LAUNDRY SANITIZING COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD OF USE

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sanitizing compositions for use in washing machines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to laundry sanitizing compositions that contain a biocide agent and an acidic buffer composition.

[0002] Numerous laundry treatment compositions are available for use by consumers in the washing of clothing and other fabrics in traditional washing machines. Conventional, detergent compositions, particularly liquid laundry detergents, are formulated to contain one or more surfactants (often anionic surfactants), electrolyte materials, and other adjuvants dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium. They are generally formulated to a composition pH of above 7. The main reason for the popularity of a basic pH is to ensure that the surfactant components, enzymes or other organic solvents remain solubilized and disperse in the wash water and that greasy or oily stains removed from soiled clothing are also dispersed in the wash water.

[0003] However, consumers may still struggle to remove and kill certain pathogens from fabric items during the wash cycle in a washing machine. This may especially be the case in certain industrial settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc., where the fabric of certain clothing worn by consumers is subjected to a greater degree of exposure to pathogenic and harmful bacteria. In the past, various laundry detergent compositions have been proposed for killing or destroying pathogens in addition to effectively washing the fabric items. As the laundry detergents are diluted in the washing machine with water, however, their effectiveness can significantly decrease. Thus, a need currently exists for a sanitizing composition that may be used in washing machines that can effectively kill and destroy pathogens even when diluted with great amounts of water. A need also exists for a sanitizing composition for use in washing machines that can maintain a lower pH when diluted with water for destroying pathogens and/or increasing the effectiveness of washing the fabric items. SUMMARY

[0004] Improved laundry sanitizing compositions and methods of formulating and using the same are provided herein. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition includes at least one biocide and an acidic buffer composition.

[0005] The disclosure provides a laundry sanitizing composition comprising: a) at least one biocide agent; and b) an acidic buffer system. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may have a pH of from about 2 to about 4. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition contains a biocide agent that includes one or more quaternary ammonium compounds. The one or more quaternary ammonium compounds, for instance, may have the general formula R1R2R3R4N+, A-, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is an alkyl group and R4 is an alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, or an alkoxy group such as — [(CH ₂ ) ₂ — 0] _n R ₅ where n=1-20 and R ₅ is hydrogen or an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group. In one aspect, R1, R2 and R3 are all alkyl groups. In one aspect, R1 and R2 are alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R3 and R4 are alkyl groups comprising from 6 to 24 carbon atoms or a benzyl group. In another aspect, Rl and R2 are alkyl groups containing from 6 to 24 carbon atoms, R3 is an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R4 is an alkoxy group such as — [(CH ₂ ) ₂ — O] _n R ₅ where n=1-20 and R ₅ is hydrogen or an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl group. A- can be selected from the group consisting of halides, carbonates, bicarbonates, propionates, saccharinates, carboxylates, sulfonates and phosphates.

[0006] The acidic buffer, on the other hand, can comprise at least one amino acid, at least one carboxylic acid, at least one phosphorus containing acid, and mixtures thereof. For example, an amino acid can be present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount from about 2% to about 4% by weight. A carboxylic acid can be present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount from about 3% to about 8% by weight. When present, one or more phosphorus containing acids can be present in the sanitizing composition in an amount from about 1% to about 3% by weight.

[0007] In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition comprises glycine, hydroxyl ethylidene (1,1-diphosphoric acid), sodium citrate, hydrochloric acid, ethanol, potassium phosphate, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be substantially free of linear alcohol ethoxylates and linear alkyl sulphonates. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition is capable of providing a rinse water pH, when added to rinse water, of less than about 6.5, such as less than about 6, less than about 5, or less than about 4. For example, the laundry sanitizing composition can be formulated such that the rinse water maintains a pH of about 6.5 or less, such as about 6 or less, about 5 or less, or about 4 or less even when diluted with water in a ratio of at least 1:100 by volume. Preferably, the laundry sanitizing composition is formulated such that the rinse water maintains a pH of about 6 or less when diluted with water in a ratio of at least 1 : 100 by volume.

[0008] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be formulated as a laundry detergent composition that further includes one or more detergents or surfactants. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be formulated to be included as part of a laundry detergent composition. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be incorporated into a laundry detergent composition. The laundry sanitizing composition provided herein may be in powder or liquid form. The laundry sanitizing composition may be a liquid laundry sanitizing composition having a viscosity of from about 150 to 400 mPas. The laundry sanitizing composition may contain one or more of the following: surfactants, organic acids, enzymes, and/or fatty acid components.

[0009] Also provided herein are methods for laundering, sanitizing, and/or cleaning fabrics or clothes via applying the laundry sanitizing compositions described herein to soiled fabrics or clothing. In some embodiments, provided are methods for reducing the pathogenic load of fabrics, such as clothing, via washing or rinsing the fabrics with the laundry sanitizing compositions provided herein.

[0010] Certain embodiments provided herein are directed to methods of laundering fabrics, which may provide a reduction of pathogenic bacteria, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a laundry sanitizing composition according to embodiments herein; b) providing a wash water; and c) introducing said laundry sanitizing composition into said wash water in an amount sufficient to generate a pH of less than about 6.5, less than about 6, or less than about 5 in the wash water. [0011] Also provided is a method of laundering fabrics, which may provide a reduction of pathogenic bacteria, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a laundry sanitizing composition according to embodiments herein; b) providing a rinse water; c) introducing said laundry sanitizing composition into said rinse water in an amount sufficient to generate a pH of less than about 6.5, less than about 6, or less than about 5 in the rinse water.

[0012] Also provided are methods for reducing the pathogenic load of clothes and/or fabrics by washing clothes with the laundry sanitizing compositions disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1A illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 when exposed to DDAC;

[0014] FIG. IB illustrates the log reduction of Staphylococcus aureus when exposed to didecyldimethylammonium chloride (“DDAC”);

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa when exposed to different ppm concentrations of Bardac® 2080 at different pH concentrations;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 at a pH of 7 and pH of 3;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac® 2080 with different acidic buffers;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 using Bardac® 2080 and Bardac® 2240 at a pH of 3;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates the amount of DDAC bound per gram of dry cotton wipe; [0020] FIG. 7 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeurginosa ATCC 15442 using Bardac® 2080 in a variety of different acidic buffering solutions in hard water;

[0021] Fig. 8 illustrates the log reduction of formulations tested against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa , and K. pneumonia ;

[0022] Fig. 9 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa against a formulation described in Example 10 below; and

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeurginosa ATCC 15442 at a pH of 3. [0024] FIG. 11 illustrates the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac® 2080 with an acidic buffer comprising tartaric acid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As stated above, the present disclosure relates to laundry sanitizing compositions, and more specifically, to laundry sanitizing compositions having an acidic pH, which are now described in detail with accompanying figures. It is noted that like reference numerals refer to like elements across different embodiments.

[0026] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" preceding an element or component are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e. occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore, "a" or "an" should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "disclosure" or "present disclosure" are non limiting terms and not intended to refer to any single aspect of the particular disclosure but encompass all possible aspects as described in the specification and the claims.

[0028] As used herein, the term "about" modifying the quantity of an ingredient, component, or reactant employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through typical measuring and liquid handling procedures used for making concentrates or solutions. Furthermore, variation can occur from inadvertent error in measuring procedures, differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods, and the like. In one aspect, the term "about" means within 10% of the reported numerical value. In another aspect, the term “about” means within 5% of the reported numerical value. Yet, in another aspect, the term “about” means within 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% of the reported numerical value.

[0029] The compositions of the present disclosure can include, consist essentially of, or consist of, the components of the present disclosure as well as other ingredients described herein. As used herein, “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition or component may include additional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients to not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition or methods.

[0030] In certain embodiments, as used herein “pathogen” refers to an agent having the capability of producing a disease. For example, a pathogen may refer to a virus, bacterium, or other disease-producing microorganism. The term “pathogen” may refer to any transient bacteria including those that are gram negative or gram positive.

Gram positive bacteria include pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Clostridium botulinum. Gram negative bacteria include pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Klebsiella, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Moraxella, Helicobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Bdellovibrio, acetic acid bacteria, Legionella, and Shigella. Gram negative bacteria are generally distinguished from Gram positive by an additional protective cell membrane which generally results in the Gram negative bacteria being less susceptible to topical antibacterial actives.

[0031] Provided herein are laundry sanitizing compositions that include at least one biocide agent and an acidic buffer composition. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be formulated as a laundry composition such as a rinse composition.

[0032] Indeed, elimination of certain gram negative bacteria from laundered clothing utilizing biocide agents, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, can pose many challenges. For starters, most laundry sanitizers are required by various government regulations to eliminate at least 99.9% of bacteria on cotton during either the pre-wash, main wash, or rinse stage of the laundry cycle. Accordingly, laundry sanitizers must be formulated with enough biocide agent to eliminate high percentages of harmful bacteria. However, laundry sanitizers can become highly diluted at the point of use (i.e. 100-200 times) and certain biocide compounds, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, used as active ingredients can readily absorb into fabric materials, such as cotton, thereby reducing their efficacy against the bacteria. Accordingly, conventional laundry sanitizers may not offer desired pathogen elimination.

[0033] Furthermore, it was discovered herein that the amount of quaternary ammonium compound necessary to eliminate certain gram negative bacteria, may be up to ten times the amount of that required for other types of bacteria, such as gram positive bacteria. See Example, 1 FIG. 1 A and IB provided herein. Thus, for effective antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria, higher amounts of quaternary ammonium compounds may be necessary for effective elimination of the required amount of pathogens. This presents a problem with regards to certain laundry sanitizing compositions because including high amounts of quaternary ammonium compounds may be corrosive to both skin and eyes and may be considered eco-toxic at certain concentrations.

[0034] Accordingly, there is a need for a laundry sanitizer composition that contains a non-corrosive or non-irritating amount of a quaternary ammonium compound composition yet is still able to effectively kill or destroy the desired amount of gram negative bacteria.

[0035] It has been surprisingly found, as detailed herein, that the laundry sanitizing compositions disclosed herein are effective for killing pathogens, such as gram negative bacteria, on fabrics/clothes in the pre-wash, wash, or rinse water cycle during the laundry cycle of a washing machine. It was also discovered that when the biocide agent (e.g., a quaternary ammonium compound) was coupled with the acidic buffer system as provided herein, the amount of quaternary ammonium compound can be included in a reduced amount in the laundry sanitizing composition, yet still maintain effective biocidal activity against gram negative bacteria. Surprisingly, it was found that gram negative bacteria were particularly susceptible to disinfection and elimination by quaternary ammonium compounds at lower pH ranges as compared to higher pH ranges.

BIOCIDE AGENT

[0036] The present disclosure provides for a laundry sanitizing composition comprising one or more biocides. The one or more biocides may operate as a microbial control agent, eliminating and/or destroying certain pathogenic organisms.

In some embodiments, the one or more biocides may comprise quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as “quats”.

[0037] Quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats", typically comprise at least one quaternary ammonium cation with an appropriate anion. Quats will generally have the general formula (1). [0038] The groups R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ and R ₄ can vary within wide limits and possess anti- microbial properties. Typically, at least one, such as at least two, of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ and R ₄ is a lower alkyl, meaning having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group. In one aspect, at least one, such as least two of R ₁ , R ₂ , R ₃ and R ₄ is a longer chain alkyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms. R4 can also be a substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group such as an ethylbenzyl group, or an alkoxy group. A- is a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. Suitable anions for A- are in principle all inorganic or organic anions, in particular halides, for example chloride or bromide, carbonates, bicarbonates, carboxylates, sulfonates, phosphates, propionates, saccharinates, or a mixture thereof. Carboxylates may be derived from lower carboxylic acids or from fatty acids.

[0039] Alkyl, hereinafter, is taken to mean in each case unbranched or branched alkyl groups of the specified number of carbons, but preferably unbranched alkyl groups, and particularly preferably those having an even number of carbon atoms. In particular, this is also taken to mean the homologue mixtures derived from natural raw materials, for example “cocoalkyl”.

[0040] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may have the following R groups: R1, R2 and R3 are alkyl groups and R4 is a benzyl group, a C _{1 -18} alkyl group such as a C _6-18 alkyl group, or an alkoxy group such as a group having the structure — [(CH2)2 — 0] _n R ₅ where n=1-20 and R ₅ is hydrogen or an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, and A- is as described above, such as a monovalent anion or one equivalent of a polyvalent anion of an inorganic or organic acid. For example, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are independently alkyl groups having 6 to 24 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 are independently alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R3 is an alkyl group having 6 to 24 carbon atoms.

[0041] Substituted phenyl is taken to mean, in particular, phenyl groups substituted with one or more C _{1 -18} alkyl groups and/or halogen atoms. [0042] Suitable quaternary ammonium compounds include, but are not limited to, alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides, dialkylmethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides, dialkyldimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl quaternary ammonium chlorides, benzethonium chloride and any combination of any of the foregoing. One example of a non-halide or a non-chloride quaternary compound is didecylmethylpoly(oxyethyl) ammonium propionate. Didecylmethylpoy(oxethyl ammonium propionate may be used alone or in combination with any of the quaternary ammonium compounds described above.

[0043] In one embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a dialkyl ammonium compound, such as a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound. In one embodiment, the dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compound may have between about 8 and about 12 carbon atoms, such as from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms in each of the alkyl groups.

[0044] Examples of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds include dimethyl dioctyl ammonium compounds such as dimethyl dioctyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl didecyl ammonium compounds such as dimethyl didecyl ammonium chloride and the like. Mixtures of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds may also be used, and other anions, such as those described above, may also be used. Commercially available dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the BARD AC ^® , BARDAP®, BARQUAT ^® , or CARBOQUAT ^® trade names by Lonza Inc.

[0045] Such commercially available examples of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium compounds include dioctyldimethylammonium chloride (available as Bardac® LF and LF-80 from Lonza, Inc.), octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride (available as a mixture of octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride as Bardac® 2050 and 2080 from Lonza, Inc.), didecyldimethylammonium chloride (available as Bardac® 2250 and 2280 from Lonza, Inc.), decylisononyldimethylammonium chloride (available as Bardac® 21 from Lonza, Inc.), diisodecyldimethylammonium chloride (available as BTC 99 from Stepan Co. of Northfield, Ill.), and any combination of any of the foregoing. [0046] In an alternative embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise a benzyl ammonium compound, such as an alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound. In general, the alkyl group may contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms, such as from about 12 to about 16 carbon atoms.

[0047] Examples of alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds useable as the first biocide include C ₁₂ alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, C ₁₄ alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and C ₁₆ alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. In addition, a mixture of these alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds can be used. Commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds include, for example, compositions marketed and sold under the BARQUAT ^® trade name by Lonza Inc. These commercially available alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds are blends of C ₁₂ , C ₁₄ , and C ₁₆ alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chlorides. Generally, it is preferable that the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compound, when a blend, contains higher concentrations of C ₁₂ alkyl and C ₁₄ alkyl components than C ₁₆ alkyl components. It is noted that other anions, including those mentioned above may also be used.

[0048] Non-limiting examples of alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides include alkyl (C ₁₄ 50%; C ₁₂ 40%, C ₁₆ 10%) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (available as Barquat® MB-50 and MB-80 from Lonza Inc.), alkyl (C ₁₄ 60%; C ₁₆ 30%; C ₁₂ 5%. C ₁₈ 5%) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (available as Barquat® 4280Z from Lonza, Inc.), (C ₁₂ -C ₁₈ alkyl) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, and any combination of any of the foregoing.

[0049] In still another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may comprise a quaternary ammonium carbonate. A quaternary ammonium carbonate can be represented by the following formula:

[0050] wherein R1 is a C1-C20 alkyl or aryl- substituted alkyl group and R2 is a C8- C20 alkyl group, and preferably wherein R1 is the same as R2 and R1 is a C8-C12 alkyl group, as well as compositions further comprising the corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate

[0051] wherein R1 is the same or a different C1-C20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group as above and R2 is the same or a different C8-C20 alkyl group as above, but preferably wherein R1 is the same as R2 and R1 is a C8-C12 alkyl group.

[0052] In one embodiment, the ammonium quaternary compound contained in the composition comprises a di C8-C12 alkyl ammonium carbonate/bicarbonate. For example, in one particular embodiment, the antimicrobial agent comprises didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate and didecyl dimethyl ammonium bicarbonate.

[0053] In other embodiments, however, the carbonate/bicarbonate salts of quaternary ammonium cations may be selected from dioctyldimethylammonium carbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium carbonate, benzalkonium carbonate, benzethonium carbonate, stearalkonium carbonate, cetrimonium carbonate, behentrimonium carbonate, dioctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, decyloctyldimethylammonium bicarbonate, benzalkonium bicarbonate, benzethonium bicarbonate, stearalkonium bicarbonate, cetrimonium bicarbonate, behentrimonium bicarbonate, and mixtures of one or more such carbonate salts.

[0054] It should be understood that the quaternary ammonium compound may comprise more than one specific quaternary ammonium species and may comprise a combination of any of the above described quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0055] The quaternary ammonium compound(s) may be present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount of from about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight. In certain embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound(s) may be present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount of from about 2% to about 5% by weight. In certain embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound(s) may be present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount greater than about 2% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 3% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 4% by weight, such as in an amount greater than about 5% by weight, and generally in an amount less than about 8% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 6% by weight, such as in an amount less than about 5% by weight. In certain embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compound(s) may be present in the laundry sanitizing composition and applied to the wash water or rinse water such that the wash water or rinse water comprises from about 200 ppm to about 400 ppm of the quaternary ammonium compound(s). In one embodiment, octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, or any combination thereof, including a mixture of octyldecyldimethylammonium chloride, dioctyldimethylammonium chloride, and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, is present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount of from about 2% to about 5% by weight, more preferably from about 2.2% to about 3.5% by weight, and even more preferably from about 2.4% to about 3% by weight.

[0056] ACIDIC BUFFER COMPOSITION

[0057] The acidic buffer composition may generally comprise one or more buffering agents sufficient to maintain an acidic pH. Acidic buffer compositions that may be incorporated into the sanitizing composition include one or more amino acids, one or more carboxylic acids, and one or more phosphorus containing acids. The acidic buffering composition may contain one or more of the above acids. When an amino acid is present, the amino acid can be present in the laundry sanitizing composition generally in an amount from about 2% to about 4% by weight. When a carboxylic acid is present in the laundry sanitizing composition, the carboxylic acid is generally present in an amount from about 3% to about 8% by weight. When a phosphorus containing acid is present in the laundry sanitizing composition, the phosphorus containing acid can be present in an amount from about 1% to about 3% by weight.

[0058] For example, suitable buffering agents include: glycine, hydroxyl ethylidene (1,1, - diphosphoric acid), phosphorus, glycine, hydrochloric acid, sodium citrate, ethanol, potassium phosphate, phosphoric acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, etidronic acid, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition comprises glycine and Dequest® 2010 (i.e hydroxyl ethylidene (1,1 - diphosphoric acid)) . In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes glycine and hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes sodium citrate and hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes sodium citrate, ethanol, and hydrochloric acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes potassium phosphate and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes lactic acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes tartaric acid.

[0059] In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include one or more amino acids. In certain embodiments, the acidic buffer composition can include one or more amino acids selected from glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, proline, and combinations thereof.

[0060] In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include one or more aliphatic carboxylic hydroxy acids. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include one or more carboxylic hydroxy acids having from about two to six carbon atoms (i.e. C2-C6). In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include one or more aliphatic carboxylic hydroxy acids selected from lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include at least one phosphorus containing acid. In certain embodiments, the at least one phosphorus containing acid may include phosphoric acid.

[0062] In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include glycine in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 3.0% by weight. In certain embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include glycine in an amount of about 1.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include sodium citrate in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight. In certain embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include sodium citrate in an amount of about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include ethanol in an amount of from about 5% to about 15% by weight. In certain embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include ethanol in an amount of about 10% by weight. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may potassium phosphate in an amount of from about 1% to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include potassium phosphate in an amount of about 2% by weight. In certain embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may include lactic acid in an amount of from about 1% to about 5% by weight. In certain embodiments, the acidic buffer composition includes about 5% by weight of lactic acid. In one embodiment, the tartaric acid is present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount from about 2% to about 8% by weight, such as from about 3% to about 8% or from about 2.4% to about 5.5%. Preferably the tartaric acid is present in the laundry sanitizing composition in an amount from 2.4% to about 6%, more preferably in an amount of about 5%.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions disclosed herein may be formulated to include an amount of acidic buffer composition that is capable of maintaining a pH range of less than about 6.5, less than about 6, or less than about 5 when diluted in wash water or rinse water. In certain embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be formulated to include an amount of acidic buffer composition that is capable of maintaining a pH range of less than about 4 when diluted in wash water or rinse water. Accordingly, the composition of the acidic pH buffer system is formulated such that a pH range of from about 1 to about 6.5, such as from about 1 to about 6 or from about 1 to about 5, is maintained in the wash water during the wash cycle or the rinse water during the rinse cycle. In certain embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition is formulated to include an amount of acidic buffer composition that is capable of maintaining a pH range of less than 6.5, less than 5, less than 5, or less than 4, when subjected to 100 times dilution or even 200 times dilution with water. For example, the laundry sanitizing composition can be formulated such that when the laundry sanitizing composition is diluted with water at a ratio of 1 : 100 by volume, the resulting solution has a pH of about 6.5 or below, such as about 6 or below, about 5 or below, or about 4 or below. The pH in the diluted solution can be from about 1 to about 5. In one embodiment, the water in which the laundry sanitizing composition is diluted is hard water hard water having a concentration of about 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ . The pH of the resulting solution can be determined by any conventional means, for example using a pH meter with a pH electrode, suitably at room temperature. [0064] In some embodiments, certain organic acids, such as citric acid and oxalic acid, may not be suitable in certain amounts for use in the acidic buffer composition disclosed herein. For example, at certain pH ranges or at certain concentrations, citric acid and oxalic acid may fall out of solution causing undesirable precipitates. Accordingly, if used in the acidic buffer composition disclosed herein, citric acid and oxalic acid should be used in such amounts that preclude their precipitation either in the diluted wash water, diluted rinse water, or in the laundry sanitizing composition itself. Thus, in certain embodiments the acidic buffer composition may contain citric acid and/or oxalic acid in an amount that does not cause precipitation of these acids in solution, such as in total amounts of from about 3% to about 8% by weight. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may be substantially free of citric acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may be substantially free of oxalic acid.

[0065] In certain embodiments, government regulations may preclude or regulate the amount of certain organic acid compounds that may be included in the laundry sanitizing composition disclosed herein. Accordingly, in certain embodiments where the acidic buffer composition contains either phosphoric acid or etidronic acid, these acids may be included in amounts acceptable according to government regulatory restrictions.

[0066] ORGANIC ACID

[0067] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may further include an acid source in the form of an organic carboxylic acid or polycarboxylic acid. The organic acids preferably have equivalent weights that are less than or equal to about 80. Examples of organic acids that may be used herein include: adipic, aspartic, carboxymethyloxymalonic, carboxymethyloxysuccinic, citric, glutaric, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic, iminodiacetic, maleic, malic, malonic, oxydiacetic, oxydisuccinic, succinic, sulfamic, tartaric, tartaric-disuccinic, tartaric-monosuccinic.

In some embodiments, especially in embodiments where the laundry sanitizing composition is a laundry detergent composition, certain organic acids that can also serve as detergent builders, such as citric acid may be used. In some embodiments, one or more organic acids may be included in the acidic buffer composition.

However, in other embodiments, one or more organic acids may be included in the laundry sanitizing composition in addition to those present in the acidic buffer composition. The laundry sanitizing composition of the present disclosure may contain from about 0.1 to about 15%, by weight of the laundry sanitizing composition, of the organic acid source. In one embodiment the laundry sanitizing composition may contain from about 0.5 to about 10%, alternatively from about 1 to about 8%, by weight of the laundry sanitizing composition, of the organic acid source.

[0068] In some embodiments, certain organic acids, such as citric acid and oxalic acid, may not be suitable in certain amounts for use in the laundry sanitizing compositions disclosed herein. For example, at certain pH ranges, citric acid and oxalic acid may fall out of solution causing undesirable precipitates. Accordingly, if used in the laundry sanitizing compositions disclosed herein, citric acid and oxalic acid should be used in such amounts that preclude their precipitation either in the diluted wash water, diluted rinse water, or in the laundry sanitizing composition itself. Thus, in certain embodiments the laundry sanitizing composition may contain citric acid and/or oxalic acid in an amount that does not cause precipitation of these acids in solution. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may be substantially free of citric acid. In some embodiments, the acidic buffer composition may be substantially free of oxalic acid.

[0069] In certain embodiments, government regulations may preclude or regulate the amount of certain organic acid compounds that may be included in the laundry sanitizing composition disclosed herein. Accordingly, in certain embodiments where the laundry sanitizing composition contains either phosphoric acid or etidronic acid, these acids may be included in amounts acceptable according to government regulatory restrictions.

[0070] Reserve Acidity

[0071] As used herein “reserve acidity” refers to the grams of NaOH per 100 g of product required to attain a pH of 7.00. The reserve acidity measurement as used herein is based upon titration (at standard temperature and pressure) of a 1% product solution in distilled water to an end point of pH 7.00 using standardized NaOH solution. Without being limited by theory, the reserve acidity measurement is found to be the best measure of the acidifying power of a composition, or the ability of a composition to provide a target acidic wash pH when added at high dilution into realistic tap water (i.e., tap water that has alkalinity as opposed to pure or distilled water). The reserve acidity may be controlled by the level of formulated acidic buffer composition along with the neat product pH.

[0072] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions provided herein have a reserve acidity of at least 1.6, more preferably at least 2.0, most preferably at least 2.4. The reserve acidity is generally less than about 10, such as less than aboui ii such as less than about 4.

[0073] Composition pH

[0074] The pH of the laundry sanitizing composition (measured neat) will be preferably at least 2, more preferably at least 2.3, and most preferably at least 2.5. In some embodiments, the pH of the laundry sanitizing composition (measured neat) will be less than about 4, preferably less than about 3.5, more preferably less than about 3. In some embodiments, the pH of the laundry sanitizing composition is from about 2 to about 3. In certain embodiments where the laundry sanitizing composition is formulated in a detergent composition, the pH of the resulting detergent composition (measured neat) is from about 1 to about 5, such as from about 2 to about 4. The pH of the laundry sanitizing composition can be determined by any conventional means, for example using a pH meter with a pH electrode, suitably at room temperature. [0075] pH in Wash Water or Rinse Water

[0076] The laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure are capable of delivering a pH to the wash water (“wash water pH”), when the laundry sanitizing composition is added to the wash water (e.g., of a standard laundry washing machine) of less than 5, preferably less than 4. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure are capable of delivering a pH to the wash water when the laundry sanitizing composition is added to the wash water of from about 3 to 5. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure are capable of delivering a pH to the rinse water (“rinse water pH”), when the laundry sanitizing composition is added to the rinse water (e.g., of a standard laundry washing machine) of less than 5, preferably less than 4. In certain embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure are capable of delivering a pH to the rinse water when the laundry sanitizing composition is added to the rinse water of from about 3 to 5. In one embodiment, the wash water is hard water having a concentration of about 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ . In one embodiment, the rinse water is hard water having a concentration of about 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ . When the laundry sanitizing compositions of the present invention is added to the wash or rinse water, the resulting pH may be measured by any conventional means, for example using a pH meter with a pH electrode, suitably at room temperature.

[0077] In practical terms, the laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure are provided to the wash water or rinse water in a sufficient amount such that the wash water or rinse water contains from about 5000 - 10,000 ppm or 0.5 - 1.0 weight % of the laundry sanitizing composition.

[0078] SURFACTANT COMPONENT

[0079] The laundry sanitizing compositions may optionally comprise a surfactant component in an amount sufficient to provide desired cleaning properties. In certain embodiments, where the laundry sanitizing composition comprises a laundry detergent composition, additional surfactants may be present in the laundry detergent composition. For example, in some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition comprises, by weight of the composition, from about 0% - 25% of additional surfactants. The surfactant component may comprise, nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic and/or amphoteric surfactants. In a more specific embodiment, the surfactant component comprises, nonionic surfactant, or mixtures thereof.

[0080] The surfactant component of the present disclosure may be substantially free of alkyl ethoxylates (AES) and fatty carboxylates (fatty acids or salts).

[0081] Nonionic Surfactant

[0082] The laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure may contain a nonionic surfactant. In certain embodiments, where the laundry sanitizing composition is formulated as a laundry detergent composition, the laundry detergent composition may contain a nonionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition contains an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant. The compositions of the present disclosure may contain up to about 0% to about 25% by weight, of a nonionic surfactant.

[0083] Suitable nonionic surfactants useful herein can comprise any of the conventional nonionic surfactant types typically used in liquid and/or solid detergent products. These include alkoxylated fatty alcohols and amine oxide surfactants. Preferred for use in the liquid sanitizing products herein are those nonionic surfactants which are normally liquid.

[0084] Suitable nonionic surfactants for use herein include the alcohol alkoxylate nonionic surfactants. Alcohol alkoxylates are materials which correspond to the general formula: R ¹ (C _m H _2m O) _n OH wherein R ¹ is a C ₈ -C ₁₆ alkyl group, m is from 2 to 4, and n ranges from about 2 to 12. Preferably R ¹ is an alkyl group, which may be primary or secondary, that contains from about 9 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably from about 10 to 14 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the alkoxylated fatty alcohols will also be ethoxy lated materials that contain from about 2 to 12 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule, alternatively from about 3 to 10 ethylene oxide moieties per molecule.

[0085] The alkoxylated fatty alcohol materials useful in the laundry sanitizing compositions herein will frequently have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) which ranges from about 3 to 17. In one embodiment, the HLB of this material will range from about 6 to 15, alternatively from about 8 to 15. Alkoxylated fatty alcohol nonionic surfactants have been marketed under the tradenames Neodol and Dobanol by the Shell Chemical Company.

[0086] Another suitable type of nonionic surfactant useful herein comprises the amine oxide surfactants. Amine oxides are materials which are often referred to in the art as “semi-polar” nonionics. Amine oxides have the formula: R(E0) _x (PO) _y (BO) _z N(O)(CH ₂ R') ₂ .qH ₂ O. In this formula, R is a relatively long-chain hydrocarbyl moiety which can be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, and can contain from 8 to 20, in one embodiment from 10 to 16 carbon atoms, and is alternatively a C ₁₂ -C ₁₆ prlmary alkyl. R ¹ is a short-chain moiety, and may be selected from hydrogen, methyl and — CH ₂ OH. When x+y+z is different from 0, EO is ethyleneoxy, PO is propyleneneoxy and BO is butyleneoxy. Amine oxide surfactants are illustrated by C _12-14 alkyldimethyl amine oxide.

[0087] Non-limiting examples of nonionic surfactants useful herein include: a) C ₁₂ - C ₁₂ alkyl ethoxylates, such as, NEODOL® nonionic surfactants from Shell; b) C ₆ - C ₁₂ alkyl phenol alkoxylates wherein the alkoxylate units are a mixture of ethyleneoxy and propyleneoxy units; c) C ₁₂ -C _{1 8} alcohol and C ₆ -C ₁₂ alkyl phenol condensates with ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block polymers such as Pluronic® from BASF; d) C ₁₄ -C ₂₂ mid-chain branched alcohols, BA, as discussed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,150,322; e)

C ₁₄ -C ₂₂ mid-chain branched alkyl alkoxylates, BAE _X , wherein x 1-30, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,577, U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,303 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,856; f) Alkylpolysaccharides as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647 to Llenado, issued Jan. 26, 1986; specifically alkylpolyglycosides as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,780 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,779; g) Polyhydroxy fatty acid amides as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,528, WO 92/06162, WO 93/19146, WO 93/19038, and WO 94/09099; and h) ether capped poly(oxyalkylated) alcohol surfactants as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,994 and WO 01/42408.

[0088] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure are substantially free of certain nonionic surfactants, such as certain ethoxylated nonionic surfactants including linear alcohol ethoxylates and liner alkyl sulphonates. Indeed, the addition of certain ethoxylated nonionic surfactants was believed to be helpful in providing physical stability to the detergent product, i.e. preventing phase splits and precipitation. This was especially true of certain compositions that contained lower levels of anionic surfactant components. However, as provided herein, it was discovered that the use of certain nonionic surfactants, such as linear alcohol ethoxylates and linear alkyl sulphonates (e.g. linear alkyl benzene sulphonates), may interfere with the antimicrobial properties of the biocide agents provided herein. Accordingly, in certain embodiments where the biocide agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound, the laundry sanitizing composition is absent a sufficient amount of certain nonionic surfactants that may disable or interfere with the antimicrobial properties of certain quaternary ammonium compounds. In some embodiments, where the biocide agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound, the laundry sanitizing composition is absent a sufficient amount of linear alcohol ethoxylates to disable or interfere with the antimicrobial properties of the quaternary ammonium compound. In some embodiments, where the biocide agent comprises a quaternary ammonium compound, the laundry sanitizing composition is absent a sufficient amount of linear alkyl sulphonates to disable or interfere with the antimicrobial properties of the quaternary ammonium compound. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition may be substantially free of linear alcohol ethoxylates and linear alkyl benzene sulphonates. [0089] Amphoteric Surfactant

[0090] Non-limiting examples of ampholytic surfactants include, aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines, or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical can be straight- or branched-chain. One of the aliphatic substituents contains at least about 8 carbon atoms, typically from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and at least one contains a water-solubilizing group, e.g. carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,678 to Laughlin et al., issued Dec. 30, 1975 at column 19, lines 18-35, for examples of ampholytic surfactants.

[0091] Viscosity

[0092] The laundry sanitizing compositions of the present disclosure may have a viscosity in the range of from water thin (e.g. 1 mPa ·s) to about 12,000 mPa ·s (milli Pascal seconds), alternatively in the range of from about 150 to about 5,000 mPa ·s. The laundry sanitizing compositions herein may be in the form of a gel, pourable gels, non-pourable gels, liquid, or heavy-duty liquids.

[0093] “Gel” as used herein includes a shear thinning gel with a pouring viscosity in the range of from 1,000 to 5,000 mPa ·s, in one embodiment less than 3,000) mPa·s , alternatively less than 1,500 mPa ·s. Gels may include thick liquids. More generally, a thick liquid may be a Newtonian fluid, which does not change its viscosity with the change in flow condition, such as honey or syrup. This type of thick liquid is very difficult and messy to dispense. A different type of liquid gel is shear-thinning, i.e. it is thick under low shear (e.g., at rest) and thin at high flow rates. The rheology of shear-thinning gels is described in more detail in the literature, see for example WO 04\027010A1 Unilever.

[0094] Other compositions according to the present disclosure are pourable gels having a viscosity of at least 1,500 mPa ·s but no more than 6,000 mPa ·s, in one embodiment no more than 4,000 mPa ·s, alternatively no more than 3,000 mPa ·s, alternatively no more than 2,000 mPa ·s.

[0095] Yet other compositions according to the present disclosure are non-pourable gels having a viscosity of at least 6,000 mPa ·s but no more than 12,000 mPa ·s, in one embodiment no more than 10,000 mPa ·s, alternatively no more than 8,000 mPa ·s and especially no more than 7,000 mPa ·s. 00096] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions herein include heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents for use in the wash cycle of automatic washing- machines and liquid finewash and/or color care detergents; these suitably have the following rheological characteristics: viscosity of no more than 1,500 mPa ·s, in one embodiment no more than 1,000 mPa ·s, alternatively, no more than 500 mPa ··ss. Very suitable compositions have viscosity of from 150 to 400 mPa ·s and are either Newtonian or shear-thinning.

[0097] In these definitions and unless specifically indicated to the contrary, all stated viscosities are those measured at a shear rate of 21 s ^-1 and at a temperature of 25° C. Viscosity herein can be measured with any suitable viscosity-measuring instrument, e.g., a Cammed CSL2 Rheometer at a shear rate of 21 sec ^-1 .

[0098] Enzymes

[0099] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain suitable enzymes. In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may contain less than about 1 % of enzymes, alternatively, the compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of enzymes. As used herein “substantially free of enzymes” means that no enzymes are purposefully added to the formulation, but yet it is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that trace amounts of enzymes may be present as impurities in other additives.

[00100] Where the compositions herein do contain enzymes, the enzymes should be selected from those that are compatible with an acid environment, including proteases, amylases, and mixtures thereof. Examples of acid proteases include Promod® 24L, 144L and 671 L produced by Biocatalysts, and Protease A and Protease B produced by Amano and GC 106 and Fungal Acid Protease 500000 produced by Genencor. Other acid proteases are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,610 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,449. Amylases found to be functional under acidic washing conditions include Duramyl, Fungamyl and Natal ase produced by Novozymes. [00101] Fatty Acid Components

[00102] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain less than about 1% of fatty acid components, alternatively, the compositions of the present disclosure may be substantially free of fatty acid components. As used herein “substantially free of fatty acid components” means that no fatty acid components are purposefully added to the formulation, but yet it is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that trace amounts of fatty acid components may be present as impurities in other additives.

[00103] Examples of fatty acids include linear and branched, saturated and mono- and polyunsaturated carboxylic acids having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms and their salts.

[00104] Other Laundry Adjuncts

[00105] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain one or more additional laundry adjuncts such as dyes, hueing dyes, chelants, stabilizers, radical scavengers, perfumes, fluorescent whitening agents, suds-supressors, soil- suspension polymers, soil release polymers, dye-transfer inhibitors, fabric softening additives, rheology modifiers, and other polymers.

[00106] Dyes

[00107] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a dye to either provide a particular color to the composition itself (non-fabric substantive dyes) or to provide a hue to the fabric (hueing dyes). In one embodiment, the compositions of the present disclosure may contain from about 0.0001 to about 0.01% of a non-fabric substantive dye and/or a hueing dye.

[00108] Hueing Dye

[00109] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing compositions may include dyes or hueing dyes. Examples of hueing dyes useful herein include Basic Violet 3 (C1 42555) and Basic Violet 4 (C1 42600), both commercially available from Standard Dyes.

[00110] Bleaching Agent

[00111] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a bleaching agent.

In one embodiment, the compositions of the present disclosure may contain from about 0.10% to about 10%, by weight of the composition, of a bleaching agent. [00112] Bleaching agents useful herein include hydrogen peroxide or peroxyacids such as 6-phthalimidoperoxyhexanoic acid.

[00113] Chelants

[00114] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a chelant. Chelants useful herein include DTP A, HEDP, DTPMP, dipicolinic acid, and mixtures thereof. [00115] Radical Scavenger

[00116] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a radical scavenger which may be used with liquid hydrogen peroxide to provide stability. Radical scavengers useful herein include tri methoxyb enzoi c acid.

[00117] Perfumes

[00118] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain an acid-stable perfume.

[00119] Fluorescent Whitening Agent

[00120] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a fluorescent whitening agent. Fluorescent whitening agents useful herein include those that are compatible with an acidic environment such as Tinopal CBS-X.

[00121] Suds-Supressors

[00122] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a suds suppressor.

In one embodiment, the suds suppressor is a non-fatty acid suds suppressor. Examples of non-fatty acid suds supressors useful herein include silica/silicone type, silicone oil, branched alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

[00123] Soil Suspension Polymers

[00124] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a soil suspension polymer. In one embodiment, the soil suspension polymer is selected from PEI ethoxylates, HMD A diquate ethoxylates, sulfonated derivatives, hydrophobically modified copolymers. Particularly preferred are PEI with MW=182 and an average degree of ethoxylation=15, PEI with MW=600 and an average degree of ethoxylation=20, hexamethylenediamine dimethyquat with an average degree of ethoxylation=24, and hexamethylenediamine dimethyquat with an average degree of ethoxylation=24 (di sulfonated). Examples of hydrophobically modified copolymers useful herein include Acusol 480®, commercially available from Rohm and Haas and Alcosperse® 725 and 747, commercially available from Alco Chemical.

[00125] Soil Release Polymers

[00126] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a soil release polymer. In one embodiment, the soil release polymer is a PET alkoxylate short block copolymer.

[00127] Dye Transfer Inhibitors [00128] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a dye transfer inhibitor and/or a dye fixative. Examples of dye transfer inhibitors useful herein include polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide, copolymers of N-vinyl-

2-pyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole and mixtures thereof. Useful dye fixatives for this application are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,307.

[00129] Fabric Softening Additives

[00130] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a fabric softening additive. Examples of fabric softening additives useful herein include alkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, ester quaternary ammonium compounds, silicones, cationic silicones, and mixtures thereof.

[00131] Rheology Modifiers

[00132] The compositions of the present disclosure may contain a rheology modifier. Rheology modifiers useful herein include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, xanthan gum, gellan gum, guar gum and hydroxypropyl guar gum, succinoglycan, and trihydroxystearin. Particularly preferred are methylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose thickeners available under the Methocel© trade name from Dow Chemical. When used herein, the detergent compositions of the present disclosure contain from about 0.01 to about 1%, by weight of the composition, of a rheology modifier. In one embodiment, the compositions herein contain from about 0.02 to about 0.75%, alternatively from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, of the rheology modifier.

[00133] Pathogens

[00134] In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition provided herein eliminates from about 50% to about 100% of the pathogens present on fabric, such as soiled laundry. In some embodiments, the laundry sanitizing composition provided herein reduces the pathogenic load by eliminating of at least about 99.9% of the pathogens present on the fabrics. By “eliminating” is it understood and meant that the pathogens present are destroyed or have had their pathogenic threat destroyed or disabled. For example, elimination of pathogens may include disabling the ability of the pathogen to pose a pathogenic threat.

[00135] Methods [00136] Provided herein are methods of laundering fabrics to provide reduction of pathogens from the laundered fabrics, where the method includes: a) introducing a laundry sanitizing composition to a wash water in an amount sufficient to generate a pH of from about 3 to 6.5, such as from about 3 to 6, from about 3 to 5 or from about 3 to 4, in the wash water. In some embodiments, provided is a method of laundering fabrics to provide a reduction of pathogens from the laundered fabrics, wherein the method includes: a) introducing a laundry sanitizing composition to a rinse water in an amount sufficient to generate a pH of from about 3 to 6.5, such as from about 3 to 6, from about 3 to 5 or from about 3 to about 4, in the rinse water. The methods provided herein may further include providing a wash water or a rinse water. In some embodiments, the methods provided herein include providing a laundry sanitizing composition.

[00137] Provided herein is a method for disinfecting or laundering fabrics comprising: exposing the fabrics to a wash water or a rinse water, wherein the wash water or rinse water comprises a laundry sanitizing agent, wherein the laundry sanitizing agent contains one or more biocides and an acidic buffer system, wherein the wash water or rinse water has a pH of from about 3 to 6.5, such as from about 3 to 6, from about 3 to 5 or from about 3 to about 4.

[00138] In some embodiments, provided herein is a method for laundering fabrics comprising: placing the fabrics in a washing machine; running a laundry cycle on the fabrics in the washing machine, wherein the laundry cycle comprises a wash cycle having wash water and a rinse cycle having rinse water; providing a laundry sanitizing composition to the washing machine during either the wash cycle or rinse cycle, wherein the laundry sanitizing composition is provided in an amount sufficient to generate a pH of from about 3 to about 4 in the wash water or rinse water; and removing the fabrics from the washing machine upon completion of the laundry cycle. [00139] EXAMPLES [00140] EXAMPLE 1

[00141] Example 1 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa when exposed to didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC). The log reduction of P. aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureaus when exposed to DDAC were tested according to ASTM E2274-16 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants. The organisms selected were P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. The contact time was 15 minutes. The selected pH was 7 and the temperature was 20°C. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water). The selected ballast was 100% cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 3 : 1 (45 mL liquor to 15 g of ballast). The neutralizing broth was DE broth. [00142] FIG. 1 A illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa (shown on the vertical axis) as compared to the concentration in ppm of DDAC (shown on the horizontal axis). FIG. IB illustrates the log reduction of Staphylococcus aureus (shown on the vertical axis) as compared to the concentration of ppm of DDAC (shown on the horizontal asix). Comparing FIG. 1 A to IB, the required amount of DDAC to gain even a small log reduction against P. aeuguinosa is about ten (10) times the amount of DDAC required for the same log reduction against staphylococcus aureus. Accordingly, FIGs. 1 A and IB illustrate that certain gram negative bacteria, i.e. P. aeruginosa , may be the limiting organism in laundry hygiene tests.

[00143] EXAMPLE 2

[00144] The log reduction of P. aeruginosa when exposed to Bardac® 2080 at a concentration of 20 ppm, Bardac® 2080 at a concentration of 40 ppm, and Bardac® 2080 at a concentration of 80 ppm was tested according to ASTMEN1040:2005 - Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Qualitative suspension test for the evaluation of basic bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics.

[00145] The organism selected was P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442. The contact time was 5 minutes. The selected pH ranged from 3 to 11 and the temperature was 20°C. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water). The neutralizing broth was DE broth.

[00146] As shown in FIG. 2, the log reduction of P. aeruginosa for three separate compositions is shown ranging from a pH of 3 to pH of 11. As can be seen from FIG. , the log reduction for all sanitizing formulations is the highest at a pH level of 3 or 4 and log reduction of pathogenic bacteria begins to reduce at a pH of 5. Accordingly, Example 2 illustrates that gram negative bacteria are particularly susceptible to QAC disinfection at low pH, i.e. a pH below 4.

[00147] EXAMPLE 3

[00148] Example 3 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeurginosa when exposed to Bardac 2080 having a concentration in solution of 250 ppm. The log reduction of P. aeurginosa when exposed to Bardac 2080 at a pH of 7 and a pH of 3 was tested according to ASTM E2274-16 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants. The contact time was 15 minutes. The soiling medium was 0.3g/L of bovine serum albumin. The temperature was maintained at 20°C. The ballast selected was 100% Cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 10: 1 (150 mL liquor: 15g ballast). The neutralizing broth was DE broth. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water).

[00149] As shown in FIG. 3, the log reduction of P. aeurginosa was 0.57 at a pH of 7 versus 3.4 at a pH of 3. Accordingly, exposure of P. aeurginosa to Bardac® 2080 at a pH of 3 resulted in a 5 times greater log reduction of pathogenic bacteria as compared to exposure at a pH of 7.

[00150] EXAMPLE 4

[00151] Example 4 illustrates the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac® 2080 containing certain acidic buffer systems. Example 4 was tested according to ASTM E2274-16 -Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants. The contact time was 15 minutes. The oiling medium was 0.3g/L of bovine serum albumin. The temperature was maintained at 20°C. The ballast selected was 100% Cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 10: 1 (150 mL liquor: 15g ballast). The neutralizing broth was DE broth. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water).

[00152] Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac® 2080 containing certain acidic buffer systems. For example, the graph illustrates the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac 2080 (3%) (resulting pH of 7.234), Bardac 2080 (3%) (resulting pH of 6.498) with a (2%) glycine buffer, and Bardac 2080 (3%) (resulting pH of 3.812) with a buffer comprising glycine (3%) and Dequest 2010 (2.5%) comprising phosphorus (0.45g).

As shown, in FIG. 4, the log reduction of K. pneumoniae at a pH of 3.812 was much greater than the other buffer systems having a pH of 7.234 and 6.498, respectively.

[00153] EXAMPLE 5

[00154] Example 5 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeurginosa when exposed to Bardac 2080 or Bardac® 2240 (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) having a concentration in solution of 250 ppm. The log reduction of P. aeurginosa when exposed to Bardac® 2080 and Bardac® 2240 at a pH of 3 was tested according to ASTM E2274-16 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants. The contact time was 15 minutes. The soiling medium was 0.3g/L of bovine serum albumin. The temperature was maintained at 20°C. The ballast selected was 100% Cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 10: 1 (150 mL liquor: 15g ballast). The neutralizing broth was DE broth. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water).

[00155] FIG. 5 illustrates the log reduction of Bardac 2080 and Bardac 2240 at a pH of 3 using against P. aeruginosa.

[00156] EXAMPLE 6

[00157] Example 6 illustrates the amount of DDAC bound per gram of dry wipe (moles/g) as compared to pH. As shown in FIG. 6, lower pH reduces the binding of DDAC to cotton. For the wipes dosing liquor, Bardac 22 (didecyldimethylammonium chloride) (0.5%) was added to water along with lactic acid (0.45%). The pH was adjusted in increments of 1 from pH 2 - pH 7 using Sodium Hydroxide (1M) and Hydrochloric acid (1M). For the dosing liquor in the alkaline region, Bardac 22 (0.5%) was added to water along with triethanolamine (0.75%). The pH was adjusted in increments of 1 from pH 7 - pH 11 using Sodium Hydroxide (1M) and Hydrochloric acid (1M). The dosing liquor was evenly added to the dry wipe substrate using a pipette, at a liquor: wipe dosing weight ratio of 5:1. The dosed wipes were left for 48 hours in a sealed polypropylene bag. The liquor was squeezed from the wipes and the active level assayed using HPLC-ELSD.

[00158] EXAMPLE 7

[00159] Example 7 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeurginosa when exposed to Bardac 2080 and an acidic buffer composition. The acidic buffer compositions are as follows: (1) glycine (1.5%) & HC1 (2) sodium citrate (1%) and HC1, (3) sodium citrate (1.5%), ethanol, & HC1 (4) potassium phosphate (2%) & phosphoric acid. The composition containing Bardac 2080 and buffer compositions (1) to (4) respectively had the following pH:

(1) Pre-dilution = pH 2.51 Post-dilution = pH 3.16,

(2) Pre-dilution = pH 2.51 Post-dilution = pH 3.61,

(3) Pre-dilution = pH 2.47 Post-dilution = pH 3.39,

(4) Pre-dilution = pH 2.49 Post-dilution = pH 3.28.

For determining the pH post dilution, 100 mL of the respective composition was diluted in 12 L water which had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ and a pH of 7. The compositions were tested according to ASTM E2274-16 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants. The contact time was 15 minutes. The soiling medium was 0.3g/L of bovine serum albumin. The temperature was maintained at 20°C. The ballast selected was 100% Cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 10: 1 (150 mL liquor: 15g ballast). The neutralizing broth was DE broth. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water).

[00160] FIG. 7 illustrates the log reductions of P. aeurginosa ATCC 15442 when exposed to BARDAC 2080 at a concentration of 250 ppm with a variety of different acidic buffering systems.

[00161] EXAMPLE 8

[00162] Example 8 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa for different quaternary ammonium compound compositions at different pHs.

[00163] Table 1 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Barquat MS-100 (alkyl (C12-C14) dimethylbenzylammonium chloride).

Table 1

[00164] Table 2 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Bardap-26 (didecylmethylpoly(oxy ethyl) ammonium propionate).

[00165] Table 2

[00166] Table 3 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Bardac LF (dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride).

[00167] Table 3 [00168] Table 4 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Bardac 22 (didecyldimethylammonium chloride).

[00169] Table 4

[00170] Table 5 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Carboquat HE (didecyl dimethyl ammonium carbonate/bicarbonate).

[00171] Table 5

[00172] Table 6 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Barquat CT-35 (cetrimonium chloride). [00173] Table 6

[00174] Table 7 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Barquat PQ (poly(dimethylamine-co- epichlorohydrin).

[00175] Table 7

[00176] Table 8 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa at a pH of 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and at different ppm concentrations of Bardac 2080.

[00177] Table 8

[00178] EXAMPLE 9

[00179] Example 9 tested the log reduction of certain organisms, P. aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and K. pneumoniae ATCC 4352 according to ASTM E2406-16 “Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants”.

[00180] The cleaning process of the ballast before testing was as follows: 4 meters of cotton ballast was washed at 60°C for 1 hour and a half within the Wasacator (SDL Atlas), with continuous rinse, spin, and drain cycles to rid the fabric of any residue surfactants. The ballast was dried overnight and made into spindels having a weight of 15g each.

[00181] Sample formulations tested included Bardac 2080 as the biocide agent and glycine or lactic acid as the acidic buffer. The tested formulations are shown in Table 9 below.

[00182] Table 9

[00183] Fig. 8 illustrates the log reduction of the tested formulation against each of S. aureus , P. aeruginosa , and K. pneumoniae. The log reduction for each formulation is shown in Table 10 below. [00184] Table 10

[00185] Example 10

[00186] Example 10 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa when exposed to certain concentrations of QAC based disinfectant and Imbentin (Polyethylene glycol alkyl-(Cl 1-C15) ether), i.e. a nonionic surfactant. Samples were prepared according to Table 11 below. In samples 1 to 5, 1 wt% QAC disinfectant concentration was diluted to yield 2000 ppm active QAC. Table 11 also illustrates the log reduction for each of the compositions and the results for log reduction oiP. aeruginosa. As shown, Imbentin reduced the log reduction average when added to the tested samples.

[00187] Example 10 was conducted according to EN 13697 (2015) - Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics, Quantitative non-porous surface test for the evaluation of bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic, and institution areas.

[00188] Table 11

[00189] FIG. 9 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa when exposed to the sample formulations comprising a QAC based disinfectant provided in Table 11. The QAC based disinfectant used comprises a mixture of benzalkonium chloride (benzyl- Ci2-i6-alkyldimethyl chloride) and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (di-C ₈ - ₁₀ - alkyldimethyl chloride). As shown, Imbentin reduced the average log reduction for the P. aeruginosa species when added to the tested samples.

[00190] Example 11

[00191] Example 11 illustrates the log reduction of P. aeruginosa when exposed to BARDAP 26 (didecylmethylpoly(oxyethyl) ammonium propionate), BARQUAT PQ (poly(dimethylamine-co-epichlorohydrin), BARDAC 2080 (mixed dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), and BARDAC 2240 (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) at a concentration of 250 ppm. The above samples were tested according to ASTM Test E2274-16.

[00192] Four meters of cotton ballast was washed at 60°C for one hour and a half within the Wasacator (SDL Atlas), of continuous rinse, spin and drain cycles to rid of any residual surfactants. The ballast dried out over night and made into spindles (15g). The swatch drying time was 10 minutes, the soil load was 0.3 g/L bovine albumin serum. The contact time was 15 minutes and the temperature was 20°C. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm calcium carbonate. The ballast selected was 100 % cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 10:1. The neutralizing broth was DE broth. This example was conducted similar to the test procedures described above with respect to Example No. 3. As shown in Fig. 10, the log reduction of P. aeruginosa was 2.45 for bar BARDAP 26, 0.58 for BARQUAT PQ, 3.40 for BARDAC 2080, and 3.87 for BARDAC 2240. The tests were conducted at a pH of 3. [00193] Example 12

[00194] Example 12 illustrates the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed compositions comprising Bardac® 2080 alone or in combination with and an acidic buffer system comprising tartaric acid as shown in Table 12. The pH of the compositions (pH pre-dilution) was adjusted using HC1 or NaOH to the target pH (measured with a pH electrode). For determining the pH post dilution, 100 mL of the respective composition was diluted in 12 L water which had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ and a pH of 7.

Table 12

The compositions were tested according to ASTM E2406-16 -Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants for Else in High Efficiency Washing Operations. The contact time was 16 minutes. There was no soiling medium used. The temperature was maintained at 20°C. The ballast selected was 100% Cotton and the liquor to ballast ratio was 4: 1 (60 mL liquor: 15g ballast). The neutralizing broth was DE broth. The water had a concentration of 375 ppm C _a CO ₃ (hard water). As shown in Table 12 and FIG. 11, the log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac® 2080 without tartaric acid was 2.01. The log reduction of K. pneumoniae when exposed to Bardac 2080 with an acidic buffer comprising tartaric acid was significantly increased resulting in a log reduction of from 3.40 to 4.57. The highest log reduction of K. pneumoniae was observed for the composition comprising 2.4% Bardac® 2080 with 5% tartaric acid which had a pre-dilution pH of 2.49.

[00195] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.