阅读说明：本技术 用选择性投配的搅拌敏感性成分处理织物的方法 (Method for treating fabrics with selectively dosed agitation sensitive ingredients ) 是由 卡洛斯·阿马多尔萨马雷尼奥 安珠·迪帕里·梅西·布鲁克 劳拉·布埃诺罗莫 利比·穆恩 德斯波 于 2020-05-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种用于通过以下方式处理织物的方法：采用自动洗衣机(1)以当由所述洗衣机(1)施加到该织物上的机械搅拌功率大于12W/kg时在洗涤循环期间选择性地将搅拌敏感性去污活性物质加入到洗涤液体中,以改善或优化此类搅拌敏感性去污活性物质的清洁性能。(The present invention provides a method for treating a fabric by: an automatic washing machine (1) is employed to selectively add agitation-sensitive detersive active to the wash liquor during the wash cycle when the mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric by said washing machine (1) is greater than 12W/kg, to improve or optimize the cleaning performance of such agitation-sensitive detersive active.)

1. A method of treating fabric using an automatic washing machine, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an automatic washing machine configured for adding a plurality of detersive actives during a wash cycle, wherein said plurality of detersive actives comprises at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient;

b) measuring the mechanical agitation power in the automatic washing machine during washing;

c) adding the at least one agitation-sensitive component to the wash liquor, with the proviso that the measured mechanical agitation power is greater than 12W/kg; and

d) operating the automatic washing machine to treat fabrics by using the wash liquor.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measured mechanical stirring power is greater than 17W/kg, preferably greater than 25W/kg.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient comprises a lipase; and wherein the lipase is preferably added to the wash liquor during step (c) to achieve a in-wash (TTW) dose of 0.05 to 2ppm, preferably 0.1 to 1ppm, more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 ppm.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient comprises C₁₀-C₂₀Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS); and wherein the LAS is added to the wash liquor preferably during step (c) to achieve a TTW dose of 100 to 1500ppm, preferably 200 to 1000ppm, more preferably 250 to 500 ppm.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient comprises a polyester-based Soil Release Polymer (SRP); and wherein the SRP is preferably added to the wash liquor during step (c) to achieve a TTW dose of from 5ppm to 150ppm, preferably from 10ppm to 100ppm, more preferably from 20ppm to 80 ppm.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein prior to the adding in step (c), the wash liquor is substantially free of the agitation-sensitive ingredient.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the wash liquor comprises the agitation-sensitive ingredient prior to the addition in step (c), but at a lower TTW dose.

8. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the automatic washing machine comprises two cartridges, one of the cartridges being configured for containing a high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition and the other of the cartridges being configured for containing a low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises the at least one agitation sensitive ingredient, and wherein the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition is substantially free of the at least one agitation sensitive ingredient.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a first concentration of the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient, and wherein the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a second, lower concentration of the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient.

11. The method of any of claims 8-10, wherein the low agitation liquid detergent composition is a pretreatment formulation added to the wash liquor prior to step (c), and wherein the high agitation liquid detergent composition is subsequently added to the wash liquor during step (c).

12. The method according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the low agitation liquid detergent composition is added to the wash liquor during step (c) if the measured mechanical agitation power is equal to or below 12W/kg.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of:

e) making another measurement of the mechanical agitation power in the automatic washing machine; and

f) subsequently, if the measured mechanical agitation power is reduced to below 12W/kg, a suds suppressor is added to the wash liquor.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the suds suppressor is added to the wash liquor during step (f) to achieve a TTW dose of from 50ppm to 1000ppm, preferably from 100ppm to 500ppm, more preferably from 150ppm to 300 ppm.

15. An automatic washing machine comprising a cleaning chamber, a water source and two detergent cartridges; wherein one of the two detergent cartridges is configured to contain a high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a first concentration of at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient; wherein the other of the two detergent cartridges is configured to contain a low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition that is substantially free of the at least one agitation sensitive ingredient or comprises a second lower concentration of the at least one agitation sensitive ingredient; and wherein the automatic washing machine is configured to determine a mechanical agitation power in the automatic washing machine during washing and to add the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition to a wash liquor used for treating fabrics if the determined mechanical agitation power is greater than 12W/kg.

Technical Field

The method relates to a method of treating fabrics using an automatic washing machine for selecting a dosing amount of a stir-sensitive ingredient.

Background

On the one hand, it is known that mechanical agitation applied to the fabric by an automatic washing machine during washing improves cleaning performance. It can be valuable for a large part of the total cleaning performance achieved by the automatic wash cycle. However, space for increasing the mechanical agitation power during washing is limited for several reasons. For example, the mechanical and electrical configuration of an automatic washing machine may limit how much mechanical agitation power may be applied to the fabric. Furthermore, excessive mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric can result in immediate damage to the fabric or chronic deterioration of the fabric. Furthermore, the increase of the mechanical agitation power exerted by the automatic washing machine also requires more energy input/consumption, which in turn leads to higher costs and greater impact on the environment.

On the other hand, laundry detergent compositions added to automatic washing machines to treat fabrics during washing are known to further improve cleaning performance. While more types/amounts of detersive actives can be added to the wash to improve cleaning performance, such additives will inevitably increase the manufacturing costs and processing complexity associated with laundry detergent compositions. In addition, more detersive additives washed can have a negative impact on the structural integrity of the treated fabric and can also result in a larger environmental footprint.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method of treating fabrics to achieve improved cleaning performance, but without the need to increase the mechanical agitation power applied by an automatic washing machine or to add more types/amounts of detersive actives into the wash cycle.

Disclosure of Invention

The present inventors have found that certain detersive actives can provide synergistically improved cleaning performance when used in combination with higher (i.e., above a certain threshold) mechanical agitation power. Such detersive actives are hereinafter referred to as "agitation-sensitive ingredients". Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and mechanism for taking advantage of this synergy by configuring an automatic washing machine to selectively dose agitation-sensitive ingredients based on available mechanical agitation power.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating fabric using an automatic washing machine, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing an automatic washing machine configured for adding a plurality of detersive actives during a wash cycle, wherein said plurality of detersive actives comprises at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient;

b) measuring the mechanical agitation power in the automatic washing machine during washing;

c) adding the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient to the wash liquor, with the proviso that the mechanical agitation power determined is greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg; and

d) operating the automatic washing machine to treat fabrics by using the wash liquor.

Preferably, the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient comprises a lipase. More preferably, the lipase is added to the Wash liquor during step (c) to achieve a Through-the-Wash, TTW dose of 0.05ppm to 2ppm, preferably 0.1ppm to 1ppm, more preferably 0.2ppm to 0.5 ppm.

Instead of or in combination with a lipase, the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient may comprise C₁₀-C₂₀Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS). Preferably, the LAS is added to the wash liquor during step (c) to achieve a TTW dose of from 100ppm to 1500ppm, preferably from 200ppm to 1000ppm, more preferably from 250ppm to 500 ppm.

Instead of or in combination with lipase and/or LAS, the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient may comprise a polyester-based release polymer (SRP). Preferably, the SRP is added to the wash liquor during step (c) to achieve a TTW dose of from 5ppm to 150ppm, preferably from 10ppm to 100ppm, more preferably from 20ppm to 80 ppm.

Prior to adding the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient in step (c), the wash liquor may be substantially free of agitation-sensitive ingredients; alternatively, the wash liquor may contain agitation sensitive ingredients, but at a dose of TWW that is lower than the TWW dose described above.

In a preferred, but not essential, embodiment of the invention, the automatic washing machine comprises two cartridges, one of which is configured to contain the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition and the other of which is configured to contain the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition. The difference between the high agitation and low agitation liquid laundry detergent compositions may be qualitative or quantitative. In the former case, the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient, while the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition is substantially free of such at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient. In the latter case, the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a first concentration of the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient, and the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises a second, lower concentration of the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient. More preferably, the low agitation liquid detergent composition is a pre-treatment formulation added to the wash liquor prior to step (c), and the high agitation liquid detergent composition is subsequently added to the wash liquor during step (c). Alternatively, if the measured mechanical agitation power is equal to or lower than 12W/kg, the low agitation liquid detergent composition is added to the wash liquor during step (c).

The method of the present invention may comprise one or more additional steps after step (d) described above.

For example, the method may further comprise the steps of:

e) performing another measurement of the mechanical agitation power in the automatic washing machine; and

f) subsequently, if the measured mechanical agitation power is reduced to below 12W/kg, a suds suppressor is added to the wash liquor.

Preferably, suds suppressor is added to the wash liquor during step (f) to achieve a TTW dose of from 50ppm to 1000ppm, preferably from 100ppm to 500ppm, more preferably from 150ppm to 300 ppm.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an automatic washing machine comprising a cleaning chamber, a water source and two detergent cartridges; wherein one of the two detergent cartridges is configured to contain a high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprising a first concentration of at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient; wherein the other of said two detergent cartridges is configured to contain a low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition which is substantially free of the at least one agitation sensitive ingredient or comprises the at least one agitation sensitive ingredient at a second lower concentration; and wherein the automatic washing machine is configured to determine a mechanical agitation power in the automatic washing machine during washing and to add the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition to a wash liquor used for treating fabrics if the determined mechanical agitation power is greater than 12W/kg.

This and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic washing machine configured for selectively dosing a stir-sensitive ingredient based on a measured mechanical stirring power, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of stains before and after washing.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "agitation-sensitive ingredient" refers to a detersive ingredient that exhibits synergistically improved cleaning performance when combined with higher agitation power. The term "cleaning performance" is to be broadly construed to encompass stain removal benefits and/or whiteness maintenance benefits. The term "stain" as used herein broadly encompasses any type of fabric stain including, but not limited to, grease stains, food stains, grass stains, cosmetic stains, and the like.

As used herein, the term "mechanical agitation power" as used herein refers to the average power used by an automatic washing machine as its cleaning drum is rotated to rotate or agitate the fabrics inside the cleaning chamber of such washing machine, measured as watts per kilogram of fabrics (W/kg) according to test method (test 1) described below. It is important to note that the final mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric depends not only on the mechanical/geometric shape of the washing machine, but also on a number of other factors, such as the type and weight of fabric added, the foaming properties of the detergent product used, etc.

As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that the indicated material is not intentionally added to the composition to form part of the composition. This is meant to include compositions in which the material referred to is present only as an impurity in one of the other materials intentionally added. Preferably, the indicated material is not present at analytically detectable levels.

As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described. The terms "comprising," "including," and "including" are intended to be non-limiting.

As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are by weight unless otherwise specified. All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (. degree. C.) unless otherwise indicated. All conditions herein are at 20 ℃ and atmospheric pressure unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Stirring sensitive ingredients

The agitation-sensitive ingredient of the present invention may be any detersive ingredient which exhibits synergistically improved cleaning performance when used in combination with a relatively high mechanical agitation power (e.g., greater than 12W/kg). Preferably, such agitation-sensitive ingredients are selected from the group consisting of: lipase, C₁₀-C₂₀Linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS), polyester based Soil Release Polymer (SRP) and mixtures thereof.

Lipase enzyme

The present invention has surprisingly and unexpectedly found that lipases, unlike other enzymes such as proteases and amylases, exhibit synergistically improved grease removal benefits when used in combination with higher mechanical agitation powers of, for example, greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg.

The lipase used in the present invention may be a lipolytic enzyme of the EC 3.1.1 class as defined by enzyme nomenclature. The enzyme is preferably a first wash lipid esterase selected from the group consisting of:

(1) triacylglycerol lipases exhibiting first wash activity (E.C.3.1.1.1)

(2) Cutinase (E.C.3.1.1.74)

(3) Sterol esterase (E.C.3.1.1.13)

(4) Wax ester hydrolase (E.C.3.1.1.50)

The lipolytic enzyme may in particular be a triacylglycerol lipase exhibiting a first wash activity, which lipolytic enzyme may be selected from the group consisting of a variant of Humicola lanuginosa (Thermomyces lanuginosus) lipaseBodies, such as Lipex^TM、Lipolex^TMAnd Lipoclean^TM(all products of Novietco of Bagsworth, Denmark). Most preferably, the first wash triacylglycerol lipase is selected from a humicola lanuginosa lipase variant having mutations T231R and N233R. Other suitable first-wash triacylglycerol lipases may be selected from variants of Pseudomonas (Pseudomonas) lipases, for example from Pseudomonas alcaligenes (p.alcaligenes) or pseudoalcaligenes (p.pseudoalcaligenes), Pseudomonas cepacia (p.cepacia), Pseudomonas stutzeri (p.stutzeri), Pseudomonas fluorescens (p.fluorosceens), Pseudomonas sp.sd 705, Pseudomonas wisconsins (p.wisconsinensis), Bacillus (Bacillus) lipases, for example from Bacillus subtilis (b.subtilis), Bacillus stearothermophilus (b.stearothermophilus) or Bacillus pumilus (b.pumipius).

Suitable cutinases may be derived from a strain of Aspergillus (Aspergillus), in particular Aspergillus oryzae (Aspergillus oryzae); strains of the genus Alternaria (Alternaria), in particular the genus brassica (Alternaria brassiciola); fusarium (Fusarium), in particular a strain of Fusarium solani (Fusarium solani), Fusarium solani (Fusarium solani pisi), Fusarium oxysporum (Fusarium oxysporum), Fusarium cepa (Fusarium oxysporum cepa), Fusarium roseum (Fusarium roseum) or Fusarium roseum (Fusarium roseum sambucium); helminthosporium (helminthosporium), in particular a strain of helminthosporium triticum (helminthosporium sativum); a strain of the genus Humicola (Humicola), in particular Humicola insolens; a strain of Pseudomonas, in particular Pseudomonas mendocina (Pseudomonas mendocina) or Pseudomonas putida (Pseudomonas putida); strains of the genus Rhizoctonia (Rhizoctonia), in particular Rhizoctonia solani (Rhizoctonia solani); strains of Streptomyces (Streptomyces), in particular Streptomyces scabiosis (Streptomyces scabies); coprinopsis (Coprinopsis); in particular a strain of Coprinopsis cinerea; a strain of the genus thermobifidus (Thermobifida), in particular thermobifidus thermophila (Thermobifida fusca); a strain of the genus Pyricularia (Magnaporthe), specifically, Pyrenophora oryzae (Magnaporthe grisea); or a strain of the genus Acremonium (Ulocladium), in particular of the genus Acremonium consortiale.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutinase is selected from variants of pseudomonas mendocina cutinase, such as variants having three substitutions at I178M, F180V and S205G. In another preferred embodiment, the cutinase is a wild type or variant of the six cutinases endogenous to Coprinus cinereus. In another preferred embodiment, the cutinase is a wild type or variant of two cutinases endogenous to Trichoderma reesei (Trichoderma reesei). In a most preferred embodiment, the cutinase is derived from a strain of humicola insolens, in particular the strain humicola insolens DSM 1800. A preferred commercially available cutinase includes Novozym 51032 (Novitin, Baggesvo, Denmark).

Suitable sterol esterases may be derived from strains of the genus Ophiostoma (Ophiostoma), such as spruce, Ophiostoma piceae; pseudomonas, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas aeruginosa); or strains of the genus Cymbopogon (Melanocarpus), for example, Thermomyces albus (Melanocarpus albomyces). In a most preferred embodiment, the sterol esterase is a Thermus albus sterol esterase described in H.Kontkanen et al, Enzyme Microb technol.,39, (2006), 265-.

Suitable wax-ester hydrolases may be derived from the oil wax tree (Simmondsia chinensis).

Since lipases are protease sensitive, it is desirable to place the protease (if used for washing) in a container or compartment separate from the container or compartment used to contain the lipase.

In addition, lipase residues on the fabric can cause malodors to be released over time. Acid rinsing is effective for removing lipase from fabric surfaces and reducing malodor problems. Thus, in certain embodiments where lipase is used during the main wash, it is desirable to have the main wash followed by an acidic rinse, which may have a pH of about 4. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that such an acid rinse may reduce deposition of lipase on the fabric and thus allow the use of high lipase dosage levels during the main wash (even for lipases that are not long chain specific).

In addition, ester based pro-perfumes (such as hexoses) can be activated by lipase during rinsing/after washing to produce a pleasant perfume bloom (comprising perfumes such as geraniol). Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the rinse composition used after the main wash comprises one or more ester pro-perfumes. Such ester pro-perfumes serve as substrates for residual lipase and can be released to provide benefits on wet and/or dry fabric odour.

LAS

It has also been surprisingly and unexpectedly found that anionic surfactant C₁₀-C₂₀Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonates (LAS) exhibit synergistically improved detergency benefits when used in combination with higher mechanical agitation powers, for example greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg. In contrast, C₁₀-C₂₀Linear or branched Alkyl Alkoxylated Sulfates (AAS), which are also anionic surfactants, do not exhibit such synergy with high speed agitation.

LAS as used herein may be selected from alkali metal salts which may include alkyl benzene sulphonic acids wherein the alkyl group contains from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms in a straight chain (linear) configuration. Preferably, the LAS may have an average number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group of from about 11 to about 16, more preferably from about 12 to about 14. The sodium salt of LAS is commonly used. In one aspect, the potassium or magnesium salt of LAS is used.

Suitable LAS may be obtained by sulphonation followed by neutralisation of commercially available Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB). Suitable alkylbenzene feedstocks may be prepared from olefins, paraffins or mixtures thereof using any suitable alkylation scheme, including sulfuric acid and HF based processes. By varying the exact alkylation catalyst, it is possible to vary greatly the position at which the benzene is covalently attached to the aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. Particularly preferred LAS is obtained by DETAL catalyzed processes, but other synthetic routes such as HF may also be suitable. Preferred LABs include lower 2-phenyl LABs, such asUnder the trade name ofThose supplied by Sasol, or under the trade nameThose supplied by petresca. Another suitable LAB includes higher 2-phenyl LAB, such as under the trade name LABThose supplied by Sasol. Thus, the 2-phenyl isomer and/or internal isomer content of the resulting LAS may vary widely.

Soil Release Polymers (SRP)

While a laundry washing process can effectively remove stains from fabrics, it can cause an overall loss of fabric whiteness over time due to redeposition of the soil onto the fabric. Soil Release Polymers (SRPs) are known to prevent soil redeposition and reduce whiteness loss. However, as soil particles penetrate deeper into the fabric structure, mechanical agitation can result in more soil redeposition onto the fabric over time, which in turn results in greater loss of whiteness. Thus, the present inventors have surprisingly and unexpectedly found that SRPs are more effective at preventing soil redeposition and reducing whiteness loss at higher mechanical agitation powers. In other words, SRPs exhibit synergistically improved whiteness maintenance benefits when used in combination with higher mechanical agitation powers, e.g., greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg.

Suitable soil release polymers may have a structure as defined by one of the following structures (I), (II) or (III):

(I)-[(OCHR¹-CHR²)_a-O-OC-Ar-CO-]_d

(II)-[(OCHR³-CHR⁴)_b-O-OC-sAr-CO-]_e

(III)-[(OCHR⁵-CHR⁶)_c-OR⁷]_f

wherein:

a. b and c are 1 to 200;

d. e and f are 1 to 50;

ar is 1, 4-substituted phenylene;

sAr is SO at position 5₃1, 3-substituted phenylene substituted with Me;

me is Li, K, Mg/2, Ca/2, Al/3, ammonium, monoalkylammonium, dialkylammonium, trialkylammonium or tetraalkylammonium, where alkyl is C₁-C₁₈Alkyl or C₂-C₁₀Hydroxyalkyl or mixtures thereof;

R¹、R²、R³、R⁴、R⁵and R⁶Independently selected from H or C₁-C₁₈N-alkyl or C₁-C₁₈An isoalkyl group; and

R⁷is straight-chain or branched C₁-C₁₈Alkyl, or straight or branched C₂-C₃₀Alkenyl, or cycloalkyl having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, or C₈-C₃₀Aryl, or C₆-C₃₀An arylalkyl group.

Preferably, SPR is a polyester based polymer such as that supplied by RhodiaA polymer comprisingSF, SF-2, and SRP 6. Other suitable soil release polymers includePolymers, including those supplied by ClariantSRA100, SRA300, SRN100, SRN170, SRN240, SRN300, and SRN 325. Other suitable soil release polymers arePolymers, such as supplied by SasolSL。

More preferably, the SRP is a block polyester having repeat units that are alkylene terephthalate units, e.g., comprising about 10 to 30 weight percent alkylene terephthalate units and about 90 to 70 weight percent polyoxyethylene terephthalate units derived from polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 300-8000. The polymers are commercially available materials, for example from the Claine companySRN170 andSRN260。

method for treating textiles by selectively dosing agitation-sensitive ingredients

The present invention seeks to achieve optimum cleaning performance while minimizing the cost of laundry washing and the environmental footprint by: selectively dosing one or more of the above-mentioned agitation-sensitive ingredients if and only if the mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric by the automatic washing machine is above a minimum threshold, for example greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg. And then until not adding the agitation-sensitive ingredient to the wash liquor at all, or after the agitation-sensitive ingredient is added only in a minimum amount significantly below its optimal in-wash (TTW) dosage. In this way, agitation-sensitive ingredients are "ordered" for high agitation washing conditions in order to take advantage of the synergistic cleaning performance achieved by the combination of such agitation-sensitive ingredients and high mechanical agitation power and to minimize the cost of laundry washing and the environmental footprint.

In order to achieve such selective dosing of agitation-sensitive ingredients during a wash cycle, it is necessary to first provide an automatic washing machine capable of selectively adding a plurality of detersive actives to the wash liquor during the wash cycle, while such plurality of detersive actives includes at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient as described above. Next, the mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric during washing by the automatic washing machine was determined according to the method described below (test 1). If the measured mechanical agitation power is above a minimum threshold, for example, greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg, then the at least one agitation-sensitive ingredient is added to the wash liquor which is then used by the automatic washing machine to treat the fabrics.

In the above process, if lipase is added to the wash liquor as an agitation sensitive ingredient when a minimum threshold of mechanical agitation power is reached, it is preferred that such lipase is added to the wash liquor in an amount sufficient to achieve a dosage in wash (TTW) of 0.05 to 2ppm, preferably 0.1 to 1ppm, more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 ppm. Alternatively or in addition to lipase, if LAS is added to the wash liquor as a stir sensitive ingredient when the minimum threshold of mechanical stirring power is reached, it is preferred that the LAS is added to the wash liquor in an amount sufficient to achieve a TTW dose of 100ppm to 1500ppm, preferably 200ppm to 1000ppm, more preferably 250ppm to 500 ppm. Alternatively or in addition to the lipase and/or LAS, if the SRP is added to the wash liquor as a stir sensitive ingredient when the minimum threshold of mechanical stirring power is reached, it is preferred that the SRP is added to the wash liquor in an amount sufficient to achieve a TTW dose of from 5ppm to 150ppm, preferably from 10ppm to 100ppm, more preferably from 20ppm to 80 ppm.

The above-described selective dosing process may be implemented in various embodiments described below.

In a particular embodiment, the automatic washing machine may be configured to operate in two or more different agitation modes based on consumer input through the control panel. If the consumer selects the low agitation mode for a particular wash cycle (e.g., using a predetermined mechanical agitation power equal to or below 12W/kg), the automatic washing machine will dose all other detersive actives into the wash liquor while leaving the agitation-sensitive ingredients undone, or will dose them only in relatively small amounts (i.e., amounts below that required for the above-mentioned TTW dose required to achieve optimal cleaning performance at high agitation power), or will dose them at a lower ratio relative to the remainder of the surfactant and enzyme. If the consumer selects the high agitation mode for another wash cycle (e.g., using a predetermined mechanical agitation power of greater than 12W/kg, preferably greater than 17W/kg, more preferably greater than 25W/kg), the automatic washing machine doses the agitation-sensitive ingredient into the wash liquor at different times, either simultaneously or separately from all other detersive actives.

In another embodiment, the automatic washing machine may be configured to operate in a dynamic agitation mode that starts with a low mechanical agitation power (e.g., equal to or lower than 12W/kg) at the beginning of the wash cycle and then increases to a high mechanical agitation power (e.g., greater than 12W/kg) at a later time during the wash cycle. In this case, the automatic washing machine may dose all other detersive active without agitation-sensitive ingredients, or only a relatively small amount of agitation-sensitive ingredients, before the mechanical agitation power reaches above 12W/kg, and then may dose additional amounts of agitation-sensitive ingredients during the wash cycle when or after the mechanical agitation power reaches above 12W/kg.

Such selectively dosed automatic washing machines for achieving agitation-sensitive ingredients may have two or more detergent dispensing cartridges, at least one of which is configured for containing a high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition and another of which is configured for containing a low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition. Preferably, the low/high agitation liquid laundry detergent compositions are characterized by similar or comparable surfactant activity and they are dosed into the wash liquor in similar amounts to achieve their similar TTW concentrations. For example, low/high agitation liquid laundry detergent compositions may each be characterized by a total surfactant content in the range of from about 10% to about 70%, preferably from about 12% to about 50%, more preferably from about 15% to about 40%, by total weight of the respective composition. Furthermore, the low/high agitation liquid laundry detergent compositions may each be dosed in such an amount to achieve a TTW detergent concentration in the range of from about 100ppm to about 20000ppm, preferably from about 500ppm to about 5000ppm, more preferably from about 1000ppm to about 4000 ppm.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises one or more agitation-sensitive ingredients, and the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition is substantially free of one or more agitation-sensitive ingredients. In another embodiment of the present invention, the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises one or more agitation-sensitive ingredients in a first concentration (e.g., sufficient to achieve the above-described TTW dosage when added to a wash liquor), while the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition also comprises said one or more agitation-sensitive ingredients, but in a second, lower concentration (e.g., insufficient to achieve the above-described TTW dosage when added to a wash liquor).

Preferably, but not necessarily, the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 0.003%, preferably less than 0.002%, more preferably less than 0.001% lipase by total weight of the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition, and the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises at least 0.003%, preferably at least 0.005%, more preferably at least 0.01% lipase by total weight of the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition.

In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the low agitation laundry detergent composition comprises protease but is substantially free of lipase, whereas the high agitation laundry detergent composition comprises lipase but is substantially free of protease. Because lipases are protease sensitive, it is preferred to place the protease in a cartridge separate from the lipase.

Alternatively or additionally, the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 25%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10% LAS by total weight of the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition, and the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30% LAS by total weight of the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition.

Alternatively or additionally, the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises less than 2%, preferably less than 1%, more preferably less than 0.8% SRP by total weight of the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition, and the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition comprises at least 1%, preferably at least 1.2%, more preferably at least 3% SRP by total weight of the high agitation liquid laundry detergent composition.

Selectively dosing a highly agitated liquid laundry detergent composition as mentioned above if and only if the measured mechanical agitation power appears to be above a minimum threshold value of 12W/kg. In some cases, the low agitation liquid laundry detergent composition may be the only substance added to the wash liquor during washing if the mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric by the automatic washing machine remains equal to or below 12W/kg throughout the wash process. If the mechanical agitation power continues to remain below the 12W/kg threshold, a second or even third injection of the low agitation composition may also be performed. More preferably, the low agitation liquid detergent composition is a pre-treatment formulation that is added to the wash liquor for fabric pre-treatment before a minimum threshold of mechanical agitation power is reached, and the high agitation liquid detergent composition is subsequently added to the wash liquor when or after the minimum threshold of mechanical agitation power is reached.

In an alternative embodiment, the automatic laundry machine of the present invention may have a single detergent dispensing cartridge configured to hold a single liquid detergent composition containing agitation-sensitive ingredients and all other detersive actives. In such single-cartridge devices, when the mechanical agitation power is equal to or below 12W/kg, the automatic washing machine can dose a single liquid detergent composition a first time to achieve a first lower TTW dose at the beginning of the wash cycle, and then if and only if the mechanical agitation power is increased above 12W/kg, can dose a single liquid detergent composition one or more times again during the wash cycle.

Selective dosing of suds suppressors

It has been found by the present invention that when one or more liquid detergent compositions used to treat fabrics cause significant foaming within the automatic washing machine during the wash cycle, the mechanical agitation power within the cleaning drum can drop significantly over time due to excessive foaming causing the fabrics to float relative to the preferred drag and drop motion. For example, the mechanical agitation power may be reduced from above 12W/kg to below 12W/kg, thereby changing the intended high agitation washing to the actual low agitation washing. In such cases, it may be desirable to add one or more suds suppressors to the wash liquor to reduce sudsing and to return the mechanical agitation power to a desired level, for example above 12W/kg.

Accordingly, the method of the present invention may comprise the steps of: another measurement of mechanical agitation power is made in the automatic washing machine and if the measured mechanical agitation power is reduced to below 12W/kg, then one or more suds suppressors are added to the wash liquor.

Suitable suds suppressors (also referred to as "suds suppressors") for practicing the present invention can be selected from the group consisting of: monocarboxylic fatty acids and soluble salts thereof, high molecular weight hydrocarbons such as paraffins, fatty acid esters (e.g., fatty acid triglycerides), fatty acid esters of monohydric alcohols, aliphatic C₁₈-C₄₀Ketones (e.g., stearyl ketone), N-alkylated aminotriazines, waxy hydrocarbons preferably having a melting point of less than about 100 ℃, silicone suds suppressors, and secondary alcohols.

Silicone suds suppressors are the most commonly used and are therefore preferred for practicing the present invention. In certain examples, the suds suppressor is selected from organomodified silicone polymers having aryl or alkylaryl substituents in combination with a silicone resin and a principal filler which is a modified silica. In further examples, the suds suppressor is selected from: a) a mixture of: from about 80% to about 92% ethyl methyl, methyl (2-phenylpropyl) siloxane; about 5% to about 14% MQ resin in octyl stearate; and about 3% to about 7% of a modified silica; b) from about 78% to about 92% of ethylmethyl (2-phenylpropyl) methylsiloxane; about 3% to about 10% MQ resin in octyl stearate; a mixture of about 4% to about 12% modified silica; or c) mixtures thereof, wherein the percentages are by weight of the suds suppressor itself. Other suitable suds suppressors are those derived from phenylpropylmethyl substituted polysiloxanes.

The above suds suppressor can be added to the wash liquor whenever the measured mechanical agitation power falls to 12W/kg or less, and the amount of suds suppressor to be added is adjusted to achieve a TTW dose of 50 to 1000ppm, preferably 100 to 500ppm, more preferably 150 to 300 ppm. In some cases, the wash liquor is substantially free of any suds suppressors prior to such addition. However, in most cases, the wash liquor already contains some suds suppressor which is dosed with anionic surfactant to control suds during washing, and the suds suppressor is subsequently added to provide additional suds control based on the mechanical agitation power measured during washing.

Other detergent ingredients

In addition to the agitation-sensitive ingredients and suds suppressors described above, the automatic washing machine is also configured to dose various other detersive actives to treat fabrics. Such other detersive actives can be dosed alone or in combination with the agitation-sensitive ingredients and suds suppressors, so long as the selective dosing conditions of the agitation-sensitive ingredients and suds suppressors described above are met.

Suitable other detersive actives can be readily selected from the group consisting of: anionic surfactants (other than LAS), nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, builders, structurants or thickeners, clay soil removal/anti-redeposition agents, polymeric dispersants, polymeric grease cleaners, enzymes (other than lipases), enzyme stabilizing systems, bleaching compounds, bleaches, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, brighteners, dyes, hueing agents, dye transfer inhibitors, chelants, softeners, perfumes and mixtures thereof.

For example, other detersive actives dosed from the automatic washing machine of the present invention may comprise anionic surfactants other than LAS, such as C having an average degree of alkoxylation in the range of from 0.1 to 10, preferably from 0.3 to 8, more preferably from 0.5 to 5₁₀-C₂₀Linear or branched Alkyl Alkoxylated Sulfates (AAS). Preferably, such other anionic surfactant is C having an average degree of ethoxylation within the ranges described above₁₀-C₂₀Linear or branched Alkyl Ethoxylated Sulfate (AES). Preferably, the AAS or preferably AES is dosed into the wash liquor in an amount so as to achieve a TTW dose of 50 to 1000ppm, preferably 100 to 600ppm, more preferably 150 to 500 ppm. Other detersive actives may also include C₁₀-C₂₀Non-alkoxylated Alkyl Sulfates (AS), the C₁₀-C₂₀The non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate may be dosed into the wash liquor in an amount to achieve a TTW of from 0ppm to about 2000ppm, preferably from 0ppm to about 1500ppm, more preferably from 0ppm to about 1000 ppm.

The other detersive actives may also include nonionic surfactants, for example C having an average degree of alkoxylation in the range 1 to 20, preferably 2 to 15, more preferably 5 to 10₁₀-C₂₀An alkyl Alkoxylated Alcohol (AA). Preferably, the AA is dosed into the wash liquor in an amount to achieve a TTW dose of 50ppm to 1000ppm, preferably 100ppm to 500ppm, more preferably 120ppm to 300 ppm.

Other detersive actives may also include amphoteric surfactants, such as C₁₀-C₂₀Alkyl dimethyl Amine Oxide (AO). Preferably, the AO is added to the wash liquor in an amount to achieve a TTW dose of 5ppm to 200ppm, preferably 10ppm to 100ppm, more preferably 15ppm to 50 ppm.

Automatic washing machine and arrangement thereof

The selective dosing of the agitation-sensitive ingredients and suds suppressors can be readily achieved by using an automatic washing machine having a clean room, a water source, and two or more detergent dispensing cartridges for holding two or more compositions (or a single detergent dispensing cartridge for holding a single composition), as described above.

As shown in fig. 1, a multi-cartridge syringe 10 may be used to dispense agitation-sensitive ingredients, suds suppressors and/or other detersive actives into a water line 12 that supplies water to the automatic washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is connected to an injector 10 which is then connected to a power socket 11. The power socket 11 has an integrated power meter (not shown) so that it can read the power consumption of the washing machine 1 during any washing and/or rinsing cycle. When water starts to flow into the washing machine 1 from the water line 12, a water flow meter (FC-1) and a ratio controller (RFC) control the flow rate of the detersive active substance injected into the water line 12 by the injector 10 to a predetermined ratio to the flow rate of the incoming water. The injected detersive active is continuously mixed with water supplied by water line 12 through an optional static in-line mixer 14, so as to form a continuous flow of washing liquid which enters the machine 1 for treatment of the fabrics therein. The RFC ensures that the TTW dose of detersive active in the wash liquor so formed remains constant at a predetermined or desired level, regardless of the amount of water taken in by the washing machine 1, which varies depending on the type and amount of internal fabrics. The injector 10 may be a separate unit as depicted in fig. 1 herein, or it may be integrated into the washing machine 1 as an integral part thereof (not shown).

Preferably, the agitation-sensitive ingredients, suds suppressors and/or other detersive actives are all slowly and continuously dosed into water line 12 via FC-1 and RFC. Alternatively, one or more of the agitation-sensitive ingredients, suds suppressors and/or other detersive actives are dosed directly into the inner or outer drum (not shown) of the washing machine 1 through another flow meter (FC-2) also connected to the RFC.

The injector 10 is also connected to the washing machine 1 via the internet (wifi) and is configured for utilizing some of the information available from the washing machine settings (e.g. low/high agitation washing cycle selected by the consumer, phase of the currently switched on washing cycle, etc.). Such information can be used to determine the mechanical agitation power which in turn triggers the selective dosing of agitation sensitive ingredients and/or suds suppressors.

Test method

Test 1: mechanical stirring power

For a given duration and a given agitation (time of drum rotation%), the cleaning performance in the washing system is correlated to the amount of mechanical energy dissipated to the fabrics per kilogram of fabric (W/kg). In order to estimate the mechanical agitation power, it is necessary to first estimate the mechanical power applied to generate agitation and the amount of fabric loaded into the automatic washing machine. Once the mechanical power for generating the mechanical rotation/agitation and the amount of fabric to be treated are known, the mechanical agitation power applied to the fabric by the automatic washing machine can be calculated as (power for agitation)/(weight of dry fabric).

Depending on the type of automatic washing machine used and the type of sensors available, there are two methods for determining the mechanical power used to produce agitation and the amount of fabric loaded as follows:

the first method requires a power meter integrated with the automatic washing machine or with an external injector (for reading the electric power utilized by the automatic washing machine during the washing cycle) and a water flow meter in the water supply line (for measuring the water flow and the total amount of water added to the automatic washing machine). A simple algorithm may be used to calculate the power used to rotate the drum of an automatic washing machine to produce mechanical spin or agitation based on the total power consumption of the automatic washing machine. This algorithm can subtract the high power peak that occurs when the heater of the automatic washing machine is turned on, and it also subtracts the baseline power consumption obtained when the empty drum is spinning at the same RPM and the sump is full of water that reaches the bottom of the inner drum. Assuming also that the free water represents a typical percentage of the water absorbed in the fabric, for example 20% (this percentage is accessible from the database, depending on the washing machine model and the chosen cycle) and that the average fabric water absorption is about 2.5kg water/kg dry fabric, the total amount of fabric in kilograms can be calculated as (weight of total water added-weight of sump water)/(2.5 x 1.2) — the weight of the fabric treated. The total amount of sump water is the amount of water required to reach the bottom of the inner spin basket of an automatic washing machine and is typically fixed for a given washing machine model (which is also accessible from the database, depending on the washing machine model used). According to this method, the mechanical power for generating the mechanical rotation/agitation and the amount of fabric to be treated can be estimated at the beginning of each washing cycle.

A second more traditional approach, which may be more accurate, requires additional sensors connected to the automatic washing machine to measure the torque (N m) and the rotational speed (revolutions per second or RPS) of the drum. Accordingly, the mechanical power applied by the automatic washing machine to rotate/agitate the fabric was calculated as torque (N × m) × 2 × pi RPS. The total amount of fabric can be determined in a manner similar to that described above in the first method. Alternatively, the weight of the loaded dry fabric can be measured directly using a load cell. Furthermore, the weight of the dry fabric can also be estimated by: the dry fabrics were spun at the beginning of the wash cycle and the power required to spin such dry fabrics in the drum was measured. Furthermore, the weight of the dry fabric can also be estimated by: a water pressure sensor was used to sense when the fabric was saturated before adding additional free water and the average fabric water absorption was assumed to be about 2.5kg water/kg dry fabric.

The first method is used when an additional sensor is not available. However, when additional sensors are available, the second method is used.

And (3) testing 2: stain removal measurement

The degree of stain removal performance achieved by any wash cycle was calculated as the difference in colour between stain and textile background before and after washing (see 2).

The initial color difference is defined as the initial saliency (AB)_iEquation 1), and ultimately significance (AD)_iEquation 2) refers to the color difference between the stain and the textile background after washing. Calculate Stain Release Index (SRI) for a given stain i as described in equation 3_i)。

Wherein L _ (s _ io), a _ (s _ io), b _ (s _ io), and L _ (s _ if), a _ (s _ if), b _ (s _ if) are the initial color coordinates and the final color coordinates of a given stain i in L _ab color space, respectively, and L _ (b _ o), a _ (b _ o), b _ (b _ o) are the initial color coordinates (L _ab color space) of the background of the textile.

Examples

Example 1: equivalent stain removal performance of fabric treatment process using lipase under low/high agitation

All experiments were performed using the Electrolux W565H programmable Front Loading Washing Machine (FLWM). All machines were cleaned by performing a 90 ℃ cotton cycle before use. Next, all experiments were performed at 30 ℃ for 45 minutes using a wash cycle.

The different degrees of mechanical agitation power during washing are achieved by the percentage of the total washing time of the drum rotation, the ballast load and the washing machine drum rotation. For example, a wash cycle with low mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg can be achieved by using a low drum speed (30rpm) with 30% of the total wash time of the drum rotation (70% rest time) and 4.5kg ballast. Higher ballast loading results in a reduction in the total mechanical agitation power imparted to the stained fabric during washing due to the reduced space available within the washing machine drum and thus the reduction in free fall of textiles with each rotation of the drum. This results in a lower velocity impact on the inner wall of the bowl and thus a reduced mechanical action. Alternatively, a high mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg during washing can be achieved by using a high rotational speed (45rpm) and a low load (1.5kg) and the washing machine drum is rotated during 97% of the total washing time. In all cases, the ballast load consisted of 60% knitted cotton fabric samples (50cm × 50cm) and 40% polyester cotton fabric samples (50cm × 50 cm). In addition, a panel of greasy stains (EQ076 Lard, cooked beef GSRT CBE001, stained bacon GSRTBGD001) with two internal repeats was added to each wash. This set of stains consisted of 2 knitted cotton samples (20cm x 20cm) containing the stains to be analyzed. All samples are supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd (UK).

In order to be able to compare the degree of decontamination achieved in each of the washing cycles with low and high mechanical agitation power, respectively, the ratio of water to ballast load and the ratio of chemicals to water were kept constant in all cases. For this reason, the volume of water added to the washing machine was 30L when the wash cycle was carried out with 4.5kg ballast, whereas 10L of water was added to the washing machine when the wash cycle was carried out with 1.5kg ballast, resulting in a ratio of water to ballast load of 6.67L/kg in each case. Similarly, the amount of detergent formulation was adjusted in all cases to maintain a constant concentration in the wash. For those experiments conducted with high mechanical action, a greater amount of suds suppressor was added to reduce the level of suds and thereby increase the mechanical action (since it is known that the suds present during washing can act as a gasket, thereby reducing the impact of the textile fabric against the wall of the washing machine).

The following comparative experiments (a-D) were performed to test the synergy between lipase and the high mechanical agitation power present during washing. All experiments were performed considering 4 external replicates.

A) Low agitation-no lipase: 30rpm with 30% on time, 57.75g liquid laundry detergent formulation (see table 1 below), 0.75g suds suppressor, 4.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg);

B) high agitation-lipase free: 45rpm with 97% on time, 19.25g liquid laundry detergent formulation (see table 1 below), 2.25g suds suppressor, 1.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg);

C) low agitation with lipase: 30rpm with a 30% open time, 57.75g liquid laundry detergent formulation (see Table 1 below), 0.75g suds suppressor, 0.48g of 18.64mg/g lipase ((R))Novozymes in Denmark, Denmark), 4.5kg ballast (resulting in aboutEstimated mechanical stirring power of 10W/kg); and

D) high agitation with lipase: 45rpm, 97% open time, 19.25g liquid laundry detergent formulation (see Table 1 below), 2.25g suds suppressor, 0.16g of 18.64mg/g lipase ((R))From novifin, denmark), 1.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical stirring power of about 34W/kg).

Table 1 below lists the base liquid laundry detergent compositions to be used in all the test legs (TTW as the corresponding ingredient in the aqueous wash liquor thus formed):

TABLE 1

The experiment was carried out by following the procedure described below:

1) 4.5kg ballast, 1 group of 2 internally repeating greasy stains (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 1 group of whiteness tracers (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 6 SBL soil flakes (WFK Tesgewebe GmbH, Germany) and 57.75g of the liquid formulation defined by Table 1 were introduced into the drum of the washing machine running experiments A) and C);

2) introducing 1.5kg ballast, 1 group of 2 internally repeating greasy stains (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 1 group of whiteness tracers (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 2 SBL soil flakes (WFK tesgewell GmbH, Germany) and 19.25g of the liquid formulation defined by table 1 into the drum of a washing machine running experiments B) and D);

3) next, 0.48g of 18.64mg/g in 100mL of tap water was dissolvedAdded to the drum of the washing machine running experiment C) and 0.16g of 18.64mg/g dissolved in 100mL of tap waterInto the drum of the washing machine running experiment D);

4) after ensuring that the water source became tap water quality, 0.75g of suds suppressor was added to the washing machine drawers of running experiments a) and C), and 2.25g of suds suppressor was added to the washing machine drawers of running experiments B) and D); and

5) next, a washing cycle is started in each of the washing machines. After each cycle, the SBL sheets were removed from the washing machine and the ballast load and soil were introduced into an Electrolux T3290 gas dryer where the SBL sheets were dried at low temperature for 30 minutes.

6) All washing machines were then rinsed using a 4 minute rinse cycle before starting the next experiment.

Table 2 below shows the results of the stain removal performance obtained for each of the experiments (a-D). Stain Release Index (SRI) was calculated via image analysis under D65 standard illuminant conditions. Results presented are the average of the internal and 4 external replicates for each experimental condition.

TABLE 2

It can be observed that lipases exhibit synergistically higher stain removal benefits (i.e., Δ DB > Δ CA) when washed in a system with higher mechanical agitation.

Example 2: comparable stain removal performance of fabric treatment process using LAS and AES with low/high agitation

All experiments were performed using the Electrolux W565H programmable Front Loading Washing Machine (FLWM). All machines were cleaned by performing a 90 ℃ cotton cycle before use. Next, all experiments were performed at 30 ℃ for 45 minutes using a wash cycle.

The different degrees of mechanical agitation power during washing are achieved by the percentage of the total washing time of the drum rotation, the ballast load and the washing machine drum rotation. For example, a wash cycle with low mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg can be achieved by using a low drum speed (30rpm) with 30% of the total wash time of the drum rotation (70% rest time) and 4.5kg ballast. Higher ballast loading results in a reduction in the total mechanical agitation power imparted to the stained fabric during washing due to the reduced space available within the washing machine drum and thus the reduction in free fall of textiles with each rotation of the drum. This results in a lower velocity impact on the inner wall of the bowl and thus a reduced mechanical action. Alternatively, a high mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg during washing can be achieved by using a high rotational speed (45rpm) and a low load (1.5kg) and the washing machine drum is rotated during 97% of the total washing time. In all cases, the ballast load consisted of 60% knitted cotton fabric samples (50cm × 50cm) and 40% polyester cotton fabric samples (50cm × 50 cm). In addition, a panel of greasy stains (EQ076 Lard, cooked beef GSRT CBE001, stained bacon GSRTBGD001) with two internal repeats was added to each wash. This set of stains consisted of 2 knitted cotton samples (20cm x 20cm) containing the stains to be analyzed. All samples are supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd (UK).

In order to be able to compare the degree of decontamination achieved in each of the washing cycles with low and high mechanical agitation power, respectively, the ratio of water to ballast load and the ratio of chemicals to water were kept constant in all cases. For this reason, the volume of water added to the washing machine was 30L when the wash cycle was carried out with 4.5kg ballast, whereas 10L of water was added to the washing machine when the wash cycle was carried out with 1.5kg ballast, resulting in a ratio of water to ballast load of 6.67L/kg in each case. Similarly, the amount of detergent formulation was adjusted in all cases to maintain a constant concentration in the wash. For those experiments conducted with high mechanical action, a greater amount of suds suppressor was added to reduce the level of suds and thereby increase the mechanical action (since it is known that the suds present during washing can act as a gasket, thereby reducing the impact of the textile fabric against the wall of the washing machine).

The following comparative experiments (E-H) were performed to test the synergy between lipase and the high mechanical agitation power present during washing. All experiments were performed considering 4 external replicates.

E) Low stirring-no LAS: 30rpm with 30% on time, 57.75g liquid laundry detergent formulation (E) (see table 3 below), 0.75g suds suppressor, 4.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg);

F) high stirring-no LAS: 45rpm with 97% on time, 19.25g liquid laundry detergent formulation (F) (see table 3 below), 2.25g suds suppressor, 1.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg);

G) low agitation with LAS: 30rpm with 30% on time, 57.75G liquid laundry detergent formulation (G) (see table 3 below), 0.75G suds suppressor, 4.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg); and

H) high agitation with LAS: 45rpm with 97% on time, 19.25g liquid laundry detergent formulation (H) (see Table 3 below), 2.25g suds suppressor, 1.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg).

Table 3 below lists the ingredients in the above-described liquid laundry detergent compositions (E) to (F), TTW as the corresponding ingredients in the aqueous washing liquid thus formed:

TABLE 3

The detergent formulations used in experiments E) -H) were designed to test the difference in stain removal benefit obtained when the LAS concentration was increased from 0ppm to about 377ppm during wash cycles characterized by low mechanical agitation power compared to wash cycles characterized by high mechanical agitation power.

The experiment was carried out by following the procedure described below:

1) introducing 4.5kg ballast, 1 group of grease stains with 2 internal repeats (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 1 group of whiteness tracers (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 6 SBL soil flakes (WFK tesgewell GmbH, Germany) and 57.75G liquid formulation (E) into the drum of a washing machine running experiment E), wherein 4.5kg ballast, 1 group of grease stains with 2 internal repeats (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 1 group of whiteness tracers (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 6 SBL soil flakes (WFK tesgewell GmbH, Germany) and 57.75G liquid formulation (G) were introduced into the drum of a washing machine running experiment G;

2) 1.5kg ballast, 1 group of grease stains with 2 internal repeats (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 1 group of whiteness tracers (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 2 SBL soil flakes (WFK tesgewell GmbH, Germany) and 19.25g liquid formulation (F) were introduced into the drum of the washing machine running experiment F, while 1.5kg ballast, 1 group of grease stains with 2 internal repeats (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 1 group of whiteness tracers (supplied by Warwick Equest Ltd, UK), 2 SBL soil flakes (WFK tesgewell GmbH, Germany) and 19.25g liquid formulation (H) were introduced into the drum of the washing machine running experiment H;

3) after ensuring that the water source became tap water quality, 0.75G of suds suppressor was added to the washing machine drawers of running experiments E) and G), while 2.25G of suds suppressor was added to the washing machine drawers of running experiments F) and H); and

4) next, a washing cycle is started in each of the washing machines. After each cycle, the SBL sheets were removed from the washing machine and the ballast load and soil were introduced into an Electrolux T3290 gas dryer where the SBL sheets were dried at low temperature for 30 minutes.

6) All washing machines were then rinsed using a 4 minute rinse cycle before starting the next experiment.

Table 4 below shows the stain removal performance results obtained for each of the experiments (E-H). Stain Release Index (SRI) was calculated via image analysis under D65 standard illuminant conditions. Results presented are the average of the internal and 4 external replicates for each experimental condition.

TABLE 4

It can be observed that LAS exhibits synergistically higher detergency benefits (i.e., Δ HF > Δ GE) when washed with higher mechanical agitation in the system.

Experiments (I) - (L) similar to the experiments described above were performed by using AES instead of LAS with low/high stirring as follows:

the following comparative experiments (I-L) were performed to test the synergy between lipase and the high mechanical agitation power present during washing. All experiments were performed considering 4 external replicates.

I) Low stirring-no AES: 30rpm with 30% on time, 57.75g liquid laundry detergent formulation (I) (see table 5 below), 0.75g suds suppressor, 4.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg);

J) high agitation-without AES: 45rpm with 97% on time, 19.25g liquid laundry detergent formulation (J) (see table 5 below), 2.25g suds suppressor, 1.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg);

K) low stirring with AES: 30rpm with 30% on time, 57.75g liquid laundry detergent formulation (K) (see table 5 below), 0.75g suds suppressor, 4.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 10W/kg); and

l) high stirring with AES: 45rpm with 97% on time, 19.25g liquid laundry detergent formulation (L) (see Table 5 below), 2.25g suds suppressor, 1.5kg ballast (resulting in an estimated mechanical agitation power of about 34W/kg).

Table 5 below lists the ingredients in the above liquid laundry detergent compositions (I) - (L), TTW as the corresponding ingredients in the aqueous wash liquor thus formed:

TABLE 5

Table 6 below shows the results of the stain removal performance obtained for each of the experiments (I-L). Stain Release Index (SRI) was calculated via image analysis under D65 standard illuminant conditions. Results presented are the average of the internal and 4 external replicates for each experimental condition.

TABLE 6

It can be observed that, unlike LAS, when AES is used in a wash cycle with high mechanical agitation versus low mechanical agitation, there is no additional stain removal benefit achieved by AES (i.e., Δ LJ < Δ KI). Thus, the observed synergy of SRI between LAS and high mechanical agitation is surprising and unexpected.

Example 3: comparable whiteness maintenance benefits of SRP under low/high agitation

All experiments were performed in a medium-sized high throughput device operating on the Peerless System platform. It consisted of 10 vessels of 1L capacity each having a three-bladed post-agitator similar to those used by Ganguli and Eenderbug (1980), which operated in parallel. The apparatus is automated such that filling, washing, draining and rinsing of the containers are automated by the system.

Before starting the washing process, the containers of the apparatus were first cleaned by adding 0.25L of tap water at the target washing temperature (30 ℃) to each of the containers. The water was kept in the vessel for 2 minutes with constant stirring at 1800 °/s. After draining the water for the cleaning phase, 0.8L of tap water at the target washing temperature (30 ℃) was added to each of the vessels. Next, 0.2L of tap water containing the pre-dissolved liquid detergent formulation M or N (see table 7) and 0.02L of SBL soil dispersed in the tap water were manually added to each of the containers and mixed for 2 minutes with constant stirring at 300 rpm.

Table 7 below lists the ingredients in the above liquid laundry detergent compositions (M) and (N), TTW as the corresponding ingredients in the aqueous wash liquor formed therefrom:

TABLE 7

Thereafter, a ballast containing 50g of a knitted cotton sample (5cm × 5cm) and a whiteness tracer respectively containing 4 Polyester (PE), Knitted Cotton (KC), Polyester Cotton (PC) and polyamide spandex (NS) samples (5cm × 5cm) were added to each of the containers before starting the washing process.

The effect of mechanical agitation on the level of soil deposited on textiles was determined by carrying out two different wash cycles with respectively low mechanical agitation (rotation at 70rpm, which results in an agitation power of about 3W/kg) and high mechanical agitation (rotation at 300rpm, which results in an agitation power of about 14W/kg) during washing in the presence and absence of the soil release polymer SRN260 in the wash liquor, which was formed by using the liquid laundry detergent compositions M or N, respectively. In all cases, a main wash was carried out for 30 minutes followed by a 2 minute rinse step at 70 rpm. Table 8 below summarizes four (4) experimental conditions used to test the effect of low/high mechanical agitation and SRP on the final whiteness of the textiles.

TABLE 8

Test leg	Main washing	Rinsing
			High mechanical action of composition M (No SRP) +14W/Kg	300rpm, 30 minutes	70rpm, 2 min
High mechanical action of composition N (SRP) +14W/Kg	300rpm, 30 minutes	70rpm, 2 min
			Composition M (No SRP) +3W/Kg Low mechanical action	70rpm, 30 minutes	70rpm, 2 min
Composition N (SRP) +3W/Kg with low mechanical action	70rpm, 30 minutes	70rpm, 2 min

Next, the polyester textile was taken out of the container and dried at low temperature for 1 hour in an Electrolux T3290 gas dryer, and then the CIE (international commission on illumination) Whiteness Index (WI) of the whiteness tracer was measured by taking into account the reflectance spectrophotometry (Konica Minolta CM-3610D) of a10 ° observer under the CIE standard D65 illuminant (sunlight, outdoor conditions).

Table 9 below summarizes the experimental results obtained, expressed as the average CIE WI of the 4 internal and 4 external replicates performed for each experimental condition described in table 8.

TABLE 9

It can be observed that SRN260 exhibits a statistically significant increase in its whiteness maintenance benefit when used in a high agitation wash cycle (i.e., the Δ CIE WI caused by the addition of SRN 260) compared to when used in a low agitation wash cycle. This is surprising and counter-intuitive, as it is known that high mechanical agitation leads to a greater loss of whiteness during washing, i.e. measured after a high agitation wash cycle (CIE WI post wash-CIE WI pre-wash) is generally more negative than measured after a low agitation cycle.

Example 4: exemplary Low/high agitation liquid laundry detergent formulations

The following are some exemplary low agitation laundry detergent formulations ("LA") and high agitation liquid laundry detergent formulations ("HA") according to the present invention:

the dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.