An improved cleaning composition in block form is described. The composition addresses the consumer issues of having a clear product that remains clear through the life of the product and also has favorable handling properties such as a high melting point and increased hardness. The improvements are the result of three essential ingredients of particular block copolymer nonionic surfactants, alkanecarboxylic salts, and particular solvents at restricted proportions in the overall composition that are molded into a cleaning composition in block form that exhibits a high melting point, hardness and high optical transmittance.

The invention provides an itaconate surfactant having the following formula (I) ##STR00001##
in which R.sup.1 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups having 4 to 22 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and n is an integer ranging from 8 to 20. The surfactants of the invention are benign to the skin and to the environment yet can offer a performance that is comparable to that of “traditional” anionic and anionic/nonionic surfactant systems, especially on difficult-to-remove stains.

The invention provides an itaconate surfactant having the following formula (I) ##STR00001##
in which R.sup.1 is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups having 4 to 22 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and n is an integer ranging from 8 to 20. The surfactants of the invention are benign to the skin and to the environment yet can offer a performance that is comparable to that of “traditional” anionic and anionic/nonionic surfactant systems, especially on difficult-to-remove stains.

Dry mixtures and liquid formulations are provided that comprise metal oxide and/or metal hydroxide nanocrystalline particles. The dry mixtures are advantageously formulated with select surfactants to be readily solubilized and stable in liquid carriers. Additional select components are provided in preferred combinations that are capable of achieving improved biocidal and chemical agent efficacy. Notably, the inventive formulations provided herein allow for easier delivery of the formulations and increased shelf stability.

Evaporation of water from an aqueous dispersion of a solid peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide is retarded by the incorporation of carboxylic acid salt. The carboxylic acid salt renders the aqueous dispersion less susceptible to explosive decomposition when exposed to external triggering events such as impact, heat, friction or contamination, yet does not interfere with the ability to achieve and maintain a stable, small particle size dispersion having desirable viscosity and flow properties.

Evaporation of water from an aqueous dispersion of a solid peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide is retarded by the incorporation of carboxylic acid salt. The carboxylic acid salt renders the aqueous dispersion less susceptible to explosive decomposition when exposed to external triggering events such as impact, heat, friction or contamination, yet does not interfere with the ability to achieve and maintain a stable, small particle size dispersion having desirable viscosity and flow properties.

A surfactant comprising the reaction product of: (a) an epoxidised carboxylic acid ester; and (b) a compound including at least one reactive alcohol and/or amino functional group.

Disclosed is a liquid mixture (preferably an oil-in-water emulsion) for cleaning spilled paint, varnish, dye and/or surface coating, and a cleaning method comprising a step of applying said mixture to a fresh stain left by paint, varnish, surface coating and/or dye.

The present invention is a liquid detergent composition for textile products containing (a) a surfactant, (b) an alcohol with 10 or more and 16 or less carbons and (c) an antibacterial compound having an aromatic ring (excluding quaternary ammonium salts).

The present invention is a liquid detergent composition for textile products containing (a) a surfactant, (b) an alcohol with 10 or more and 16 or less carbons and (c) an antibacterial compound having an aromatic ring (excluding quaternary ammonium salts).