Thomas Dean Storm

US Patent:

43326927, Jun 1, 1982

Filed:

Jun 5, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/156536

Inventors:

Nicholas S. Payne - Cincinnati OH
Thomas D. Storm - Tucson AZ
Theodore C. Stephens - Cincinnati OH

Assignee:

The Procter & Gamble Company - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

C11D 3075

US Classification:

252135

Abstract:

An improved method for laundering fabrics to remove oily soil is disclosed, wherein fabrics are contacted with a washing liquor comprising an aqueous solution of a nonionic surfactant system and other ingredients. The washing temperature and ingredients of the washing liquor are selected so that washing occurs at a temperature which is substantially above the cloud point of the washing liquor and below the phase coalescence temperature of the washing liquor. Compositions useful in the practice of this invention are also disclosed, comprising a nonionic surfactant to which is added one or more strong electrolytes. Such compositions may be diluted with water to form a washing liquor which has cloud point and phase coalescence temperatures which are tailored for washing, within the scope of the present method, at a temperature preferred in the art. Conventional sequestering detergency builders and adjuvants may be added to the compositions as desired to optimize the cleaning result. The compositions may be formulated to provide a washing liquor pH of less than about 11 without diminishing the cleaning performance of the washing liquor.