Acidic liquid fabric care composition

Abstract

An acidic liquid fabric care composition comprising citric acid and / or a salt thereof, a first sulfur-containing compound selected from a sulfate compound, a bisulfate compound, or a combination thereof, a fragrance material, and water, and related methods of making and using such compositions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an acidic liquid fabric care composition comprising citric acid and / or a salt thereof, a sulfur-containing compound selected from sulfate compounds, bisulfate compounds, or combinations thereof, a fragrance material, and water. This disclosure also relates to methods of use and methods of manufacturing such compositions. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain liquid fabric care compositions having a low pH and low to 0 amounts of surfactants, softeners, or bleaches may still be useful for providing fabric care effects, particularly for through-the-rinse applications in automatic washing machines. For example, such compositions may provide a softening effect and / or may be useful for removing limescale that can accumulate on fabrics such as towels, especially when the fabric has been washed with hard water.

[0003] Such compositions may contain relatively high concentrations of citric acid and / or related salts. Aromatic materials (e.g., fragrances) may also be added to the composition to improve the scent of the stock product and / or to provide benefits such as freshness to the fabric of the choice during processing.

[0004] However, it has been found that such compositions may experience color instability issues during storage, potentially informing consumers of product degradation and / or reduced efficiency. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] An improved low-pH fabric care composition containing fragrance materials is needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure relates to an acidic fabric care composition comprising citric acid, a sulfate or bisulfate, and a fragrance material.

[0007] For example, the present disclosure relates to a liquid fabric care composition comprising about 10% to about 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salts, about 0.001% to about 1.0% by weight of a first sulfur-containing compound selected from sulfate compounds, bisulfate compounds, or combinations thereof, a fragrance material, and about 30% to about 90% by weight of water, wherein the composition comprises less than 10% by weight of the liquid fabric care composition of materials selected from the group consisting of detergent surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof, and the liquid fabric care composition is characterized by a stock pH of about 2 to about 6.

[0008] The disclosure also relates to a method for processing a fabric, comprising the step of bringing the fabric into contact with a composition according to the disclosure.

[0009] The disclosure also relates to a method for preparing a liquid fabric care composition, comprising combining water, citric acid, a sulfur-containing compound (e.g., sulfate or bisulfate), and a fragrance material, preferably a fragrance material pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This disclosure relates to an acidic liquid fabric care composition. The composition comprises citric acid, a fragrance material, and a sulfate or bisulfate-containing compound. Such compositions are considered to have relatively good color stability compared to comparative compositions.

[0011] While not bound by theory, some aromatic materials (also referred to herein as "fragrances") tend to undergo color changes and are thought to alter the initial color of the treated composition. This discoloration can occur due to oxidation, interaction with other materials in the composition, or as a result of pH.

[0012] Surprisingly, it was found that the presence of sulfate or bisulfate-containing compounds can enhance the color stability in such compositions.

[0013] The compositions and related methods are described in more detail below.

[0014] When used herein, the articles “a” and “an” as used in the claims are understood to mean one or more of the claims or described herein. When used herein, the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” are meant to be non-limiting. The compositions of the Disclosure may include, may essentially consist of, or may consist of the components of the Disclosure.

[0015] In this specification, the terms “substantially free of” or “substantially free from” may be used. This means that the indicated material is present in minimal amounts and is not intentionally added to the composition to form part of the composition, or, preferably, is not present at an analytically detectable level. It means that the composition includes a composition in which the indicated material is present only as an impurity among one of the other materials that are intentionally included. If the indicated material is present, it may be present in amounts less than 1% by weight, less than 0.1% by weight, less than 0.01% by weight, or even 0% by weight of the composition.

[0016] As used herein, the term "fabric care composition" includes compositions and formulations designed to treat fabrics. Such compositions include laundry washing compositions and detergents, fabric softening compositions, fabric strengthening compositions, fabric deodorizing compositions, pre-wash detergents, pre-wash treatment agents, laundry additives, spray products, dry cleaning agents or compositions, post-rinse laundry additives, cleaning additives, post-rinse fabric treatment agents, ironing aids, unit dose formulations, delayed delivery formulations, detergents contained on or in porous substrates or non-woven sheets, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, but are not limited thereto. Such compositions can be used as pre-wash treatment agents, post-wash treatment agents, or added during the rinse or washing cycle of a laundry operation.

[0017] Unless otherwise noted, all concentrations of ingredients or compositions are with respect to the active portion of such ingredient or composition, excluding impurities that may be present in commercial sources of such ingredient or composition, such as residual solvents or by-products.

[0018] All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (°C) unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise specified, all measurements herein are conducted at 20 °C and atmospheric pressure.

[0019] In all embodiments of the present disclosure, all percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, all ratios are weight ratios.

[0020] It should be understood that all maximum numerical limits given throughout this specification include all lower numerical limits as if they were explicitly stated herein. All minimum numerical limits shown throughout this specification include all higher numerical limits as if they were explicitly stated herein. All numerical ranges given throughout this specification include all narrow numerical ranges that fall within such broad numerical ranges as if they were explicitly stated herein.

[0021] composition This disclosure relates to liquid fabric care compositions having a relatively low pH. In other words, this disclosure relates to acidic liquid fabric care compositions.

[0022] The compositions of this disclosure may be particularly useful for treating fabrics such as clothes or towels during the rinse cycle of a fully automatic washing machine. Due to the low pH of the compositions, they may be useful for making fabrics more flexible and / or for brightening colors by removing limescale that may have accumulated on the fabric surface, which may result from washing the fabric in hard water.

[0023] Preferably, the composition comprises citric acid and / or a salt thereof. As those skilled in the art will understand, citric acid and its salts may be present in equilibrium in the liquid composition. Citric acid is preferred for use in this composition because it is a performance-efficient and cost-effective material, as well as readily available.

[0024] The composition may contain about 10% to about 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salts. The liquid fabric care composition may contain about 15% to about 40% by weight, preferably about 20% to about 30% by weight of citric acid and / or its salts.

[0025] The compositions of this disclosure may also comprise a first sulfur-containing compound. The first sulfur-containing compound is preferably selected from sulfate compounds, bisulfate compounds, or combinations thereof. As described above, the presence of sulfate or bisulfate compounds has been found to reduce color instability in the compositions of this disclosure, particularly in the presence of fragrances.

[0026] The composition may contain about 0.001% to about 1.0% by weight of a first sulfur-containing compound in the liquid fabric care composition. This is preferably selected from sulfate compounds, bisulfate compounds, or a combination thereof. The liquid fabric care composition may contain about 0.003% to about 0.1% by weight, preferably about 0.003% to about 0.01% by weight of a sulfur-containing compound in the liquid fabric care composition. The amount may be expressed by weight as parts per million, i.e., "ppm," rather than as a percentage. For example, the composition may contain about 10 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, preferably about 30 ppm to about 1,000 ppm, and more preferably about 30 ppm to about 100 ppm of the sulfur-containing compound.

[0027] The sulfur-containing compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal bisulfates, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the sulfur-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof. It is even more preferable that the sulfur-containing compound contains an alkali metal bisulfate, and more preferably sodium bisulfate. Such materials are effective and readily available.

[0028] The sulfate-containing compound is preferably an inorganic sulfur-containing compound (e.g., sodium bisulfate). Inorganic sulfates and bisulfates are readily available and can be easily introduced into the liquid compositions of this disclosure, for example, by dissolving them.

[0029] The sulfur-containing compound is preferably not a surfactant, and preferably not an alkyl sulfate or alkoxylated alkyl sulfate. Such surfactants may not provide the same benefits as preferred sulfates, such as color stability, and / or may adhere to the fabric in an undesirable manner, especially when the composition is used in a rinse cycle.

[0030] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure include fragrance materials (also referred to herein as "fragrance" or "scent"). The fragrance materials are added to impart an aesthetically pleasing fragrance to the liquid product composition, the treatment solution, and / or the fabric treated with the composition. The compositions of this disclosure may contain fragrance materials in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.2% to about 10% by weight, or about 0.3% to about 5% by weight of the composition.

[0031] Non-limiting examples of aromatic materials include, but are not limited to, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Other examples include various natural extracts and natural compounds, which may include complex mixtures of components such as orange oil, lemon oil, rose extract, lavender, musk, patchouli, balsam extract, sandalwood oil, pine oil, and cedar. The final fragrance may contain a very complex mixture of such components.

[0032] Aromatic materials may include aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials are often desirable from an olfactory / freshness standpoint, but they are also thought to have a tendency to discolor. Therefore, by including sulfate or bisulfate compounds that mitigate color instability, these aldehyde-based materials can be more conveniently utilized in the fabric care compositions of this disclosure.

[0033] Aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials may be present in an amount of approximately 5% to approximately 75% by weight, preferably approximately 10% to approximately 50% by weight, of the fragrance material.

[0034] Suitable aldehyde-based fragrance raw materials include methyl nonylacetaldehyde, benzoaldehyde, floralozone, isocyclocitral, tripral (ligstral), precyclemone B, lilial, decylaldehyde, undecylenic acid aldehyde, cyclamen homoaldehyde, cyclamenaldehyde, dupical, onsidal, adoxal, melonal, calypsone, anisaldehyde, heliotropin, cuminaldehyde, scentenal, 3,6-dimethylcyclohexa-3-ene-1-carbaldehyde, satenealdehyde, and canthoxal. It may be vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cinnamaldehyde, cis-4-decenal, trans-4-decenal, cis-7-decenal, undecylenic acid aldehyde, trans-2-hexenal, trans-2-octenal, 2-undecenal, 2,4-dodecadienal, cis-4-heptenal, florydral, butyl cinnamaldehyde, limonelal, amyl cinnamaldehyde, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, citronellal, citral, cis-3-hexen-1-al, or a mixture thereof.

[0035] At least a portion of the aromatic materials of this disclosure may be derived from natural sources. Such materials are considered to have a lower environmental impact and / or be more environmentally sustainable than synthetically derived materials and / or geologically derived (e.g., petroleum-based) materials. At least about 50% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 70% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight, or at least about 90% by weight, or at least about 95% by weight, or at least about 100% by weight of the aromatic materials may be naturally derived aromatic materials.

[0036] For the fabric treatment compositions of this disclosure, it is desirable that the fragrance material is relatively hydrophilic. Hydrophilic fragrance materials are more likely to dissolve or disperse well in the aqueous compositions of this disclosure, which leads to improved phase stability and / or transparency of the product.

[0037] Since the compositions of this disclosure are typically characterized by a relatively low pH, the aromatic materials of this disclosure are typically acid-stable, particularly at the pH of the composition. Acid stability can be qualitatively demonstrated by the absence of phase separation, discoloration, and / or precipitate formation at acidic pH (preferably pH about 2 to about 4) during storage.

[0038] To facilitate the easy introduction of fragrance materials into the aqueous compositions of this disclosure, the fragrance materials may be mixed with a nonionic surfactant or other emulsifier before mixing with water and / or citric acid. In other words, the compositions may be prepared in a process in which the fragrance materials are mixed with a nonionic surfactant before mixing with citric acid.

[0039] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure are typically aqueous compositions. The liquid fabric care compositions typically contain water. The composition may contain about 30% to about 90% by weight of water. The composition may contain about 50% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 60% to about 85% by weight, and more preferably about 70% to about 80% by weight of water.

[0040] The liquid fabric treatment compositions of this disclosure are aqueous, but the compositions may further contain organic solvents, which can improve the stability of the composition, the solubility of the components, and / or the transparency of the composition. The fabric treatment composition may contain about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, or about 1% to about 20% by weight, of the organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents include ethanol, diethylene glycol (DEG), 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (MPD), monopropylene glycol (MPG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), origamine (e.g., diethylenetriamine (DETA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)), glycerin, propoxylated glycerin, ethoxylated glycerin, ethanol, 1,2-propanediol (also called propylene glycol), 1,3-propanediol, 2,3-butanediol, cellulosic ethanol, renewable propylene glycol, renewable monodipropylene glycol, renewable dipropylene glycol, renewable 1,3-propanediol, and mixtures thereof. One or more of the organic solvents may be bio-based. This means that it is derived from natural / possibly non-geological sources (e.g., non-petroleum-based sources).

[0041] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may contain hydrotropic substances such as sodium cumene sulfonate (SCS). This may enhance the stability of the composition.

[0042] The compositions of this disclosure may include a nonionic surfactant, which may be useful for product stability and / or for introducing fragrance materials. The compositions may contain about 0.1% to about 8% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight, of a nonionic surfactant in the liquid fabric care composition. The nonionic surfactant is preferably an ethoxylated fatty alcohol. The nonionic surfactant may be pre-mixed with the fragrance material.

[0043] In addition to citric acid and / or its salts, the liquid fabric care composition may further contain additional organic acids. The additional organic acids may be selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, carboxymethyl oxymalonic acid, carboxymethyl oxysuccinic acid, glutaric acid, hydroxyethyl iminodioacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxydicuccinic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, or mixtures thereof, preferably acetic acid. It may be preferable that the composition is substantially free of additional organic acids. It may be preferable that the composition is substantially free of acetic acid, which can add an undesirable odor.

[0044] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure are acidic compositions. A low pH is thought to promote the benefits provided by the compositions (e.g., limescale removal). For example, the compositions may feature a stock pH of about 2 to about 6, preferably about 2 to about 5, preferably about 2 to about 4, and more preferably about 2 to about 3. pH in these ranges is thought to promote the performance efficacy of citric acid and / or its salts.

[0045] The compositions of this disclosure may include a neutralizing agent, which can facilitate the achievement of a desired pH. The neutralizing agent is preferably a caustic neutralizing agent, and more preferably sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Strong bases such as caustic neutralizing agents like NaOH are thought to offer benefits such as physical stability against weak bases such as monoethanolamine (MEA).

[0046] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may contain a limited number of ingredients, such as 10 or fewer, or 9 or fewer, or 8 or fewer, or 7 or fewer, or 6 or fewer, or 5 or fewer. Limiting the number of ingredients can reduce the storage and / or transportation costs of raw materials and / or simplify the composition manufacturing process. Consumers may also desire products with a limited number of ingredients, as they may be perceived as simpler, have a smaller environmental footprint, and / or have an easier-to-understand ingredient list.

[0047] A liquid fabric care composition may contain less than 10% by weight of materials selected from the group consisting of cleansing surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof. The composition may contain less than 8% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 4% by weight, preferably less than 2.5% by weight, and preferably less than 1% by weight of materials selected from the group consisting of cleansing surfactants, bleaching agents, and / or fabric softening materials, or may contain substantially no such materials. Such materials may affect the aesthetic, physical stability, and / or chemical stability of the other components in the composition. In addition, or alternatively, certain such materials may be physically or chemically unstable in the low pH environment of the composition. Furthermore, consumers using the composition may want the substances removed from the treated fabric, while at least some of the listed materials may instead be deposited on the fabric during a normal treatment cycle. This creates an undesirable residue.

[0048] This composition may not substantially contain any detergent surfactants, including anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and / or zwitterionic surfactants. Examples of anionic surfactants include sulfurizing surfactants such as alkyl sulfates or alkoxylated alkyl sulfates, sulfonating surfactants such as (linear) alkylbenzene sulfonates, and / or carboxylated surfactants. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkoxylated alkylphenols, and / or alkyl polyglucosides. Examples of zwitterionic surfactants include amine oxides and / or betaines.

[0049] The liquid fabric care composition may contain less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 3% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight of an anionic surfactant.

[0050] As described above, liquid fabric care compositions may contain nonionic surfactants. When a composition contains a nonionic surfactant, it may not substantially contain other (nonionic) surfactants.

[0051] This composition may not substantially contain a bleaching agent. Examples of bleaching agents include peroxide bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide and / or sources of peroxides. Examples of bleaching agents include hypohalites such as hypochlorite bleaches or sources of such hypochlorites. Other examples of bleaching agents include bleaching activators such as NOBS or TAED, or bleaching catalysts.

[0052] This composition may not substantially contain fabric softening materials. Such materials may be deposited on fabrics, which may be undesirable for certain consumers, applications, or fabrics. Additionally, or alternatively, such materials may require emulsification or other treatment to be compatible with this aqueous composition. Fabric softening materials may be cationically charged and / or capable of being cationically charged under typical washing conditions. Examples of fabric softening materials include quaternary ammonium ester compounds, silicones, non-esterified quaternary ammonium compounds, amines, fatty acid esters, sucrose esters, silicones, dispersible polyolefins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, softening or conditioning oils, polymer latexes, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “fabric softening material” is not intended to include any of the materials listed in the “Organic Acids” section above, including vinegar or acetic acid.

[0053] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may be relatively transparent. For example, when the composition is substantially dye-free, it may be characterized by a light transmittance of at least about 60% (%T) when a 1 cm cuvette is used at a wavelength of about 410 to 800 nanometers.

[0054] As described above, the composition may be relatively transparent. Therefore, the composition may not substantially contain particles such as encapsulating agents, silicone droplets, pearlescent agents and / or opaling agents that may reduce the relative transparency of the composition. The composition may not substantially contain fluorescent whitening agents. The composition may not substantially contain dyes. As used herein, the term “dye” includes aesthetic dyes that modify the aesthetics of a cleaning composition, as well as dyes and / or pigments that adhere to fabrics and can alter the color of the fabric. Dyes are intended to include colorants, pigments and hues. Depending on the desired use or aesthetics, the composition may contain dyes, preferably aesthetic dyes.

[0055] The liquid fabric care compositions of this disclosure may be characterized by a relatively low viscosity. Such viscosity may be desirable for easy dispensing and / or to minimize clogging in machine dispenser drawers. The compositions may be characterized by a viscosity of about 0 to about 200 cps, preferably about 0 to about 100 cps, and more preferably about 0 to about 60 cps, when determined by rotational viscosity measurement using a Brookfield viscometer and ASTM D 2196-99 at 60 RPM and 22°C.

[0056] To maintain low viscosity, the compositions of this disclosure are substantially free of other rheological modifiers such as thickeners or structuring agents. The compositions are substantially free of salts such as inorganic salts like sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and / or calcium chloride, which can provide rheological modifications such as thickening. When used herein, such salts are not intended to contain neutralization products of the organic acids described herein.

[0057] The liquid fabric care compositions described herein can be packaged in any suitable container, including those constructed from paper, cardboard, plastic materials, and any suitable laminates. The containers may contain renewable and / or recyclable materials.

[0058] The composition may be packaged in a transparent or translucent container. It may be preferable to package the transparent fabric care composition in a transparent or translucent container, such as a transparent or translucent bottle. The container may have a transmittance of more than about 25%, or more than about 30%, or more than about 40%, or more than about 50% in the visible portion of the spectrum (about 410–800 nm). Alternatively, the absorbance of the bottle may be measured as less than about 0.6, or by having a transmittance of more than about 25%, with the transmittance % being equal to the following:

[0059]

number

[0060] For the purposes of this disclosure, a wavelength within the visible light range is considered transparent / translucent as long as it has a transmittance greater than approximately 25%.

[0061] Examples of transparent bottle materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS). Recyclable materials may be preferred for environmental reasons.

[0062] The container or bottle may be of any shape or size suitable for storing and packaging household liquids. For example, the container may have any size, but typically it has a maximum capacity of about 0.05 to about 15 L, or about 0.1 to about 5 L, or about 0.2 to about 2.5 L. The container may be suitable for easy handling. For example, the container may have a handle or part of such dimensions that the container can be easily lifted and carried with one hand. The container may have means suitable for pouring the liquid detergent composition and means for re-closing the container. The pouring means may be of any size or form. The closing means may be of any form or size (e.g., screwed or clicked onto the container to close it). The closing means may be a cap that can be removed from the container. Alternatively, the cap may be attached to the container whether the container is open or closed. The closing means may be incorporated into the container.

[0063] Processing method This disclosure relates to a method for treating fabrics. The method includes the step of bringing the fabric into contact with a liquid fabric care composition according to this disclosure.

[0064] The contact process may occur in the presence of water. Preferably, the contact process takes place during the rinse cycle of a fully automatic washing machine.

[0065] The composition may be dispersed or decomposed in water to form a treatment solution. The pH of the treatment solution may be higher than the pH of the liquid fabric care composition (e.g., close to 7). The treatment solution may feature a pH ranging from about 2, or about 3, or about 4 to about 7, or about 6, or about 5. The organic acid system of the fabric care composition (e.g., citric acid and any additional organic acids) may be selected to substantially buffer the treatment solution to a desired pH. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric care composition may contain other buffers or pH adjusters to deliver a desired pH in the treatment solution.

[0066] The composition is typically used at a concentration of about 500 ppm to about 15,000 ppm in the composition (i.e., the treatment solution).

[0067] The water temperature can range from approximately 5°C to approximately 90°C. The weight ratio of the treatment solution to the fabric can range from approximately 1:1 to approximately 30:1.

[0068] The process may be a manual process, such as in a washbasin. Alternatively, the process may be an automated process that generates a drum in a fully automatic washing machine. The machine may be a top-loading or front-loading washing machine. The compositions of this disclosure may be manually supplied to the drum of a fully automatic washing machine. Alternatively, they may be automatically supplied, for example, via a dispenser drawer or other container.

[0069] A typical processing method includes at least one wash cycle and at least one subsequent rinse cycle. The fabric may be treated with a surfactant, such as an anionic surfactant, during the wash cycle. The composition may preferably be supplied to a drum and / or the fabric may come into contact with the composition during the rinse cycle.

[0070] Manufacturing method This disclosure relates to a method for preparing the liquid fabric care composition described herein. The method may include, for example, a step of combining water, a sulfur-containing compound in the form of a citric acid and / or a salt thereof, a sulfate and / or bisulfate, and a fragrance material in an amount suitable for obtaining the weight % described herein. Preferably, the fragrance material is pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant. The sulfur-containing material (e.g., sulfate and / or bisulfate) may be added independently or added to the citric acid.

[0071] For example, any suitable process known in the art, such as batch processes, inline mixing and / or cyclic loop processes, may be used.

[0072] The preparation method may include the steps of: providing an aqueous base which may simply be water; adding citric acid which may be part of an aqueous solution such as a 50% citric acid solution; adding a fragrance material which may be pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant; and adding a sulfur-containing material (sulfate or bisulfate). Other optional materials such as neutralizing agents, hydrotropic substances, additional surfactants and / or solvents may be added if desired.

[0073] The aqueous base may contain water. The aqueous base may contain at least 50% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 75% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, or at least 85% by weight, or at least 90% by weight, or at least 95% by weight of water.

[0074] combination The specific combinations contemplated in this disclosure are described in the following alphabetically designated sections. These combinations are essentially illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. A. A liquid fabric care composition comprising about 10% to about 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salt, about 0.001% to about 1.0% by weight of a first sulfur-containing compound selected from sulfate compounds, bisulfate compounds, or combinations thereof, a fragrance material, and about 30% to about 90% by weight of water, wherein the composition comprises less than 10% by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of cleaning surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials and mixtures thereof, and the liquid fabric care composition is characterized by a stock pH of about 2 to about 6. B. The liquid fabric care composition according to paragraph A, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises about 15% to about 40% by weight, preferably about 20% to about 30% by weight, of citric acid and / or its salt. C. The liquid fabric care composition according to paragraph A or B, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises about 0.003% to about 0.1% by weight, preferably about 0.003% to about 0.01% by weight, of a sulfur-containing compound. D. The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to C, wherein the sulfur-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, alkaline earth metal sulfates, alkaline earth metal bisulfates, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof, and more preferably selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bisulfates. E. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to D, wherein the sulfur-containing compound comprises sodium bisulfate. F. The fragrance material comprises an aldehyde-based fragrance raw material, preferably the aldehyde-based fragrance raw material is present in an amount of about 5% to about 75% by weight, preferably about 10% to about 50% by weight, of the fragrance material, according to any one of paragraphs A to E. G. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to F, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, preferably about 0.2% to about 5% by weight, of the composition, of a fragrance material. H. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to G, wherein the composition is prepared by a process in which a fragrance material is mixed with a nonionic surfactant before being mixed with citric acid. I. The liquid fabric care composition is the liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to H, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises about 50% to about 90% by weight, preferably about 60% to about 85% by weight, and more preferably about 70% to about 80% by weight of water. J. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to I, comprising, or substantially comprising, less than 8% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 4% by weight, preferably less than 2.5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, of a material selected from the group consisting of cleaning surfactants, bleaching agents, and / or fabric softening materials. K. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to J, wherein the composition comprises less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 3% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably 0.1% by weight of an anionic surfactant. L. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to K, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1% to about 8% by weight, preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight, of a nonionic surfactant in the liquid fabric care composition. M. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to L, further comprising an additional organic acid selected from acetic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, carboxymethyl oxymalonic acid, carboxymethyl oxysuccinic acid, glutaric acid, hydroxyethyl iminodioacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxydicuccinic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, or a mixture thereof, preferably acetic acid. N. The liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to M, further comprising a neutralizing agent, preferably a caustic neutralizing agent, and more preferably sodium hydroxide (NaOH). O. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to N, characterized by a pH of about 2 to about 5, preferably about 2 to about 4, more preferably about 2 to about 3. P. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to O, characterized by a light transmittance (%T) of at least 60% when a 1 cm cuvette is used at a wavelength of about 410 to 800 nanometers, when the composition is substantially dye-free. Q. A liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to P, characterized in that the composition has a viscosity of about 0 to about 200 cps, preferably about 0 to about 100 cps, more preferably about 0 to about 60 cps, when determined by rotational viscosity measurement using a Brookfield viscometer and ASTM D 2196-99 at 60 RPM and 22°C. R. The composition is a liquid fabric care composition according to any one of paragraphs A to Q, which is packaged in a transparent or translucent container. S. A method for treating a fabric, comprising the step of bringing the fabric into contact with a liquid fabric care composition described in any one of paragraphs A to R. A method for preparing a liquid fabric care composition as described in any one of paragraphs A to R, comprising the step of combining water, citric acid, a sulfur-containing compound, and a fragrance material which is pre-mixed with a nonionic surfactant.

[0075] Test method Method for measuring the color of a sample Place the sample in a square glass vial available from VWR (Randor, Pennsylvania) catalog number 10862-182. * a * , and b * All reflectance spectra and color measurements, including values, are performed using a LabScan Ultrascan VIS reflectance spectrophotometer (HunterLabs, Reston, VA; D65 light source, UV light excluded). The instrument is calibrated according to the reflectance spectrum calibration instructions. Next, the color sample is measured using the instrument's reflectance test method, by placing the sample at the same height as the instrument's port opening and positioning a white backing tile to hold the sample flat against the port opening during the measurement.

[0076] A method for aging a sample After the initial color reading, the square glass vials containing the product samples are placed in temperature-controlled rooms at 50°C (+ / -2°C) and 25°C (+ / -2°C). The samples are removed from the temperature-controlled rooms weekly and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature. After equilibrating to room temperature, the samples are measured using the coloring method described above. Then, after each aging color measurement is completed, the samples are returned to their respective temperature-controlled rooms.

[0077] Method for measuring pH The pH of liquid fabric care products is measured using the Extech Instrument Model pH300 pH probe, available from WVGrainger, Inc. (Lake Forrest Illinois). The pH probe is first properly calibrated using pH buffers of pH 1.68, pH 4.00, and pH 7.00. The probe is then used to measure the undiluted liquid acid rinse product. Samples are measured at a temperature of 20°C–25°C. The probe is rinsed with deionized water, carefully wiped clean, and dried between pH readings of different samples. [Examples]

[0078] The embodiments provided below are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0079] Example 1. Sample fragrance premix The fragrance premix composition is prepared by mixing 72.72% by weight of a nonionic surfactant (NI C24-9, available from Huntsman Corp. (Port Neches, Texas)), 13.67% of fragrance raw materials, and 13.67% of methyl anthranilate (e.g., Vigon International Inc. (East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania)) using a container of appropriate size to contain the mixture. The mixing is carried out using a VWR (Randor Pennsylvania) IKA RW 20D S1 overhead mixer, models RW20D-S1 and R1325, a four-blade propeller agitator. The premix is ​​prepared within two hours prior to use when completing the liquid acidic rinse composition.

[0080] The fragrance ingredients may be selected from simal, intron aldehyde, aldehyde mandarin, rerestralis pure (lilial / PT bucinal), undecylen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, anisaldehyde, methyl nonylacetaldehyde, decyl aldehyde, citronellal, melon aldehyde, helional, laurin aldehyde, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, heliotropin, vanillin, and methyl anthranilate.

[0081] Example 2. Method for producing an exemplary composition The compositions according to this disclosure may be prepared by the following method. Mixing is generally carried out throughout the process, and the mixture is cooled to manage the heat of neutralization.

[0082] Provide the target amount of water (67.7% activity in the final formulation) in a suitable container. Separately, prepare a premix by combining propanediol (5.3% activity in the final formulation) with the first part of the nonionic surfactant (C24-9; 0.1% activity in the formulation). Add this premix to the water in the container. This premix is ​​considered useful as a processing aid, which may include minimizing surfactant gelation and / or promoting solubilization.

[0083] To this mixture, add a target amount of citric acid solution (50.5% activity level) so that 23.7% active citric acid is present in the final formulation. (Citric acid may be added as a powder instead.) Add sodium formate solution (30% activity level) to provide 0.16% sodium formate in the final formulation. Sodium formate may be added after the citric acid, but is preferably added in parallel. Add sodium bicarbonate to bring the final formulation to 480 ppm. Add sodium cumenesulfonate ("SCS"; 45% activity level) to provide 1.1% active SCS in the final formulation.

[0084] A sufficient sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (50% active level) is added to achieve the target pH range of 2.5 (approximately 1.3-3.0 wt% active NaOH in the final formulation). SCS and NaOH may preferably be added in parallel, but preferably through different input ports. This yields the base (unflavored) formulation.

[0085] To add fragrance, a second portion of the nonionic surfactant (enough to provide 4% in the final formulation) is combined with the fragrance (1.5% active in the final formulation) to form a fragrance premix. The nonionic surfactant is thought to facilitate the incorporation of the fragrance into the (aqueous) base formulation and provide stability benefits in the final product formulation. After the base formulation has cooled (for example to ambient temperature), the fragrance premix is ​​added to the base formulation to complete the final product formulation.

[0086] Example 3. Exemplary liquid fabric care fabric composition An exemplary liquid fabric care composition suitable for treating fabrics during the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine is prepared by mixing together the components listed in the proportions listed in Table 1 below. 1 Preferably, the composition can be prepared using substantially the process according to Example 2.

[0087] [Table 1] 1 Use a container of appropriate size for holding the mixture. Mixing is carried out using an IKA RW 20D S1 overhead mixer, model RW20D-S1 and R1345, with a four-blade propeller stirrer, manufactured by VWR (Radnor, Pennsylvania). 2 Food-grade quality 50.5% active citric acid solution available from Tate and Lyle PLC (Dayton, Ohio) 3 A 30 wt% sodium formate solution prepared by mixing 30 wt% sodium formate powder available from Perstorm Polyols Inc (Toledo, Kansas) and 70 wt% deionized water in a properly sized container used for containing the mixture 4 50% active sodium hydroxide solution film grade available from Formosa Plastics Corp (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) 5 Biobased grade available from Archer Daniels Midland (Decatur, Illinois) 6 45% active sodium cumenesulfonate solution available from Nease Corp (Harrison, Ohio) 7 This is the addition of NI C24-9 to a product other than the perfume premix composition described in Example 1, added to NI C24-9. Available from Huntsman Corp (Port Neches, Texas).

[0088] Example 4. Sulfate level and color stability The following tests are carried out to show the effect of the sulfate level (specifically, the sodium bisulfate level) on the color stability of liquid fabric care products.

[0089] The perfume premix composition is 72.72 wt% NI C24-9 using a container of appropriate size used for containing the mixture1 (Available from Huntsman Corp, Port Neches, Texas) and 27.27% fragrance composition 2 It is prepared by mixing. The mixing is carried out using a VWR (Randor Pennsylvania) IKA RW 20D S1 overhead mixer, models RW20D-S1 and R1325, a four-blade propeller agitator. The premix is ​​prepared within two hours before use when completing the liquid fabric care composition. The compositions listed in Table 1A are prepared using the fragrance premix composition.

[0090] An acidic liquid fabric care composition is prepared by mixing the components listed in the proportions shown in Table 2A. The following levels are provided as weight percent of the active ingredient unless otherwise specified (e.g., when provided as a solution or other mixture). Mixing in a container of appropriate size is performed using a VWR (Randor, Pennsylvania) IKA RW 20D S1 overhead mixer, model RW20D-S1 and R1345 four-blade propeller agitator.

[0091] [Table 2] 2 Food-grade 50.5% activated citric acid solution available from Tate and Lyle PLC (Dayton, Ohio). 3 A 30% by weight sodium formate solution prepared by mixing 30% by weight sodium formate powder, available from Perstorm Polyols Inc (Toledo, Kansas), with 70% by weight deionized water in a appropriately sized container used for containing the mixture. 4 50% activated sodium hydroxide solution film grade available from Formosa Plastics Corp (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) 5Bio-grade available from Archer Daniels Midland (Decatur, Illinois) 6 A 45% active sodium cumenesulfonate solution is available from Nease Corp (Harrison, Ohio). 7 This is the addition of NI C24-9 to a product separate from the addition of NI C24-9 to a fragrance premix composition. Available from Huntsman Corp (Port Neches, Texas). 8 Available from Alfa Aesar (Haverhill, Massachusetts).

[0092] The product compositions from Table 2A are stored at 50°C for 4 weeks. The color of the liquid product, particularly the b-value, is measured when the product is newly manufactured and thereafter weekly according to the method provided in the section on test methods above. Furthermore, the improvement in b-value % is determined by finding the difference between the b-value δ at reference (REF; 0 ppm) and a given leg and dividing by REFδ (e.g., ((7.95-7.33))). * (100) / 7.95 = 7.8%). The results are shown in Table 1B.

[0093] [Table 3]

[0094] As shown in the results in Table 1B, the presence of sodium bicarbonate, even at very low levels such as 33 ppm, results in a product with relatively less discoloration compared to a product without sodium bicarbonate. In addition, providing sodium bicarbonate at relatively high levels (e.g., 480 ppm) does not provide a significant improvement over relatively low levels (e.g., 60 ppm).

[0095] Example 5. Exemplary Product Formulation Exemplary product formulations for liquid fabric care compositions are provided in Table 5 below. The amounts are shown in weight percent.

[0096] [Table 4] 2 Food-grade 50.5% activated citric acid solution available from Tate and Lyle PLC (Dayton, Ohio). 3 A 30% by weight sodium formate solution prepared by mixing 30% by weight sodium formate powder, available from Perstorm Polyols Inc (Toledo, Kansas), with 70% by weight deionized water in a appropriately sized container used for containing the mixture. 4 50% activated sodium hydroxide solution film grade available from Formosa Plastics Corp (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) 5 Bio-grade available from Archer Daniels Midland (Decatur, Illinois) 6 A 45% active sodium cumenesulfonate solution is available from Nease Corp (Harrison, Ohio). 7 This is the addition of NI C24-9 to a product separate from the addition of NI C24-9 to a fragrance premix composition. Available from Huntsman Corp (Port Neches, Texas). 8 Available from Alfa Aesar (Haverhill, Massachusetts). 9 A 14.70% active distilled white vinegar / acetic acid solution available from Fleischmann's Vinegar Company Inc (Baltimore, Maryland). 10 The fragrance premix comprises 3 parts by weight of fragrance and 8 parts by weight of nonionic surfactant (NI C24-9), with the fragrance provided in an amount of 1.5% by weight of the composition. The fragrance premix of Example 1 is preferred.

[0097] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm."

[0098] All documents referenced herein, including any patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, and any patent applications or patents on which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless explicitly stated to be excluded or limited. No reference to any document shall be deemed prior art to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor shall it be deemed to teach, suggest or disclose any such invention, either alone or in combination with any other reference. Furthermore, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in any document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to the term in this document shall apply.

[0099] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid fabric care composition, The liquid fabric care composition contains 20% to 50% by weight of citric acid and / or its salt, The liquid fabric care composition contains 0.001% to 0.1% by weight of a first sulfur-containing compound selected from sulfate compounds, bisulfate compounds, or combinations thereof, Aromatic materials and, The liquid fabric care composition comprises 30% to 80% by weight of water, The liquid fabric care composition comprises less than 10% by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of cleaning surfactants, bleaching agents, fabric softening materials, and mixtures thereof. The aforementioned fragrance material includes an aldehyde-based fragrance raw material. The aforementioned liquid fabric care composition is characterized by a stock solution pH of 2 to 6. The liquid fabric care composition is a liquid fabric care composition that does not contain alkyl sulfates or alkoxylated alkyl sulfates.

2. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition comprises 20% to 40% by weight of citric acid and / or a salt thereof.

3. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition contains 0.003% to 0.1% by weight of the sulfur-containing compound.

4. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the sulfur-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal sulfates, alkali metal bisulfates, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

5. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the sulfur-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bisulfates.

6. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% to 10% by weight of the fragrance material.

7. A method for producing a liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, comprising the step of mixing the fragrance material with a nonionic surfactant before mixing it with the citric acid.

8. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid fabric care composition contains 50% to 80% by weight of water.

9. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, comprising less than 8% by weight of a material selected from the group consisting of a cleaning surfactant, a bleaching agent, a fabric softening agent, and a combination thereof.

10. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% to 8% by weight of a nonionic surfactant in the liquid fabric care composition.

11. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, further comprising an additional organic acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, carboxymethyl oxymalonic acid, carboxymethyl oxysuccinic acid, glutaric acid, hydroxyethyl iminodioacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxysuccinic acid, succinic acid, sulfamic acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, tartaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

12. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition has a pH of 2 to 5.

13. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is substantially dye-free and, when a 1 cm cuvette is used at a wavelength of 410 to 800 nanometers, is characterized by a light transmittance of at least 60% (%T).

14. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the composition has a viscosity of 0 to 200 cps when determined by rotational viscosity measurement using a Brookfield viscometer and ASTM D 2196-99 at 60 RPM and 22°C.

15. The liquid fabric care composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is packaged in a transparent or translucent container.

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