Michael D Koerner

US Patent:

57893640, Aug 4, 1998

Filed:

Jun 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/664040

Inventors:

Todd Douglas Sells - Alamo CA
David Lawrence DeLeeuw - San Ramon CA
Michael Koerner - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

The Clorox Company - Oakland CA

International Classification:

C11D 1704
C11D 742
C11D 1700
C11D 3386

US Classification:

510284

Abstract:

The invention provides a high water liquid enzyme prewash composition essentially free of hydrotropes, solvents, dispersants and surfactants, other than nonionic surfactants, combining: a hydrolase enzyme stabilized with a first enzyme stabilizer, wherein the first enzyme stabilizer is a soluble alkaline earth salt; a more hydrophilic, first nonionic surfactant having an HLB of greater than about 11; a more hydrophobic, second nonionic surfactant having an HLB of less than or equal to about 11; and at least about 80-99% water; wherein the difference in HLB between the first and the second nonionic surfactants is at least 2; the nonionic surfactants interact with the water to form an opalescent, structured liquid; the first and the second nonionic surfactants are selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated alcohols and alkoxylated alkylphenols; the structured liquid both suspends the hydrolase and protects the hydrolase against deactivation with water. The inventive high water liquid enzyme prewash compositions may also contain a second hydrolase enzyme and a second enzyme stabilizer. Suitable adjuncts, such as mildewstats, bacteriostats, fragrances and dyes may also be included.