Dishwashing Machine Cleaning Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashing machine cleaners are ineffective in removing greasy, proteinaceous, fibrous/cellulosic, and amylase-based stains and soils from the interior of dishwashing machines, particularly from filters, and fail to provide adequate lime scale removal, leading to malodors and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A dishwashing machine cleaning composition comprising an enzyme system with at least one cellulase, amylase, and optionally protease, operating within a pH range of 4 to 6, and including non-ionic surfactants and builders, which is applied during a wash cycle to effectively remove soils and mineral deposits from the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dishwashing machine cleaners based on organic acids and surfactants are used, then limescale deposits and grease build-up are treated, but vegetable and organic soils (proteinaceous, fibrous/cellulosic, amylase-based stains) are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by introducing specific enzymes (cellulase, amylase, protease) that operate effectively at the acidic pH (4-6) required for limescale removal. This allows the composition to tackle multiple soil types simultaneously without compromising limescale cleaning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite cleaning system that combines organic acids (for limescale), surfactants (for grease), and multiple enzymes (for organic soils) into a single multi-functional composition. This composite approach enables simultaneous removal of limescale, grease, and various organic soil types that were previously addressed by separate products.
2Ease of operation
If the filter is not cleaned frequently, then user effort and time are reduced, but soils become harder to remove and malodors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enzyme system in the composition acts on soils during the washing cycle, breaking down organic matter before it can decompose and cause malodors. This preliminary enzymatic action prevents the formation of bad odors and makes subsequent manual cleaning easier, as soils are already partially degraded.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition provides continuous cleaning action through the wash cycle, with enzymes actively breaking down soils throughout the washing process. This ongoing enzymatic treatment ensures consistent soil removal and odor prevention with every wash, reducing the need for frequent manual interventions.
3Reliability
If normal dishwashing enzymes are used at low pH, then limescale removal is effective, but enzyme stability and effectiveness for organic soil removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects enzymes specifically adapted to function at acidic pH levels (4-6). The cellulase, amylase, and protease used in the composition maintain their catalytic activity and structural stability in this pH range, unlike conventional dishwashing enzymes that denature or become ineffective at low pH.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is designed to be used frequently in the wash cycle, with enzymes that are stable enough to survive the acidic environment but are replenished with each new composition application. This approach uses enzymes optimized for short-term effectiveness in each wash cycle rather than requiring long-term stability.
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 composition achieves excellent removal of consumer-relevant stains and soils, including greasy and fibrous/cellulosic residues, and effective lime scale removal, improving the performance and odor control of dishwashing machines, even when used as a leave-on treatment between cycles.
Implementation Method 1
The types of soils which are typically found in the filter are greasy, proteinaceous, and fibrous/cellulosic type residues... at least one cellulase
Implementation Method 2
at least one amylase... effective removal of consumer-relevant types of stains and soils from the interior of the dishwashing machine (e.g. from the filter), in particular of proteinaceous stains, fibrous/cellulosic soils, and amylase-based stains
Implementation Method 3
The enzyme system further comprises at least one protease... in particular of greasy soils, proteinaceous soils, fibrous/cellulosic soils, and amylase-based stains
Implementation Method 4
Most conventional dishwasher machine cleaners are based on organic acids and surfactants to treat limescale deposits
Implementation Method 5
Most conventional dishwasher machine cleaners are based on organic acids and surfactants to treat limescale deposits and grease build-up
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwashing machine cleaning composition for cleaning one or more components of a dishwashing machine comprising an enzyme system comprising at least one cellulase, and at least one amylase; wherein the composition has a pH of between 4 and 6, and wherein the composition is substantially free of any pectinase. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning one or more components of a dishwashing machine, such as the filter. The invention further relates to a use of the dishwashing machine cleaning composition for cleaning one or more components of a dishwashing machine, preferably the filter.