Cleaning agent composition for vehicle interior parts with a pH of 3-5

Abstract

Aqueous compositions for cleaning and / or removing dirt from plastic and cloth surfaces of internal components of vehicles, namely passenger cars, automobiles, trucks, buses, lorries, railway passenger cars, and other means of transportation on both public and private railways, are described herein. Uses of these compositions and complete cleaning and / or dirt removal methods involving the use of such compositions are also described herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aqueous composition having a pH of 3 to 5 for cleaning and / or removing dirt from plastic surfaces and cloth surfaces of interior parts of vehicles, namely passenger cars, automobiles, trucks, buses, lorries, railway passenger cars and other means of transport in both public and private railways.

Background Art

[0002] In the market segment related to the cleaning and maintenance of cloth seats, mats, metal parts and interior plastics in vehicles such as general vehicles used in public and private transportation including passenger cars, trucks, lorries, buses, and means of transport on railways, it is particularly appropriate to quickly identify and remove stains that are invisible to the human eye or hidden stains, especially inorganic residues such as lime, minerals, sand dust, etc., or organic residues such as sweat and mixed dirt stains, as well as dirt composed of the use of cleaning products dedicated to this purpose.

[0003] Currently, the market for in-vehicle care products is composed of alkaline formulations (pH > 7), but complete cleaning of the passenger compartment, especially the removal of inorganic dirt, cannot be achieved. A very common problem that occurs when cleaning the interior of a vehicle is that, in fact, there is inorganic dirt treated with an alkaline cleaning agent, and when the cloth dries, it becomes visible. When this occurs, for example, it is necessary to repeat the treatment of the seat, the product penetrates deeper into the cloth layer, which makes the cleaning and drying stages difficult, resulting in a longer working time and bleeding and dirt remaining after drying. These residues are sand dust stains that could not be removed with alkaline products.

[0004] Furthermore, in the case of a plastic support, common alkaline cleaning agents not only do not remove inorganic residues, but also tend to fade the surface and often leave uneven finishes and surface bleeding. Instead, an effective treatment should give a better final appearance to the treated cloth, an impression of the effect of restoring the color of the fibers, a natural and streak-free surface finish, and also provide quick rinsing and drying of the treated support.

[0005] All products currently on the market are water-based and alkaline. This is because, once the product dries, a faint aged appearance remains, and this becomes increasingly noticeable with repeated processing over time.

[0006] Patent application DE19511193 reports a method for cleaning rugs or carpets, characterized in that the aqueous cleaning solution used contains an alkali metal salt of a polycarboxylic acid or hydroxycarboxylic acid having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and the weight ratio of this alkali metal salt, calculated as a free acid to any surfactant contained in the cleaning solution, is at least 2:1. The content of the alkali metal salt of the polycarboxylic acid or hydroxycarboxylic acid in the cleaning solution is 0.05 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.2 to 5% by weight. The cleaning solution used preferably has a pH of about 3 to about 12, particularly about 5 to about 9. Therefore, this cleaning agent composition is suitable for use on rugs and carpets, which are more durable and less delicate fabrics than those used for interior parts of vehicles. This composition is characterized by the presence of an alkali metal salt of a polycarboxylic acid or hydroxycarboxylic acid instead of a free acid. Furthermore, this patent application does not address the problem of removing inorganic dirt, sand, or mud. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous composition for cleaning and maintaining vehicle fabrics and interior plastics, preferably buffered, having a pH of 3 to 5, which solves the aforementioned problems while simultaneously reducing the user's working time and drying time. Another object of the present invention is the development of specific processing procedures for complete and thorough cleaning of the vehicle interior.

[0008] Generally, this aqueous acidic composition contains one or more of the following components in a total amount of 0.01% to 0.5% by weight: at least one inorganic acid (e.g., phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid), at least one mono-, di-, or tri-carboxylic acid organic acid (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, oxalic acid), at least one phosphonic acid (e.g., etidronic acid), at least one hydroxy acid (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid), or at least one sulfonic acid (e.g., methanesulfonic acid, sulfamic acid).

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the aqueous acid composition comprises one or more of the following components: citric acid (CAS: 77-92-9), etidronic acid (CAS: 7414-83-7), glycolic acid (CAS: 79-14-1), lactic acid (CAS: 79-33-4), and phosphoric acid (CAS: 7664-38-2).

[0010] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is an aqueous composition for cleaning and / or removing dirt from fabric and / or plastic surfaces of vehicle interior parts, comprising citric acid, etidronic acid and / or phosphoric acid and / or glycolic acid (CAS: 79-14-1) and / or lactic acid (CAS: 79-33-4).

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the composition further comprises a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an emulsifier, a metal ion chelating agent, a colorant, and a fragrance.

[0012] Vehicles, whose interior components can be treated with the composition of the present invention, are selected from passenger cars, automobiles, tankers, buses, trucks, railway passenger cars, and other means of transportation on public and private railways.

[0013] The compositions of the present invention are particularly suitable for cleaning and / or removal of inorganic contaminants by both manual and automatic dispensing and washing systems, and can be used as a pretreatment for complete cleaning, and include the following treatment using an alkaline cleaning agent composition (pH > 7).

[0014] Using the composition of the present invention yields visual effects that cannot be achieved with commercially available, common alkaline cleaning agents. The properties of the active ingredient, an organic acid, are actually very compatible with fabric fibers, and once the inorganic residue is removed, the color is restored.

[0015] In fact, immediately after application to the surface being treated, the composition acts as a highlighter for stains that are often invisible, thus facilitating the user's work and aiding in complete removal. This effect, called the "Luminol™ effect," is caused by the reaction of the contained active ingredients (acid compounds) and auxiliary agents, which interact with the dirt present on the surface and form temporary active bubbles that are immediately visible. This effect of the composition is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. These inorganic stains are a major cleaning problem associated with the use of common alkaline cleaning agents.

[0016] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate how the composition of the present invention can highlight areas of a surface containing dirt residue.

[0017] Specifically, the "Luminol™ effect" results from the reaction of mixed inorganic residues originating from external climatic conditions (e.g., rain), sweat stains or dirt, and / or watery beverages brought into the vehicle, as well as mixtures of powders and salts, such as carbonates, silicates, and limestone residues.

[0018] An example of a reaction between an acid and an inorganic sodium carbonate salt present on the surface being treated is shown below. 2RCOOH+Na2CO3→2RCOONa+H2O+CO2 (In the formula, R represents an organic or inorganic group.)

[0019] The acid reacts slowly with sodium carbonate, thus supporting the intermittent formation of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide, along with the included auxiliary agents (surfactants and metal ion chelating agents), produces a noticeable and visible effect on the user (the Luminol® effect).

[0020] Specifically, the formation of carbon dioxide resulting from the above reaction allows the composition to remain on the surface layer of the permeable cloth, facilitating optimal stain removal, rapid and effective removal of residue, and drying. Other products of the reaction are water and water-soluble salts, which can be easily removed simply with a damp cloth or a standard household wet vacuum cleaner without the need for special equipment. Furthermore, there is no need to rinse or wash the cloth, avoiding long drying times.

[0021] Plastic surfaces and supports treated with this composition also have their visual appearance restored. The resulting finish is lifelike and does not change due to the active ingredients contained. Furthermore, surface residues that frequently occur due to excessive use of detergent products or the specific failure of common commercially available cleaning compositions to remove existing stains are not observed.

[0022] Furthermore, by using the composition of the present invention, any pretreatment of a single stain before cleaning is eliminated, and therefore the processing step is omitted.

[0023] Typically, a professional operator estimates that a single interior cleaning cycle takes approximately 3 hours. Using this composition, along with the elimination of a single pretreatment and rapid drying (a result of the fact that the product does not need to be used repeatedly to remove dirt), the working time is halved.

[0024] The composition has been tested by experts in the field to develop a novel and complete method for cleaning and / or removing dirt from plastic and fabric surfaces of vehicle interior components, which is described in detail below.

[0025] This method involves the following steps: - A step of distributing the aqueous cleaning agent composition of the present invention, having a pH of 3 to 5, onto the surface to be treated; • The step of brushing the entire surface to which the composition has been applied; • A step that requires waiting for an average of 5-15 minutes; · optionally, a step of subsequently dispensing an alkaline cleaning composition; and · a step of removing excess portions on the surface with a wet cloth or a liquid suction device comprising.

[0026] An example of an alkaline cleaning composition that can be used subsequent to the acidic composition of the present invention is #Ductile (trademark).

[0027] The method described herein is innovative in that no similar procedure exists in the market, leading to a complete cleaning and maintenance of the surfaces to be treated (sheets, plastics, general passenger cabin interiors), not requiring pre-treatment of single stains, and halving the working time and drying. Thereafter, the cycle is completed in 1.5 hours instead of 3 hours.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein and below have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0029] Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice and testing of the present invention, but methods and materials are described below by way of example. The materials, methods, and examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0030] As used herein and in the claims, the terms “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” mean, unless expressly excluded in the claims, that at least the compounds, elements, materials, excipients, or methods or steps of this method are present in the composition, formulation, or method, even if other such compounds, elements, materials, excipients, or methods or steps have the same function as those shown. It should also be understood that references to one or more steps of this method do not exclude the presence of further steps of this method before or after the described composite procedure or intermediate steps of this method, as expressly identified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a demonstration sequence that highlights the so-called "Luminol™ effect." The first photograph from the left shows a dirty surface (of a fabric car seat) to be cleaned; the second and third photographs show the composition of the present invention being sprayed onto this surface; the fourth photograph shows how the composition acts as a highlighter for stains that were barely visible before application, i.e., in the first photograph. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a demonstration sequence that emphasizes the so-called "Luminol™ effect," as in Figure 1. The first photograph from the left shows a soiled surface (a cloth sheet different from the one in Figure 1) to be cleaned; the second and third photographs show the composition of the present invention being sprayed onto this surface; the fourth photograph shows how the composition acts as a highlighter for stains that were barely visible before application, i.e., in the first photograph. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Examples Example 1 - Preparation of the detergent composition of the present invention with a pH of 3 to 5 The following materials were used in the amounts reported below. - Alkyl polyglucoside C8~C 16 0.1%~4% [Supplier: BASF ITALIA SpA, BRENNTAG SpA] - Quaternary ethoxylated C 12 ~C 14 Alkylmethylamine, methyl chloride 0.1%~3% [Supplied by:Specialities Srl] - Acids that can be used individually or in mixtures 0.01%~0.5% ○ - Inorganic acids (e.g., phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) ○ - Mono-, di-, and tri-carboxylic acid organic acids (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, oxalic acid) ○ - Hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid) ○ - Phosphonic acid (e.g., etidronic acid) ○ - Sulfonic acid (e.g., methanesulfonic acid, sulfamic acid) [Suppliers: BRENNTAG SpA, Rainoldi SpA, Torchiani SRL, Gamma Chimica SpA, Connect Chemicals Italia Srl, Eurosyn SpA] - Other ingredients or auxiliaries : Metal ion chelating agent {glutamic acid, N,N-diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt [supplied from BRENNTAG SpA], fragrance (SEA SHELL [supplied from GRC Parfum SpA]}.

[0033] The aqueous composition was prepared by continuously adding the components while maintaining intermittent stirring (rotor speed 700 rpm) and adhering to the solubilization time. The only solvent used during preparation was water. Specifically, the active ingredients (acid and surfactant) were first added to the solvent phase (water), followed by the addition of the auxiliary agents (other components) listed above. The final composition was clear and transparent.

[0034] Specifically, four compositions with pH values ​​of 3 to 5, which fall within the range of the present invention, were prepared, and their compositions are shown in the table below.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036] Example 2 - A complete cleaning method for the interior seats of a passenger car. Composition B, prepared according to Example 1, was used as is (undiluted) and sprayed onto the surface of a passenger car cloth seat with various stains to be cleaned and removed. The entire surface to which the product was applied was then scrubbed with a brush. The product was left to work for about 10 minutes. Next, an alkaline product (#Ductile®) was diluted with 10 parts water and sprayed onto the same surface. Finally, any excess liquid on the surface was removed using a liquid suction device, such as a conventional dry steam device or a Mafra Geyser steam / suction unit.

[0037] The surface was clean, the color was uniform, and there were no stains at all.

[0038] Example 3 - Method for cleaning interior seats in a passenger car using only Composition B Composition B, prepared according to Example 1, was used as is (undiluted) and sprayed onto the surface of a passenger car cloth seat with dirt to be cleaned and removed. Subsequently, the entire surface to which the product was applied was scrubbed with a brush. The product was left to work for approximately 10 minutes. Finally, any excess product on the surface was removed using a liquid suction device, such as a conventional drying steam device or a Mafra Geyser steam / suction unit.

[0039] As a result, the surface became clean, the color was restored and became uniform, and the inorganic stains that were visible before the treatment were gone.

[0040] Comparative Example 1 - A method for cleaning the interior seats of a passenger car's passenger compartment using only #Ductile(trademark) (an alkaline composition with pH > 9). The solution to be used was prepared by diluting 1 part of the alkaline product (#Ductile®) with 10 parts of water. The solution thus prepared was sprayed directly onto the surface of a passenger car's cloth seat that had various stains to be cleaned and removed. Subsequently, the entire surface to which the product had been applied was scrubbed with a brush, and the solution was left to work for approximately 10 minutes.

[0041] Finally, excess material from the surface was removed using a liquid-absorbing device, such as a conventional drying steam device or a Mafra Geyser steam / suction unit.

[0042] Once the treated surface dried, inorganic contaminants that could not be removed with the alkaline product used and were not clearly visible before the cleaning process became apparent.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning and / or removing dirt from plastic and fabric surfaces of interior parts of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: - A step of distributing an aqueous cleaning agent composition with a pH of 3 to 5 onto the surface to be treated; - A step of polishing the entire surface to which the composition has been applied with a brush; - A step that involves waiting for an average of 5 to 15 minutes; - If necessary, the step of distributing the alkaline cleaning agent composition onto the same surface; and - Remove excess material from the surface with a damp cloth or liquid suction device. Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous cleaning agent composition having a pH of 3 to 5 contains, in a total amount of 0.01% to 0.5% by weight, one or more of the following compounds: at least one inorganic acid which may be phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid and / or sulfuric acid; at least one mono-, di-, or tri-carboxylic acid organic acid which may be acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid and / or oxalic acid; at least one phosphonic acid which may be etidronic acid; at least one hydroxy acid which may be glycolic acid and / or lactic acid; or at least one sulfonic acid which may be methanesulfonic acid and / or sulfamic acid.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aqueous cleaning agent composition having a pH of 3 to 5 comprises one or more of the following compounds: citric acid, etidronic acid, glycolic acid, and phosphoric acid.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aqueous detergent composition having a pH of 3 to 5 further comprises a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an emulsifier, a metal ion chelating agent, a colorant and / or a fragrance.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle is selected from passenger cars, automobiles, trucks, buses, railway passenger cars, and other means of transport on public and private railways.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, performed in a manual, semi-automatic, or automatic washing and drying system.

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