Cleaning Solution

Abstract

A cleaning formulation includes water in an amount in the range of about 95 to about 99 weight percent, non-volatile polyols in an amount in the range of about 0.1 to about 3.0 weight percent, and surfactant in an amount in the range of about 0.001 to about 2.0 weight percent. The surfactant is not limited to non-ionic surfactants and the ingredients are derived from natural sources or food-grade materials.

Claims

1. A liquid composition comprising water in an amount within a range of about 95 to about 99.9 weight percent, surfactant in an amount within a range of about 0.001 to about 2.0 weight percent, and polyol in an amount within a range of about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent, and wherein the liquid composition is not restricted to using only a non-ionic surfactant.

2. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of C3 diol and C3 triol.

3. The liquid composition of claim 2 wherein the C3 triol is glycerol.

4. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol and the combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

5. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant.

6. The liquid composition of claim 5 wherein the anionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA), sodium cocoyl Isethionate, and mixtures thereof.

7. The liquid composition of claim 5 wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

8. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, and mixtures of any two or more thereof.

9. The liquid composition of claim 1 further comprising a fragrance in an amount in a range of about 0.0011 to about 0.05 weight percent.

10. The liquid composition of claim 1 further comprising a colorant in an amount in a range of about 0.0001 to about 0.05 weight percent.

11. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the pH thereof is in a range of about 4 to 8.5.

12. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the amount of water is within a range of about 96 to about 99.9 weight percent and the amount of polyol is within a range of about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent.

13. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the amount of water is within a range of about 97 to about 99.9 weight percent and the amount of surfactant is within a range of about 0.01 to about 0.1 weight percent.

14. The liquid composition of claim 1 wherein the amount of water is within a range of about 98 to 99.9 weight percent, the amount of surfactant is within a range of about 0.001 to about 0.1 weight percent, and the amount of polyol is within a range of about 0.1 to about 2.0 weight percent.

15. The liquid composition of claim 1 further comprising a compound providing a source of active chlorine.

16. The liquid composition of claim 15 wherein the compound is chlorine dioxide, and wherein the chlorine dioxide is present in an amount within a range of about 0.1 to about 3000 weight parts per million.

17. The liquid composition of claim 1 further comprising a compound providing a source of active oxygen.

18. The liquid composition of claim 17 wherein the compound is hydrogen peroxide, and wherein the hydrogen peroxide is present in an amount within a range of about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent.

19. A liquid composition consisting essentially of water in an amount within a range of about 95 to about 99.9 weight percent, an anionic surfactant in an amount within a range of about 0.001 to about 2.0 weight percent, and polyol in an amount within a range of about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent.

20. The liquid composition of claim 19 wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

21. A method for forming a liquid composition suitable for cleaning and disinfecting, the method comprising: forming a solution by mixing water in an amount within a range of about 95 to about 99.9 weight percent, surfactant in an amount within a range of about 0.001 to about 2.0 weight percent, and polyol in an amount within a range of about 0.1 to about 3 weight percent; forming a chlorine-dioxide-generating (CDG) composition; and placing an amount of the CDG composition in the solution, thereby generating free chlorine dioxide therein, wherein the amount of the CDG composition is suitable for generating chlorine dioxide in an amount within a range of about 0.1 to about 3000 weight parts per million in the liquid composition.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the surfactant is an anionic surfactant.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Formulations in accordance with the illustrative embodiment include the following main ingredients: [0036] (1) Water, 95 to 99+wt % (preferably about 98 to 99+wt %); [0037] (2) Polyol, 0.1 to 3 wt % (preferably 0.1 to 2 wt %); [0038] (3) Surfactant, 0.001 to 2 wt % (preferably, 0.01 to 0.1 wt %).

[0039] Water.

[0040] The major ingredient, which functions as a solvent, is water. The purpose of the water is to keep all ingredients solubilized, wet the surface being treated, and to loosen dust and dirt from the surface. In some embodiments, the water is distilled, de-ionized (DI), or otherwise contains low levels of Ca, Mg, and other metals. The presence of Ca, Mg, etc., in the water can result in the precipitation of salts on the treated surface. The pH of the water can range from about 4.0 to about 8.0, depending on its source, and all pH in that range is suitable.

[0041] Surfactants.

[0042] In some embodiments (i.e., three-primary component embodiments), a very small quantity of water-soluble surfactant is used to clean any dirt or grease from the treated surface. Anionic, non-ionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants are compatible for use with the solution. Since water hardness is controlled in the present formulations (e.g., through the use of distilled or de-ionized water, etc), there is no limitation on the types of surfactants that can be used. More particularly, there is no requirement to use a non-ionic surfactant, and no proscription against using an anionic surfactant, as preferred for the embodiments of the invention.

[0043] In some embodiments, one or more anionic surfactants, including but not limited to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA), Sodium cocoyl Isethionate, in amounts ranging from 0.001 to 2.0 weight percent (wt %), were found to be suitable to clean the dust, dirt and grease from the surfaces.

[0044] Similarly non-ionic surfactants, such as polysorbital 20, 60 and 80, ethoxylated alcohols (e.g., Bio-Soft EC-639, commercially available from Stepan Co. of Northfield, Ill. and others) and ethoxylated coco amine (Toximul CA-2, commercially available from Stepan Co and others), were also evaluated in concentrations from 0.001 to 2.0 wt % and found to be suitable. Quaternary ammonium salts such as Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) and n-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride were also evaluated and found to be suitable up to about 2.0 wt %. The various types of surfactants are suitable for use individually or mixed with the other types of surfactants. The amount of surfactant was evaluated at three levels: mild (0.001 to 0.05 wt %), medium (0.1 to 2.0 wt %), and strong (>2.0 wt %). Concentrations of surfactant higher than 2 wt % were found to be problematic, as discussed later in this specification. Cationic surfactant, such as Quaternary ammonium salts, functions as a disinfectant if added to the present formulations.

[0045] Non-Volatile Polyols.

[0046] In accordance with the present teachings, the presence of a very small amount of a non-volatile polyol in the formulation results in a very thin, transparent, smooth, and moist coating on surfaces to which the cleaning solution is applied.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-volatile polyol is a C3 diol, C3 triol, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the C3 diol is propylene glycol. It is nontoxic, colorless, odorless, viscous, stable, high boiling and completely soluble in water. It is commonly used in food, cosmetics, and healthcare products and as pharmaceutical ingredient. In addition to enhancing surface cleaning and preserving the surface due to the moist environment it provides, propylene glycol reduces surface static, thereby making it easier to remove dust that lands on the treated surface.

[0048] In some embodiments, the C3 triol is glycerol (also called glycerin). It is colorless, odorless, viscous, sweet-tasting, and non-toxic liquid. It is widely used in the food industry as a sweetener and humectant, and also used in cosmetics, health-care products and pharmaceutical formulations. It is not harmful for humans, animals or the environment. Glycerol, which is bacteriostatic, is derived from vegetable and animal sources, and is inexpensive.

[0049] In some embodiments, the present formulations include about 0.1 to about 3 wt %, and most preferably about 0.1 to about 2 wt % C3 diol or C3 triol. Such an amount enhances surface smoothness for wiping the dust and dirt, and also provides a thin, moist coating to rejuvenate the surface. Also, the glycerol coating does not collect dust, thereby facilitating subsequent cleanings. Glycerol is non-volatile compounds and, therefore, odorless. It is highly soluble in water.

[0050] Additional polyols, such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol are also suitable for used in conjunction with the invention. However, these polyols are not compatible for use with certain surfactants because they form a thick emulsion or precipitate.

[0051] In some embodiments, the formulation includes one or more of the following: fragrances, color, foaming agent, aerosol and a thickener if needed.

[0052] A variety of formulations were prepared, some in accordance with the present teachings, and some not, as summarized in Examples 1-10 below. To the prepare the formulations, ingredients were mixed using a mechanical stirrer for 5 minutes to form a homogenous solution. All compositions are in weight percent. Deionized water pH varied between 5.8 to 8.0, depending on the day of dispense. The distilled water pH varied between 4.0 to 6.5 depending on the source of the water. The pH of the water does not influence product stability or performance.

Example 1

[0053] Table I shows a variety of formulations using propylene glycol as the polyol.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Compositions including Water, C3 Diol, and Surfactant Formulation Ingredients A* B* C D E F G* H* I J SLS 0.001 0.05 0.1 0.1 SLES 0.05 0.05 0.1 Polysorbate 80 0.2 CTAB 0.2 Propylene Glycol 5.0 0.1 2.0 2.0 3.0 5.0 10.0 2.0 2.0 USP DI water 95.0 99.95 99.899 97.95 97.95 96.9 94.9 89.9 97.8 97.8 water pH* 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.6 Visc., cPs (25 C.) 1.20 1.00 1.00 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.40 1.80 1.20 1.20

Example 2

[0054] Table II shows a variety of formulations using glycerol (vegetable-Kosher food grade, USP grade) as the polyol.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Compositions including Water, C3 Triol, and Surfactant Formulation Ingredients A* B* C D E* F* G H I SLS 0.05 0.001 0.05 0.1 SLES 0.1 0.1 Polysorbate 80 0.2 CTAB 0.2 Glycerol, USP 5.0 0.1 2.0 5.0 10.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Propylene 2.0 Glycol, USP Distilled water 95.0 99.95 99.899 97.95 94.9 89.9 97.8 97.8 95.9 water pH 6.7 6.8 6.7 6.8 6.8 6.6 6.8 6.4 6.8 Visc., cPs (25 C.) 1.20 1.00 1.00 1.20 1.20 1.34 1.20 1.20 1.20

[0055] Tables I and II show a variety of formulations, some of which are embodiments of the invention, and some of which are not (as indicated by *).

[0056] Formulations A and B in Tables I and II are comparative examples; they are not embodiments of the invention. In particular, Formulation A does not include surfactant, and although marginally effective at cleaning dust, was ineffective for removing dirt and grease from surfaces. Also, the concentration of polyol is out of range (i.e., >3 wt %). Formulation B does not include polyol; it loosened dirt and grease from surfaces, but the treated surface (1) does not develop a silky smooth feel, (2) is not anti-static, such that it tends to attract dust, (3) does not develop a sheen, and (4) does not rejuvenate/moisture the surface. Furthermore, as discussed in further detail in conjunction with Example 3 (Table III), Formulations G and H of Table I, and Formulations E and F of Table II are also comparative examples; they are not embodiments of the invention.

[0057] Formulations C, D, E, F, I, and J of Table I and formulations C, D, G, H, and I of Table II are embodiments of the invention. These formulations were all effective at removing dirt and grease, improving the look of the surfaces to which they were applied, and did not accumulate dust, etc. As applied, these formulations exhibited minimal if any streaking of the surface and dried rapidly. There was no apparent difference in performance for formulations that included DI water and those that included distilled water. Formulations in accordance with the invention including anionic surfactants, such as SLS or SLES, non-ionic surfactant, such as polysorbate 80, or cationic surfactant, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), all performed acceptably.

Example 3

[0058] Table III shows formulations that include polyol, but not surfactants, and includes observations as to the effect of increasing levels of polyol. The polyol, which is glycerol in these formulations, uniformly coats the surface and forms a coating layer.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Compositions without Surfactant Formulation Ingredients A B C D E Glycerol, USP 2.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 10.0 DI water 98.0 97.0 95.0 93.0 90.0 Observation after cleaning a phenolic resin surface (laboratory benchtop) Visibility of Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thin, glycerol coating slightly slightly moderately highly highly visible moist visible moist visible moist visible visible coating coating coating moist moist coating coating Drying time <1 min. <1 min. >5 min >15 min >2 hrs Surface Streaks? Minimal Minimal Moderate Excessive Excessive Additional wiping No No Yes Yes, Yes, required? repeated repeated
As polyol concentration increases, the treated surface becomes increasingly slick, lengthening drying times, increasing surface streaking, and requiring repeated wiping with wet towels to remove excess glycerol. Relative humidity levels can exacerbate these issues, wherein higher levels thereof result in problematic performance at relatively lower concentrations of polyol. For these reasons, polyol concentration in the formulation is limited to 3 wt %.

Example 4

[0059] Table IV shows formulations in accordance with the invention having varying levels of sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) as surfactant.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV Compositions with Varying Levels of SLES Surfactant Formulation Ingredients A B C D E SLES 0.1 1.0 2.0 3.0 5.0 Glycerol, USP 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 DI water 97.9 97.0 96.0 95.0 93.0 Observation after cleaning the phenolic resin surface (laboratory benchtop) Visibility of Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thick, Forms thick, glycerol coating slightly moderately moderately highly visible, highly visible, visible visible foam visible foam foam coating foam coating coating coating coating Foam formation No small amt large amt large amt large amt during cleaning? Drying time <1 min <1 min >2 min >15 min >15 min Soap residue on Not visible Not visible Slightly Highly visible Highly visible surface? visible Surface streaks? No No No No No Further wiping and No No Yes, a few Yes, more Yes, more cleaning required? times to than for than for remove formulation C formulation C surfactant

Example 5

[0060] Table V shows formulations in accordance with the invention having varying levels of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as surfactant.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE V Compositions with Varying Levels of SLS Surfactant Formulation Ingredients A B C D E SLS 0.1 1.0 2.0 3.0 5.0 Glycerol, USP 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 DI water 97.9 97.0 96.0 95.0 93.0 Observation after cleaning the phenolic resin surface (laboratory benchtop) Visibility of Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thin, Forms thick, Forms thick, glycerol coating slightly moderately moderately highly highly visible, visible visible foam visible, foam visible foam foam coating coating coating coating coating Foam formation No small amt large amt large amt large amt during cleaning Drying time <1 min <1 min >2 min >15 min >15 min Soap residue Not visible Not visible Slightly Highly visible Highly visible on the surface? visible white white layer white layer layer Surface streaks? No No No No No Further wiping No No Yes, few Yes, several Yes, several and cleaning times to times to times to required remove remove remove surfactant surfactant surfactant

[0061] Tables IV and V show formulations with varying levels of surfactant. In Table IV, the surfactant is SLES; in Table V, the surfactant is SLS. The results for these surfactants were essentially the same. In particular, concentrations of SLES and SLS surfactant in excess of 2 wt % were found to generate increasingly large amounts of foam, which, after drying, formed a thin, white residue layer. The surface required several follow-up cleanings with water to remove the coating.

[0062] The cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammoinum bromide (CTAB; shown in Tables I and II) is not soluble above 2 wt % concentration and, like SLES and SLS, tended to form foam and leave a white residue after drying, for higher concentrations. Based on these results, a surfactant concentration of about 2 wt % is considered a maximum acceptable amount, with the surfactant level preferably being Therefore, it is recommended to use surfactants less than 2%, more preferably 1 wt % or less, and most preferably 0.1 wt % or less.

Examples 6 and 7

[0063] Tables VI and VII show concentrated versions of the formulation, which facilitate shipping and storage. For use, the concentrated versions of the formulation should be appropriately diluted so that formulation is in the required ranges for water, polyol, and surfactant.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE VI Concentrated Versions of the Formulation with SLES and C3 Diol Formulation Ingredients A B C D SLES 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 Propylene Glycol, USP 20.0 25.0 50.0 70.0 Distilled water 79.0 74.5 49.0 29.0 water pH 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.8 Visc., cPs (25 C.) 2.00 2.20 4.41 5.20
For use, the concentrated versions of the formulations shown in Table VI should be diluted (solution:water) as follows: formulations A and B1:10; formulation C1:20; and formulation D1:30.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE VII Concentrated Versions of the Formulation with SLES and C3 Triol Formulation Ingredients A B C SLES 1.0 0.5 1.0 Glycerol, USP 20.0 25.0 50 Distilled water 79.0 74.5 49 water pH 6.4 6.5 6.2 Visc., cPs (25 C.) 2.00 2.20 6.21
For use, the concentrated versions of the formulations shown in Table VII should be diluted (solution:water) as follows: formulation A1:10; formulation B1:10; and formulation C1:20.

Example 8

[0064] Table VIII depicts concentrated versions of the formulation, wherein fragrance and color were added to some concentrated solutions. For use, the concentrated versions of the formulations shown in Table VIII should be diluted (solution:water) as follows: formulation A1:10; formulation B1:20; formulation C1:30; and formulation D1:40.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE VIII Concentrated Versions of the Formulation with Fragrance and Color Formulation Ingredients A B C D SLES 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.0 Glycerol USP 25.0 50.0 70.0 80.0 Distilled water 74.495 48.9 29.0 18.0 Fragrances 0.1 (methyl Jasmonate) Color (Pylaklor 0.005 Blue)

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, as illustrated in Examples 9 and 10 below, a formulation in accordance with the present teachings includes disinfectants, either bactericides and/or oxidizers, such as those applying active chlorine (e.g., chlorine dioxide, hypochlorites, chloramines, dichloroisocyanurate, trichloroisocyanurate, wet chlorine, etc.) as well as those applying active oxygen (peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, potassium persulfate, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, and urea perhydrate, etc.) Antibacterial formulations of the present cleaning solution can be used in a variety of applications, including, for example and without limitation, skin wipes, food contact surfaces, hospitals, food and pharmaceutical industries, etc.

Example 9

[0066] One liter of a solution consisting of glycerin (1%), propylene glycol (1%), SLS (0.05%) and water (97.95%) was prepared. Chlorine-dioxide-generating composition was also prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 9,834,443, which is incorporated by reference herein. Briefly, that patent discloses that a chlorine-dioxide generating (CDG) composition is in the form of a dry solid powder, comprising: [0067] an alkali metal chlorite salt in an amount within the range of about 2 to about 35 weight percent of the CDG composition; [0068] an acid in an amount within the range of about 2 to about 45 weight percent of the CDG composition; [0069] a hydrophobic compound in an amount within the range of about 2 to about 20 weight percent of the CDG composition, wherein the hydrophobic compound is, for example and without limitation, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and [0070] a super absorbent in an amount within the range of about 2 to about 15 weight percent of the CDG composition, wherein the super absorbent is, for example and without limitation, high-molecular weight forms of sodium polyacrylate (at least 70,000 g/mol, and more preferably 125,000 to 250,000 g/mol) or sodium polyacrylamide (at least 400 g/mol); and [0071] optional inert ingredients in an amount to balance.
The CDG composition is formed by drying all ingredients (e.g., 105 C. for 2-3 hours), bringing the temperature of all ingredients to room temperature (c.a. 20-25 C.), and dry blending the ingredients using a v-blender. The CDG composition can be provided in a tablet form (which will require certain excipients, such as binders, disintegrants, lubricants, etc.) or in a loose powder form.

[0072] One gram of the CDG composition was added to a porous canister, which was then placed in the solution. After 30 minutes, about 55 ppm of chlorine dioxide was generated in the solution, thereby providing a cleaning formulation with antibacterial properties. The solution was stable for a week.

[0073] Additional chlorine dioxide can be generated, as needed, typically at the time of use, by repeating the process described in Example 9 (i.e., generating chlorine-dioxide-generating material, adding it to a release canister, such as, for example and without limitation, any of the porous canisters disclosed in U.S. Publ. Pat. App. 2011/0150748, which is incorporated by reference herein, and then placing it the cleaning formulation. Concentrations of chlorine dioxide (in the solution) in a range from about 0.1 wppm to about 3000 wppm is suitable for use with the aforementioned solution and others in accordance with the present teachings.

Example 10

[0074] One liter of a formulation consisting of glycerin (1%), propylene glycol (1%), SLES (0.05%), hydrogen peroxide 0.15%, and water (97.6%) was prepared. This solution was tested and found to be stable for greater than 6 months.

[0075] If the formulation of Example 10 is to be used as a skin cleanser, surfactant can be omitted, or surfactants typically used for skin cleansers as known to those skilled in the art (and not previously mentioned herein) may suitably be used. A concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a range from about 0.05 to about 0.5 weight percent are suitable for use with the aforementioned cleaning solution and others in accordance with the present teachings. In an alternative formulation, hydrogen peroxide is replaced by sodium percarbonate, and in the same range of concentration.

[0076] It is to be understood that the disclosure describes a few embodiments and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.