Method for cleaning object surface

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for cleaning an object surface, the method having enzyme activity even in cases where an enzyme and a surfactant of a high concentration are used in combination, while exhibiting excellent cleansing properties for dirt adhering to an object surface of a dish or the like and containing a solid fat without being affected by the hardness (for example, 0-20° dH (German degree of hardness)) of water that is used for the cleaning.　The present invention provides a method for cleaning an object surface, wherein a cleaning liquid that is obtained by diluting a liquid detergent composition, which contains water and the component (a), component (b), component (c) and component (e) described below, with water is brought into contact with an object surface. Component (a): a sulfosuccinic acid alkyl ester or a salt thereof Component (b): one or more surfactants that are selected from among semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants Component (c): a nonionic surfactant Component (e): an enzyme

Description

How to clean the surface

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a target surface.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As detergent compositions containing surfactants, so-called concentrated detergent compositions, which have a higher surfactant concentration than conventional detergent compositions, are known. Concentrated detergent compositions allow the size of the detergent composition itself to be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of resin used in the container, transportation costs, and waste after use, which is considered to be very effective in reducing the burden on the environment. Furthermore, when cleaning hard kitchen items such as dishes and cookware, it is necessary to remove hard stains composed of a combination of solid and liquid grease. Furthermore, tap water is generally used to wash hard items and clothing. Generally, detergency is affected by the hardness of the water used. The hardness of tap water in Japan is often 1 to 5° dH (German hardness). However, tap water in some areas of Japan and other regions has a high hardness of 8 to 20° dH, which is used to wash hard items and clothing. Therefore, excellent detergency is required regardless of the hardness of the water used for cleaning.

[0003] JP 2020-152757 A discloses a liquid dishwashing detergent composition that has excellent detergency, foaming, and drainage properties, and that contains: component (A): a specific sulfosuccinic acid dialkyl ester or a salt thereof; component (B): at least one selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants; component (C): cationized cellulose; and component (D): an anionic surfactant other than component (A), wherein the mass ratio of component (A) / component (B) is 0.05 to 0.5 and the mass ratio of component (D) / component (B) is 0.5 to 1.5. JP 2019-182911 A discloses a liquid detergent composition for tableware and / or hard items in the kitchen, which contains (a) a sulfosuccinic acid alkyl ester or a salt thereof having an alkyl group with 5 to 18 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (a)) in an amount of 0.01 to 5.0 mass%, (b) one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (b)) in an amount of 0.01 to 5.0 mass%, (c) an enzyme (hereinafter referred to as component (c)), and water, wherein the mass ratio of component (a) / component (b) is 0.01 to 100, and the detergent composition has excellent detergency against stains containing solid grease attached to tableware and the like, excellent detergency after storage, and excellent enzyme stability and composition stability after storage. JP 2021-17508 A discloses a method for cleaning hard articles, which comprises contacting an undiluted liquid detergent composition with a hard article having stains containing liquid oil attached thereto, the liquid detergent composition containing (a) a surfactant (hereinafter referred to as component (a)) at 0.1 to 15% by mass, (b) an enzyme (hereinafter referred to as component (b)) at 1 to 1000 ppm as an enzyme protein, and at least one of (c) an inorganic salt (hereinafter referred to as component (c)) and (d) a carboxylate salt (hereinafter referred to as component (d)), wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (a) to the contents of components (c) and (d) is (a) / [(c)+(d)] of 0.1 to 10, and the composition is left to stand without application of external force, followed by rinsing with water.

[0004] Summary of the Invention Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2019-182911 reports that by incorporating an enzyme into a formulation containing a low concentration of a sulfosuccinic acid alkyl ester and an amphoteric or semi-polar surfactant, the enzyme's effect on the detergency of stains containing solid grease adhering to tableware and the like is exerted. On the other hand, in a formulation containing a high concentration of surfactant, the surfactant is expected to more easily react with the enzyme, thereby reducing the enzyme's effectiveness. However, the patent document does not disclose anything about the effect of enzymes in a formulation containing a high concentration of surfactant. Furthermore, when cleaning target surfaces such as hard objects, high detergency against stains containing solid grease adhering to target surfaces such as tableware is desired, without being affected by the hardness of the water used for cleaning.

[0005] The present invention provides a method for cleaning target surfaces, which has enzymatic activity even when a high concentration surfactant and an enzyme are used in combination, and which is not affected by the hardness (e.g., 0 to 20° dH (German hardness)) of the water used for cleaning, and which has excellent cleaning properties for removing stains, including solid grease, attached to the target surface, such as tableware.

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a target surface, which comprises contacting the target surface with a cleaning liquid prepared by diluting a liquid detergent composition containing the following components (a), (b), (c), and (e), and water: component (a): a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof; component (b): one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants; component (c): a nonionic surfactant; and component (e): an enzyme.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a liquid detergent composition containing the above-mentioned components (a), (b), (c), and (e), and water.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for cleaning target surfaces, which has enzymatic activity even when a high concentration surfactant and an enzyme are used in combination, and which is not affected by the hardness (e.g., 0 to 20° dH (German hardness)) of the water used for cleaning, and which has excellent cleaning properties for stains including solid grease attached to target surfaces such as tableware.

[0009] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention The reasons why the liquid detergent composition and method for cleaning target surfaces of the present invention maintain enzymatic activity even when a high concentration of surfactant and enzyme are used in combination, and are excellent in cleaning stains containing solid grease attached to target surfaces such as tableware, regardless of the hardness of the water used for cleaning (e.g., 0 to 20° dH (German hardness)) are not entirely clear, are presumed as follows. Generally, surfactants act on enzymes through electrostatic or hydrophobic interactions, and therefore, enzyme activity is lost when the surfactant concentration in the liquid detergent composition is high. Furthermore, hardness components contained in the water used to dilute the liquid detergent composition significantly alter the cleaning performance of the liquid detergent composition by changing the packing properties of the surfactants. However, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention exhibits strong electrostatic interactions among the various surfactants contained in the composition, resulting in charge shielding, thereby minimizing the effect of the various surfactants on the enzymes. Furthermore, the presence of a nonionic surfactant mitigates the effect of hardness components on the packing properties due to the electrostatic interactions among the various surfactants, which is thought to be why the effects of the present invention are achieved.

[0010] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a target surface, which comprises contacting a cleaning liquid obtained by diluting a liquid detergent composition containing the above-mentioned components (a), (b), (c), and (e) (hereinafter referred to as the liquid detergent composition of the present invention) with water at a ratio of 10 to 10,000, with the target surface. The liquid detergent composition of the present invention will now be described.

[0011] [Liquid Detergent Composition] <Component (a)> The component (a) of the present invention is a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof, and from the viewpoint of cleaning properties, is preferably a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof having an alkyl group having from 5 to 18 carbon atoms. Component (a) may be a monoester or a diester. Specific examples of the alkyl group of component (a) include groups selected from hexyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, 2-ethylhexyl, n-octyl, sec-octyl, isopentyl, isononyl, isodecyl, cyclohexyl, 1-butylhexyl, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl, 1-butylpentyl, 1-(2-methylpropyl)-3-methylbutyl, 2-propylpentyl, and 2-propylheptyl groups. From the viewpoint of cleaning properties for stains containing solid grease (hereinafter simply referred to as cleaning properties), groups selected from 2-ethylhexyl and 2-propylheptyl groups are preferred.

[0012] From the viewpoint of cleaning properties, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention may contain, as component (a), two species selected from (a-1) a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof, the alkyl group of which has 5 to 8 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (a-1)), and (a-2) a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof, the alkyl group of which has 9 to 18 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (a-2)). The aspects described for component (a) can be applied as appropriate to component (a-1) and component (a-2).

[0013] From the viewpoint of cleaning properties, the component (a) is preferably a branched alkyl sulfosuccinate ester having a branched alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (a1)).

[0014] The branched alkyl group of component (a1) is preferably a branched alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably a branched alkyl group having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably a branched alkyl group having a main chain of 6 or 7 carbon atoms and one or more side chains, the total number of carbon atoms in the side chains being from 2 to 3. The branched alkyl group of component (a1) is preferably a branched alkyl group selected from a 2-propylheptyl group and a 2-ethylhexyl group, and even more preferably a 2-ethylhexyl group.

[0015] Examples of the component (a1) include branched sulfosuccinate esters represented by the following general formula (a1).

[0016]

[0017] [In the formula, R １ａ , R ２ａ are each independently a branched alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms. １ , A ２ are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and x and y are each independently the average number of moles added, and are each independently 0 to 6. １ is a hydrogen atom or a cation.

[0018] Further, the component (a1) may be a branched alkyl sulfosuccinate ester represented by the following general formula (a1-a): This compound is a compound in which x=0 and y=0 in general formula (a1).

[0019]

[0020] [In the formula, R １ａ , R ２ａ are each independently a branched alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms. １ is a hydrogen atom or a cation.

[0021] The following explanation applies to both general formula (a1) and general formula (a1-a). １ａ , R ２ａ In the present invention, the branched chain hydrocarbon group includes a hydrocarbon residue obtained by removing a hydroxyl group from a secondary alcohol.

[0022] In the present invention, R １ａ , R ２ａ Among the branched chain hydrocarbon groups, the hydrocarbon chain with the largest number of carbon atoms, counting from the carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom, is defined as the main chain, and the hydrocarbon chains branching from and bonded to the main chain are defined as side chains. When two or more main chains are possible, i.e., when there are two or more hydrocarbon chains with the largest number of carbon atoms (hereinafter also referred to as the longest hydrocarbon chains), the main chain is determined in the following order: 1. The side chain with the largest number of carbon atoms branching from the longest hydrocarbon chain is defined as the main chain. 2. Next, if the side chains branching from the longest hydrocarbon chain have the same number of carbon atoms, the side chain with the largest number of side chains branching from the longest hydrocarbon chain is defined as the main chain. 3. Next, if the number of side chains branching from the longest hydrocarbon chains are the same, the side chain with the side chain closest to the oxygen atom, counting from the carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom, is defined as the main chain. 4. Next, if the positions of the carbon atoms with side chains closest to the oxygen atom are the same, the side chain with the largest number of carbon atoms closest to the oxygen atom is defined as the main chain. Note that when two or more longest hydrocarbon chains have the same symmetrical structure, either one may be defined as the main chain.

[0023] R １ａ , R ２ａ In each of the branched alkyl groups, the total number of carbon atoms constituting the side chains may be the same or different, and from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, is preferably from 2 to 3. In the present invention, the total number of carbon atoms constituting the side chains refers to the total number of carbon atoms in all side chains other than the main chain in one branched alkyl group, and when there are multiple side chains, it refers to the total number of carbon atoms in all of those side chains.

[0024] R １ａ , R ２ａ The number of side chains may be the same or different, and from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, is 1 or more, and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less. In the present invention, the number of side chains refers to the number of side chains branching from the main chain, and the number of side chains does not change even if a side chain has a side chain branching from the side chain. However, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, a side chain may have a side chain branching from the side chain.

[0025] R １ａ, R ２ａ The number of branched carbon atoms may be the same or different, and from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and formulation stability, is 1 or more, and preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 2 or less. In the present invention, the number of branched carbon atoms means the total number of tertiary carbon atoms and quaternary carbon atoms in the branched-chain hydrocarbon group.

[0026] R １ａ , R ２ａ A preferred embodiment of R １ａ , R ２ａ the total number of carbon atoms in the chain branched hydrocarbon groups is independently 8 or more and 12 or less, further 8 or more and 10 or less, the number of carbon atoms in the main chain is independently 6 or 7, the number of carbon atoms constituting the side chains is independently 1 or more and 3 or less, and the number of side chains is independently 1.

[0027] R １ａ , R ２ａ The specific branched alkyl groups may be the same or different, and are preferably branched alkyl groups selected from a 2-propylheptyl group and a 2-ethylhexyl group, with a 2-ethylhexyl group being more preferred.

[0028] In general formula (a1), A １ , A ２ are each independently an alkylene group having 2 or more carbon atoms and 4 or less, preferably 3 or less carbon atoms. In general formula (a1), x and y are the average number of moles added, and from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, each independently is 0 or more and 6 or less, preferably 4 or less, more preferably 2 or less, and even more preferably 0. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, x+y is preferably 0 or more and preferably 12 or less, more preferably 6 or less, even more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 0.

[0029] In general formula (a1), M １is a hydrogen ion, an inorganic cation such as a sodium ion, an ammonium ion, a potassium ion, or a magnesium ion, or an organic cation such as a monoethanolammonium ion, a diethanolammonium ion, a triethanolammonium ion, or a morpholinium ion, and is preferably an inorganic cation selected from the group consisting of a sodium ion, an ammonium ion, a potassium ion, and a magnesium ion.

[0030] In general formula (a1), R １ａ , R ２ａ The method for preparing the compound in which R is the same is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be prepared by referring to the method described in U.S. Patent No. 2,028,091. １ａ , R ２ａ As a method for preparing asymmetric compounds having different carbon atoms, for example, reference can be made to JP-A-58-24555. An alkylene oxide added to an alcohol having a predetermined number of carbon atoms can also be used as the raw material for component (a1). Suitable alcohols for use in producing component (a1) of the present invention include: (1) primary alcohols such as 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, 3,5,5-trimethylhexan-1-ol, and 2-propylheptan-1-ol; and (2) secondary alcohols such as 5-nonanol and 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanol.

[0031] From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention may contain, as component (a1), two species selected from (a1-1) a sulfosuccinate branched alkyl ester having a branched alkyl group with 8 carbon atoms or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (a1-1)), and (a1-2) a sulfosuccinate branched alkyl ester having a branched alkyl group with 9 to 12 carbon atoms or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (a1-2)). The aspects described for component (a1) can be applied as appropriate to component (a1-1) and component (a1-2).

[0032] <Component (b)> The component (b) of the present invention is one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the component (b) is preferably an amphoteric surfactant. Examples of the semi-polar surfactant include amine oxide surfactants. Examples of the amphoteric surfactant include betaine surfactants. From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the component (b) of the present invention is preferably one or more surfactants selected from amine oxide surfactants and betaine surfactants, more preferably a betaine surfactant. From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the component (b) of the present invention may be one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants, preferably an amphoteric surfactant. From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the component (b) of the present invention may be one or more surfactants selected from amine oxide surfactants and betaine surfactants, more preferably a betaine surfactant.

[0033] As the amine oxide surfactant, a compound represented by the following general formula (b1) is preferred.

[0034]

[0035] [In the formula, R １１ｂ represents a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, more preferably an alkyl group; R １２ｂ and R １３ｂ are the same or different and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. D represents an -NHC(=O)- group or a -C(=O)NH- group, and E represents an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. q and p represent q=0 and p=0 or q=1 and p=1.

[0036] In the above general formula (b1), when q=1 and p=1, R １１ｂ is a hydrocarbon group, preferably an alkyl group, having 9 or more carbon atoms, preferably 11 or more carbon atoms, and 18 or less carbon atoms, preferably 16 or less carbon atoms, more preferably 14 or less carbon atoms, from the viewpoint of cleaning properties and compounding stability. １１ｂFrom the viewpoint of cleaning properties and compounding stability, R is a hydrocarbon group, preferably an alkyl group, having 10 or more carbon atoms, preferably 12 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less carbon atoms. In the present invention, it is preferable that q=0 and p=0. １２ｂ , R １３ｂ is preferably a methyl group having one carbon atom.

[0037] Examples of betaine surfactants include compounds of the following general formula (b2) and sulfobetaine, and from the viewpoint of cleaning properties, the compounds of the following general formula (b2) are preferred.

[0038]

[0039] [In the formula, R ２１ｂ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 7 to 18 carbon atoms, and R ２２ｂ is an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. A is a group selected from -COO-, -CONH-, -OCO-, -NHCO-, and -O-, and r is the number 0 or 1. R ２３ｂ , R ２４ｂ is an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R ２５ｂ is an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms which may be substituted with a hydroxy group. B is —COO － It is.

[0040] In general formula (b2), R ２１ｂ From the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group, preferably an alkyl group, having 7 or more carbon atoms, preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of cleaning performance and blend stability, A is preferably -COO- or -CONH-, more preferably -CONH-. ２２ｂ The number of carbon atoms in R is preferably 2 or 3. ２３ｂ , R ２４ｂ is preferably a methyl group. r is preferably 1. ２５ｂ The number of carbon atoms is preferably 1.

[0041] Examples of sulfobetaines include N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, in which the alkyl group has preferably 10 or more, 18 or less, and more preferably 14 or less carbon atoms; N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, in which the alkyl group has preferably 10 or more, 18 or less, and more preferably 14 or less carbon atoms; N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-sulfopropylammonium sulfobetaine, in which the alkanoyl group has preferably 10 or more, 18 or less, and more preferably 14 or less carbon atoms; and N-alkanoylaminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxysulfopropyl)ammonium sulfobetaine, in which the alkanoyl group has preferably 10 or more, 18 or less, and more preferably 14 or less carbon atoms.

[0042] Specific examples of betaine surfactants include one or more selected from alkylcarboxybetaines, alkylamidocarboxybetaines, alkylamino fatty acid salts, and the sulfobetaines. From the viewpoint of cleansing properties and formulation stability, preferred are one or more selected from alkylcarboxybetaines, alkylamidocarboxybetaines, and alkylamino fatty acid salts, and more preferred are one or more selected from alkylamidopropyl-N,N-dimethylcarboxybetaines and alkyl-N,N-dimethylacetic acid betaines. The number of carbon atoms in these alkyl groups is 7 or more, preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less.

[0043] <Component (c)> The component (c) of the present invention is a nonionic surfactant.

[0044] Examples of the nonionic surfactant of component (c) include alkyl monoglyceryl ethers, polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl or alkenyl ethers, alkyl (poly)glycosides (glycoside-type nonionic surfactants), sorbitan-based nonionic surfactants, aliphatic alkanolamides, fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters, and amidations of alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and methylmonoethanolamine with fatty acids such as lauric acid and myristic acid. One or more of these nonionic surfactants can be used. The alkyl or alkenyl group of the nonionic surfactant has, for example, 6 to 18 carbon atoms. The average number of moles of oxyalkylene groups, such as oxyethylene groups, added to the nonionic surfactant is, for example, 3 to 25.

[0045] From the viewpoint of cleaning properties, the component (c) is preferably at least one selected from (c1) alkyl (poly)glycoside (hereinafter referred to as component (c1)) and (c2) polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl ether (hereinafter referred to as component (c2)), and more preferably (c1) alkyl (poly)glycoside.

[0046] From the viewpoint of cleansing performance, the alkyl group of component (c1) is preferably a primary alkyl group, more preferably a linear primary alkyl group. From the viewpoint of cleansing performance, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 16 or less, and even more preferably 14 or less. From the viewpoint of cleansing performance, component (c1) preferably has a linear primary alkyl group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, more preferably a linear primary alkyl group having 10 or 12 carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of cleansing performance, the average degree of polymerization of the glycoside of component (c1) is preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, and preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or less, and even more preferably 1.7 or less.

[0047] From the viewpoint of cleanability, the alkyl group of component (c2) is preferably a primary alkyl group, more preferably a linear or branched primary alkyl group, and even more preferably a linear primary alkyl group. From the viewpoint of cleanability, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 12 or more, and preferably 18 or less, more preferably 14 or less, and even more preferably 12. From the viewpoint of cleanability, the oxyalkylene group of component (c2) is preferably one or more selected from oxyethylene groups and oxypropylene groups, more preferably oxyethylene groups. From the viewpoint of cleanability, the average number of moles of oxyalkylene groups added in component (c2) is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 6 or more, even more preferably 8 or more, and preferably 25 or less, more preferably 18 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less.

[0048] <Component (d)> The liquid detergent composition of the present invention may optionally contain the following component (d): Component (d): surfactant other than components (a), (b), and (c) Examples of component (d) include one or more surfactants selected from (d1) anionic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d1)) and (d2) cationic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d2)).

[0049] Examples of the anionic surfactant of component (d1) include one or more selected from alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkyl or alkenyl ether sulfates, alkyl or alkenyl sulfates, alkanesulfonates, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid salts, alkyl or alkenyl ether carboxylates, α-sulfofatty acid salts, N-acylamino acids, and mono- or di-phosphate esters. Examples of alkyl ether sulfates include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates. The alkyl or alkenyl group of the anionic surfactant may have, for example, from 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The average number of moles of oxyethylene groups added in the anionic surfactant may be, for example, from 0 to 10. Examples of counter ions of the anionic groups in these anionic surfactants include alkali metal ions such as sodium ions and potassium ions; alkaline earth metal ions such as calcium ions and magnesium ions; ammonium ions; and alkanolamines having 1 to 3 alkanol groups with 2 or 3 carbon atoms (e.g., monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, etc.). These surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0050] Examples of the cationic surfactant of component (d2) include alkyltrimethylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, dialkyldimethylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and benzethonium salts. Examples of salts include halogen salts and alkyl sulfate salts in which the alkyl group has from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. These surfactants can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0051] <Component (e)> The component (e) of the present invention is an enzyme. From the viewpoint of detergency against complex soiling such as oils and fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, the component (e) is preferably one or more enzymes selected from lipase, amylase, and protease, and more preferably lipase.

[0052] Preferred lipases include triacylglycerol lipase in EC 3.1.1.3, cholesterol esterase in EC 3.1.1.13, monoacylglycerol lipase in EC 3.1.23, and lipoprotein lipase in EC 3.1.1.34. The origin of the lipase is not limited, and examples include lipases derived from animals, plants, or microorganisms. Microbial lipases include those derived from the genera Rizopus, Aspergillus, Mucor, Pseudomonas, Geotrichum, Penicillium, and Candida. Examples of lipase that can be used include Lipase A "Amano" 6, Lipase AY "Amano" 30SD, Lipase GS "Amano" 250G, Lipase R "Amano", Lipase DF "Amano" 15, Lipase MER "Amano" (all manufactured by Amano Enzyme Co., Ltd.), Lipase (Nagase & Co., Ltd.), Lipase MY, Lipase OF, Lipase PL, Lipase PLC, Lipase QLM, Lipase QLC, and Phospholipase D (all manufactured by Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd.), Lipoprotein Lipase (manufactured by Oriental Yeast Co., Ltd.), Lipase (manufactured by Toyo Brewery Co., Ltd.), Lipex, Lipolase, and Lipase SP-225 (all manufactured by Novozymes), Lipase (manufactured by Gist), Lipase A, and Lipase B (all manufactured by Sapporo Breweries Ltd.). In the present invention, Lipex and Lipolase are preferred.

[0053] Examples of proteases include proteases that can function in neutral or alkaline aqueous solutions. Specific examples of preferred proteases include the alkaline proteases described in WO 99 / 018218, preferably those in which 70% or more of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 is conserved, and the alkaline proteases described in JP-A-5-25492, preferably alkaline protease K-16 or alkaline protease K-14. Other examples include proteases produced by Bacillus subtilisins sold under the trade names Savinase, Cannase, Evalase, Alcalase, Polarzyme, and Esperase (all manufactured by Novozymes), and proteases or variants thereof supplied under the trade names FN2, FN3, FN4, Prafect, and Prafect Prime (all manufactured by DuPont). Among these, one or more enzymes selected from Savinase, Evalase, Alcalase, Progress, Prafect, and Prafect Prime, which conserve 80% or more of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 described in WO 99 / 018218, are more preferred.

[0054] Examples of amylases include bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis Marburg, Bacillus subtilis natto, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus macerans, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Klebusiella aerogenes, actinomycetes such as Streptomyces griseus, and strains of Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger. Amylases obtained from many organisms, such as fungi such as Amylase niger, seeds of grasses and legumes, and the digestive glands of animals such as humans and pigs, can be used. The amylase used in the present invention can be obtained by inoculating the above-mentioned microorganisms or their mutants, or host cells transformed with a recombinant vector containing a DNA sequence encoding these enzymes or their mutants, into a medium containing an assimilable carbon source, a nitrogen source, and other essential nutrients, culturing them according to standard methods, and following general enzyme isolation and purification methods. The enzyme solution thus obtained can be used as is, or it can be further purified, crystallized, or formulated into a powder or liquid by known methods. The amylase used in the present invention is preferably α-amylase. Commercially available amylases that can be used include Rapidase (Gistbrokers), Termamyl, Duramyl, and Steinzyme, Amplify (Novozymes), and products under the trade names Plaster ST and Plaster OxAm (Genencor International).

[0055] <Composition, etc.> From the viewpoints of cleaning performance and formulation stability, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 1 mass % or more, more preferably 2 mass % or more, even more preferably 5 mass % or more, and preferably 60 mass % or less, more preferably 40 mass % or less, even more preferably 20 mass % or less, still more preferably 15 mass % or less, and still more preferably 12 mass % or less. In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the mass of component (a) is specified as the value converted to the sodium salt.

[0056] When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains the component (a-1) and the component (a-2) as the component (a), the mass ratio (a-1) / (a-2) of the content of the component (a-1) to the content of the component (a-2) is, from the viewpoint of detergency, preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, even more preferably 6 or less, and still more preferably 4 or less.

[0057] When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains the components (a1-1) and (a1-2) as the component (a), the mass ratio (a1-1) / (a1-2) of the content of the component (a1-1) to the content of the component (a1-2) is, from the viewpoint of detergency, preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, even more preferably 6 or less, and still more preferably 4 or less.

[0058] From the viewpoints of cleaning performance and enzyme activity, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0059] In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (b) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (b) is, from the viewpoints of detergency and enzyme activity, preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, even more preferably 0.8 or more, still more preferably 1.0 or more, still more preferably 1.2 or more, and preferably 50 or less, more preferably 10 or less, still more preferably 3.0 or less, and still more preferably 1.8 or less.

[0060] From the viewpoints of detergency and enzyme activity, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably more than 5% by mass, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, even more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 12% by mass or less.

[0061] From the viewpoints of detergency and enzyme activity, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably more than 5 mass % and preferably not more than 30 mass %, more preferably not more than 20 mass %, even more preferably not more than 15 mass %, and still more preferably not more than 12 mass %. The content of component (c) is even more suitable when the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains an amine oxide surfactant as component (b).

[0062] In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the content of the anionic surfactant, i.e., the mass ratio (c) / [(a)+(d1)] of the total content of components (a) and (d1) to the content of component (c), is preferably 0.4 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, and preferably 50 or less, more preferably 10 or less, even more preferably 3.0 or less, and still more preferably 1.8 or less, from the viewpoints of detergency and enzyme activity. The above mass ratio (c) / [(a)+(d1)] is even more suitable when the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains an amine oxide surfactant as component (b).

[0063] In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (c) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c) is preferably 0.2 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, even more preferably 0.6 or more, from the viewpoints of blend stability and cleaning properties independent of water hardness, and is preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, even more preferably 1.7 or less, and still more preferably 1.4 or less.

[0064] When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (d), from the viewpoints of detergency and formulation stability, the liquid detergent composition contains component (d) in an amount of 0 mass% or more, preferably 5 mass% or more, more preferably 10 mass% or more, even more preferably 20 mass% or more, still more preferably 25 mass% or more, and preferably 50 mass% or less, more preferably 40 mass% or less, and even more preferably 35 mass% or less. The liquid detergent composition of the present invention does not necessarily contain component (d). When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (d1) as component (d), the mass of component (d1) is defined as the value converted into the sodium salt. When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (d2) as component (d), the mass of component (d2) is defined as the value converted into the chlorine salt.

[0065] In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (d) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (d) is preferably 0 or more, more preferably 0.5 or more, and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, even more preferably 1.5 or less, and even more preferably 1 or less, from the viewpoints of blend stability and cleaning properties independent of water hardness.

[0066] From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the content of surfactant in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention is preferably 17% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 22% by mass or more, still more preferably 25% by mass or more, and preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 54% by mass or less, still more preferably 45% by mass or less, and still more preferably 35% by mass or less.

[0067] In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the total content of components (a), (b), (c), and (d) is, from the viewpoint of detergency, preferably 17% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 22% by mass or more, still more preferably 25% by mass or more, and preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 54% by mass or less, still more preferably 45% by mass or less, and still more preferably 35% by mass or less. The total content of components (a), (b), (c), and (d) is the content of surfactants contained in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention.

[0068] From the viewpoints of cleaning performance and cost, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (e) in an amount of preferably 0.01 mass% or more, more preferably 0.05 mass% or more, even more preferably 0.1 mass% or more, and preferably 0.5 mass% or less, more preferably 0.4 mass% or less, even more preferably 0.3 mass% or less, and even more preferably 0.2 mass% or less, as enzyme protein, in the liquid detergent composition. The mass of component (e) in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention is calculated as the amount of enzyme protein. The method described in the Examples can be used to quantify the enzyme protein of component (e).

[0069] In the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (e) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (e) is, from the viewpoints of enzyme activity and detergency, preferably 0.0002 or more, more preferably 0.001 or more, even more preferably 0.01 or more, still more preferably 0.015 or more, and preferably 0.2 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, even more preferably 0.06 or less, still more preferably 0.05 or less, and still more preferably 0.04 or less.

[0070] From the viewpoint of uniformity and blend stability, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention may further contain a water-soluble organic solvent as component (f).

[0071] Examples of component (f) include (f-1) monohydric alcohols having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, (f-2) polyhydric alcohols having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, (f-3) di- or trialkylene glycols having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylene glycol unit, and (f-4) monoalkyl (methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl), monophenyl, or monobenzyl ethers of mono-, di-, tri-, or tetraalkylene glycols having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkylene glycol unit. One or more of these may be used. Component (f) is preferably a water-soluble organic solvent having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 10 carbon atoms. Here, the term "water-soluble organic solvent" refers to a solvent having an octanol / water partition coefficient (LogPow) of 3.5 or less.

[0072] Specifically, examples of (f-1) include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, t-butanol, and 2-aminoethanol; examples of (f-2) include 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, and isoprene glycol; examples of (f-3) include diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; and examples of (f-4) include propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (also referred to as butyl diglycol, etc.), dipropylene glycol butyl ether, phenoxyethanol, phenoxytriethylene glycol, and phenoxyisopropanol. One or more of these may be used. From the viewpoint of blending uniformity of the composition, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention preferably contains, as component (f), one or more water-soluble organic solvents selected from ethanol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, phenoxyethanol, and phenoxyisopropanol, and more preferably one or more water-soluble organic solvents selected from ethanol, propylene glycol, and phenoxyethanol.

[0073] When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (f), from the viewpoints of formulation uniformity and cost of the composition, the liquid detergent composition contains component (f) in an amount of preferably 1 mass % or more, more preferably 5 mass % or more, even more preferably 10 mass % or more, and preferably 30 mass % or less, more preferably 20 mass % or less, even more preferably 15 mass % or less.

[0074] From the viewpoint of cleaning properties, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention may further contain an inorganic salt as component (g).

[0075] The inorganic salt of component (g) can be one or more selected from inorganic alkali metal salts, inorganic alkaline earth metal salts, and salts of elements from Groups 8 to 12 of the 4th period. Component (g) is preferably one or more selected from chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, and sulfites. Component (g) can be one or more salts selected from alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, and potassium, alkaline earth metals such as magnesium and calcium, and elements from Groups 8 to 12 of the 4th period, iron, copper, and zinc. Component (g) is more preferably one or more selected from sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride.

[0076] When the liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains component (g), from the viewpoints of cleaning performance and formulation uniformity of the composition, the liquid detergent composition contains component (g) in an amount of preferably 0.001 mass % or more, more preferably 0.004 mass % or more, even more preferably 0.008 mass % or more, and preferably 0.2 mass % or less, more preferably 0.15 mass % or less, even more preferably 0.1 mass % or less.

[0077] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention may contain ingredients such as a hydrotropic agent, an anti-gelling agent such as polyalkylene glycol, a thickener such as polyacrylic acid, a fragrance, a dye, a pigment, a disinfectant, a preservative, and a pH adjuster.

[0078] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains water. That is, the remainder other than the components (a) to (e) and other optional components is water. The liquid detergent composition of the present invention contains water in an amount of preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less. The water used is preferably ion-exchanged water, sterilized ion-exchanged water, or the like.

[0079] From the viewpoint of enzyme stability, the pH of the liquid detergent composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 6.0 or higher, more preferably 6.5 or higher, even more preferably 7.0 or higher, and preferably 10 or lower, more preferably 8.0 or lower, even more preferably 7.5 or lower.

[0080] The viscosity of the liquid detergent composition of the present invention at 20° C. is preferably 2000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or less. The lower limit of this viscosity is preferably 10 mPa·s or more, more preferably 30 mPa·s or more, and even more preferably 50 mPa·s or more.

[0081] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention can be used for (1) food, for example, on the surface of food materials such as vegetables, (2) hard articles, and (3) textile products, for example, textile materials such as cloth and thread, and products manufactured using them. The liquid detergent composition of the present invention can be suitably used for hard articles. Examples of hard articles include hard articles having hard surfaces such as bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, floors, doorknobs, tableware, hard articles around the kitchen, food processing equipment, desks, chairs, and walls. These hard articles may be used in homes or public facilities or factories, such as swimming pools, bathhouses, cafeterias, and hospitals.

[0082] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention is particularly suitable for use on tableware and / or kitchen hard items. Kitchen hard items are items used around the kitchen, specifically: (1) storage areas for food, tableware, and cooking utensils, such as refrigerators and cupboards; (2) food preparation areas, such as drains, countertops, range hoods, sinks, gas ranges, and microwave ovens; and (3) floors and walls around the storage areas and cooking areas. In the present invention, these are referred to as "kitchen hard items" for convenience. Specific examples of tableware include: (i) so-called tableware, such as plates and bowls; (ii) storage containers, such as Tupperware and bottles; (iii) cooking utensils, such as knives, cutting boards, pots, frying pans, and fish grills; and (iv) cooking appliances, such as food processors and mixers, and other components and utensils that come into contact with food. In the present invention, these are referred to as "tableware" for convenience. The materials of tableware and / or hard kitchen articles that are the subject of the present invention include plastics (including silicone resins, etc.), metals, ceramics, wood, and combinations thereof.

[0083] The liquid detergent composition of the present invention is used after dilution with water. From the viewpoint of detergency, the hardness of the water used in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention is, in German hardness, preferably 0° DH or more, more preferably 4° DH or more, even more preferably 8° DH or more, still more preferably 10° DH or more, and preferably 20° DH or less, more preferably 16° DH or less, and even more preferably 11° DH or less. Here, the German hardness (° dH) in this specification refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium in water expressed in terms of CaCO ３German hardness refers to the converted concentration of 1 mg / L (ppm) = approximately 0.056°dH (1°dH = 17.8 ppm). The calcium and magnesium concentrations for this German hardness are determined by chelate titration using disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The specific method for measuring the German hardness of water in this specification is shown below. <Method for Measuring the German Hardness of Water> [Reagents] 0.01 mol / L EDTA 2Na solution: 0.01 mol / L aqueous solution of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (titration solution, 0.01 M EDTA-2Na, manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich) Universal BT indicator (product name: Universal BT, manufactured by Dojindo Laboratories, Inc.) Ammonia buffer solution for hardness measurement (solution prepared by dissolving 67.5 g of ammonium chloride in 570 ml of 28 w / v% aqueous ammonia, and adding ion-exchanged water to make a total volume of 1000 ml) [Hardness Measurement] (1) Using a volumetric pipette, place 20 ml of sample water into a conical beaker. (2) Add 2 ml of ammonia buffer solution for hardness measurement. (3) Add 0.5 ml of Universal BT indicator. Confirm that the solution after addition is reddish purple. (4) While shaking the conical beaker well, add 0.01 mol / L EDTA 2Na solution dropwise from the burette, and the end point of the titration is when the sample water turns blue. (5) Calculate the total hardness using the following formula: Hardness (°dH) = T x 0.01 x F x 56.0774 x 100 / A T: Titration volume (mL) of 0.01 mol / L EDTA 2Na solution A: Sample volume (20 mL, volume of sample water) F: Factor of 0.01 mol / L EDTA 2Na solution

[0084] [Method for cleaning a target surface] The present invention provides a method for cleaning a target surface, which comprises contacting a cleaning liquid (hereinafter referred to as the cleaning liquid of the present invention) prepared by diluting the liquid detergent composition of the present invention with water by a ratio of 10 to 10,000. The method for cleaning a target surface of the present invention can be suitably applied to the embodiments described for the liquid detergent composition of the present invention. The hardness of the water used to dilute the liquid detergent composition of the present invention is the same as that described for the liquid detergent composition of the present invention, and the method for measuring the hardness of the water is also the same.

[0085] The target surfaces targeted by the cleaning method of the present invention can be (1) food, for example, surfaces of food materials such as vegetables, (2) hard articles, and (3) textile products, for example, textile materials such as cloth and thread, and products manufactured using these. The target surfaces targeted by the cleaning method of the present invention are preferably hard surfaces of hard articles, more preferably hard surfaces of tableware and / or hard articles for use in the kitchen. The hard articles and tableware and / or hard articles for use in the kitchen are the same as those described for the liquid detergent composition of the present invention.

[0086] In the cleaning method of the present invention, the liquid detergent composition of the present invention is diluted with water at a ratio of 10 times or more, preferably 30 times or more, more preferably 50 times or more, and even more preferably 100 times or more, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance, and at a ratio of 10,000 times or less, preferably 5,000 times or less, more preferably 1,000 times or less, and even more preferably 200 times or less, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and reducing the environmental load associated with the release of cleaning water into the environment.

[0087] When the content of the surfactant in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention or the total content of components (a), (b), (c), and (d) in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention is 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, the dilution ratio of the liquid detergent composition of the present invention with water is, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance and formulation stability, 10 times or more, preferably 15 times or more, more preferably 20 times or more, even more preferably 25 times or more, still more preferably 50 times or more, and 5000 times or less, preferably 2500 times or less, more preferably 2000 times or less, and even more preferably 1500 times or less. Furthermore, when the content of surfactants in the liquid detergent composition of the present invention or the total content of components (a), (b), (c), and (d) exceeds 50% by mass and is 70% by mass or less, the dilution ratio of the liquid detergent composition of the present invention with water is 50 times or more, preferably 55 times or more, more preferably 60 times or more, even more preferably 70 times or more, and is 10,000 times or less, preferably 8,000 times or less, more preferably 5,500 times or less, even more preferably 5,000 times or less.

[0088] From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the content of the surfactant in the cleaning solution of the present invention is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, and preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.6% by mass or less.

[0089] In the cleaning solution of the present invention, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the total content of the components (a), (b), (c), and (d) is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, still more preferably 0.2% by mass or more, and is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.6% by mass or less.

[0090] In the cleaning liquid of the present invention, the mass ratio (a-1) / (a-2) of the content of the component (a-1) to the content of the component (a-2), (a1-1) / (a1-2) of the content of the component (a1-1) to the content of the component (a1-2), (b) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b), (c-1) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (c-1), (c-2) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (c-2), (d) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (d), and (e) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (e) are the same as those described for the liquid detergent composition of the present invention.

[0091] In the cleaning method of the present invention, a cleaning liquid prepared by diluting the liquid detergent composition of the present invention with water is brought into contact with a target surface in the form of a foam or liquid. Methods for bringing the cleaning liquid of the present invention into contact with a target surface include application, spraying, and immersion, with immersion being preferred.

[0092] The cleaning solution of the present invention can be applied to the target surface by directly applying it to the target surface, or by attaching the cleaning solution of the present invention to a flexible material, holding the cleaning solution thereon, or by kneading the material with hands several times to form a foam, and then applying the cleaning solution to the target surface.

[0093] A method for spraying the cleaning solution of the present invention onto a target surface includes filling the solution into a container equipped with a sprayer and spraying it in the form of droplets or foam. Examples of containers equipped with a sprayer include manual spray devices that do not use a propellant, such as trigger-type spray containers and pump-type spray containers, and aerosols that use a propellant. The container equipped with a sprayer is preferably a trigger-type spray that can spray the contents in the form of droplets or foam, and more preferably a trigger-type spray equipped with a mechanism for spraying the contents in the form of droplets or a mechanism for forming foam (foam-forming mechanism).

[0094] After the cleaning solution of the present invention is applied or sprayed onto a target surface, it may be left to stand, or it may be scrubbed by applying an external force (physical force) using a flexible material such as a sponge, fingers, etc. From the viewpoint of cleaning performance, the time for which the cleaning solution of the present invention is left to stand after being applied or sprayed onto a target surface (contact time) is preferably 60 seconds or more, more preferably 3 minutes or more, even more preferably 5 minutes or more, and preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 30 minutes or less, even more preferably 10 minutes or less.

[0095] When a target surface is immersed in the cleaning solution of the present invention, the immersion time is, from the viewpoint of cleaning performance, preferably 60 seconds or more, more preferably 3 minutes or more, even more preferably 5 minutes or more, and preferably 60 minutes or less, more preferably 30 minutes or less, even more preferably 10 minutes or less.

[0096] After contacting the cleaning solution of the present invention with the target surface (or after leaving or immersing the surface in the case where the solution is left or immersed), the surface is rinsed with water. When rinsing, an external force (physical force) may be applied using a flexible material such as a sponge or fingers, or the surface may simply be rinsed with a stream of water.

[0097] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the present invention discloses the following aspects.

[0098] <1> A method for cleaning a target surface, comprising contacting the target surface with a cleaning liquid prepared by diluting a liquid detergent composition containing the following components (a), (b), (c), and (e), and water: component (a): a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof; component (b): one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants; component (c): a nonionic surfactant; and component (e): an enzyme.

[0099] <2> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <1>, wherein the component (a) contains two selected from (a-1) a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof, the alkyl group of which has 5 to 8 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (a-1)), and (a-2) a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof, the alkyl group of which has 9 to 18 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (a-2)).

[0100] <3> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <1>, wherein the component (a) is a branched alkyl sulfosuccinate ester having a branched alkyl group containing 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a salt thereof (hereinafter referred to as component (a1)).

[0101] <4> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <3>, wherein the branched alkyl group of the component (a1) is preferably a branched-chain alkyl group having from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably a branched-chain alkyl group having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and having a main chain with 6 or 7 carbon atoms and one or more side chains, with the total number of carbon atoms in the side chains being from 2 to 3.

[0102] <5> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <3>, wherein the branched alkyl group of the component (a1) is a branched alkyl group selected from a 2-propylheptyl group and a 2-ethylhexyl group, and preferably a 2-ethylhexyl group.

[0103] <6> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the content of component (a) in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, still more preferably 15% by mass or less, and still more preferably 12% by mass or less.

[0104] <7> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the content of the component (a) in the liquid detergent composition is 5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less.

[0105] <8> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the component (b) is one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants, and preferably one or more surfactants selected from amine oxide surfactants and betaine surfactants.

[0106] <9> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <8>, wherein the amine oxide surfactant is a compound represented by the following general formula (b1):

[0107] [In the formula, R １１ｂ represents a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, more preferably an alkyl group; R １２ｂ and R １３ｂ are the same or different and represent an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. D represents an -NHC(=O)- group or a -C(=O)NH- group, and E represents an alkylene group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. q and p represent q=0 and p=0 or q=1 and p=1.

[0108] <10> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <8> or <9>, wherein the betaine surfactant is one or more selected from alkylcarboxybetaine, alkylamidocarboxybetaine, alkylamino fatty acid salt, and sulfobetaine, preferably one or more selected from alkylcarboxybetaine, alkylamidocarboxybetaine, and alkylamino fatty acid salt, more preferably one or more selected from alkylamidopropyl-N,N-dimethylcarboxybetaine, and alkyl-N,N-dimethylacetic acid betaine, and the alkyl group has 7 or more, preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less carbon atoms.

[0109] <11> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <8> or <9>, wherein the betaine surfactant is at least one selected from alkylamidopropyl-N,N-dimethylcarboxybetaine, in which the alkyl group has from 10 to 12 carbon atoms, and alkyl-N,N-dimethylacetic acid betaine, in which the alkyl group has from 10 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0110] <12> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the content of component (b) in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, still more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 30% by mass or less, still more preferably 25% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass or less.

[0111] <13> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the content of the component (b) in the liquid detergent composition is 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

[0112] <14> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein in the liquid detergent composition, the mass ratio (b) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.4 or more, even more preferably 0.8 or more, still more preferably 1.0 or more, still more preferably 1.2 or more, and preferably 50 or less, more preferably 10 or less, even more preferably 3.0 or less, and still more preferably 1.8 or less.

[0113] <15> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein in the liquid detergent composition, the mass ratio (b) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (b) is 1.2 or more and 1.8 or less.

[0114] <16> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein the component (c) is at least one selected from alkyl monoglyceryl ethers, polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl or alkenyl ethers, alkyl (poly)glycosides (glycoside-type nonionic surfactants), sorbitan-based nonionic surfactants, aliphatic alkanolamides, fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters, and amidations of alkanolamines and fatty acids.

[0115] <17> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein the component (c) is at least one selected from (c1) alkyl (poly)glycoside (hereinafter referred to as component (c1)) and (c2) polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl ether (hereinafter referred to as component (c2)), and more preferably (c1) alkyl (poly)glycoside.

[0116] <18> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein the content of component (c) in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably more than 5% by mass, and is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, even more preferably 15% by mass or less, and still more preferably 12% by mass or less.

[0117] <19> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <18>, wherein the component (e) is one or more enzymes selected from lipase, amylase, and protease, preferably lipase.

[0118] <20> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <19>, wherein the content of component (e) in the liquid detergent composition, as an enzyme protein, is preferably 0.01% by mass or more, more preferably 0.05% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and preferably 0.5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.4% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.2% by mass or less.

[0119] <21> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein the content of the component (e) in the liquid detergent composition is 0.1% by mass or more and 0.2% by mass or less, in terms of enzyme protein.

[0120] <22> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <21>, wherein in the liquid detergent composition, the mass ratio (e) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (e) is preferably 0.0002 or more, more preferably 0.001 or more, even more preferably 0.01 or more, still more preferably 0.015 or more, and preferably 0.2 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, even more preferably 0.06 or less, still more preferably 0.05 or less, and still more preferably 0.04 or less.

[0121] <23> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <21>, wherein in the liquid detergent composition, the mass ratio (e) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (e) is 0.015 or more and 0.04 or less.

[0122] <24> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <23>, wherein the liquid detergent composition further contains the following component (d): Component (d): a surfactant other than components (a), (b), and (c).

[0123] <25> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <24>, wherein the component (d) is at least one selected from the group consisting of (d1) anionic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d1)) and (d2) cationic surfactants (hereinafter referred to as component (d2)).

[0124] <26> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <24> or <25>, wherein the content of component (d) in the liquid detergent composition is 0% by mass or more, preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, still more preferably 25% by mass or more, and preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, even more preferably 35% by mass or less.

[0125] <27> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <24> or <25>, wherein the content of the component (d) in the liquid detergent composition is 25% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less.

[0126] <28> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <24> to <27>, wherein in the liquid detergent composition, the mass ratio (d) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (d) is preferably 0 or more, more preferably 0.5 or more, and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, even more preferably 1.5 or less, and still more preferably 1 or less.

[0127] <29> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <24> to <27>, wherein in the liquid detergent composition, the mass ratio (d) / (a) of the content of the component (a) to the content of the component (d) is 0.5 or more and 1 or less.

[0128] <30> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <24> to <29>, wherein the total content of the components (a), (b), (c), and (d) in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 17% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 22% by mass or more, still more preferably 25% by mass or more, and preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, even more preferably 54% by mass or less, still more preferably 45% by mass or less, and still more preferably 35% by mass or less.

[0129] <31> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <24> to <29>, wherein the total content of the components (a), (b), (c), and (d) in the liquid detergent composition is 25% by mass or more and 54% by mass or less.

[0130] <32> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <31>, wherein the liquid detergent composition further contains a water-soluble organic solvent as a component (f).

[0131] <33> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <32>, wherein the component (f) is one or more water-soluble organic solvents selected from ethanol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, phenoxyethanol, and phenoxyisopropanol, and preferably one or more water-soluble organic solvents selected from ethanol, propylene glycol, and phenoxyethanol.

[0132] <34> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <32> or <33>, wherein the content of the component (f) in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, even more preferably 15% by mass or less.

[0133] <35> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <32> or <33>, wherein the content of the component (f) in the liquid detergent composition is 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less.

[0134] <36> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <35>, wherein the liquid detergent composition further contains an inorganic salt as a component (g).

[0135] <37> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <36>, wherein the component (g) is at least one selected from sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride.

[0136] <38> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <36> or <37>, wherein the content of the component (g) in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 0.001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.004% by mass or more, even more preferably 0.008% by mass or more, and preferably 0.2% by mass or less, more preferably 0.15% by mass or less, even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less.

[0137] <39> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <36> or <37>, wherein the content of the component (g) in the liquid detergent composition is 0.008% by mass or more and 0.1% by mass or less.

[0138] <40> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <39>, wherein the water content in the liquid detergent composition is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or less.

[0139] <41> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <40>, wherein the liquid detergent composition has a water content of 40% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less.

[0140] <42> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <41>, wherein the target surface is a hard surface of a hard article.

[0141] <43> The method for cleaning a target surface according to <42>, wherein the hard article is tableware and / or hard articles for use in the kitchen.

[0142] <44> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <43>, wherein the water used to dilute the liquid detergent composition has a hardness, on the German hardness scale, of preferably 0° DH or more, more preferably 4° DH or more, even more preferably 8° DH or more, still more preferably 10° DH or more, and preferably 20° DH or less, more preferably 16° DH or less, even more preferably 11° DH or less.

[0143] <45> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <43>, wherein the water used to dilute the liquid detergent composition has a hardness of 10° DH or more and 11° DH or less on the German hardness scale.

[0144] <46> The method for cleaning a target surface according to any one of <1> to <45>, wherein the method for bringing the cleaning liquid into contact with the target surface is coating, spraying, or immersion, and preferably immersion.

[0145] <47> A liquid detergent composition containing the following components (a), (b), (c), and (e), and water: component (a): a sulfosuccinate alkyl ester or a salt thereof; component (b): one or more surfactants selected from semi-polar surfactants and amphoteric surfactants; component (c): a nonionic surfactant; and component (e): an enzyme.

[0146] Examples (1) Preparation of Liquid Detergent Compositions Liquid detergent compositions shown in Tables 1 to 3 were prepared using the ingredients listed below and evaluated for the following items. The liquid detergent compositions in Tables 1 to 3 were prepared by conventional methods. Specifically, components (a) to (f) were added to an appropriate amount of water and dissolved at room temperature (25°C), and then sodium hydroxide and / or hydrochloric acid was added to adjust the pH (25°C) to 7.0. Note that the mass percentages of the ingredients in Tables 1 to 3 are all values ​​based on the active ingredient. Component (e) indicates the content (mass%) of the enzyme protein. The enzyme protein of component (e) was quantified using Bio-Rad's Protein Assay Kit II (catalog number 500-0002) according to a standard assay method, using bovine serum albumin included in the kit as the standard protein.

[0147] <Components> <Component (a)> D26SS: sodium di(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate, in which R １ａ , R ２ａ is a 2-ethylhexyl group, M １ is a sodium ion. <Component (b)> Betaine (1): lauramidopropyl carboxybetaine, in the general formula (b2), R ２１ｂ is an alkyl group having 11 carbon atoms, R ２２ｂ is a propylene group, A is -CONH-, r is 1, R ２３ｂ , R ２４ｂ is a methyl group, R ２５ｂ is a methylene group, B is -COO － Amphitol 20AB, manufactured by Kao Corporation. Betaine (2): lauryl dimethylaminoacetate betaine, in the general formula (b2), ２１ｂ is an alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms, r is 0, R ２３ｂ , R ２４ｂ is a methyl group, R ２５ｂ is a methylene group, B is -COO － Ampitol 20BS, manufactured by Kao Corporation; Amine oxide: lauryl dimethylamine oxide, in which R １１ｂ is an alkyl group having 12 carbon atoms, R １２ｂ and R １３ｂis a methyl group, q=0, and p=0, Amphitol 20N, manufactured by Kao Corporation <Component (c)> AG: alkyl polyglucoside, number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group: 8 to 14, average degree of sugar condensation: 1.6 to 1.7 AE: polyoxyethylene (9) lauryl ether (the number in parentheses is the average number of moles of oxyethylene groups added) <Component (e)> Lipase: Lipex evity 100L, manufactured by Novozymes (active ingredient 5%) Amylase: Amplify Prime 100L, manufactured by Novozymes (active ingredient 5%) <Component (f)> EtOH: ethanol (99.5%), manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.

[0148] (2) Evaluation of Detergency 1 The mass of a polypropylene test piece measuring 30 mm (width) x 80 mm (length) x 1 mm (thickness) was measured using a four-digit balance (x). A 9 / 1 (mass ratio) of beef tallow / rapeseed oil was dissolved in chloroform to prepare a model stain containing solid grease. The polypropylene test piece was uniformly coated with a model stain containing solid grease in an amount of 0.02 g, and the chloroform was evaporated and dried to prepare a stained piece. The mass of the stained piece was measured using a four-digit balance (y). Calcium chloride (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and magnesium chloride hexahydrate (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were added to ion-exchanged water to give a Ca / Mg ratio of 8 / 2 (molar ratio), and water with a 4° DH hardness, 11° DH hardness, and 16° DH hardness was prepared. Each of the liquid detergent compositions in Table 1 was diluted 100 times with one of the hardness waters to prepare diluted solutions in a beaker, and the soiled pieces were immersed in the diluted solutions so that the entire area where the model soil had been applied was in contact with the diluted solutions. The temperature of the diluted solutions was 25°C. After immersion for 5 minutes, the soiled pieces were removed and rinsed with running distilled water for 15 seconds. After rinsing, the soiled pieces were dried and then their mass was measured using a four-digit balance (z). The cleaning rate for the model soil containing solid grease was calculated using the following formula. A higher cleaning rate is preferable. The results are shown in Table 1. Cleaning rate (%) = {(y) - (z)} / {(y) - (x)} x 100

[0149]

[0150] In the liquid detergent composition shown in Table 1, the effect of the present invention can be obtained even if component (b) is replaced with sulfobetaine shown in the above-mentioned blended components.

[0151] (3) Evaluation of Enzyme Activity 1 Using the method described in (2) above, the cleaning rate A for model soil containing solid fat of detergent composition A containing the enzyme shown in Table 2 and the cleaning rate B for model soil containing solid fat of detergent composition B shown in Table 2, which was detergent composition A except for the enzyme, were determined. In Table 2, {(cleaning rate A) - (cleaning rate B)} is shown as the cleaning rate (%) by the enzyme, and the enzyme activity was calculated using the following formula. A larger value for the enzyme activity is preferable. Enzyme activity (%) = {(cleaning rate A) - (cleaning rate B)} / (cleaning rate A) x 100

[0152]

[0153] (4) Detergency Evaluation 2 The mass of a glass test piece measuring 26 mm (width) x 76 mm (length) x 1 mm (thickness) was measured using a four-digit balance (x'). A composite model soil containing solid fat, sugar, etc. was prepared by mixing meat sauce (Kewpie Toaru Pasta Sauce, manufactured by Kewpie Corporation) in a mixer until homogeneous. The composite model soil was uniformly applied to the glass test piece so that the application amount was 0.07 g, and the water was evaporated and dried to obtain a soiled piece. The soiled piece was measured using a four-digit balance (y'). Calcium chloride (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and magnesium chloride hexahydrate (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) were added to ion-exchanged water so that the Ca / Mg ratio was 8 / 2 (molar ratio), and water with a 4° DH hardness, 11° DH hardness, and 16° DH hardness was prepared. Each of the liquid detergent compositions in Table 3 was diluted 100 times with one of the hardness waters to prepare a diluted solution in a beaker, and the soiled piece was immersed in the diluted solution so that the entire area where the model soil had been applied was in contact with the diluted solution. The temperature of the diluted solution was 25°C. After immersion for 1 minute, the soiled piece was removed and rinsed with running distilled water for 15 seconds. After rinsing, the soiled piece was dried and then its mass was measured using a four-digit balance (z'). The cleaning rate of the composite model soil was calculated using the following formula. A higher cleaning rate is preferable. The results are shown in Table 3. Cleaning rate (%) = {(y') - (z')} / {(y') - (x')} x 100

[0154] (5) Evaluation of Enzyme Activity 2 Using the method described in (4) above, the cleaning rate A (Examples 8 to 10) for complex model soils containing solid fat was determined for each of the detergent compositions A containing the enzymes listed in Table 3, and the cleaning rate B (Comparative Example 2) for complex model soils containing solid fat was determined for the detergent composition B (Comparative Example 2) listed in Table 3, which was obtained by removing only the enzyme from the detergent composition A containing the components (a) to (f). In Table 3, {(cleaning rate A) - (cleaning rate B)} is shown as the cleaning rate (%) by the enzyme, and the enzyme activity was calculated using the following formula. A larger value for the enzyme activity is preferable. Enzyme activity (%) = {(cleaning rate A) - (cleaning rate B)} / (cleaning rate A) x 100

[0155]

Claims

1. A method for cleaning a target surface, comprising bringing a cleaning solution obtained by diluting a liquid cleaning agent composition containing the following components (a), (b), (c), and (e), and water, into contact with the target surface. (a) Components: Alkyl sulfosuccinate or salt thereof (b) Ingredients: Amphoteric surfactant (c) Ingredients: Nonionic surfactant (e) Ingredients: Enzymes

2. (a) The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1, wherein the component is an alkyl sulfosuccinate having an alkyl group having 5 to 18 carbon atoms or a salt thereof.

3. (a) The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component is a branched alkyl sulfosuccinate having a branched alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms or a salt thereof.

4. (c) The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component is one or more selected from polyoxyalkylene monoalkyl ethers and alkyl (poly) glycosides.

5. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio (c) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c) in the liquid cleaning agent composition is 0.2 or more and 3 or less.

6. (b) The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (b) is a betaine-type surfactant.

7. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 6, wherein the betaine-type surfactant is one or more selected from alkylamidopropyl-N,N-dimethylcarboxybetaine and alkyl-N,N-dimethylacetic acid betaine.

8. (e) The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the component is one or more selected from lipase, amylase, and protease.

9. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid cleaning agent composition further contains a water-soluble organic solvent as component (f).

10. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid cleaning agent composition further contains an inorganic salt as component (g).

11. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the target surface is the hard surface of a hard article.

12. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 11, wherein the hard article is tableware and / or hard articles around the kitchen.

13. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hardness of the water used to dilute the liquid cleaning agent composition is 4°DH or higher.

14. The method for cleaning a target surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method for bringing the cleaning solution into contact with the target surface is application, spraying, or immersion.

15. A liquid detergent composition containing the following components (a), (b), (c), (e), and water. (a) Components: Alkyl sulfosuccinate or salt thereof (b) Ingredients: Amphoteric surfactant (c) Ingredients: Nonionic surfactant (e) Ingredients: Enzymes