EP4479505A1

EP4479505A1 - Laundry composition

Info

Publication number: EP4479505A1
Application number: EP23703791.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Panchanan BHUNIA; Narayanan Subrahmaniam
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV
Priority date: 2022-02-14
Filing date: 2023-02-10
Publication date: 2024-12-25
Also published as: WO2023152273A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solid laundry detergent composition, more specifically to laundry detergent composition comprising low levels of alkaline builders. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition having low carbonate levels and low silicate levels which gives good solubility profile, good cleaning profile, good stability profile, good fabric care profile and good freshness profile. The present inventors have surprising found that the fabric care benefits and stain removal performance of solid laundry detergent composition having low carbonate levels and low silicate levels can be achieved by a composition having anionic surfactant together with specific levels of nonionic homopolymers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof and specific levels of amphoteric surfactant.

Description

LAUNDRY COMPOSITION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a solid laundry composition, more particularly it relates to a solid laundry composition comprising low levels of alkaline builders.

Background of the Invention

Consumers of solid laundry compositions desire that the laundry composition provides good fabric cleaning performance against a wide variety of soil types and has very good dispensing and dissolution profiles. Especially consumers who hand-wash fabrics also desire for a laundry composition which is less harsh on hands and on fabrics.

Laundry detergent composition for cleaning fabrics have been known for many years to include anionic detersive surfactant, particularly linear alkyl benzene sulphonate anionic surfactant. Formulators of the detergent composition incorporate anionic detergents into solid laundry composition to provide a good fabric cleaning benefit.

Laundry compositions are generally added to water to form a solution, the water usually includes free cations, such as calcium and magnesium cations, these interact negatively with the anionic detersive surfactant and lead to a reduction in the anionic detersive surfactant activity. To mitigate the tendency of anionic detersive surfactant to react with free cations in the wash liquor and precipitate out of solution, builders such as zeolite, silicate salt and carbonate salt are incorporated into the composition. These builders sequester free calcium and magnesium cations. In addition to its role as a builder the carbonate and silicate builders also increase the pH of the wash liquor (around 9 to 11) which is beneficial at removing stains.

However, when carbonate and silicate builders are incorporated in laundry detergent compositions they interact with the free calcium and magnesium cations and form complexes, these complexes are water-insoluble and in extreme hard water conditions the water-insoluble complex may deposit onto the fabric resulting in poor whiteness maintenance and may affect fabric integrity. Furthermore, the high levels of carbonate builders and silicate in detergent compositions increases the alkalinity which is harsh on fabrics and on the hands of the user. Furthermore, the high pH levels can negatively impact some cleaning actives incorporated into the detergent composition. Additionally, it is also desired to cut the levels of carbonates to deliver low chemical formulations.

Thus, there remains a need for a solid laundry composition which provides for good fabric cleaning performance, especially a good particulate, oily and greasy stain cleaning performance, good whiteness maintenance, and very good dispensing and dissolution profiles while the composition has low levels of alkaline builder and with good sensorial performance.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a solid laundry detergent composition that comprise an anionic surfactant, low carbonate levels and preferably low silicate levels, while maintaining excellent cleaning performance. It is also desired to provide a solid laundry detergent composition with a pH from 7 to 10.5 which provides benefits such as low or no deposition of residues on fabrics and associated improvement in whiteness and improved bleachable stain removal benefits.

WO 95/35361 (P&G) discloses a hand wash laundry composition which ameliorates harshness and/or abrasion to the skin while maintaining effective cleaning and desirable lathering. This document discloses a hand wash laundry composition which includes anionic surfactant, 3 wt.% to 30 wt.% nonionic homopolymers of ethylene oxide and 1 wt.% to 15 wt.% betaine surfactant.

US 2018/094221 A1 (Chieffi et al.) discloses a solid free flowing particulate laundry detergent composition having a low pH profile and where the composition includes 8 wt.% to 15 wt.% anionic surfactant, 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% polyethylene oxide and 0 to 4 wt.% amphoteric surfactant.

CN106244351A (Guangdong Instyle Cosmetics Co. Ltd., 2016) discloses a laundry sheet composition which includes 7 wt.% sodium lauryl sulphate surfactant, 1.5 wt.% polyethylene glycol and 3 wt.% cocoamide propyl betaine surfactant.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition having a low levels of carbonate salt and silicate salt.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a solid laundry detergent composition having low carbonate levels and low silicate levels which gives good solubility profile, good cleaning profile, good stability profile, good fabric care profile, good freshness profile and good sensorial performance. Summary of the Invention

The present inventors have surprising found that the fabric care benefits, foam performance and stain removal performance of solid laundry detergent composition having low carbonate levels and low silicate levels can be achieved by a composition having anionic surfactant together with specific levels of non-ionic homopolymers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof and specific levels of amphoteric surfactant.

According to a first aspect of the present invention disclosed is a solid laundry detergent composition comprising: i) anionic surfactant; ii) 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof; iii) 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant; iv) 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt; and, v) 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt.

According to a second aspect of the present invention disclosed is a method of laundering a textile surface with the detergent composition of the first aspect comprising the steps of: i) preparing a wash liquor by mixing the detergent composition according to the first aspect with a liquid, preferably water; ii) soaking said textile surface in the wash liquor for a predetermined period of time; and, iii) optionally rinsing the textile surface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention disclosed is use of an anionic surfactant, 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof, 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant, 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt in a solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect to provide improved stain removal performance.

According to a further aspect of the present invention disclosed is use of an anionic surfactant, 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof, 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant, 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt in a solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect to provide improved foam performance.

A solid laundry detergent composition according to the present disclosure encompasses a variety of spray-dried or granulated forms including, for example powder, particulates; cast and extruded forms including, for example, solids, pellets, blocks, bars, and tablets. It should be understood that the term “solid” refers to the state of the detergent composition under the expected conditions of storage and use of the solid detergent composition. In general, it is expected that the detergent composition will remain a solid when provided at a temperature of up to about 37° C and preferably greater than 50°C.

These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of" or "composed of." In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se.

Similarly, all percentages are weight/weight percentages unless otherwise indicated. Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.

Detailed Description of the Invention

According to the first aspect of the present invention, disclosed is a solid laundry detergent composition having anionic surfactant, 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof, 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant, 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt; and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt. Anionic surfactant

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an anionic surfactant.

Examples of anionic surfactant are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents" (Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch). Suitable anionic surfactants include those selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfosuccinamates, alkyl amidosulfosuccinates, alkyl carboxylates, alkyl amido ether carboxylates, alkyl succinates, fatty acyl sarcosinates, fatty acyl amino acids, fatty acyl taurates, fatty alkyl sulfoacetates, alkyl phosphates, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Non-limiting examples of the preferred anionic surfactant includes linear alkyl benzene sulphonate, primary alkyl sulfate, methyl ester sulphonate or combinations thereof.

Sulphate surfactant:

Suitable sulphate surfactant includes Cs to C20 alkyl sulphate, preferably Cs to C18 alkyl sulphate, still preferably C12 to C14 alkyl sulphate, more preferably it is predominantly C12 alkyl sulphate. The alkyl sulphate surfactant may be linear or branched, substituted or un-substituted, and may be derived from petrochemical material or biomaterial. Preferably the alkyl sulphate surfactant is linear. Still preferably it is preferred that the alkyl sulphate surfactant is a C10 to C14 alkyl sulphate surfactant, most preferably a lauryl sulphate surfactant.

Conventional primary alkyl sulfate surfactant has the general formula: R"OSOs'M⁺ wherein R" is typically a Cs to C20 alkyl group, which may be straight chain or branched chain, and M is a water-solubilizing cation. In specific embodiments, R" is a C10 to C15 alkyl group, and M is alkali metal, more specifically R" is C12 to C14 alkyl and M is sodium. Specific, non-limiting examples of anionic alkyl sulphate surfactant useful herein include: C10 to C20 primary, branched-chain and random alkyl sulfates (AS); or C10 to Cis secondary (2, 3)-alkyl sulfates having following formulae:

OSO₃~ M⁺ OSO₃ ^_ M⁺

CH₃(CH₂)_X(CH)CH₃ or CH₃(CH₂)_y(CH)CH₂CH₃ wherein M is hydrogen or a cation which provides charge neutrality, and all M units, can either be a hydrogen atom or a cation depending upon the form isolated or the relative pH of the system wherein the surfactant is used, with non-limiting examples of preferred cations including sodium, potassium, ammonium, and mixtures thereof, and x is an integer of at least about 7, preferably at least about 9, and y is an integer of at least 8, preferably at least about 9. A preferred sulphate surfactant is alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis is alkyl alkoxylated sulphate, preferably a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate has an average degree of alkoxylation of from 0.5 to 20, preferably from 0.5 to 10, preferably the alkyl alkoxylated sulphate is a Cs to Cis alkyl ethoxylated sulphate having an average degree of ethoxylation of from 0.5 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, more preferably from 0.5 to 3 and most preferably from 0.5 to 1.5. The alkyl alkoxylated sulphate surfactant may be linear or branched, substituted or un-substituted, and may be derived from petrochemical material or biomaterial. Preferably the sulphate surfactant is a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted Cs to Cis alkyl sulphate surfactant, Cs to Cis alkyl ether sulphate surfactant or mixtures thereof.

Sulphonate surfactant:

Suitable sulphonate detersive surfactant include methyl ester sulphonate, alpha olefin sulphonates, alkyl benzene sulphonate, especially alkyl benzene sulphonate, preferably Cw to C14 alkyl benzene sulphonate. Suitable alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) is obtainable, preferably obtained, by sulphonating commercially available linear alkyl benzene (LAB); suitable LAB includes low 2-phenyl LAB, other suitable LAB includes high 2-phenyl LAB, such as those supplied by Sasol under the tradename Hyblene®. The sulphonate surfactant may be linear or branched, substituted or un-substituted, and may be derived from petrochemical material or biomaterial. The sulphonate surfactant is preferably a linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted C to C14 alkyl benzene sulphonate. The sulphonate surfactant may also be selected from the modified alkylbenzene sulfonate (MLAS) as discussed in WO 99/05243, WO 99/05242 and WO 99/05244; methyl ester sulfonate (MES); and alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS).

Anionic surfactant may exist in an acid form, or the acid form may be neutralized to form a surfactant salt. Typical agents for neutralization include a metal counter ion base such as a hydroxide, e.g., NaOH or KOH. Further agents for neutralizing anionic surfactants include ammonia, amines, or alkanolamines. Suitable non-limiting examples include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and other linear or branched alkanolamines known in the art, for example, 2-amino-1-propanol, 1-aminopropanol, monoisopropanolamine, or 1-amino-3-propanol.

Preferably the anionic surfactant is a non-soap anionic surfactant. The term “soap” is used herein in its popular sense, i.e., the alkali metal or alkanol ammonium salts of aliphatic, alkanes, or alkene monocarboxylic acids. Preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphate, alkyl sulphonate, alkyl ether sulphonate or combinations thereof. Preferably the anionic surfactant is an alkali metal salt of C10 to Cis alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.

Preferably the anionic surfactant includes 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% alkyl sulfates, preferably 0 wt.% to 15 wt.% alkyl sulfates, preferably 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% alkyl sulfates, preferably PAS. The anionic surfactant may also include from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% MES, preferably 0 wt.% to 5 wt.% MES.

The solid laundry composition preferably has a combination of anionic surfactants. Preferably the anionic surfactant is selected from alkyl benzene sulphonate surfactant, alkyl sulphate surfactant, alkyl ether sulfate surfactant or mixtures thereof.

Preferably the total amount of the alkyl sulphate surfactant and alkyl ether sulfate surfactant in the composition is lower than 50 wt.% of the total anionic surfactant present in the composition, still preferably the total amount of the alkyl sulphate surfactant and alkyl ether sulfate surfactant in the composition is lower than 50 wt.% of the total surfactant content present in the composition.

Alternately the total amount of the alkyl sulphate surfactant and alkyl ether sulfate surfactant in the composition is higher than 50 wt.% of the total anionic surfactant present in the composition, still preferably the total amount of the alkyl sulphate surfactant and alkyl ether sulfate surfactant in the composition is higher than 50 wt.% of the total surfactant content present in the composition.

Still preferably the solid laundry composition may include a combination of anionic surfactant and nonionic surfactant. Preferably the anionic surfactant is either or both alkyl sulphate surfactant and alkyl ether sulfate surfactant. Preferably the total amount of the alkyl sulphate surfactant, alkyl ether sulfate surfactant and nonionic surfactant in the composition is higher than 50 wt.% of the total surfactant content present in the composition.

The detergent composition of the present invention includes from 2 wt.% to 50 wt.% of anionic detersive surfactant, more preferably from 2 wt.% to 40 wt.% of anionic detersive surfactant, most preferably from 2 wt.% to 25 wt.% anionic surfactant. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 4 wt.%, still preferably at least 5 wt.%, still preferably at least 8 wt.%, still preferably at least 10 wt.%, still more preferably at least 12 wt.% of the anionic surfactant, most preferably at least 15 wt.% of the anionic surfactant, but typically not more than 45 wt.%, still preferably not more than 40 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 35 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 30 wt.% and most preferably not more than 25 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 20 wt.% of an anionic surfactant based on the weight of the detergent composition.

Non-ionic homopolymer

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof. The homopolymer is present in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%.

Preferably the nonionic homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight ranging from 200 g/mol to 1 ,000,000 g/mol.

More preferably the homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight in the range from 200 to 1 ,000,000, more preferably from 1000 to 20,000, more preferably 2000 to 10,000 and still preferably 2000 to 6000. More preferably the homopolymer is a polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. A highly preferred material is polyethylene glycol 6000. Commercially available polyethylene glycol useful for the present invention includes Polymeg 4000 from India Glycols.

Preferably the nonionic homopolymer is polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof having a weight average molecular weight in the range of from 200 to 1 ,000,000, and preferably 1000 to 20,000, preferably 2000 to 10000.

Amphoteric surfactant

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an amphoteric surfactant.

As used herein, the term “amphoteric” includes (a) surfactant molecules that contain both an acidic and basic site such as, for example, an amino acid containing both amino (basic) and acid (e.g., carboxylic acid, acidic) functional groups; or (b) zwitterionic surfactant molecules which possess both positive and negative charges within the same molecule. The charges of the zwitterionic molecule may be either dependent or independent of the pH of the composition. The term “amphoteric surfactant,” as used herein, is also intended to encompass zwitterionic surfactants, which are well known to formulators skilled in the art as a subset of amphoteric surfactants.

Non-limiting examples of amphoteric surfactants useful in the compositions of the present invention are disclosed in McCutcheon's, Detergents and Emulsifiers, North American edition (1986), published by allured Publishing Corporation; and McCutcheons, Functional Materials, North American Edition (1992); both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, amphocarboxylates such as alkylamphoacetates (mono or di); alkyl betaines; alkylamidoalkyl betaines; alkylamidoalkyl sultaines; alkylamphophosphates; phosphorylated imidazolines such as phosphobetaines and pyrophosphobetaines; carboxyalkyl alkyl polyamines; alkylimino-dipropionates; alkylamphoglycinates (mono or di); alkylamphoproprionates (mono or di),); N-alkyl [3-aminoproprionic acids; alkylpolyamino carboxylates; and mixtures thereof.

Specific examples of the amphoteric surfactants include those given hereinbelow.

The amphoteric surfactant is preferably selected from the group consisting of betaines, sultaines, amine oxide or mixtures thereof. A preferred amphoteric surfactant is the betaine type surfactant. Preferably the betaine type amphoteric surfactant has a permanent negative charge and positive charge on the same molecule which does not alter with change in the pH and not having an isoelectric point. They are quaternized derivatives.

Alkyl betaines where R=Cs-C34 alkyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof. Examples include Coco- Betaine (R=coco alkyl), Lauryl Betaine (R=lauryl, C12H25), and Oleyl Betaine (R=oleyl, C18H35). Alkylamidoalkyl betaines where RCO= Ce to C24 acyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof and x= 1 to 4. Examples include Cocamidoethyl Betaine (RCO=coco acyl, x=2), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (RCO=coco acyl, x=3), Lauramidopropyl Betaine (RCO=lauroyl, and x=3), Myristamidopropyl Betaine (RCO=myristoyl, and x=3), Soyamidopropyl Betaine (R=soy acyl, x=3), and Oleamidopropyl Betaine (RCO=oleoyl, and x=3). Preferably the amphoteric surfactant is Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB). The cocamidopropyl Betaine is commercially available from Rhone-Poulenc as Mirataine BDJ, Galaxy, Huntsman.

Alkyl phosphobetaines where R=Ce to C24 alkyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof and M=monovalent cation, such as Sodium Coco PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, where R=coco alkyl and M⁺=Na⁺.

Alkyl sulphobetaines where R¹=Ce to C24 alkyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof and R² and R³ which may be the same or different, are Ci to C3 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, for example, methyl groups.

Alkyl Hydroxysultaines where R=Cs-C34 alkyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof. Examples include Coco- hydroxysultaine (R=coco alkyl) and Lauryl hydroxysultaine (R=lauryl, C12H25).

Alkyl sultaines where R=Cs-C34 alkyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof. Examples include Coco- sultaine (R=coco alkyl) and Lauryl sultaine (R=lauryl, C12H25).

Alkylamidoalkyl sultaines where RCO= Ce to C24 acyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof. Examples include Cocamidopropyl sultaine (RCO=coco acyl, x=3), Lauramidopropyl sultaine (RCO=lauroyl, and x=3), Myristamidopropyl sultaine (RCO=myristoyl, and x=3), soyamidopropyl sultaine (R=soy acyl, x=3), and Oleamidopropyl sultaine (RCO=oleoyl, and x=3).

Alkylamidoalkyl Hydroxysultaines where RCO= Ce to C24 acyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof. Examples include Cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (RCO=coco acyl, x=3), Lauramidopropyl hydroxysultaine (RCO=lauroyl, and x=3), Myristamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (RCOmyristoyl, and x=3), Oleamidopropyl hydroxysultaine (RCO=oleoyl, and x=3). Further useful amphoteric surfactant are those which are broadly described as derivatives of aliphatic secondary and tertiary amines, preferably wherein the nitrogen is in a cationic state, in which the aliphatic radicals can be straight or branched chain and wherein one of the radicals contains an ionizable water solubilizing group, e.g., carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate. These amphoteric surfactant includes derivatives of aliphatic amines which contain a long chain of carbon atoms with 8 to 18 carbon atoms and an anionic watersolubilizing group selected from the group consisting of but not limited to carboxylate, sulfonate or sulphate. Examples of the compounds falling within this definition are sodium-3- dodecylamino propane sulfonate and dodecyl dimethyl ammonium hexanoate.

Alkyl amine oxide wherein R1 is typically Ce to C24 alkyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof. Preferably Csto Cis alkyl group, for example, Ci2 to C14 alkyl. R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, are Ci to C3 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, for example, methyl groups. Examples include cocamine oxide (R=coco alkyl) and lauramine oxide (RCO = lauryl). The most preferred amine oxide is coco dimethylamine oxide.

Alkylamidoalkyl amine oxide

Where RCO =Ce to C24 acyl (saturated or unsaturated) or mixtures thereof and x = 1 to 4. Examples include cocamidopropylamine oxide (RCO =coco acyl x =3) and lauramidopropylamine oxide (RCO= lauroyl, x =3), and combinations of two or more thereof.

Preferably the amphoteric surfactant according to the present invention includes those wherein the degree of ionisation varies as a function of pH of the medium it is in. These have an isoelectric point (IEP) in the range from 3.5 to 6.5.

Preferred amphoteric surfactant may also be selected from internally neutralized derivatives of aliphatic quaternary ammonium and phosphonium and tertiary sulfonium compounds in which the aliphatic radical can be straight chain or branched, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic water solubilizing group.

Preferably the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group consisting of betaines, sultaines, amine oxide, alkyl iminoacetates, imino dialkanoates, amino alkanoates alkyl ammonium propionates, or mixtures thereof. More preferably the amphoteric surfactant are betaines or amine oxide. Preferably the betaine type amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkyl betaines, alkylamidoalkyl betaines and alkyl sulphobetaines. Preferably the amine oxide type amphoteric surfactant is selected from alkyl amine oxide, alkylamidoalkyl amine oxide or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the amphoteric surfactant is a cocam idopropyl betaine (CAPB).

Non-limiting examples of the betaine surfactant includes those selected from the group consisting of alkylamidoalkyl betaine surfactant, alkyl sulphobetaines surfactant or mixtures thereof.

More preferably the betaine surfactant is selected from dodecylamidopropyldimethylbetaine, dodecyldimethylbetaine, tetradecyldimethylbetaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine or mixtures thereof. Most preferably the betaine surfactant is ocoamidopropylbetaine (CAPB). The betaine surfactant is present in an amount ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% in the solid laundry composition. The betaine surfactant preferably has a hydrophobic group consisting of alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.

The solid laundry detergent composition of the present invention includes from 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% of an amphoteric surfactant, more preferably from 0.2 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.25 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.3 wt.%, still preferably at least 0.4 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.5 wt.% of the amphoteric surfactant, but typically not more than 1 wt.%, still preferably not more than 0.9 wt.%, still further preferably not more than 0.85 wt.%, still more preferably not more than 0.8 wt.% and most preferably not more than 0.6 wt.% of amphoteric surfactant based on the weight of the solid laundry detergent composition.

In the solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention the ratio of the anionic surfactant to the amphoteric surfactant is in a ratio from 0.4:1 to 200:1 , still preferably the ratio is from 5:1 to 100:1, In the detergent composition of the present invention the total amount of anionic surfactant is greater than the amphoteric surfactant present in the composition.

Carbonate salt

Disclosed solid laundry composition includes from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt. Examples of the carbonate salt includes alkaline earth metal and alkali metal carbonates. The carbonate salt is preferably an alkali metal carbonate, alkaline earth metal carbonate or mixtures thereof. Preferred alkali carbonates are sodium and/or potassium carbonate of which sodium carbonate is particularly preferred. It is further preferred that sodium carbonate makes up at least 75 wt.%, more preferably at least 85 wt.% and even more preferably at least 90 wt.% of the total weight of the carbonate salt.

The solid laundry composition of the present invention includes from 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt. Preferably the detergent composition comprises at least 0.8 wt.%, still preferably at least 1 wt.%, still preferably at least 2 wt.%, most preferably at least 5 wt.% of the carbonate salt, but typically not more than 15 wt.%, still preferably not more than 13 wt.%, most preferably not more than 10 wt.% of carbonate salt based on the weight of the detergent composition. Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of carbonate salt. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

Silicate salt

Disclosed solid laundry composition includes from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt.

Suitable silicates include the water-soluble sodium silicates with an SiCh: Na2O ratio of from 1.0 to 2.8, with ratios of from 1.6 to 2.4 being preferred, and 2.0 ratio being most preferred. The silicates may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt. Sodium silicate with an SiCh: Na2O ratio of 2.0 is the most preferred silicate.

Silicates are preferably present in the solid laundry compositions in accordance with the invention at a level from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% by weight of the composition, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 7 wt.% in the detergent composition. The composition of the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% silicate salt. Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of silicate salt. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

Optional inorganic or organic builder

The solid laundry composition may include optional inorganic builder. The preferred inorganic builders may be selected from the group consisting of silica, zeolites, phosphates or mixtures thereof.

The composition of the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%, still preferably from 0 wt.% to 5 wt.%, more preferably from 0 wt.% to 1 wt.% of an inorganic builder selected from silica, zeolites, phosphate, or mixtures thereof.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite builder. Preferably the amount of zeolite builder is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 3 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.% by weight in the laundry composition and most preferably the solid laundry composition is substantially free of zeolite builder.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. Preferably the amount of phosphate builder is less than 3 wt.%, still preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of phosphate builder. Non-limiting examples of phosphate builder includes polyphosphates (exemplified by the tripolyphosphates, pyrophosphates, glassy polymeric meta-phoshpate) and phosphonates, more particularly STP (Sodium tripolyphosphate), sodium orthophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and STPP (sodium triphosphate).

Preferably the composition of the present invention is substantially free of zeolite salt and phosphate builder. By substantially free it is meant that there is no deliberately added carbonate salt in the composition.

The solid laundry composition according to the present invention preferably includes from 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% bicarbonate salt, preferably sodium bicarbonate. Preferably the amount of bicarbonate salt is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of bicarbonate salt. Preferably the bicarbonate salt is sodium bicarbonate.

The term “substantially free” means that the indicated component is at the very minimum, not deliberately added to the composition to form part of it, or, more typically, is not present at analytically detectable levels. It is meant to include compositions whereby the indicated material is present only as an impurity in one of the other materials deliberately included.

Optional organic builder:

The solid laundry composition may include optional organic builder. Non-limiting examples of the organic builders includes but are not limited to as succinates, carboxylates, malonates, polycarboxylates, citric acid or a salt thereof.

Form of the laundry composition

The composition according to the present invention preferably has a pH from 7.0 to 10.5, preferably 7.0 to 10.2, still preferably from 8.5 to 10.2, when measured at 1 wt.% dilution in deionised water at 25°C. The composition may preferably include a buffer.

The composition of the present invention is in the solid form. The composition according to the present invention may be made via a variety of conventional methods known in the art and those which includes but is not limited to the mixing of ingredients, including dry-mixing, compaction such as agglomerating, extrusion, tabletting, or spray-drying of the various compounds comprised in the detergent component, or mixtures of these techniques, whereby the components herein also can be made by for example compaction, including extrusion and agglomerating, or spray-drying. The detergent composition may be made by any of the conventional processes, especially preferred is the technique of slurry making and spray drying.

The compositions herein can take a variety of physical solid forms including forms such as powder, granule, ribbon, noodle, paste, tablet, sheet, flake, pastille and bar, and preferably the composition is in the form of powder, granules or a tablet, still preferably the composition is in the form of a powder. The composition may be in the form of a unit dose formulation, delayed delivery formulation, detergent contained on or in a porous substrate or nonwoven sheet, and other suitable forms that may be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The composition according to the present invention may preferably be in a form selected from powder, unit dose or pouch form, sheet, tablet, bar, or flake. The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention is preferably free flowing. The composition is preferably a fully formulated detergent composition. The solid detergent composition includes but is not limited to powder, granular, particulate, agglomerates, noodles, flakes tablets, bar, sheet, or other solid forms known in the art and combinations thereof. Preferably the solid laundry detergent composition is in the form of a powder, granule, tablet, noodle, sheet, or a unit dose product wherein a water-soluble polymer sheet encloses the solid detergent composition.

Preferably the composition is used for laundering fabrics using manual-washing method. Preferably, the composition of the present invention is a solid laundry detergent composition. Preferably the composition is in the form of a spray -dried powder or particulate free-flowing form.

The compositions preferably have a density of more than 350 grams/litre, more preferably more than 450 grams/litre or even more than 570 grams/litre.

The solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention preferably has from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.% zeolite builder. Preferably the amount of zeolite builder is less than 5 wt.%, still preferably less than 3 wt.%, more preferably less than 2 wt.% by weight in the detergent composition and most preferably the detergent composition is substantially free of zeolite builder.

Optional ingredients

The detergent composition of the present invention may preferably include one or more of the optional ingredients selected from the group consisting of cleaning and care ingredients. The optional ingredients include one or more adjunct cleaning additives selected from polymers, enzymes, enzyme stabilizer, brightening agents, hueing agent, bleach, chelating agent, humectant, perfume, filler or carrier, an alkalinity system, a buffer or combinations thereof.

Polymers:

The composition of the present invention may preferably include polymers which provide cleaning or care benefits. The cleaning polymer includes but is not limited to soil release polymer, carboxylate polymers, antiredeposition polymers, cellulosic polymers, care polymers, amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, clay soil cleaning polymers, soil suspending polymers or mixtures thereof. Suitable carboxylate polymer includes polymers such as a maleate/acrylate random copolymer or polyacrylate homopolymer. Also suitable are polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polymaleic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid and maleic acid with vinyl methyl ether.

Anti-redeposition polymers are designed to suspend or disperse soil. Typically, antiredeposition polymers are polyethylene glycol copolymers, polycarboxylate polymers, polyethyleneimine polymers or mixtures thereof. Preferably the antiredeposition agent selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid or maleic acid with vinyl ester and combinations thereof. Such polymers are available from BASF under the trade name Sokalan®CP5 (neutralised form) and Sokalan®CP45 (acidic form).

Soil release polymers are designed to modify the surface of the fabric to facilitate the ease of removal of soil. Suitable soil release polymers are sold by Clariant under the TexCare® series of polymers, e.g. TexCare® SRN240, TexCare® SRN100, TexCare® SRN170, TexCare® SRN300, TexCare® SRN325, TexCare® SRA100 and TexCare® SRA300. Other suitable soil release polymers are sold by Rhodia under the Repel-o-Tex® series of polymers, e.g. Repel-o- Tex® SF2, Repel-o-Tex® SRP6 and Repel-o-Tex® Crystal. A preferred polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyester soil release polymer, both end-capped and non-end- capped sulphonated PET/POET polymers, both end-capped and non-end-capped unsulphonated PET/POET polymers or combinations thereof.

Preferably the levels of these soil release polymer in the adjunct particle ranges from 3 wt.% to 15wt.% at least 5 wt%, still preferably at least 6wt%, still preferably at least 6.5wt%, most preferably at least 7wt%, but typically not more than 14wt%, still preferably not more than 13wt%, most preferably not more than 12wt%.

Suitable care polymers include cellulosic polymers that are cationically modified or hydrophobically modified. A suitable commercially available dye lock polymer is Polyquart® FDI (Cognis). Preferably the adjunct particle includes from 0.01% to 10%, preferably from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of care polymer.

Examples of suitable sequestering polymers are DEQUEST™, organic phosphonate type sequestering polymers sold by Monsanto and alkanehydroxy phosphonates. The cleaning composition is preferably substantially free of phosphate based sequestering polymers. By substantially free, it is meant herein that no phosphate based sequestering polymers is deliberately added.

Enzymes:

The composition preferably includes an enzyme. More preferably the composition of the present invention preferably includes one or more enzymes. Preferred examples of the enzymes include those which provide cleaning performance and/or fabric care benefits.

Examples of suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, hemicellulases, peroxidases, proteases, cellulases, xylanases, lipases, xyloglucanase, phospholipases, esterases, cutinases, pectinases, mannanases, pectate lyases, keratinases, reductases, oxidases, phenoloxidases, lipoxygenases, ligninases, pullulanases, tannases, pentosanases, malanases, G-glucanases, arabinosidases, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, laccase, and amylases, or mixtures thereof. A typical combination is an enzyme cocktail that may comprise, for example, a protease and lipase in conjunction with one or more of amylase, mannanase and cellulase. When present in a detergent composition, the enzymes may be present at levels from about 0.00001% to about 2%, from about 0.0001% to about 1% or from 0.001% to about 0.5% enzyme protein by weight of the detergent composition.

Suitable proteases include metalloproteases and serine proteases, including neutral or alkaline microbial serine proteases, such as subtilisins (EC 3.4.21.62). Suitable commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the trade names Alcalase®, Savinase®, Primase®, Durazym®, Polarzyme®, Kannase®, Liquanase®, Liquanase Ultra®, Savinase Ultra®, Ovozyme®, Neutrase®, Everlase® and Esperase® by Novozymes A/S (Denmark), those sold under the tradename Maxatase®, Maxaca®l, Maxapem®, Properase®, Purafect®, Purafect Prime®, Purafect Ox®, FN3®, FN4®, 10 Excellase® and Purafect OXP® by Genencor International, those sold under the tradename Opticlean® and Optimase by Solvay Enzymes.

Suitable alpha-amylases include those of bacterial or fungal origin. Suitable commercially available alpha-amylases include DURAMYL®, LIQUEZYME®, TERMAMYL®, TERMAMYL ULTRA®, NATALASE®, SUPRAMYL®, STAINZYME®, STAINZYME PLUS®, FUNGAMYL® and BAN® (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), 15 KEMZYM® AT 9000 Biozym Biotech Trading GmbH Wehlistrasse 27b A-1200 Wien Austria, RAPIDASE®, PURASTAR®, ENZYSIZE®, OPTISIZE HT PLUS®, POWERASE® and PURASTAR OXAM® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California) and KAM® (Kao, 14-10 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, 1- chome, Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-8210, Japan). In one aspect, suitable amylases include NATALASE®, STAINZYME and STAINZYME PLUS® and mixtures thereof.

In one aspect, such enzymes may be selected from the group consisting of: lipases, including "first cycle lipases". Preferred lipases would include those sold under the tradenames Lipex® and Lipolex®.

In one aspect, other preferred enzymes include microbial-derived endoglucanases exhibiting endo-beta-1 , 4-glucanase activity (E.C. 3.2. L4), including a bacterial polypeptide. Suitable endoglucanases are sold under the tradenames Celluclean® and Whitezyme® (Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). Other preferred enzymes include pectate lyases sold under the tradenames Pectawash®, Pectaway®, Xpect® and mannanases sold under the tradenames Mannaway® (all from Novozymes A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark), and Purabrite® (Genencor International Inc., Palo Alto, California).

Enzyme stabilizing system:

The enzyme-containing compositions described herein may optionally comprise from 0.001% to 10%, in some examples from about 0.005% to about 8%, and in other examples, from about 0.01% to about 6%, by weight of the composition, of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme. Such stabilizing systems can, for example, comprise calcium ion, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acids, chlorine bleach scavengers and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the cleaning composition.

The composition of the present invention includes a whitening agent. Preferably the whitening agent is selected from the group consisting of optical brightener, dye, pigment, or mixtures thereof.

Brightening agents:

Optical brighteners or other brightening or whitening agents may be incorporated at levels from 0.01 % to 1.2%, by weight of the composition. Commercial brighteners suitable for the present invention can be classified into subgroups, including but not limited to: derivatives of stilbene, pyrazoline, coumarin, benzoxazoles, carboxylic acid, methinecyanines, dibenzothiophene-5, 5- dioxide, azoles, 5- and 6-membered-ring heterocycles, and other miscellaneous agents. Preferred commercially available Brighteners includes Tinopal AMS-GX by Ciba Geigy Corporation, Tinopal UNPA-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Tinopal 5BM-GX by Ciba-Geigy Corporation. The brighteners may be added in particulate form or as a premix with a suitable solvent, for example nonionic surfactant, monoethanolamine, propane diol.

Fabric hueing agents:

The composition may comprise a fabric hueing agent (sometimes referred to as shading, bluing or whitening agents). Typically, the hueing agent provides a blue or violet shade to fabric.

Hueing agents can be used either alone or in combination to create a specific shade of hueing and/or to shade different fabric types. Hueing agents may be Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, and organic and inorganic pigments.

According to a second aspect of the present invention discloses is a method of laundering a textile surface with the detergent composition according to the first aspect comprising the steps of: i) preparing a wash liquor by contacting the detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims with a liquid, preferably water; ii) soaking said textile surface in the wash liquor for a predetermined period of time; and, iii) optionally rinsing the textile surface.

The compositions are preferably employed at concentrations of from about 200 ppm to about 15,000 ppm in an aqueous liquor formed by mixing the composition with a liquid. Preferably the liquid is water. Water temperature is preferably in the range from 5°C to 100°C.

Machine laundry methods herein typically comprise treating soiled textile fabric with an aqueous wash solution in a washing machine having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of the solid laundry composition in accordance with the invention. By an effective amount of the solid laundry composition, it is meant from 20 g to 300 g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 5 to 65 liters, as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine laundry methods. Hand-washing methods, and combined handwashing with semi-automatic washing machines are also included. According to a third aspect of the present invention disclosed is use of an anionic surfactant, 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof, 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant, 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt in a solid laundry detergent composition according to the first aspect to provide improved stain removal performance.

Preferably the improved stain removal performance is as compared to a solid laundry composition with 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt and having anionic surfactant and either non-ionic homopolymer or amphoteric surfactant. More preferably the improved stain removal performance is as compared to a solid laundry composition with 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt and having anionic surfactant, non-ionic homopolymer and amphoteric surfactant wherein the non- ionic homopolymer and amphoteric surfactant is outside the claimed ranges.

Preferably the improved foam performance is as compared to a solid laundry composition with 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt and having anionic surfactant and either non-ionic homopolymer or amphoteric surfactant. More preferably the improved foam performance is as compared to a solid laundry composition with 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt and having anionic surfactant, non-ionic homopolymer and amphoteric surfactant wherein the non-ionic homopolymer and amphoteric surfactant is outside the claimed ranges.

Examples

Example 1

A solid spray-dried laundry detergent composition according to the present invention was prepared having the formulation as provided in Table 1. Thereafter the prepared spray-dried, free flowing powder laundry detergent compositions was evaluated for stain removal performance and foaming.

Evaluation of the stain removal performance:

The stain removal performance study was conducted in a tergo-to-meter. The wash load capacity used was a liquor to cloth ratio of 40. The water used for the washing purpose had a water hardness of 20 degree (3:1) when measured at a temperature of 25°C. The wash load comprised of 100% knitted cotton. The detergent composition concentration in the prepared wash liquor was 4.2 grams per litre. The washed clothes were rinsed in clean water and the stain removal index reading were measured.

’SRI’ is defined as soil removal index. The SRI value was calculated by measuring the L, a, b values using an Artix Scanner for stains and the stain removal index was determined by the following equation:

A positive delta SRI means a better soil removal. Here Lbw stands for L value for the unwashed fabric and L_aw stands for L value for the washed fabric, similarly for “a” value and “b” values.

A soiled stain swatch having Sunflower oil, sebum stain and ragu-sunflower oil was added during the washing. The SRI value for each stain was calculated and are provided in Table 1 below.

Foam evaluation:

4 grams of spray-dried solid laundry detergent composition (Ex 1) as shown in table 1 was taken and added to a beaker containing 1 litre of water with Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions and having a water hardness of 6°FH (25°C). The detergent composition was completely dissolved using a magnetic stirrer for 20 minutes. 40 mL of this prepared stock solution was taken in a 250 mL stoppered graduated glass cylinder. The glass cylinder was placed in an automated cylinder shake and allowed to rotate 360°, this constituted 1 revolution. The cylinder shake was allowed to complete 15 revolutions. At the end of the 15^th revolution the device was stopped and the height of the foam in the graduated cylinder was measured. The measured foam height was recorded and provided in table 1 below. TABLE 1

The data in Table 1 shows that a solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention provides good stain removal performance and provides good foaming during the wash stage of the laundering process.

Example 2

Different solid spray-dried laundry detergent compositions were evaluated for the foam performance and the stain removal performance. The various compositions that were tested are as provided below in table 2.

As shown in table 2 the comparative compositions,

• Ex A has anionic surfactant (LAS), non-ionic homopolymer (PEG) and amphoteric surfactant (CAPB). However, the levels of PEG and CAPB are outside the claimed ranges.

• Similarly, Ex B has anionic surfactant (LAS), non-ionic homopolymer (PEG) and amphoteric surfactant (CAPB). However, the levels of PEG and CAPB are outside the claimed ranges. • Composition of Ex C has anionic surfactant but does not include non-ionic homopolymer (PEG) and amphoteric surfactant (CAPB).

• Composition of Ex D has anionic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant (CAPB, within claimed ranges) but does not include non-ionic homopolymer (PEG).

• Also, Composition of Ex E is similar to Ex D and has anionic surfactant and a different amount of amphoteric surfactant (CAPB, within claimed ranges) but does not include non-ionic homopolymer (PEG).

• Composition of Ex F has anionic surfactant and non-ionic homopolymer (PEG within claimed ranges) but does not include amphoteric surfactant (CAPB).

• The compositions according to the present invention Ex 2, Ex 3 and Ex 4 have LAS, PEG and CAPB at claimed levels.

Evaluation of the stain removal performance:

The stain removal performance study was conducted in a tergo-to-meter. The wash load capacity used was a liquor to cloth ratio of 40. The water used for the washing purpose had a water hardness of 24 degree (2:1) when measured at a temperature of 25°C. The wash load comprised of 100% knitted cotton. The detergent composition concentration in the prepared wash liquor was 2.5 grams per litre. The washed clothes were rinsed in clean water and the stain removal index reading were measured.

A soiled stain swatch having Sunflower oil chilli stain, and sebum stain was added during the washing. The SRI value for each stain was calculated and are provided in Table 2 below. The SRI was measured using a method similar to those described under Example 1.

Evaluation of foaming performance:

2.5 grams of each of the spray-dried solid laundry detergent composition as shown in table 2 was taken and added to a beaker containing 1 litre of water with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions and having a water hardness of 24°FH (25°C). The detergent composition was completely dissolved using a magnetic stirrer for 20 minutes. 40 mL of this prepared stock solution was taken in a 250 mL stoppered graduated glass cylinder. The glass cylinder was placed in an automated cylinder shake and allowed to rotate 360°, this constituted 1 revolution. The cylinder shake was allowed to complete 15 revolutions. At the end of the 15^th revolution the device was stopped and the height of the foam in the graduated cylinder was measured. The measured foam height was recorded and provided in table 2 below. TABLE 2

The data in Table 2 shows that a solid laundry detergent composition according to the present invention provides good stain removal performance and provides good foaming during the wash stage of the laundering process.

It is also seen clearly that the composition according to the present invention provides superior stain removal performance as compared to the comparative compositions (Ex A and Ex B) having the amounts of PEG and amphoteric surfactant outside the claimed ranges. Similarly, it is also observed that the foaming performance of the composition according to the present invention are better as compared to the comparative composition Ex A and Ex B.

The data also demonstrates that the composition according to the present invention provides superior stain removal performance as compared to the comparative compositions Ex D, Ex E which includes amphoteric surfactant but no PEG, Ex F which includes PEG but has no amphoteric surfactant and Ex C which has only LAS but no amphoteric surfactant or PEG. Similarly, it is also observed that the foaming performance of the composition according to the present invention are better as compared to these comparative compositions.

Claims

1 A solid laundry detergent composition comprising: i) anionic surfactant; ii) 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% non-ionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof; iii) 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant; iv) 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt; and, v) 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt.

2 A composition according to claim 1 wherein the homopolymer has a weight average molecular weight ranging from 200 g/mol to 1 ,000,000 g/mol.

3 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amphoteric surfactant is a betaine surfactant preferably selected from the group consisting of alkylamidoalkyl betaine surfactant, alkyl sulphobetaines surfactant or mixtures thereof.

4 A composition according to claim 3 wherein the betaine surfactant has an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms.

5 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulphate, alkyl sulphonate, alkyl ether sulphonate, or combinations thereof, preferably the anionic surfactant is an alkali metal salt of C to Cis alkyl benzene sulfonic acid.

6 A composition according to any one of the preceding clams wherein a 1 wt.% dilution in deionized water at 25°C, has an equilibrium pH in the range from 7.0 to 10.5.

7 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of anionic surfactant is the composition ranges from 2 wt.% to 40 wt.%.

8 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises an antiredeposition agent selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, copolymer of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with maleic acid or maleic acid with vinyl ester and combinations thereof. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises an enzyme. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the composition comprises a whitening agent selected from the group consisting of optical brightener, dye, pigment or combinations thereof. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims comprising from 0 wt.% to 4 wt.% phosphate builder. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the solid laundry detergent composition is in the form of a powder, granule, tablet, noodle, sheet, or a unit dose product wherein a water-soluble polymer sheet encloses the solid detergent composition. A method of laundering a textile surface with the detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the steps of: i) preparing a wash liquor by contacting the detergent composition according to any one of the preceding claims with a liquid, preferably water; ii) soaking said textile surface in the wash liquor for a predetermined period of time; and, iii) optionally rinsing the textile surface. Use of an anionic surfactant, 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% nonionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof and 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant, 0 wt.% to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt in a detergent composition to provide improved stain removal performance. Use of an anionic surfactant, 0.2 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% nonionic homopolymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol or mixtures thereof and 0.2 wt.% to 1 wt.% amphoteric surfactant, 0 to 20 wt.% carbonate salt and 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% silicate salt in a detergent composition to provide improved foaming performance.