Method for removing bacterial dirt in toilets

Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a composition containing bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus for removing bacterial dirt in toilets.

Description

[0001] Methods for removing bacterial dirt from toilets

[0002] field of technology

[0003] The invention relates to a method for removing bacterial dirt in toilets by using a cleaning composition containing spores.

[0004] Current state of the art

[0005] Toilet cleaning products are used to remove fecal residue and other deposits from the toilet bowl or drainpipe. They are also used to mask unpleasant odors or prevent their formation.

[0006] Toilet cleaning products include, in particular, those substances that are added to the flushing water and used during the flushing process. These cleaning products can be used, for example, in the form of toilet blocks in the cistern or toilet bowl, where they release their ingredients into the flushing water over an extended period. The composition of the cleaning products must be such that the cleaning agent dissolves sufficiently in the flushing water, ensuring that enough active ingredient is released and that the solid cleaning agent remains in the cistern or toilet bowl for a sufficient amount of time.

[0007] Such cleaning agents are known, for example, from European patent application EP3771742A1, which discloses solid toilet blocks comprising a surfactant system and a polymer. These cleaning agents include, in particular, anionic surfactants, such as alkylbenzenesulfonates.

[0008] Furthermore, it is known to use bacterial spores to prevent unpleasant odors in sanitary areas. WO2017 / 157772A1, for example, discloses toilet cleaners containing certain spores of the species Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and / or Bacillus atrophaeus. 2024P00043WG 2 2025-09-18

[0009] A particular problem in toilet cleaning is preventing or removing bacterial deposits. Bacterial deposits in the form of biofilms are found in many toilets. They lead, for example, to clearly visible discoloration on ceramic surfaces. These deposits are often resistant to mild cleaning agents and therefore require the use of more aggressive and sometimes less environmentally friendly cleaning products. They are also resistant to mechanical cleaning methods and can therefore only be removed with considerable mechanical effort and the use of strong cleaning agents.

[0010] Technical task

[0011] The object of the invention was to provide a means of reducing the occurrence of bacterial deposits in toilets. The means should be easy to use and as environmentally friendly as possible. Furthermore, the means should allow the removal of deposits even without mechanical action.

[0012] Description of the invention

[0013] This problem is solved by the surprising discovery that the use of an aqueous composition of bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus prevents the deposition of bacterial dirt in toilets or removes existing deposits, especially discoloration caused by bacteria.

[0014] The invention therefore relates to the use of a composition containing bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus for the removal of bacterial dirt in a toilet.

[0015] Preferably, the bacterial spores comprise at least two of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, or Bacillus velezensis. 2024P00043WG 3 2025-09-18

[0016] Preferably, the composition comprises an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and / or a fatty acid alkanolamide.

[0017] Preferably, the alkoxylated fatty alcohol has the following structural formula: Ri-O-(R2-O)nH, where Ri represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group with 6 to 22 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkenyl group with 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and n represents a number from 1 to 40.

[0018] Preferably, the fatty acid alkanolamide has the following structural formula: R3CO-NR4R5, where R3CO represents the acyl group of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid with a total of 6 to 22 carbon atoms; R4 represents a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms; and Rs represents hydrogen or a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0019] Preferably, the total amount of non-ionic surfactants in the composition is 10% by weight or more, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0020] Preferably, the composition additionally comprises an anionic surfactant.

[0021] Preferably, the total amount of anionic surfactants in the composition is 6% to 50% by weight, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0022] Preferably, the anionic surfactant comprises an alkyl sulfate with 12 to 18 carbon atoms and / or a linear or branched alkanesulfonate with 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

[0023] Preferably, the composition is in the form of an extruded solid. Preferably, the composition is brought into contact with flushing water in the toilet.

[0024] Advantageous effects of the invention

[0025] The invention enables the removal of bacterial dirt from a toilet. In particular, it allows the removal of bacteria-induced discoloration from toilet surfaces. This effect can be achieved with the invention without the use of aggressive cleaning agents such as bleach or antibacterial agents. The invention thus provides an environmentally friendly means for removing bacterial dirt. Regular use of the composition according to the invention creates conditions in the toilet that prevent the accumulation of unwanted bacterial dirt. In this way, the invention enables the permanent removal of bacterial dirt without the need for periodic mechanical cleaning.

[0026] Furthermore, the inventive use is suitable for cleaning toilets or solid surfaces. The composition used exhibits better cleaning performance with regard to fecal soiling on ceramic surfaces than a comparable composition that does not contain bacterial spores. When used in toilets, it has been shown that the bacteria contained in the composition spread throughout the toilet bowl within a few days. The germination capacity of the spores is particularly promoted by the combination with a non-ionic surfactant. The composition can therefore be added to the flushing water to effectively remove soiling from toilet surfaces.

[0027] Description of the drawings

[0028] Fig. 1 shows bacterial soiling in ceramic cups that were rinsed with different cleaning compositions according to Example 4. Description of the embodiments

[0029] The following section describes in detail embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0030] A first object of the invention is the use of the composition described herein for the removal of bacterial dirt in a toilet. The composition can be used both to remove existing bacterial dirt and to prevent the formation and deposition of new bacterial dirt. The invention is particularly suitable for removing discoloration caused by bacteria from the surfaces of a toilet.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides that the composition is brought into contact with the flushing water of a toilet. In this way, the flushing water is enriched with the bacterial spores and, if applicable, other cleaning-active components of the composition, thus preventing the deposition of bacterial dirt in the toilet.

[0032] This effect is presumably due to the fact that the bacterial spores in the composition according to the invention are spread throughout the toilet by the flushing water. In the toilet, the bacterial spores of the composition compete with biofilm-forming microorganisms and thus prevent the formation of visible deposits on the toilet surface. In this way, bacterial dirt is removed.

[0033] The composition does not need to be completely dissolved in the flushing water for this purpose. It is sufficient, for example, for the composition to be wetted or rinsed by the flushing water, so that components of the composition dissolve in the water. In this way, the flushing water is enriched with the surfactant components of the composition, in particular the bacterial spores. Specifically, the composition is brought into contact with the flushing water inside the cistern and / or the toilet bowl. The composition is preferably dosed directly into the flushing water in the cistern and / or the toilet bowl. This allows the spores contained in the composition to spread throughout the toilet bowl. As a result, the composition remains effective for a longer period, and the build-up of bacterial dirt can be permanently prevented.

[0034] The colonization of the toilet surface with the bacteria originating from the composition according to the invention does not lead to any visible deposits and is therefore not considered bacterial dirt within the meaning of the invention.

[0035] The invention is particularly useful for removing bacterial dirt from the surfaces of a toilet, especially from the surface of the toilet bowl. The surfaces can be made of materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, and / or plastic. Preferably, the invention is used for removing bacterial dirt from ceramic surfaces of a toilet.

[0036] A key component of the composition is bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus. This genus includes, for example, the species Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, and Bacillus velezensis. The composition may, for example, comprise bacterial spores of one or more Bacillus species. Preferably, the composition does not contain bacterial spores of pathogenic Bacillus species, such as Bacillus anthracis.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises bacterial spores of one or more of the species Bacillus simplex, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, and Bacillus velezensis. Preferably, the composition does not contain any other species of Bac / 7 / us spores. 2024P00043WG 7 2025-09-18

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises bacterial spores of at least two of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, and Bacillus velezensis. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition comprises bacterial spores of all three of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, and Bacillus velezensis. Preferably, the composition does not contain any other species of Bacillus 7us spores. These species have been shown to have a particularly good cleaning effect in toilet cleaners and to colonize the interior of a toilet bowl under normal conditions. Furthermore, these species exhibit good compatibility with the other components of the composition.

[0039] The total amount of bacterial spores in the composition is preferably 10 2 up to 10 9 CFU / g, preferably 10 3 up to 10 6CFU / g, based on the total mass of the composition. The number of spores is determined by measuring the colony-forming units (CFU) using established microbiological cultivation methods.

[0040] The bacterial spores can be incorporated into the composition in powder or liquid form. Powdered spores are preferred. The spores may contain additives, such as salts, preservatives, and residues of culture medium.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the composition comprises at least one nonionic surfactant. The nonionic surfactant can be a single surfactant or a mixture of nonionic surfactants.

[0042] The total amount of non-ionic surfactants in the composition is preferably 2 wt.% to 35 wt.%, preferably 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, particularly preferably 10 wt.% to 20 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of non-ionic surfactants in the composition is at least 10% by weight, based on the total mass of the composition. Non-ionic surfactants are, in particular, alkoxylated fatty alcohols, such as fatty alcohol ethoxylates or propoxylates, alkoxylated fatty amines, alkoxylated alkanolamines, fatty acid amides, fatty acid alkanolamides, alkoxylated fatty acid amides, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, amine oxides, alkyl glucosides, alkyl polyglucosides, and alkoxylated alkylphenols.

[0044] Preferred non-ionic surfactants are alkoxylated fatty alcohols, fatty acid amides, fatty acid alkanolamides and alkyl polyglycosides.

[0045] Particularly favored non-ionic surfactants are alkoxylated fatty alcohols and fatty acid alkanolamides. These types of non-ionic surfactants have been shown to be especially compatible with bacterial spores and, in combination with them, exhibit optimal cleaning performance.

[0046] In one embodiment, the composition contains no other non-ionic surfactants except alkoxylated fatty alcohols or fatty acid alkanolamides.

[0047] The alkoxylated fatty alcohols preferably used are compounds with the following structural formula:

[0048] Ri-O-(R2-O)nH, wherein Ri represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 10 to 22 carbon atoms, further preferably 12 to 20 carbon atoms, further preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, most preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkenyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms; and n represents a number from 1 to 40, particularly preferably 10 to 35, further preferably 12 to 32, most preferably 20 to 30. Particularly preferred fatty alcohols are ethoxylated linear C16-C18 fatty alcohols with a degree of ethoxylation of 20 to 30. Preferably, amides of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids with a total of 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, are used as fatty acid amides.

[0049] The fatty acid alkanolamides preferably used are compounds with the following structural formula:

[0050] R3CO-NR4R5, where R3CO represents the acyl group of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid with a total of 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms; R4 represents a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms; and Rs represents hydrogen or a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred fatty acid alkanolamides are amide compounds of saturated or unsaturated C12-C18 fatty acids and monoethanolamine. A particularly preferred fatty acid alkanolamide is cocoamide monoethanolamine.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains alkoxylated fatty alcohols and / or fatty acid alkanolamides in an amount of 2 wt.% to 35 wt.%, preferably 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, particularly preferably 10 wt.% to 20 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0052] Alkyl polyglycosides are characterized by comprising at least one alkyl group linked to a sugar component via a glycosidic bond, the sugar component being a mono- or oligosaccharide. The alkyl group can be directly linked to the sugar component or indirectly via one or more glycol ether units.

[0053] The alkyl group is preferably a long-chain alkyl group with 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably 10 to 16 carbon atoms. The alkyl group can be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated. Preferably, it is a linear, saturated alkyl group. Most preferably, it is a linear, saturated alkyl group with 10 to 16 carbon atoms. The optional glycol ether units preferably consist of polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide. The number of glycol ether units is preferably between 0 and 12. In a preferred embodiment, the carboxylated alkyl polyglycosides do not include any glycol ether units.

[0054] The sugar component can be a monosaccharide or an oligosaccharide. Preferably, the sugar component comprises 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 6, linked monosaccharide units. If the sugar component is an oligosaccharide with two or more monosaccharide units, the monosaccharide units are preferably linked linearly.

[0055] The sugar component preferably consists of pentoses and / or hexoses. Preferably, the monosaccharide units are selected from glucose, galactose, mannose, allose, altrose, idose, gulose, talose, arabinose, lyxose, ribose, or xylose.

[0056] The sugar component most preferably consists of a mono- or oligosaccharide with 1 to 10, most preferably 1 to 6 glucose units. Preferably, the glucose units are linked together by 1,4-glycosidic bonds.

[0057] The composition may contain other surfactants besides non-ionic surfactants, such as anionic, amphoteric or cationic surfactants.

[0058] In one embodiment, the composition contains no surfactants other than nonionic surfactants. This is particularly the case when the composition is liquid.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the composition contains at least one anionic surfactant.

[0060] The total amount of anionic surfactants in the composition is preferably 6 wt.% to 50 wt.%, preferably 10 wt.% to 40 wt.%, 2024P00043WG 11 2025-09-18 particularly preferably 15 wt.% to 30 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0061] Anionic surfactants include, in particular, soaps, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkanesulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, α-sulfofatitic acid esters, alkyl sulfates, alkenyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, ether carboxylic acids and carboxylated alkyl polyglycosides.

[0062] Preferred anionic surfactants are alkanesulfonates with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, particularly preferably alkanesulfonates with 8 to 20 carbon atoms, and most preferably alkanesulfonates with 10 to 18 carbon atoms. The alkyl group of the alkanesulfonates can be linear or branched, with branched alkanesulfonates and especially secondary alkanesulfonates being particularly suitable.

[0063] The composition preferably contains alkanesulfonates in an amount of 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably 6 wt.% to 15 wt.%, most preferably 7 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0064] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains branched alkanesulfonates with 10 to 18 carbon atoms in an amount of 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably 6 wt.% to 15 wt.%, most preferably 7 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0065] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains secondary alkanesulfonates with 10 to 18 carbon atoms in an amount of 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%, preferably 6 wt.% to 15 wt.%, most preferably 7 wt.% to 10 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0066] Other particularly preferred anionic surfactants are alkyl sulfates with 6 to 22 carbon atoms (sulfuric acid half-esters of fatty alcohols), especially alkyl sulfates with 12 to 18 carbon atoms. These can also be mixtures of alkyl sulfates with different chain lengths within the specified range. It has been shown that these alkyl sulfates (2024P00043WG 12 2025-09-18) are particularly compatible with bacterial spores, and the combination of these alkyl sulfates with bacterial spores leads to optimal cleaning action.

[0067] The composition preferably contains alkyl sulfates in an amount of 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, preferably 10 wt.% to 25 wt.%, most preferably 15 wt.% to 20 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0068] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains alkyl sulfates having 12 to 18 carbon atoms in an amount of 5 wt.% to 30 wt.%, preferably 10 wt.% to 25 wt.%, most preferably 15 wt.% to 20 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition.

[0069] The composition may also contain one or more complexing agents. Complexing agents are compounds that bind metal ions, especially alkaline earth metal ions such as magnesium or calcium ions.

[0070] Complexing agents include, in particular, phosphates, such as diphosphate and triphosphate salts; phosphonic acids or their salts, such as 1-hydroxyethene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) and diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylenephosphonic acid) (DTPMP); carboxylic acids or their salts, especially di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as citric acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid, L-glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA); and ion exchangers, such as polyacrylic acid, poly(α-hydroxyacrylic acid), poly[(3-hydroxymethyl)hexamethylene-1] ,3,5-tricarboxylic acid], poly-[(4-methoxy)-tetramethylene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid], poly-(tetramethylene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid), and silicates. A particularly suitable complexing agent is the salt of citric acid, especially sodium citrate.

[0071] Preferably, the composition contains complexing agents in an amount of 0.1 wt.% to 12 wt.%, preferably 1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, most preferably 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, based on the total mass of the composition. 2024P00043WG 13 2025-09-18

[0072] The composition may also include solvents. Suitable solvents are water and / or non-aqueous solvents. Suitable non-aqueous solvents include, for example, mono- or polyhydric alcohols, alkanolamines, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

[0073] The amount of water or non-aqueous solvent depends on the desired form of the composition. As described below, the composition can be, for example, solid, liquid, or gel-like. In a liquid or gel-like composition, the total amount of water and non-aqueous solvent is preferably 30% to 70% by weight, based on the total mass of the composition. In a solid composition, the total amount of water and non-aqueous solvent is preferably limited to up to 10% by weight, more preferably to up to 5% by weight, and most preferably to up to 1% by weight, in each case based on the total mass of the composition.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the composition contains a polyhydric alcohol as a non-aqueous solvent. Preferably, the composition comprises a polyhydric alcohol with up to 6 carbon atoms, particularly preferably a dihydric alcohol with up to 6 carbon atoms. Most preferably, the composition comprises a dihydric alcohol with 3 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, glycerol, or a mixture thereof. The amount of dihydric alcohol is preferably 3% to 30% by weight, based on the total mass of the composition. In this embodiment, the composition is preferably liquid or gel-like.

[0075] The composition may also contain inorganic salts. Suitable inorganic salts are, for example, alkali or alkaline earth metal salts, in particular carbonates, sulfates, halides or phosphates, as well as mixtures thereof. The composition particularly preferably contains sodium sulfate and / or sodium carbonate. 2024P00043WG 14 2025-09-18

[0076] The composition contains inorganic salts, particularly when it is solid. In a solid composition, the total amount of inorganic salts is preferably 10 wt.% to 80 wt.%, more preferably 20 wt.% to 70 wt.%, and most preferably 40 wt.% to 60 wt.%, in each case based on the total mass of the composition. In a liquid composition, the amount of inorganic salts is preferably limited to up to 10 wt.%, more preferably up to 5 wt.%, and most preferably up to 1 wt.%, in each case based on the total mass of the composition.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the composition contains 10 wt.% to 70 wt.%, preferably 20 wt.% to 60 wt.%, most preferably 30 wt.% to 55 wt.% sodium sulfate, and optionally 0.1 wt.% to 10 wt.%, preferably 0.5 wt.% to 5 wt.%, most preferably 1 wt.% to 3 wt.% sodium carbonate, in each case based on the total mass of the composition. In this embodiment, the composition is preferably solid.

[0078] The composition may also contain fragrances. Preferably, this is a mixture of different fragrances. The fragrances may be of natural and / or synthetic origin. For example, the fragrances may include essential oils of plant origin. The amount of fragrance is preferably 0.001 wt.% to 15 wt.%, more preferably 0.01 wt.% to 10 wt.%, and most preferably 0.1 wt.% to 5 wt.%, in each case based on the total mass of the composition.

[0079] The composition may also contain dyes. Both water-soluble and oil-soluble dyes may be used. The amount of dye is preferably 0.001 wt.% to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.01 wt.% to 5 wt.%, and most preferably 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.%, in each case based on the total mass of the composition.

[0080] The composition may further contain additional additives, in particular acids, bases, salts, thickeners, preservatives, polymers, bleaching agents, corrosion inhibitors, and enzymes. The amount of additional additives is preferably limited to no more than 30% by weight, more preferably to no more than 20% by weight, and most preferably to no more than 10% by weight, in each case based on the total mass of the composition.

[0081] The composition can, for example, be in a solid, gel-like, or liquid form.

[0082] The gel-like composition may be non-flowing or flowing under the respective application conditions. Preferably, the gel-like composition is non-flowing in a temperature range up to 30 °C, more preferably up to 40 °C, and particularly preferably up to 50 °C. Preferably, a non-flowing gel-like composition has a dynamic viscosity of at least 100 Pa s measured at 20 °C, more preferably at least 1,000 Pa s or more, and most preferably at least 10,000 Pa s. A non-flowing gel-like composition can be obtained, in particular, by using an alkoxylated fatty alcohol as a non-ionic surfactant.

[0083] A solid composition preferably has the form of an extruded solid, in particular an extruded shaped body, for example a sphere or a cuboid. Spherical shaped bodies are particularly suitable for use inside the toilet bowl. Cuboid-shaped shaped bodies, on the other hand, are particularly suitable for use inside the cistern.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the composition has the form of a multilayer extruded molded body. The layers of a multilayer molded body can be produced by extruding separate molding compounds. The separately extruded molding compounds can, for example, be pressed together to form a multilayer molded body. This approach makes it possible to process molding compounds with different compositions into a single molded body. For example, the molding compounds can contain different colorants so that the layers of the multilayer molded body are visually distinguishable. Similarly, other components of the composition can be concentrated within a layer of the molded body. In the case of a multilayer molded body with layers of different compositions, 2024P00043WG 16 2025-09-18

[0085] In terms of composition, unless otherwise stated, all quantities in this description refer to the entire molded body, not to individual layers.

[0086] In the case of a multi-layered molded body, the bacterial spores may be concentrated in one or more layers of the molded body or be present in the same concentration in all layers.

[0087] The composition can be used, for example, in solid form, as a gel, or in liquid form.

[0088] In liquid form, it is used for cleaning toilets by being dosed directly into the toilet bowl or cistern. Preferably, it is dosed into the toilet bowl immediately before flushing.

[0089] When used as a gel, the composition preferably has the form of a non-flowing gel and can be placed in a holder (toilet basket) in the toilet bowl in this form.

[0090] Preferably, the composition is used in solid form for cleaning toilets. The composition can be placed in the cistern as a toilet block, either in the flushing water (use as an in-tank block) or as a toilet block in the toilet bowl (use as a rim block). When used as a rim block, the composition is preferably positioned so that it is wetted by the flushing water with each flush.

[0091] Examples

[0092] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. 2024P00043WG 17 2025-09-18

[0093] An exemplary embodiment of a solid composition for use as a rim block comprises the following components:

[0094] 9% to 15% by weight non-ionic surfactants;

[0095] 18% to 25% by weight anionic surfactants;

[0096] 45% to 60% wt. inorganic salt;

[0097] 5 wt.% to 8 wt.% complexing agents;

[0098] 3% to 5% by weight fragrances;

[0099] 1% to 2% by weight of dyes; and

[0100] 0.015 wt.% to 0.05 wt.% bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus.

[0101] Another exemplary embodiment of a solid composition for

[0102] Use as an in-tank block includes the following components:

[0103] 2 wt.% to 20 wt.% non-ionic surfactants;

[0104] 20 wt.% to 50 wt.% anionic surfactants;

[0105] 20% to 70% w / w inorganic salt; up to 5% w / w complexing agents; up to 10% w / w fragrances;

[0106] 0.001 wt.% to 5 wt.% dyes;

[0107] 0.1 wt.% to 2 wt.% solvent; and

[0108] 0.01% to 3% by weight of bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus.

[0109] An exemplary embodiment of a gel-like composition for

[0110] Use as a gel-based toilet cleaner includes the following components:

[0111] 10% to 40% by weight non-ionic surfactants; up to 10% by weight fragrances;

[0112] 0.001 wt.% to 2 wt.% dyes;

[0113] 30% to 70% by weight solvents, including 3% to 30% by weight (based on the total mass of the composition) polyhydric alcohols; and

[0114] 0.015 wt.% to 10 wt.% bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus.

[0115] Example 1

[0116] To investigate the effect of surfactants in in-tank blocks, working solutions containing bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus were prepared with different surfactants. The composition included bacterial spores of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, and Bacillus velezensis. In addition to the spores and water, the working solutions contained the respective surfactant in the amounts specified below. The composition of the working solutions thus corresponded to that of rinsing water when using an in-tank block according to the invention. The spores were incubated in the working solution at different surfactant concentrations, and spore growth was determined based on the cell count.

[0117] The results of this investigation are summarized in the following table, where the symbol +++ represents strong germ growth and the symbol — represents weak germ growth.

[0118] Table 1

[0119] 1 C12-C18 alkyl sulfate, sodium salt

[0120] 2 C16-C18 fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers with 20 to 30 ethoxy units

[0121] This example demonstrates the surprisingly good compatibility of non-ionic surfactants and bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus, which promotes the growth of the bacterial spores.

[0122] Example 2

[0123] A solid composition in the form of a toilet block for use as an in-tank block according to the exemplary formulation given above, with a fatty acid alkanolamide as a non-ionic surfactant without bacterial spores, dissolved in water to prepare a working solution. This reference working solution was mixed with a 1000x concentrated composition of bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus according to Example 1 to obtain a 2024P00043WG 19 2025-09-18

[0124] The aim was to obtain a working solution whose composition corresponded to that of flushing water when using an in-tank block according to the invention. The working solution containing bacterial spores was additionally mixed with a sugar-containing medium to enable the growth of the spores and to simulate the conditions in a real toilet.

[0125] Test tiles were uniformly soiled with starch-containing artificial fecal soil (containing 14% protein, 48% fat, and 24% carbohydrates) and dried at room temperature for one day. The tiles were then incubated for six days in ready-to-use solutions with and without bacterial spores to simulate the application of an in-tank block in a real toilet. Following this, the tiles were rinsed with 3 liters of water for 10 seconds. The amount of remaining soil was determined gravimetrically.

[0126] The following table shows the amount of dirt measured before and after rinsing:

[0127] Table 2:

[0128] It is shown that the inventive working solution removes on average 45.5% of the amount of dirt with bacterial spores, while the comparison working solution removes on average only 23%.

[0129] Example 3

[0130] A corresponding test, as in Example 3, was performed using peanut butter-containing test dirt (containing 26% protein, 53% fat, and 17% carbohydrates). The test was prepared and performed according to Example 2, whereby the spore-containing working solutions were mixed with either sugar solution, 10 wt% R2a culture medium, or 50 wt% R2a culture medium 2024P00043WG 20 2025-09-18, and the test pads were incubated in the working solution for three and a half days.

[0131] The following table shows the amount of dirt measured before and after rinsing:

[0132] Table 3:

[0133] Here too, it is evident that the inventive working solution with bacterial spores removes a significantly larger amount of dirt than the comparison working solution.

[0134] Example 4

[0135] A suspension of bacteria from a strain typical of household toilets in the USA was stored in white ceramic beakers. The suspension was isolated at concentrations of 5.4 x 10 2 CFU / ml, 5.4 x 10 3 CFU / ml and 5.4 x 10 5 CFU / ml was used. Clearly visible red deposits formed in the ceramic beakers, especially directly at the water surface.

[0136] After incubation with the suspension, the beakers were rinsed a total of 19 times (one to two times daily) with 10 ml of one of the following cleaning compositions each time. 2024P00043WQ 21 2025-09-18

[0137] The first cleaning composition (comparative composition 1) used tap water. The second cleaning composition (comparative composition 2) was a solid cleaning composition in the form of a toilet block for use as an in-tank block, according to the exemplary recipe given above, but without bacterial spores, dissolved in water at a concentration of 0.02 g / L. The third cleaning composition (composition according to the invention) was comparative composition 2 supplemented with bacterial spores of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum, and Bacillus velezensis.

[0138] Unless otherwise specified, rinsing was carried out without simultaneously shaking the beaker. With the composition according to the invention, rinsing was carried out both with and without shaking the beaker.

[0139] The remaining deposits are shown in Fig. 1. It was demonstrated that the composition according to the invention removed the deposits better than the two comparison compositions. Thus, the addition of the bacterial spores according to the invention to a toilet cleaner enables improved removal of bacterial dirt.

[0140] Example 5

[0141] An artificially produced biofilm comprising typical microorganisms found in domestic toilets (cf. Egert, M., Schmidt, I., Bussey, K. and Breves, R. (2010), A glimpse under the rim - the composition of microbial biofilm communities in domestic toilets. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 108: 1167-1174) was cultivated in 6-hole plates on ceramic tiles in diluted nutrient medium.

[0142] The ceramic tiles were rinsed either once or six times daily. For the six-times-daily rinse, two rinses (15 minutes apart) were performed every three hours. This was carried out over a period of three days using the cleaning solutions listed below or tap water as a comparison. 2024P00043WG 22 2025-09-18

[0143] The following cleaning compositions were examined:

[0144] Cleaning composition 1, aqueous spore suspension, prepared using a powdered composition of bacterial spores of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum and Bacillus velezensis. The powdered composition was suspended in tap water at a concentration of 5% by weight.

[0145] Cleaning composition 2, aqueous spore suspension, prepared using a liquid composition of bacterial spores of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum and Bacillus velezensis. The liquid composition was suspended in tap water at a concentration of 5% by weight.

[0146] The remaining biofilm was stained with 0.01% safranin-0 for 15 minutes, washed twice with tap water, and then dried overnight at room temperature. The dried biofilm was extracted with 30% acetic acid. The optical density of the extract at 492 nm was determined as a measure of the amount of remaining bacterial contamination.

[0147] The following table shows the measured optical density at 492 nm depending on the cleaning composition used and the number of rinsing cycles.

[0148] By using compositions 1 or 2 according to the invention, the optical density of the extract was significantly reduced compared to the use of tap water. By using a cleaning composition containing bacterial spores, the bacterial dirt could thus be effectively removed from the ceramic tiles.

Claims

2024P00043WG 23 2025-09-18 Patent claims 1. Use of a composition containing bacterial spores of the genus Bacillus for the removal of bacterial dirt in toilets.

2. Use according to claim 1, wherein the bacterial spores comprise at least two of the species Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus inaquosorum or Bacillus velezensis.

3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and / or a fatty acid alkanolamide.

4. Use according to claim 3, wherein the alkoxylated fatty alcohol has the following structural formula: Ri-O-(R2-O)nH, where Ri represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group with 6 to 22 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkenyl group with 2 to 4 carbon atoms; and n represents a number from 1 to 40; and where the fatty acid alkanolamide has the following structural formula: R3CO-NR4R5, where R3CO represents the acyl group of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid with a total of 6 to 22 carbon atoms; R4 represents a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms; and Rs represents hydrogen or a hydroxyalkyl group with 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

5. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the total amount of non-ionic surfactants in the composition is 10% by weight or more, based on the total mass of the composition.

6. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the composition additionally comprises an anionic surfactant. 2024P00043WG 24 2025-09-18 7. Use according to claim 6, wherein the total amount of anionic The surfactant content in the composition is 6% to 50% by weight, based on the total mass of the composition.

8. Use according to claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises an alkyl sulfate having 12 to 18 carbon atoms and / or a linear or branched alkanesulfonate having 10 to 18 carbon atoms.

9. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition is in the form of an extruded solid or a gel.

10. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition is brought into contact with flushing water in the toilet.

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