Cleaning agent set and cleaning method

Abstract

To provide a detergent set and a washing method in which bubbles generated after mixing an enzyme with washing treatment water containing hydrogen peroxide are conspicuous.SOLUTION: The detergent set includes an oxidizing agent which is an inorganic peroxide generating hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water, an alkaline agent, an enzyme having catalase activity decomposing hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, and an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the oxidizing agent and the enzyme are stored in a non-reactive state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent set and a cleaning method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning composition that can remove dirt adhering to the inside of a washing machine tub. This cleaning composition is a two-component type, with the first component containing sodium percarbonate and the second component containing catalase, an enzyme. When used, the first component (sodium percarbonate) is mixed with water filled in the washing machine tub, generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from the sodium percarbonate mixed with the water. The generated hydrogen peroxide oxidizes and kills mold inside the washing machine tub. Furthermore, the sodium carbonate generated along with the hydrogen peroxide removes dirt such as soap scum from the inside of the washing machine tub. The second component (enzyme) is then mixed with the washing water containing hydrogen peroxide. The mixed enzyme promotes the reaction (2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2) that decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2), generating oxygen bubbles that foam the washing water. The removed and settled dirt rises to the surface of the water due to the foaming. The user can remove the waste by using a net to scoop it off the surface of the water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-12753 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the degree of foaming is small after the second enzyme is mixed into the cleaning treatment water, the foam is not very noticeable to the user (general consumer), which can be a problem as it is difficult to get a sense that the cleaning treatment is progressing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning agent set and a cleaning method that produce noticeable foam after mixing an enzyme with cleaning treatment water containing hydrogen peroxide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a detergent set according to one embodiment includes: an oxidizing agent that is an inorganic peroxide that generates hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water; Alkaline agents, an enzyme having catalase activity that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; an amphoteric surfactant, The oxidizing agent and the enzyme are contained in a state where they do not react with each other.

[0007] With this cleaning agent set, users can perform a first cleaning step to clean objects using cleaning water prepared by mixing an oxidizing agent, an alkaline agent, and water. An oxidizing agent mixed with water and an alkaline agent is more likely to generate hydrogen peroxide in the cleaning water than an oxidizing agent mixed with water without an alkaline agent. The cleaning water that has undergone the first cleaning step becomes an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing an alkaline agent. Users can perform a second cleaning step to clean objects using the cleaning water that has undergone the first cleaning step, in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant, while decomposing the hydrogen peroxide contained in the cleaning water with an enzyme. The amphoteric surfactant makes it difficult for the enzyme to interfere with the reaction that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This facilitates the generation of a large amount of oxygen bubbles in the second cleaning step. These effects are also applicable to the cleaning method described below.

[0008] A cleaning method according to one embodiment includes the steps of: a first cleaning step in which an object to be cleaned is cleaned using cleaning treatment water prepared by mixing an oxidizing agent, which is one or more compounds selected from inorganic peroxides that generate hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water and hydrogen peroxide, with water in the presence of an alkaline agent; a second cleaning step in which the cleaning water that has been subjected to the first cleaning step is used to clean the object while decomposing hydrogen peroxide contained in the cleaning water with an enzyme in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant, The enzyme has catalase activity, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] As described above, the present invention can provide a detergent set and a cleaning method that produce noticeable bubbles after mixing an enzyme with cleaning treatment water containing hydrogen peroxide. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a first example of a cleaning agent set according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a second example of a cleaning agent set according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a cleaning method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A cleaning agent set and a cleaning method according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Similar components in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals. The components shown in each drawing are merely illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated components or their dimensions.

[0012] The cleaning agent set 10a according to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 is a three-component set including a first cleaning agent 20 containing an oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent, a second cleaning agent 40a containing an enzyme, and a third cleaning agent 60 containing an amphoteric surfactant.

[0013] The objects to be cleaned with the detergent set 10a are not particularly limited, as long as they can be cleaned by contacting them with cleaning treatment water, which is an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and do not contradict the objectives of the present invention. Examples of objects to be cleaned include bath heaters, washing machine tubs, water bottles, heat pump water heaters, dishwashers, sink drains, toilets, and drainage pits.

[0014] The oxidizing agent contained in the first cleaning agent 20 is an inorganic peroxide that generates hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water. From the viewpoint of ease of handling, the oxidizing agent may be a single inorganic peroxide selected from perborates and percarbonates, or a mixture of two or more inorganic peroxides. From the viewpoint of ease of handling and reduced precipitation, the oxidizing agent may be a single inorganic peroxide selected from alkali metal perborates and alkali metal percarbonates, or a mixture of two or more inorganic peroxides, or an alkali metal percarbonate, preferably sodium percarbonate. Sodium percarbonate is a compound containing sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide in a 2:3 molar ratio (2Na2CO3·3H2O2) and is also known as sodium carbonate hydrogen peroxide adduct, sodium carbonate hydrogen peroxide, or sodium percarbonate.

[0015] The alkaline agent contained in the first cleaning agent 20 is at least one compound that does not fall under the category of the above-mentioned oxidizing agent and that dissolves in water and exhibits alkaline properties. The combined use of an oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent can promote the generation of hydrogen peroxide from the oxidizing agent in water. The alkaline agent may be, for example, a compound or a mixture of two or more compounds selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, borates, and silicates of alkali metals. Examples of alkali metals include sodium and potassium. Examples of alkali metal hydroxides include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and hydrates of these compounds. Examples of alkali metal carbonates include disodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), dipotassium carbonate (K2CO3), and hydrates of these compounds. Examples of alkali metal phosphates include trisodium phosphate (NaPO), disodium hydrogen phosphate (NaHPO), sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaHPO), tripotassium phosphate (KPO), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (KHPO), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KHPO), and hydrates of these compounds. Examples of alkali metal borates include sodium metaborate (NaBO), sodium tetraborate (NaBO), and hydrates of these compounds. Examples of alkali metal silicates include sodium orthosilicate (2NaO SiO), sodium sesquisilicate (3NaO 2SiO), sodium metasilicate (NaO SiO), and hydrates of these compounds. From the viewpoint of promoting the generation of hydrogen peroxide from an oxidizing agent in water, the oxidizing agent may preferably be one compound or a mixture of two or more compounds selected from sodium hydroxide, silicate, and hydrates thereof, and more preferably one compound or a mixture of two or more compounds selected from sodium metasilicate and hydrates thereof.

[0016] In the first cleaning agent 20, the oxidizing agent and the alkaline agent are preferably contained in a non-reactive state. For example, the oxidizing agent and the alkaline agent may be solidified in a state where they can come into contact with each other, as long as they do not react in a solid state. Alternatively, the first cleaning agent 20 may be solidified in a state where they are separated and do not come into direct contact with each other. For example, the first cleaning agent 20 may be a composition having a tablet in which an inorganic peroxide is mixed with an excipient, a binder, a lubricant, or the like and compressed, and a powder containing an alkaline agent attached to at least a portion of the surface of the tablet.

[0017] To avoid moisture absorption, the first cleaning agent 20 may be stored in a moisture-impermeable container 21. In FIG. 1, the container 21 is illustrated as a plurality of small bags made of synthetic resin, each containing the first cleaning agent 20. The shape and material of the container 21 are not particularly limited as long as they do not deviate from the objective of the present invention, and the same applies to the containers 41 and 61 described below.

[0018] When using the cleaning agent set 10a, when water and the first cleaning agent 20 are mixed, the oxidizing agent and alkaline agent contained in the first cleaning agent 20 are mixed with the water. The alkaline agent in the water promotes a reaction in which hydrogen peroxide is generated from the oxidizing agent, and an alkaline aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide, i.e., cleaning treatment water, is prepared. When the cleaning treatment water is brought into contact with an object to be cleaned, dirt such as mold adhering to the object is gradually oxidized and removed by the hydrogen peroxide contained in the cleaning treatment water.

[0019] The enzyme in the detergent set 10a is contained in the second detergent 40a and is therefore separated from the oxidizing agent and alkaline agent contained in the first detergent 20 so as not to react with them. This enzyme is capable of catalyzing the reaction that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2), i.e., an enzyme with catalase activity. This enzyme may be one or more enzymes selected from catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), with catalase being preferred. Peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) can catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, and therefore is considered a type of enzyme with catalase activity. Commercially available catalase preparations for food or industrial use, extracted and purified from animal liver, kidney, red blood cells, plants, or microorganisms, may also be used as the second detergent 40a. From the viewpoint of usability even in relatively high-temperature cleaning water, the enzyme is preferably an enzyme that can exhibit catalase activity even when the temperature of the cleaning water is in the range of 20° C. to 70° C. Alternatively, from the viewpoint of usability in cleaning water at room temperature, for example, the enzyme may have an optimum temperature in the range of 4° C. to 40° C. From the viewpoint of efficient decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in cleaning water, the enzyme may have an optimum pH in the range of 5.0 to 7.0.

[0020] The second cleaning agent 40a may be a liquid containing an enzyme so that it can be immediately mixed with the cleaning treatment water containing hydrogen peroxide. The second cleaning agent 40a may be, for example, a liquid enzyme preparation containing an enzyme with catalase activity as a contaminating enzyme (e.g., a glucose oxidase preparation having catalase activity as a side activity). However, from the viewpoint of efficient cleaning of objects to be cleaned, it is preferable to use a commercially available liquid catalase preparation as the second cleaning agent 40a. The second cleaning agent 40a may be a powder, granule, or small-block powder containing an enzyme with catalase activity so that it is lightweight and compact. When the second cleaning agent 40a is a powder or granule, the enzyme can be held in a carrier that does not inhibit the expression of the enzyme activity. Examples of carriers include starch, sucrose, trehalose, and dextrin. To prevent deterioration before use, the second cleaning agent 40a is preferably stored in a moisture-impermeable container 41.

[0021] The amphoteric surfactant in the cleaning agent set 10a is contained in the third cleaning agent 60, and is therefore separated from the oxidizing agent and alkaline agent contained in the first cleaning agent 20 so as not to react with them. The order of timing for mixing the enzyme-containing second cleaning agent 40a with the alkaline-containing hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution and the third cleaning agent 60 with the amphoteric surfactant is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the objectives of the present invention. For example, the cleaning treatment water and the second cleaning agent 40a may be mixed together, and then the third cleaning agent 60 may be mixed. From the viewpoint of minimizing enzyme denaturation caused by the alkaline agent using the amphoteric surfactant, it is preferable to simultaneously mix the second cleaning agent 40a and the third cleaning agent 60 with the cleaning treatment water. It is also preferable to mix the third cleaning agent 60 before the second cleaning agent 40a. To prevent deterioration before use, the third cleaning agent 60 is preferably stored in a moisture-impermeable container 61.

[0022] An amphoteric surfactant is a surfactant that has an anionic group and a cationic group in the molecule, and the hydrophilic group in the molecule becomes positively or negatively charged depending on the pH of the aqueous solution. As the amphoteric surfactant, for example, one surfactant or two or more surfactants selected from amino acid amphoteric surfactants, lecithin, and betaine amphoteric surfactants may be used.

[0023] Amino acid-type amphoteric surfactants are surfactants that have an amine salt-type cationic moiety in the molecule and change ionicity to cationic in acidic aqueous solution, amphoteric in neutral aqueous solution, and anionic in alkaline aqueous solution. Examples of amino acid-type amphoteric surfactants include alkylcarboxymethylhydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine, lauroylcarboxymethylhydroxyethylethylenediamine sodium, and undecylcarboxymethoxyethylcarboxymethylimidazolinium betaine sodium. Lecithin is a type of glycerophospholipid and is known to be a major component of biological membranes such as cell membranes in nature. Examples of lecithin include phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine, and hydrogenated lysophosphatidylcholine.

[0024] From the viewpoint of excellent compatibility between the cleaning solution, which is an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing an alkaline agent, and the enzyme, it is preferable to use a single surfactant or a mixture of two or more surfactants selected from betaine-type amphoteric surfactants as the amphoteric surfactant. Betaine-type amphoteric surfactants have a quaternary ammonium salt-type cationic moiety and a carboxylate-type anionic moiety in the molecule, and each changes ionicity to cationic in acidic aqueous solution, amphoteric in neutral aqueous solution, and amphoteric in alkaline aqueous solution. Examples of betaine-type amphoteric surfactants include aminoacetic acid betaine-type amphoteric surfactants and sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants. Examples of aminoacetic acid betaine-type amphoteric surfactants include coconut oil fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, lauric acid amidopropyl dimethylaminoacetic acid, myristamidopropyl betaine, palm kernel fatty acid amidopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, and coconut oil alkyl dimethylaminoacetic acid. Examples of sulfobetaine-type amphoteric surfactants include lauryl hydroxysulfobetaine, lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine.

[0025] To enhance the cleaning effect, the cleaning agent set 10a may further contain at least one agent selected from a chelating agent and an antibacterial agent in addition to the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, enzyme, and amphoteric active agent already described. In this case, the at least one agent selected from a chelating agent and an antibacterial agent may be contained in at least one of the first cleaning agent 20, the second cleaning agent 40a, and the third cleaning agent 60. Alternatively, the at least one agent selected from a chelating agent and an antibacterial agent may be contained in another cleaning agent (e.g., a fourth cleaning agent not shown) that is mixed at any time with the cleaning treatment water or with water for preparing the cleaning treatment water, separate from the first to third cleaning agents (20, 40a, 60).

[0026] The chelating agent is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the object of the present invention, but it is preferable that it has properties that do not impair catalase activity. Examples of chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and o-phenylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA).

[0027] The antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the objectives of the present invention, but it is preferable that it has properties that do not impair catalase activity. From this perspective, the antibacterial agent may be, for example, a metal ion antibacterial agent in which a metal ion such as silver ion, copper ion, or zinc ion is supported on a carrier, preferably a silver ion-supported antibacterial agent in which silver ion is supported on a carrier, and more preferably silver zeolite. Furthermore, examples of carriers for metal ions in antibacterial agents include silicate-based carriers, phosphate-based carriers, and silica-based carriers. Examples of silicate-based carriers include zeolite (aluminosilicate), magnesium aluminometasilicate, and calcium silicate. Examples of phosphate-based carriers include zirconium phosphate and calcium phosphate. Examples of silica-based carriers include silica and silica gel.

[0028] If only an enzyme is mixed with cleaning water that has become an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing an alkaline agent, the enzyme is not easily soluble in the cleaning water, so the decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme does not proceed efficiently, and the amount of oxygen bubbles generated by the decomposition is not very large, so the bubbles are not noticeable. In this case, there is a problem that users (general consumers) do not feel that the cleaning of the object is progressing further even if the cleaning water that has become an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is mixed with the enzyme.

[0029] In contrast, the detergent set 10a contains a third detergent 60 containing an amphoteric surfactant. When the cleaning treatment water, which has become an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing an alkaline agent, is mixed with the enzyme (second detergent 40a) and an amphoteric surfactant (third detergent 60), the compatibility between the cleaning treatment water and the enzyme is improved by the amphoteric surfactant, facilitating the efficient decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme. Therefore, in the detergent set 10a, in addition to the conventional use of an oxidizing agent and an enzyme, an alkaline agent and an amphoteric surfactant are used in combination to efficiently increase the amount of oxygen bubbles generated. The large amount of foaming makes it easy to feel that the cleaning of the object is progressing. The cleaning treatment water mixed with the enzyme (second detergent 40a) and the amphoteric surfactant (third detergent 60) foams with the oxygen bubbles generated by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, causing sedimentary dirt to float to the surface. The user can remove the dirt by, for example, scooping it up from the water surface with a net.

[0030] The detergent set 10b shown in Fig. 2 is a two-component detergent set comprising a first detergent 20 containing an oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent, and a second detergent 40b containing an enzyme and an amphoteric surfactant. In this way, even in the case of a two-component detergent, the enzyme contained in the second detergent 40b is contained in a state that does not react with the oxidizing agent and alkaline agent contained in the first detergent 20. Compared to the three-component detergent set 10a shown in Fig. 1, the two-component detergent set 10b shown in Fig. 2 is preferable in that the set is more compact due to the absence of the third detergent 60.

[0031] Although not shown, when the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, and enzyme are of a type that does not react with each other in a solid state, a detergent set according to another embodiment may be in a solid form in which the three components are in contact with each other, or in a solid form in which the three components are separated and do not come into direct contact with each other. For example, the detergent set may include a tablet in which the oxidizing agent is mixed with an excipient, binder, or lubricant and compressed, a tablet in which the alkaline agent is similarly mixed with an excipient and compressed, a composition having a powder containing an amphoteric surfactant attached to at least a portion of the surface of the tablet, and an enzyme contained in a container separate from the composition.

[0032] The detergent set may take any form, including the detergent sets (10a, 10b) shown in Figures 1 and 2, as long as the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, and enzyme are contained in a state where they do not react with each other, as long as the purpose of the present invention is not violated. For example, the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, and enzyme may be contained separately so that they do not come into contact with each other. For this purpose, although not shown, the detergent set may be a four-component type comprising a first component containing an oxidizing agent, a second component containing an alkaline agent, a third component containing an enzyme, and a fourth component containing an amphoteric surfactant.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a cleaning method S11 according to one embodiment may include a preparation step S12, a first cleaning step S13, a second cleaning step S14, and a post-treatment step S15.

[0034] In the preparation step S12, an object to be cleaned, an oxidizing agent, an alkaline agent, an enzyme, and an amphoteric surfactant are prepared. Details of these preparations have already been described in the description of the detergent sets (10a, 10b), and will not be described again. In the preparation step S12, it is preferable to prepare an object to be cleaned and the detergent set 10a shown in FIG. 1 or the detergent set 10b shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] In the first cleaning step S13, an oxidizing agent, an alkaline agent, and water are mixed to prepare cleaning treatment water containing the oxidizing agent and the alkaline agent, and this cleaning treatment water is used to clean the object to be cleaned. The order in which the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, and water are mixed is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the object of the present invention. For example, the oxidizing agent and alkaline agent may be mixed with water that is in contact with the object to be cleaned. Alternatively, the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, and water may be mixed, and the prepared cleaning treatment water may be brought into contact with the object to be cleaned. The amount of water and the amount of oxidizing agent used may be adjusted when preparing the cleaning treatment water so that the temperature and pH of the cleaning treatment water fall within the optimal temperature and pH ranges of the enzyme that will be further mixed later. In the first cleaning step S13 when the object to be cleaned is a bath heater, for example, the oxidizing agent and alkaline agent (first cleaning agent 20) may be added near the circulation port of the bathtub filled with water at about 40°C so that the water level is above the circulation port, and then the water may be heated again. In the first washing step S13 when the washing tub is used as the object to be washed, for example, an oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent (first cleaning agent 20) may be added to the tub, and water may be supplied to the tub up to a high water level, and a drum installed in the tub may be rotated. In the washing treatment water used to wash the object after preparation, the alkaline agent promotes the generation of hydrogen peroxide from the oxidizing agent, and the hydrogen peroxide oxidizes mold and other particles adhering to the object to be washed, thereby progressing the washing.

[0036] In the second cleaning step S14, the hydrogen peroxide contained in the cleaning water that has been through the previous first cleaning step S13 is decomposed by an enzyme in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant to foam, while the object to be cleaned is washed. In the second cleaning step S14 when the object to be cleaned is a bath heater, for example, an enzyme (second cleaning agent 40a) and an amphoteric surfactant (third cleaning agent 60) may be mixed with the cleaning water near the circulation port of the bathtub, and the water may be reheated. In the second cleaning step S14 when the object to be cleaned is a washing tub, for example, an enzyme (second cleaning agent 40a) and an amphoteric surfactant (third cleaning agent 60) may be mixed with the cleaning water, and the washing tub drum may be rotated again. After the enzyme and amphoteric surfactant are mixed with the cleaning water, the resulting oxygen bubbles may cause dirt to float to the surface of the cleaning water, which is then preferably removed from the object to be cleaned and the cleaning water by, for example, scooping it up with a net.

[0037] In the post-treatment step S15, the washing water that has been subjected to the second washing step S14 is removed from the object to be washed. For example, the washing water may be drained or dewatered from the object to be washed. If necessary, it is preferable to rinse the object to be washed with clean water and dry it after draining or dewatering the washing water.

[0038] The matters disclosed in this specification include the following. (1) an oxidizing agent that is an inorganic peroxide that generates hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water; Alkaline agents, an enzyme having catalase activity that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water; an amphoteric surfactant, The cleaning agent set is stored in a state where the oxidizing agent and the enzyme do not react with each other. (2) the alkaline agent is at least one compound selected from sodium metasilicate and its hydrate, The amphoteric surfactant is at least one compound selected from betaine-type amphoteric surfactants. The cleaning agent set described in (1) above. (3) a first cleaning step in which an object to be cleaned is cleaned using cleaning treatment water prepared by mixing an oxidizing agent, which is one or more compounds selected from inorganic peroxides that generate hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water and hydrogen peroxide, with water in the presence of an alkaline agent; a second cleaning step in which the cleaning water that has been subjected to the first cleaning step is used to clean the object while decomposing hydrogen peroxide contained in the cleaning water with an enzyme in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant, A cleaning method wherein the enzyme has catalase activity that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

[0039] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements, modifications, or variations can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in a form in which any specific feature is replaced with another technology within the scope of producing the same function or effect. [Example]

[0040] The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0041] Example 1 A powdered first detergent α1 was prepared by mixing the prepared oxidizing agent (sodium percarbonate), alkaline agent (sodium metasilicate), chelating agent, and antibacterial agent (silver zeolite). A liquid second detergent β1 was prepared by mixing the prepared enzyme (catalase) and amphoteric surfactant. The washing tub of a commercially available washing machine, which is pre-set with a wash mode, a rinse mode, and a spin mode, was used as the object to be washed. In the first washing step, a predetermined amount of the first detergent α1 (a powder mixture of an oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, chelating agent, and antibacterial agent) was poured directly into the empty washing tub. Water was then pumped into the washing tub up to a high water level, preparing a mixture of the oxidizing agent, alkaline agent, and water in the washing tub. After this water supply, the washing machine's wash mode was started, and the drum of the washing tub was continuously operated in the wash mode for 15 minutes. Next, as the second washing step, while the washing treatment water in the washing tub was left in the washing tub without being drained, a predetermined amount of the second detergent β1 (a liquid mixture of an enzyme and an amphoteric surfactant) was added to the washing treatment water, and the machine was again operated continuously for 5 minutes in the washing mode. After that, as the post-treatment step, the rinsing mode and the spin mode were performed to complete the washing of the items to be washed (washing tub).

[0042] <Comparative Example 2> The prepared oxidizing agent (sodium percarbonate) and antibacterial agent (silver zeolite) were mixed to produce a powdered first detergent α2. The prepared enzyme (catalase) was used as a liquid second detergent β2. The washing tub of the same washing machine as in Example 1 was used as the object to be washed. In the first washing step, a predetermined amount of the first detergent α2 (a powdery mixture of an oxidizing agent and an antibacterial agent) (the same amount as the first detergent α1 in Example 1) was poured into the empty washing tub. Water was then pumped into the washing tub up to a high water level, preparing cleaning water in which the oxidizing agent and water were mixed in the washing tub. After this water supply, the washing mode was started, and the washing machine was operated continuously for 15 minutes, after which the washing mode was temporarily stopped. Next, as a second washing step, while the washing treatment water in the washing tub was retained in the washing tub without being drained, a predetermined amount of second detergent β2 (enzyme) (the same amount as the second detergent β1 in Example 1) was added to the washing treatment water, and the machine was again operated continuously for 5 minutes in the washing mode. After that, as a post-treatment step, the rinsing mode and the spin mode were performed to complete the washing of the items to be washed (washing tub).

[0043] In each of the above-mentioned Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, the appearance of the cleaning water was photographed at each stage of the first cleaning step and the second cleaning step. In the photographs (not shown), there was almost no difference in the appearance of the cleaning water between Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 in the first cleaning step, and no particular foaming of the cleaning water was observed in either case. On the other hand, in the second cleaning step of Example 1, immediately after adding the second cleaning agent β1 (a liquid mixture of an enzyme and an amphoteric surfactant) to the cleaning water, vigorous foaming was observed, to the extent that the surface of the cleaning water was covered with a large amount of foam and became completely invisible. On the other hand, in the second cleaning step of Comparative Example 2, even when the second cleaning agent β2 (enzyme) was added to the cleaning water, the amount of foaming was not very large, and most of the surface of the cleaning water was always visible and exposed. In view of the comparison of the experimental results between Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, it can be said that in Example 1, the combined use of an alkaline agent and an amphoteric surfactant makes it easier for users (general consumers) to get the sense that cleaning is progressing due to the large amount of foaming that occurs in the appearance of the cleaning treated water in the second cleaning step.

[0044] <Comparative Examples 3 to 5> In each of Comparative Examples 3 to 5, cleaning experiments were conducted under the same conditions as in Example 1, except that the formulation of the second detergent was changed as described below. In Example 1, the second detergent β1 was prepared by mixing an enzyme (catalase) and an amphoteric surfactant, while in Comparative Example 3, the second detergent β3 was prepared by mixing an enzyme (catalase) and an anionic surfactant (sodium polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate). In Comparative Example 4, the second detergent β4 was prepared by mixing an enzyme (catalase) and a cationic surfactant (alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salt). In Comparative Example 5, the second detergent β5 was prepared by mixing an enzyme (catalase) and a nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene alkyl ether).

[0045] However, in all of Comparative Examples 3 to 5, the appearance of the cleaning water in the second cleaning step showed little difference in the amount of foam compared to Comparative Example 2, and most of the surface of the cleaning water was always visible. The reason for the low foaming amount in Comparative Examples 3 to 5 is unclear, but it is likely that the low compatibility between the enzyme and the cleaning water, which had become an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing an alkaline agent, in the presence of an anionic surfactant (Comparative Example 3), a cationic surfactant (Comparative Example 4), or a nonionic surfactant (Comparative Example 5) prevented the enzyme from efficiently decomposing hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, resulting in a low foaming amount. Based on these experimental results, the present inventors discovered that the foaming amount can be efficiently increased by preparing cleaning water containing an oxidizing agent and an alkaline agent in the first cleaning step and then mixing an enzyme and an amphoteric surfactant with the cleaning water that had been subjected to the first cleaning step. This finding led to the completion of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 10a, 10b... cleaning agent set, 20... first cleaning agent, 21... container, 40a, 40b... second cleaning agent, 41... container, 60... third cleaning agent, 61... container, S11...Cleaning method, S12...Preparation step, S13...First cleaning step, S14...Second cleaning step, S15...Post-treatment step

Claims

1. an oxidizing agent that is an inorganic peroxide that generates hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water; Alkaline agents, an enzyme having catalase activity that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; an amphoteric surfactant, The cleaning agent set is stored in a state where the oxidizing agent and the enzyme do not react with each other.

2. the alkaline agent is at least one compound selected from sodium metasilicate and its hydrate, The amphoteric surfactant is at least one compound selected from betaine-type amphoteric surfactants. A detergent set according to claim 1.

3. a first cleaning step in which an object to be cleaned is cleaned using cleaning treatment water prepared by mixing an oxidizing agent, which is one or more compounds selected from inorganic peroxides that generate hydrogen peroxide in the presence of water and hydrogen peroxide, with water in the presence of an alkaline agent; a second cleaning step in which the cleaning water that has been subjected to the first cleaning step is used to clean the object while decomposing hydrogen peroxide contained in the cleaning water with an enzyme in the presence of an amphoteric surfactant, A cleaning method wherein the enzyme has catalase activity that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

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