Multi-purpose acidic compositions and methods of use

Abstract

To provide a multipurpose acidic composition for cleaning and / or disinfection. Acidic compositions are liquids that remove polymerized soils, hard water deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate), soap scum, rust, and other stains (e.g., coffee and tea), including aiding in the general cleaning of difficult soils such as fats, oils, cosmetics, and other difficult soils.SOLUTION: The acidic composition can include at least one organic acid and a solvent or solvent system, and can be a PPE-free composition if desired. Methods for using the acidic composition as a pretreatment, soak, and / or application in machine as well as manual dishwashing are also provided. Methods for using the acidic compositions to remove polymerized oils, carbonized soils, fats, oils, stains (e.g., coffee and tea), hard water scale / deposits, and cosmetics are also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 198,956, filed November 25, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 249,793, filed March 12, 2021, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, including, but not limited to, the specification, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, or examples thereof.

[0002] This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 249,784, entitled "Multipurpose Alkaline Compositions and Methods of Use," filed concurrently herewith, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference, including, but not limited to, the specification, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, or drawings thereof.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a multi-purpose acidic composition for cleaning, including degreasing, destaining, and / or deliming, and / or disinfecting. The acidic composition is liquid and suitable for use as a pre-spray (i.e., spot treatment), including beneficially removing polymerized soils, removing hard water deposits (e.g., calcium carbonate), removing soap scum, rust, and other stains (e.g., coffee and tea), and aiding in the general cleaning of grease, oil, cosmetics, and other difficult soils. The acidic composition can be used in pre-treatments for machine and manual dishwashing to improve the performance of general-purpose products without the costly additives of traditional specialty detergents. The acidic composition can include at least one organic acid and a solvent or solvent system. Optionally, the acidic composition can be a PPE-free composition. Methods for using the acidic composition as a pre-treatment, soak, and / or application in machine and manual dishwashing are also provided. Methods for using the acidic composition to remove polymerized oils, carbonized soils, baked-on soils, grease, oil, stains (e.g., coffee and tea), hard water scale / deposits, and cosmetics are also provided. [Background technology]

[0004] Acidic cleaning compositions are often used for removing hard water and mineral deposits, cleaning grout and tile, and the like. Acidic cleaning compositions generally dissolve stains by adhering to the stain and breaking it down for removal. Acidic compositions are generally used for stains that are difficult to remove with general-purpose cleaning or removal, such as polymerized stains. Instead, specialized alkaline cleaners are more commonly formulated with specialized additives to treat these types of stains. Formulations containing these specialized additives are expensive. They are also not necessary for all markets and types of cleaning, degreasing, destaining, decalcifying, and / or disinfecting. As a result, specialized cleaning compositions or formulations containing certain specialized additives are often not needed for all applications and / or markets.

[0005] Acidic and alkaline compositions for use as paint strippers, such as benzyl alcohol and acids with a pH of about 2.5, have been used. However, alkaline paint strippers, used with neutralized acid or alkali sources, solvents, and detergents at a pH above 7.0, are more effective and more common. These paint strippers are used to remove old coatings that are difficult to remove by other methods. The use of acidic paint strippers is known to work slowly to remove paint, often requiring overnight or prolonged contact. These formulations require precautions regarding hazardous use and may pose health and safety hazards. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a multipurpose acidic composition combining an acid and a solvent that can be used as a pre-spray or spot treatment composition for removing difficult soils, including polymerized soils, for removing stains, for removing hard water deposits, for removing soap scum, for removing rust, and to aid in the general cleaning of other difficult soils and stains, including coffee and tea.

[0007] A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a multipurpose acidic composition that aids in the general purpose cleaning of grease, oil, cosmetics, and other common institutional soils.

[0008] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a multi-purpose acidic composition that can be used as a pre-treatment for machine and manual dishwashing to enhance or boost the performance of general-purpose products, thereby reducing the use of specialty additives in detergent compositions.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to formulate a multi-purpose acidic composition that is a PPE-free product.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to formulate a multi-purpose acidic composition that removes tough stains, including tea stains, coffee stains, hard water stains / deposits, polymerized oils, carbonized stains, baked-on stains, grease, oils, cosmetics, and others.

[0011] Other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present disclosure relates to multi-purpose acidic cleaning compositions and uses thereof. In embodiments, the compositions comprise from about 1% to about 50% by weight of at least one acid source, from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a surfactant, and from about 1% to about 50% by weight of a solvent or solvent system, and a use solution of the composition has a pH of from about 1 to about 5. The compositions provide effectiveness as multi-purpose cleaning and degreasing formulations that penetrate soils with acidic formulations, i.e., acidic formulations with a pH of less than about 6, preferably from about 1 to about 5.

[0013] In embodiments, a method of cleaning and / or degreasing is provided. The method includes applying an acidic composition according to the present disclosure to a surface or object in need of cleaning and / or degreasing, and removing dirt, stains, and / or hard water deposits from the surface or object. In embodiments, the application to the surface or object is a multi-purpose spot treatment, and the cleaning benefits are degreasing, demineralizing, and destaining.

[0014] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] This patent or application file contains at least one drawing printed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B show photographs of drop tests using acidic compositions containing formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid (FIG. 1C) on stainless steel coupons for their effectiveness in penetrating and removing corn oil stains on the coupons, as described in Example 1. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B show photographs of drop tests using acidic compositions containing formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid (FIG. 1C) on stainless steel coupons for their effectiveness in penetrating and removing corn oil stains on the coupons, as described in Example 1. [Figure 1C] 1A and 1B show photographs of drop tests using acidic compositions containing formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid (FIG. 1C) on stainless steel coupons for their effectiveness in penetrating and removing corn oil stains on the coupons, as described in Example 1. [Figure 2A] 1A-1C show photographs of soak tests using acidic compositions containing formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid (FIG. 1C) on stainless steel coupons for time effectiveness in completely removing corn oil stains on the coupons, as described in Example 1. [Figure 2B] 1A-1C show photographs of soak tests using acidic compositions containing formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid (FIG. 1C) on stainless steel coupons for time effectiveness in completely removing corn oil stains on the coupons, as described in Example 1. [Figure 2C] 1A-1C show photographs of soak tests using acidic compositions containing formic acid (FIG. 1A), citric acid (FIG. 1B), and gluconic acid (FIG. 1C) on stainless steel coupons for time effectiveness in completely removing corn oil stains on the coupons, as described in Example 1. [Figure 3]1 shows a graph of the rate of removal of polymerized corn oil soil from test coupons as described in Example 2. [Figure 4] 1 shows a graph of the tea stain removal effectiveness of a control formulation (alkaline degreaser composition) compared to an acidic composition containing citric acid after 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes of immersion, as described in Example 3. [Figure 5] 1 shows a graph of red and black stain removal by a control formulation compared to various acidic compositions, as described in Example 4. [Figure 6] 1 shows a graph of soap scum removal by a control formulation compared to various acidic compositions, as described in Example 5. [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B show photographs of soap scum removal from glass slides using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E), as described in Example 5. [Figure 7B] 7A and 7B show photographs of soap scum removal from glass slides using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E), as described in Example 5. [Figure 7C] 7A and 7B show photographs of soap scum removal from glass slides using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E), as described in Example 5. [Figure 7D] 7A and 7B show photographs of soap scum removal from glass slides using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E), as described in Example 5. [Figure 7E] 7A and 7B show photographs of soap scum removal from glass slides using an acidic composition containing formic acid (FIG. 7A) and citric acid (FIG. 7B), an acidic control (FIG. 7C), an alkaline control (FIG. 7D), and water (FIG. 7E), as described in Example 5. [Figure 8]1 shows photographs of stain removal using a spot treatment containing water (A) and citric acid (B), as described in Example 6. [Figure 9] 1 shows photographs of polymerized corn oil removal using spot treatments containing water (A) and citric acid (B), as described in Example 6. [Figure 10A] 10A and 10B show photographs of protein removal using spot treatments containing water (FIG. 10A) and citric acid (FIG. 10B), as described in Example 6. [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B show photographs of protein removal using spot treatments containing water (FIG. 10A) and citric acid (FIG. 10B), as described in Example 6. [Figure 11] 1 shows graphs of tea stain removal, protein removal, and polymerized corn oil removal by spot treatment of an acidic composition compared to a water control, as described in Example 6.

[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. The figures depicted herein are presented for illustrative illustration of the invention, rather than limiting the various embodiments according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The embodiments are not limited to a particular acidic composition and method of using the same, which may vary and are understood by those skilled in the art. It should be further understood that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting in any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, all units, prefixes, and symbols may be expressed in their SI-accepted form. Numerical ranges recited within this specification include numbers within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects are presented in range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to specifically disclose all possible subranges and individual numerical values ​​within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0018] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain. Although many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of embodiments of the present invention without undue experimentation, preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the embodiments, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

[0019] The term "about," as used herein, refers to variations in numerical quantities that may occur, for example, due to typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used in making concentrates or use solutions in the real world, inadvertent errors in these procedures, differences in the make, source, or purity of ingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods, etc. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for compositions resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalents to the amounts.

[0020] The terms "actives" or "percent actives" or "percent by weight actives" or "actives concentration" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the concentration of those ingredients in the wash, expressed as a percentage excluding inactive ingredients, e.g., water or salt.

[0021] As used herein, the term "cleaning" refers to methods used to promote or assist in stain removal, bleaching, microbial population reduction, and any combination thereof.

[0022] As used herein, the term "free" refers to a composition that is completely devoid of the component, or to a composition that has such a small amount of the component that it does not affect the performance of the composition. The component may be present as an impurity or contaminant and is less than 0.5% by weight. In another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.1% by weight, and in yet another embodiment, the amount of the component is less than 0.01% by weight.

[0023] The term "hard surface" refers to solid, substantially inflexible surfaces such as countertops, tiles, floors, walls, panels, windows, plumbing fixtures, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, appliances, engines, circuit boards, and dishes. Hard surfaces can include, for example, healthcare surfaces, food processing surfaces, bathroom surfaces, and the like, and can be interior or exterior.

[0024] The term "substantially similar cleaning performance" generally refers to generally achieving the same degree of cleanliness (or at least not significantly less) with the alternative cleaning product or system, or generally with the same effort (or at least not significantly less effort), or both, when using an alternative cleaning product or system to address typical soil conditions on typical substrates. This degree of cleanliness may correspond to a general absence of visible soiling or to some lesser degree of cleanliness, depending on the particular cleaning product and the particular substrate.

[0025] The term "surfactant" or "surface-active agent" refers to an organic chemical that, when added to a liquid, changes the properties of the liquid at the surface.

[0026] The terms "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a substance as the weight of that substance divided by the total weight of the composition multiplied by 100. As used herein, it is understood that "percent," "%," and the like are intended to be synonymous with "weight percent," "wt%," and the like.

[0027] The methods and compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components and ingredients described herein, as well as other ingredients. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" means that the methods and compositions may include additional steps, ingredients, or ingredients, but only if the additional steps, ingredients, or ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed methods and compositions.

[0028] Multipurpose acidic composition The multi-purpose acidic composition comprises at least one acid, a surfactant, a solvent and / or solvent system, and water. The multi-purpose alkaline composition can include additional functional formulation ingredients and can be provided as a concentrate or a use composition. Exemplary multi-purpose acidic compositions are shown in Table 1, by weight percentage. The composition can be provided as a concentrated composition that can be used for pre-treatment, such as direct application to soils, or can be further diluted for cleaning and / or disinfecting applications. The multi-purpose acidic composition can be beneficially formulated as a concentrate (e.g., the first exemplary range) or can be further diluted into a use concentrate or ready-to-use (RTU) formulation (e.g., the third exemplary range).

[0029] [Table 1]

[0030] According to embodiments, the pH of the multi-purpose acidic composition use solution is less than about 7, from about 1 to about 7, from about 2 to about 7, from about 2.5 to about 7, and preferably less than about 6. According to preferred embodiments, the pH of the multi-purpose acidic composition use solution is less than about 6, or less than about 5, from about 1 to about 5, from about 1 to about 4, from about 2.5 to about 4, or from about 3 to about 4. The multi-purpose acidic compositions provide substantially similar cleaning effectiveness, and in many embodiments, superior cleaning effectiveness, as well as additional cleaning and / or disinfecting benefits, over conventional acidic compositions, while providing significant safety benefits as a result of a pH greater than about 2.5 and / or a pH of about 3 to about 4, including formulations that do not require personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe handling. In other aspects, the multi-purpose acidic compositions aid in stain removal (e.g., tough stains such as tea, coffee, etc.), calcium carbonate and soap scum removal, rust removal, and more general purpose cleaning of grease, oil, cosmetics, and other tough soils, while also providing excellent degreasing efficacy.

[0031] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of solvent or solvent system to acid source is about 1: 1. In other embodiments, the weight ratio of solvent or solvent system to acid source is about 4: 1 to about 1: 4, which provides beneficial effects on difficult-to-remove soils such as polymerized corn oil.

[0032] acid source The multipurpose acidic composition includes at least one acid source. The acid source can include an organic acid, an inorganic acid, or a mixture thereof. Examples of acid sources include, for example, citric acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, gluconic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, or peroxycarboxylic acid. In embodiments, one or more organic acids are included as the acid source, including, for example, lactic acid, gluconic acid, formic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, etc. Various acids can be incorporated into the multipurpose acidic composition to provide a desired pH for the composition.

[0033] In some embodiments, the concentrated multi-purpose alkaline composition comprises from about 1% to about 50%, from about 1% to about 50%, from about 1% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 25%, from about 5% to about 25%, from about 5% to about 20%, or from about 5% to about 15% by weight of at least one acid source. It is understood that all values ​​and ranges between these values ​​and ranges, as well as dilutions of the concentrates, are encompassed by the present invention.

[0034] surfactants The multi-purpose acidic composition comprises at least one surfactant. Suitable surfactants can include anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and / or nonionic surfactants. The emulsifying properties of the surfactant can be used both for the concentrate (use dilution) that can be diluted to create a usable cleaning and / or disinfecting product, and for the use dilution itself. The surfactant or surfactant mixture can have foaming or defoaming properties suitable for the desired cleaning and / or disinfecting application. The surfactant or surfactant system can be selected depending on the specific soil to be removed, for example, polymerized soil.

[0035] Anionic surfactants suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include alkylbenzene sulfonates, such as linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl carboxylates, paraffin sulfonates, and secondary n-alkane sulfonates, sulfosuccinates, and sulfated linear alcohols. Additional sulfonated anionic materials include alkyl sulfonates or disulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonates, and the like. In embodiments, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) or linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acids (LABSA) are preferred anionic surfactants.

[0036] Zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include beta-N-alkylaminopropionic acids, n-alkyl-beta-iminodipropionic acids, imidazoline carboxylates, n-alkyl-betaines, amine oxides, sulfobetaines, and sultaines.

[0037] Nonionic surfactants suitable for use with multi-purpose alkaline compositions include alcohol alkoxylates, fatty acid alkoxylates, alkylphenol alkoxylates, and polyether (also known as polyalkylene oxide, polyoxyalkylene, or polyalkylene glycol) compounds having EO, PO, and BO blocks. More specifically, polyether compounds are generally polyoxypropylene or polyoxyethylene glycol compounds. Typically, surfactants suitable for use with multi-purpose alkaline compositions are synthetic organic polyoxypropylene (PO)-polyoxyethylene (EO) block copolymers. These surfactants have diblock polymers containing an EO block and a PO block, i.e., a central block of polyoxypropylene units (PO), and have a central block of EO with a block of polyoxyethylene grafted onto the polyoxypropylene unit or a PO block attached thereto.

[0038] Cationic surfactants suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include alkylamines and their salts, alkylimidazolines, ethoxylated amines, and quaternaries, such as alkylbenzyldimethylammonium salts, alkylbenzene salts, heterocyclic ammonium salts, and tetraalkylammonium salts. Cationic agents also include compounds containing at least one long-carbon-chain hydrophobic group and at least one positively charged nitrogen atom. The long-carbon-chain group can be attached to the nitrogen atom directly by simple substitution, or more preferably, indirectly by a bridging functional group or groups in so-called interrupted alkylamines and amidoamines. Such functional groups can make the molecule more hydrophilic and / or more water-dispersible, more easily dissolved in water by cosurfactant mixtures, and / or water-soluble. To increase water solubility, additional primary, secondary, or tertiary amino groups can be introduced, or the amino nitrogen can be quaternized with a low-molecular-weight alkyl group. Furthermore, the nitrogen may be part of a branched or straight chain moiety with varying degrees of unsaturation, or part of a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. In addition, cationic surfactants may contain complex bonds with two or more cationic nitrogen atoms. Further explanations can be found in "Surfactant Encyclopedia," Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2) 86-96 (1989) and U.S. Pat. No. 9,663,431, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0039] Amphoteric surfactants suitable for use with the multi-purpose alkaline composition include derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, where the aliphatic radical may be straight-chain or branched, one of the aliphatic substituents containing approximately 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one containing an anionic water-solubilizing group, such as carboxy, sulfo, sulfato, phosphato, or phosphono. Amphoteric surfactants are known to those skilled in the art and are subdivided into two major classes, as described in "Surfactant Encyclopedia" Cosmetics & Toiletries, Vol. 104(2) 69-71 (1989) and U.S. Pat. No. 9,663,431, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The first class includes acyl / dialkylethylenediamine derivatives (e.g., 2-alkylhydroxyethylimidazoline derivatives) and their salts. The second class includes N-alkylamino acids and their salts. Some amphoteric surfactants may be considered to fit into both classes.

[0040] Surfactants that can be used include anionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and / or nonionic surfactants, which are commercially available from many sources. For a discussion of surfactants, see Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Third Edition, volume 8, pages 900-912. Surfactants can be used alone or in combination. In embodiments, nonionic and anionic materials are used in combination. Semi-polar nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants can be used in combination with nonionic or anionic materials. The above examples are merely specific examples of several surfactants that can find use within the scope of the multi-purpose alkaline composition. It should be understood that the selection of a particular surfactant or combination of surfactants can be based on several factors, including compatibility with the surface to be cleaned at the intended use concentration and the intended environmental conditions, including temperature and pH.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is an anionic alkylbenzene sulfonate. In an embodiment, the surfactant is a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, which is combined with a solvent (e.g., benzyl alcohol) for a preferred acidic composition.

[0042] In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition comprises from about 1% to about 50%, from about 1% to about 40%, from about 1% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 20%, from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 1% to about 5% by weight of a surfactant, it being understood that all values ​​and ranges between these values ​​and ranges are encompassed by the present invention.

[0043] Solvents and Solvent Systems The multi-purpose acidic composition includes at least one solvent or solvent system. In various embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition may include a solvent that also functions as a detergent. The solvent or solvent system can be used to enhance the cleaning properties of the multi-purpose acidic composition as well as to provide emulsifying properties for a given composition. For example, the solvent system can prevent the hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of a particular composition from separating. The emulsifying properties can be used both for concentrates that can be diluted to create a usable cleaning product (use solution) and for the use dilution itself.

[0044] Exemplary solvents and solvent systems may include one or more different solvents, including aromatic alcohols, alkanolamines, ether amines, glycol ethers, esters, and mixtures thereof. Representative solvents include acetamidophenol, acetanilide, acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1-methylpyrrole, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, alphaphenylethanol, benzyl benzoate, benzyloxyethanol, ethylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as "DOWANOL EPh"), propylene glycol phenyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as "DOWANOL EPh"), and the like. PPh), amyl acetate, amyl alcohol, butanol, 3-butoxyethyl-2-propanol, butyl acetate, n-butyl propionate, cyclohexanone, diacetone alcohol, diethoxyethanol, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diisobutyl carbinol, diisobutyl ketone, dimethylheptanol, dipropylene glycol tert-butyl ether, ethanol, ethyl acetate, 2-ethylhexanol, ethyl propionate, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, hexanol, isobutanol, isobutyl acetate, isobutylheptyl ketone, isophorone, isopropanol, isopropyl acetate, methanol, methyl amyl alcohol, methyl n-amyl ketone, 2-methyl-1-butanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, 1-pentanol, n-pentyl propionate, 1-propanol, n-propyl acetate, n-propyl propionate, propylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether (Dow Chemical Co. as DOWANOL TPM), tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as DOWANOL TPNB), diethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Butyl CARBITOL acetate), diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co.Butyl CARBITOL), ethylene glycol n-butyl ether acetate (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Butyl CELLOSOLVE acetate), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Butyl CELLOSOLVE), dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Butyl DIPROPASOL), propylene glycol monobutyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Butyl PROPASOL), ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as UCAR Ester EEP), 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as UCAR Filmer IBT), diethylene glycol monohexyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Hexyl CARBITOL), ethylene glycol monohexyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Hexyl CELLOSOLVE), diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methyl CARBITOL), diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as CARBITOL), ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methyl CELLOSOLVE acetate), ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methyl CELLOSOLVE), dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methyl DIPROPASOL), propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (Dow Chemical Co.Examples of suitable dialkyl carbonates include propylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methyl PROPASOL acetate), propylene glycol monomethyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methyl PROPASOL), diethylene glycol monopropyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Propyl CARBITOL), ethylene glycol monopropyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Propyl CELLOSOLVE), dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Propyl DIPROPASOL), and propylene glycol monopropyl ether (commercially available from Dow Chemical Co. as Propyl PROPASOL). Representative dialkyl carbonates include dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, diisopropyl carbonate, and dibutyl carbonate. Representative essential oils include benzaldehyde, pinene (alpha, beta, etc.), terpineol, terpinene, carvone, cinnamaldehyde, borneol and its esters, citral, ionene, jasmine oil, limonene, dipentene, linalool and its esters. Representative dibasic esters include dimethyl adipate, dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl malonate, diethyl adipate, diethyl succinate, diethyl glutarate, dibutyl succinate, dibutyl glutarate, and products available from DuPont Nylon under the trade names DBE, DBE-3, DBE-4, DBE-5, DBE-6, DBE-9, DBE-IB, and DBE-ME. Representative phthalate esters include dibutyl phthalate, diethylhexyl phthalate, and diethyl phthalate.

[0045] Preferred solvents for wetting difficult-to-remove stains, such as polymerized non-trans fat stains, include benzyl alcohol, dibasic esters, essential oils, dialkyl carbonates, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[0046] According to embodiments, the solvent or solvent system includes at least one aromatic alcohol (e.g., benzyl alcohol, phenyl alcohol). Preferably, the aromatic alcohol solvent system is benzyl alcohol. The solvent may further include solvents within the same limited water solubility range as benzyl alcohol, including, for example, benzyloxyethanol and / or benzyloxypropanol.

[0047] According to further embodiments, the solvent system may include benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, methylbenzyl alcohol, alphaphenylethanol, benzyl benzoate, and / or benzyloxyethanol, etc. Additional description of solvent systems that may be included in the compositions is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0317559, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0048] In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition comprises from about 1% to about 50%, from about 1% to about 40%, from about 1% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the solvent system, it being understood that all values ​​and ranges between these values ​​and ranges are encompassed by the methods of the present invention.

[0049] Additional Functional Ingredients The components of the multipurpose acidic composition can be further combined with various functional ingredients suitable for use as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition, including at least one acid, surfactant, solvent and / or solvent system, and water, constitutes a majority or substantially all of the total weight of the composition. For example, in some embodiments, there are few or no additional functional formulation ingredients present therein.

[0050] In other embodiments, additional functional ingredients can be included in the multi-purpose acidic composition. The functional ingredients provide the composition with desired properties and functionality. For purposes of this application, the term "functional ingredient" includes materials that, when dispersed or dissolved in a use solution, such as an aqueous solution, and / or a concentrate solution, provide beneficial properties in a particular use. Some specific examples of functional materials are discussed in more detail below, although the specific materials discussed are provided by way of example only, and a variety of other functional ingredients may be used. For example, many of the functional materials discussed below relate to materials used in cleaning. However, other embodiments may include functional ingredients for use in other applications.

[0051] In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition may include hydrotropes or couplers, neutralizing agents, optical brighteners, defoamers, anti-redeposition agents, bleaching agents, solubility modifiers, buffers, tracers, dispersants, metal protecting agents, soil anti-redeposition agents, stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, chelating / sequestering agents, enzymes, aesthetic enhancers such as fragrances and / or dyes, additional rheology and / or solubility modifiers, or thickeners, buffers, solvents, additional detergents, and the like.

[0052] In some embodiments, the multipurpose acidic composition may include one or more of a buffering agent or pH adjuster (i.e., alkalinity source), a dye (i.e., for product safety / identification), a fragrance, a thickener, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or an enzyme.

[0053] In embodiments, the additional formulation ingredients can be preformulated with the multi-purpose alkaline composition or can be added to the use solution before, after, or substantially simultaneously with the addition of the composition. Additionally, the compositions can be used in conjunction with one or more conventional cleaning and / or disinfecting agents or compositions.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise a polysaccharide polymer and a vinylpyrrolidone homo / copolymer. In a preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise a cationic surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the composition does not comprise a strong acid.

[0055] According to embodiments, various additional functional formulation ingredients may be provided in the composition in an amount of about 0% to about 50% by weight, about 0% to about 40% by weight, about 0% to about 30% by weight, about 0% to about 25% by weight, about 0% to about 20% by weight, 0.1% to about 50% by weight, about 0.1% to about 40% by weight, about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, about 1% to about 50% by weight, about 1% to about 40% by weight, about 1% to about 30% by weight, about 1% to about 25% by weight, about 1% to about 20% by weight, about 1% to about 10% by weight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight. Additionally, all ranges recited are not limited in accordance with the present invention and are inclusive of the numbers defining the range, including each integer within the defined range.

[0056] Hydrotrope The multipurpose acidic composition can optionally include a hydrotrope as an additional functional formulation ingredient. The hydrotrope aids in the stability and aqueous formulation of the composition. Functionally, suitable hydrotrope couplers that can be used are non-toxic and maintain the active formulation ingredients in aqueous solution over the temperature range and concentration to which the concentrate or any use solution will be exposed. Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action or embodiment, as the acid concentration of the multipurpose acidic composition increases, the hydrotrope can be used to increase the pH of the acidic composition to a desired pH range, for example, a pH of about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 4.

[0057] Any hydrotrope coupler may be used, provided that it does not react with other components of the composition or adversely affect the performance properties of the composition. Representative classes of hydrotrope coupling or solubilizing agents that can be used include anionic surfactants, such as alkyl sulfates and alkane sulfonates, linear alkyl benzenes (including linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS)) or naphthalene sulfonates, secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates or sulfonates, alkyl phosphates or phosphonates, dialkyl sulfosuccinates, sugar esters (e.g., sorbitan esters), amine oxides (mono-, di-, or tri-alkyl), and C8-C10 alkyl glucosides. Preferred coupling agents include aromatic sulfonates such as alkylbenzene sulfonates (e.g., xylene sulfonates) or naphthalene sulfonates, aryl or alkaryl phosphate esters, or their alkoxylated analogs having from 1 to about 40 ethylene, propylene, or butylene oxide units, or mixtures thereof. Other preferred hydrotropes include C6-C24 alcohol alkoxylates (alkoxylates meaning ethoxylates, propoxylates, butoxylates, and co- or terpolymer mixtures thereof) having 1 to about 15 alkylene oxide groups (preferably about 4 to about 10 alkylene oxide groups) (preferably C6-C14 alcohol alkoxylates); C6-C24 alkylphenol alkoxylates (preferably C8-C10 alkylphenol alkoxylates) having 1 to about 15 alkylene oxide groups (preferably about 4 to about 10 alkylene oxide groups); C6-C24 alkyl polyglycosides (preferably C6-C20 alkyl polyglycosides) having 1 to about 15 glycoside groups (preferably about 4 to about 10 glycoside groups); C6-C24 fatty acid ester ethoxylates, propoxylates, or glycerides; and C4-C12 mono- or dialkanolamides. A preferred hydrotrope is sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS).

[0058] In embodiments using a hydrotrope, the multipurpose acidic composition comprises from about 0.1% to about 20%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 10%, from about 0.5% to about 8%, or from about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the hydrotrope, and all values ​​and ranges therebetween are understood to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0059] Solution used According to embodiments, use dilutions of concentrated multi-purpose acidic compositions can range from RTU formulations requiring no further dilution to about a 1:10 dilution of concentrate to solvent. Intermediate dilution ranges are also suitable. More preferably, use dilutions of about 1:3 to about 1:6 are obtained from concentrated compositions. As those skilled in the art will recognize as a result of the disclosure herein, use solutions can be generated according to the specific needs of the user and their application.

[0060] In some embodiments, a dilution step may be used initially to provide a water source for a concentrated composition suitable for generating a use solution or use composition. In some aspects, a concentrated all-purpose cleaning composition may be diluted with a dilution factor of about 1 to about 22 ounces of liquid concentrate per gallon of water diluent, about 1 to about 12 ounces of liquid concentrate per gallon of water diluent, or about 8 ounces to about 10 ounces of liquid concentrate per gallon of water diluent. In some aspects, the dilution step occurs at or near the point of use and may include, for example, the use of a water source provided using an aspirator or other dilution mechanism known in the art. In other aspects, when the cleaning composition is used in a diluted (or use solution or use composition) formulation, no further dilution by the user is required.

[0061] How to use Multi-purpose acidic compositions are suitable for cleaning, disinfecting, and / or sanitizing a variety of surfaces and objects. As the name suggests, multi-purpose compositions are intended for use on multiple types of surfaces and multiple types of soils. Multi-purpose acidic compositions are effective in cleaning and removing soils from such surfaces and objects, including difficult-to-remove soils, such as polymerized soils, carbonized soils, baked-on soils, and / or other greasy soils. These often include polymerized greasy soils, such as polymerized zero-trans greasy soils containing corn oil. While an understanding of the mechanism is not necessary to practice the methods of use described herein, in some embodiments, it is believed that a solvent or solvent system (e.g., benzyl alcohol) provides a limited water-soluble alcohol that adds affinity to greasy soils and provides hydrophobic properties that function as a plasticizer. Upon contact with the multi-purpose acidic composition, the soils swell and lose adhesion from the substrate, providing a unique cleaning approach compared to the use of caustic degreasers and / or other alkalinity control compositions.

[0062] Beneficially, the multi-purpose acidic compositions have a higher pH than conventional acidic compositions while providing substantially similar cleaning effectiveness. In embodiments, the compositions have a pH of less than about 4. Beneficially, the pH of the composition in a use solution is less than about 4, from about 1 to about 4, or from about 2 to about 4. In other embodiments, the pH of the composition in a use solution is from about 2.5 to about 4, or from about 3 to about 4. As a result of the pH range, the compositions provide significant safety advantages while providing substantially similar cleaning effectiveness, and in many embodiments, superior cleaning effectiveness to conventional acidic compositions (or even compared to conventional alkaline degreasing compositions).

[0063] According to preferred embodiments, compositions having a pH greater than about 2.5 do not require PPE, yet unexpectedly provide the same or substantially similar cleaning effectiveness as compositions having an alkaline pH, such as greater than about 11.5, and / or compositions that include hydroxide (i.e., caustic soda).

[0064] The multi-purpose acidic composition acts rapidly to remove soils, such as polymerized fatty soils. Because of its rapid penetration into soils, the composition can be used with pretreatments that do not require long dwell times or pretreatment times. In embodiments, the composition achieves degreasing action within about 5 seconds to several minutes of contact with the soiled surface or object. According to preferred embodiments, application of the composition removes soils within about several seconds without the need for substantial mechanical action or excessive temperatures. The method provides cleaning effectiveness at least substantially similar to that achieved using hydroxide-based, corrosive, highly alkaline compositions, demonstrating the unexpected beneficial application of the multi-purpose acidic composition. In further embodiments, the cleaning and / or degreasing method provides a composition that penetrates soils more quickly than alkalinity control compositions. As referred to herein, alkalinity control compositions can include either hydroxide-based alkaline compositions or non-hydroxide compositions with a pH greater than 11.5 and / or require the use of PPE.

[0065] The multi-purpose acidic compositions are particularly well suited for use as multi-purpose degreasing, demineralizing (i.e., hard water rot), and destaining compositions. Destaining can include removal of difficult-to-remove stains such as tea and coffee stains. These multi-purpose benefits are particularly useful as multi-purpose kitchen spot treatments. Advantageously, such multi-purpose benefits provide a single cleaning application instead of formulating detergents to remove stains, polymerized soils (including carbonized soils and grease), and hard water rot.

[0066] In some embodiments, destaining of a surface or object with the multipurpose acidic composition is achieved in a contact time of less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 4 minutes, less than about 3 minutes, less than 90 seconds, less than about 60 seconds, less than about 45 seconds, or less than about 30 seconds.

[0067] In some embodiments, destaining of a surface or object with the multipurpose acidic composition is achieved in a contact time of less than about 10 minutes, less than about 5 minutes, less than about 4 minutes, less than about 3 minutes, less than about 2 minutes, less than about 60 seconds, or less than about 45 seconds.

[0068] Exemplary industries in which the present method can be used include, but are not limited to, the restaurant industry, the food and beverage industry, consumer degreasing applications, petroleum processing, agriculture and ethanol processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Suitable uses for the compositions and methods of the present invention can include, for example, oven cleaners, including microwave ovens, general degreasers, fryer degreasers, smokehouse cleaners, floor cleaners, exhaust hood cleaners, drain cleaners, floor finish removers, floor detergents, fryer detergents, pot and pan cleaners, carpet spotters, pharmaceutical and cosmetic cleaners, equipment cleaners, tar removers, and the like.

[0069] As an additional advantage, the multi-purpose acidic composition can also remove other soils beyond polymerized greasy soils from surfaces or objects. In additional embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition can be used in any other method that attempts to remove polymerized soils, stains, and / or hard water scale without requiring the use of hydroxide-based or caustic formulations, for example, in removing polymerized or crosslinked films from floors and other finishes. In such embodiments, methods of use of the composition as a floor stripper and / or floor cleaner may be employed. In embodiments, the methods of use include removing soils from interior and / or exterior floors. In such embodiments, floors may be made of a variety of materials, including, for example, concrete, e.g., the outside of a drive-thru where oil and grease stains may be present. In further embodiments, methods of use of the composition as a multi-purpose formulation are employed, unexpectedly demonstrating the effectiveness of non-hydroxide alkalinity compositions in unconventional applications.

[0070] The present method can also be used to remove soils other than polymerized soils. Such other soils include, but are not limited to, starch, cellulose fibers, proteins, simple carbohydrates, and combinations of any of these soil types with mineral complexes. Examples of specific food soils that can be effectively removed using the present method include, but are not limited to, soils resulting from the manufacturing and processing of meat, poultry, vegetables, and fruit, bakery products, soft drinks, brewing and fermentation residues, sugar beet and sugar cane processing, and processed foods containing these and related ingredients, such as juices, sauces, and condiments (e.g., fruit juice, ketchup, tomato sauce, barbecue sauce). These soils can occur on environmental surfaces, such as walls and floors, freezers and refrigeration systems, heat exchanger surfaces, conveyor surfaces, and other surfaces during manufacturing and packaging processes.

[0071] The multi-purpose acidic composition can also be used as a bathroom cleaner. The multi-purpose cleaning ability of the composition is beneficial in that it further removes stains that can be found in bathroom applications. For example, hard water deposits, soap scum (e.g., calcium stearate and other soap scum stains), and / or rust can be removed from surfaces or objects cleaned with the multi-purpose acidic composition. The composition can be used to remove stains, dirt, hard water, etc. from any conventional bathroom surface, including, but not limited to, toilets, shower stalls, racks, curtains, shower doors, bath fixtures, shower bars, bathtubs, bidets, sinks, etc., as well as countertops, walls, floors, etc. Additional hard surfaces that can be cleaned using the composition include, for example, countertops, tiles, floors, walls, windows, fixtures, kitchen furniture, electrical appliances, etc. Various hard surfaces suitable for cleaning include, for example, glass, metal, plastics such as polyester, vinyl, fiberglass, Formica, Corian, fire-resistant materials such as glazed and unglazed tile, brick, porcelain, ceramic, and stone such as marble, granite, and other stone surfaces, and other hard surfaces known in the industry.

[0072] Acidic compositions having a low pH (e.g., less than about 3) are particularly well-suited for cleaning soap scum, scale (i.e., hard water scale and limescale, which may also be used to refer to such stains commonly found in bathrooms), and / or other residues commonly found in bathrooms due to the strength of triprotic acids when formulated at pH values ​​less than about 3. Removal of soap scum and scale requires acid strength for effective cleaning due to the presence of calcium and magnesium salts and soap residue. Similarly, an acid component is necessary to treat hard water scale, which are mineral stains caused by the deposition of salts such as calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate often present in hard water. Furthermore, the potency of an acidic product is further required to remove soap scum, which includes fatty acid soap residues often based on alkali salts of lower fatty acids, known to precipitate in hard water due to the presence of metal salts that leave undesirable residues on such surfaces. In embodiments, it is unexpected that the acidic compositions have a higher pH than those typically used in bathroom cleaners (traditional pH < 2.5 or < 2). Without being limited to a particular mechanism of action, the combination of acid, surfactant, and solvent or solvent system provides cleaning benefits without the need for a lower pH.

[0073] The multi-purpose acidic composition can further be used as an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial effectiveness can be used for cleaning and / or disinfecting cleaning compositions. Advantageously, the combination of one or more acid sources with an anionic surfactant (e.g., LAS) can provide disinfecting benefits. Use for disinfecting provides antimicrobial effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, providing broad-spectrum bactericidal and antifungal activity. For example, broad-spectrum activity can include activity against a wide range of different types of microorganisms (including both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms), including bacteria, yeast, mold, fungi, algae, and other problematic microorganisms. Using a disinfecting method, a reduction of at least 1 log 10 , at least 2log 10 , at least 3 logs 10 , at least 4 logs10 , or at least 5 logs 10 Any suitable reduction in microbial population in and / or on a surface or object can be achieved, including reducing the microbial population by only 100 ppm. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the numerical ranges described herein are inclusive of the numbers defining the range, including each integer within the defined range. In some embodiments, the multi-purpose acidic composition is used at a pH (e.g., less than about 4) where disinfection effectiveness is achieved at a concentration of at least about 500 ppm surfactant (e.g., LAS).

[0074] In embodiments, the composition may be used as a concentrate or a use solution.

[0075] In embodiments, the composition can be used as a pre-treatment, a dip, or a spray. The composition or its use solution can be applied using a variety of methods and conventional application techniques, which vary depending on the application, such as dipping, spraying, etc. In these methods, the composition can be applied to an object, surface, etc. by contacting the object or surface with the composition. Contacting can include any of a number of methods for applying a liquid, such as spraying the compound, dipping the object in the compound, foaming or gelling the object with the compound, or a combination thereof. Without being limited to the contacting method, the concentrate or use composition can be applied to or contacted with the object or surface by any conventional method or device for applying a liquid composition to an object. For example, the surface can be wiped, sprayed, foamed, and / or dipped with a composition made from the concentrated composition or the use composition. The liquid composition can be sprayed, foamed, or wiped onto the surface, the compound can be poured onto the surface, or the surface can be immersed in the compound. Contacting can be done manually or mechanically.

[0076] A particularly suitable method for applying or contacting the composition to a stained or soiled surface is by use of a manually operated spray dispenser, which preferably includes a spray nozzle, a dip tube, and associated pump dispensing components to provide convenient application to the stained or soiled surface or object.

[0077] Various methods involve contacting the surface requiring cleaning and / or degreasing with the composition for a time sufficient for the composition to penetrate into the soil to be removed. The amount of time required for penetration into the soil depends on the thickness of the soil and its relative level of polymerization. In such cases, the composition preferably includes a high-foaming surfactant system or thickening system so that the composition does not dry out and remains hydrated on the surface for an extended period of time.

[0078] The multi-purpose acidic composition can be in contact with the surface or object for a time sufficient to clean the surface or object. In one aspect, the surface or object is contacted with the composition for at least about 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, at least about 10 minutes, or from about 10 minutes to about 20 minutes. The contact time is also provided at a pH sufficiently acidic to provide multi-purpose effectiveness, including a pH less than about 6, less than about 5, and preferably less than about 4. In yet other embodiments, the contact time is also provided at an RTU or use concentration of the multi-purpose acidic composition of about 1% to about 20% by weight, including all ranges therebetween.

[0079] The method can optionally further include wiping the treated surface or object with a rag, towel, sponge, or other item (e.g., a disposable paper towel or sponge). In other embodiments, this step is not necessary, as the surface or object may be placed in a washing machine or utensil washer for further treatment with the detergent composition. In some embodiments involving heavy soil deposits or stains, the composition may be left on the soiled surface until it has effectively loosened the soil deposits or stains, after which it can be wiped, rinsed, or otherwise removed. In the case of particularly heavy deposits of such undesirable stains, multiple applications may also be used.

[0080] The method can optionally further include using mechanical force during the contacting step. For example, to remove certain soils or stains from a surface or object, it may be necessary to apply additional force, such as a water source and / or mechanical force, to assist in removing the soil.

[0081] The method can optionally further include rinsing the treated surface or object with water. In yet other embodiments, the composition is wiped from the soiled surface, effectively removing the soil and any residual composition. In further aspects, no rinsing step is necessary.

[0082] The composition can be applied after a step of heating the composition to a temperature of about 40°F or above, such as from 40°F to about 130°F. In other embodiments, the method provides for removal of soil from a surface or object at ambient or room temperature, e.g., from about 50°F to about 100°F. In various embodiments, it is preferred that neither the surface or object nor the composition is heated prior to the contacting step. In still other cases, the method provides for removal of soil from a surface or object at lower temperatures, e.g., from about 25°F to about 50°F. In other cases, the method may require application to a surface or object at a temperature ranging from 0°F to about 200°F.

[0083] The compositions and methods described herein advantageously remove stains and / or soils and / or limescale (hard water deposits) by at least about 70%, at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90%, or at least about 95%. Advantageously, the compositions and methods described herein provide substantially similar or superior cleaning effectiveness compared to hydroxide-based and corrosive, highly alkaline compositions.

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the compositions and methods beneficially remove stains from a variety of surfaces, providing at least about 80% stain removal, preferably at least about 90% stain removal, or at least about 95% stain removal. In still further embodiments, the compositions and methods beneficially remove 100% stains from treated surfaces. These performance benefits exceed those achieved from hydroxide-based and corrosive, highly alkaline compositions.

[0085] In further exemplary embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove soil from various surfaces, providing at least about 80% soil removal, preferably at least about 90% soil removal, or at least about 95% soil removal. In still further embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove 100% soil from treated surfaces.

[0086] In still further exemplary embodiments, the present compositions and methods beneficially remove limescale (hard water deposits) from various surfaces, providing at least about 70% limescale removal, at least about 75% limescale removal, at least about 80% limescale removal, and preferably at least about 90% limescale removal from treated surfaces. [Example]

[0087] Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following non-limiting examples. It should be understood that these examples, while illustrating particular embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential features of the present invention and can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present invention to adapt them to various uses and conditions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0088] The alkaline control and acidic compositions utilized in the examples are shown in Tables 2-3.

[0089] [Table 2]

[0090] [Table 3]

[0091] Example 1 An alkaline control formulation used to remove grease stains and polymerized soils, such as corn oil soils (see Alkaline Control in Table 3), was compared to an acidic composition containing a combination of a solvent and an organic acid (see Acidic Composition in Table 2) to evaluate additional performance benefits. Initial evaluation of the acidic composition was completed on specimens soiled with polymerized corn oil. Additional testing was performed on tea stains to determine whether the acidic composition containing a combination of a solvent and an organic acid could extend the performance benefit beyond grease stain removal.

[0092] Preparation of Polymerized Corn Oil Panels. Corn oil stains were prepared on 3 x 5 inch stainless steel (304 grade) panels by lightly coating them with corn oil using a 2-inch polyurethane brush. The panels are rectangular, flat sheets of stainless steel, simulating the vertical surfaces surrounding grill equipment where evaporated grease collects and coats. After the protective coating is removed from the specimens, the specimens are washed and rinsed to remove any residue, and then the specimens are allowed to dry. The panels were coated with polymerized corn oil. They were coated evenly to avoid streaking the bare steel, and excess oil was removed using only the weight of the brush. Approximately 0.12g + / - 0.01g of corn oil was applied to the specimens.

[0093] The panels were then placed on an aluminum tray and cooked in a preheated 375°F oven for approximately 20 minutes (rotating the tray at 10, 15, and 20 minute intervals) until the polymerized oil was no longer sticky and exhibited a light amber color. After approximately 10 minutes of cooking, the oil began to polymerize and thicken, causing it to emit smoke. The tray was rotated to ensure the panels were heated evenly in the oven. The specimens were then cooled overnight at ambient temperature and placed coated-side down on a rack to reduce dust buildup. The specimens were allowed to rest at room temperature for 24 hours before being tested with the control and acid compositions and cured.

[0094] In a first test comparing various acidic compositions dispensed onto test strips using a pipette, the time in seconds for the cleaning compositions to penetrate a corn oil stain on the test strip was measured. Figure 1A shows the effectiveness of formic acid. Figure 1B shows the effectiveness of citric acid, and Figure 1C shows the effectiveness of an acidic composition containing gluconic acid. All three formulations were at least as effective as the control. Importantly, the measured time to penetrate and remove the corn oil (i.e., degreasing) was less than one minute for all acidic formulations, as shown in Figures 1A-1C.

[0095] The second test compared various acidic compositions for immersion application of the chemical onto test specimens. The specimens were immersed in test solutions of the chemicals being evaluated, and the time required for complete stain removal was measured. The effectiveness of the compositions is shown in Figures 2A-2C, where polymerized corn oil was removed after a 1-minute immersion time.

[0096] Example 2 Additional testing of acidic compositions for removing polymerized corn oil from test specimens was completed. The methodology of Example 1 for polymerized corn oil stains was used with chemicals dropped onto the test specimens, and the pH was adjusted using MEA. Test specimens were contacted with various acidic compositions at pHs between 2 and 4 to evaluate the effect of pH on corn oil removal, i.e., removal rate. The effectiveness of the compositions is shown in Figure 3, which shows that lower pH formulations provide faster penetration and removal of polymerized corn oil stains from the test specimens. A pH between 3 and 4 provides complete removal, but for spot treatments where the shortest possible contact time is required before application, e.g., before application of a warewash, acidic compositions having a pH < 4 may be preferred.

[0097] Example 3 A method for evaluating tea-stained tile cleaning performance was performed using an alkaline composition compared to a control (outlined in Example 1). Testing of the citric acid composition on tea stains demonstrates its ability to treat and remove one of the most stubborn stains in the ware cleaning process. The tea composition is a complex of oxidized polyphenols (tannins) cross-linked by calcium silicate in the structure of the stain on the surface. Using the evaluated method, stains are created on white ceramic tiles, and then attempts are made to remove the stains using a standard automatic dishwasher with a known concentration of detergent. Performance is evaluated by comparison between sets of tiles using both visual and image manipulation methods.

[0098] The tiles were first washed in a standard dishwasher with a highly alkaline detergent containing a high concentration of chelating agents. The dishwasher cycle was run until the tiles were completely clean. The tiles were then ready to be soiled.

[0099] To prepare the tiles for testing, a tea bath was filled with 17-grain hard water and heated to 180°F using a steam line. 150 Lipton black tea bags were added and stirred for approximately 5 minutes. The tea bags were removed while the liquid was squeezed out of the tea bags and added to the broth. The temperature in the bath was then lowered to approximately 155-160°F. The air line to the tea bath was then turned on. The set of tiles was placed on a rack in the dipper, and the tiles were dipped in and out of the solution 25 times, for 1 minute each time. If necessary, deionized water was added to the dipper to replenish water lost due to evaporation. The tiles were then air-dried for 3 days (or baked in an oven at 180°F for 2 hours before testing).

[0100] To evaluate the ability of citric acid compositions to better remove stains, stained tiles were submerged in beakers of various cleaning compositions. Before cleaning the tiles, the amount of stains on the tiles was noted by taking a photo before cleaning and visually assessing the tiles. The test solution beakers were prepared as concentrates RTU (without further dilution). The solutions were stirred at 100 rpm. The tea-stained tiles were immersed in each beaker for 30 seconds, 1 minute, and 2 minutes. The tiles were then visually analyzed and then quantified using image software to evaluate the cleanliness of the tiles.

[0101] The effectiveness of the alkaline control versus the citric acid composition is shown in FIG. 4, and the % removal measurements are shown in Table 4 and summarized in Table 5.

[0102] [Table 4]

[0103] [Table 5]

[0104] Test results show that the citric acid composition performs substantially better than the alkaline control.

[0105] Example 4 The mechanical degreasing effectiveness of various acidic compositions compared to an acidic control, an alkaline control (outlined in Example 1), and a negative control (DI water) was evaluated using red and black stains. The preparation and testing of each of the red and black stains is described.

[0106] Black Stain Preparation. A black stain was prepared containing approximately 50 grams of mineral spirits, approximately 5 grams of mineral oil, approximately 5 grams of motor oil, approximately 2.5 grams of black pigment dispersion, and approximately 37.5 grams of Bundy Black clay. The back grooved side of several 3-inch by 3-inch white vinyl tiles was soiled with approximately 0.75 grams of the black test stain using a 3-inch foam brush. The tiles were allowed to dry overnight at room temperature. The next day, the tiles were placed in a soaking tray containing approximately 200 grams of cleaning composition for approximately 2 minutes.

[0107] Red Stain Preparation. Red stain was prepared from lard, oil, protein, and iron(III) oxide (for color). Approximately 30 grams of lard was mixed with approximately 30 grams of corn oil, approximately 15 grams of powdered whole egg, and approximately 1.5 grams of Fe2O3. The back grooved side of several 3-inch by 3-inch white vinyl tiles was stained with approximately 0.75 grams of red stain using a 3-inch foam brush. The tiles were allowed to dry overnight at room temperature. This incubation period is believed to allow the bonds holding the triglycerides and proteins together in the stain to crystallize and begin to interconnect. The next day, the tiles were placed in a dipping tray containing approximately 200 g of the test composition for approximately 1 minute.

[0108]

number

[0109] The efficacy results for the control versus the acidic compositions are shown in Figure 5, with the acidic compositions outperforming the alkaline control (as well as DI water as a negative control).

[0110] Example 5 The soap scum removal effectiveness of the formic acid and citric acid compositions was compared to an alkaline control composition, an acidic control composition, and water. The formulas for the compositions utilized are shown in Tables 2-3.

[0111] Preparation of soap scum stains. Soap scum stains were prepared by mixing approximately 82 grams of DI water, 1.5 grams of casein protein, 3 grams of Ivory brand soap, 0.40 grams of Crisco, 0.30 grams of Kalin clay, and 12.8 grams of hardness solution containing calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. The mixture was adjusted to a pH of 8.75. Approximately 0.50 grams of the prepared soap scum stain was spread onto glass slides and allowed to dry. After drying, the slides were baked at 200°C for 30 minutes and then cooled.

[0112] The stain removal test was performed using a Gardner Straightline Apparatus equipped with a synthetic sponge. The synthetic sponge was saturated with approximately 300 grams of the test composition, wrung out, and then 25 grams of the test composition was applied to one side of the sponge. The slide was then placed in the Gardner and lightly sprayed with the test composition. The test composition was allowed to dwell on the slide for 30 seconds. The slide was then scrubbed with the damp synthetic sponge at approximately 2 pounds of pressure for 15 cycles. The slide was then rinsed with DI water and allowed to dry at room temperature overnight.

[0113] The weight percent of soil removed was then measured. A graph of the percent soil removal by composition is shown in Figure 6. Visual images of the glass slides after the soil removal test are shown in Figures 7A-7E. As shown in Figures 6 and 7A-7E, the formic acid and citric acid compositions perform substantially better than the alkaline control, the acidic control, and water.

[0114] Example 6 The spot treatment efficacy of citric acid and formic acid compositions according to the present invention was compared to a water control composition. The acid composition formulation is according to Table 2. The water used was 5 gpg water.

[0115] Tea-stained tiles were prepared according to the procedure described in Example 3. The tiles were sprayed with the test composition, and the composition was allowed to dwell on each tile for 1 minute (i.e., pre-soak). The tiles were then washed in a Hobart AM-15 dishwasher for one cycle using 5 gpg of water and a regular non-foaming trigger spray with 10 drops of a commercially available alkaline detergent composition (60-100% by weight sodium hydroxide, Alkaline Detergent).

[0116] Photographs of the tiles were taken before and after cleaning. The citric acid composition outperformed water. The citric acid composition removed significantly more soil, as evidenced by comparing Figure 8A (water) and Figure 8B (citric acid composition).

[0117] A similar test was conducted to compare spot treatments for polymerized corn oil stain removal. Corn oil-stained panels were prepared as outlined in Example 1. The panels were sprayed with either the citric acid composition or water, with each allowed to dwell on the panel for 1-2 minutes. The panels were either vertically oriented and sprayed with a non-foaming sprayer for a 1-minute dwell time, or the panels were sprayed with a foaming trigger sprayer and oriented horizontally. The panels were then washed in a Hobart AM-15 dishwasher for one cycle using 10 drops of alkaline detergent and 5 gpg of water. Photographs of the panels were taken after the wash was completed. The citric acid composition removed a significant amount of polymerized corn oil after 2 minutes of treatment, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0118] Similar tests were performed to compare spot treatments for protein removal. Stain preparation. Panels were sprayed with either the formic acid composition or water, and each was allowed to dwell on the panel for 1 minute. The panels were then washed in a Hobart AM-15 dishwasher for 10 cycles using 10 drops of alkaline detergent and 5 gpg of water. Photographs of the panels were taken after washing in the dishwasher. The formic acid composition outperformed the control formulation, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0119] The percentage of soil removed was calculated for each of the tests outlined in this example, and a graph of the results is shown in Figure 11. As demonstrated in Figure 11, the acidic compositions outperformed the water control spot tests for each type of stain and soil.

[0120] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with its detailed description, it should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. Additionally, the contents of all patent publications discussed above are incorporated by this reference in their entirety.

[0121] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, whether presented in a particular form or in terms of means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or process for achieving a disclosed result, can be used, as appropriate, separately or in any combination of such features, to realize the present invention in diverse forms thereof. The following items [1] to

[29] list examples of embodiments of the present disclosure. [1] about 1% to about 50% by weight of at least one acid source; about 1% by weight to about 50% by weight of a surfactant; about 1% to about 50% by weight of a solvent or solvent system, A composition wherein a use solution of said composition has a pH of about 1 to about 5. [2] 3. The composition according to item 2, wherein the pH of the use solution is from about 2.5 to about 4, or from about 3 to about 4. [3] 3. The composition according to item 1 or 2, wherein the acid source is an organic acid, an inorganic acid, or a mixture thereof. [4] 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the organic acid is at least one of lactic acid, gluconic acid, formic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid. [5] 5. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the solvent or solvent system is one or more aromatic alcohols, one or more alkanolamines, one or more etheramines, one or more glycol ethers, one or more esters, or a mixture thereof. [6] 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the organic solvent is benzyl alcohol. [7] 7. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant. [8] 8. The composition according to item 7, wherein the surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate, preferably a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) or a linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA). [9] 9. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising water.

[10] 10. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a hydrotrope.

[11] 11. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the composition comprises about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of at least one organic acid, about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % of an anionic surfactant, about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of benzyl alcohol solvent, and water, and the use solution has a pH of about 2.5 to about 4.

[12] 12. The composition according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the weight ratio of the solvent or solvent system to the acid source is about 1:1, or from about 4:1 to about 1:4.

[13] 13. The composition of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the acid source is formic acid and / or citric acid, the solvent is benzyl alcohol, the surfactant is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, the hydrotrope is optionally included and is sodium xylene sulfonate, and the composition has a pH of about 2.5 to about 4, and does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

[14] 1. A method for cleaning and / or degreasing, said method comprising: applying an acidic composition according to any one of items 1 to 13 to a surface or object that needs to be cleaned and / or degreased; and removing dirt, stains, and / or hard water deposits from said surface or object.

[15] 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said application to said surface or object is a multi-purpose spot treatment and the cleaning benefits are degreasing, deliming, and destaining.

[16] 16. The method according to item 14 or 15, wherein the stains comprise polymerized stains, carbonized stains, baked-on stains, and / or other greasy stains.

[17] 17. The method of any one of items 14 to 16, wherein said application of said composition does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

[18] 18. The method of any one of items 14 to 17, wherein the composition is applied to the soiled surface or object for an amount of time between about 1 second and about 1 hour, depending on the polymerization level of the soil.

[19] 19. The method of any one of items 14 to 18, further comprising a first step of formulating a use solution of the composition.

[20] 20. The method of any one of items 14 to 19, wherein the composition has a use solution having a pH of about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 4. [twenty one] 21. The method according to any one of items 14 to 20, wherein the application to the surface or object is a pre-treatment before cleaning with a detergent composition. [twenty two] 22. The method according to any one of items 14 to 21, wherein the composition is applied before the object is placed in a warewashing machine or a sink. [twenty three] 23. The method according to any one of items 14 to 22, wherein the soil is on food processing equipment, on an environmental surface, such as a wall, a floor, or miscellaneous equipment used during food preparation. [twenty four] 24. The method according to any one of items 14 to 23, wherein the surface is a bathroom surface. [twenty five] 25. The method of any one of items 14 to 24, wherein the surface is a healthcare surface.

[26] 26. The method according to any one of items 14 to 25, wherein the surface is a floor.

[27] 27. The method according to any one of items 14 to 26, wherein the cleaning and / or degreasing further removes hard water deposits, soap scum, and / or rust from the surface or object.

[28] 28. The method according to any one of items 14 to 27, wherein the stain is a coffee stain, a tea stain, and / or hard water stain.

[29] 29. The method of any one of items 14 to 28, wherein the soil is on a fabric or laundry substrate surface.

Claims

1. about 1% to about 50% by weight of at least one acid source; about 1% to about 50% by weight of a surfactant; about 1% to about 50% by weight of a solvent or solvent system, A composition wherein a use solution of said composition has a pH of about 1 to about 5.

2. The composition of claim 2, wherein the pH of the use solution is from about 2.5 to about 4, or from about 3 to about 4.

3. 3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the acid source is an organic acid, an inorganic acid, or a mixture thereof.

4. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the organic acid is at least one of lactic acid, gluconic acid, formic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid.

5. 5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solvent or solvent system is one or more aromatic alcohols, one or more alkanolamines, one or more etheramines, one or more glycol ethers, one or more esters, or a mixture thereof.

6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the organic solvent is benzyl alcohol.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant.

8. 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the surfactant is an alkylbenzene sulfonate, preferably a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) or a linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA).

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising water.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a hydrotrope.

11. 11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition comprises from about 1% to about 10% by weight of at least one organic acid, from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an anionic surfactant, from about 1% to about 20% by weight of benzyl alcohol solvent, and water, and the use solution has a pH of from about 2.5 to about 4.

12. 12. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the weight ratio of the solvent or solvent system to the acid source is about 1:1, or from about 4:1 to about 1:

4.

13. 13. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the acid source is formic acid and / or citric acid, the solvent is benzyl alcohol, the surfactant is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, the hydrotrope is optionally included and is sodium xylene sulfonate, and the composition has a pH of about 2.5 to about 4 and does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

14. 1. A method for cleaning and / or degreasing, said method comprising: applying an acidic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to a surface or object that needs to be cleaned and / or degreased; removing dirt, stains, and / or hard water deposits from said surface or object.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said application to said surface or object is a multi-purpose spot treatment and the cleaning benefits are degreasing, deliming, and destaining.

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the stains include polymerized stains, carbonized stains, baked-on stains, and / or other greasy stains.

17. 17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said application of said composition does not require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

18. 18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the composition is applied to the soiled surface or object for an amount of time between about 1 second and about 1 hour, depending on the level of polymerization of the soil.

19. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a first step of formulating a use solution of the composition.

20. 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the composition has a use solution with a pH of about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 2.5 to about 4, or about 3 to about 4.

21. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said application to said surface or object is a pre-treatment prior to cleaning with a detergent composition.

22. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the composition is applied before the object is placed in a warewashing machine or a sink.

23. 23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the soil is on food processing equipment, on an environmental surface, such as a wall, floor, or miscellaneous equipment used during food preparation.

24. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the surface is a bathroom surface.

25. The method of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the surface is a healthcare surface.

26. The method of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the surface is a floor.

27. 27. The method of any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein the cleaning and / or degreasing further removes hard water deposits, soap scum, and / or rust from the surface or object.

28. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the stain is a coffee stain, a tea stain, and / or hard water stain.

29. The method of any one of claims 14 to 28, wherein the soil is on a fabric or laundry substrate surface.

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