Detergent composition for washing machine

Abstract

Disclosed is a detergent composition for a washing machine, which contains (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent.　(a1): R1a-O-(EO)a(AO)b-H (In the formula, R1a is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, the carbon atom of R1a bonded to an oxygen atom of R1a-O- is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be added in blocks or randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. Each of a and b represents the average number of added moles, and independently represents a number of 1 to 50 inclusive.)

Description

Cleaning composition for washing machines

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent composition for a washing machine and a cleaning method using a washing machine, and further to a detergent composition for a commercial washing machine and a cleaning method using a commercial washing machine, and particularly to a detergent composition for a commercial washing machine for cleaning containers (e.g., food containers, trays, or baskets) or food processing utensils used in food processing factories, preferably plastic food containers, and a cleaning method for a commercial washing machine using the detergent composition.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Washers that automatically wash various items, such as commercial plastic containers and tableware used in food processing factories, are known. In commercial washing machines, the cleaning time is short, so the detergents used in the washing machines are required to have excellent cleaning power (for example, JP 2021-95550 A, JP 2015-502994 A, JP 2014-534279 A, ​​JP 2011-503285 A, JP 2004-263013 A, JP 2002-129189 A, JP 2000-96098 A). In commercial washing machines, high cleaning power and reduced cleaning time are achieved by increasing the temperature of the cleaning solution prepared by diluting the detergent with water, and in some factories, by using steam as a heat source. On the other hand, increasing the temperature of the cleaning solution leads to the consumption of large amounts of fossil fuel resources, and since electricity is also generated from fossil fuels, increased power consumption leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, in recent years, with the aim of achieving a sustainable society, there has been a demand to lower the temperature of the cleaning solution and reduce power consumption.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2021-95550 discloses a liquid detergent composition having a pH of 11 or higher, containing specific amounts of (A) dioctyldimethylammonium salt, (B) nonionic surfactant, (C) amphoteric surfactant, (D) alkaline agent, and (E) chelating agent. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-502994 discloses a self-emulsifying composition containing specific amounts of a) one or more polyolefins, b) one or more polymeric emulsifiers Px, c) one or more oils Ox, d) one or more surfactants Sx, e) one or more additives Ax, and f) water. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-534279 discloses a detergent composition containing a surfactant system including a mixture of a specific isoprenoid surfactant and 5% to 97% of one or more non-isoprenoid surfactants, and one or more cleaning auxiliary additives. JP 2011-503285 A discloses a laundry detergent or cleaning composition containing a copolymer composition containing two specific copolymers. JP 2004-263013 A discloses a detergent composition for dishwashing machines comprising (a) at least one bactericidal component selected from cationic bactericides and amphoteric bactericides, and (b) at least one cleaning component selected from nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants. JP 2002-129189 A discloses a liquid detergent composition containing a surfactant-solubilized solution in which an anionic surfactant (b) and a cationic surfactant (c) are solubilized in a liquid (a) consisting of water or water and a water-soluble solvent, resulting in a transparent, homogeneous solution. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-96098 discloses an aqueous liquid detergent containing specific amounts of (a) an alkaline agent, (b) a cationic disinfectant, (c) a metal chelating agent, (d) a low-foaming nonionic surfactant, (e) a specific fatty acid or a salt thereof, and (f) glycols.

[0004] Summary of the Invention As a method for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from cleaning machines, there are goals such as reducing power consumption and, in some factories, reducing dependence on steam obtained by directly burning fossil fuels. Potential means for achieving this include shortening the cleaning time and lowering the temperature of the cleaning solution. However, a decrease in the temperature of the cleaning solution directly affects its detergency and sterilizing power. Therefore, in order to obtain detergency and sterilizing power equal to or greater than conventional levels even when the temperature of the cleaning solution in a cleaning machine is lowered, further improvements in detergency and sterilizing performance are required for cleaning machine detergent compositions. The present invention provides a cleaning agent composition for a cleaning machine that has detergency and excellent sterilizing performance, and a cleaning method.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a detergent composition for a washing machine, comprising (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent: １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, and EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of from 1 to 50.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a detergent composition for a washing machine, comprising: (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning method, which includes using a cleaning machine to prepare a cleaning liquid by diluting a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent with water, and then cleaning an object to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning method, which includes using a cleaning machine to prepare a cleaning liquid by diluting a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent with water, and then cleaning an object to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

[0009] According to the present invention, there are provided a cleaning agent composition for a washing machine having detergency and excellent sterilizing performance, and a cleaning method.

[0010] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention The cleaning liquid used in washing machines, particularly commercial washing machines, has conventionally been heated to about 60°C before use. The cleaning agent composition for a washing machine of the present invention not only has excellent detergency and sterilizing performance at conventional use temperatures, but can also maintain excellent detergency and sterilizing performance even when the cleaning liquid is at a relatively low temperature (for example, about 45°C), thereby contributing to a sustainable society. Furthermore, this can further reduce the operating costs of the washing machine. In addition, the cleaning agent composition for a washing machine of the present invention has excellent rinsing properties, which not only contributes to water conservation but is also expected to shorten the time from the start of washing to finishing.

[0011] The mechanism by which the machine cleaner composition of the present invention has excellent detergency and bactericidal performance, particularly the mechanism by which it has excellent detergency and bactericidal performance without raising the temperature of the cleaning solution containing the composition, is not clear, but is presumed to be as follows: It is presumed that because component (a) has high emulsifying power and is a surfactant with low foaming and foam-suppressing properties, it maintains its detergency by not causing a decrease in mechanical strength due to foaming, and that component (b) has high bactericidal performance, thereby achieving both high detergency and improved bactericidal performance. It should be noted that the machine cleaner composition and cleaning method of the present invention are in no way limited to the above-mentioned mechanism of action.

[0012] <Machine Detergent Composition> In an exemplary embodiment, the machine detergent composition of the present invention contains (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1) [hereinafter referred to as component (a)], (b) a cationic surfactant [hereinafter referred to as component (b)], and (c) an alkaline agent [hereinafter referred to as component (c)]. １ａ -O-(EO)ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, and EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added and are each independently a number of from 1 to 50.] This machine detergent composition may further contain (d) a chelating agent, as desired.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the machine detergent composition of the present invention contains (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent. This machine detergent composition may further contain (c) an alkaline agent.

[0014] <Component (a)> The component (a) is a nonionic surfactant represented by the above general formula (a1). One or more types of component (a) can be used. In general formula (a1), R １ａ R is a hydrocarbon group, preferably an alkyl group, having a molecular weight of 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, from the viewpoint of further improving the cleaning ability, and having a molecular weight of 18 or less, preferably 14 or less, from the viewpoint of further improving the foam suppressing ability and the blending stability. １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ In view of detergency, the carbon atom in R is preferably a primary carbon atom or a secondary carbon atom, and in view of foam-suppressing ability, it is more preferably a secondary carbon atom. In general formula (a1), the bonding order of EO and AO is not particularly limited, but in view of foam-suppressing ability, it is more preferable that the terminal is AO. That is, in view of foam-suppressing ability, １ａA compound in which EO and AO are bonded to —O— in this order is preferred. AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, preferably a propyleneoxy group. In general formula (a1), a and b represent the average number of moles added, and from the viewpoint of further improving cleansing performance, they are each independently 1 or more, preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and from the viewpoint of further improving foam-suppressing performance, they are 50 or less, preferably 30 or less, more preferably 10 or less. In general formula (a1), the sum of a and b (a+b) is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 5 or more, even more preferably 10 or more, from the viewpoint of further improving cleansing performance, and from the viewpoint of further improving foam-suppressing performance, they are preferably 100 or less, more preferably 50 or less, even more preferably 30 or less, even more preferably 20 or less.

[0015] More specifically, the component (a) is preferably one or more nonionic surfactants selected from the following (a1-1) and (a1-2), and from the viewpoint of further enhancing cleaning properties and foam-suppressing properties, one or more surfactants selected from (a1-2) are more preferred.

[0016] (a1-1): In general formula (a1), R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ a nonionic surfactant having a propyleneoxy group and / or an ethyleneoxy group bonded to a primary carbon atom of the formula (a1-1), preferably a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1-1): １ａ -O-(EO) ｇ - (PO) ｈ - (EO) ｉ -H (a1-1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms, R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａis a primary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, PO is a propyleneoxy group, g, h, and i are the average number of moles added, g is 1 or more and 10 or less, preferably 2 or more and 10 or less, and more preferably 3 or more and 8 or less, h is 1 or more and 6 or less, preferably 1 or more and 4.5 or less, and more preferably 1 or more and 3 or less, i is 1 or more and 12 or less, preferably 2 or more and 10 or less, and more preferably 3 or more and 8 or less, and the sum of g, h, and i (g + h + i) is 3 or more and 28 or less, preferably 3 or more and 20 or less, and more preferably 4 or more and 15 or less.

[0017] (a1-2): In the general formula (a1), R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ a nonionic surfactant having a propyleneoxy group and / or an ethyleneoxy group bonded to a secondary carbon atom of the formula (a1-1), preferably a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1-2): １ａ -O-(EO) ｊ - (PO) ｋ -H (a1-2) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 14 carbon atoms, R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, PO is a propyleneoxy group, j and k are the average number of moles added, j is 1 or more and 15 or less, preferably 2 or more and 12 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 10 or less, and even more preferably 5 or more and 10 or less, k is 1 or more and 15 or less, preferably 2 or more and 12 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 10 or less, and even more preferably 6 or more and 10 or less, and the sum of j and k (j+k) is 2 or more and 30 or less, preferably 2 or more and 20 or less, more preferably 4 or more and 18 or less, and even more preferably 10 or more and 16 or less.

[0018] <Component (b)> The component (b) is a cationic surfactant. One or more types of component (b) can be used. From the viewpoint of bactericidal properties, the component (b) is preferably one or more types selected from a compound represented by the following general formula (b1) and a compound represented by the following general formula (b2), and more preferably one or more types selected from compounds represented by the general formula (b2).

[0019]

[0020] [In the formula, R １ｂ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R ２ｂ is a group selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and a hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and R ３ｂ and R ４ｂ are each independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X － is an anion.

[0021]

[0022] [In the formula, R ５ｂ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R ６ｂ and R ７ｂ are each independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and X － is an anion.

[0023] In general formula (b1), R １ｂ From the viewpoint of further enhancing sterilizing properties and cleaning properties, the number of carbon atoms in R is preferably 9 or more, more preferably 10 or more, even more preferably 12 or more, and preferably 16 or less. １ｂ is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, and more preferably an alkyl group. ２ｂ is a group selected from an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and a hydroxyalkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ２ｂ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, R２ｂ From the viewpoint of further enhancing the bactericidal and cleaning properties, is preferably an alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, and preferably 14 or less, more preferably 12 or less, and is preferably an alkyl group.

[0024] In general formula (b1), R ３ｂ and R ４ｂ are each independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ３ｂ and R ４ｂ are preferably each independently a group selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group. Examples of the hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include a hydroxymethyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, and a hydroxypropyl group.

[0025] In general formula (b1), X － is an anion. Examples of anions include halide ions and alkyl sulfate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of halide ions include chloride ions, bromide ions, and iodide ions. Examples of alkyl sulfate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include methyl sulfate ions, ethyl sulfate ions, and propyl sulfate ions.

[0026] Preferred compounds represented by general formula (b1) include one or more selected from N-alkyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has 12 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms, N,N-dialkyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonium salts in which the alkyl group has 8 or more and 16 or less carbon atoms, and N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-ethylammonium salts in which the alkyl group has 12 or more and 16 or less carbon atoms.

[0027] In general formula (b2), R ５ｂ is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms. ５ｂ From the viewpoint of further enhancing sterilizing properties and cleaning properties, the number of carbon atoms in R is 8 or more, and preferably 18 or less, and more preferably 16 or less. ５ｂ is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, and is preferably an alkyl group.

[0028] In general formula (b2), R ６ｂ and R ７ｂ are each independently a group selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and a hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. ６ｂ and R ７ｂ are preferably each independently a group selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include a methyl group, an ethyl group, and a propyl group. Examples of the hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include a hydroxymethyl group, a hydroxyethyl group, and a hydroxypropyl group.

[0029] In general formula (b2), X － is an anion. Examples of anions include halide ions and alkyl sulfate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of halide ions include chloride ions, bromide ions, and iodide ions. Examples of alkyl sulfate ions having 1 to 3 carbon atoms include methyl sulfate ions, ethyl sulfate ions, and propyl sulfate ions.

[0030] Examples of the compound represented by general formula (b2) include N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-tridecyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-pentadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-dodecyl-N,N-diethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-tridecyl-N,N-diethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, N-tetradecyl-N,N-diethyl-N-benzyl ammonium salt, and one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, N-pentadecyl-N,N-diethyl-N-benzylammonium salts, N-hexadecyl-N,N-diethyl-N-benzylammonium salts, N-dodecyl-N-methyl-N-ethyl-N-benzylammonium salts, N-tridecyl-N-methyl-N-ethyl-N-benzylammonium salts, N-tetradecyl-N-methyl-N-ethyl-N-benzylammonium salts, N-pentadecyl-N-methyl-N-ethyl-N-benzylammonium salts and N-hexadecyl-N-methyl-N-ethyl-N-benzylammonium salts.

[0031] <Component (c)> Component (c) is an alkaline agent. One or more types of component (c) can be used. Examples of component (c) include one or more selected from alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine, and hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, and silicates of alkali metals. From the viewpoint of further improving detergency, component (c) is preferably one or more selected from carbonates, phosphates, and silicates, more preferably one or more selected from carbonates and silicates, even more preferably contains a silicate, and even more preferably the salt is a salt of these alkali metals. Examples of alkali metals include sodium and potassium, with sodium being preferred.

[0032] <Component (d)> The component (d) is a chelating agent. One or more types of component (d) can be used. From the viewpoint of further enhancing bactericidal properties, detergency, and scale inhibition properties, the component (d) is preferably one or more types selected from (d1) a sequestering agent (hereinafter referred to as component (d1)) and (d2) a carboxylic acid polymer compound (hereinafter referred to as component (d2)), and more preferably one or more types selected from the component (d1).

[0033] Component (d1) may be one or more selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (known as EDTA), methylglycinediacetic acid (known as MGDA), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (known as NTA), L-glutamic acid diacetic acid (known as GLDA), ethylene glycol bis(2-aminoethyl ether)tetraacetic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, hydroxybenzyl iminoacetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, and salts thereof. Among these, one or more selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, methylglycinediacetic acid, citric acid, and salts thereof are preferred, and one or more selected from citric acid and salts thereof are more preferred.

[0034] Examples of salts of component (d1) include alkali metal salts such as sodium salts and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as magnesium salts, ammonium salts, and organic amine salts such as monoethanolamine salts, diethanolamine salts, and triethanolamine salts, and are preferably alkali metal salts, and more preferably sodium salts.

[0035] The component (d2) is a carboxylic acid polymer compound. The carboxylic acid polymer compound may be a polymer having structural units derived from a monomer having a carboxy group. Examples of the component (d2) include acrylic acid polymers and maleic acid polymers, and among these, one or more selected from poly(meth)acrylic acid, polymaleic acid, and acrylic acid-maleic acid copolymers are preferred. These may be partially or entirely in the form of an alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or alkanolamine salt. The salt of the component (d2) is preferably an alkali metal salt, more preferably a sodium salt or potassium salt, and even more preferably a sodium salt. The weight-average molecular weight of the component (d2) is preferably 2,000 to 100,000, more preferably 2,000 to 80,000, even more preferably 2,000 to 20,000, and even more preferably 2,000 to 15,000. This weight-average molecular weight is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography. The maleic acid-based polymer is, for example, a homopolymer of maleic acid, or a copolymer of maleic anhydride with another monomer copolymerizable with maleic acid, or a salt thereof, and preferably has a structure represented by the following general formula (d2-1):

[0036]

[0037] [In the formula, R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ , R ４ｄ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a phenyl group, an alkoxy group, or a carboxy group; each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, or an alkyl-substituted ammonium group; x and y are numbers such that the x / y (molar ratio) is from 1 / 10 to 10 / 1, and the weight-average molecular weight of the polymer is from 2,000 to 100,000.

[0038] In the general formula (d2-1), the molar ratio x / y is 1 / 10 or more and 10 / 1 or less, and preferably 3 / 7 or more and 7 / 3 or less. The weight-average molecular weight of the maleic acid-based polymer represented by the general formula (d2-1) is 2,000 or more and 100,000 or less, preferably 2,000 or more and 80,000 or less, and more preferably 5,000 or more and 80,000 or less. This weight-average molecular weight is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent: １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａis a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0041] <Composition, Optional Components, etc.> The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further improving detergency and foam-suppressing properties, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further improving economy.

[0042] The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further improving cleaning and disinfecting properties, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of further improving economy and foam suppression. In the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention, when component (b) can be in the form of a salt, the mass of component (b) is specified as the value converted into the chloride salt.

[0043] In the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention, the mass ratio of the content of component (b) to the content of component (a) [(b) / (a)] is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.15 or more, and even more preferably 0.2 or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the disinfecting property, and is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, even more preferably 5 or less, and even more preferably 3 or less, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the cleaning property.

[0044] When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (c), the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, still more preferably 20% by mass or more, still more preferably 30% by mass or more in terms of further improving detergency, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, still more preferably 60% by mass or less in terms of further improving economy. In the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention, the mass of component (c) is specified as a converted value assuming it is a sodium salt.

[0045] The total content of carbonate and silicate in the alkaline agent (c) is preferably 20% by mass or more, and when the composition is in the form of a solid, it is preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, and preferably 100% by mass or less, and particularly preferably substantially 100%. The total content of carbonate and silicate in the alkaline agent is preferably when the content of component (c) in the washing machine detergent composition is 20% by mass or more. Furthermore, the specification regarding the total content of carbonate and silicate in the alkaline agent more preferably refers to the total content when the carbonate and silicate are alkali metal salts.

[0046] In component (c), the mass ratio of alkali metal carbonate to alkali metal silicate is preferably 0 or more from the viewpoint of detergency, but from the viewpoint of further improving water solubility and storage stability in a solid state, it is more preferably 0.5 or more, even more preferably 1 or more, and from the viewpoint of further improving detergency, it is preferably 5 or less, more preferably 4 or less, even more preferably 3 or less. Furthermore, when used in combination with an oxidizing agent, it is preferable that the alkanolamines of component (c) are substantially not contained.

[0047] When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (d), the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (d) in an amount of preferably at least 5% by mass, more preferably at least 15% by mass, even more preferably at least 20% by mass, and even more preferably at least 25% by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving detergency, bactericidal properties, and scale-inhibiting properties, and preferably at most 60% by mass, more preferably at most 55% by mass, and even more preferably at most 40% by mass, from the viewpoint of further improving economy. When component (d1) is used in combination with an oxidizing agent described in detail later, the amount of a chelating agent having an amine structure, such as NTA, MGDA, or EDTA, in the composition is preferably at most 12% by mass, more preferably at most 10% by mass, even more preferably at most 5% by mass, and even more preferably at most 1% by mass, from the viewpoint of the stability of the oxidizing agent. In the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention, the mass of component (d) is specified using a value converted by assuming it to be a sodium salt.

[0048] When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (d), the mass ratio of the content of component (d) to the content of component (b) in the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention [(d) / (b)] is, from the viewpoint of further enhancing detergency, preferably at least 0.8, more preferably at least 1.5, even more preferably at least 2.0, and still more preferably at least 3.0, and from the viewpoint of further enhancing bactericidal property, is preferably at most 12, more preferably at most 10, even more preferably at most 9, and still more preferably at most 8.5.

[0049] <Component (e)> The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention can optionally contain an oxidizing agent (e) [hereinafter referred to as component (e)]. One or more types of component (e) can be used. From the viewpoint of further improving cleaning and disinfecting properties, component (e) is preferably one or more types selected from hypochlorite, dichloroisocyanurate, and chlorite, and when used in a solid form, dichloroisocyanurate is more preferred. Examples of salts of component (e) include alkali metal salts. Examples of salts of component (e) include sodium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite, sodium chlorite, and sodium dichloroisocyanurate, with sodium dichloroisocyanurate being preferred.

[0050] When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (e), the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains component (e) in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, and even more preferably 2% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing cleaning property, bactericidal property and foam-inhibiting property; and from the viewpoint of low substrate damage and low odor, the amount of component (e) in the composition is preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 7% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0051] The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be in a solid or liquid form. The solid form of the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be, for example, a fine powder, powder, fine granules, or granules, with a powder form being preferred from the viewpoint of improving handleability. The particle size and particle size distribution of the powder or the like are preferably designed for each composition in consideration of flowability, solubility, storage stability, and ease of use, and may also take into consideration the properties of the device. The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention can be produced by a known production method.

[0052] <Water> When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention is in a liquid form, it can contain water. Deionized water, tap water, distilled water, purified water, groundwater, well water, etc. can be used as the water. Water can be used as the remainder of the composition in an amount such that the total composition is 100% by mass. When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention is a liquid washing machine detergent composition containing water, the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention contains water in an amount of preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, and preferably 99% by mass or less, more preferably 95% by mass or less, and even more preferably less than 95% by mass, of the composition, from the viewpoint of handleability.

[0053] The cleaning machine detergent composition of the present invention may optionally contain Glauber's salt (sodium sulfate), calcium carbonate, an enzyme, or an antifoaming agent. In the case of a powder, amorphous silicas commercially available under the trade names of Toxil NR, Fluorite, etc. may be optionally used as modifiers for the purposes of obtaining flowability and preventing solidification.

[0054] The pH of a 0.1% by mass aqueous solution of the machine detergent composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 9 or more, more preferably 9.5 or more, and even more preferably 10 or more, from the viewpoint of further improving detergency and sterilization properties, and is preferably 13 or less, more preferably 12.5 or less, and even more preferably 12 or less, from the viewpoint of further improving economy. This pH is measured by the pH measurement method described below. This pH can be adjusted by component (c) and / or component (d). The same applies to the pH of the undiluted solution of the following composition.

[0055] When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention is a liquid, the pH of the undiluted solution of the composition at 25°C is preferably 13 or more, more preferably 13.5 or more, and even more preferably 13.8 or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing cleaning and sterilizing properties, and the upper limit is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 14 or less, and from a chemical viewpoint, is substantially 14 or less. Note that although a value exceeding 14 may be displayed depending on the system of the measuring device, it is interpreted as being substantially 14 in the present invention.

[0056] <pH Measurement Method> A pH electrode (9615S-10D, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) is connected to a pH meter (pH / Ion Meter F-23, manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.) and the power is turned on. A saturated potassium chloride aqueous solution (3.33 mol / L) is used as the internal solution of the pH electrode. Next, a pH 4.01 standard solution (phthalate standard solution), a pH 6.86 standard solution (neutral phosphate standard solution), and a pH 9.18 standard solution (borate standard solution) are each filled into 100 mL beakers and immersed in a thermostatic bath at 25°C for 30 minutes. The pH measurement electrode is immersed in the thermostatically adjusted standard solutions for 3 minutes, and calibration is performed in the order of pH 6.86 → pH 9.18 → pH 4.01. The sample to be measured is adjusted to 25°C, the electrode of the pH meter is immersed in the sample, and the pH is measured after 3 minutes.

[0057] When the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention is in the form of a liquid, taking into consideration a use mode in which the composition is supplied by an automatic supply device via a tube, the viscosity of the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 50 mPa·s or less, more preferably 40 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 30 mPa·s or less. This viscosity is measured using a Brookfield viscometer using a rotor recommended for the viscosity to be measured from among No. 1 to No. 3 rotors, at 60 rpm, and the reading is the reading 1 minute after the start of measurement. The washing machine detergent composition is measured at a temperature adjusted to 25±1°C. If there are multiple rotors that satisfy the conditions, the value obtained using the rotor with the smaller number is used.

[0058] The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention can be applied to articles to be washed by a washing machine, particularly articles containing plastic, metal, or glass. Specific examples include containers, pallets, vessels, and tableware. Suitable articles to be washed by a washing machine and to which the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention can be applied include containers and pallets used in beverage factories, food factories, and the like. The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a detergent composition for articles to be washed by a washing machine. Furthermore, the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a detergent composition for commercial washing machines. In this specification, a commercial washing machine refers to an automatic washing machine used in, for example, a food processing factory for cleaning food containers (e.g., food containers, trays, and baskets), mainly plastic food containers. The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a detergent composition for commercial washing machines that clean these items. The commercial washing machine may be a washing machine that cleans tableware and cooking utensils used in restaurant kitchens. Examples of tableware and cooking utensils used in restaurant kitchens include cups, plates, chopsticks, spoons, forks, knives, cutting boards, kitchen knives, and bowls. Furthermore, the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a detergent composition for an automatic washing machine used in food processing businesses. Automatic washing machines used in food processing businesses have larger objects to be cleaned than automatic dishwashers used in home or restaurant kitchens, but the washing machine detergent composition of the present invention can exhibit high detergency and excellent sterilizing performance even on such objects to be cleaned. The washing machine detergent composition of the present invention may be for a washing machine that cleans containers and food processing utensils used in food processing factories, and tableware and cooking utensils used in restaurant kitchens, and is preferably for a washing machine used in a food processing factory.

[0059] The machine detergent composition of the present invention may be a machine detergent composition used for cleaning at a temperature of preferably 25° C. or higher, more preferably 30° C. or higher, and even more preferably 35° C. or higher, from the viewpoint of further improving detergency and sterilization properties, and preferably 60° C. or lower, more preferably 57° C. or lower, and even more preferably 55° C. or lower, from the viewpoint of further improving sustainability and economic efficiency. The above temperature condition may be the temperature condition of a cleaning liquid prepared using the machine detergent composition of the present invention.

[0060] <Cleaning Method> In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning method using a cleaning machine, which comprises diluting with water a cleaning agent composition for a cleaning machine containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent, to prepare a cleaning liquid, and then cleaning an object to be cleaned with the cleaning agent composition. This cleaning agent composition for a cleaning machine may optionally contain (d) a chelating agent. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, and EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of from 1 to 50.

[0061] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a cleaning method, which comprises using a cleaning machine to prepare a cleaning liquid by diluting a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent with water, and then cleaning an object to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. This cleaning machine detergent composition may optionally contain (c) an alkaline agent.

[0062] In another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning method of the present invention may be a cleaning method in which a cleaning liquid is prepared by diluting with water a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent, using a cleaning machine, and then cleaning an object to be cleaned. This cleaning machine detergent composition may optionally contain (d) a chelating agent. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａis a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0063] In another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning method of the present invention may be a cleaning method in which a cleaning liquid is prepared by diluting with water a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent, using a cleaning machine, and then cleaning an object to be cleaned. This cleaning machine detergent composition may optionally contain (c) an alkaline agent. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0064] The cleaning method of the present invention may be a cleaning method in which a cleaning liquid is prepared by diluting the cleaning machine detergent composition of the present invention with water using a cleaning machine, and an object to be cleaned is washed with the prepared cleaning liquid. The object to be cleaned in the cleaning method of the present invention may be any of the articles described above for the cleaning machine detergent composition of the present invention. Specifically, the object to be cleaned in the cleaning method of the present invention may be a container used in a food processing factory, a food processing utensil, or tableware and cooking utensils used in a restaurant kitchen, preferably a container used in a food processing factory. In the cleaning method of the present invention, the object to be cleaned is cleaned by contacting the cleaning liquid with the object to be cleaned using a cleaning machine.

[0065] In the cleaning method of the present invention, the components (a) to (d) and optional components contained in the cleaning machine detergent composition, as well as preferred embodiments of the cleaning machine detergent composition, are the same as those described for the cleaning machine detergent composition of the present invention. The water used for dilution is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include tap water and groundwater.

[0066] The cleaning solution contains the component (a) in an amount of preferably 2.5 ppm or more, more preferably 5 ppm or more, and even more preferably 10 ppm or more, from the viewpoint of further improving cleaning ability and foam-inhibiting property, and preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, and even more preferably 200 ppm or less, from the viewpoint of further improving economic efficiency.

[0067] The cleaning solution contains the component (b) in an amount of preferably 2 ppm or more, more preferably 5 ppm or more, and even more preferably 10 ppm or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing bactericidal properties and cleaning performance, and preferably 600 ppm or less, more preferably 400 ppm or less, and even more preferably 200 ppm or less, from the viewpoint of further enhancing economy and foam suppression.

[0068] When the cleaning liquid contains the component (c), the cleaning liquid contains the component (c) in an amount of preferably 25 ppm or more, more preferably 50 ppm or more, and even more preferably 75 ppm or more in terms of further improving cleaning properties, and preferably 1000 ppm or less, more preferably 800 ppm or less, and even more preferably 700 ppm or less in terms of further improving economic efficiency.

[0069] When the cleaning liquid contains the component (d), the cleaning liquid contains the component (d) in an amount of preferably 25 ppm or more, more preferably 50 ppm or more, and even more preferably 75 ppm or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the bactericidal properties, cleaning properties, and scale-inhibiting properties, and the cleaning liquid contains the component (d) in an amount of preferably 800 ppm or less, more preferably 780 ppm or less, and even more preferably 750 ppm or less, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the economic efficiency.

[0070] When the cleaning liquid contains the component (e), the cleaning liquid contains the component (e) in an amount of preferably 2.5 ppm or more, more preferably 5 ppm or more, and even more preferably 10 ppm or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing cleaning performance, sterilizing properties, and foam-inhibiting properties; and from the viewpoint of low substrate damage and low odor, the cleaning liquid contains the component (e) in an amount of preferably 200 ppm or less, more preferably 150 ppm or less, and even more preferably 120 ppm or less.

[0071] In the cleaning method of the present invention, the liquid detergent composition for a cleaning machine of the present invention is diluted with water so that the content of the composition in the cleaning liquid is preferably 0.05 mass% or more, more preferably 0.07 mass% or more, and even more preferably 0.1 mass% or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing cleaning and disinfecting properties, and preferably 0.2 mass% or less, more preferably 0.18 mass% or less, and even more preferably 0.15 mass% or less, from the viewpoint of further enhancing foam-suppressing properties and economy, and cleaning is carried out, for example, in an automatic cleaning machine equipped with a conveyor.

[0072] The washing time is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 2 seconds or more, and even more preferably 3 seconds or more, from the viewpoint of further improving detergency and bactericidal properties, and is preferably 80 seconds or less, more preferably 70 seconds or less, and even more preferably 60 seconds or less, from the viewpoint of further improving work efficiency. The temperature of a cleaning liquid obtained by diluting the machine detergent composition of the present invention with water is preferably 25°C or more, more preferably 30°C or more, and even more preferably 35°C or more, from the viewpoint of further improving detergency and bactericidal properties, and is preferably 60°C or less, more preferably 57°C or less, and even more preferably 55°C or less, from the viewpoint of further improving sustainability and economic efficiency. The machine detergent composition of the present invention can exhibit high detergency and bactericidal properties even when washing is performed at a relatively low temperature when the diluted solution of the composition is used as described above.

[0073] In the cleaning method of the present invention, rinsing may be performed after the object to be cleaned has been treated. In the cleaning method of the present invention, the rinsing time is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 2 seconds or more, and even more preferably 3 seconds or more from the viewpoint of further improving rinsing performance, and is preferably 30 seconds or less, more preferably 25 seconds or less, and even more preferably 20 seconds or less from the viewpoint of further improving economy and work efficiency. The temperature of the water used for rinsing is preferably 25°C or more, more preferably 30°C or more, and even more preferably 35°C or more from the viewpoint of further improving detergency and sterilization performance, and is preferably 80°C or less, more preferably 75°C or less, and even more preferably 70°C or less from the viewpoint of further improving economy.

[0074] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. The matters described in relation to the detergent composition for a washing machine and the cleaning method of the present invention can be applied to these embodiments as appropriate.

[0075] <1> A cleaning agent composition for a cleaning machine, comprising (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent: １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0076] <2> A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine, comprising (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent: １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａR bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0077] <3> The machine detergent composition according to <1>, further comprising (d) a chelating agent.

[0078] <4> The machine cleaner composition according to any one of <1> to <3>, further comprising (e) an oxidizing agent.

[0079] <5> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains the component (a) in an amount of, in the composition, preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 2% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0080] <6> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains the component (a) in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the machine detergent composition.

[0081] <7> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains the component (b) in an amount of, in the composition, preferably 0.2% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 2% 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.

[0082] <8> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains the component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.2% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less.

[0083] <9> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the mass ratio of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) [(b) / (a)] is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.15 or more, even more preferably 0.2 or more, and is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, even more preferably 5 or less, and still more preferably 3 or less.

[0084] <10> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the mass ratio of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) [(b) / (a)] is preferably 0.1 or more and 10 or less, more preferably 0.15 or more and 8 or less, even more preferably 0.2 or more and 5 or less, and still more preferably 0.2 or more and 3 or less.

[0085] <11> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <10>, further comprising component (c), in an amount of preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, still more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, and preferably 80% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less.

[0086] <12> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <10>, further comprising component (c), in an amount of preferably 5% by mass or more and 80% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 15% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, still more preferably 20% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and still more preferably 30% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

[0087] <13> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <12>, which contains component (d), and the machine detergent composition contains component (d) in an amount of, in the composition, preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, even more preferably 20% by mass or more, still more preferably 25% by mass or more, and preferably 60% by mass or less, more preferably 55% by mass or less, and still more preferably 40% by mass or less.

[0088] <14> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <12>, which contains component (d), and the machine detergent composition contains component (d) in an amount of preferably 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or more and 55% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, and still more preferably 25% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, in the composition.

[0089] <15> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains a component (d), and the mass ratio of the content of the component (d) to the content of the component (b) [(d) / (b)] in the machine detergent composition is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more, even more preferably 2.0 or more, still more preferably 3.0 or more, and is preferably 12 or less, more preferably 10 or less, even more preferably 9 or less, still more preferably 8.5 or less.

[0090] <16> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains a component (d), and the mass ratio of the content of the component (d) to the content of the component (b) [(d) / (b)] in the machine detergent composition is preferably 0.8 or more and 12 or less, more preferably 1.5 or more and 10 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or more and 9 or less, and still more preferably 3.0 or more and 8.5 or less.

[0091] <17> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <16>, which is used for cleaning at a temperature of preferably 25°C or higher, more preferably 30°C or higher, even more preferably 35°C or higher, and preferably 60°C or lower, more preferably 57°C or lower, even more preferably 55°C or lower.

[0092] <18> The machine detergent composition according to any one of <1> to <16>, which is used for cleaning at a temperature of preferably 25°C or higher and 60°C or lower, more preferably 30°C or higher and 57°C or lower, and even more preferably 35°C or higher and 55°C or lower.

[0093] <19> A cleaning method, using a cleaning machine, comprising: preparing a cleaning liquid by diluting a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent with water; and cleaning an object to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0094] <20> A cleaning method, comprising: preparing a cleaning liquid by diluting a cleaning machine detergent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent with water, using a cleaning machine; and cleaning an object to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O—１ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

[0095] <21> The cleaning method according to <19>, wherein the machine detergent composition further contains (d) a chelating agent.

[0096] <22> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <21>, wherein the machine detergent composition further contains (e) an oxidizing agent.

[0097] <23> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <22>, wherein in the machine detergent composition, the mass ratio of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) [(b) / (a)] is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.15 or more, even more preferably 0.2 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 8 or less, even more preferably 5 or less, and still more preferably 3 or less.

[0098] <24> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <22>, wherein in the machine detergent composition, the mass ratio of the content of the component (b) to the content of the component (a) [(b) / (a)] is preferably 0.1 or more and 10 or less, more preferably 0.15 or more and 8 or less, even more preferably 0.2 or more and 5 or less, and still more preferably 0.2 or more and 3 or less.

[0099] <25> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <24>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains a component (d), and the mass ratio of the content of the component (d) to the content of the component (b) [(d) / (b)] in the machine detergent composition is preferably 0.8 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more, even more preferably 2.0 or more, still more preferably 3.0 or more, and is preferably 12 or less, more preferably 10 or less, even more preferably 9 or less, still more preferably 8.5 or less.

[0100] <26> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <24>, wherein the machine detergent composition contains a component (d), and the mass ratio of the content of the component (d) to the content of the component (b) [(d) / (b)] in the machine detergent composition is preferably 0.8 or more and 12 or less, more preferably 1.5 or more and 10 or less, even more preferably 2.0 or more and 9 or less, and still more preferably 3.0 or more and 8.5 or less.

[0101] <27> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <26>, wherein the temperature of the cleaning solution is preferably 25°C or higher, more preferably 30°C or higher, even more preferably 35°C or higher, and preferably 60°C or lower, more preferably 57°C or lower, even more preferably 55°C or lower.

[0102] <28> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <26>, wherein the temperature of the cleaning solution is preferably 25°C or higher and 60°C or lower, more preferably 30°C or higher and 57°C or lower, and even more preferably 35°C or higher and 55°C or lower.

[0103] <29> The cleaning method according to any one of <19> to <28>, wherein the object to be cleaned is a container used in a food processing factory, a food processing utensil, or tableware and cooking utensils used in a restaurant kitchen, preferably a container used in a food processing factory.

[0104] The cleaning machine detergent compositions of the Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Tables 1 to 4 were prepared using the following components (a) to (e), and the cleaning and disinfecting properties of the compositions were evaluated. The mass % of the components in the tables is all based on the pure content.

[0105] <Component (a)> (a-1): Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether having a secondary alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms, with an average number of added moles of ethyleneoxy groups (EO) of 7 and an average number of added moles of propyleneoxy groups (PO) of 8.5, Softanol EP7085, manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. In the general formula (a1), R １ａ is a secondary alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms, AO is a propyleneoxy group, a is 7, b is 8.5, and EO and AO are R １ａ It is a compound in which EO and AO are blocked in the order of O bonded to R. １ａ The secondary alkyl group of R１ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom. The same applies to the secondary alkyl group of component (a) below. (a-2): Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether having a secondary alkyl group of 12 to 14 carbon atoms, with an average number of added moles of ethyleneoxy groups (EO) of 7 and an average number of added moles of propyleneoxy groups (PO) of 4.5, Softanol EP7045, manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. In general formula (a1), R １ａ is a secondary alkyl group having 12 to 14 carbon atoms, AO is a propyleneoxy group, a is 7, b is 4.5, and EO and AO are R １ａ (a-3): Polyoxyethylene polyoxybutylene alkyl ether having a secondary alkyl group having 12 to 15 carbon atoms, with an average number of moles of ethyleneoxy groups (EO) added of 4.8 and an average number of moles of butyleneoxy groups (BO) added of 1.7, Plurafac LF224, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd. In the general formula (a1), R １ａ is a secondary alkyl group having 12 to 15 carbon atoms, AO is a butyleneoxy group, a is 4.8, b is 1.7, and EO and AO are R １ａ This compound is a compound in which EO and AO are blocked in this order with respect to the O bonded to

[0106] <Component (b)> (b-1): Benzalkonium chloride, Sanisol B-50, manufactured by Kao Corporation, represented by general formula (b2), R ５ｂ is an alkyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, R ６ｂ and R ７ｂ is a methyl group, X － is a chloride ion compound. (b-2): Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, Kotamine 20W, manufactured by Kao Corporation, represented by the general formula (b1), where R １ｂ is a dodecyl group, R ２ｂ , R ３ｂ and R ４ｂ is a methyl group, X － is a chloride ion compound. (b-3): Didecyldimethylammonium chloride, Kotamine D10E, manufactured by Kao Corporation, represented by the general formula (b1), where R １ｂ and R ２ｂis a decyl group, R ３ｂ and R ４ｂ is a methyl group, X － is a compound of chloride ion.

[0107] <Component (c)> (c-1): Anhydrous sodium metasilicate (c-2): Dense ash (sodium carbonate) (c-3): Potassium carbonate <Component (d)> (d-1): Trisodium citrate (d-2): Sodium polyacrylate, molecular weight 4,000, Sokalan PA25CL (100% pure), manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd. (d-3): Polyacrylic acid maleic acid copolymer sodium salt, molecular weight 70,000, Sokalan CP5, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd. (d-4): NTA, sodium nitrilotriacetate, Triron A92R, manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd. (d-5): EDTA, sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate monohydrate, Clavion TS, manufactured by Tozai Petrochemical Co., Ltd. <Component (e)> (e-1): Oxidizing agent, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, Neochlor 60MG, manufactured by Shikoku Chemicals Corporation <Other ingredients> Glauber's salt: neutral anhydrous Glauber's salt Antifoaming agent: silicone antifoaming agent, XIAMETER ACP-1500 ANTIFOAM COMPOUND, manufactured by Dow Modifier: wet silica, Toxil NR, manufactured by Oriental Silicas Corporation

[0108] <Method for Evaluating Cleaning Ability> A stain was applied with a brush to a 12.5 cm x 23 cm area on the 53.5 cm x 33.5 cm surface of a plastic container with interior dimensions of 53.5 cm x 33.5 cm x 3.0 cm, and allowed to dry for 1 hour. 2 g of meat sauce from Nisshin Seifun Welna Co., Ltd. was applied as the stain. A washer (conveyor type, model number UA-1310, manufactured by Cleo Co., Ltd.) was used, operating at a wash temperature of 45°C, a rinse temperature of 45°C, and a conveyor speed of 12 cm / s. A cleaning solution was prepared by mixing the cleaning agent compositions for cleaning machines shown in Tables 1 to 4 with water so that the concentration of the composition was 0.1% by mass. This cleaning solution was stored in a cleaning tank, and cleaning and rinsing were carried out. The cleanability of the plastic container was evaluated using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) wipe test (method A3) as an indicator of staining. Specifically, the entire 10 cm x 10 cm area of ​​the surface of the plastic container that had been coated with dirt after cleaning was wiped with a dry cotton swab, and ATP was extracted from the wiped dry cotton swab and reacted with the luminescent enzyme. This series of operations was performed using a Lucipack A3 Surface (manufactured by Kikkoman Biochemifa Corporation). The light generated by the reaction between ATP and the luminescent enzyme was measured using a luminescence photometer (Lumitester Smart, manufactured by Kikkoman Biochemifa Corporation). The lower this value (RLU), the higher the cleaning ability of the cleaning machine detergent composition. A cleaning machine detergent composition with a luminescence unit (RLU) of 100,000 or less can be said to have favorable cleaning performance.

[0109] <Evaluation of disinfecting properties> A cleaning solution was prepared by mixing the cleaning agent compositions for washing machines shown in Tables 1 to 4 with water so that the concentration of the composition was 0.1% by mass. This cleaning solution was heated to 45°C, and the target bacteria (E. coli NBRC3972) was inoculated into the cleaning solution at an initial cell count of 10 ６cfu / mL. After 1 minute, this mixture was diluted 10-fold with D / E Neutralizing Broth manufactured by Millipore to stop the reaction. A standard agar medium "Daigo" manufactured by Shiotani MS Co., Ltd. was added in an amount 30 times that of this mixture, and the mixture was cultured at 37°C for 24 hours. The viable cell count was measured by counting the number of colonies. This measured value was designated A. A test was also conducted using the above procedure, substituting water for the washer detergent composition, and the viable cell count was measured. This viable cell count was designated B. The 1-minute bactericidal activity was then calculated according to the following formula (1). A lower viable cell count in the mixed solution containing the washer detergent composition indicates higher bactericidal activity. In other words, the larger the value of 1-minute bactericidal activity (Δlog), the higher the bactericidal activity of the washer detergent composition. It can be said that a washer detergent composition with a Δlog of 1 or more has preferable bactericidal activity. 1 minute sterilization (Δlog) = logB - logA (1)

[0110]

[0111]

[0112]

[0113]

[0114] Preparation examples of the machine detergent compositions of the present invention are shown in Table 5. The machine detergent compositions shown in Table 5 are compositions that exhibit excellent detergency in the above-mentioned cleaning performance evaluation and excellent bactericidal properties in the above-mentioned bactericidal performance evaluation.

[0115]

Claims

1. A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine, comprising (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

2. A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine, comprising (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

3. The cleaning composition for a washing machine according to claim 1, which contains (d) a chelating agent.

4. A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which contains (e) an oxidizing agent.

5. A cleaning machine detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, containing component (a) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

6. A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, containing component (b) in an amount of 0.2% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.

7. A cleaning machine detergent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mass ratio of the content of component (b) to the content of component (a) [(b) / (a)] is 0.1 or more and 10 or less.

8. A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, containing component (d) in an amount of 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less.

9. A cleaning agent composition for a washing machine according to claim 2, 3 or 8, in which the mass ratio [(d) / (b)] of the content of component (d) to the content of component (b) is 0.8 or more and 12 or less.

10. The cleaning composition for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is used for cleaning at temperatures of 55°C or less.

11. A cleaning method in which a cleaning agent composition for a cleaning machine containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (c) an alkaline agent is diluted with water to prepare a cleaning liquid, and an object to be cleaned is washed with the cleaning liquid. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

12. A cleaning method in which a cleaning agent composition for a cleaning machine containing (a) a nonionic surfactant represented by the following general formula (a1), (b) a cationic surfactant, and (d) a chelating agent is diluted with water to prepare a cleaning liquid, and an object to be cleaned is washed with the cleaning liquid. １ａ -O-(EO) ａ (AO) ｂ -H (a1) [wherein, R １ａ is a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms, and R １ａ R bonded to the oxygen atom of —O— １ａ is a secondary carbon atom, EO is an ethyleneoxy group, and AO is a propyleneoxy group or a butyleneoxy group, EO and AO may be bonded in a block bond or added randomly, and either EO or AO may be added first. a and b are the average number of moles added, and are each independently a number of 1 to 50.

13. The cleaning method according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning machine detergent composition further contains (d) a chelating agent.

14. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the cleaning machine detergent composition further contains (e) an oxidizing agent.

15. The cleaning method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the mass ratio [(b) / (a)] of the content of component (b) to the content of component (a) in the cleaning machine detergent composition is 0.1 or more and 10 or less.

16. A cleaning method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the mass ratio [(d) / (b)] of the content of component (d) to the content of component (b) in the cleaning machine detergent composition is 0.8 or more and 12 or less.

17. A cleaning method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the temperature of the cleaning liquid is 55°C or less.

18. A cleaning method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the objects to be cleaned are containers used in food processing factories, food processing equipment, and tableware and cooking equipment used in restaurant kitchens.

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