Liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces

Abstract

To provide a liquid detergent composition for cleaning a hard surface, which is excellent in detergency, foam adhesion and foam rinsability, and is not alkaline.SOLUTION: A liquid detergent composition for cleaning a hard surface, comprising 0.1 to 20% by mass of a compound represented by the following formula (1) as a component (a): wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms. A liquid cleaning composition comprising 0.01 to 10% by mass of a chelating agent having a specific structure as a component (b), 0.001 to 1% by mass of a water-soluble polymer as a component (c), and 0.1 to 20% by mass of a solvent as a component (d), and having a pH of 8.0 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to liquid cleaning compositions for cleaning hard surfaces and methods for cleaning hard surfaces. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There are various liquid cleaning compositions available for hard surfaces such as resin products and metal products used in wet areas such as bathrooms, toilets, and washrooms.

[0003] In view of the need to save labor, shorten cleaning time, and reduce water consumption due to the recent labor shortage, liquid cleaning compositions are required to have good rinsability after cleaning hard surfaces. Good rinsability means, for example, that the foam of the liquid cleaning composition is quickly dissolved by water after cleaning, or the volume of the foam is reduced, and the foam is discharged from the drain.

[0004] Naturally, a detergent must have not only good rinsing ability, but also the basic performance of a detergent: cleaning power and foam adhesion. Foam adhesion is the ability of foam to remain on hard surfaces for efficient dirt removal.

[0005] Furthermore, liquid cleaning compositions are required to be safe during cleaning. For example, alkaline liquids not only have the potential to damage objects to be cleaned, but also have a significant impact on the human body, easily causing skin problems such as rough skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-143818 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-062890 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-322398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The inventors of the present disclosure attempted to develop a liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces that has excellent detergency, foam adhesion, and foam rinsability, and is not alkaline, for example, has a pH of 8.0 or less.

[0008] In order for liquid cleaning compositions to exert sufficient detergency, it is necessary to stabilize the effects of surfactants. Chelating agents are known to be added to remove metal ions that affect the effects of surfactants. EDTA-4Na is known as a particularly strong chelating agent that is excellent in water solubility and cost.

[0009] However, since the pH of EDTA-4Na is 10 to 12, adding EDTA-4Na to a liquid cleaning composition causes the pH to shift significantly toward alkaline. Due to concerns about the effects on skin and materials during cleaning, consumers prefer products to have non-alkaline liquids labeled on them. Product labeling is regulated by the Household Products Quality Labeling Act. Therefore, it is desirable for the pH of liquid cleaning compositions to be 8.0 or lower.

[0010] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the rinsing property of foam from liquid cleaning compositions, betaine-based amphoteric surfactants and fatty acid salts are surfactants that have good rinsing property of foam (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Because these surfactants have low detergency, chelating agents are used in combination.

[0011] However, as mentioned above, although EDTA-4Na, for example, is an excellent chelating agent, it has the problem that the pH of the liquid cleaning composition is significantly shifted to the alkaline side.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors of the present disclosure investigated the addition of an acid to lower the pH of a liquid cleaning composition containing a betaine-based amphoteric surfactant or a fatty acid salt and EDTA-4Na. However, they found that the addition of an acid significantly reduced the rinsing ability of the foam produced by the liquid cleaning composition.

[0013] Based on these experimental results, the inventors of the present disclosure attempted to use EDTA-2Na, a weakly acidic chelating agent with a pH of approximately 4 to 6, instead of EDTA-4Na. As a result, it was possible to adjust the pH of the liquid cleaning composition to 8.0 or less without adding an acid. However, it was revealed that with this formulation, the foam had poor rinsing properties, despite the absence of an acid.

[0014] Patent document 3 discloses a formulation of a betaine amphoteric surfactant and a fatty acid salt, which is excellent in rinsing properties.

[0015] In the examples of Patent Document 3, fatty acid salts are blended at high concentrations of 1.5% or more, and fatty acid salts are difficult to stably dissolve at high concentrations, which causes the problem of easy precipitation during low-temperature storage. In addition, when fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, which has been cited as a betaine amphoteric surfactant, is used, the deterioration of rinsing performance caused by blending an acid cannot be resolved, as mentioned above.

[0016] Furthermore, liquid cleaning compositions with excellent foam rinsing properties have the problem of poor foam adhesion when sprayed onto a wall surface. To improve foam adhesion, it has been suggested to incorporate a water-soluble polymer into the liquid cleaning composition. However, it has been revealed that incorporating a water-soluble polymer into the technology of Patent Document 3 significantly reduces foam rinsing properties. Generally, foam rinsing properties, foam adhesion properties, and foam stability are contradictory properties. Prioritizing one property results in a deterioration of the other property, making it difficult to simultaneously improve both.

[0017] The primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces that exhibits excellent foam rinsing properties, has excellent detergency and foam adhesion to hard surfaces, and is not alkaline (i.e., has a pH of 8.0 or less). Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the liquid cleaning composition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, have unexpectedly found that only the combination of component (a) and component (b) described below exhibits excellent foam rinsing properties under all of the conditions (i) to (iii), including (i) whether or not a fatty acid salt is added, (ii) the addition of an acid or adjustment of the pH to 8.0 or less, and (iii) the addition of a water-soluble polymer to improve foam adhesion.

[0019] As a result of extensive research to find even better conditions, it was discovered that a liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces can be obtained by blending 0.1 to 20 mass% of a compound represented by the following formula (1) as component (a), 0.01 to 10 mass% of a compound represented by the following formula (2) as component (b), 0.001 to 1 mass% of a water-soluble polymer as component (c), and 0.1 to 20 mass% of a solvent as component (d) so that the pH is 8.0 or less, thereby obtaining a liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces that exhibits excellent foam rinsing properties, has excellent detergency and foam adhesion to hard surfaces, and is not alkaline (i.e., has a pH of 8.0 or less). The present disclosure was completed based on these findings and through further research.

[0020] [ka] [In formula (1), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms.] [ka] [In formula (2), M is a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.]

[0021] That is, the present disclosure provides the inventions of the following aspects. Item 1. A liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces, comprising: The liquid cleaning composition comprises: 0.1 to 20% by mass of a compound represented by the following formula (1) as component (a), [ka] [In formula (1), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms.] 0.01 to 10% by mass of a compound represented by the following formula (2) as component (b), [ka] [In formula (2), M is a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.] 0.001 to 1 mass% of a water-soluble polymer as component (c), 0.1 to 20% by mass of a solvent as component (d), Including, A liquid cleaning composition having a pH of 8.0 or less. Item 2. The liquid cleaning composition according to Item 1, wherein the water-soluble polymer is at least one selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, starch, polyacrylic acid and salts thereof, polyacrylamide, acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Item 3. The liquid cleaning composition according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of alcohol-based solvents, glycol-based solvents, and glycol ether-based solvents. Item 4. A method for cleaning hard surfaces, comprising: Item 1 or 2, preparing a liquid cleaning composition; a cleaning step of contacting the liquid cleaning composition with a hard surface to clean the hard surface; a rinsing step to remove the liquid cleaning composition from the hard surface; A method for cleaning hard surfaces comprising: Item 5. The cleaning method according to Item 4, wherein the cleaning step is carried out in an environment of 0°C to 50°C. Item 6. The cleaning method according to Item 4 or 5, wherein in the cleaning step, the foamed liquid cleaning composition is brought into contact with the hard surface to clean the hard surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces that exhibits excellent foam rinsing properties, has excellent detergency and foam adhesion to hard surfaces, and is not alkaline (i.e., has a pH of 8.0 or less).Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is also possible to provide a method for cleaning hard surfaces using the liquid cleaning composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure is a liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces. The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure is characterized by containing 0.1 to 20 mass% of a compound represented by the following formula (1) as component (a), 0.01 to 10 mass% of a compound represented by the following formula (2) as component (b), 0.001 to 1 mass% of a water-soluble polymer as component (c), and 0.1 to 20 mass% of a solvent as component (d), and having a pH of 8.0 or less.

[0024] [ka]

[0025] In formula (1), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms.

[0026] [ka]

[0027] In formula (2), M is a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.

[0028] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure, having such a configuration, provides excellent foam rinsing properties, excellent detergency and foam adhesion to hard surfaces, and is not alkaline (i.e., pH 8.0 or less). The Household Goods Quality Labeling Act requires that residential or furniture cleaning agents with a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of greater than 11.0 be labeled as "alkaline," those between 11.0 and 8.0 as "weakly alkaline," those between 8.0 and 6.0 as "neutral," those between 6.0 and 3.0 as "weakly acidic," and those less than 3.0 as "acidic." Therefore, in the present disclosure, a pH greater than 8.0 is considered alkaline, and a pH of 8.0 or less is considered non-alkaline.

[0029] As described below, the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure can be used as a cleaning agent as it is. Alternatively, the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure can be filled into a spray container or the like and sprayed in the form of foam from a trigger sprayer, foaming cleaning machine, or the like to be used as a cleaning agent.

[0030] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure and the method for cleaning hard surfaces using the liquid cleaning composition are described in detail below. In this specification, a numerical value connected with "~" means a numerical range including the numerical values ​​before and after "~" as the lower and upper limits. When multiple lower limit values ​​and multiple upper limit values ​​are listed separately, any lower limit value and any upper limit value can be selected and connected with "~".

[0031] 1. Liquid cleaning compositions The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains at least component (a), component (b), component (c), and component (d) in a predetermined content, and further contains water.

[0032] [Component (a)] Component (a) is a compound represented by the following formula (1), and is blended in a predetermined amount in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure, particularly for the purpose of enhancing detergency and foaming power. Even when alkylamine oxide, which is also an amphoteric surfactant, or fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, which is also a betaine amphoteric surfactant, is used in place of the compound represented by the following formula (1), the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure fails to exhibit the effects of the present invention.

[0033] [ka]

[0034] In formula (1), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms.

[0035] In R, the linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms. Furthermore, the alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms is preferably an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 12 to 16 carbon atoms.

[0036] From the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, preferred specific examples of the compound represented by formula (1) include lauryl hydroxysultaine, lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.

[0037] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of component (a), or two or more types. As component (a), for example, a commercially available product can be used.

[0038] The content of component (a) in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be in the range of 0.1 to 20 mass %, but from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, the content is preferably in the range of 1 to 10 mass %, more preferably 1.5 to 7.5 mass %, and even more preferably 2 to 5 mass %.

[0039] [Component (b)] Component (b) is a compound represented by the following formula (2), and is incorporated in a specified amount in the liquid detergent composition of the present disclosure to improve the surfactant effect of component (a) and strengthen its detergency against dirt by sequestering metal ions without impairing the rinsing properties of the foam, while keeping the pH close to 8.0 or less, which is non-alkaline. EDTA-2 salt and EDTA-4 salt, which have different numbers of salts per molecule, cannot achieve the objective of the present disclosure; only formula (2), which has three salts, can achieve the objective of the present disclosure.

[0040] [ka]

[0041] In formula (2), M is a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.

[0042] From the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, preferred specific examples of the compound represented by formula (2) include trisodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and triammonium ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

[0043] For example, a commercially available product can be used as component (b). The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of component (b), or two or more types of component (b).

[0044] The content of component (b) in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be in the range of 0.01 to 10 mass %, but from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, the content is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5 mass %, more preferably 0.2 to 2 mass %, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1 mass %.

[0045] [Component (c)] Component (c) is a water-soluble polymer, and is blended in a predetermined amount in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure, particularly for the purpose of improving foam adhesion. The viscosity, molecular weight, degree of polymerization, number of substituents, etc. of the water-soluble polymer are not particularly limited as long as they achieve the effects of the present invention.

[0046] From the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, preferred specific examples of component (c) include xanthan gum, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, starch, polyacrylic acid and salts thereof, polyacrylamide, acrylic acid copolymers and salts thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

[0047] As component (c), for example, a commercially available product can be used. Furthermore, the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of component (c), or two or more types.

[0048] The content of component (c) in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be in the range of 0.001 to 1 mass %, but from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the present disclosure, the content is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 mass %, more preferably 0.02 to 0.4 mass %, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.2 mass %.

[0049] [Component (d)] Component (d) is a solvent, and is blended in a predetermined amount in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure, particularly for the purpose of improving foam stability.

[0050] From the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, preferred specific examples of component (d) include alcohol-based solvents, glycol-based solvents, glycol ether-based solvents, and the like, and more specific examples include ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, phenoxyethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, and the like.

[0051] For example, a commercially available product can be used as component (d). The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may contain only one type of component (d), or two or more types.

[0052] The content of component (d) in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be in the range of 0.1 to 20 mass %, but from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the invention of the present disclosure, the content is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 15 mass %, more preferably 1 to 10 mass %, and even more preferably 3 to 6 mass %.

[0053] [water] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains water. For example, the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure can be sprayed from a spray container, a foaming cleaner, or the like to form a foam, and the foam of the liquid cleaning composition can be attached to a hard surface to perform cleaning.

[0054] The water content in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure is preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 85% by mass or more, and is preferably 98% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, with a preferred range being around 85 to 95% by mass.

[0055] The type of water is not particularly limited, and tap water, distilled water, pure water, ion-exchanged water, etc. can be used, and two or more types can also be used in combination.

[0056] [Other ingredients] In addition to the above-described components (a) to (d) and water, the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may optionally contain components such as acidifiers, fatty acid salts, nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, antigelling agents, metal corrosion inhibitors, solubilizers, thickeners, enzymes, fragrances, dyes, pigments, bactericides, preservatives, antifungal agents, and pH adjusters. The amounts of these components added can be determined appropriately by those skilled in the art as long as they do not affect the effects of the present disclosure. For example, commercially available products can be used as other components. Furthermore, when the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains other components, the other components may be one type or two or more types. When the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains other components, the content of these components is, for example, 2.0% by mass or less, 1.5% by mass or less, 1.0% by mass or less, and preferably 0% by mass.

[0057] For example, an acidic agent is added as needed to adjust the pH of the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure to 8.0 or less. The acidic agent may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, and specific examples of the acidic agent include citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, phytic acid, adipic acid, benzoic acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid. Commercially available acidic agents can be used. Furthermore, when the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains an acidic agent, the acidic agent may be one type or two or more types.

[0058] When the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains an acidic agent, the content of the acidic agent in the liquid cleaning composition is preferably 1% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, with a preferred range being approximately 0.001 to 0.5% by mass.

[0059] Furthermore, fatty acid salts are blended as needed to further improve the foaming and rinsing properties of the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure. Specific examples of fatty acid salts include salts of alkali metals and fatty acids comprising linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups having 8 to 24 carbon atoms. Commercially available fatty acid salts can be used, for example. When a fatty acid salt is included in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the fatty acid salts may be one type only, or two or more types.

[0060] When the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains a fatty acid salt, the content of the fatty acid salt in the liquid cleaning composition is preferably 1.5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and is, for example, 0.1% by mass or more, with a preferred range being about 0.1 to 1% by mass.

[0061] A bactericide may be blended as needed to impart bactericidal properties to the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure. Specific examples of bactericides include cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salts, polyhexamethylene biguanide antibacterial agents, and isothiazolinone antibacterial agents. Commercially available bactericides may be used. When a bactericide is included in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure, the bactericide may be one type or two or more types.

[0062] When the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure contains a disinfectant, the content of the disinfectant in the liquid cleaning composition is preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or less, and is, for example, 0.01% by mass or more, with a preferred range being approximately 0.01 to 1% by mass.

[0063] The pH of the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be 8.0 or less, and from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the present disclosure, it is preferably 7.8 or less, more preferably 7.2 or less, even more preferably 7.0 or less, and is preferably 5.0 or more, more preferably 5.5 or more, even more preferably 6.0 or more, with preferred ranges including 6.0 to 7.0.

[0064] [Method of manufacturing liquid cleaning composition] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure can be prepared by mixing component (a), component (b), component (c), component (d), water, and other components that are added as needed. The components can be mixed using a stirrer or the like so that the components in the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure are mixed uniformly.

[0065] The order in which the components are mixed is not particularly limited. For example, a method can be used in which component (a), component (b), component (c), component (d), and other components that are blended as needed are added to water in any order and stirred.

[0066] The liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure may be a liquid cleaning composition contained in a spray container or a liquid cleaning composition contained in a foaming cleaner, which is filled in a spray container (sprayer container), a foaming cleaner, or the like.

[0067] The spray container is not particularly limited as long as it can spray the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure in foam form, and examples thereof include manual spray devices that do not use propellants, such as trigger-type spray containers and pump-type spray containers, and aerosols that use propellants. Foam cleaners include water jet types, manual pressure-accumulating types, and automatic pressure-accumulating types using air compressors. In the present disclosure, trigger-type spray containers that can spray or apply the contents in foam form are preferred. Commercially available spray containers can be used, and an appropriate one that can spray the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure in foam form is selected.

[0068] <How to clean hard surfaces> The method for cleaning a hard surface of the present disclosure is a method for cleaning a hard surface, comprising the steps of: preparing the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure; contacting the liquid cleaning composition with a hard surface to clean the hard surface; and rinsing the liquid cleaning composition from the hard surface.

[0069] The cleaning step can be carried out, for example, by spraying the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure in the form of foam from a spray container and allowing the foam of the liquid cleaning composition to adhere to the hard surface. The cleaning method of the present disclosure is a cleaning method that uses the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure (particularly, the liquid cleaning composition in a spray container) described above.

[0070] In the cleaning step, the liquid cleaning composition may be brought into contact with the hard surface, but from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the present invention, it is preferable to keep the liquid cleaning composition in a foamed state in contact with the hard surface for, for example, about 10 seconds to 1 minute, preferably about 30 seconds to 5 minutes. During this time, the hard surface may be polished with a brush or the like, or the liquid cleaning composition may be left to stand in a foamed state attached to the hard surface.

[0071] The environmental temperature during the washing step is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0 to 50°C, more preferably about 5 to 40°C, from the viewpoint of more suitably exerting the effects of the present invention.

[0072] In the method for cleaning hard surfaces of the present disclosure, a cleaning step of applying the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure to a hard surface is followed by a rinsing step of removing the liquid cleaning composition from the hard surface. Rinsing can be performed with water. The time for rinsing with water is not particularly limited, and it is sufficient that the liquid cleaning composition is sufficiently removed from the hard surface. The temperature of the water used for rinsing the liquid cleaning composition with water is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, about 5 to 60°C, preferably about 20 to 50°C.

[0073] The objects to be cleaned with the liquid cleaning composition of the present disclosure include, for example, various hard surfaces of articles such as sinks, walls, floors, tableware, containers, cooking utensils, kitchen appliances, ventilation fans, ranges, ovens, etc. in kitchens, workplaces, bathrooms, toilets, washrooms, etc. of restaurants, supermarkets, food factories, ordinary households, etc. Examples of the material of the hard surface include hard resin surfaces such as plastics, metal surfaces such as stainless steel and iron, ceramic surfaces such as tiles, wooden product surfaces, and combinations thereof.

[0074] After the rinsing step, water can be wiped off and drying can be performed as necessary.

Examples

[0075] Examples and comparative examples are shown below to explain the present disclosure in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples.

[0076] Details of each raw material used in the examples and comparative examples are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0077]

Table 1

[0078] [Preparation of Liquid Cleaning Composition] Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 11 As the liquid cleaning compositions of Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 11, the respective components were mixed to prepare liquid cleaning compositions so as to have the compositions shown in Tables 2 and 3. In the compositions of Tables  2 and 3, the numerical values of each component are active mass %.

[0079] [pH Measurement] Using a desktop pH meter (manufactured by Horiba, Ltd., F-72), the pH of the liquid cleaning composition was measured at 25°C. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0080] (Evaluation of pH) The pH of the liquid cleaning composition was considered to pass if it was 8.0 or less.

[0081] <Number of rinses> 5 g of each liquid cleaning composition and 50 mL of tap water were placed in a 300 mL separatory funnel and shaken vigorously 20 times to create foam. After leaving the funnel for 30 seconds, the stopcock was turned and the liquid was drained from the bottom for 10 seconds. If foam remained in the funnel, an additional 50 mL of tap water was added, and the funnel was shaken and drained in the same manner. This process was repeated until no foam remained in the funnel, and the number of times tap water was added was recorded. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

[0082] (Evaluation criteria for rinsing ability) The evaluation criteria for rinsability are as follows: Rinsing 2-3 times: Passed due to good rinsing properties Rinsing frequency is 1 time or 4 times or more: 1 time is not acceptable due to poor foaming and lack of practicality, and 4 times or more is not acceptable due to poor rinsing.

[0083] <Foam adhesion> Each liquid cleaning composition was sprayed onto a vertically standing acrylic board using a foam spray trigger to check whether the foam adhered to the wall surface. Specifically, under the following spraying conditions, the liquid cleaning composition was sprayed onto the vertically standing acrylic board from a position 20 cm horizontally while sliding the spray container 20 to 30 cm sideways (one push of the trigger sprayer), resulting in a thin layer of foam of the liquid cleaning composition adhering to the surface of the acrylic board. The spraying conditions were as follows: the amount of liquid cleaning composition sprayed from the spray container was 0.9 to 1.1 g, and the size of the foam immediately after spraying was in the range of 4 to 8 cm in length and 20 to 25 cm in width.

[0084] (Evaluation criteria for foam adhesion) The evaluation criteria for foam adhesion are as follows: The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. 〇: Pass if the foam holds its shape for more than 10 seconds ×: If the foam collapses in less than 10 seconds, it fails

[0085] <Evaluation of cleaning power> (Preparation of simulated soil solution) A simulated soil solution was prepared having the following composition: Calcium oleate (Mitsuwa Chemicals): 1.09% by mass Artificial sebum liquid (Hayashi Pure Chemical Industries): 1.67% by mass Keratin (derived from sheep's wool, manufactured by TCI): 0.17% Chloroform (Wako): 97.07% by mass

[0086] Each liquid cleaning composition was used as a cleaning agent, and the detergency was evaluated according to the following procedure. Polypropylene test pieces (75 mm × 25 mm × 2 mm) were prepared as objects to be cleaned with hard surfaces. The weight of each polypropylene test piece was measured (initial weight (g) of the test piece), and then it was partially immersed in the above-mentioned simulated soil liquid. After 10 seconds, it was removed and allowed to air dry for approximately one day, and its weight was measured (weight (g) of the test piece before immersion in the liquid cleaning composition). The test piece with the simulated soil attached was immersed in each test liquid (liquid cleaning composition), allowed to stand for 60 seconds, and then further immersed in tap water for 60 seconds. The test piece was then rocked up and down five times in the tap water, lightly rinsed with ion-exchanged water using a wash bottle, air-dried for approximately one day, and its weight was measured (final weight (g) of the test piece).

[0087] The cleaning rate was calculated as follows: The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. (Weight (g) of test piece before immersion in liquid cleaning composition - Final weight (g) of test piece) ÷ (Weight (g) of test piece before immersion in liquid cleaning composition - Initial weight (g) of test piece) × 100 = Cleaning rate (%)

[0088] (Criteria for evaluating cleaning power) The evaluation criteria for detergency are as follows: A: The cleaning rate is 60% or more, which is a good cleaning power and passes the test. B: The cleaning rate is between 50% and 60% and is good cleaning power and passes C: The cleaning rate is less than 50% and the cleaning power is insufficient. Pass

[0089] <Low temperature stability> 20 mL of each sample was placed in a glass vial, sealed, and then stored at -5°C for 24 hours in a PHC MIR-254 incubator with a refrigerator, and the vial was visually inspected for the presence of precipitation or turbidity.

[0090] <Low temperature stability evaluation criteria> 〇: No precipitation or turbidity is observed, and the solution remains clear and passes ×: If precipitate or turbidity is observed, it is not acceptable.

[0091] <Overall rating> Taking into consideration the five evaluation results of pH measurement, rinsing ability, foam adhesion, detergency, and low-temperature stability, the liquid cleaning compositions for cleaning hard surfaces were comprehensively evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. ◎: Passed all five of the above evaluation criteria (pH, number of rinses, foam adhesion, detergency, low-temperature stability), rinsed twice, and detergency was A 〇: Passed all five of the above evaluation criteria (pH, number of rinses, foam adhesion, cleaning power, low temperature stability) ×: Failed at least one of the above five evaluation items (pH, number of rinses, foam adhesion, detergency, low temperature stability)

[0092] [Table 2]

[0093] [Table 3]

Claims

1. 1. A liquid cleaning composition for cleaning hard surfaces, comprising: The liquid cleaning composition comprises: 0.1 to 20% by mass of a compound represented by the following formula (1) as component (a), 【Chemistry 1】 [In formula (1), R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or an alkylamidopropyl group having a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms.] 0.01 to 10% by mass of a compound represented by the following formula (2) as component (b), 【Chemistry 2】 [In formula (2), M is a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.] 0.001 to 1 mass% of a water-soluble polymer as component (c), 0.1 to 20% by mass of a solvent as component (d), Including, A liquid cleaning composition having a pH of 8.0 or less.

2. 2. The liquid cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble polymer is at least one selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl ethyl cellulose, starch, polyacrylic acid and its salts, polyacrylamide, acrylic acid copolymers and its salts, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

3. 3. The liquid cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the solvent is at least one selected from the group consisting of alcohol-based solvents, glycol-based solvents, and glycol ether-based solvents.

4. 1. A method for cleaning a hard surface, comprising: Providing a liquid cleaning composition according to claim 1 or 2; a cleaning step of contacting the liquid cleaning composition with a hard surface to clean the hard surface; a rinsing step to remove the liquid cleaning composition from the hard surface; A method for cleaning hard surfaces comprising:

5. The cleaning method according to claim 4 , wherein the cleaning step is carried out in an environment of 0° C. to 50° C.

6. The cleaning method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the cleaning step, the foamed liquid cleaning composition is brought into contact with the hard surface to clean the hard surface.

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