10J tea 0 0 W-10SG spaghetti sauce with meat + + W-10U curry + + W-20J tea 0 W-20K Coffee + + WE5ECWKC coffee + WE5FSMWKC French squeeze mustard + 0 WE5GMWKC Grass / Mud + 0 WE5LTWKC tea 0 WE5RWWKC Red wine + 0 WE5SGWKC Grass scrubbed + WE5TPWKC tomato puree + + C-S-406 Balsamic Dressing + W-10Z chocolate + W-20Z chocolate + WE5DASBKC sheep blood + W-10D skin grease / pigment + W-10MU make up + W-10RM Soot mineral oil, IEC 0 W-10V soy sauce + + W-20MU make up + + W-20RM soot, mineral oi., IEC 0 + WE5BBPC2 cooked beef fat (PES / cot) + WE5BBWKC cooked beef fat + + (Each value in table 3 is the average of four measurements) The results in table 3 demonstrate that the method according to the invention (including formulation 1) allows for the removal of stains at low temperatures and short wash cycles, i.e. around 30 minutes. In particular, it is shown that the method of the invention allows for the removal of curry stains. Furthermore, the method of the invention including formulation 1 provides better stain removal, even when the amount of bleaching agent and bleach activator is lower than that of the comparative composition. This means that, the method according to the invention allows for the removal of stains, while reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to the lower temperatures and shorter cycles that can be used. Malodour removal Two mixtures of ingredients of smelly molecules representative of body and foot smells, respectively, were prepared. Few drops of each mixture were dropped on cotton (100% cotton) and polycotton (42% polyester, 55 % cotton, and 3 % elastane) fabrics producing smelly test swatches. The swatches were then washed. Each swatch was dried and placed in glass container for 2 hours at a temperature of 60°C. Subsequently, each swatch in the glass container was left at room temperature for 24 hours. Each swatch was then evaluated at a specialised laboratory by expert panellists. Washing test conditions Each swatch was washed in a BOSCH Vario Perfect serie 2 laundry washing machine at a temperature of 20°C using an express cycle (length of full cycle of about 15 minutes), water hardness of 28 °f. The washing liquor was prepared by adding water to a detergent system having a laundry detergent composition and a laundry additive. This means that the laundry detergent and the laundry additive were added to the wash tank; subsequently, water was added to the wash tank to form the washing liquor. The results of these tests are shown in Table 4, wherein the malodour removal performance of the detergent system containing the composition according to the method of the invention (D1) is compared to the malodour removal performance of a regular liquid detergent (Det). In table 4, “0” means no difference regarding malodour removal performance, and “+” means improved malodour removal performance. Table 4. Malodour removal performance at 20°C and a wash cycle with a total length of about 15 minutes Stain removal performance Fabric type Type of odour D1 vs Det Cotton Body sweat + Poly-cotton Body sweat + Cotton Foot + Poly-cotton Foot + The results in Table 4 clearly demonstrate that the method of laundering a fabric in a laundry machine according to the invention provides better malodour removal from a garment than a method including only the commercial detergent. Furthermore, the present inventors have also observed that the method according to the invention provides improved whiteness of a garment. These results show that the method according to the invention provides: removal of stains, especially turmeric and curry greasy stains, - malodour removal; and preferably also whiteness improvement in a garment. Hence one or more objects of the present invention are achieved by the present which is further elucidated in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of laundering a fabric in a laundry washing machine comprising the following steps:a) adding a laundry detergent composition to the wash tank,b) adding a laundry additive composition to the wash tank,c) adding water to the wash tank to form a washing liquor comprising the laundry detergent composition, the laundry additive composition, and water,d) washing the fabric by contacting it with the washing liquor,e) discharging the washing liquor from the wash tank,f) optionally centrifuging the remaining washing liquor from the wash tank,g) adding water to the wash tank to rinse the fabric,h) rinsing the fabric, andi) discharging the water used to rinse the fabric from the wash tank,j) optionally centrifuging the remaining water used to rinse the fabric from the wash tank,wherein:the washing liquor is at a temperature higher than 15°C and lower than 40°C;between 0.5 g and 20 g of the laundry additive composition are added to the wash tank per litre of washing liquor,the total washing time is 60 minutes or less, and- the laundry additive composition comprises, based on the total weight of the additive composition:o between 20 wt.% and 60 wt.% of at least one bleaching agent,o between 0.1 wt.% and 20 wt.% of at least one bleach activator, ando between 0.001 wt.% and 2 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method removes stains from the fabric.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the stains are turmeric and / or curry stains.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method removes malodour from a fabric.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method improves the whiteness of a fabric.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric is in contact with the washing liquor for 20% to 80% of the total washing time.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the fabric is in contact with the washing liquor for 30% to 70% of the total washing time, preferably for 40% to 60% of the total washing time.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric is made of cotton, one or more synthetic materials, or a combination thereof, preferably wherein the one or more synthetic materials is polyester.9 The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the washing liquor is at a temperature lower than 25 °C.10 The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the washing liquor is at a temperature of about 20 °C.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein between 1 g and 15 g of the laundry additive composition are added to the wash tank per litre of washing liquor, preferably between 2 g and 10 g, more preferably between 2 g and 6 g, even more preferably between 3 g and 5 g.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the total washing time is less than 50 minutes.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the total washing time is less than 40 minutes.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the total washing time is between 10 minutes and 35 minutes.

15. the method according to claim 14, wherein the total washing time is between 15 minutes and 30 minutes.

16. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry additive composition comprises between 25 wt.% and 55 wt.% of said at least one bleaching agent, based on the total weight of the composition.

17. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry additive composition comprises between 0.25 wt.% and 15 wt.% of the at least one bleach activator, based on the total weight of the composition.

18. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry additive composition comprises between 0.005 wt.% and 1.5 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide, based on the total weight of the composition.

19. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry additive composition comprises a protease.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the laundry additive composition comprises between 0.001 wt.% and 5 wt.% of the protease, based on the total weight of the composition.

21. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry additive composition is in the form of a solid or a powder.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the laundry additive composition is in 5 the form of a solid or a powder, which comprises:between 30 wt.% and 50 wt.% of at least one bleaching agent, preferably comprising or consisting of sodium percarbonate;between 0.025 wt.% and 0.75 wt.% of 3-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-1,1-dioxide;- between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% of at least one protease;10 - between 1 wt.% and 5 wt.% of at least one bleach activator, preferably comprisingor consisting of tetraacetylethylendiamine (TAED); andpreferably further comprising between 0.001 wt.% and 1 wt.% or one or more further enzymes, preferably selected from the group consisting of a mannanase, a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase, and combinations thereof;15 based on the total weight of the composition.