Liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces

Abstract

To provide a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces that has excellent foamability and foam stability in an undiluted state or after dilution, and that does not generate turbidity in a liquid after dilution with hard water.SOLUTION: A liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces containing (a) an alkylbenzene sulfonate having a linear alkyl group with 10 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms, (b) a specific sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactant, (c) a hypochlorite, (d) a fatty acid salt having 8 or more and 10 or less carbon atoms, (e) an alkali metal hydroxide, and water, wherein a total content of component (a) and component (b) is 1 mass% or more and 15 mass% or less, a mass ratio [(a) / (b)] of component (a) to component (b) is 0.1 or more and 10 or less, an alkali metal silicate is not contained or is contained in an amount of 0.2 mass% or less, and pH at 25°C is 12 or more.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces and a method for cleaning hard surfaces, particularly to a liquid detergent composition for cleaning food-stained hard surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces that is foamed and brought into contact with floors, walls, cooking equipment, cooking appliances, or cooking utensils in the backrooms of supermarkets where food is prepared or processed, or in the kitchens of restaurants, and a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces. [Background technology]

[0002] In the backroom of supermarkets, purchased meat and fish are prepared, then cut into appropriate sizes and shapes and packaged on trays. Fresh food is also prepared for serving as prepared meals or boxed lunches. Similar tasks are also performed in the kitchens of restaurants and independently owned eateries. Because these places process food and provide cooked products that are consumed directly by consumers, they must regularly clean not only the equipment and facilities used for pre-processing and cooking, but also the floors and walls of the kitchen and galley to maintain sanitary conditions. Galleys and kitchens are generally designed to allow direct drainage of wastewater from the floor. During cleaning, cleaning agents are applied to the floors, walls, counters, and even some of the utensils in the cooking area, leaving them for a while before rinsing with water using a hose or bucket. While some cooking equipment is modularized, independent installations often have gaps or are installed in different locations, necessitating efficient cleaning methods. To address this issue, foam cleaning, which involves foaming a cleaning agent using a spray device or similar to bring the foamed detergent into contact with the object to be cleaned, has been adopted (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 5). In addition, the cleaning solution is often a detergent diluted with tap water, and the dilution rate may be changed depending on the object to be cleaned.

[0003] Foaming cleaning applies the cleaning agent in foam form, which allows it to stay on the object for a longer time, improving the cleaning and sterilizing effect. In addition, contact cleaning with foam allows you to visually check the spraying status of the cleaning agent, making it easy to identify the area to be treated and preventing unnecessary spraying of the cleaning agent.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning composition for hard surfaces in food factories that is used in the form of foam and contains an amine oxide, a fatty acid or a salt thereof, a water-soluble polymer compound, an oxidizing halogen acid or a salt thereof, and water. Patent Document 2 discloses a foaming detergent composition that is used by foaming and has excellent rinsing properties, and contains an alkaline agent, a sulfonic acid surfactant, a surfactant having from 5 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched fatty acid, and an optional amine oxide. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose detergent compositions that contain alkyl sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, hypochlorite, diphenyl-type sulfonic acid surfactants, and alkanesulfonates, and that exhibit excellent foaming and foam-removal properties even when diluted 30 times. Patent Document 5 discloses a technology for suppressing corrosion of aluminum by using a treatment composition containing an alkaline agent and a sulfonic acid surfactant such as alkylbenzene sulfonate in the presence of calcium and / or magnesium ions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-125445 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-72672 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-81571 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-81572 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-111242 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Hypochlorite-containing cleaning compositions used in supermarket back-of-house cooking facilities and kitchens are typically diluted from concentrate to form a foam. In food processing plants, cleaning applications and treatment areas are often large, so cleaning compositions are designed for use at high dilutions. While the undiluted solution may be used in supermarket back-of-house cooking areas and restaurant kitchens, the degree of dilution must be considered. For example, for widespread application, the composition may be diluted 20 to 60 times. However, in cases of severe soiling or to achieve sufficient virucidal or sterilizing properties, the undiluted solution is often diluted by about 10 times. Using hard water at such a low dilution rate can result in the diluted solution becoming cloudy. A cloudy diluted solution foams poorly, and when using a sprayer for foaming, the sprayer may become clogged. A composition that maintains the foaming and foam retention properties of the diluted solution while preventing it from becoming cloudy is desired. The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces that uses a base material, hypochlorite, which can exhibit excellent cleaning performance, and provides a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces that has excellent foaming and foam retention properties when prepared undiluted or after dilution, and that does not become cloudy when diluted with hard water, and a method for cleaning hard surfaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a composition containing: (a) 0.5% by mass or more and 8% by mass or less of an alkylbenzenesulfonate having a linear alkyl group having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms; (b) 0.1% by mass to 10% by mass of one or more sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactants selected from alkyl sulfate ester salts having an alkyl group with a carbon number of 8 to 18 and a (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salt having an alkyl group with a carbon number of 8 to 18, an alkyleneoxy group with a carbon number of 2 to 3, and an average addition mole number of the alkyleneoxy group of 0.1 to 4, (c) hypochlorite is 2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less; (d) 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 10 carbon atoms; (e) alkali metal hydroxides, and water, the total content of the component (a) and the component (b) is 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, the mass ratio of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b) [(a) / (b)] is 0.1 or more and 10 or less, the composition does not contain an alkali metal silicate or the content of an alkali metal silicate is 0.2% by mass or less, and the composition has a pH at 25°C of 12 or more.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning a hard surface, which comprises contacting the above-mentioned liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces or a diluted solution obtained by diluting the composition with hard water with the hard surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, there are provided a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces, which has excellent foaming properties and foam retention properties as an undiluted solution or as a liquid after dilution, and further, which does not become cloudy after dilution with hard water, and a method for cleaning hard surfaces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The reason why the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention has excellent foaming properties and foam retention properties when used as an undiluted solution or after dilution, and why the liquid does not become cloudy after dilution with hard water, is not entirely clear, but is presumed to be as follows. When component (a) alkylbenzenesulfonic acid having a linear alkyl group having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms forms a salt with minerals (e.g., calcium or magnesium) contained in hard water, its Krafft point increases, making it more susceptible to precipitation. On the other hand, component (b) specific sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactants do not increase their Krafft point when forming salt with minerals (i.e., hard water resistance), and the rate of mineral and salt formation is relatively slow. Therefore, it is presumed that by using component (b) specific sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactant at a specific mass ratio [(a) / (b)], not only is excellent foaming and foam retention possible, but clouding caused by hard water can also be suppressed, even in a detergent composition containing component (c) hypochlorite. Furthermore, it is presumed that the inclusion of (d) a fatty acid salt having 8 to 10 carbon atoms improves the ability to solubilize the contained ingredients, resulting in excellent foaming and foam retention, as well as suppressing cloudiness caused by hard water. The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces and the cleaning method of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned mechanism of action.

[0011] <Liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces> The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains (a) an alkylbenzene sulfonate having a linear alkyl group having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms [hereinafter referred to as component (a)], (b) one or more sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactants selected from alkyl sulfate ester salts having an alkyl group with from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts having an alkyl group with from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkyleneoxy group with from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and an average addition mole number of the alkyleneoxy group of from 0.1 to 4 [hereinafter referred to as component (b)], (c) a hypochlorite [hereinafter referred to as component (c)], (d) a fatty acid salt having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms [hereinafter referred to as component (d)], (e) an alkali metal hydroxide [hereinafter referred to as component (e)], and water in specific content ratios, and does not contain an alkali metal silicate or the content of an alkali metal silicate is 0.2 mass% or less, and has a pH of 12 or higher at 25°C.

[0012] <Component (a)> Component (a) is an alkylbenzenesulfonate having a linear alkyl group having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms. Component (a) may be an alkylbenzenesulfonate having a linear alkyl group having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, in which the carbon atom of the alkyl group bonded to the benzene ring is the second carbon atom. One or more types of component (a) can be used. From the viewpoint of further enhancing solution stability, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of component (a) is preferably 12 or more, and preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less. The alkyl group of component (a) is even more preferably a linear alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms. Furthermore, the bonding position of the sulfonic acid group on the benzene ring is preferably in the para position relative to the bonding position of the alkyl group. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further reducing substrate damage to metallic hard surfaces, the carbon atom of the linear alkyl group bonded to the benzene ring is preferably a secondary carbon atom. The salt of component (a) in the composition is preferably an alkali metal salt, more preferably a sodium or potassium salt, and even more preferably a sodium salt, although after dilution with hard water it may be a calcium or magnesium salt. Component (a) may be used in the form of an acid and then neutralized in the composition.

[0013] <(b) Component> Component (b) is one or more sulfate salt-type anionic surfactants selected from alkyl sulfate salts in which the alkyl group has 8 to 18 carbon atoms and (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate salts in which the alkyl group has 8 to 18 carbon atoms, the alkyleneoxy group (also referred to as oxyalkylene group) has 2 to 3 carbon atoms, and the average number of added moles of the alkyleneoxy group is 0.1 to 4. One or more types of component (b) can be used.

[0014] From the viewpoint of further suppressing turbidity when diluted and used, the alkyl sulfate salt of component (b) is preferably an alkyl sulfate salt having an alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more carbon atoms, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less, and even more preferably 12 or less carbon atoms, and further preferably a linear or branched alkyl group.

[0015] From the viewpoint of further improving low-temperature stability, the (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate salt of component (b) is preferably a (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate salt having an 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, and even more preferably 12 or less, and further having a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group, and having one or more alkyleneoxy groups selected from oxyalkylene groups having 2 to 3 carbon atoms, with an average addition mole number of preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, even more preferably 0.4 or more, still more preferably 1 or more and 4 or less, preferably 3 or less, and more preferably 2.5 or less. The oxyalkylene group preferably has 2 carbon atoms. Of all sulfate ester salt type anionic surfactants, surfactants derived from primary aliphatic alcohols are preferred, with alkyl sulfate ester salts being more preferred. Component (b) may be used in the form of an acid and neutralized in the composition.

[0016] Examples of salts of component (b) include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts, ammonium salts, and organic amine salts such as monoethanolamine salts, diethanolamine salts, and triethanolamine salts, and are preferably alkali metal salts, and more preferably sodium salts.

[0017] From the viewpoint of further suppressing cloudiness upon dilution, component (b) is preferably at least one selected from sodium alkyl sulfates having an alkyl group derived from a branched or linear primary alcohol having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms, and sodium (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfates having an alkyl group derived from a branched or linear primary alcohol having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms and having an average number of added moles of alkyleneoxy groups selected from 1 to 3, and more preferably sodium alkyl sulfates derived from a linear primary aliphatic alcohol having an alkyl group having from 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

[0018] <(c) component> Component (c) is a hypochlorite. The salt of component (c) is preferably an alkali metal salt, more preferably a sodium salt. When component (c) is used in the form of an acid and neutralized in the composition, safety must be ensured, and it is usually preferable to use it as a sodium salt in a high pH solution.

[0019] <(d) component> Component (d) is a fatty acid salt having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms. Component (d) is a preferred component from the viewpoints of further improving the storage stability of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention and further suppressing cloudiness upon dilution. Component (d) may be used singly or in combination of two or more types. The fatty acid of component (d) may be branched or straight-chain, with straight-chain fatty acids being preferred. The salt of component (d) is preferably an alkali metal salt, more preferably a sodium salt or potassium salt, but may also be a magnesium or calcium salt after dilution with hard water. Component (d) may be used in the form of an acid and neutralized in the composition.

[0020] In order to make the pH of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention alkaline, it is preferable that the alkali metal hydroxide, component (e) described below, contains potassium hydroxide. However, since the salt of potassium ion with component (a) has a high Krafft point, there is a risk that the storage stability may be impaired by environmental changes such as temperature changes. Component (d) is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the stability of the composition containing potassium ion and component (a).

[0021] <(e) component> Component (e) is an alkali metal hydroxide. One or more types of component (e) can be used. Component (e) is preferably one or more types selected from sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. From the viewpoint of further improving storage stability, component (e) preferably contains potassium hydroxide.

[0022] <Water> The remaining water in the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is not particularly limited, but deionized water, distilled water, tap water, or groundwater can be used.

[0023] <Composition, optional ingredients, etc.> The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount, calculated as a sodium salt, of 0.5% by mass or more, preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more in order to further enhance the foaming and cleaning properties of the diluted solution, and 8% by mass or less, preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 4% by mass or less in order to further enhance the storage stability of the hypochlorite and to further suppress clouding upon dilution with hard water. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the mass of component (a) is the mass converted into the sodium salt.

[0024] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount, calculated as a sodium salt, of 0.1% by mass or more, preferably 0.2% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.4% by mass or more in order to further suppress clouding of the diluted solution due to hard water and to further improve foam retention, and 10% by mass or less, preferably 8% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 4% by mass or less in order to further improve the foaming and foam retention properties of the diluted solution and to further suppress clouding of the diluted solution due to hard water. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the mass of component (b) is the mass converted into the sodium salt.

[0025] In the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the total content of components (a) and (b) in the composition is 1% by mass or more, preferably 1.5% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing detergency, and 15% by mass or less, preferably 12% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the storage stability of hypochlorite.

[0026] In the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) [(a) / (b)], calculated as sodium salt, is 0.1 or more, preferably 0.2 or more, more preferably 0.5 or more, and even more preferably 1.0 or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing cloudiness and achieving both foaming ability and lathering property, and is 10 or less, preferably 8 or less, and more preferably 5 or less, from the viewpoint of further improving foaming ability and lather retention and further suppressing cloudiness upon dilution.

[0027] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of 2% by mass or more, preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 4% by mass or more, calculated as the sodium salt, from the viewpoint of further enhancing detergency and bactericidal properties, and 10% by mass or less, preferably 8% by mass or less, more preferably 6% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further enhancing storage stability. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the mass of component (c) is the mass converted into the sodium salt. The content of component (c) can be determined by titration with hydrogen peroxide or the like.

[0028] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (d) in an amount, calculated as the sodium salt, of 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more in order to further enhance blend stability, and 10% by mass or less, preferably 8% by mass or less, and more preferably 6% by mass or less in order to further enhance storage stability. Since the fatty acids in component (d) have a small number of carbon atoms and a narrow range of specification, the concentration is easily affected by differences in the atomic weight of the cationic substance that becomes the salt. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the specification regarding the mass of component (d) is the mass converted to the sodium salt.

[0029] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (e) in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 0.6% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.8% by mass or more, and even more preferably 1% by mass or more in terms of adjusting the pH of the composition, and preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 6% by mass or less in terms of further enhancing the stability and detergency of the hypochlorite. The content of component (e) in the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is a content that makes the pH of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention 12 or higher, preferably 13 or higher. The content of alkali metal hydroxide is determined from the remaining alkali metal ions after counting the salts of components (a) to (d) and the optional components described below among the alkali metal ions contained in the composition.

[0030] From the viewpoint of suppressing whitening on the hard surface to be cleaned after treatment, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention preferably contains a small amount of alkali metal silicate or no alkali metal silicate at all. That is, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention does not contain any alkali metal silicate, or the content of alkali metal silicate in the composition is 0.2% by mass or less, preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and more preferably is substantially free of alkali metal silicate. The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention optionally contains an alkali metal silicate, and the content of the alkali metal silicate in the composition is 0.2% by mass or less, preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and preferably 0% by mass or more, more preferably 0% by mass. Examples of the salts of alkali metal silicates include alkali metal salts, specifically sodium salts and potassium salts.

[0031] <Other ingredients> The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention requires rinsing after contacting the foam generated by foaming the composition or a diluted solution of the composition with the object to be cleaned. From the viewpoint of improving rinsing properties, the composition may optionally contain (f) a branched fatty acid salt having from 11 to 25 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (f)). In addition, in order to further improve storage stability, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may optionally contain (g) an alkylbenzenesulfonate salt substituted with 1 to 3 alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms [hereinafter referred to as component (g)]. Components (f) and (g) may be used in the form of an acid and neutralized in the composition.

[0032] <Component (f)> Component (f) is a branched fatty acid salt having a chain-like branched hydrocarbon group having from 11 to 25 carbon atoms. Examples of salts of component (f) include sodium salts and potassium salts. The component (f) may be a branched fatty acid salt used alone or in combination of two or more. The branched hydrocarbon group is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, with an alkyl group being preferred. The branched hydrocarbon group of component (f) has 11 or more carbon atoms, preferably 13 or more, more preferably 15 or more, and 25 or less, preferably 23 or less, more preferably 21 or less, and even more preferably 17 or less. Examples of component (f) include the organic acid salts described in paragraph 0027 of JP 2019-73732 A, in which, if the carbon atom bonded to the carbonyl carbon is a secondary carbon atom, the fatty acid having a straight-chain alkyl group is also a branched fatty acid, and examples thereof include isopalmitate, isostearate, and isoarachidate. Component (f) is preferably at least one selected from isostearate and isoarachidate.

[0033] When the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (f), the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (f) in an amount of preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.005% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more in order to further improve rinsing properties, and preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.6% by mass or less in order to further improve uniform solubility. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the mass of component (f) is the mass converted into the sodium salt.

[0034] <(g) component> Component (g) is an alkylbenzenesulfonate substituted with one to three alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. One or more types of component (g) can be used. The salt of component (g) is preferably a sodium or potassium salt. Specific examples of component (g) include sodium paratoluenesulfonate, potassium paratoluenesulfonate, sodium metaxylenesulfonate, potassium metaxylenesulfonate, sodium cumenesulfonate, and potassium cumenesulfonate, which are known as hydrotropes.

[0035] When the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (g), the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention contains component (g) in an amount of preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.8% by mass or more, and preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 5% by mass or less, even more preferably 3% by mass or less, in order to further enhance low-temperature storage stability.

[0036] <Optional ingredients> In addition to components (a) to (e) and optional components (f) and (g), the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may contain other components, such as a copolymer of acrylic acid with a polymerizable monomer, a copolymer of maleic acid with a polymerizable monomer such as diisobutylene, or other high molecular weight polymers; a chelating agent such as succinic acid or citric acid; a water-soluble solvent such as diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; a pH adjuster, a thickener, a viscosity adjuster, a fragrance, a colorant, an antioxidant, or a preservative, provided that the components do not impair the object of the present invention (however, excluding those corresponding to components (a) to (g)).

[0037] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may contain other surfactants, but contains no more than 0.5% by mass, preferably no more than 0.2% by mass, and more preferably substantially no amine oxide surfactants. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the stability of hypochlorite, it is preferable that the composition is substantially free of chelating agents such as methylglycine diacetate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate, nitrilotriacetate, polyoxyethylene alkylamine surfactants, and amine compounds such as alkanolamine alkaline agents.

[0038] The remainder constituting the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is water. The composition contains water. That is, in the composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the remainder other than the components (a) to (e) and optional components is water. The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can contain water, preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, still more preferably 75% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and preferably less than 94% by mass, more preferably 93% by mass or less. It is preferable to use deionized water, sterilized deionized water, etc. for water.

[0039] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the stability and detergency of hypochlorite, the pH of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention at 25°C is 12 or more, preferably 12.5 or more, more preferably 12.8 or more, still more preferably 13.0 or more, and, for example, 14 or less. The pH of the composition at 25°C can be measured by the glass electrode method. The pH of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention at 25°C is specifically measured by the following pH measurement method.

[0040] <pH Measurement Method> Connect a combined electrode for pH measurement (glass sliding sleeve type manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) to a pH meter (pH / Ion Meter F-23 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) and turn on the power. As the internal solution of the pH electrode, a saturated potassium chloride aqueous solution (3.33 mol / L) is used. Next, fill 100 mL beakers with a pH 6.86 standard solution (neutral phosphate standard solution), a pH 9.18 standard solution (borate standard solution), and a pH 12.0 standard solution (saturated calcium hydroxide standard solution), respectively, and immerse them in a constant temperature bath at 25°C for 30 minutes. Immerse the pH measurement electrode in the temperature-adjusted standard solution for 3 minutes, and perform calibration operations in the order of pH 6.86 → pH 9.18 → pH 12.0. Adjust the sample to be measured (the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention) to 25°C, immerse the electrode of the above pH meter in the sample, and measure the pH after 1 minute.

[0041] The pH at 25°C of a diluted solution obtained by diluting the liquid detergent composition of the present invention with water can also be measured in the same manner. In this case, in the above description, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention shall be read as a diluted solution obtained by diluting the liquid detergent composition of the present invention with hard water.

[0042] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention may be a liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces that is diluted with hard water before use. The hard surface liquid cleaning composition of the present invention may also be a liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces that is foamed before use. The hard surface liquid cleaning composition or a diluted solution of the hard surface liquid cleaning composition diluted with water can be foamed using a foaming cleaning device commonly used in kitchens, supermarket backrooms, food processing plants, and the like. Specifically, simple methods include filling a container equipped with a foaming device, such as a net, into a trigger-type or extrusion pump-type injection mechanism, and foaming the composition; or a foaming device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a trigger sprayer or foamer sprayer) that is directly attached to a tap and has the function of mixing the hard surface liquid cleaning composition filled in a parallel tank at an arbitrarily set dilution ratio and foaming and releasing the mixture. The foaming device may also be a pressure-accumulating type.

[0043] The hard water used to dilute the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is generally assumed to be water containing hard components, such as tap water or groundwater. From the viewpoint of further improving foaming ability and foam retention, the hardness of the water used for dilution is preferably in the range of 1° dH to 20° dH, more preferably in the range of 1° dH to 18° dH, even more preferably in the range of 1° dH to 15° dH, even more preferably in the range of 1° dH to 10° dH, and even more preferably in the range of 2° dH to 8° dH.

[0044] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention can be used as is or after dilution. When the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is diluted, the dilution ratio of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention varies depending on the object to be cleaned and the cleaning range. However, a lower dilution ratio is preferred when detergency and rapid sterilization are required, while a higher dilution ratio may be used when spraying foam over a wide area of ​​floors or walls for daily cleaning. The present invention provides a composition that is easy to use, as it can foam from the undiluted solution to diluted aqueous solution without clogging. Therefore, the dilution ratio is preferably 2 to 60 times, more preferably 2 to 20 times, and even more preferably 4 to 10 times.

[0045] The diluted solution obtained by diluting the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention with water (hereinafter referred to as the diluted solution of the present invention) contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more in order to further enhance foaming power and cleaning properties, and preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less in order to further enhance rinsing properties.

[0046] The diluted solution of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.2% by mass or more in order to further suppress cloudiness upon dilution, and preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 1% by mass or less in order to further improve rinsing properties.

[0047] The diluted solution of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further improving the stability, cleaning properties, and disinfecting performance of the hypochlorite, and preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of safety and further reducing the effect on other substrates.

[0048] From the viewpoint of further enhancing blend stability, the dilution solution of the present invention contains component (d) in an amount of 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 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or less.

[0049] From the viewpoint of pH adjustment, the dilution solution of the present invention contains component (e) in an amount of 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 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, even more preferably 2% by mass or less.

[0050] When the diluted solution of the present invention contains component (f), the diluted solution of the present invention contains component (f) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.02% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.03% by mass or more in order to further improve rinsing properties, and preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.4% by mass or less in order to further improve foaming power and foam retention.

[0051] When the diluted solution of the present invention contains component (g), the diluted solution of the present invention contains component (g) in an amount of preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.03% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.05% by mass or more in order to further enhance low-temperature stability, and preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.8% by mass or less in order to further enhance the stability of hypochlorite.

[0052] In the diluted solution of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) contained in the diluted solution [(a) / (b)] is the same as the mass ratio [(a) / (b)] in the liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces of the present invention. These diluted solutions are foamed using a foaming device, for example, a foaming device connected to a water supply or a manual sprayer, to produce a foamed solution, which is then brought into contact with the object to be cleaned, for cleaning. The detailed process will be described later.

[0053] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the stability and cleaning properties of hypochlorite, the pH of the diluted solution of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 11 or more, more preferably 12 or more, even more preferably 12.5 or more, still more preferably 13 or more, and is preferably, for example, 14 or less.

[0054] To enhance operability, the viscosity of the liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 0.5 mPa·s or more, more preferably 1 mPa·s or more, and preferably 500 mPa·s or less, more preferably 200 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 100 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 80 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 50 mPa·s or less. The viscosity can be adjusted using a solvent, hydrotropic agent, or the like. This viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscometer, using the rotor recommended for the viscosity being measured (one of the No. 1 to No. 3 rotors), at 60 r / min, and the reading is taken 1 minute after the start of measurement. The liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces is measured at a temperature adjusted to 25±1°C. If multiple rotors satisfy the conditions, the value measured using the rotor with the smaller number is used.

[0055] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is preferably used for the hard surfaces of hard articles, and further for food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment in the backrooms of supermarkets, or similar equipment in the kitchens of restaurants. That is, the present invention is preferably a liquid detergent composition for food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment. In the present invention, the term "food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment" refers to equipment and facilities used in processing and / or cooking food. Examples of such equipment include slicers, meat mincers (food processors), knives, cutting boards, etc. Furthermore, examples of such facilities include floors, walls, work tables, cooking ranges, refrigerators, etc.

[0056] When the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is used for food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment, it is preferable to clean the "food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment" by foam cleaning.

[0057] <How to clean hard surfaces> The method for cleaning a hard surface of the present invention is a method for cleaning a hard surface, which comprises contacting the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention or a diluted solution obtained by diluting the composition with hard water with the hard surface. In other words, the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present invention uses the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention or a diluted solution obtained by diluting the composition with hard water. Preferred embodiments of the composition are the same as those of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention described above.

[0058] The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is suitably used in a method for cleaning hard surfaces, which method comprises the following steps 1 to 3. In steps 1 to 3, the hard surface is suitably the surface of food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment. Step 1: A step of diluting the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces with hard water at a dilution ratio of 2 to 60 times in advance and / or spraying the diluted liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces in the form of foam while diluting, and attaching the diluted liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces (hereinafter referred to as the foam diluted solution) to the hard surface. Step 2: A step of leaving the foamy diluted solution attached to the hard surface on the hard surface for a certain period of time. Step 3: Rinse the hard surface with the diluted foam solution with water.

[0059] In step 1, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is pre-diluted with water at a dilution ratio of 2 to 60 times, preferably 2 to 20 times, and then sprayed in the form of foam. Alternatively, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces is placed in a dedicated container and directly connected to a water supply via a hose or the like, and mixed while being diluted and sprayed in the form of foam. The above-mentioned pre-dilution and simultaneous dilution can also be combined to spray a diluted solution of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces in the form of foam. The dilution ratio in step 1 is 2 to 60 times, preferably 2 to 20 times, and more preferably 4 to 10 times.

[0060] Here, the water used for dilution is generally assumed to be water containing hardness components, such as tap water. From the viewpoint of foam continuity, the hardness of the water used for dilution is preferably in the range of 1° dH to 20° dH, more preferably in the range of 1° dH to 18° dH, even more preferably in the range of 1° dH to 15° dH, even more preferably in the range of 1° dH to 10° dH, and even more preferably in the range of 2° dH to 8° dH.

[0061] A preferred embodiment of spraying the diluted solution of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention in the form of foam is to fill a dedicated foam washer with an appropriate amount of diluted solution diluted with water to a predetermined ratio, and then mix it with external air / compressed air to spray the foam. When the treatment area is large, such as on floors or walls, an electric foam washer is preferred, and a device simply equipped with an electric pump and a foaming component may be used. When the treatment area is small, such as on cooking utensils such as cutting boards, a hand sprayer capable of intermittently generating foam, such as a trigger sprayer or a foamer sprayer, is preferably used.

[0062] It is preferable to spray the foam without interruption in step 1. Here, "without interruption" spraying means, for example, using a foam washer, the cleaning agent continues to spray in foam continuously (for example, for 5 seconds or more) while the tap is opened with a lever or switch, and this is to be distinguished from "intermittent" spraying, for example, using a hand sprayer such as a trigger sprayer or foam sprayer, in which spraying begins when the lever is pulled and then stops instantly.

[0063] The embodiment of continuously spraying foam using a foam washer is particularly effective when the area and size of the food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment to be cleaned is large.

[0064] When a foam washer is used, the foaming ratio (ratio of foam volume (mL) / foam mass (g)) is preferably 3 to 50 times, more preferably 5 to 40 times, and even more preferably 10 to 40 times. The pressure (gauge pressure) during spraying is preferably 0.1 to 1 MPa, more preferably 0.2 to 0.8 MPa, and even more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 MPa. When a hand sprayer such as a trigger sprayer or foamer sprayer is used, the foaming ratio is preferably 2 to 30 times, more preferably 2 to 20 times, and even more preferably 3 to 10 times. The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is resistant to clouding when diluted, and has excellent foaming and foam retention. Furthermore, clogging of the foaming device can be suppressed.

[0065] In step 1, a diluted solution of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces of the present invention is sprayed in the form of foam, and the diluted foam solution is attached to a hard surface, preferably food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment, and then maintained for a certain period of time (step 2). Step 2 may be a step of maintaining the sprayed foam for a certain period of time. In step 2, the maintenance time is preferably 1 to 60 minutes, more preferably 1 to 45 minutes, from the viewpoint of further improving the mechanism and operability of each device. Furthermore, this time is preferably 1 to 30 minutes, more preferably 1 to 20 minutes, even more preferably 1 to 15 minutes, even more preferably 1 to 10 minutes, and even more preferably 1 to 5 minutes. In addition, in step 2, the maintenance time is preferably 10 to 60 minutes, more preferably 15 to 45 minutes, and even more preferably 20 to 30 minutes, from the viewpoint of further improving cleaning performance.

[0066] The time for which the foam is maintained for a certain period of time in step 2 varies depending on the dilution ratio of the foam-like diluted solution and the situation in which it is used, and is not particularly limited. For example, when the dilution ratio is 2 to 30 times (preferably 2 to 20 times), the foam is maintained for 1 to 60 minutes, and when the dilution ratio is 30 to 60 times, it is preferable to maintain the foam stably for 1 to 10 minutes.

[0067] It is preferable to leave the mixture as it is while maintaining the foam in step 2, but it is also possible to add a small amount of water or the like.

[0068] After the foamy diluted solution is maintained for a certain period of time in step 2, in step 3, the hard surface to which the foamy diluted solution is attached, preferably food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment, is rinsed with water. The temperature of the rinsing water is preferably 10 to 70°C, more preferably 20 to 70°C. Tap water can be used as the rinsing water, and it may be heated to adjust to the above-mentioned preferred water temperature. Generally, rinsing is performed by hand using a hose or the like. If the surface is sufficiently waterproof, water may be poured over it using a bucket or the like. [Example]

[0069] Liquid detergent compositions for hard surfaces shown in Table 1 were prepared using the following components (a) to (e), and the following items were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1. The mass % of each component in Table 1 is all based on the pure content. The liquid detergent compositions for hard surfaces shown in Table 1 have excellent foaming properties and foam stability, and can therefore be said to have excellent cleaning performance.

[0070] <Component (a)> LAS: Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (Neopelex G-25, manufactured by Kao Corporation) The component (a), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, contains a compound in which the carbon atom of the alkyl group bonded to the benzene ring is the second carbon atom.

[0071] <(b) Component> C10AS: Sodium decyl sulfate (EMAL 3F, manufactured by Kao Corporation) C12ES(2): Polyoxyethylene(2) alkyl(C10-16) ether sodium sulfate (EMAL E-27C, manufactured by Kao Corporation), with an average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups added of 2. <(c) component> Sodium hypochlorite <(d) component> C8FA: Caprylic acid (Lunac 8-98(E), manufactured by Kao Corporation) (The composition is adjusted to pH 13, so caprylic acid becomes caprylate.) <(e) component> Potassium hydroxide

[0072] (1) Method for producing a liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces A stirrer piece and purified water were placed in a beaker, and components (a), (b), and (d) were added while stirring the purified water. Next, component (e) was added to this mixture so that the pH was 12, and the mixture was stirred until it reached room temperature. After the mixture reached room temperature, component (c) was added and stirred, producing a liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces of the present invention having a pH of 13 or higher.

[0073] (2) Turbidity measurement method 1 g of the liquid detergent composition solution for hard surfaces was placed in a 9 mL glass bottle, and 4 g of 4° dH hard water was added, followed by leaving to stand for 1 hour. After leaving the solution for 1 hour, the transmittance T (%) at 600 nm was measured (25° C.) using an absorption spectrophotometer (SH-9000 lab, manufactured by Corona Electric Co., Ltd.). Turbidity was calculated from transmittance using formula (1). This evaluation indicates that the lower the turbidity, the higher the transparency, and the lower the possibility of nozzle clogging. Turbidity (%) = 100 - T (%) (1)

[0074] (3) Evaluation method for foaming power and foam stability 10 g of the concentrate solution of the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces was placed in a No. 8 110 mL glass bottle (diameter: 40 mm, height: 120 mm) and mixed well by hand 10 times. The foam volume was evaluated by foam height (cm), and the foam height (cm) immediately after shaking was evaluated as foaming power. The higher the foam height, the greater the foam volume and the higher the foaming power of the composition. In addition, the foam height (cm) immediately after shaking and one minute later was measured, and foam stability (%) was calculated using formula (2). Foam stability is the rate of change in foam height between immediately after shaking and one minute later, and the higher the foam stability value, the better the foam retention and the better the detergent functionality. Foam stability (%) = [(foam height after 1 minute (cm)) / (foam height immediately after (cm))] × 100 (2)

[0075] Table 1

Claims

1. (a) 0.5% by mass or more and 8% by mass or less of alkylbenzenesulfonate having a linear alkyl group having from 10 to 18 carbon atoms; (b) 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of one or more sulfate ester salt-type anionic surfactants selected from alkyl sulfate ester salts having 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and (poly)oxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts having 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, 2 to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyleneoxy group, and an average addition mole number of the alkyleneoxy group of 0.1 to 4, (c) hypochlorite in an amount of 2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less; (d) 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of a fatty acid salt having 8 to 10 carbon atoms; (e) alkali metal hydroxides, and water, wherein the total content of the component (a) and the component (b) is 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, the mass ratio of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b), [(a) / (b)], is 0.1 or more and 10 or less, the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces is free of alkali metal silicate or the content of alkali metal silicate is 0.2% by mass or less, and the liquid detergent composition has a pH of 12 or more at 25°C.

2. The liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces according to claim 1, which is diluted with hard water before use.

3. 3. The liquid cleaning composition for hard surfaces according to claim 1, which is foamed before use.

4. The liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces according to claim 2, wherein the hardness water is water having a hardness of 1° dH or more and 20° dH or less.

5. A method for cleaning a hard surface, comprising contacting the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces according to claim 1 or a diluted solution obtained by diluting said composition with hard water with the hard surface.

6. 6. The method for cleaning a hard surface according to claim 5, comprising the following steps 1 to 3: Step 1: A step of diluting the liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces with hard water at a dilution ratio of 2 to 60 times in advance and / or spraying the diluted liquid detergent composition for hard surfaces in the form of foam while diluting the composition (hereinafter referred to as the foam-like diluted solution) onto a hard surface. Step 2: A step of leaving the foamy diluted solution attached to the hard surface on the hard surface for a certain period of time. Step 3: Rinse the hard surface with the diluted foam solution with water.

7. 7. The method for cleaning a hard surface according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the hard surface is a surface of food processing equipment and / or cooking equipment.

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