Sunscreen Stain Removal via Souring Agent Neutralization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively and safely remove yellow stains caused by sunscreen components like avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octocrylene from fabrics, which are deposited during washing and become visible as yellow patches, especially when using high-pH detergent-builder combinations and chlorine bleach.

Innovation Solution

A synergistic combination of a souring agent and an amine oxide/solvent mixture, applied at a 1:1 to 1:5 ratio with water, is used in the laundry process to treat articles stained with sunscreen components, effectively neutralizing and removing the stains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional methods (bleach, high-pH detergent-builder combinations) are used to remove sunscreen stains, then the stains become more visible and persistent, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient and harmful effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyellow stain visibility and persistenceVSAvoidstain removal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of sunscreen components (which cause yellow stains) into a beneficial process by using a souring agent to neutralize the alkaline sunscreen ingredients. The souring agent reacts with the alkaline sunscreen components to form soluble salts that can be easily removed, transforming the stain-causing chemicals into removable compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pH parameter from alkaline (high-pH detergent-builder combinations) to acidic (souring agent treatment). This parameter change fundamentally alters the chemical interactions, allowing the souring agent to neutralize the alkaline sunscreen ingredients and prevent stain formation, thereby improving stain removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If harsh chemicals (bleach) are used to treat sunscreen stains, then some stain removal may occur, but safety and environmental friendliness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestain removal capabilityVSAvoidchemical safety and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a souring agent that is safe, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, replacing harsh chemicals like bleach. The souring agent completes its function during the wash cycle and then breaks down harmlessly, providing effective stain removal without the harmful effects of traditional bleaching agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the harmful alkaline sunscreen ingredients into beneficial soluble salts through neutralization by the souring agent. This process eliminates the need for harsh chemicals, as the neutralized products are easily rinsed away, thereby achieving safe and effective stain removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If high-pH detergent-builder combinations are used for washing, then general cleaning effectiveness is improved, but yellow stains become more visible and persistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeneral cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidyellow stain formation and visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the washing process into two distinct stages: (1) a washing stage using high-pH detergent-builder combinations for general cleaning effectiveness, and (2) a treatment stage using a souring agent to neutralize and remove sunscreen stains. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by treating the fabric with a souring agent before the staining problem fully develops. The souring agent neutralizes the alkaline sunscreen ingredients during or prior to the wash cycle, preventing stain formation before it occurs, rather than attempting to remove stains after they have set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly reduces and often completely removes yellow stains from various types of linens, including cotton and cotton-polyester blends, without the use of harsh chemicals, demonstrating a safe and environmentally friendly approach.

Implementation Method 1

a synergistic combination of an amine oxide/solvent and a souring agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutralization reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

The cleaning composition employs a synergistic combination of an amine oxide/solvent and a souring agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS9222058B2Cleaning composition and method for removal of sunscreen stains

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 ECOLAB USA INC

AI summary

The invention is directed to a cleaning composition and method for reducing yellow stains caused by sunscreen components such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene or combinations thereof. The cleaning composition employs a synergistic combination of an amine oxide/solvent and a souring agent.