Sprayable cleaning composition

Abstract

To provide a sprayable cleaning composition that provides high cleaning performance, particularly high cleaning performance for removing dirt and / or oily soils, and that minimizes the negative effects associated with product splashback and / or product overspray. The present invention relates to a sprayable cleaning composition comprising a surfactant system, a hydrotrope, and a specific glycol ether solvent, the surfactant system and the glycol ether solvent being present in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 1:5, the composition being substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging when sprayed from a spray dispenser.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sprayable cleaning composition. Specifically, the present invention relates to a sprayable cleaning composition comprising a surfactant system, a hydrotrope, and a particular glycol ether solvent, wherein the surfactant system and the glycol ether solvent are present in a weight ratio of 5:1 to 1:5. Preferably, the composition is substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging to the consumer when sprayed from a spray dispenser. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, hand washing dishes has typically been done by adding detergent to a water bath in a filled sink and soaking / scrubbing dishes in the detergent bath. A more efficient hand washing method desired by consumers is to hand wash dishes as soon as they are finished using them rather than waiting until the dishes are full. This method involves washing one item or a small number of items at a time. This type of washing method is usually done under running water using a cleaning implement (e.g., a sponge). The washing must be done quickly and with minimal effort from the consumer.

[0003] One challenge with this approach is that the degree and type of soiling on dishes varies greatly depending on how the dishes are used. As a result, there is a high risk of overusing the product because enough product must be used to ensure that dishes with the most stubborn stains (e.g., baked-on, cooking, and / or burnt-on stains) are adequately cleaned, thereby requiring more time to rinse the dishes and cleaning equipment. Another challenge with this approach is that the time required to properly mix the detergent with the water and sponge can slow the cleaning process.

[0004] It is desirable to find more efficient ways to clean dishes by this method. One such method for achieving fast cleaning is to apply spray dishwashing detergent directly to the soiled dishes. Spray products are highly popular with consumers because they allow for direct and controlled application of the product during the dishwashing process, thereby reducing the problems mentioned above. However, a major problem with spray dishwashing detergents is that the product can bounce off the surface when sprayed, which can cause irritation / stinging to the skin, eyes, nose, and / or throat of consumers. Another problem with spray dishwashing detergents is overspray of the product. "Overspray" refers to the dispersion of fine particles into the surrounding air when sprayed. Thus, such bounce or overspray can result in wasted product and / or the risk of consumers inhaling the product. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a continuing need for sprayable cleaning compositions that provide enhanced cleaning performance, particularly for removing dirt and / or oily soils. There is also a need for sprayable cleaning compositions that minimize the negative effects associated with product splashback and / or product overspray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sprayable cleaning composition. The composition is suitable for cleaning any type of surface, but preferably the composition is a hand dishwashing cleaning composition, preferably in liquid form. The composition is suitable for spraying and is preferably a foaming composition. The sprayable cleaning composition is substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging to the consumer when sprayed for use during the dishwashing process.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleaning soiled dishes, comprising the steps of: a) optionally pre-wetting the soiled dishes; b) spraying the cleaning composition of the present invention onto the soiled dishes; c) optionally adding water to the soiled dishes for a predetermined time, preferably between 1 and 30 seconds; d) optionally scrubbing the dish; e) rinsing the dish; Preferably, it relates to a method for removing cooked, baked or burnt stains, preferably oily stains, from soiled tableware.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and the sprayable cleaning composition of the present invention, the composition contained within the spray dispenser.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a sprayable cleaning composition of the present invention to produce a composition that is substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging when the composition is sprayed.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a sprayable cleaning composition of the present invention that can exhibit good cleaning properties, specifically good cleaning properties for easy and / or hard-to-remove soils and / or removal of oily soils. Another object of the present invention is to provide not only high cleaning properties but also fast cleaning properties, preferably reducing the amount of scrubbing effort required by consumers. Therefore, the composition of the present invention is particularly suitable for washing dishes under a tap.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide such sprayable cleaning compositions of the present invention that can exhibit good foaming properties, in particular, fast foaming and / or, preferably, long-lasting foaming throughout the dishwashing process.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a sprayable cleaning composition that should be easy to spray and easy to rinse off. Preferably, the compositions of the present invention exhibit excellent phase stability for consumer acceptance.

[0013] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] definition As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" used in the claims are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0015] As used herein, the term "comprising" means that steps and ingredients other than those specifically mentioned can be added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

[0016] As used herein, the term "tableware" includes, by way of non-limiting example, cookware and tableware made from ceramic, china, metal, glass, plastic (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene), and wood.

[0017] As used herein, the term "greasy soil" refers to a material that is at least partially (i.e., at least 0.5% by weight of the greasy soil) composed of saturated and unsaturated fats and oils, preferably derived from animal sources such as beef, pork, and / or chicken.

[0018] The terms "include," "includes," and "including" are meant to be non-limiting.

[0019] As used herein, the term "spray dispenser" refers to a container comprising a housing for containing the composition and a means for spraying the composition. A preferred spraying means is a trigger spray. Preferably, the composition foams when sprayed, as foaming is a property that consumers associate with effective cleaning performance.

[0020] As used herein, the term "stinging" means a burning or stinging sensation on the skin, or in the eyes, nose, or throat, caused by contact of the user with a sprayed or atomized cleaning composition.

[0021] As used herein, the term "substantially non-irritating" refers to a cleansing composition that does not induce a noticeable itching sensation on the user's skin, or eyes, nose, or throat upon contact with the sprayed or atomized composition. For example, the term refers to a cleansing composition that is relatively non-lacrimatory (i.e., non-tearing, tear-free).

[0022] As used herein, the term "substantially non-stinging" refers to a cleaning composition that does not cause a noticeable stinging sensation to a user upon contact with the sprayed or atomized composition and may be characterized by a stinging potential value, as measured by the methods described herein, of at most 2, preferably at most 1. As used herein, the term "substantially reduces or prevents" means that the components of the cleaning composition (partially) alleviate (e.g., reduce) the stinging sensation on the skin, or eyes, nose, or throat of the user.

[0023] As used herein, the term "sudsing profile" refers to a property of a sprayable cleaning composition that relates to the characteristics of foam during the dishwashing process. For example, the sudsing profile of a composition includes, but is not limited to, the volume of foam generated when the composition is applied to soiled dishes and the retention rate of foam during the dishwashing process. Preferably, the sprayable cleaning composition produces high sudsing and / or persistent foam.

[0024] It will be understood that the test methods disclosed in the Test Methods section of this application must be used to determine the values ​​of each of the parameters of Applicants' inventions described and claimed herein.

[0025] In all aspects of the present invention, unless specifically stated otherwise, as is clear from the context, all percentages are by weight of the total composition, all ratios are by weight unless specifically stated otherwise, and all measurements are made at 25°C unless otherwise specified.

[0026] Cleaning Composition Applicants have surprisingly discovered a novel method for formulating sprayable cleaning compositions that provide good cleaning and / or grease removal, including good cleaning of easy and / or hard-to-clean soils, and are particularly suitable for spraying the compositions to clean dishes. Applicants have found that sprayable cleaning compositions containing glycol ether solvents can cause irritation and / or stinging to consumers from product rebounding from surfaces and / or product overspray during spraying. Problems arise when the glycol ether solvent reaches a critical mass and associates to form solvation spheres that can cause irritation and / or stinging on the consumer's skin, eyes, nose, or throat. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the introduction of a hydrotrope in accordance with the present invention disrupts these glycol ether solvation spheres, thereby reducing the risk of stinging in sprayable compositions containing such glycol ethers. Furthermore, glycol ethers have also been found to adversely affect the physical stability profile (i.e., phase separation upon storage) of cleaning compositions, particularly when formulated with polysaccharides such as xanthan gum and stored at elevated temperatures. The addition of a hydrotrope has also been found to improve the physical stability profile of compositions containing glycol ether solvents, again by preventing the formation of glycol ether solvation spheres within the composition.

[0027] In particular, in one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises: i) from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition, preferably from 5% to 15% by weight, more preferably from 7% to 12% by weight of a surfactant system comprising an anionic surfactant and a co-surfactant, the co-surfactant being selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, preferably comprising an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant, more preferably comprising an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant, preferably wherein the alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant has an average degree of ethoxylation of from 2 to 5; ii) 0.5% to 10%, preferably 1% to 5%, more preferably 1.5% to 3% by weight of the composition of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof, preferably sodium cumene sulfonate; iii) a glycol ether solvent, preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the composition, preferably from 3% to 7% by weight of the glycol ether solvent, preferably a) Formula (I): R 1 O(R 2 O) m R 3 (In the formula, R 1 is a straight or branched chain C4, C5, or C6 alkyl or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, and R 2 is ethyl or isopropyl, and R 3 is hydrogen or methyl, and m is 1, 2, or 3, preferably 1 or 2; b) Formula (II): R 4 O(R 5 O) n R 6 (In the formula, R 4 is n-propyl or isopropyl, and R 5 is isopropyl, and R 6 is hydrogen or methyl, and n is 1, 2, or 3, preferably 1 or 2; c) Formula (III): R 7 O(R 8 O) p R 9 (In the formula, R 7 is methyl or ethyl, and R 8 is ethyl or isopropyl, and R 9 is hydrogen or methyl, preferably hydrogen, and p is 1, 2, or 3, preferably 1 or 2; d) Formula (IV): R 10 O(R 11 O) q R 12 (In the formula, R 10 is n-propyl or isopropyl, preferably n-propyl, and R11 is ethyl, and R 12 is hydrogen or methyl, preferably hydrogen, and q is 1, 2, or 3, preferably 1 or 2; and e) mixtures thereof, preferably formula (I), formula (II), and mixtures thereof, preferably formula (I) and mixtures thereof; and a glycol ether solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers of The surfactant system and the glycol ether solvent are present in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5, preferably from 5:1 to 1:1, more preferably from 3:1 to 1:1.

[0028] Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention provide good cleaning, including cleaning of food stains such as cooking stains, baked-on stains, and burnt-on stains, as well as good cleaning of light oily stains. The compositions of the present invention not only provide outstanding cleaning, but also provide very fast cleaning, thereby reducing the amount of scrubbing required by the consumer. Therefore, the compositions of the present invention are particularly suitable for washing dishes under a faucet. When dishes are only lightly soiled, the compositions of the present invention provide very good cleaning with little or no scrubbing. Dishes can be washed simply by spraying the composition, followed by rinsing with water, optionally assisted by a light wiping motion. For heavily soiled dishes, the compositions of the present invention are very useful for facilitating stain removal if the dish is pre-treated with the composition. Pre-treatment typically involves leaving the undiluted composition on the soiled dish.

[0029] Compositions having the claimed concentrations of hydrotrope, when sprayed, can adequately cover dishes with minimal overspray, thereby preventing product waste or the risk of inhalation. The hydrotrope appears to help reduce the irritating and / or stinging properties of the composition. The sprayed product generated upon spraying the compositions of the present invention is strong enough to effectively clean grease stains, yet at the same time does not cause irritation and / or stinging to the consumer due to splashback from the surface and / or overspray of the product upon spraying. Furthermore, the hydrotrope has been found to have a positive impact on the physical stability profile of the composition.

[0030] The composition of the present invention preferably comprises from 0.5% to 10%, preferably from 1% to 5%, more preferably from 1.5% to 3% by weight of the composition of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof, preferably sodium cumene sulfonate.

[0031] The compositions of the present invention have a surfactant system comprising an anionic surfactant and a co-surfactant, which has been found to be very good in terms of cleaning and foaming. These compositions have also been found to be very good in terms of spray pattern. When the surfactant system of the compositions of the present invention comprises an anionic surfactant, the presence of small droplets (i.e., the risk of inhalation) is minimized. As used herein, a co-surfactant is a surfactant present in the composition in a small amount relative to the primary surfactant. As used herein, a primary surfactant is the surfactant present in the composition in the highest amount. The surfactant system is believed to aid in cleaning and / or foam generation. The foam generated when the compositions of the present invention are sprayed is strong enough to withstand impact upon contact with the item being cleaned, yet the composition is easy to rinse.

[0032] Preferably, the anionic surfactant is an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant. It has been found that alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactants having an average ethoxylation degree of 2 to 5, preferably 3, perform more effectively in terms of detergency and / or cleaning speed than other ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants having a lower ethoxylation degree. When the alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant is a mixture, the average alkoxylation degree is the molar average alkoxylation degree of all components of the mixture (i.e., the molar average alkoxylation degree). The calculation of the molar average alkoxylation degree should also include the weight of sulfate anionic surfactant components that do not have alkoxylate groups. Molar average degree of alkoxylation = (x1 * Alkoxylation degree of surfactant 1 + x2 * Alkoxylation degree of surfactant 2 +....) / (x1 + x2 +....) where x1, x2, ... are the number of moles of each sulfate anionic surfactant in the mixture, and the degree of alkoxylation is the number of alkoxy groups in each sulfate anionic surfactant.

[0033] When the surfactant is branched, the preferred branching group is alkyl. Typically, the alkyl is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, cyclic alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof. Single or multiple alkyl branches may be present on the hydrocarbyl backbone of the starting alcohol used to make the sulfate anionic surfactant used in the compositions of the present invention.

[0034] The branched sulfate anionic surfactant can be a single anionic surfactant or a mixture of anionic surfactants, in which case the percent branching refers to the weight percent of hydrocarbyl chains that are branched in the original alcohol from which the surfactant is derived.

[0035] For surfactant mixtures, the branching percentage is weight average and is determined by the following formula: Weight average of branches (%) = [(x1 * Wt% of branched alcohol 1 in alcohol 1 + x2 * (wt% of branched alcohol 2 in alcohol 2 + ....) / (x1 + x2 + ....) × 100 where x1 and x2 are the weights in grams of each alcohol in the total alcohol mixture used as starting materials for the anionic surfactants of the detergent of the present invention.

[0036] The weight average degree of branching should also include the weight of anionic surfactant components that do not have branching groups. When the surfactant system comprises a branched anionic surfactant, the surfactant system comprises at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and preferably at least 70% by weight of the surfactant system of branched anionic surfactant, and more preferably the branched anionic surfactant comprises more than 50% by weight of alkyl ethoxylated sulfates having an average degree of ethoxylation of 2 to 5 and preferably a branching level of 5% to 40%.

[0037] Suitable sulfate surfactants for use herein include water-soluble salts of C8-C18 alkyl, preferably C8-C18 alkyl with more than 50% by weight of the C8-C18 alkyl being C12-C14 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, sulfates and / or ether sulfates. Suitable counterions include alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, alkanolammonium, or ammonium or substituted ammonium, preferably sodium.

[0038] The sulfate surfactant may be selected from C8-C18 alkyl alkoxy sulfates (AExS), where preferably x is 1 to 30 and the alkoxy group may be selected from ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, or even higher alkoxy groups, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred for use herein are alkyl ethoxy sulfates having an average alkyl carbon chain length of C12 to C14 and an average degree of ethoxylation of 2 to 5, preferably 3.

[0039] Alkyl alkoxy sulfates of various chain lengths, degrees of ethoxylation, and branching are commercially available, including Neodol alcohols from Shell, Lial-Isalcheml and Safol from Sasol, and natural alcohol-based sulfates from Procter & Gamble Chemicals.

[0040] Preferably, the co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the amphoteric surfactant is an amine oxide. Preferably, the amine oxide is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched alkylamine oxides, linear or branched alkylamidopropylamine oxides, and combinations thereof; preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is a linear alkyldimethylamine oxide; more preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear C10 alkyldimethylamine oxides, linear C12-C14 alkyldimethylamine oxides, and mixtures thereof; most preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is a linear C12-C14 alkyldimethylamine oxide.

[0041] Other suitable co-surfactants include zwitterionic surfactants, preferably betaines, such as alkylbetaines, alkylamidobetaines, amidazolinium betaines, sulfobetaines (INCI sultaines) and phosphobetaines, and preferably satisfy the following formula (V): R1-[CO-X(CH2)n]x-N+(R2)(R3)-(CH2)m-[CH(OH)-CH2]yY- (V) (In the formula, R1 is a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl residue, preferably a C8-18 alkyl residue, particularly a saturated C10-16 alkyl residue, for example, a saturated C12-14 alkyl residue; X is NH, NR4 (with C1-4 alkyl residue R4), O, or S; n is a number from 1 to 10, preferably from 2 to 5, in particular 3; x is 0 or 1, preferably 1; R2, R3 are independently a C1-4 alkyl residue, which may be hydroxy-substituted, such as hydroxyethyl, preferably methyl, m is a number from 1 to 4, in particular 1, 2 or 3; y is 0 or 1, Y is COO, SO3, OPO(OR5)O or P(O)(OR5)O, whereby R5 is a hydrogen atom H or a C1-4 alkyl residue).

[0042] Preferred betaines are the alkyl betaines of formula (Va), the alkylamidopropyl betaines of formula (Vb), the sulfobetaines of formula (Vc), and the amidosulfobetaines of formula (Vd).

[0043] [Table 1] In this, R1 has the same meaning as in formula (V). Particularly preferred betaines are carbobetaines [wherein Y-=COO-], in particular carbobetaines of formula (Va) and formula (Vb), more preferably alkylamidobetaines of formula (Vb).

[0044] Examples of suitable betaines and sulfobetaines are almondamidopropyl betaine, apricotamidopropyl betaine, avocadoamidopropyl betaine, babassuamidopropyl betaine, behenamidopropyl betaine, behenyl betaine, betaine, canolaamidopropyl betaine, capryl / capramidopropyl betaine, carnitine, cetyl betaine, cocamidoethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocamidopropyl hydroxysul ... Cobetaine, Coco Hydroxysultaine, Coco / Oleamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Sultaine, Decyl Betaine, Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Soy Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Stearyl Glycinate, Dihydroxyethyl Tallow Glycinate, PG-Propyl Dimethicone, Erucamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Hydrogenated Tallow Betaine, Isostearamidopropyl Betaine, Lauramidopropyl Betaine The following are listed in accordance with INCI: betaine, lauryl betaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine, lauryl sultaine, milkamidopropyl betaine, minkamidopropyl betaine, myristamidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, oleamidopropyl betaine, oleamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, oleyl betaine, oliamidopropyl betaine, coconutamidopropyl betaine, palmitamidopropyl betaine, palmitoyl carnitine, palm kernelamidopropyl betaine, polytetrafluoroethylene acetoxypropyl betaine, ricinoleamidopropyl betaine, sesamidopropyl betaine, soyamidopropyl betaine, stearamidopropyl betaine, stearyl betaine, tallowamidopropyl betaine, tallowamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, tallow betaine, tallow dihydroxyethyl betaine, undecylenamidopropyl betaine, and wheat germamidopropyl betaine. A preferred betaine is, for example, cocoamidopropyl betaine.

[0045] The co-surfactant is believed to aid in lathering of the compositions of the present invention. Particularly good performing compositions of the present invention are those in which the anionic surfactant and co-surfactant are present in a weight ratio of from 4:1 to 1:1, preferably from 3:1 to 2:1, and most preferably from 2.8:1 to 1.3:1.

[0046] The most preferred surfactant system for the cleaning compositions of the present invention comprises: (1) 4% to 10%, more preferably 5% to 8%, by weight of the composition of an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant, and (2) 1% to 5%, preferably 1% to 4%, by weight of the composition of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, preferably an amine oxide surfactant. It has been confirmed that combining such a surfactant system with the glycol ether of the present invention provides excellent cleaning properties and good foaming properties.

[0047] The composition preferably has a weight ratio of surfactant system to glycol ether of 5:1 to 1:5. The term "surfactant system" includes anionic surfactants and, if present, amphoteric and / or zwitterionic co-surfactant systems. It is believed that compositions having a weight ratio of surfactant system to glycol ether solvent lower than 1:5 tend to foam poorly and / or to undergo phase separation, resulting in physical instability of the product. Compositions having a weight ratio of surfactant system to glycol ether solvent higher than 5:1 are difficult to spray and tend to gel when contacted with oily soils in the presence of the low amounts of water typically present when the products of the present invention are used. Gel formation inhibits spreading of the composition and adversely affects cleaning performance.

[0048] The composition of the present invention may further comprise iv) a nonionic surfactant. Preferably, the composition contains 1% to 15% by weight, preferably 1.5% to 10% by weight, more preferably 2% to 8% by weight, and most preferably 3% to 7% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, preferably selected from alcohol alkoxylate surfactants, preferably alcohol ethoxylate surfactants or mixtures thereof, preferably low-cut to mid-cut alcohol ethoxylate surfactants, more preferably low-cut nonionic surfactants, more preferably C6 alcohol ethoxylate surfactants, preferably C6 alcohol ethoxylate surfactants having an average of 1 to 10 EOs, preferably 3 to 8 EOs, preferably 4 to 6 EOs, and most preferably 5 EOs. Low-cut alcohol ethoxylate surfactants include alcohol ethoxylate surfactants having an average alkyl carbon chain length of C10 or less. Mid-cut alcohol ethoxylate surfactants have an average alkyl carbon chain length of greater than C10 but not greater than C14. The alkyl chain may be linear or branched and may be derived from alcohols of natural or synthetic origin. Suitable nonionic alcohol ethoxylate surfactants include commercially available materials such as Emulan® HE50 or Lutensol® CS6250 (available from BASF).

[0049] The glycol ether solvent is typically present in an amount of 1% to 10% by weight of the composition, preferably 2% to 8% by weight, and most preferably 3% to 7% by weight. The compositions of the present invention comprise a glycol ether solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers of formula (I), (II), (III), (IV), and mixtures thereof, preferably formula (I), (II), and mixtures thereof, more preferably formula (I) and mixtures thereof. These glycol ethers have been found to aid in cleaning, particularly the cleaning of oily soils, as well as the cleaning speed of the composition. The glycol ethers in the products of the present invention can enhance foaming, which is not believed to occur with glycol ethers having formulas other than formula (I), (II), (III), (IV), and mixtures thereof.

[0050] Preferably, the glycol ether solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, and mixtures thereof, most preferably ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] Suitable glycol ether solvents can be purchased from The Dow Chemical Company, more particularly from their lineup of E-series (ethylene glycol-based) glycol ethers and P-series (propylene glycol-based) glycol ethers. Suitable glycol ethers include Hexyl Cellosolve™, Dowanol™ PnB, Dowanol™ DPnB, Butyl Cellosolve™, Dowanol™ DPnP, Dowanol™ PM, Dowanol™ DPM, Propyl Cellosolve™, and mixtures thereof.

[0052] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention further comprise 0.01% to 5%, preferably 0.03% to 3%, more preferably 0.05% to 1%, and most preferably 0.07% to 0.5% by weight of the composition of a thickening agent, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polyalkylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polysaccharides, and mixtures thereof, preferably a polysaccharide, preferably xanthan gum. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that these thickening agents further reduce stinging sensation and allow the composition to adhere better, particularly to vertically oriented surfaces.

[0053] The compositions of the present invention preferably further comprise a chelating agent, preferably an aminocarboxylate chelating agent, more preferably a salt of glutamine-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA). GLDA (its salts and derivatives) is particularly preferred according to the present invention, with its tetrasodium salt being especially preferred. The aminocarboxylate not only acts as a chelating agent, but also contributes reserve alkalinity, which is believed to aid in the cleaning of cooking, baked-on, and burnt-on soils. Preferably, the chelating agent is present at a concentration of 0.1% to 10%, preferably 0.2% to 5%, more preferably 0.2% to 3%, and most preferably 0.5% to 1.5% by weight of the composition.

[0054] The compositions of the present invention preferably further comprise a builder, preferably a citrate salt. When present, the builder is preferably present at a concentration of from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from 0.05% to 1% by weight of the composition. The builder also contributes to reserve alkalinity.

[0055] The compositions of the present invention preferably further comprise bicarbonate, which, if present, is preferably present at a concentration of from 0.01% to 5%, more preferably from 0.025% to 1%, and most preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of the composition.

[0056] The compositions of the present invention preferably further comprise an alkanolamine, preferably monoethanolamine, which, when present, is preferably present at a concentration of from 0.1% to 10%, more preferably from 0.2% to 5%, and most preferably from 0.3% to 1% by weight of the composition.

[0057] The composition of the present invention preferably further comprises 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of C2 to C4 alcohols, C2 to C4 polyols, polyalkylene glycols, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] The compositions herein may be Newtonian or non-Newtonian. If they are Newtonian, they have a viscosity of 1 mPa·s to 50 mPa·s, preferably 1 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s, and more preferably 1 mPa·s to 10 mPa·s, at 20°C, as measured using the method defined herein. Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention may be shear-thinning fluids. This is important so that the compositions can be easily sprayed. The viscosity of the compositions of the present invention should help retain the sprayed fluid on surfaces, particularly vertical surfaces, to provide cleansing properties, while also being easy to rinse off. Particularly preferred are compositions having a viscosity of 1,000 s when measured using the method defined herein. -1a high shear viscosity at 20°C of 1 mPa·s to 50 mPa·s, preferably 1 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s, more preferably 5 mPa·s to 15 mPa·s, and -1 The composition has a low shear viscosity at 20°C of 100 mPa·s to 1000 mPa·s, preferably 200 mPa·s to 500 mPa·s.

[0059] Preferably, the compositions of the present invention have an undiluted pH of 8 to 13, preferably 10 to 11.5 at 20°C. Preferably, the compositions have a reserve alkalinity of 0.1 to 0.3. Reserve alkalinity is defined as the grams of NaOH per 100 g of composition required to titrate a test composition at pH 10 to the pH of the test composition. pH and reserve alkalinity contribute to the cleaning of tough food stains.

[0060] The compositions of the present invention preferably contain water. Water may be added directly to the composition or may be incorporated into the composition together with the raw materials. In either case, the total water content of the compositions herein may comprise 30% to 95% by weight of the total composition, preferably 40% to 90% by weight, and more preferably 50% to 85% by weight.

[0061] The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain many other adjunct ingredients such as conditioning polymers, cleansing polymers, surface modifying polymers, soil flocculating polymers, emollients, humectants, skin rejuvenating actives, enzymes, carboxylic acids, scrubbing particles, bleaches and bleach activators, fragrances, malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, beads, pearlescent particles, microcapsules, inorganic cations such as alkaline earth metals such as Ca / Mg ions, antimicrobial agents, preservatives, viscosity modifiers (e.g., NaCl and other mono-, di-, and trivalent salts), and pH adjusters and buffering means (e.g., carboxylic acids such as citric acid, HCl, NaOH, KOH, alkanolamines, phosphoric and sulfonic acids, carbonates such as sodium carbonate, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, borates, silicates, phosphates, imidazoles, etc.).

[0062] The present invention also relates to a cleaning product, preferably a hand dishwashing cleaning product, comprising a spray dispenser and a sprayable cleaning composition contained within the spray dispenser. The spray dispenser comprises a housing for containing the composition of the present invention and a spraying means. Suitable spray dispensers include hand pump (sometimes referred to as "trigger") devices, pressurized can devices, electrostatic spray devices, etc. Preferably, the spray dispenser is pressurized with a non-solvent propellant and the spraying means is of the trigger-dispensing type. Preferably, the spray dispenser is not pressurized and the spraying means is of the trigger-dispensing type. The sprayable cleaning composition comprises a surfactant system, a hydrotrope, and a specific glycol ether solvent. The product of the present invention simplifies cleaning tasks, particularly hand dishwashing, by making the task easier and faster. The product of the present invention is particularly suitable for hand dishwashing. Preferably, the cleaning product of the present invention comprises a sprayable cleaning composition that, when sprayed from the spray dispenser, is substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging to a consumer's skin, eyes, nose, throat, or a combination thereof.

[0063] Cleaning method According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning soiled dishes using a product according to the present invention, comprising the steps of: a) optionally pre-wetting the soiled dishes; b) spraying the cleaning composition of the present invention onto the soiled dishes; c) optionally adding water to the soiled dishes for a predetermined time, preferably between 1 and 30 seconds; d) optionally scrubbing the dish; and e) Rinse the dishes.

[0064] The method of the present invention allows dishes to be washed more quickly and easily under running water, especially when the dishes are lightly soiled. When dishes are soiled with tough food stains, such as cooking stains, baked-on stains, and burnt-on stains, the method of the present invention facilitates cleaning when the soiled dishes are immersed in the product in its undiluted form or diluted with water.

[0065] Test Method In order that the invention described and claimed herein may be more fully understood, the assays described below should be used.

[0066] Test Method 1: Reserve Alkalinity The reserve alkalinity of a solution is measured as follows: A pH meter (e.g., Orion® Model 720A sold by Thermo Scientific) equipped with an Ag / AgCl electrode (e.g., Orion Sure-Flow Electrode Model 9172BN) is calibrated with standardized pH 7 and pH 10 buffer solutions. 100 g of a 10% solution of the composition to be tested in distilled water at 20° C. is prepared. The pH of the 10% solution is measured and 100 g of the solution is titrated to pH 10 with a standardized solution of 0.1 N HCl. The volume of 0.1 N HCl required for the titration is recorded in mL. The reserve alkalinity is calculated as follows: Reserve alkalinity = mL (0.1 N HCl) x 0.1 (equivalents / liter) x equivalents of NaOH (g / equivalent) x 10

[0067] Test Method 2: Viscosity The rheological profile is measured using a TA instruments DHR1 rheometer (TA instruments, serial number: SN960912) with a flat steel Peltier plate and a 60 mm 2.026° cone-plate configuration. The flow curve method includes a conditioning step and a flow sweep step at 20 °C. The conditioning step consists of a 10 s soak step at 20 °C, followed by a 10 s soak step at 20 °C. -1The flow sweep step consisted of a 10-second pre-shear step at 20°C, followed by a 30-second zero-shear equilibration step at 20°C. -1 From ~3,000s -1 The shear rate is increased logarithmically up to 10 s, with an acquisition rate of 10 points per 10 s, a maximum equilibration time of 200 s, a sample time of 15 s, and a tolerance of 3%.

[0068] When measuring shear-thinning product compositions, high shear viscosity is 1,000 s -1 The low shear viscosity is defined as the shear rate of 0.1 s -1 The product composition of a Newtonian fluid is defined as a shear rate of 1000s -1 The shear rate at is recorded.

[0069] Test method 3: Prickling sensation test The purpose of the stinging test is to compare the level of stinging and / or irritation experienced by subjects by the test composition after spray application with that of a comparative composition. After spraying the test composition onto the vertical wall of a clean, dry stainless steel sink, the stinging performance of the test composition is evaluated by panelists selected from personnel trained to evaluate stinging performance according to the following scale: The test is repeated for the comparative composition. The test is conducted in a laboratory controlled under standard conditions of approximately 20°C and approximately 40% humidity.

[0070] Spray bottle preparation: Any type of spray bottle can be used for the stinging evaluation (e.g., Flairosol® type spray bottles available from AFA Dispensing Group (The Netherlands)). However, the same type of spray bottle must be used to test the test and comparative compositions.

[0071] Prior to testing, the spray bottle nozzle is primed by spraying five times with the test composition into a separate sink located at least 5 meters away from the test sink. This priming procedure is performed to ensure that the spray nozzle is free of air and liquid contamination. This priming procedure also helps ensure that the spray nozzle is not clogged and that the spray pattern is relatively consistent and predictable.

[0072] Stinging Sensation Test: The spray bottle is held in a vertical position approximately 15 cm from the vertical wall of the test sink (40 cm x 40 cm footprint, 24 cm height) to ensure the reservoir is in a vertical position and the spray mechanism can be used to spray all of the test composition. Eight sprays of the test composition are administered, with the sprays landing successively on top of each other at a spray frequency of one spray per second. All sprayed compositions are allowed to hit the vertical wall. Immediately after the last spray, the panelist is asked to place their nose approximately 5 cm from the wall of the sink, above the sprayed area, and inhale normally for 5 seconds. The panelist is asked to return to an upright position and immediately rate the sensation / odor detected according to the following classification scale: The sink is thoroughly rinsed with plenty of water to ensure no residual fragrance or chemical remains before testing a new composition. Allow at least 15 minutes between different test compositions, and avoid testing more than four compositions in a half-day period to avoid nasal saturation. Repeat the above steps for the comparative composition.

[0073] The irritation and / or tingling sensation is rated by panelists on the following scale:

[0074] [Table 2] [Example]

[0075] The following examples are given to further illustrate the present invention and should not be construed as limiting thereof, since many variations of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0076] Example 1: Evaluation of Sting / Irritation and Stability of Cleansing Compositions Containing Glycol Ethers in the Presence or Absence of Hydrotropes The following cleaning compositions are prepared by mixing the ingredients shown in Table 2 in a standard manner. Various glycol ethers, as listed in Table 3, are added to the inventive and comparative compositions. Inventive Compositions 1-8 are non-limiting examples of cleaning compositions according to the present invention and are made with various glycol ethers and hydrotropes. In parallel, comparative compositions 1-8 are prepared by replacing the hydrotrope with an equal amount of deionized water.

[0077] The resulting compositions, including the inventive composition (containing a hydrotrope according to the present invention) and the comparative composition (not containing a hydrotrope according to the present invention), are evaluated according to the sting test method described herein. The sting test results are summarized in Table 3.

[0078] The resulting compositions are also evaluated for their physical stability (i.e., the presence or absence of phase separation) when the compositions are exposed to extreme temperatures. Each composition is stored at 50°C for one week, and a visual evaluation of their physical stability is performed at the end of the test period. If a single, homogeneous liquid phase (i.e., no clear phase separation) is visually observed, the composition is rated as "stable." If phase separation is visually evident, the composition is rated as "not stable." The results of the physical stability testing are also summarized in Table 3 below.

[0079] [Table 3] 1 % by weight of active ingredient relative to the total weight of the composition. 2 AE3S is a C12-C13 alkyl ethoxylate sulfate with an average degree of ethoxylation of 3. 3 It may be any one of the glycol ethers in Table 3. 4 It is commercially available from Akzo Nobel under the trade name Dissolvine® 47S. 5 Polypropylene glycol (molecular weight 2000).

[0080] Results: The following table shows the stinging / irritation performance and physical stability of the inventive and comparative compositions. The results clearly demonstrate that the inventive compositions containing the inventive hydrotrope exhibit substantially reduced stinging / irritation and improved physical stability compared to the comparative compositions (Compositions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8) that do not contain the inventive hydrotrope. The addition of the inventive hydrotrope also does not adversely affect formulations that already have acceptable stinging and physical stability profiles (Compositions 4, 6, and 7). Compositions 4, 6, and 7 are reference examples.

[0081] [Table 4]

[0082] Dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not 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."

Claims

1. A hand dishwashing cleaning composition for spraying to clean dishes, comprising: i) from 2% to 15%, by weight of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition, of an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant, wherein the alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant and the amine oxide surfactant are present in a weight ratio of from 4:1 to 1:1; ii) 0.5% to 10%, by weight of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition, of a hydrotrope selected from the group consisting of sodium cumene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and mixtures thereof; iii) 1% to 10% by weight of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition of a glycol ether solvent, a) Formula (I): R １ O (R ２ O) ｍ R ３ (In the formula, R １ is a straight or branched chain C4, C5, or C6 alkyl; R ２ is isopropyl, and R ３ is hydrogen and m is 1, 2, or 3; b) Formula (II): R ４ O (R ５ O) ｎ R ６ (In the formula, R ４ is n-propyl or isopropyl, and R ５ is isopropyl, and R ６ is hydrogen and n is 1, 2, or 3; c) Formula (IV): R １０ O (R １１ O) ｑ R １２ (In the formula, R １０ is n-propyl or isopropyl, and R １１ is ethyl, and R １２ is hydrogen and q is 1, 2, or 3; and d) mixtures thereof; and a glycol ether solvent selected from the group consisting of glycol ethers of the alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant and the amine oxide surfactant and the glycol ether solvent are present in a weight ratio of from 3:1 to 1:1; The hand dishwashing cleaning composition has an undiluted pH range of 8 to 13 at 20°C.

2. 2. The hand dishwashing cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of linear or branched chain alkyl amine oxides, linear or branched chain alkylamidopropyl amine oxides, and mixtures thereof.

3. 3. The hand dishwashing detergent composition according to claim 1, wherein the glycol ether solvent is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

4. iv) from 1% to 15% by weight of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition of a nonionic surfactant selected from C6 alcohol alkoxylate surfactants having an average of 4 to 6 EOs.

5. The hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising 0.01% to 5% by weight of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition of a thickener.

6. 6. The hand dishwashing cleaning composition of claim 1, further comprising from 0.01% to 5% by weight of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of C2 to C4 alcohols, C2 to C4 polyols, polyalkylene glycols, and mixtures thereof.

7. The hand dishwashing cleaning composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the hand dishwashing cleaning composition has an undiluted pH range of 10 to 11.5 at 20°C.

8. 8. The hand dishwashing cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the reserve alkalinity of the hand dishwashing cleaning composition, expressed as grams of NaOH per 100 mL of composition at pH 10, is from 0.1 to 0.

3.

9. A cleaning product comprising a spray dispenser and the hand dishwashing cleaning composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hand dishwashing cleaning composition is contained within the spray dispenser.

10. 10. The cleaning product of claim 9, wherein the hand dishwashing cleaning composition is substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging to a consumer's skin, eyes, nose, throat, or combinations thereof when sprayed from the spray dispenser.

11. 1. A method for cleaning soiled dishes, comprising: a) optionally pre-wetting the soiled dishes; b) spraying the hand dishwashing detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 onto the soiled dishes; c) optionally adding water to the soiled dishes for a predetermined period of time; d) optionally scrubbing the dish; e) rinsing the dish; A method comprising:

12. 9. Use of a hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to produce a composition which is substantially non-irritating and / or non-stinging when the composition is sprayed.

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