EP1101816A2 - Fabric care composition with optimal spot removal properties - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to fabric-treatment or cleaning compositions utilizing a combination of non-ionic and anionic surfactants. These formulations are particularly useful in fabric-treatment systems for treating or freshening of one or more fabric articles in a containment device (such as a bag) in conditions of heat and tumbling in a rotary clothes dryer.

Description

The present invention relates to the use of a tissue treatment agent and a surfactant substrate for cleaning (especially stain removal), refreshing, Conditioning or other treatment of tissues or tissue products. It further relates to the provision of a dry cleaning process as well as a Tissue treatment system, which includes the tissue treatment agent and optionally contains surfactant substrates.

As a rule, organic solvents are used for the chemical cleaning of tissues, which contaminants such as water-insoluble substances - including fats, oily dirt and the like. - dissolve or disperse and have low boiling points, which enables easy recovery of these solvents.
The use of solvent-based cleaning processes has so far been primarily limited to commercial cleaning that uses expensive special equipment. These include distillation systems with condensers in which the vapors of the often toxic cleaning solvents are carried in a closed system. In order to be able to use chemical cleaning methods of this type - especially for removing water-insoluble stains and / or soiling from clothing - the user must therefore take the clothing to a specialized chemical cleaning service and collect the cleaned clothing again later. This results in an annoying expenditure of time for going to the cleaning, the waiting time until the cleaning process is properly carried out, the collection and the clarification of any damage or loss of clothing. In addition, garments and fabric products of various origins are treated with the same batch of solvent during chemical cleaning, which can leave odor-causing residues in the clothing.
Processes are now available that allow consumers to dry-clean their clothes at home in a rotary hot air dryer. In this process, the soiled fabric parts are placed in a plastic or nylon bag, in which an additional surface structure coated with a cleaning or refreshing agent (made of, for example, water, fragrance and surfactants) is placed. The prey is then closed and placed in a dryer, where it is tumbled for a while at elevated temperatures in a rotating drum, so that the cleaning agent or refreshing agent has its effect, thus cleaning or refreshing the items of clothing.

An object of the invention was to provide a tissue treatment agent to provide that with optimized cleaning and stain removal properties and any residues present in the tissue after cleaning.

Another object of the invention was a method for the production and the provision of a surfactant substrate for the portioned application of tissue treatment agents before or during a dry cleaning process.

An additional object of the invention was a method for cleaning, refreshing and / or conditioning all types of fabrics and fabric products develop.

Another object of the invention was to provide a tissue treatment system.

It has been found that by combining special anionic surfactants with nonionic ones Surfactants fabric treatment agents can be produced that have optimal cleaning and stain removal properties and also after cleaning Reduce any residues in the tissue.

The subject of the invention in a first embodiment is therefore a particular one liquid tissue treatment agent, which is a combination of anionic and contains non-ionic surfactants and water. In the nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol with an alcohol chain length of 11 - 16 carbon atoms and a proportion of 1.6 - 7 moles of ethylene oxide. The anionic surfactant is that of alkyl alcohol sulfates, Alcohol ethoxy sulfates, alkyl alcohol benzene sulfonates or mixtures taken from this existing group. When using the nonionic surfactant would pose a risk that this one leaves oily residue on the treated tissue. From the special combination however, the nonionic and anionic surfactants result a cleaning composition that on the one hand has excellent dirt removal properties and on the other hand hardly (or leaves no visible residue. So result from the combination of these non-ionic and anionic surfactants, detergent systems with Desired Critical Micellar Concentration (CMC) that is dirt-removing agent Give properties.

In a preferred embodiment, the nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol with a chain length of 12-15 carbon atoms and 3-7 moles of ethylene oxide, preferably 3 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide.
Examples of such preferred nonionic surface-active substances include the commercially available products Neodol 25-3, Neodol 23-3 (manufacturer: Shell Corp.), Surfonic L24-3, Surfonic L24-4 and Surfonic L1270-2 (manufacturer: Huntsman Corp. .) in question. In the compositions according to the invention, it is desirable that the proportion of the nonionic surfactant is between 0.05% by weight and 1.0% by weight, in each case based on the total agent.

In the context of the invention, the nonionic surfactant must be combined with at least one of the aforementioned categories of anionic surfactants Substances are used. Suitable alkyl alcohol sulfates, alkyl alcohol benzene sulfonates and alcohol ethoxy sulfates can be selected accordingly by the person skilled in the art. To the preferred alkyl alcohol sulfates include fatty alcohol sulfates, especially sulfates with 10 - 18 carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the anionic surfactant around a coconut fatty alcohol ether sulfate. A preferred surfactant is under the name Burcoterge DG-40 (Manufacturer: Burlington Chemical Co., Inc) commercially available and has an active portion from 40% to. In the compositions according to the invention, the anionic surfactant preferably in an amount between 0.10 wt .-% and 0.80% by weight, based in each case on the mixture as a whole.

The weight ratio between nonionic and anionic surfactant Substance should preferably be between 49.3: 50.7 and 30.9: 69.4.

The two surface-active substances mentioned are also non-toxic; by your biodegradation, moreover, there are no ecologically undesirable products.

The tissue treatment agents according to the invention can contain additional components, if desired, such as thickeners such as gelling agents or viscosity modifiers. Any thickener used should preferably be present in an amount which causes the liquid dispersions to gel when cooled and applied to a substrate, for example a fabric or nonwoven sheet, as detailed below. The thickening agent is preferably such that it stabilizes the cleaning agent and / or contributes to its soluble adherence to the substrate. Furthermore, the thickening agent can promote the uniform distribution of the surface-active substances and any solvent used on the substrate without leaving a substantial residue on the fabric. Modified starches and modified celluloses (CM; HPMC) are useful as thickeners, but also types of polysaccharide gum which can be gelled in situ by adding an effective amount of one or more metal or ammonia cations.

In the preferred types of polysaccharide rubber for use in the compositions according to the invention it is among others around plant gums such as the alkali metal salts alginic acid ("alginates"), carrageenan, pectin, guar gum and mixtures of these substances. These "strong gums" re-gel from solutions or dispersions forming a continuous gel structure. In a preferred embodiment the thickener used may be a carrageenan powder such as. Genu LC-4 or Genu CSW-2 (both manufactured by Hercules Corp.). This preferred thickeners are lighter in color than other carrageenans and confer the composition has an overall visually pleasing appearance.

Other organic thickeners that can usefully be used include Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamides, polysulfonic acid and polymers organic waxes. Polymeric waxes include Ethylene acrylate copolymers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers and polyethylene (i.e. oxidized polyethylene) can be used. These substances are offered in the form of aqueous emulsions or dispersions, e.g. from Allied Chemical, Morristown, NJ in the A-C copolymer and A-C polyethylene series (e.g. A-C Copolymer 540, A-C Copolymer 580 and A-C Polyethylene 617 and 629). Waxy polyethylene glycols (PEGs), e.g. With a molecular weight of approx. 800 to 1700-2000.

The proportion of any thickener used in the cleaning compositions is between 0.01 and 10 wt .-%, based on the total agent.

If desired, an organic solvent can be added to the compound. At Use of an organic solvent in the fabric treatment agent can do the same Total proportion about 2 to 99% by weight, but preferably between 5 and 15 % By weight, based in each case on the total average. The total amount, however, is as desired and depending on the presence of other components, as for the specialist is easily recognizable.

Since the fabric treatment agent also contains water, the organic solvent should preferably (at least partially) be water-miscible. As a suitable organic solvent comes e.g. a glycol ether in question. These connections are to lower (alkoxy) or lower (alkoxy) (alkoxy) ethers of ethanol or isopropanol. Examples of preferred glycol ethers are e.g. under the trade name Arcosolv® (Arco Chemical Co.) or Cellosolve®, Carbitol® or Propasol® (Union Carbide Corp.) available and include e.g. Butyl-Carbitol®, Hexyl-Carbitol®, Methyl-Carbitol®, Carbitol LG® (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether) and the actual Carbitol®, i.e. (2-2 (ethoxy) ethoxy) ethanol.

Other organic solvents are e.g. Dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, Tripropylene glycol methyl ether, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol and γ-butyrolactone.

Other glycol ethers include Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, Butylethoxypropylene glycol, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, Triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, Ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, Propylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, Propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, Propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol n-propyl ether, propylene glycol t-butyl ether, Propylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol t-butyl ether, Dripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, Ethylene glycol propyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether, ethylene glycol hexyl ether, Ethylene glycol ethyl hexyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, Diethylene glycol propyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, Propylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol n-phenyl ether, ethylene glycol n-butyl ether, Diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, triethylene glycol butyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether, Ethylene glycol phenyl ether, aromatic glycol ether, butoxypropoxypropanol, Methoxypropoxypropanol, ethoxypropoxypropanol, propoxypropoxypropanol as well as mixtures of these compounds. Such glycol ethers are e.g. of the Companies Dow, Union Carbide and Arco available. You can choose the glycol ether for the expert on the basis of its volatility, the percentage by weight the total dispersion and similar criteria.

Alcohols such as liquid polyethylene glycols can be used as additional solvents, such as polyethylene glycol-200, -300, -400 or -600, where the number below indicates the approximate molecular weight of the glycol. Other alcohols such as C ₂ -C ₄ polyols (for example a diol or triol such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, 1,2-octanediol or mixtures of these compounds) are suitable as additional solvents.

However, other organic solvents can also be used, e.g. chlorinated solvents, as they are traditionally used in chemical textile cleaning. Examples for such solvents are the di- or tetrachlor derivatives of methane, the dibis Pentachlor derivatives of ethane and ethylene, the mono- to trichlor derivatives of Cyclohexane and monochlorobenzene. As concrete examples of this type, i.a. Carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichlorethylene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, tetrachlorethylene, pentachloroethane, monochlorocyclohexane, 1,4-dichlorocyclohexane, monochlorobenzene and mixtures of the above compounds cite. Hydrocarbon solvents, e.g. such of the isoparaffin type (commercially available as Isopar K from Exxon and DP-2000).

The fabric treatment agent can also be small but effective amounts one or more surfactants other than the aforementioned non-ionic ones and contain anionic surfactants. These additional Surfactant substances can act as cleaning enhancers that remove of dirt after the fabric treatment agent in the dryer has emerged from the substrate. Here, e.g. the use of lauryl pyrrolidone (Surfadon LP-300) prove not only for stain removal, but also to remove wrinkles and to minimize visible residues. The use of amphoteric and other nonionic and anionic surfactants Substances in the compounds are also possible - e.g. other nonionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants as additional Serve fabric softeners. Minor but effective amounts of certain amphoteric Surfactants can also help prevent the agent from spreading in the dryer to accelerate (e.g. Schercamox DML).

The (C ₈ -C ₂₂ ) alkyl (dimethyl) amine oxides, for example from the Schercamox series (Scher Chem. Co., Clifton, New Jersey), are expediently suitable as amphoteric surfactants - inter alia the lauryl (dimethyl) amine oxide Schercamox DML . Further useful amphoteric surfactants are previously known, for example from US Pat. No. 3,936,538 to Marshall et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated by reference into this patent.

The compound can also contain other tissue treatment agents, here commonly u.a. Chemical cleaning agents and fabric softeners in question come. Examples of other tissue treatment agents include Wrinkle preventers, Fatty acid condensates, anti-foaming agents, dirt repellants, bacteriostatics, Brighteners, stand improvers, dyes, colorants, fiber softeners, Finishing agents, fragrances, germicidal substances, finishing agents, anti-mold or anti-moth agents, shrink preventers, preservatives, Fiber softener, stain remover, deodorant, insect repellent, sizing agent, starch etc. as well as mixtures of these substances. It becomes easy for the specialist be able to determine the effective amount of additional tissue treatment substances, to be added to the agent.

The invention in a further embodiment is a surfactant substrate as well a process for its manufacture.

The tissue treatment agents according to the invention can be present on a substrate and then form a surfactant substrate according to the invention. However, the substrate must be large enough to contain an effective amount of the tissue treatment agent. A preferred substrate is a flat structure, for example a sheet, cloth, star, animal, ball, rod, spherical body, granulate, cube or sheet made of plastic or porous material, to which the agent can be stably impregnated, coated or applied in some other way . Surfactant substrates can be obtained by impregnating or coating a substrate, preferably by spraying, dabbing, pouring, rolling out, rolling up and any combination thereof. The coating of the substrate with the tissue treatment agent is particularly preferably carried out by rolling up).
The surfactant substrates according to the invention are preferably kept in a wet or moist state.
A substrate is preferred for the surfactant substrates according to the invention. This should be flexible and can usefully consist of knitted goods or - preferably - a nonwoven (textile composite with essentially glued or thermally produced fiber composite). Flat structures with a reticulated or ribbed fiber structure or in the form of fibrous mats with random or arbitrary fiber arrangement can also be used. The fibers can be natural fibers (e.g. wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, sisal, ramie) or synthetic fibers such as rayon, cellulose esters, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides or polyesters. Fibers of any diameter or thread count can be used. The fleece should preferably have a certain tear or dissolution resistance when used (for example in an automatic dryer); this can be achieved through a random or arbitrary arrangement of the fibers in the composite, which ensures strength in all directions.
Examples of preferred nonwoven material which is suitable as a substrate in the context of the invention are, for example, flat structures made from 100% rayon, 100% polypropylene or material mixtures (eg from cellulose-based rayon and synthetic fibers).

The dimensions of these fabrics should preferably be between about 3 "x 4" and about 14 "x 16"; on the other hand, they must be large enough to be able to carry the desired amount of the tissue treatment agent. The ideal size of the fabrics therefore varies between about 4 "x 14" (preferably about 5 "x 12") and about 9 "x 10".
At the same time, the preferred fabrics should have an area between about 12 square inches and about 224 square inches, but ideally between about 48 square inches and about 120 square inches. If the bag is so small that it can only hold a single soiled tissue product or several small tissue products (eg dimensions between approximately 18 "x 22" and approximately 20 "x 26", but preferably 20 "x 24"), this should also be the case Flat structures should be correspondingly small (eg dimensions between approximately 3 "x 4" to approximately 6 "x 9", but preferably 5 vorzugsweise "x 8½").
In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is fixed on the inside of a container and can be impregnated or coated there, for example by spraying or rolling on, with a fabric treatment agent.

The object of the invention in a further embodiment is the use of agents according to the invention for dirt stain (pre) treatment, refreshing or other Conditioning before a subsequent dry cleaning process and use the surfactant substrates according to the invention for dirt stain (pre) treatment, Refreshing or other conditioning before or during a subsequent one Dry cleaning process.

The use of the agents and surfactant substrates according to the invention consists in using them as part of a dry cleaning for dirt stain (pre) treatment, refreshing or other conditioning of tissue products.
The term "fabric" or "fabric product" refers not only to clothing, but also to any other textile products that are usually chemically cleaned or treated, such as bed sheets, curtains, carpets, upholstery, towels, etc. For the purposes of this invention, "fabric" can also include wool, wool blends, linen, cotton, knitted, knitted and crocheted goods, double-faced knitted goods, polyester, twill, synthetics, etc., and fine textiles such as 100% acetate, silk, rayon, but also Mixtures of these tissues include. The fabric treatment agents and surfactant substrates according to the invention can be used for fabrics in the wet as well as in the wet or dry state.

The term "dirt" refers here - in connection with the to be cleaned, tissues to be refreshed or otherwise treated - including both olfactory Substances such as Tobacco smoke, residues, perfume, mold, sweat, etc. as well as visible stains and contaminants.

"Treatment" is therefore any chemical treatment in the sense of the invention of tissues, i.a. chemical cleaning and refreshing the same. Under "Refreshing" makes removal, deodorization and chemical neutralization more noticeable Connections on or in a tissue and / or their masking understood with a desired fragrance. The term "dry cleaning" or For the purposes of this description, "cleaning" refers to the removal of both types of "dirt".

In this context, the term "dryer" is a rotary hot air dryer meant the clothes in a drum with warm or heated air at elevated Temperature tumbles. The temperature inside such The dryer is usually between approx. 40 ° C and approx. 120 ° C, but can be certain Place inside the dryer - especially near the hot air inlet (often called "Hot spots" in the dryer) - also reach up to 200 ° C. These higher ones Temperatures are also characteristic of industrial dryers or laundromat dryers. However, the temperature in the dryer is preferably above a preselectable one Period (preferably about 15 - about 45 minutes) between about 50 ° C and about 110 ° C.

a) Applikation des Gewebebehandlungsmittels auf den verfleckten Bereich des verschmutzten Gewebes,

b) Einwirkenlassen des Gewebebehandlungsmittels für eine beliebige Zeit,

c) Einbringen des vorbehandelten Gewebes in einen verschließbaren Behälter und Verschluß des Behälters,

d) Hin- und Her-Wälzen des Behältes mit dem vorbehandelten Gewebe in einer Vorrichtung zur Durchmischung,

e) und die Entnahme des behandelten Gewebes aus dem Behälter.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for conditioning, freshening up and cleaning an optionally soiled tissue.
The process comprises the following steps:

a) application of the fabric treatment agent to the stained area of the soiled fabric,

b) allowing the tissue treatment agent to act for any time,

c) introducing the pretreated tissue into a closable container and closing the container,

d) rolling the container back and forth with the pretreated tissue in a device for thorough mixing,

e) and the removal of the treated tissue from the container.

In one embodiment of the method, an effective amount of at least one of the tissue treatment agents comes into contact with the soiled and / or stained tissue (s) itself and effects its chemical treatment. In addition, the agent comes into contact with the soiled and / or stained parts of the fabric and removes or reduces the contamination or stains. Additionally or alternatively, the agent comes into contact with and refreshes the tissue.
In a preferred embodiment, the tissue treatment agent is applied directly to the soiled tissue that is to be cleaned, for example by spraying the chemical tissue treatment agent onto the tissue as a spray, applying it using a sponge or spray bottle, dabbing on, rolling on, or rolling on as a moist or dry powder or Granules are sprinkled. Any combination of applications is of course also possible. The tissue treatment agent is preferably applied by dabbing using the surfactant substrate according to the invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the introduction of an effective amount of the tissue treatment agent into a container can be realized. The application consists in that an effective amount of the tissue treatment agent is releasably absorbed in a part of the inner surface of the container itself - at least in a part of it. For example, the inner absorption surface can be a fleece, which is attached to the inside of the container in a second step after production of the container. It is also possible to apply the fabric treatment agent to the inner absorbent surface of the container wall itself (eg by spraying) after the container has been manufactured.
While the agent removes the contaminants from the tissue, excess moisture and the removed dirt can also be absorbed by the absorbent surface of the container if desired. It is also possible to rub off stained areas of tissue manually with the inside of the impregnated container in order to pretreat the soiled surfaces with the detergent to remove dirt. The container device can be designed such that it is disposed of after use, but can be made from a material that allows repeated use within the scope of different cleaning cycles.

The tissue treatment agent can act for any time, for example between 5 and 600 s, preferably between 10 and 300 s, particularly preferably between 15 and 250 s and in particular between 20 and 180 s.
The tissue is then placed in the container and its opening closed. The containers are described in more detail below.
The container can be placed in a device for mixing, for example in a rotary hot air dryer, in order to bring about the heat and mixing required for the effect (tumbling movement).
In a preferred embodiment, the invention further provides a method for cleaning, conditioning and / or refreshing soiled tissue products, in which (a) a soiled (for example stained and / or in need of refreshing) tissue product is placed together with a surfactant substrate in a closable container, (b) the opening of the container is closed and (c) the contents of the container are tumbled in a dryer at a temperature which causes the tissue treatment agent to be released in a liquid or gaseous state, and for so long, that an effective amount of the released agent comes into contact with the soiled tissue and treats it, optionally disperses, cleans and / or refreshes the dirt.
The tissue treatment agent according to the invention can be released from the surfactant substrate according to the invention in any desired manner, for example when textile products and surfactant substrate are spun together in the bag, preferably in the heated state.
In this embodiment of the invention, for example, one or more tissue products and a correspondingly large, flexible sheet which carries a tissue treatment agent (surfactant substrate) are placed in a bag, the opening of which is then closed, whereupon the bag is then moved so intensively and / or is heated so that the agent is released from the flexible sheet upon contact with the fabric products. The fabric describes a wobble movement in the middle of the fabric products and thus causes the agent to be evenly distributed over these products. With this touch, the tissue products are cleaned, refreshed or otherwise treated with the agent.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a bag that contains the surfactant substrate with the fabric product (s) in a rotary hot air tumble dryer place that for the necessary heat and / or movement intensity (Wobble), usually at a temperature of approx. 40 - 120 ° C (preferably 50-110 ° C) over a preselected period of time. At these temperatures is e.g. a tumbling cycle of about 15 - 45 minutes is sufficient, around the fabric treatment agent from the surfactant substrate, particularly preferably from emerge from the surfactant substrate which is fixed on the inner surface of the bag leave and to effect the cleaning or refreshing of the tissue products.

The fabric treatment agents are preferably effective under the action of heat. In a preferred implementation of this embodiment, will be the contaminated tissue (s) together with an effective amount of at least one the tissue treatment agent into the container and this then a movement and exposed to heat, the release of the agent in liquid and / or vaporous state from the substrate, the carrier substance, the tissue, an inner Absorbent surface of the bag, etc. causes the agent inside the bag is present. The liquid and / or vaporous agent then comes with the tissue product in contact and causes its treatment. In addition, the agent comes along stained areas of tissue in contact and cleans, removes or reduces them Stains. Additionally or alternatively, the agent comes into contact with the tissue and refreshes this.

Alternatively, the tissue treatment agent according to the invention can be applied to the tissue in another suitable manner, the agent not needing to be contained in the absorbent surface. In this case, the absorbent surface (substrate) can serve to absorb dirt and excess moisture during the cleaning process.
After the dry cleaning process, the treated tissue pieces can be removed from the container.

a) ein oder mehrere Gewebebehandlungsmittel in einem oder mehreren Applikator(en)

b) ein oder mehrere verschließbare Behälter

c) und ein oder mehrere Substrate und/oder Tensid-Substrate.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a tissue treatment system

a) one or more tissue treatment agents in one or more applicator (s)

b) one or more closable containers

c) and one or more substrates and / or surfactant substrates.

The tissue treatment system contains three components a) one or more tissue treatment agents, preferably tissue treatment agents according to the invention, in one or more applicators. Liquid containers in which the tissue treatment agent can be stably stored are suitable as applicator systems. Sealable wash bottles, containers with dosing systems such as spray bottles and containers at the outlet opening of which a sponge is permanently attached are particularly suitable. The applicators can of course be provided with a sealing cap. The selection of the particular applicator depends on the viscosity properties of the fabric treatment agent and does not pose any difficulties for the person skilled in the art.
Furthermore, the tissue treatment system contains one or more containers as component b).
The containers usually have an opening and have sides or walls, each with an inner and outer surface. The container can be made of any material that is suitable for holding tissue products without essentially losing its shape or its cohesion. Such a material can easily be selected by the person skilled in the art. The container should preferably also have sufficient thermal stability for use in rotary hot air dryers. In addition, under certain conditions, such as a temperature at which the release of the tissue treatment agent from the substrate, tissue, etc., the container should remain essentially undamaged. Preferably, the "hot spots" in the dryer, where the temperature can reach up to 200 ° C, should also not harm the bag. Also preferred are closable, water vapor impermeable bags that can form a closed system.

The container, advantageously flexible bag, preferably contains a fastening system or a locking mechanism for the reversible opening and closing of the filling opening. This locking mechanism can be based, for example, on the fact that the upper edges of the container are folded over and the locking mechanism is then closed. A locking mechanism without this folding process is also conceivable. Naturally, depending on the intended end use, the device can comprise any known type of fastening system, but on the other hand can also be designed without one. As a closing mechanism of the bag, for example, a push button, zipper Velcro®, Velcro, magnetic stripe, folding, latching, clip, button, latch and / or Ziplock® system come into question. Zippers of the snap-in type and a closure system which are distinguished by mutually opposite strips with a reclosable adhesive are also particularly suitable.
The opening also does not need to be arranged at the top of the bag, but can be provided at any side location and can be of any configuration. The bottom and side edges of the bag can be joined together by folding, thermal welding, gluing, or a combination of these methods. Depending on the desired end use, the bag may or may not be hermetically sealed.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, a substrate is fixed on the inside of the container, which substrate can optionally be impregnated or coated with any tissue treatment agent. For example, the inner absorption surface can be a fleece, which is attached to the inside of the container in a second step after production of the container. It is also possible to apply the tissue treatment agent according to the invention to the inner absorbent surface of the container wall itself (for example by spraying) after the container has been produced.
Furthermore, the fabric treatment system contains as component c) one or more surfactant substrates according to the invention and / or one or more substrates without fabric treatment agents, as have already been described above.

Examples example 1

a) C₁₂-C₁₅-Alkoholethoxylat (Neodol 25-3 der Fa. Shell Corp., austauschweise Surfonic der Fa. Huntsman Corp.) in einem Anteil von 0,25 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

b) Kokosfettalkohol-Ethersulfat (Burcoterge DG-40), in einem Anteil von 1,0 Gew.-% (0.40% Feststoffanteile), bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

c) Carageenan-Pulver (Genu LC-4 der Fa. Hercules), in einem Anteil von 1,0 Gew-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

d) Carragenan-Pulver (Genu CSW-2 der Fa. Hercules), in einem Anteil von 0,25 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

e) Diethylenglykolmonoethylether (Carbitol LG der Fa. Union Carbide), in einem Anteil von 9,75 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

f) Lauryldimethylaminoxid (Schercamox DML der Fa. Scher Chemical Corp.), in einem Anteil von 2,0 Gew-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

g) heterozyklischem Konservierungsmittel/Fungizid (Nuosept 95 der Fa. Hüls), in einem Anteil von 0,53 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

h) Silicon-Schauminhibitor (Foamex AD-100), in einem Anteil von ca. 0,3 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

i) Duftstoff, in einem Anteil von 0,6 Gew.-%, bezogen auf das gesamte Mittel.

j) destilliertem Wasser ad 100 Gew.-%.

An agent was made from

a) C ₁₂ -C ₁₅ alcohol ethoxylate (Neodol 25-3 from Shell Corp., alternatively Surfonic from Huntsman Corp.) in a proportion of 0.25% by weight, based on the total agent.

b) Coconut fatty alcohol ether sulfate (Burcoterge DG-40), in a proportion of 1.0 wt .-% (0.40% solids), based on the total agent.

c) Carageenan powder (Genu LC-4 from Hercules), in a proportion of 1.0% by weight, based on the total agent.

d) Carragenan powder (Genu CSW-2 from Hercules), in a proportion of 0.25% by weight, based on the total agent.

e) Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (Carbitol LG from Union Carbide), in a proportion of 9.75% by weight, based on the total agent.

f) Lauryldimethylamine oxide (Schercamox DML from Scher Chemical Corp.), in a proportion of 2.0% by weight, based on the total agent.

g) heterocyclic preservative / fungicide (Nuosept 95 from Huls), in a proportion of 0.53% by weight, based on the total agent.

h) silicone foam inhibitor (Foamex AD-100), in a proportion of about 0.3 wt .-%, based on the total agent.

i) fragrance, in a proportion of 0.6% by weight, based on the total composition.

j) distilled water ad 100 wt .-%.

Lipstick, gravy or ketchup stains were applied to wool and polyester fabrics manufactured. The agent was applied to each of these stains. In all Cases the stain was removed or weakened; there was little or no residue of the agent on the fabric.

Example 2

The agent described in Example 1 was made a total of sixteen times, with however, the alcohol chain length and ethoxylation mole number was varied in each case. Fabrics made of wool or rayon / polyester were stained with lipstick, gravy and add ketchup. Subsequently, every agent was applied to every stain brought. The results are summarized in Table 1.

0 = kein Rückstand

1 = geringfügiger Rückstand

2 = mäßiger Rückstand

3 = starker Rückstand

4 = äußerst starker Rückstand

Assessment scale for the degree of residue:

0 = no backlog

1 = slight residue

2 = moderate residue

3 = strong backlog

4 = extremely strong backlog

0 = keine Entfernungswirkung

1 = geringfügige Entfernungswirkung

2 = mäßige Entfernungswirkung

3 = starke Entfernungswirkung

4 = Fleck nicht mehr sichtbar

Assessment scale for the stain removal effect:

0 = no removal effect

1 = slight removal effect

2 = moderate removal effect

3 = strong removal effect

4 = stain no longer visible

The invention has been described above with reference to various specific and preferred Embodiments and techniques explained. However, it should be noted that numerous changes and modifications are possible without the mind and scope of the invention. All reference documents mentioned herein will incorporated by reference in its entirety into this text.

Claims (36)

Tissue treatment agent comprising the following components: a) water b) nonionic surfactants based on ethoxylated alcohol with an alcohol chain length of 11-16 carbon atoms and a proportion of 1.6-7 moles of ethylene oxide c) anionic surfactants from the group consisting of alkyl alcohol sulfates, alcohol ethoxy sulfates, alkyl alcohol benzene sulfonates and mixtures of these compounds. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains, as nonionic surfactants, ethoxylated alcohols with a chain length of 12-15 carbon atoms and 3 to 7 moles of ethylene oxide, preferably 3 to 5 moles of ethylene oxide. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains nonionic surfactants in amounts of 0.05 to 1.0% by weight, based on the total agent. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains anionic surfactants in amounts of 0.1 to 0.8% by weight, based on the total agent. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains coconut oil alcohol ether sulfate as the anionic surfactant. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weight ratio of nonionic to anionic surfactant is between 49.3: 50.7 to 30.9: 69.4. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains thickeners. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains polysaccharide gums, in particular carragenan powder, as thickeners. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains thickeners in amounts of 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the mixture as a whole. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains organic solvents, preferably glycol ethers. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains organic solvents in amounts of 2 to 99% by weight, preferably 5 to 15% by weight, in each case based on the total agent. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally contains amphoteric surfactants, preferably C ₈ -C ₂₂ alkyldimethylamine oxides and in particular lauryldimethylamine oxide. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains fragrances. Tissue treatment agent according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there are further fabric treatment agents such as anti-crease agents, fatty acid condensates, anti-foaming agents, dirt repellants, bacteriostats, brighteners, level improvers, dyes, coloring agents, fiber softeners, finishing agents, germicidal substances, softening agents, anti-mold or anti-mold or Moth active ingredients, shrink preventers, preservatives, fiber softeners, stain removers, deodorants, insect repellants, sizing agents, starch and any mixtures of these substances. Surfactant substrate, characterized in that it is impregnated or coated with a fabric treatment agent according to one of claims 1 to 14. Surfactant substrate according to claim 15, characterized in that it is in the form of a flexible sheet, in particular in the form of a sheet, cloth, bow, star, animal, sponge, ball, stick, spherical body, granulate or cube. Surfactant substrate according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it is made of knitted fabric or fleece with an optionally reticulated or ribbed fiber structure made of wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, sisal, ramie, rayon, cellulose esters, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides , Polyester and mixtures thereof. Surfactant substrate according to claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it is fixed on the inside of a container. A method for producing a surfactant substrate according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the substrate is impregnated or coated with the fabric treatment agent by spraying, dabbing, pouring, rolling, rolling up and any combination thereof. Use of a liquid tissue treatment agent according to one of claims 1 up to 14 for dirt stain (pre) treatment, freshening up or other conditioning before a subsequent dry cleaning process. Use of a surfactant substrate according to one of claims 15 to 18 for
Stain (pre) treatment, refreshing or other conditioning before or during a dry cleaning process. Process for refreshing, conditioning or cleaning any soiled tissue, characterized in that a) the liquid tissue treatment agent is applied to the stained area of the soiled tissue, b) the tissue treatment agent acts for any time, c) the pretreated tissue is placed in a closable container and the container is closed, d) the container with the pretreated tissue is rolled back and forth in a device for thorough mixing, e) the cleaned tissues are removed from the container. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the application of the fabric treatment agent to the stained area of the fabric is carried out by spraying, dabbing, pouring, rolling, rolling up and any combination thereof. Method according to one of claims 22 or 23, characterized in that the tissue treatment agent is allowed to act for between 5 and 600 s, preferably between 10 and 300 s, particularly preferably between 15 and 250 s and in particular between 20 and 180 s. Method according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that a) the possibly soiled or pretreated tissue is placed in a container together with a surfactant substrate, b) the container is closed, c) the container with the tissue and the surfactant substrate is rolled back and forth in a device for thorough mixing, d) the cleaned or conditioned tissues are removed from the container. A method according to claim 25, characterized in that the optionally soiled or pretreated fabric is placed in a container together with a surfactant substrate according to one of claims 15 to 18. Method according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the closable container is a dryer and heat-resistant bag, preferably a water vapor impermeable bag, which forms a closed system. Method according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterized in that the closable container is a bag with an opening which is reversibly closable, the closure system including push buttons, clips, a zipper, a Velcro fastener, a snap fastener of the snap-in type or strips lying opposite one another has a resealable adhesive. Method according to one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that a substrate is fixed on the inside of the closable container, which substrate is optionally impregnated or coated with any tissue treatment agent. Tissue treatment system containing a) one or more tissue treatment agents according to one of claims 1 to 14 in one or more applicator (s), b) one or more closable containers c) and one or more substrates and / or surfactant substrates. Tissue treatment system according to claim 30, characterized in that the tissue treatment agent is in a tube or bottle with a sponge at the outlet end (English: ever), in a liquid container with a metering system, a closable squirt bottle or a spray bottle. Tissue treatment system according to one of claims 30 or 31, characterized in that the closable container is a dryer and heat-resistant bag, preferably a water vapor impermeable bag, which forms a closed system. Tissue treatment system according to one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that the closable container is a bag with an opening. which is reversibly closable, the closure system having snaps, clips, a zipper, a Velcro, a zipper of the snap-in type or mutually opposite strips with a reclosable adhesive. Tissue treatment system according to one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that a substrate is fixed on the inside of the closable container, which substrate is optionally impregnated or coated with any tissue treatment agent. Tissue treatment system according to one of claims 30 to 34, characterized in that it contains a surfactant substrate according to one of claims 15 to 18. Tissue treatment system according to one of claims 30 to 35, characterized in that it is a substrate, in the form of a flexible sheet, in particular in the form of a sheet, cloth, bow, star, animal, sponge, ball, rod, spherical body, granulate or cube , the substrate preferably consisting of knitted fabric or non-woven with an optionally reticulated or ribbed fiber structure made of wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, sisal, ramie, rayon, cellulose esters, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and mixtures thereof.