Fabric Treatment

Abstract

1. A method for treating fabrics, comprising a treating step of subjecting the fabrics to an aqueous solution comprising an anionic surfactant and from about 100 ppm to about 7,000 ppm of an acidifying agent, the treating step not being followed by a rinse removal step.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to methods of treating fabrics to provide fabric care benefits and / or reduced bacterial growth. [Background technology]

[0002] Moisture on fabrics promotes bacterial growth. Under conditions common in consumer homes, bacteria grow very rapidly on damp fabrics. For example, in hot and humid climates, fabrics dried indoors take longer to dry, and the ambient heat and humidity promote bacterial growth on the fabrics during drying. In other regions, or even for consumers using tumble dryers, it is not uncommon for wet clothing to be left in the washing machine for a period of time after the washing process before drying. This can facilitate the growth of bacteria remaining on the fabrics after the washing process while the clothing remains wet in the machine. Under optimal conditions, if a given garment takes eight hours to dry, and if two bacteria remain after the washing process and no treatment is performed to prevent bacterial growth, the number of bacteria can double every 20 minutes, and the garment may contain more than 10^6 bacteria at the end of the eight-hour drying process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to reduce or prevent bacterial growth on fabrics and / or provide fabric care benefits, preferably without the use of harsh or environmentally unfriendly ingredients. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure addresses one or more of the above needs by providing a method for treating fabrics, the method comprising a treatment step of subjecting the fabric to an aqueous liquor. The aqueous liquor comprises an anionic surfactant and about 100 to about 7,000 ppm, more preferably about 150 to about 2,000 ppm, of an acidifying agent. The method of the present invention does not include a rinsing step following the treatment step, i.e., the treatment step is not followed by a rinse-off step. The method can provide reduced bacterial growth on the fabric during and after treatment. The method can also contribute to reduced odor, improved freshness, improved removal of yellow underarm stains (aluminum-containing), improved fabric feel (softer), color brightness (enrichment removal), whiteness, and a less stable foam that contributes to easier rinsing ability.

[0005] Preferably, the solution has a pH of less than 4.5, more preferably less than 4, especially from about 1.5 to about 3.8.

[0006] The aqueous liquor can be formed by adding a composition comprising a surfactant, an acidifying agent, and an optional antimicrobial active agent, along with further optional additives, to water. The composition can be in liquid or solid form. The aqueous liquor can be a final rinse in a laundry process. Alternatively, the aqueous liquor can be a ready-to-use composition, such as a spray-on composition. The aqueous liquor of the method of the present invention does not require an antimicrobial active agent to reduce bacterial growth, but may contain an antimicrobial active agent to provide additional benefits. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As used herein, the articles including "the," "a," and "an," when used in a claim or the specification, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0008] As used herein, the terms "include", "includes" and "including" are meant to be open-ended.

[0009] As used herein, the terms "active substance" and "agent" are used interchangeably.

[0010] As used herein, the terms "substantially free of" or "substantially free from" refer to either a complete absence of, or a minimal amount of, a component simply as an impurity or unintended by-product of another component. A composition that is "substantially free" of a component means that the composition contains less than about 0.01%, or less than about 0.001%, or even 0% of the component by weight of the composition.

[0011] All percentages, ratios, and proportions used herein are by weight of the composition unless otherwise specified. All average values ​​are calculated "by weight" of the composition unless otherwise expressly indicated. All ratios are calculated as weight / weight levels unless otherwise specified.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, all measurements are performed at 25°C.

[0013] Unless otherwise noted, all ingredient or composition concentrations are in terms of the active portion of that ingredient or composition and are exclusive of impurities, e.g., residual solvents or by-products, that may be present in commercial sources of such ingredient or composition.

[0014] method In the method of the present invention, fabrics are treated by contacting them with an aqueous liquor. The liquor comprises an anionic surfactant and about 100 ppm to about 7,000 ppm, preferably about 150 to about 2,000 ppm, and more preferably about 200 to about 1,500 ppm, of an acidifying agent. By "aqueous liquor" herein is meant a water-based liquor, preferably containing about 80% to about 99% water by weight of the liquor. The liquor is used to treat the fabric. This treatment can be carried out during the final rinse of the laundry process. The treatment step is more beneficial if it is carried out in the rinse than in the wash cycle. The rinse can be a separate rinse or can occur subsequent to washing. The treatment step can be part of a hand wash or can occur in a washing machine. When fabrics are treated in a process involving multiple rinses, an aqueous solution containing an anionic surfactant and an acidifying agent is delivered in the final rinse, which contributes to the deposition of acids on the fabric, which helps reduce bacterial growth over time. By "the treating step is not followed by a rinsing-off step" it is meant herein that the fabric is not exposed to another liquid after being subjected to the treating step of the method of the present invention.

[0015] Preferably, the aqueous liquid of the method of the present invention has a pH of less than 4.5, more preferably less than 4, especially between 1.5 and 3.8.

[0016] The fabric is contacted with an aqueous liquid in a contacting step (also referred to herein as a treating step), which may be part of a typical fabric laundering process. For example, the method of the present invention may include (i) treating the fabric with an aqueous wash liquid in a laundering step, (ii) optionally rinsing the fabric with water one or more times, and (iii) contacting the fabric with an aqueous rinse liquid containing an anionic surfactant and an acidifying agent in a contacting step. Step (iii) is preferably a rinsing step in a fabric laundering process by hand washing or machine washing. Following the contacting step, the fabric is dried in a drying step (iv).

[0017] In the cleaning / laundry process, generally, for example, in a conventional cleaning process, an effective amount of detergent composition is added to water to form an aqueous cleaning solution.The aqueous cleaning solution thus formed is then typically contacted with the fabric to be washed under stirring.The detergent composition typically comprises a surfactant system and optional cleaning adjuvants.The surfactant system preferably comprises anionic surfactant and / or nonionic surfactant.

[0018] An effective amount of detergent composition to be added to water to form an aqueous laundry solution may include an amount sufficient to form about 500 to 25,000 ppm or 500 to 15,000 ppm of the composition in the aqueous wash solution, or about 1,000 to 3,000 ppm of the detergent composition herein provided to the aqueous wash solution.

[0019] Typically, the wash liquor is formed by contacting detergent with wash water in an amount such that the concentration of detergent in the wash liquor is greater than 0.1 g / l to 5 g / l, or from 1 g / l to 4.5 g / l, or 4.0 g / l, or 3.5 g / l, or 3.0 g / l, or 2.5 g / l, or even 2.0 g / l, or even 1.5 g / l.

[0020] The wash liquor may contain up to 64 liters, up to 40 liters of water, or up to 30 liters, or up to 20 liters, or up to 10 liters, or up to 8 liters, or even up to 6 liters of water. Typically, 0.01 kg to 2 kg of fabrics are added to the wash liquor per liter of wash liquor. Typically, the pH of the wash liquor, including the detergent, is between 3 and 11.5, typically between 7 and 10.

[0021] The washing step may be followed by one or more optional rinsing steps.

[0022] In treatment step (iii), the fabrics are treated with an aqueous liquor, preferably either in a hand-washing step or in the rinsing step of a laundry washing machine. This step is the final rinsing step just before drying the fabrics. Optionally, a fabric softener composition can be added before or during the contacting step herein, or after the rinsing step after the contacting step herein.

[0023] Fabric drying can be by any conventional means, whether machine or outdoor drying, in either a domestic or industrial environment. The fabric can include any fabric that can be laundered under normal consumer or institutional conditions, and the present invention is suitable for synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, natural fibers including cellulosic fibers, and blends of synthetic and natural fibers, such as polycotton. Water temperatures in the contacting step typically range from about 5°C to about 90°C, although lower water temperatures of 60°C, 40°C, or even down to 30°C are also useful. The water to fabric ratio is typically about 1:1 to about 30:1.

[0024] Alternatively, the contacting step may be by applying the aqueous liquid directly to the fabric, for example by spraying. Ready-to-use compositions can provide added convenience to the user.

[0025] The contacting step may be for about 10 seconds to about 20 minutes, or about 15 seconds to about 16 minutes, or 30 seconds to about 10, or 5, or 3, or 2, or 1 minute.

[0026] The method of the present invention can provide reduced bacterial growth on fabrics during and after fabric treatment. The method can also contribute to reduced odor, improved freshness, improved removal of yellow underarm stains (containing aluminum), improved fabric feel (softer), color brightness (removal of buildup), whiteness, and less stable foam that contributes to easier rinsing ability. The method of the present invention can improve the hygiene of treated fabrics.

[0027] Compositions for use in the methods of the present invention The composition for use in the method of the present invention can be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid or solid form, such as a powder form. It can be dissolved or diluted to form an aqueous liquid. Alternatively, the composition can be in the form of a ready-to-use spray.

[0028] surfactants The aqueous liquid for use in the method of the present disclosure comprises an anionic surfactant and may comprise an additional surfactant, which may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfate, alkyl alkoxylated sulfate, alkyl benzene sulfonic acid and alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactants, polycarboxylated anionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0029] The alkyl sulfate, alkyl alkoxylated sulfate, alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, and alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactants may be linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted. When the surfactant is branched, the surfactant is preferably a mid-chain branched sulfate or sulfonate surfactant. Preferably, the branched group comprises a C1-C4 alkyl group, typically a methyl and / or ethyl group.

[0030] Preferably, the composition for use in the method of the present invention comprises at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of C10-C20 linear alkyl benzene sulphonates (LAS), C10-C20 linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acids, C6-C20 linear or branched alkyl sulphates, and C6-C20 linear or branched alkyl alkoxy sulphates.

[0031] By "linear alkyl sulfate" herein is meant an unsubstituted alkyl sulfate in which the linear alkyl chain contains 6 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and more preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms, and the alkyl chain is sulfated at one end.

[0032] Typically, the alkyl alkoxylated sulfates have an average degree of alkoxylation of 0.5 to 30 or 20, or 0.5 to 10. Preferably, the alkoxylated groups are ethoxylated groups. Particularly preferred are C8-18 alkyl ethoxylated sulfates having an average degree of ethoxylation of 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7, 0.5 to 5, or even 0.5 to 3.

[0033] Suitable linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) can be obtained by sulfonating commercially available linear alkyl benzenes (LABs). Suitable LABs include low 2-phenyl LABs such as those supplied by Sasol under the trade name Isochem® or Petrelab® by Petresa; other suitable LABs include high 2-phenyl LABs such as those supplied by Sasol under the trade name Hyblene®. Suitable anionic detersive surfactants are alkylbenzene sulfonates obtained by the DETAL catalyzed process, although other synthetic routes, such as HF, may also be suitable. In one embodiment, magnesium salts of LAS are used.

[0034] The composition may comprise a polycarboxylated anionic surfactant. Suitable polycarboxylated anionic surfactants are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,298, EP 0,129,328, WO 03,018,733, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,326.

[0035] Suitable polyalkoxylate polycarboxylated surfactants may have the empirical formula: RO-(CH(x)-CH(y)-O)n-R1 During the ceremony, R is a hydrophobic group, preferably a hydrocarbon group typically containing 6 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms; x and y are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, and a succinic acid radical, with the proviso that at least one x or y moiety per molecule is a succinic acid radical; and n is 1 to 60; R is hydrogen, a substituted hydrocarbon, an unsubstituted hydrocarbon, preferably the hydrocarbon has 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a sulfate, or a sulfonate radical, and any acid groups are neutralized with a corresponding cationic group, such as sodium, potassium, alkanolammonium, magnesium, etc.

[0036] Suitable polyalkoxylate polycarboxylate surfactants may have the empirical formula: RO-(C2H4O)x-[CH(L)CH(L)]y-[CH2CH(CH3)O)zQ During the ceremony, R is a hydrocarbon hydrophobic group, preferably an alkyl, containing 6 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 14 carbon atoms; x is a number from 0 to 60, preferably a number from 4 to 50, more preferably a number from 6 to 50; L is either a C alkyl group or a group having the formula -CH-(COO-)CH(COO-), where at least one L group in each molecule is -CH(COO-)CH(COO-); y is a number from 1 to 12, preferably a number from 2 to 10, more preferably a number from 3 to 8; z is a number from 0 to 20, preferably a number from 0 to 15, more preferably a number from 0 to 10; Q is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen (H) and a sulfonate group; the compound is rendered electrically neutral by the presence of a cationic group, preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, and substituted ammonium (e.g., monoethanolammonium) cations. Specific examples of such polyalkoxylate polycarboxylate surfactants include Poly-Tergent® C9-51B (CS-1) (x=12, y=8, and Z=17), Poly-Tergent® C9-62P (x=4, y=3, and z=17), Poly-Tergent® C9-74P (x=10, y=3.5, and Z=35), and Poly-Tergent® C9-92 (x=approximately 55, y=6.5, and z=0). R is believed to be an alkyl group, such as a linear C9 alkyl group, and Q is believed to be hydrogen (H). Poly-Tergent® surfactants are currently sold by BASF under the trade name Plurafac®.

[0037] Preferably, the aqueous liquid contains at least 10 ppm of anionic surfactant, more preferably 15 to 1000 ppm, especially 20 to 500 ppm. Particularly preferred aqueous liquids contain 30 to 300 ppm of anionic surfactant, preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0038] Some compositions for use in the methods of the present invention are generally intended to be diluted before use, for example, by adding them to water during the rinse step of a cleaning process. For liquid compositions, the compositions may contain from about 0.05% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 4%, more preferably from about 1% to about 4% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant. Preferably, the compositions are substantially free of cationic surfactants.

[0039] When the composition is in solid form, preferably powder form, the composition may contain from about 2 to about 10% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably from about 3 to about 8% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant. Preferably, the composition is substantially free of cationic surfactants.

[0040] When the composition is in spray form, it may contain about 0.001% to about 0.5% by weight of anionic surfactant, preferably about 0.005% to about 0.4% by weight of anionic surfactant, more preferably about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of anionic surfactant. Preferably, the composition is substantially free of cationic surfactant.

[0041] Acidifying Agent The aqueous solution of the present method comprises at least 100 ppm, more preferably at least 120 ppm, and particularly about 120 to about 3,000 ppm of an acidifying agent. The aqueous solution can be formed by adding the composition disclosed herein to water, and the composition can be in liquid or solid form. The acidifying agent can help stabilize the pH of the rinse solution by providing buffering capacity. The acidifying agent can also sequester transition metals, including iron, copper, manganese, and the like. The acidifying agent can be selected to further enhance the antimicrobial activity of the composition. The acidifying agent can be a U.S. EPA / Health Canada registered active substance or a European notified antimicrobial substance.

[0042] Suitable acidifying agents may be selected from the group consisting of organic acids and polymeric acids.

[0043] Suitable acidifying agents include C1-C11 organic acids containing at least one carboxylic acid group and polymeric acids containing at least three carboxylic acid groups.

[0044] Non-limiting examples of C1-C11 organic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, dihydroacetic acid, benzoic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, glutaric acid, ascorbic acid, sorbic acid, salicylic acid, adipic acid, 2-ethyl-1-hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, undecylenic acid, butanetetracarboxylic acid, and the like. Organic acids can be derived from renewable plant-based feedstocks and produced using natural processes such as fermentation, and examples include bio-based acetic acid, bio-based citric acid, bio-based lactic acid, and bio-based succinic acid. Organic acids can be used in food applications or generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and can be food additives.

[0045] The organic acid can be selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, malonic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, gluconic acid, glutaric acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and octanoic acid. Preferably, the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, itaconic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof. Compositions containing citric acid and formic acid have been found to be particularly suitable from the standpoint of bacteriostasis. Preferred compositions containing citric acid and formic acid have a weight ratio of citric acid to formic acid of 150:1 to 5:1, more preferably 100:1 to 2:1, and even more preferably 50:1 to 3:1.

[0046] Non-limiting examples of polymeric acids include polymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, or itaconic acid, or copolymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, or itaconic acid, or mixtures thereof. The polymeric acid may be a homopolymer or copolymer having a molecular weight of 500 g / mol or greater. The polymeric acid may have a molecular weight ranging from 500 g / mol to about 1,000,000 g / mol, or from 500 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, or from about 1,000 g / mol to 20,000 g / mol. The copolymer may be a random copolymer or a block copolymer. In addition to the monomer units containing carboxylic acid groups, the copolymer may also contain one or more other monomers, such as styrene, acrylic acid esters, acrylamides, olefin sulfonates, and olefin acetates.

[0047] The composition may also contain an inorganic acid, suitable inorganic acids including phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, urea-sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid, methyl sulfuric acid, hypochlorous acid, sodium bisulfate (sodium hydrogen sulfate), and the like.

[0048] Preferably, the liquid composition comprises 7% to 40%, or 8% to 35%, or 9% to 30% of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, itaconic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] When the composition is in solid form, preferably powder form, the composition may comprise about 7 to about 70% by weight of the acidifying agent, preferably about 10 to about 60% by weight of the acidifying agent, preferably citric acid.

[0050] When the composition is in spray form, the composition may contain from about 0.009% to about 5% acidifying agent by weight of the composition, preferably from about 0.1% to about 4.5% acidifying agent by weight of the composition.

[0051] Increasing the concentration of acidifying agent improves the pre-buffering capacity of the composition and reduces pH fluctuations upon dilution.

[0052] The weight ratio of organic acid to anionic surfactant in the composition can be from about 1350:1 to 1:1, more preferably from about 875:1 to 1.3:1, and even more preferably from about 600:1 to 2:1.

[0053] Optional ingredients: Additional antimicrobial agents The compositions of the present methods may or may not include an additional antimicrobial agent.

[0054] Additional surfactants The composition may also include an additional surfactant, preferably a nonionic or zwitterionic surfactant.

[0055] Suitable non-ionic detersive surfactants include alkyl polyglucosides and / or alkyl alkoxylated alcohols.

[0056] Alkyl polyglycosides are biodegradable nonionic surfactants. Suitable alkyl polyglycosides can have the general formula CH2n+1O(C6H10O5)xH, where n is preferably 8 to 16, more preferably 8 to 14, and x is at least 1. Examples of suitable alkyl polyglucoside surfactants are TRITON™ alkyl polyglucosides from Dow, Agnique PG, Disponil APG, and Glucopon alkyl polyglucosides from BASF. Preferred alkyl polyglucoside surfactants are those where n is 8 to 12, more preferably 8 to 10, such as Triton CG50 (Dow).

[0057] Suitable alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactants are according to the formula RO-(A)nH, where R is a primary C4 to C18, preferably C6 to C16, more preferably C6 to C14 branched or linear alkyl chain, or a C6 to C28 alkylbenzene chain, A is an ethoxy or propoxy or butoxy unit, or mixtures thereof, and n is 1 to 30, preferably 1 to 15, more preferably 3 to 12, even more preferably 3 to 8. Preferred R chains for use herein are C6 to C16 linear or branched alkyl chains.

[0058] In one aspect, the alkyl alkoxylated alcohol can be a C8-18 alkyl ethoxylated alcohol having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 1 to 10, from 1 to 7, or even from 1 to 5, or from 3 to 7, or even less than 3 or 2. The alkyl alkoxylated alcohol can be straight or branched chain, substituted or unsubstituted.

[0059] Suitable branched alkoxylated alcohols may be selected from the group consisting of C4 to C10 alkyl branched alkoxylated alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The branched alkoxylated alcohol may be derived from the alkoxylation of a C4 to C10 alkyl branched alcohol selected from the group consisting of C4 to C10 primary monoalcohols having one or more C1 to C4 branching groups.

[0060] C4-C10 primary mono-alcohol means that the main chain of the primary mono-alcohol has a total of 4 to 10 carbon atoms. The C4-C10 primary mono-alcohol can be selected from the group consisting of methyl butanol, ethyl butanol, methyl pentanol, ethyl pentanol, methyl hexanol, ethyl hexanol, propyl hexanol, dimethyl hexanol, trimethyl hexanol, methyl heptanol, ethyl heptanol, propyl heptanol, dimethyl heptanol, trimethyl heptanol, methyl octanol, ethyl octanol, propyl octanol, butyl octanol, dimethyl octanol, trimethyl octanol, methyl nonanol, ethyl nonanol, propyl nonanol, butyl nonanol, dimethyl nonanol, trimethyl nonanol, and mixtures thereof.

[0061] The C4 to C10 primary monoalcohol may be selected from the group consisting of ethylhexanol, propylhexanol, ethylheptanol, propylheptanol, ethyloctanol, propyloctanol, butyloctanol, ethylnonanol, propylnonanol, butylnonanol, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Preferably, the C4 to C10 primary monoalcohol may be selected from the group consisting of ethylhexanol, propylhexanol, ethylheptanol, propylheptanol, and mixtures thereof.

[0063] The C4 to C10 primary monoalcohols are most preferably ethylhexanol and propylheptanol.

[0064] In branched alkoxylated alcohols, one or more C1-C4 branching groups can be substituted onto the C4-C10 primary monoalcohol at the C1-C3 positions, preferably the C1-C2 positions, more preferably the C2 position, as measured from the hydroxyl group of the starting alcohol.

[0065] The branched alkoxylated alcohol may contain 1 to 14, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 4 to 6 ethoxylate units, and optionally 1 to 9, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 4 to 6 propoxylate units.

[0066] The branched alkoxylated alcohol is preferably 2-ethylhexan-1-ol ethoxylated to a degree of 4 to 6 and propoxylated to a degree of 4 to 6, more preferably the alcohol is first propoxylated and then ethoxylated. Another preferred branched alkoxylated alcohol is a 2-alkyl-1-alkanol such as an alkoxylated C10 Guerbet alcohol having 1 to 14, preferably 2 to 7, more preferably 3 to 6, ethoxylate or ethoxylate-propoxylate units.

[0067] Non-limiting examples of suitable branched alkoxylated alcohols are, for example, Ecosurf® EH3, EH6, and EH9 commercially available from Dow, and Lutensol® XP alkoxylated Guerbet alcohols and Lutensol® XL ethoxylated Guerbet alcohols available from BASF.

[0068] Suitable amphoteric / zwitterionic surfactants include amine oxides and betaines.

[0069] Suitable amine oxide surfactants include R1R2R3NO, where R1, R2, and R3 are each independently a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. Preferred amine oxide surfactants are amine oxides having the following formula: R1R2R3NO, where R1 is a hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 30, preferably 6 to 20, more preferably 8 to 16, carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 are independently saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbon chains containing 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, more preferably methyl groups. R1 may be a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain.

[0070] Suitable betaines are alkylbetaines, alkylamidobetaines, amidoazolinium betaines, sulfobetaines (INCI sultaines), and phosphobetaines.

[0071] Suitable betaines are alkylbetaines of formula (Ia), alkylamidobetaines of formula (Ib), sulfobetaines of formula (Ic) and amidosulfobetaines of formula (Id), R1-N+(CH3)2-CH2COO- (Ia) R1-CO-NH(CH2)3-N+(CH3)2-CH2COO- (Ib) R1-N+(CH3)2-CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3- (Ic) R1-CO-NH-(CH2)3-N+(CH3)2-CH2CH(OH)CH2SO3- (Id) In the formula, R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C6 to C22 alkyl residue, preferably a C8 to C18 alkyl residue.

[0072] Complexing or chelating agents The compositions used in the methods of the present invention may contain complexing or chelating agents. Without being bound by theory, it is known that complexing or chelating agents can increase the susceptibility of Gram bacteria to antibacterial active substances by increasing the permeability of the outer membrane of the Gram bacteria to the antibacterial active substance. In addition, complexing agents can reduce the free hardness value in the water used in the methods of the present invention. Anionic alkyl sulfate and alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactants are more effective when the water has low hardness because they tend to precipitate as calcium soaps in high-hardness environments.

[0073] Suitable complexing or chelating agents include copper, iron and / or manganese chelating agents and mixtures thereof. Suitable molecules include aminocarboxylates, aminophosphonates, succinates, polyitaconic acids, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of chelating agents suitable for use herein include ethylenediaminetetraacetate, N-(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediaminetriacetate, nitrilotriacetate, ethylenediaminetetraproprionates, triethylenetetraaminehexacetate, diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, ethanoldiglycine, ethylenediaminetetrakis(methylenephosphonate), diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP), ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS), hydroxyethanedimethylenephosphonic acid (HEDP), methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Other non-limiting examples of chelating agents for use in the present invention can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,445,644, 7,585,376, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0176684 A1. Other chelating agents suitable for use herein are the commercially available DEQUEST series, as well as chelating agents manufactured by Monsanto, DuPont, and Nalco, Inc.

[0074] Foam suppressor Compounds for reducing or inhibiting foam formation can be incorporated into the compositions used in the methods of the present invention. A wide variety of materials may be used as foam suppressors, and foam suppressors are well known to those skilled in the art. See, for example, Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, Vol. 7, pp. 430-447 (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979). Examples of foam suppressors include monocarboxylic fatty acids and their soluble salts, high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffins, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monohydric alcohols, aliphatic C18-C40 ketones (e.g., stearone), N-alkylated aminotriazines, waxy hydrocarbons preferably having a melting point below about 100°C, silicone foam suppressors, and secondary alcohols. Foam suppressors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,954,347, 4,265,779, 4,265,779, 3,455,839, 3,933,672, 4,652,392, 4,978,471, 4,983,316, 5,288,431, 4,639,489, 4,749,740, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,679, 4,075,118, European Patent Application No. 89307851.9, European Patent Publication No. 150,872, and German Patent Publication No. 2,124,526.

[0075] For any composition used in an automatic laundry washing machine, foam should not form to the extent that it overflows the washing machine. For compositions used in the rinse cycle, complete absence of foam is highly desirable, since users judge rinsing effectiveness by the absence of visible foam. When utilized, suds suppressors are preferably present in a "suds suppressing amount." By "suds suppressing amount," we mean that the composition formulator can select an amount of suds suppressor that will prevent the composition from forming visible foam when used in the rinse cycle. The compositions herein generally contain 0% to 10% suds suppressor. When utilized as suds suppressors, monocarboxylic fatty acids and their salts are typically present in amounts up to 5% by weight of the composition. Preferably, 0.5% to 3% of fatty monocarboxylate suds suppressors are utilized. Silicone suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts up to 2.0% by weight of the composition, although greater amounts may be used. Monostearyl phosphate suds suppressors are generally utilized in amounts ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition. Hydrocarbon suds suppressors are typically utilized in amounts ranging from 0.01% to 5.0%, although higher levels may be used. Alcohol suds suppressors are typically used at 0.2% to 3% by weight of the final composition.

[0076] Dispersants The composition may also preferably contain a dispersant. Suitable water-soluble organic materials include homopolymeric or copolymeric acids or salts thereof, where the polycarboxylic acid contains at least two carboxyl radicals separated from each other by no more than two carbon atoms.

[0077] Hydrotrope The composition may also contain a hydrotrope to increase the solubility of poorly soluble organic molecules and improve the stability of the composition. Particularly preferred hydrotropes are methyl, dimethyl, and methylethyl benzene sulfonates, especially sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and sodium toluene sulfonate.

[0078] Fabric Shading Dye The compositions used in the methods of the present invention may also include fabric shading dyes. Suitable fabric shading dyes (sometimes referred to as hueing agents, bluing agents, or whitening agents) typically impart a blue or purple hue to fabrics. Fabric shading dyes may be used either alone or in combination to obtain a specific hue and / or to tint different types of fabrics. This may be achieved, for example, by mixing red and green-blue dyes to produce a blue or purple hue. Fabric shading dyes may be selected from any known chemical class of dyes, including, but not limited to, acridines, anthraquinones (including polycyclic quinones), azines, azos including premetallized azos (e.g., monoazos, diazos, trisazos, tetrakisazos, polyazos), benzodifurans and benzodifuranones, carotenoids, coumarins, cyanines, diazahemicyanines, diphenylmethanes, formazans, hemicyanines, indigoids, methanes, naphthalimides, naphthoquinones, nitro and nitroso, oxazines, phthalocyanines, pyrazoles, stilbenes, styryls, triarylmethanes, triphenylmethanes, xanthenes, and mixtures thereof.

[0079] Suitable fabric shading dyes include dyes and dye-clay conjugates. Preferred fabric shading dyes are selected from small molecule dyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable small molecule dyes include small molecule dyes selected from the group consisting of dyes classified as, for example, blue, violet, red, green, or black, and falling under the Colour Index (CI) classification of acid dyes, direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, solvent dyes, or disperse dyes, alone or in combination with other dyes or with other auxiliary ingredients, to provide the desired shade. Dyes described as hydrolyzed reactive dyes, such as those described in EP 1 794 274(A), may also be included. In another aspect, suitable small molecule dyes include dyes listed under the Colour Index (Society of Dyers and Colourists) classification of acid dyes, direct dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, solvent dyes, or disperse dyes, alone or in combination with other dyes or other auxiliary ingredients, to provide the desired shade. Colourists, Bradford, UK) Direct violet dyes include dyes 5, 7, 9, 11, 31, 35, 48, 51, 66, and 99; direct blue dyes include dyes 1, 71, 80, and 279; acid red dyes include dyes 17, 73, 52, 88, and 150; acid violet dyes include dyes 15, 17, 24, 43, 49, and 50; acid blue dyes include dyes 15, 17, 25, 29, 40, 45, 48, 75, 80, 83, 90, and 113; and acid black dye 1. , Basic Violet dyes 1, 3, 4, 10, and 35, Basic Blue dyes 3, 16, 22, 47, 66, 75, and 159, disperse or solvent dyes such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 034511 (A1), or U.S. Patent No. 8,268,016 (B2), or dyes disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,208,459 (B2), such as Solvent Violet 13, and mixtures thereof.In another embodiment, suitable small molecule dyes include those selected from the group consisting of CI numbers Acid Violet 17, Acid Blue 80, Acid Violet 50, Direct Blue 71, Direct Violet 51, Direct Blue 1, Acid Red 88, Acid Red 150, Acid Blue 29, Acid Blue 113, and mixtures thereof.

[0080] Suitable polymeric dyes include polymers containing covalently attached (sometimes referred to as bonded) chromogens (dye-polymer conjugates), such as polymers having chromogens copolymerized into the polymer backbone, and mixtures thereof, including those described in WO 2011 / 98355, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 225803(A1), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 090102(A1), WO 2012 / 166768, U.S. Patent No. 7,686,892(B2), and WO 2010 / 142503.

[0081] Other suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from the group consisting of fabric substantive colorants sold under the name Liquitint® (Milliken, Spartanburg, SC, USA) and dye-polymer conjugates formed from at least one reactive dye and a polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl moiety, a primary amine moiety, a secondary amine moiety, a thiol moiety, and mixtures thereof. In yet another aspect, suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) covalently bonded to one or more reactive blue, reactive violet, or reactive red dyes, such as CMC conjugated with CI Reactive Blue 19, sold under the trade name AZO-CM-CELLULOSE and product code S-ACMC by Liquitint® Violet Conn., Megazyme, Wicklow, Ireland. Alkoxylated triphenyl-methane polymeric colorants, alkoxylated thiophene polymeric colorants, alkoxylated carbocyclic and heterocyclic azo colorants, and mixtures thereof. Preferred polymeric dyes include optionally substituted alkoxylated dyes, such as alkoxylated triphenyl-methane polymeric colorants, alkoxylated thiophene polymeric colorants, alkoxylated carbocyclic and heterocyclic azo colorants, and mixtures thereof, such as Liquitint dyes.

[0082] Preferred hueing dyes include the whitening agents found in WO 08 / 87497 A1, WO 2011 / 011799, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 129752 A1. Preferred hueing agents for use in the present invention may be the preferred dyes disclosed in these references, including those selected from Examples 1-42 in Table 5 of WO 2011 / 011799. Other preferred dyes are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,138,222. Other preferred dyes are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,909,890 B2.

[0083] Optical Brighteners The composition used in the method of the present invention may contain one or more optical brighteners. Suitable examples of optical brighteners include stilbene brighteners, coumarin brighteners, benzoxazole brighteners, and mixtures thereof. Diaminostilbene disulfonic acid brighteners (hereinafter referred to as "DAS") are classified as hydrophilic in WO 98 / 52907(A). A commercially available example of DAS is Tinopal DMS (manufactured by CIBA). Another type of low ClogP brightener is distyryl biphenyl brightener (hereinafter referred to as "DSBP"). A commercially available example of this type of brightener is Tinopal CBS-X (also manufactured by CIBA). Commercially available optical brighteners that may be useful in the present invention can be divided into subgroups, including, but not limited to, derivatives of stilbenes, pyrazolines, carboxylic acids, methine cyanines, dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered heterocycles, and various other substances. Particularly preferred brighteners are selected from 2(4-styryl-3-sulfophenyl)-2H-naphthol[-1,3,2-d]triazole sodium, 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid disodium, 4,4'-bis{[(4-anilino-6-morpholino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)]amino}stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid disodium, and 4,4'-bis(2-sulfostyryl)biphenyl disodium. Other examples of such brighteners are disclosed in "The Production and Application of Fluorescent Brightening Agents" by M. Zahradnik, published by John Wiley & Sons, New York (1982).

[0084] aesthetic dye The composition used in the method of the present invention may contain aesthetic dyes and / or pigments.Suitable dyes include any conventional dyes used to color cleaning and / or treatment compositions, typically small molecule dyes or polymeric dyes.These are generally non-fabric shading dyes.

[0085] Solvent System The compositions of the present invention may include a solvent system, for example, containing water alone or a mixture of organic solvents. Preferred organic solvents include 1,2-propanediol, ethanol, glycerol, dipropylene glycol, methylpropanediol, and mixtures thereof. Other lower alcohols and C1-C4 alkanolamines, such as monoethanolamine and triethanolamine, may also be used. The solvent system is more typically present in a concentration ranging from about 0.1% to about 98% by weight of the liquid composition, preferably at least about 1% to about 50% by weight, and more usually from about 5% to about 25% by weight.

[0086] Thickeners / Structurants In some embodiments of the present invention, the composition used in the method of the present invention is in the form of a structured liquid. Such structured liquids may be internally structured, with primary components (e.g., surfactant materials) forming the structure, and / or externally structured by using secondary components (e.g., polymers, clays, and / or silicate materials) to provide a three-dimensional matrix structure, for example, for use as thickeners. The composition may contain a structuring agent, preferably 0.01% to 5% by weight, or 0.1% to 2.0% by weight. Examples of suitable structuring agents are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0205631 A1, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0203213 A1, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,294,611, and 6,855,680. The structuring agent is typically selected from the group consisting of diglycerides and triglycerides, ethylene glycol distearate, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulosic materials, microfiber cellulose, ally-modified alkali-swellable emulsions such as Polygel W30 (3VSigma), biopolymers, xanthan gum, gellan gum, hydrogenated castor oil, derivatives of hydrogenated castor oil, such as its non-ethoxylated derivatives, and mixtures thereof, particularly hydrogenated castor oil, derivatives of hydrogenated castor oil, microfiber cellulose, hydroxy-functional crystalline materials, long-chain fatty alcohols, 12-hydroxystearic acid, clays, and mixtures thereof. Preferred structuring agents are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,855,680, which defines suitable hydroxy-functional crystalline materials in detail. Preferred is hydrogenated castor oil.

[0087] Soil Release Polymer The composition used in the method of the present invention may contain a soil release polymer. Suitable soil release polymers are polyester soil release polymers such as Repel-o-tex polymers, including Repel-o-tex SF, SF-2, and SRP6, supplied by Rhodia. Other suitable soil release polymers include Texcare polymers, including Texcare SRA100, SRA300, SRN100, SRN170, SRN240, SRN300, and SRN325, supplied by Clamant. Other suitable soil release polymers are Marloquest polymers, such as Marloquest SL, supplied by Sasol.

[0088] Dye Transfer Inhibitor (DTI) The compositions of the present invention may also contain a dye transfer inhibitor. Suitable dye transfer inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones, polyvinylimidazoles, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable DTIs are triazines, as described in WO 2012 / 095354, polymeric benzoxazines, as described in WO 2010 / 130624, polyvinyltetrazoles, as described in DE 102009001144(A), porous polyamide particles, as described in WO 2009 / 127587, and insoluble polymer particles, as described in WO 2009 / 124908. Other suitable DTIs are described in WO 2012 / 004134 or are (a) polymers selected from the group consisting of amphiphilic alkoxylated polyamines, amphiphilic graft copolymers, zwitterionic soil suspending polymers, manganese phthalocyanines, peroxidases, and mixtures thereof. Preferred classes of DTIs include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidone and polyvinylimidazole, or mixtures thereof.

[0089] inclusion bodies The compositions used in the methods of the present invention may include encapsulants, such as encapsulants comprising a core and a shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the shell encapsulating the core. The core may comprise any laundry care adjuvant, preferably a fragrance. The shell may comprise a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene, polyisoprene, polycarbonate, polyester, polyacrylate, aminoplast (in one embodiment, the aminoplast may comprise polyurea, polyurethane, and / or polyureaurethane; in one embodiment, the polyurea may comprise polyoxymethylene urea and / or melamine formaldehyde), polyolefin, polysaccharide (in one embodiment, the polysaccharide may comprise alginate and / or chitosan), gelatin, shellac, epoxy resin, vinyl polymer, water-insoluble inorganic material, silicone, and mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the composition may include a deposition aid, preferably in addition to the encapsulating agent. Preferred deposition aids are selected from the group consisting of cationic and non-ionic polymers, including cationic starch, cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinyl formaldehyde, locust bean gum, mannan, xyloglucan, tamarind gum, polyethylene terephthalate, and polymers containing dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, optionally with one or more monomers selected from the group including acrylic acid and acrylamide.

[0090] fragrance Preferred compositions for use in the method of the present invention contain fragrance, preferably in the range of 0.001 to 3% by weight, most preferably 0.1 to 1% by weight. Many suitable examples of fragrances are listed in the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) 1992 International Buyers Guide (published by CFTA Publications) and the OPD 1993 Chemicals Buyers Directory 80th Annual Edition (published by Schnell Publishing Co.). Typically, multiple fragrance ingredients are present in the composition of the present invention.

[0091] pH corrector A pH modifier may be incorporated to produce a desired pH.

[0092] The pH of the compositions used in the methods of the present invention is preferably less than 4.5, more preferably less than 4, and even more preferably between 1.5 and 3.8. Alkalis or acids known to those skilled in the art of laundry product manufacturing may be added, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, or sodium or potassium silicate, or acids such as hydrochloric acid. pH modifiers that add buffering capacity may be particularly preferred.

[0093] pearlescent agent Pearlescent agents as described in WO 2011 / 163457 may be incorporated into the compositions of the present invention.

[0094] Preferred liquid compositions for use in the process of the present invention are: a) about 0.05 to about 4.5% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 7% by weight of the composition, preferably about 8 to about 35% by weight, more preferably about 9 to about 30% by weight of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof, and preferably the organic acid comprises a mixture of citric acid and formic acid.

[0095] Preferred solid compositions for use in the process of the present invention are: a) about 2 to about 10% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 7% by weight, preferably about 8 to about 70% by weight, more preferably 9 to 65% by weight of the composition of citric acid.

[0096] Preferred compositions in the form of ready-to-use compositions are: a) from about 0.001% to about 0.1% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 0.01%, preferably from about 0.015% to about 0.7%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight of the composition of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof; preferably, the acidifying agent comprises citric acid. [Example]

[0097] Example 1 bacterial preparation Frozen glycerol bacterial stocks were plated onto tryptone soy agar plates (TSA) using an inoculation loop and incubated at 32-35°C for 24 hours, after which an additional pass was made onto a new TSA plate to generate a working bacterial suspension for testing the bacteriostatic efficacy of the compositions used in the methods of the present invention.

[0098] A working bacterial suspension was prepared by transferring several colonies from the agar plate into sterile saline (0.85% NaCl). The bacterial concentration was adjusted to 10^8 CFU / ml by measuring the OD at 425 nm using a spectrophotometer. This bacterial suspension was further diluted to 10^5 CFU / ml using Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB). For samples tested under over-soiling conditions, the bacterial suspension was supplemented with 5% horse serum.

[0099] Fabric Preparation / Pretreatment Cotton fabric swatches were washed and sterilized as described in Standard Test Method for the Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants ASTM E2274.

[0100] Three test swatches were combined with fabric ballast to create 1.69 g fabric bundles per test leg, a 30 ml solution of each test sample was prepared at the indicated concentration and water hardness and added to a 50 ml centrifuge tube, the prepared 1.69 g fabric bundle was added to the centrifuge tube, and the tube was placed in a Stuart Rotator and agitated at 40 rpm for the indicated time to replicate the duration of a rinse cycle.

[0101] The treated test fabrics were transferred to wells of a sterile 12-well microtiter plate with sterile tweezers and allowed to dry for approximately 1 hour. Once dry, each test fabric was inoculated with 20 μL of the bacterial suspension prepared above. The inoculated test fabrics were incubated at 32°C and constant humidity for 18 to 24 hours. Three fabrics were prepared for each test leg. A reference fabric was treated according to the same protocol with water of the same hardness as the test samples.

[0102] Determination of bacterial growth inhibitory efficacy: Three test and reference swatches for each test and reference sample were transferred to vials containing 10 ml of neutralizing agent (Letheen Broth), and each vial was vortexed at high speed for 30 seconds to extract bacteria from the fabric. Serial 1:10 dilutions were prepared in the neutralizing agent, and 100 μL of each dilution was plated onto 55 mm TSA plates by spreading it across the plate using a sterile spreader. The plates were incubated at 32°C for 18–24 hours.

[0103] Bacterial growth prevention efficacy was determined by subtracting the number of bacteria extracted from the test sample from the number of bacteria extracted from the reference sample. Bacterial counts were determined by counting the CFU extracted from the test and reference samples. The total CFU present in the test and reference swatches was calculated by multiplying the counted CFU present on each plate by the dilution of the plated solution and converting this number to a logarithmic scale. Bacteriostatic efficacy = LogCFUreference - LogCFUTest

[0104] The formulations shown in Table 1 below were prepared and their antibacterial efficacy was tested as described in the above method following the guidance of JIS 1902 "Testing for antibacterial activity and efficacy on textile products".

[0105] The compositions were diluted to the indicated concentrations before testing in the method of the present invention. Fabrics were treated with the diluted compositions for the indicated times. The fabrics were not rinsed after treatment with the compositions. After treatment, the fabrics were inoculated with 10^5 CFU / ml of bacteria, Salmonella enterica ATCC 10708, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, or Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, prepared in Tryptone Soy Broth, and incubated for 18 to 24 hours. Reference fabrics were prepared in the same manner but treated with water. Log reductions were measured against the reference fabrics by extracting the bacteria from the fabric in Letheen Broth. Viable bacteria were quantified by dilution, plating, and colony counting according to standard microbiological techniques.

[0106] All ingredients in the compositions are active weight percent.

[0107] [Table 1] (1) 2-Ethylhexyl PO5EO6 alkyl alkoxylate. Ecosurf EH 6. Dow (2) Chinosan HP100. BASF (3) Products were dosed V / V and the ppm values ​​shown were obtained by multiplying the volume of each product by its density. (4) AOAC hard water as defined in ASTM E2274 Industrial Standards (5) 5% horse serum NT - Not tested

[0108] The data presented in Table 1 show that fabrics treated according to the method of the present invention with aqueous liquors obtained by diluting compositions A-I and having at least 100 ppm of acidifying agent and anionic surfactant exhibit very high bacteriostatic efficacy, ranging from log 2.8 to log 6.8, while fabrics treated with aqueous liquors obtained by diluting comparative compositions C1, C2 and C3, which provide less than 100 ppm of acidifying agent, do not exhibit measurable bacteriostatic efficacy.

[0109] Example 2 Fabric Preparation / Pretreatment Cotton fabric swatches were washed, cut into 3.8 cm x 3.8 cm squares, and sterilized as described in Standard Test Method for the Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants ASTM E 2274. For each test leg, four test swatches weighing approximately 1 g were placed in sterile 50 mL centrifuge tubes, and 18 ml of each test sample solution was added to the centrifuge tube containing the fabric.

[0110] Each test sample solution was prepared by adding 142.8 μL of the composition shown in Table 2 below to 100 ml of 3 gpg water. The tubes were placed in a Stuart Rotator and agitated at 40 rpm for 10 minutes. A reference fabric treated with 3 gpg water was prepared in the same manner. 3 gpg water was prepared by dissolving 56.79 g of CaCl2·2H2O and 26.13 g of MgCl2·6H2O in 1 L of deionized water and further diluting 0.5 ml of this solution with 1 L of deionized water.

[0111] The treated test fabric was transferred to a sterile 250 ml glass bottle using sterile forceps and allowed to dry with the lid ajar for 2 hours before being inoculated with bacteria to assess bacteriostatic efficacy.

[0112] Determination of bacteriostatic efficacy: The ability of the treated fabrics to prevent bacterial growth was evaluated according to the industry standard method AATCC 100 for determining the antimicrobial efficacy of textile materials.

[0113] [Table 2] (1) C12-C14 EO7-9 Alcohol Alkoxylate

[0114] The data presented in Table 2 show that fabrics treated according to the method of the present invention with aqueous solutions obtained by diluting compositions J-P and having at least 100 ppm of acidifying agent and anionic surfactant exhibit bacteriostatic efficacy of at least a log 2 reduction of Salmonella enterica as measured according to industry standard method AATCC 100. Fabrics treated with compositions containing greater than 1% formic acid exhibit the highest bacteriostatic efficacy of up to a log 5.5 reduction. Preferably, the ratio of citric acid to formic acid is 150:5, more preferably 100:2, and even more preferably 50:3.

[0115] Tables 3, 4 and 5 show compositions suitable for use in the methods of the present invention.

[0116] [Table 3] (1) C12-C14 EO7-9 Alcohol Alkoxylate (2) 2-Ethylhexyl POEO alkyl alkoxylate. Ecosurf EH 9. Dow (3) Repel-o-tex or Texcare polymer

[0117] [Table 4] (4) Organic silicone surfactants such as Silwet surfactants.

[0118] [Table 5]

[0119] "Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm." This specification discloses the following inventions. [1] 1. A method for treating a fabric, comprising a treating step of subjecting the fabric to an aqueous solution comprising an anionic surfactant and about 100 ppm to about 7,000 ppm of an acidifying agent, wherein the treating step is not followed by a rinsing step. [2] The processing step i) completely immersing the fabric in the aqueous liquid; or ii) spraying the fabric with the aqueous liquid. [3] The method according to [1] or [2], wherein the treating step involves completely immersing the fabric in the aqueous liquid, and the treating step is carried out in the final rinse cycle of a washing machine. [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the aqueous liquid has a pH of less than 4.5, preferably less than 4, more preferably 1.5 to 3.8, measured at 25°C. [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof. [6] The method according to any one of claims [1] to [3] or [5], wherein the acidifying agent comprises an organic acid, preferably an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, itaconic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof. [7] The method according to any one of claims [1] to [3] or [5] and [6], wherein the acidifying agent comprises citric acid and formic acid. [8] The method according to any one of [1] to [3] or [5] to [7], wherein the aqueous liquid contains at least 10 ppm of anionic surfactant, preferably about 15 ppm to about 1,000 ppm of anionic surfactant. [9] The method according to any one of [1] to [3] or [5] to [8], wherein the weight ratio of the acidifying agent to the anionic surfactant in the aqueous liquid is about 800:1 to about 0.5:1, preferably about 650:1 to about 0.8:1, and more preferably about 600:1 to about 1:1.

[10] The method of any of [1] to [3] or [5] to [9], wherein the aqueous liquid comprises one or more additional components selected from the group consisting of additional surfactants, hydrotropes, wetting agents, dyes, additional antimicrobial actives, suds suppressors, solvents, complexing agents, soil release polymers, viscosity modifiers, structuring agents, fragrances, pH adjusters, optical brighteners, encapsulated actives, and mixtures thereof.

[11] The method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the aqueous liquid contains an additional surfactant including a nonionic surfactant, preferably an alcohol alkoxylate surfactant.

[12] The method according to any one of [1] to [3] or [5] to

[11] , wherein the aqueous liquid is formed by diluting or dissolving the composition in water to a concentration of 0.01 to 99.5% of the initial concentration of the composition before treating the fabric.

[13] the composition is in liquid form; a) from about 0.05 to about 4.5% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 7%, preferably about 8 to about 35%, more preferably about 9 to about 30% by weight of the composition of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof; c) optionally, about 0.5 to about 3% by weight of the composition of an additional surfactant, preferably a nonionic surfactant, more preferably an alcohol alkoxylate surfactant.

[14] the composition is in solid form; a) about 1 to about 10% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 7% by weight of the composition, preferably about 8 to about 70% by weight, more preferably 9 to 65% by weight of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, itaconic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[15] the composition is in the form of a ready-to-use spray, a) from about 0.001% to about 0.1% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 0.01% by weight of the composition, preferably about 0.015% to about 0.7% by weight, more preferably about 0.1% to about 0.6% by weight of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A method of treating fabrics, comprising a treating step of subjecting said fabrics to an aqueous liquor comprising an anionic surfactant and 100 ppm to 7,000 ppm of an acidifying agent, said treating step not being followed by a rinsing removal step; the weight ratio of acidifying agent to anionic surfactant in the aqueous liquid is from 800:1 to 146:45; The method wherein the aqueous liquid has a pH of less than 4 measured at 25°C.

2. The processing step i) completely immersing the fabric in the aqueous liquid; or ii) spraying the fabric with the aqueous liquid.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the treating step involves complete immersion of the fabric in the aqueous liquid, and the treating step is performed in a final rinse step of a washing machine immediately prior to drying the fabric.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous liquid has a pH of 1.5 to 3.8 measured at 25°C.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the acidifying agent comprises an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, itaconic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the acidifying agent comprises citric acid and formic acid.

8. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous liquid comprises 15 ppm to 1,000 ppm of anionic surfactant.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of acidifying agent to anionic surfactant in the aqueous liquid is from 600:1 to 146:

45.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous liquid comprises one or more additional ingredients selected from the group consisting of additional surfactants, hydrotropes, wetting agents, dyes, additional antimicrobial actives, suds suppressors, solvents, complexing agents, soil release polymers, viscosity modifiers, structurants, fragrances, pH adjusters, optical brighteners, encapsulated actives, and mixtures thereof.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the aqueous liquid comprises an additional surfactant comprising a non-ionic surfactant.

12. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein, prior to treating the fabric, the aqueous liquid is formed by diluting or dissolving a composition comprising the anionic surfactant and the acidifying agent in water to a concentration of 0.01 to 99.5% of the initial concentration of the composition.

13. the composition is in liquid form; a) 0.05 to 4.5% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 7% by weight of the composition of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof; c) optionally, 0.5 to 3% by weight of the composition of a nonionic surfactant.

14. the composition is in solid form; a) 1 to 10% by weight of the composition of an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 7% by weight of the composition of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, itaconic acid, benzoic acid, and mixtures thereof.

15. the composition is in the form of a ready-to-use spray, a) 0.001% to 0.1%, by weight of the composition, of an anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl ethoxy sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl benzene sulfonic acids, and mixtures thereof; b) at least 0.01% by weight of the composition of an acidifying agent selected from the group consisting of formic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, sorbic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, octanoic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, itaconic acid, and mixtures thereof.

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