Liquid fabric softener composition for washing machine provided with softener automatic measurement meter and automatic dispensing tank

Abstract

To provide a liquid fabric softener composition for washing machines with tanks for automatic measurement and automatic dispensing, which can suppress bacterial growth even when exposed for a long period (for example, 1 to 12 weeks) to bacteria present in the outside air without sealing, and under conditions where the liquid temperature repeatedly rises and falls due to a dryer in the tank or cooling (for example, 10°C to 50°C), and can also suppress an increase in viscosity even after a long period (for example, 12 to 18 months) after production, as well as a method for suppressing bacterial growth when using a washing machine equipped with tanks for automatic measurement and automatic dispensing of fabric softener using such a composition.SOLUTION: (a) 1 to 15% by mass of a quaternary ammonium compound containing 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and one or more selected from silicone compounds, (b) 1 to 10% by mass of a nonionic surfactant, (c) a microbial growth control agent, (d) one or more selected from alkylene glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, fatty alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the alkylene group has 2 to 6 carbon atoms and the alkyl chain has 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and polyethylene glycol, and containing water, wherein the pH at 20°C is from 1 to 6, a liquid fabric softener composition for washing machines equipped with a tank for automatic metering and automatic addition of fabric softener.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid softener composition for a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic softener metering and dispensing. [Background technology]

[0002] Since aqueous compositions containing surfactants may be contaminated with bacteria such as mold during storage, preservatives are usually used to prevent bacterial contamination. For example, when using a liquid softener composition, the cap of a container filled with the liquid softener composition is opened, the liquid softener composition is measured and poured into the tank of a washing machine each time, and the cap of the container is closed to store the liquid softener composition in a state where it is isolated from the outside air, so that the liquid softener composition is stored in an environment where bacterial contamination is unlikely to occur. In recent years, an increasing number of washing machines have been equipped with a function for storing chemical solutions such as detergent in a tank and automatically dispensing the detergent according to the weight of the laundry during washing, as described in Patent Document 1. When such a technology is applied to a liquid fabric softener composition, the liquid fabric softener composition is placed in a tank installed in the washing machine, and the liquid fabric softener composition is automatically pumped out of the tank by simply operating a button on the device, completing the wash cycle. This provides great convenience and increases consumer comfort.

[0003] Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose liquid fabric softener compositions containing a quaternary ammonium compound, a nonionic surfactant, and a preservative. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-80559 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-23776 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-214799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a liquid fabric softener composition is stored in the tank of a washing machine equipped with an automatic dispensing function, although the tank is separated from the outside air by a simple lid or the like, the liquid fabric softener composition in the tank is not sealed and is therefore exposed to the outside air. Furthermore, when the washing machine's drying function is used, the temperature inside the tank changes more significantly than in the indoor environment, and the liquid fabric softener composition in the tank is exposed to an unprecedented environment, with the liquid temperature repeatedly rising in the dryer and then falling as it cools. The present inventors have discovered that, in such an environment, even if the fabric softener contains a preservative, there is a concern about the introduction and proliferation of bacteria during storage. Furthermore, while liquid fabric softener compositions contain a nonionic surfactant to stabilize quality, the present inventors have discovered that when a liquid fabric softener composition contains both a preservative and a nonionic surfactant, the preservative's antiseptic performance is reduced. The liquid fabric softener compositions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose only a technology in which the compositions are dispensed into the tank of a general washing machine equipped with an automatic dispensing function without automatic metering for each wash cycle. Furthermore, these liquid fabric softener compositions themselves are filled into a storage container, sealed with a cap, and are stored in a sealed container in an environment where the temperature does not change significantly, so the above-mentioned problem of bacterial contamination does not arise.

[0006] The present invention provides a liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing, which can suppress the growth of bacteria even when the composition is not sealed and exposed to bacteria present in the open air for a long period of time (for example, 1 to 12 weeks), and which can suppress an increase in viscosity even when the composition is exposed to an environment (for example, 10°C to 50°C) in which the liquid temperature of the softener composition in the tank is repeatedly increased by a dryer and then decreased by cooling, and which can suppress an increase in viscosity even when the composition is used for a long period of time (for example, 12 to 18 months) after production; and a method for suppressing the growth of bacteria using the same when a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing is used.

[0007] In the present invention, a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic softener metering and automatic dispensing refers to a washing machine equipped with a tank for storing a softener composition, and equipped with a function for automatically measuring the softener composition according to the weight of the laundry and automatically dispensing it into the washing tub during washing, thereby eliminating the need to refill the tank with softener composition each time a washing cycle is performed.The washing machine may also be equipped with a function for drying textile products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing, which contains (a) from 1% by mass to 15% by mass of one or more compounds (hereinafter referred to as component (a)) selected from a quaternary ammonium compound containing from 14 to 22 carbon atoms and one to three hydrocarbon groups (hereinafter referred to as component (a1)) and a silicone compound (hereinafter referred to as component (a2)), (b) from 1% by mass to 10% by mass of a nonionic surfactant (hereinafter referred to as component (b)), (c) a bacterial growth inhibitor (hereinafter referred to as component (c)), (d) one or more compounds selected from an alkylene glycol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a fatty alcohol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ether having an alkylene group of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a chain alkyl group of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and polyethylene glycol (hereinafter referred to as component (d)), and water, and has a pH of from 1 to 6 at 20°C.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a method for inhibiting bacterial growth during use of a washing machine, comprising adding component (d) to a liquid fabric softener composition containing 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of component (a), 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of component (b), component (c), and water, and having a pH of 1 to 6 at 20°C, and storing the liquid fabric softener composition in a tank of a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present invention provides a liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing, which can suppress the growth of bacteria even when the composition is not sealed and exposed to bacteria present in the open air for a long period of time (for example, 1 to 12 weeks), and which can suppress an increase in viscosity even when the composition is exposed to an environment (for example, 10°C to 50°C) in which the liquid temperature of the softener composition in the tank is repeatedly increased by a dryer and then decreased by cooling, and which can suppress an increase in viscosity even when the composition is used for a long period of time (for example, 12 to 18 months) after production; and a method for suppressing the growth of bacteria using the same when a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing is used.

[0011] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing can be stored for a long period of time (e.g., 1 to 12 weeks) in an open tank in a washing machine while the liquid fabric softener composition is exposed to the outside air and can suppress the growth of bacteria even in an environment where the liquid temperature is repeatedly increased by a dryer, and can suppress an increase in viscosity even over a long period of time (e.g., 12 to 18 months) after production. Therefore, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention can be suitably used as a fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing. Therefore, consumers who use the washing machine can use the fabric softener composition of the present invention in the washing machine without worrying about the increase in bacteria or the deterioration of quality due to an increase in viscosity, which increases consumer comfort and enables extremely convenient washing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The reason why the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention for a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing (hereinafter referred to as the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention) can suppress the growth of bacteria even when exposed to an environment in which it is not sealed and is exposed to bacteria present in the outside air for a long period of time (for example, 1 to 12 weeks), and in which the liquid temperature of the fabric softener composition in the tank is repeatedly increased by a dryer and then decreased by cooling (for example, 10°C to 50°C), and also suppresses an increase in viscosity even after a long period of time (for example, 12 to 18 months) after production is not entirely clear, but is presumed to be as follows. When liquid fabric softener compositions are stored in an environment with large temperature changes, their viscosity increases. This is due to the gelation of component (a), and the use of component (b) is an effective method for inhibiting this gelation. Furthermore, while the use of component (c) is generally a method for preventing bacterial contamination, it has been found that when components (b) and (c) are used in combination, component (c) is incorporated into the micelles of component (b) and / or into complexes between components (a) and (b), significantly reducing the concentration of free component (c) in the aqueous layer and facilitating bacterial growth. Furthermore, tanks for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing are in an environment more susceptible to bacterial growth than usual due to the rising of the solution caused by the dryer. In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, by containing component (d) in addition to components (a), (b), and (c), component (d) can increase the hydrophobicity of the aqueous layer and shift the equilibrium of component (c) toward the aqueous layer. As a result, the concentration of free component (c) in the aqueous layer can be increased to a concentration that can suppress the growth of bacteria, which is thought to be why the effects of the present invention are achieved. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned mechanism of action.

[0013] [Liquid fabric softener composition] <Component (a)> The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains, as component (a), one or more compounds selected from a quaternary ammonium compound containing one to three hydrocarbon groups having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms [hereinafter referred to as component (a1)] and a silicone compound [hereinafter referred to as component (a2)].

[0014] From the viewpoint of flexibility, the component (a1) is preferably a quaternary ammonium compound represented by the following general formula (a1).

[0015] [ka]

[0016] [In the formula, R 1a is a hydrocarbon group having 14 to 22 carbon atoms, Y is -COO-, and R 2ais an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. 3a , R 4a are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R 1a -YR 2a - is a group selected from R 5a is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X - is an anionic group. Furthermore, the unsaturation rate defined by the following formula is 100% by mass or less. [R 1a The hydrocarbon group of R 1a When COOH is used, R 1a R is an unsaturated hydrocarbon group 1a COOH total mass] / [R 1a Total mass of COOH × 100 (mass%)

[0017] In general formula (a1), R 1a From the viewpoint of flexibility, is a hydrocarbon group having 14 or more carbon atoms, preferably 15 or more, and 22 or less, preferably 20 or less, and more preferably 18 or less carbon atoms, and is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched alkenyl group. Examples of the alkyl group include a pentadecanyl group or a heptadecanyl group, and examples of the alkenyl group include an 8-heptadecenyl group, an 8,11-heptadecadienyl group, an 8,11,14-heptadecatrienyl group, a 4,7,10,13-nonadecatetraenyl group, a 4,7,10,13,16-nonadecapentaenyl group, and a 3,6,9,12,15,18-heneicosahexaenyl group.

[0018] R 2a is an alkylene group having 1 or more and 3 or less, preferably 2 or less, carbon atoms, and specifically is a group selected from a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, and a methylethylene group, with an ethylene group being preferred in terms of easy availability of the raw material.

[0019] R 3a , R 4aare each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, the alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms is specifically a group selected from a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, and a methyl group is preferred.

[0020] R 3a , R 4a are each independently a hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, the hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms is specifically a group selected from a hydroxymethyl group, a 2-hydroxyethyl group, a 3-hydroxypropyl group, and a 2-hydroxypropyl group, and a 2-hydroxyethyl group is preferred.

[0021] R 5a Specifically, is a group selected from a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group, with a methyl group being preferred.

[0022] X - is an anionic group, and is preferably an anion selected from an iodide ion, a bromide ion, a chloride ion, an alkyl sulfate ester ion having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a fatty acid ion having from 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and a benzenesulfonate ion which may be substituted with from 1 to 3 alkyl groups having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl sulfate ester ion having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a monomethyl sulfate ion or a monoethyl sulfate ion.

[0023] The component (a1) can be obtained by an esterification reaction between an alkanolamine and a fatty acid or a fatty acid chloride, or by a transesterification reaction with a lower alcohol ester of a fatty acid, followed by a quaternization reaction with a quaternizing agent.

[0024] From the viewpoint of easy availability of raw materials, it is preferable to produce the quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1) from component (a1) by an esterification reaction between an alkanolamine and a fatty acid or a fatty acid chloride, or a transesterification reaction between an alkanolamine and a lower alcohol ester of a fatty acid, followed by a quaternization reaction with a quaternizing agent.

[0025] The quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1), which is the component (a1), can be produced by the following method. R 3a and R 4a are each independently selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, one or more R 1a COZ is reacted with one or more alkanolamines of formula (1a) to give a compound of formula (1aa), and then R 5a By quaternizing using -X as a quaternizing agent, the quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1) can be obtained as a compound of the following formula (1A).

[0026] [ka]

[0027] [wherein Z is a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a chlorine atom. R 1a , R 2a , R 3a , R 4a , R 5a and X - indicates the same content as above.]

[0028] The first esterification step of formula (i) can be carried out under general esterification conditions, i.e., temperature, catalyst, raw material concentration, solvent, etc. The second quaternization step can also be carried out under general quaternization conditions, i.e., temperature, catalyst, raw material concentration, solvent, etc.

[0029] The resulting final product, the quaternary ammonium compound of formula (1A), may be isolated, but for convenience, it may be used without isolation after esterification and quaternization. After esterification, the unreacted raw material R 1aAlthough COY and alkanolamine of formula (1a) are mixed in, the amounts are so small that they do not affect the performance of the composition of the present application. After quaternization, unreacted compound of formula (1aa) is mixed in, but this does not affect the performance of the composition of the present application. Furthermore, the solvents used in esterification and quaternization do not affect the performance of the composition of the present application.

[0030] R 3a R 1a -YR 2a - and R 4a is a group selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, one or more R 1a COZ is reacted with one or more alkanolamines of the following formula (2aa) to obtain the following formula (2aa), and then R 5a By quaternizing using -X as a quaternizing agent, the quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1) can be obtained as a compound of the following formula (2A).

[0031] [ka]

[0032] [where Z, R 1a , R 2a , R 4a , R 5a and X - indicates the same content as above.]

[0033] The first esterification step of formula (ii) can be carried out under general esterification conditions, i.e., temperature, catalyst, raw material concentration, solvent, etc. The second quaternization step can also be carried out under general quaternization conditions, i.e., temperature, catalyst, raw material concentration, solvent, etc.

[0034] The resulting final product, the quaternary ammonium compound of formula (2A), may be isolated, but for convenience, it may be used without isolation after esterification and quaternization. After esterification, the unreacted raw material R 1aAlthough COZ and alkanolamine of formula (2a) are mixed in, the amount is so small that it does not affect the performance of the composition of the present application. After quaternization, unreacted compound of formula (2aa) is mixed in, but this does not affect the performance of the composition of the present application. Furthermore, the solvents used in esterification and quaternization do not affect the performance of the composition of the present application.

[0035] R 3a and R 4a However, each independently R 1a -YR 2a -, one or more R 1a COZ is reacted with one or more alkanolamines of formula (3a) to give (3aa), and then R 5a By quaternizing using -X as a quaternizing agent, the quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1) can be obtained as a compound of the following formula (3A).

[0036] [ka]

[0037] [where Z, R 1a , R 2a , R 5a and X - indicates the same content as above.]

[0038] The first esterification step of formula (iii) can be carried out under general esterification conditions, i.e., temperature, catalyst, raw material concentration, solvent, etc. The second quaternization step can also be carried out under general quaternization conditions, i.e., temperature, catalyst, raw material concentration, solvent, etc.

[0039] The resulting final product, the quaternary ammonium compound of formula (3A), may be isolated, but for convenience, it may be used without isolation after esterification and quaternization. After esterification, the unreacted raw material R 1aAlthough COZ and alkanolamine of formula (3a) are mixed in, the amount is so small that it does not affect the performance of the composition of the present application. After quaternization, unreacted compound (3aa) is mixed in, but this does not affect the performance of the composition of the present application. Furthermore, the solvents used in esterification and quaternization do not affect the performance of the composition of the present application.

[0040] In addition, a mixture of alkanolamines of formula (1a) and / or alkanolamines of formula (2a) and / or alkanolamines of formula (3a) may be used in R 1a The quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1) may be reacted with COZ to give a mixture of compounds of formula (1aa), and / or compounds of formula (2aa), and / or compounds of formula (3aa), and then compounds of formula (1A), and / or compounds of formula (2A), and / or compounds of formula (3A).

[0041] As the alkanolamine used as a raw material, one or more alkanolamines selected from methyldiethanolamine, methyldiisopropanolamine, and triethanolamine are preferred in terms of inhibiting thickening and being easy to obtain as raw materials. Furthermore, the fatty acid preferably used is a fatty acid selected from palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or a mixture thereof. Mixtures containing fatty acids derived from palm oil, soybean oil, or olive oil, which are primarily composed of these fatty acids, can also be used.

[0042] The quaternary ammonium compound represented by general formula (a1) has an unsaturation rate defined by the following formula of 100% by mass or less, preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and preferably 55% by mass or more, preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing thickening. Furthermore, the quaternary ammonium compound represented by general formula (a1) has an unsaturation rate defined by the following formula of less than 55% by mass, preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 45% by mass or less, and preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and even more preferably 40% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of flexibility. [R 1a The hydrocarbon group of R 1a When COOH is used, R 1a R is an unsaturated hydrocarbon group 1a COOH total mass] / [R 1a Total mass of COOH × 100 (mass%)

[0043] When the quaternary ammonium compound of general formula (a1) is produced by an esterification reaction between an alkanolamine and a fatty acid or a fatty acid chloride or a transesterification reaction between an alkanolamine and a lower alcohol ester of a fatty acid, followed by a quaternization reaction with a quaternizing agent, R 1a By optimizing the conditions, such as using COZ (fatty acid, fatty acid chloride, or lower alcohol ester of fatty acid) in a molar ratio of 1.5 times or more to the alkanolamine and in a molar ratio of 1.2 times or less to the hydroxyl group of the alkanolamine, it is possible to obtain an R of approximately 95% or more. 1a COZ reacts with alkanolamine to give the esters represented by the above formulas (1aa), (2aa), and (3aa). 1a The unsaturation rate of COZ may be used as the unsaturation rate.

[0044] Furthermore, when component (a1) is a compound having one or more ester groups selected from the group consisting of compounds of formula (1A), compounds of formula (2A), and compounds of formula (3A), these compounds can be hydrolyzed, and the fatty acids recovered can be analyzed by gas chromatography to determine the composition of each fatty acid component and determine the unsaturation percentage. In this case, the area percentage of each fatty acid can also be considered to be mass percentage. Furthermore, when the component (a1) does not contain an ester group, the unsaturation rate can also be calculated by measuring NMR and / or the iodine value.

[0045] From the viewpoint of flexibility, the silicone compound of component (a2) is preferably one or more selected from dimethylpolysiloxane and amino-modified silicone.

[0046] The kinematic viscosity of the dimethylpolysiloxane at 25°C is preferably 500 mm from the viewpoint of flexibility. 2 / s or more, preferably 1,000 mm 2 / s or more, more preferably 2,000 mm 2 / s or more, and preferably 1,000,000 mm 2 / s or less, preferably 750,000 mm 2 / s or less, more preferably 500,000 mm 2 The kinematic viscosity of dimethylpolysiloxane can be measured by the measurement method specified by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS Z 8803).

[0047] From the viewpoint of flexibility, the amine equivalent of the amino-modified silicone is preferably 100 g / mol or more, more preferably 500 g / mol or more, even more preferably 1,000 g / mol or more, and preferably 10,000 g / mol or less, more preferably 8,000 g / mol or less, even more preferably 6,000 g / mol or less. The amine equivalent of an amino-modified silicone is the value obtained by dividing the molecular weight of the modified product by the number of functional groups.

[0048] <(b) Component> The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains a nonionic surfactant as component (b).

[0049] Examples of nonionic surfactants include alkyl monoglyceryl ethers, polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl or alkenyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl or alkenyl phenyl ethers, alkyl (poly)glycosides (glycoside-type nonionic surfactants), sorbitan-based nonionic surfactants, aliphatic alkanolamides, fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters, and amidations of alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and methylmonoethanolamine with fatty acids such as lauric acid and myristic acid. These can be used alone or in combination. The alkyl or alkenyl group of the nonionic surfactant has, for example, 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The average number of moles of oxyalkylene groups, such as oxyethylene groups, added to the nonionic surfactant is, for example, 1 to 80.

[0050] From the viewpoint of suppressing thickening, the component (b) is preferably one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the compounds represented by the following general formula (b1) and the compounds represented by the general formula (b2). R 1b -O-[(C2H4O) s (C3H6O) t ]-H (b1) [In the formula, R 1b is a linear or branched alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkenyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. s is the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy (C2H4O) groups added, and t is the average number of moles of propyleneoxy (C3H6O) groups added, s being a number of from 6 to 60, and t being a number of from 0 to 5. The ethyleneoxy (C2H4O) groups and propyleneoxy (C3H6O) groups are bonded in a random or block fashion.

[0051] [ka]

[0052] [In the formula, R 2bis a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. n is the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, and is a number of 8 to 60.

[0053] In general formula (b1), R 1b is a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched alkenyl group, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group, having 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing thickening. From the viewpoint of suppressing thickening, s is a number of 6 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 15 or more, even more preferably 20 or more, and 60 or less, preferably 50 or less, more preferably 40 or less. From the viewpoint of suppressing thickening, t is a number of 0 or more and 5 or less, preferably 3 or less, and may be 0.

[0054] In general formula (b2), R 2b is a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched alkenyl group having 8 or more and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less, and even more preferably 12 or less carbon atoms, from the viewpoint of suppressing thickening, preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, more preferably a linear alkyl group. R 2b The bonding position of may be any of the ortho, meta, and para positions based on the position of the benzene ring to which the oxyalkylene group is bonded, and is preferably the para position. From the viewpoint of suppressing thickening, n is a number of 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, and 60 or less, preferably 50 or less, more preferably 40 or less, even more preferably 30 or less, still more preferably 20 or less, and still more preferably 15 or less.

[0055] <(c) component> The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains a bacterial growth inhibitor as component (c). In the present invention, the bacterial growth inhibitor refers to an agent used to prevent contamination, deterioration, degradation, corrosion, etc. caused by microorganisms. The target microorganisms include the genus Methyrobacterium, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Roseomanas, Sphingomonas, Aeromicrobium, Brevundimonas, Microbacterium, Rhodobacter, Acetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Moraxella, and Streptococcus. Examples of such bacteria include, but are not limited to, Bacillus sp., Clostridium sp., Listeria sp., Legionella sp., and Escherichia sp.

[0056] From the viewpoint of bacterial growth control effect, component (c) may be one or more selected from isothiazolinone antibacterial agents, phenoxyethanol, benzoates, and carboxylic acids having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and salts thereof.

[0057] Examples of isothiazoline antibacterial agents include one or more selected from 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one (BIT), 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and from the viewpoint of bacterial growth control effect, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one is preferred.

[0058] The salt of benzoate may be one or more selected from sodium salts and potassium salts.

[0059] In terms of the bacterial growth inhibitory effect, the number of carbon atoms in the carboxylic acid moiety of the carboxylic acid having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and the salt thereof is from 1 to 8, preferably from 6 to 4, more preferably from 4 to 10. The salt may be one or more selected from sodium salts and potassium salts. Examples of carboxylic acids having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and salts thereof include one or more selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid (butanoic acid), isovaleric acid, valeric acid (pentanoic acid), 2-methylbutyric acid, and salts thereof. From the viewpoint of antiseptic properties, one or more selected from formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and salts thereof are preferred, and one or more selected from formic acid and salts thereof are more preferred.

[0060] From the viewpoint of bacterial growth control effect, component (c) is preferably one or more selected from isothiazolinone antibacterial agents, phenoxyethanol, and carboxylic acids having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and salts thereof, more preferably 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, phenoxyethanol, and carboxylic acids having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and salts thereof, and even more preferably 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one.

[0061] <(d) component> The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains, as component (d), one or more selected from alkylene glycols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, fatty alcohols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkylene group and from 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the chain alkyl group, and polyethylene glycol.

[0062] The number of carbon atoms in the alkylene glycol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is 2 or more and 6 or less, preferably 4 or less, from the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth. Examples of alkylene glycols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms include one or more selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin. From the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, one or more selected from ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and 1,3-butanediol are preferred, and 1,3-butanediol is more preferred.

[0063] The carbon number of the fatty alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is 2 or more and 6 or less, preferably 4 or less, from the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth. The hydricity of the fatty alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is monohydric or more and trihydric or less, preferably dihydric or less. Examples of fatty alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms include one or more selected from ethanol, propanol, butanol, 2-propanol, 2-butanol, and tert-butyl alcohol. From the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, one or more selected from ethanol, propanol, 2-propanol, and tert-butyl alcohol are preferred, and one or more selected from ethanol, propanol, and 2-propanol are more preferred.

[0064] The mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ether has an alkylene group having 2 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, and an acyclic alkyl group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, wherein the alkylene group has 2 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms, preferably 4 or less, and more preferably 3 or less carbon atoms, and the acyclic alkyl group has 1 or more and 6 or less, preferably 4 or less, and more preferably 2 or less carbon atoms. Examples of mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the alkylene group has from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms include one or more selected from propylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, butylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and diethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, one or more selected from propylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers in which the alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and glycerin monoalkyl ethers in which the chain alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms are preferred.

[0065] From the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, the weight average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol is preferably 100 or more, more preferably 200 or more, even more preferably 400 or more, and preferably 10,000 or less, even more preferably 8,000 or less, and even more preferably 6,000 or less. The weight-average molecular weight of polyethylene glycol is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a mixed solution of acetonitrile and water (phosphate buffer solution) as the developing solvent and polyethylene glycol as the standard.

[0066] <Composition, etc.> The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of 1% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, in terms of softness, and 15% by mass or less, preferably 13% by mass or less, more preferably 11% by mass or less, in terms of suppressing thickening. In the present invention, when the component (a1) is contained as the component (a), the mass of the component (a1) is expressed as a value converted into monomethyl sulfate.

[0067] From the viewpoint of suppressing thickening, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of 1% by mass or more, preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and 10% by mass or less, preferably 7% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, of the fabric softener composition.

[0068] From the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.003% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.006% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.01% by mass or more, and preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or less.

[0069] From the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (d) in an amount of preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.6% by mass or more, and preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 4% by mass or less.

[0070] In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (d) / (b) of the content of component (d) to the content of component (b) is, from the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, preferably 1 / 5 or more, more preferably 1 / 4 or more, even more preferably 1 / 3 or more, and preferably 3 / 1 or less, more preferably 2 / 1 or less, even more preferably 1 / 1 or less.

[0071] In the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (c) / (b) of the content of component (c) to the content of component (b) is, from the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, preferably 1 / 1000 or more, more preferably 1 / 500 or more, even more preferably 1 / 100 or more, and preferably 3 / 1 or less, more preferably 2 / 1 or less, even more preferably 1 / 1 or less, still more preferably 1 / 5 or less, still more preferably 1 / 10 or less, and still more preferably 1 / 20 or less.

[0072] From the viewpoint of fragrance, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain a fragrance composition (A) containing a fragrance compound as component (e), provided that component (e) does not include the fragrance composition (B) encapsulated in microcapsules, which is component (f) described below. The fragrance compounds used in this application can be characterized by their logP value. The logP value is a coefficient that indicates the affinity of an organic compound for water and 1-octanol. The 1-octanol / water partition coefficient P is the ratio of the equilibrium concentrations of a compound in two liquid phases, 1-octanol and water, when a trace amount of the compound dissolves as a solute in each solvent and reaches partition equilibrium. It is generally expressed in the form of its logarithm (logP) to the base 10. Nowadays, calculated logP (ClogP) values, calculated using calculation programs that use fragment values ​​of atomic groups determined by the number of atoms and the type of chemical bond that constitute the compound molecule, are widely used. In this application, the ClogP value is used when selecting compounds, but this value can be considered equivalent to the experimentally obtained logP value. The logP value used in this application is the ClogP value, and will be referred to as the ClogP value hereinafter.

[0073] From the viewpoint of the release of fragrance when the fabric is moistened with moisture such as sweat, the ClogP value of the fragrance compound is preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.2 or more, even more preferably 1.5 or more, and preferably 5.0 or less, more preferably 4.5 or less, even more preferably 4.0 or less.

[0074] Examples of fragrance compounds with a ClogP value of 1.0 or more and 5.0 or less include γ-undecalactone, 2-cyclohexylidene-2-phenylacetonitrile, damascenone, δ-damascone, α-methyl-β-(pt-butylphenyl)-propionaldehyde, β-ionone, myrrhaldehyde, ethyltricyclo[5.2.1.0-2,6]decane-2-carboxylate (fruitate), citronellol, geraniol, α-ionone, patchouli alcohol, 6,7-dihydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4(5H)-indanone, methyl dihydrojasmonate, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, amyl cinnamic aldehyde, allylcyclohexyl propionate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl butyrate, tricyclodecenyl propionate, amyl salicylate, γ-methyl ionone, α-damascone , β-damascone, nerolin yarayara, 2,4,6-trimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxane, phenylhexanol, 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-2-buten-1-ol, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1-b]furan, γ-nonalactone, methyl β-naphthyl ketone, eugenol, lyral, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, iso-damascone, 2-cyclohexylidene-2-phenyl Acetonitrile, γ-decalactone, α-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyhydrocinnamic aldehyde, 7-methyl-3,5-dihydro-2H-benzodioxepinone, tricyclodecenyl acetate (tricyclodecenyl acetate), tricyclodecenyl propionate, allyl 2-pentyloxyglycolate, 1-(2-tert-butylcyclohexyloxy)-2-butanol, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, indole, 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol, para-men Tan-8-thiol-3-one, 3-(para-tert-butylphenyl)-propanal, ethyl cinnamate, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime, methyl anthranilate, terpineol, β-caryophyllene, citronellyl acetate, geranyl acetate, neryl acetate, [4-(t-butyl)cyclohexyl] acetate, tetrahydrogeraniol, 2-isobutyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyltetrahydropyranol (Florosa), α-dynascone, cis-jasmone, bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-8-1,5-dimethyloxime, 2,4-dimethyl-4,4α,5,9β-tetrahydroindeno[1,2-d]-m-dioxine, 3-(para-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal, ethyl-2-tert-butylcyclohexylcarbonate, hexyl benzoate, 4-acetoxy-3-amyltetrahydropyran, dodecyl aldehyde, dihydro-β-ionone, methyl cyclooctyl carbonate, ethyl methylphenylglycidate, isoeugenol, methyl isoeugenol These include ethanol, diphenyl oxide, 2,2,5-trimethyl-5-pentyl cyclopentanone, thymol, nerolin bromeliad, 5,6-dimethyl-8-isopropenyl, bicyclo[4.4.0]-1-decen-3-one, 3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-propanal, 4-isopropylcyclohexanemethanol, methyl methylanthranilate, dodecanenitrile, 3-dodecenal, coumarin, phenylethyl alcohol, cis-3-hexenol, raspberry ketone, and heliotropin.

[0075] Fragrance compounds with a ClogP value of greater than 5.0 can also be used as the fragrance compound in fragrance composition (A) (e). Examples of fragrance compounds with a ClogP value greater than 5.0 include 2-[2-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)propyl]cyclopentanone (5.1), 7-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,1,6,7-tetramethylnaphthalene (5.2), acetyl cedrene (5.2), nerolidol (5.7), benzyl alcohol (7.1), caryophyllene (6.3), and isopropyl myristate (7.2). The numbers in parentheses indicate ClogP values.

[0076] Furthermore, fragrance compounds with a ClogP value of less than 1.0 can also be used as fragrance compounds in fragrance composition (A) of component (e). Examples of fragrance compounds with a ClogP value greater than 1.0 include fullerol (0.82), butanoic acid (0.79), γ-decalactone (0.60), methyl methoxybutanol (0.46), and methyl maltol (0.30). The numbers in parentheses indicate ClogP values.

[0077] The content of the fragrance compound having a ClogP value of 1 or more and 5 or less in the fragrance composition (A) of the component (e) of the present invention is 30% by mass or more, preferably 35% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, and 100% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less.

[0078] When the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (e), from the viewpoint of fragrance, the content of component (e) in the fabric softener composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.3% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or less, even more preferably 2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1.5% by mass or less. However, the content of component (e) does not include the amount of component (f) described below, i.e., the fragrance composition (B) encapsulated in microcapsules.

[0079] <Component (f)> From the viewpoint of imparting fragrance, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain, as component (f), microcapsules encapsulating a fragrance composition (B).

[0080] Specific examples of components of the microcapsule shell include silica, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, alginic acid, melamine, urea membrane, urethane membrane, CMC (cell membrane complex) membrane, etc. From the viewpoint of strength and the release ability of the contained fragrance, silica is preferred as a component. Hereinafter, microcapsules having a shell containing silica as a component (f) are also referred to as silica capsules. The fragrance composition (B) can be encapsulated in silica capsules as a fragrance composition containing one or more fragrance compounds.

[0081] <Core> The core of the silica capsule according to the present invention contains a fragrance composition (B). The fragrance compounds contained in the fragrance composition (B) include commonly used natural fragrances or synthetic fragrances, such as those described in "Synthetic Fragrances: Chemistry and Product Knowledge" by Genichi Indo, published by The Chemical Daily in 1969, and "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals" by Stephen Arctander, published by Montclair, NJ in 1969. Furthermore, fragrances described in "Practical Knowledge of Fragrances and Fragrance Blending" by Mototaka Nakajima, published by Sangyo Tosho Co., Ltd. on June 21, 1995, can be used in combination as appropriate depending on the fragrance tone and intended use. Furthermore, as a fragrance compound, for the purpose of improving the persistence and lingering of fragrance, a fragrance compound having a hydroxy group as described in JP-A-2009-256818 can be used in combination as a silicate ester.Furthermore, fragrance compounds described in patent documents for fabric softeners, starches, styling agents, or other finishing agents known as laundry finishing agents can be used.

[0082] Examples of fragrance compounds that can be suitably used as fragrance composition (B) in the present invention include ethers such as fatty acid ethers and aromatic ethers (excluding hydroxyphenyl ethers), oxides such as fatty acid oxides and terpene oxides, acetals, ketals, phenols, hydroxyphenyl ethers, fatty acids, terpene carboxylic acids, hydrogenated aromatic carboxylic acids, aromatic carboxylic acids, and nitrogen-containing compounds such as acid amides, nitromusks, nitriles, amines, pyridines, quinolines, pyrroles, and indoles. Further examples include the fragrance compounds contained in the fragrance composition (A), and fragrance composition (B) can be used as a fragrance composition (B) containing one or more of these fragrance compounds. Furthermore, in the present invention, from the viewpoint of fragrance release when the fabric is wetted with moisture such as sweat, it is preferable that the proportion of fragrance compounds having a logP of 2.0 or more and 5.0 or less and a vapor pressure at 25°C of 0.01 Pa or more and 8.00 Pa or less is 25 mass% or more of the total amount of fragrance compounds contained in fragrance composition (B).

[0083] <shell> The shell of the silica capsule of the present invention contains silica as a constituent component. The shell of the silica capsule of the present invention is characterized in that a part or substantially all of the structure constituting the shell is made of silica as a constituent component. The shell of the silica capsule of the present invention is preferably formed by a sol-gel reaction using an alkoxysilane as a precursor.

[0084] In addition, the shell of the silica capsule of the present invention may contain an inorganic polymer other than silica as a constituent component, as long as the effect of the present invention is not impaired. In the present invention, the inorganic polymer refers to a polymer containing an inorganic element. Examples of the inorganic polymer include a polymer consisting only of inorganic elements, a polymer whose main chain is composed only of inorganic elements and has an organic group as a side chain or substituent, and the like. The inorganic polymer is preferably a metal oxide containing a metal element, and more preferably a polymer formed by a reaction similar to the sol-gel reaction of silica using a metal alkoxide [M(OR)x] as a precursor, where M is a metal element and R is a hydrocarbon group. Examples of metal elements constituting the metal alkoxide include titanium, zirconium, aluminum, and zinc.

[0085] The alkoxysilane is preferably a tetraalkoxysilane from the viewpoint of increasing the encapsulation rate of the fragrance composition (B) and exhibiting good delivery performance. From the viewpoint of promoting the sol-gel reaction, the tetraalkoxysilane is preferably one having an alkoxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably one or more selected from tetramethoxysilane, tetraethoxysilane, and tetraisopropoxysilane, even more preferably one or more selected from tetramethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane, and still more preferably tetraethoxysilane.

[0086] Furthermore, the microcapsules of component (f) may contain one or more diluents, solvents, and solidifying agents in addition to the fragrance composition (B). Examples of diluents or solvents include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and glycerin, as well as fatty acid alcohols, lower alcohol esters of fatty acids, and glycerin esters of fatty acids.

[0087] When the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (f), the amount of component (f) in terms of the fragrance composition (B) in the microcapsules is, from the viewpoint of fragrance imparting, preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1.0% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.5% by mass or less.

[0088] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain an inorganic salt as component (g) from the viewpoint of improving storage stability. As the inorganic salt of component (g), one or more selected from sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride are preferred from the viewpoint of improving storage stability.

[0089] When the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains the component (g), the component (g) is contained in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of improving storage stability.

[0090] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain a chelating agent as component (h) from the viewpoint of suppressing changes in hue, fading of dyes, and deterioration of fragrance during long-term storage. Examples of the chelating agent for component (h) include one or more selected from ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, L-glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid, N-2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, and salts thereof. Examples of the salt for component (h) include one or more selected from alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, sodium salts, and potassium salts.

[0091] When the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (h), the component (h) is preferably contained in an amount of at least 0.001% by mass, more preferably at least 0.005% by mass, and preferably at most 0.5% by mass, more preferably at most 0.1% by mass, and even more preferably at most 0.05% by mass, from the viewpoint of preventing a change in hue during long-term storage.

[0092] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain an acidifying agent as component (i) from the viewpoint of adjusting the pH of the composition. Examples of the acid agent of component (i) include inorganic acids and organic acids, and specific examples of inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid. Specific examples of organic acids include mono- or polycarboxylic acids having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, mono- or polysulfonic acids having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and alkylsulfuric acids having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. More specific examples include one or more selected from methylsulfuric acid, ethylsulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, (o-, m-, p-)xylenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, glycolic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, and salicylic acid. Among these, hydrochloric acid is preferred as an inorganic acid, and mono- or polycarboxylic acids having 1 to 10 carbon atoms are preferred as an organic acid, with citric acid being more preferred.

[0093] When the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains component (i), it contains component (i) so that the pH at 20°C described below is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, and 6 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably 4 or less, from the viewpoint of adjusting the pH of the fabric softener composition to improve storage stability.

[0094] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains water, which may be deionized water, sterilized water prepared by adding a small amount of hypochlorite to deionized water, tap water, or the like. The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention contains water in an amount of preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, even more preferably 90% by mass or less.

[0095] From the viewpoint of improving storage stability, the pH of the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention at 20°C is 1 or more, preferably 2 or more, and 6 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably 4 or less. The pH is measured at 20°C in accordance with item 8.3 of JIS K 3362;2008. The pH can be adjusted with an alkaline agent or the acid agent of component (i) described above.

[0096] From the viewpoint of usability, the viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention at 20°C is preferably 5 mPa·s or more, more preferably 8 mPa·s or more, even more preferably 10 mPa·s or more, and preferably 150 mPa·s or less, more preferably 130 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 100 mPa·s or less. The viscosity of the liquid softener composition is measured using a B-type viscometer with one of rotors No. 1 to No. 3 at 60 r / min, and is the reading 1 minute after the start of measurement. The liquid softener composition is measured at a temperature adjusted to 20±1°C. When the measurement range of the viscometer is obtained with two rotors and the converted viscosities are different, the data from the rotor with the smaller rotor number is used.

[0097] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention may contain additives such as foaming agents, thickeners, and foaming agents (excluding those corresponding to components (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i)). These additives may be contained in the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention in an amount of 0.01% by mass or more and 2% by mass or less.

[0098] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention is suitable for use on textile products such as clothing and bedding. The clothing used herein includes clothing, towels, bedding, and textile products for bedding (sheets, pillowcases, etc.). Other washable textile products can also be used as clothing for the purpose of washing. In the present invention, textile products refer to fabrics such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and nonwoven fabrics made from these various fibers, as well as textile products obtained from such fabrics, such as undershirts, T-shirts, dress shirts, hats, handkerchiefs, towels, and masks. Preferred textile products are woven fabrics such as woven fabrics and knitted fabrics, and woven textile products.

[0099] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention can suppress the growth of bacteria even when exposed to bacteria present in the open air for a long period of time (e.g., 1 to 12 weeks) without being sealed, and in an environment where the liquid temperature of the fabric softener composition in the tank is repeatedly increased by a dryer and then decreased by cooling (e.g., 10°C to 50°C), and can suppress an increase in viscosity even after a long period of time (e.g., 12 to 18 months) has passed since production. Therefore, the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention is suitable for use in washing machines equipped with a tank for automatic metering and automatic dispensing of fabric softener, and further in washing machines equipped with a textile drying function and a tank for automatic metering and automatic dispensing of fabric softener.

[0100] The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention can be stored in a tank of a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic metering and automatic dispensing of fabric softener, and can be applied to the rinsing process of textiles using the washing machine. That is, the present invention can provide a method for treating textile products, which comprises storing the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention in a tank of a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic metering and automatic dispensing of fabric softener, automatically measuring the liquid fabric softener composition in the tank, and automatically dispensing the liquid fabric softener composition into rinse water during the rinsing step of the textile products, thereby treating the textile products.

[0101] When the liquid softener composition of the present invention is added to rinse water in the rinsing step of textile products, the amount of the liquid softener composition of the present invention added may be preferably 3.0 g or more, more preferably 5.0 g or more, and preferably 16.0 g or less, more preferably 12.0 g or less, per 1 kg of textile products.

[0102] When the liquid softener composition of the present invention is added to rinse water in the rinsing step of textile products, it is preferably added so that the concentration relative to the water is 10 ppm or more, more preferably 100 ppm or more, and preferably 2,000 ppm or less, more preferably 1,000 ppm or less. The rinse water of the laundry may contain components of a textile laundry detergent.

[0103] [Methods to inhibit bacterial growth] The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting bacterial growth during use of a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic softener metering and dispensing by adding component (d) to a liquid fabric softener composition containing 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of component (a), 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of component (b), component (c), and water, and having a pH of 1 to 6 at 20°C, and storing the liquid fabric softener composition in the tank of the washing machine (hereinafter referred to as the method for inhibiting bacterial growth of the present invention). The liquid fabric softener composition targeted by the method of inhibiting bacterial growth of the present invention is the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, and the matters described for the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention can be applied as appropriate. The components (a), (b), (c), (d), and optional components (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) are the same as those described in the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention.

[0104] In the method for inhibiting bacterial growth of the present invention, the liquid fabric softener composition contains component (d) in an amount of preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.6% by mass or more, and preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 4% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth. In the present invention, component (d) is preferably used to inhibit a reduction in the preservative effect of component (c) due to component (a) and / or component (b).

[0105] In the method for inhibiting bacterial growth of the present invention, the liquid fabric softener composition contains component (d), and the mass ratio (d) / (b) of the content of component (d) to the content of component (b) in the liquid fabric softener composition is, from the viewpoint of inhibiting bacterial growth, preferably 1 / 5 or more, more preferably 1 / 4 or more, even more preferably 1 / 3 or more, and preferably 3 / 1 or less, more preferably 2 / 1 or less, and even more preferably 1 / 1 or less. In the present invention, component (d) is preferably used at a specific mass ratio relative to component (b) in order to inhibit a reduction in the preservative effect of component (c) due to component (a) and / or component (b).

[0106] In the method for inhibiting bacterial growth of the present invention, the content of the component (a), the content of the component (b), the content of the component (c), the mass ratio (c) / (b) of the content of the component (c) to the content of the component (b), and the content of the optional components (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) in the liquid fabric softener composition are the same as the ranges described for the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention.

[0107] [(c) Method for enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of the component] In a liquid fabric softener composition containing components (a), (b), and (c), component (c) is incorporated into micelles of component (b) and / or complexes of components (a) and (b), resulting in a decrease in the concentration of free component (c) in the aqueous layer. However, in the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, component (d) is further contained, which prevents component (c) from being incorporated into micelles of component (b) and / or complexes of components (a) and (b), thereby increasing the concentration of free component (c) in the aqueous layer and enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c). That is, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c) by adding component (d) to a liquid fabric softener composition that contains 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of component (a), 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of component (b), component (c), and water, and has a pH at 20°C of 1 or more and 6 or less. The liquid fabric softener composition targeted by the method of the present invention for enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c) is the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention, and the matters described for the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention can be applied as appropriate. The components (a), (b), (c), (d), and optional components (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) are the same as those described in the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention.

[0108] In the method of the present invention for enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c), the liquid fabric softener composition contains component (d) in an amount of preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 0.4% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.6% by mass or more, and preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 4% by mass or less, in order to suppress a decrease in the concentration of component (c) in the aqueous layer. In the present invention, it is preferable that the use of component (d) suppresses a decrease in the antiseptic effect of component (c) due to component (a) and / or component (b), thereby enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c).

[0109] In the method of the present invention for enhancing the antimicrobial growth effect of component (c), the liquid fabric softener composition contains component (d), and the mass ratio (d) / (b) of the content of component (d) to the content of component (b) in the liquid fabric softener composition is, from the viewpoint of inhibiting antimicrobial growth, preferably 1 / 5 or more, more preferably 1 / 4 or more, even more preferably 1 / 3 or more, and preferably 3 / 1 or less, more preferably 2 / 1 or less, and even more preferably 1 / 1 or less. In the present invention, component (d) is preferably used in a specific mass ratio relative to component (b) in order to suppress a reduction in the antimicrobial growth effect of component (c) due to component (a) and / or component (b) and enhance the antimicrobial growth effect of component (c).

[0110] In the method of the present invention for enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c), the content of component (a), the content of component (b), the content of component (c), the mass ratio (c) / (b) of the content of component (c) to the content of component (b), and the content of optional components (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) in the liquid fabric softener composition are the same as those described for the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention. [Example]

[0111] [Examples and Comparative Examples] <Component (a1)> <Synthesis Example 1: Synthesis of tetranyl (a1-1) component> Triethanolamine and R of the composition shown in Table 1 1a COOH was used as the raw fatty acid. 1a The unsaturation rate of COOH is 78% by mass + 10% by mass + 2% by mass = 90% by mass.

[0112] [Table 1]

[0113] Triethanolamine and R 1a COOH was added at a reaction molar ratio (R 1a 500 g of a solution containing a mixture of COOH / triethanolamine (1.87 / 1) was placed in a 1 L flask, nitrogen was introduced under stirring, and the resulting water was removed from the system using a dehydration tube while the mixture was heated to 180°C over approximately 3 hours. The temperature was maintained at 180-230°C for a further 5 hours, and a portion of the reaction mixture was sampled and its AV (acid value) was measured. After confirming that the AV was 2.5 mg KOH / g or less, the mixture was cooled to room temperature. HPLC analysis revealed that the esterification product contained unreacted R 1a The COOH content was 1% by mass, and no unreacted triethanolamine was detected. The total amino group nitrogen content of the resulting ester compound (based on the method for measuring total amino group nitrogen content in JIS K7245-2000) was determined, and a quaternization reaction was carried out with 0.96 equivalents of dimethyl sulfate relative to the calculated equivalent number of amino groups. Specifically, 300 g of the esterification reaction product was placed in a 1-L flask and heated to 50°C with stirring while introducing nitrogen. 0.96 equivalents of dimethyl sulfate relative to the equivalent number of amino groups determined from the total amino group nitrogen content was added dropwise over 1 hour from the dropping funnel, and the mixture was stirred at 50°C for an additional 2 hours. After the reaction was complete, the mixture was diluted with ethanol.

[0114] The resulting product was analyzed by HPLC for the composition ratio of each component, and quantified using tetraoctylammonium bromide as an internal standard. As a result, the resulting product contained 66% by mass of component (a-1), which is component (a), 15% by mass of ethanol, 17% by mass of unquaternized esterification reactant (as methyl sulfate), and unreacted R a1 COOH 1 mass %, a trace amount of triethanolamine quaternary salt and other trace components, among which in the general formula (a1), R 3a and R 4a is -C2H4OH, and R 5a is a methyl group, and X - is a methyl sulfate ion in 22 mass% of component (a-1), and in general formula (a1), R 3a R 1a -COO-C2H4-, R 4a is -C2H4OH, and R 5a is a methyl group, and X - is a methyl sulfate ion in 58% by mass of component (a-1), and 3a and R 4a R 1a -COO-C2H4-, R 5a is a methyl group, and X - The compound in which the cation is a methyl sulfate ion accounted for 20 mass% of component (a-1) (Table 2). The quaternization rate calculated from component (a-1) and the unquaternized esterification reaction product (66 ÷ (66 + 17)) was 80 mass%.

[0115] [Table 2]

[0116] <Synthesis Example 2: Synthesis of component (a1-2): diester> N-methyldiethanolamine and R of the composition shown in Table 3 1a COOH was used as the raw fatty acid. The unsaturation rate was 27% by mass + 3% by mass = 30% by mass.

[0117] [Table 3]

[0118] 800 g of a solution of N-methyldiethanolamine and raw fatty acid mixed at a reaction molar ratio (fatty acid / N-methyldiethanolamine) of 2.2 / 1 was charged into a 2 L flask and reacted at 170 °C for 7 hours. 200 g of the resulting diesteramine was charged with 50 g of IPA, and after nitrogen substitution, methyl chloride was introduced and reacted at 95 °C for 5 hours. The excess fatty acid was then crystallized and removed by acetone crystallization, and the filtrate was purified with IPA to obtain a diester quaternary salt. The resulting product contained 97% quaternary salt and small amounts of unreacted fatty acid and diethanolamine.

[0119] <(a2) component> Dimethyl silicone: Silicone emulsion, dynamic viscosity at 25°C 500,000mm 2 / s dimethylpolysiloxane 60 mass %, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether 1.5 mass % with an average number of oxyethylene groups added of 5 moles, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether 4.5 mass % with an average number of oxyethylene groups added of 23 moles, sodium lauryl sulfate 0.1 mass %, and the remainder is water. The above compounds were prepared by known methods or the method described in JP-A No. 11-229273. <(b) Component> Polyoxyethylene (30) lauryl ether: Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether with an average added mole number of oxyethylene groups of 30 moles. Polyoxyethylene (10) octylphenyl ether: In the general formula (b1), R 2b is an alkyl group with 8 carbon atoms, and n is 10, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. <(c) component> BIT: 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, Proxel BDN, manufactured by Arch Chemical Japan Phenoxyethanol Formic acid <(d) component> 1,3-Butanediol 2-Propanol ·ethanol

[0120] <(e) component> Fragrance composition (A-1): A fragrance composition containing the fragrance compounds listed in Table 4 in the amounts listed.

[0121] [Table 4]

[0122] (f) Ingredients Fragrance capsule (1): Silica capsule containing fragrance composition (B-1) containing the fragrance compounds listed in Table 5 at the listed content.

[0123] [Table 5]

[0124] <Synthesis Example 3: Synthesis of Fragrance Capsule (1)> (Process 1) An aqueous phase component was obtained by diluting 1.49 g of Coatamine 60W (trade name, manufactured by Kao Corporation, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, active ingredient 30% by mass) with 88.52 g of ion-exchanged water. To this aqueous phase component was added an oil phase component prepared by mixing 24.13 g of fragrance composition (B-1) in the proportions shown in Table 5 above with 6.01 g of tetraethoxysilane (hereinafter also referred to as "TEOS"). The mixture was emulsified using a homomixer (manufactured by HsiangTai, Model: HM-310; the same applies hereinafter) at 6,500 rpm for 5 minutes, followed by 8,000 rpm for 5 minutes, to obtain an emulsion. The median diameter D50 of the emulsified droplets at this time was 1.09 μm. The pH of the resulting emulsion was adjusted to 3.7 using 0.2N hydrochloric acid, and then transferred to a separable flask equipped with a stirring blade and a condenser. The liquid was stirred for 24 hours while maintaining the liquid temperature at 30°C, yielding an aqueous dispersion containing silica capsules (1) having a core made of fragrance composition (B-1) and a first shell made of silica. (Process 2) To 100.22 g of the aqueous dispersion obtained in step 1, 305.58 g of water was added. While stirring the resulting mixture at a liquid temperature of 30°C, 24 g of TEOS was added. Stirring was continued for 24 hours, followed by cooling. A second shell encapsulating the first shell was formed, yielding an aqueous dispersion containing silica capsules (2) in which the fragrance composition (B-1) was encapsulated in amorphous silica. The median diameter D50 of the silica capsules (2) was 3.0 μm. The median diameters D50 of the emulsified droplets and silica capsules (2) were measured using a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer "LA-960" (trade name, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.). Measurements were performed using a flow cell, with the medium set to water and the refractive index set to 1.40-0i. The emulsion or the aqueous dispersion containing silica capsules was added to the flow cell, and measurements were performed at a concentration that showed a transmittance of approximately 90%, and the median diameter D50 was calculated on a volume basis. The thickness of the first shell was approximately 5 nm, and the thickness of the second shell was 5 to 30 nm.

[0125] <(g) component> Calcium chloride: Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. <(h) component> Trisodium methylglycine diacetate: (Trilon M Liquid, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.) <Component (i)> Citric acid: Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.

[0126] <Preparation of Liquid Fabric Softener Composition> Into a 300 mL glass beaker (inner diameter 7 cm, height 11 cm) were placed ion-exchanged water in an amount equivalent to 90% by mass of the amount required to produce a liquid fabric softener composition with a finished mass of 200 g, along with components (c), (f), (g), (h), and (i), and the temperature of the ion-exchanged water was adjusted to 60±2°C using a water bath. Next, a stirring blade (turbine-type stirring blade, three blades, blade length 2 cm) attached to a Three-One Motor (manufactured by Shinto Scientific Co., Ltd., "TYPE HEIDON 1200G") was placed at a height of 1 cm from the bottom of the beaker, and while stirring at a rotation speed of 300 rpm, component (a) that had been melted and mixed at 65°C in advance was added, and then the mixture was stirred at 300 rpm for 10 minutes while heating at 60±2°C. Next, the mixture was cooled to 30±2°C using a 5°C water bath. Components (b), (d), and (e) were added sequentially and stirred for 5 minutes. Ion-exchanged water was then added to the mixture to a final mass of 200 g, and the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes to obtain a liquid fabric softener composition. The pH at 20°C was adjusted to 3.5. Using the above method, liquid fabric softener compositions with the respective formulations shown in Table 6 were prepared by changing the content of each component. In Table 6, the mass percentages of the ingredients other than ingredient (f) are all based on the active ingredient (pure ingredient), and ingredient (f) indicates the amount (mass%) of the fragrance composition (B-1) encapsulated in the silica capsule.

[0127] The obtained liquid fabric softener compositions of the Examples and Comparative Examples were subjected to the following two tests.

[0128] [Antibacterial confirmation test] Moraxella sp. (KMC4-1 strain) was spread on SCDLP agar medium (Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and cultured for 24 hours at 37°C. The cultured Moraxella sp. was transferred to 10 mL of physiological saline (Otsuka Pharmaceutical) using a disposable loop and adjusted to an OD of 0.1 (Abs. 600). Approximately 50 g of each liquid fabric softener composition in Table 5 was mixed with 0.5 mL of the prepared bacterial solution. The mixture was left to stand at 37°C, and the bacterial solution was added three times, once a week. Then, 1 g of sample was added to 9 mL of LP dilution solution and stirred. 0.1 mL of this treatment solution was applied to SCDLP agar medium and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The number of colonies formed was counted and used as the viable bacterial count. The viable bacterial count was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 6. ◯: The number of live bacteria is below the detection limit 5 days after the final inoculation of the bacterial solution into the liquid fabric softener composition. ×: The number of live bacteria exceeds the detection limit (i.e., bacteria are detected) 5 days after the final inoculation of the bacterial solution into the liquid fabric softener composition.

[0129] [Quality (viscosity) confirmation test] Approximately 40 g of each liquid fabric softener composition was filled into a glass container (wide-mouth standard bottle No. 6) and stored at 30°C for 12 months. Each liquid fabric softener composition was then left to stand for 24 hours in a room at 25°C ± 2°C, and the viscosity was measured as an evaluation sample. Viscosity was measured using a B-type viscometer (model number: TVB-10, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd., 60 r / min), reading the value after 1 minute, and the viscosity was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 6. ○: Less than 100 mPa·s △: 100 mPa·s or more and less than 300 mPa·s ×:300mPa·s or more

[0130] [Table 6]

[0131] [Combination example] Table 7 shows formulation examples of the liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention. The liquid fabric softener compositions of the formulation examples in Table 7 can suppress the growth of bacteria even when exposed to bacteria present in the open air for a long period of time (e.g., 1 to 12 weeks) without being sealed, and even when exposed to an environment where the liquid temperature of the fabric softener composition in the tank repeatedly rises due to a dryer and then falls due to cooling (e.g., 10°C to 50°C), and can suppress an increase in viscosity even after a long period of time (e.g., 12 to 18 months) has passed since production.

[0132] [Table 7]

Claims

1. 1. A liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and dispensing, the composition comprising: (a) 1% by mass to 15% by mass of one or more compounds (hereinafter referred to as component (a)) selected from a quaternary ammonium compound containing from 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups and having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms [hereinafter referred to as component (a1)] and a silicone compound [hereinafter referred to as component (a2)]; (b) 1% by mass to 10% by mass of a nonionic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (b)]; (c) a bacterial growth inhibitor [hereinafter referred to as component (c)]; (d) one or more compounds selected from an alkylene glycol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a fatty alcohol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ether having an alkylene group of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a chain alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and polyethylene glycol [hereinafter referred to as component (d)]; and water; the composition having a pH of from 1 to 6 at 20°C.

2. 2. The liquid fabric softener composition for a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1, wherein the component (a1) is a quaternary ammonium compound represented by the following general formula (a1): 【Chemical 1】 [In the formula, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 14 to 22 carbon atoms, Y is —COO—, and R ２ａ is an alkylene group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ３ａ , R ４ａ are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R １ａ -Y-R ２ａ - is a group selected from ５ａ is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X － is an anionic group. Furthermore, the unsaturation rate defined by the following formula is 100% by mass or less. [R １ａ The hydrocarbon group of R １ａ When COOH is used, R １ａ is an unsaturated hydrocarbon group １ａ Total mass of COOH] / [R １ａ Total mass of COOH × 100 (mass%)

3. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component (a2) is at least one selected from the group consisting of dimethylpolysiloxane and amino-modified silicone.

4. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component (b) is one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the following general formula (b1) and compounds represented by the following general formula (b2): R １ｂ -O-[(C ２ H ４ O) ｓ (C ３ H ６ O) ｔ ]-H (A1) [In the formula, R １ｂ is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. ２ H ４ 0) group, and t is the average number of moles of propyleneoxy (C ３ H ６ The average number of moles of ethyleneoxy (C O) groups added is s, which is a number of 6 or more and 60 or less, and t, which is a number of 0 or more and 5 or less. ２ H ４ O) group and propyleneoxy (C ３ H ６ O) groups are bonded in a random or block fashion. 【Chemistry 2】 [In the formula, R ２ｂ is a linear or branched alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkenyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. n is the average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added, and is a number of from 8 to 60.

5. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition for a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (c) is one or more selected from the group consisting of an isothiazolinone antibacterial agent, phenoxyethanol, a benzoate, and a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and a salt thereof.

6. 3. The liquid fabric softener composition for a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio (d) / (b) of the content of the component (d) to the content of the component (b) is 1 / 5 or more and 3 / 1 or less.

7. The liquid fabric softener composition for use in a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1 or 2, containing 0.001% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less of the component (c).

8. The liquid fabric softener composition for a washing machine equipped with a tank for automatic fabric softener metering and automatic dispensing according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of a fragrance composition as component (e).

9. A method for suppressing bacterial growth during use of a washing machine equipped with an automatic softener tank for automatically metering and dispensing softener, comprising: (a) 1% by mass to 15% by mass of one or more compounds selected from a quaternary ammonium compound containing one to three hydrocarbon groups each having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms, and a silicone compound; (b) 1% by mass to 10% by mass of a nonionic surfactant; (c) a bacterial growth inhibitor; and water; and wherein the pH at 20°C is 1 to 6; and (d) adding to the liquid fabric softener composition one or more compounds selected from an alkylene glycol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a fatty alcohol having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, a mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ether having an alkylene group of from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a chain alkyl group of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and polyethylene glycol; and storing the liquid fabric softener composition in the tank of a washing machine equipped with an automatic softener tank for automatically metering and dispensing softener.

10. A method for enhancing the bacterial growth inhibitory effect of component (c), by adding to a liquid fabric softener composition containing (a) 1% by mass to 15% by mass of one or more compounds selected from a quaternary ammonium compound containing one to three hydrocarbon groups each having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms and a silicone compound, (b) 1% by mass to 10% by mass of a nonionic surfactant, (c) a bacterial growth inhibitor (hereinafter referred to as component (c)), and water, and having a pH of 1 to 6 at 20°C, (d) one or more compounds selected from alkylene glycols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, fatty alcohols having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, mono-, di-, or trialkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers having an alkylene group with from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and a chain alkyl group with from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and polyethylene glycol.

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