A solid, liquid, or gel formulation including: (A) alkali metal sulfite or alkali metal bisulfite, and (B) at least one graft copolymer formed from: at least one graft base selected from nonionic monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, and side chains obtainable by grafting of at least one ethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acid and at least one compound of the general formula (I),

##STR00001##

where the variables are each defined as follows:

R.sup.1 is chosen from methyl and hydrogen,

A.sup.1 is chosen from C.sub.2-C.sub.4-alkylene,

R.sup.2 are the same or different and chosen from C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl,

X.sup.− is chosen from halide, mono-C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkylsulfate and sulfate,

where alkali metal (bi)sulfite (A) and graft copolymer (B) are present in a weight ratio in the range from 1:100 to 10:1.

A suctionable gel for eliminating a contaminating species contained in an organic layer on the surface of a material, consisting of a colloidal solution comprising, preferably consisting of: 1 wt % to 25 wt %, preferably 5 wt % to 20 wt % based on the total weight of the gel, of at least one inorganic viscosifying agent; 13 wt % to 99 wt %, preferably 80 wt % to 95 wt % based on the total weight of the gel, of an organic solvent selected among the terpenes and the mixtures thereof; optionally, 0.01 wt % to 10 wt %, based on the total weight of the gel, of at least one dye and/or pigment; optionally 0.1 wt % to 2 wt %, based on the total weight of the gel, of at least one surfactant. The disclosure further relates to a decontamination method using the gel.

The present invention is directed to a cleaning formulation. The formulation is in particular intended to be utilised in a “waterless” context, which means that no additional water (besides any water that may already be contained in the formulation) is necessary in order to achieve cleaning.

A method of cleaning a contaminated surface, such as cleaning the elongate interior lumen of an endo scope contaminated with flesh, bone, blood, mucous, faeces or biofilm, said method comprising the steps of: providing a suspension of solid particles in a liquid to said contaminated surface, and flowing said suspension along said surface thereby to remove contaminant from the surface. The suspension is preferably a paste, where the solid material may be e.g. crystals of a salt, silicon oxide or organic material. The paste preferably has a solid fraction between 5 and 55%. A rheology modifier may be present.

A cleaning agent, preferably a dishwashing detergent, in particular an automatic dishwashing detergent, having at least one low-water, preferably substantially water-free, gel phase, which contains at least one particular non-ionic surfactant, preferably in quantities from 0.1 to 15 wt. %, from 0.5 to 10 wt. %, in particular from 0.8 to 8.5 wt. %, particularly preferably from 1 to 7 wt. %, for example from 1.0 to 4.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the gel phase.

A cleaning system of the present invention uses diatomaceous earth as a base material in a cleaning and spot-removing compound. A cleaning and spot removing method includes the steps of either pre-mixing a powder form of the compound with water, or applying the powder form of the compound to a dampened surface to be cleaned to form a paste. The paste is allowed to dry for vacuuming or brushing away.

Provided herein are devices for treating a fabric or textile, kits including devices for treating a fabric or textile, and methods of making and using the same.

A multicomponent composition separating surfactant and fragrance into separate phases to increase the fragrance release from the composition.

Alkaline or neutral viscoelastic cleaning compositions are disclosed which use non polymer thickening agents. According to the invention, cleaning compositions have been developed using viscoelastic surfactants in a neutral, acidic or alkaline cleaning formulations. These provide the dual benefit of thickening as well as an additional cleaning, thereby improving performance. Applicants have also identified several pseudo linking agents which when, used with viscoelastic surfactants provide viscoelasticity in alkaline cleaning compositions.

Cleaning and degreasing compositions containing a diutan gum thickener are provided for removing burnt on, polymerized, carbonized food soils with minimum manual effort. The compositions are ready to use compositions and beneficially remain on a treated surface for sufficient time to permit soil penetration without drying out. The compositions can be easily removed with minimal manual effort, such as use of low pressure water applied to the treated surface, and beneficially do not leave residues. Methods for cleaning and degreasing a surface with the compositions are also provided. Thickening systems employing the diutan gum and laponite clays are also provided.