[0001] This invention relates generally to cleaning carpets and the like, and more particularly,
to compositions which sanitize such carpets.
[0002] As used herein, the term "volatile" means materials that tend to pass into the vapor
state at conditions prevalent in human occupied facilities (room temperature (15°-30°C)
and prevalent atmospheric pressure).
[0003] As used herein, the term "sanitize" or "sanitized" means a 99.9% reduction of test
bacteria over a scrubbed control as described in DIS/TSS-8, dated February 6, 1979,
of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as modified April 13, 1981,
and May 27, 1981.
[0004] A major concern in the care of carpeting, besides basic cleanliness, is reducing
microbial contaminants to safe levels (sanitizing) as determined by public health
requirements. This is especially important in hospital and other health care facilities
where the presence of unwanted bacteria may be detrimental to the health of convalescing
patients. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined efficacy
data requirements for products bearing label claims for effectiveness as carpet sanitizers.
These requirements are outlined in DIS/TSS-8, noted above.
[0005] While a number of materials may provide appropriate sanitizing efficacy, another
important concern which these materials do not address is the presence of dirt-attracting
residues. Such residues allow carpet to rather quickly become unsanitary because of
the soil and bacteria which is attracted by the residue.
[0006] Sanitizing liquid carpet shampoos are known from, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,490,270
to Hackett et al. This patent discloses an aqueous solution for use in cleaning and
sanitizing carpets and the like, consisting of surfactant, inorganic phosphate, glutaraldehyde,
solvent and brightener.
[0007] The use of peroxide compounds for sterilization is known. U.S. Patent No. 3,904,361
to Egger discloses the sterilization of packaging material by applying a film of sterilizing
liquid which may include hydrogen peroxide. U.S. Patent No. 4,512,951 to Koubek discloses
a method for sterilizing medical articles by vapor penetration and direct liquid sterilant
contact in which the vapor mixture includes hydrogen peroxide. U.S. Patent No. 4,557,898
to Greene et al. discloses an aqueous acidic disinfecting and sterilizing composition
which contains hydrogen peroxide claimed to be useful for disinfecting and sterilizing
metal, ceramic and plastic surfaces. U.S. Patent No. 4,943,414 to Jacobs et al. discloses
a method and device for vapor sterilizing the lumen of medical instruments and the
like. The liquid sterilant solution may contain hydrogen peroxide.
[0008] The use of peroxide containing solutions as in the treatment of fibrous articles
is known. U.S. Patent No. 3,607,760 to McIntyre discloses a solution, dilute in hydrogen
peroxide, for removing pet stains from carpeting. U.S. Patent No. 4,347,149 and U.S.
Patent No. 4,497,725, both to Smith et al., disclose a laundry bleaching composition
which contains hydrogen peroxide. The patent discloses that when used as a bleaching
composition, the solution is quite dilute. Incidentally, these patents also disclose
that the bleaching agent may be used as a hard surface cleaner.
[0009] A carpet spot remover is known from co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos.
07/462,919, filed January 8, 1990, and 07/650,353, filed February 4, 1991, which have
a similar or identical formula to the present invention. The use of that spot remover
as a general cleaner on an entire installation of carpet or as a sanitizer is not
knob
[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides a two-part aqueous solution composition
for use in cleaning and sanitizing carpets and the like that consists essentially
of (in percents by weight), a first part comprising from about 3 to about 15 percent
peroxide, and the balance water; and a second part comprising optionally up to about
5% of volatile ammoniated substance, up to about 60% volatile wetting agent, and the
balance water.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention provides A method for sanitizing carpet
and the like comprising (a) treating the carpet with an aqueous solution consisting
essentially of in parts by weight of the total composition from about 3 to about 15
percent peroxide, up to 30% volatile wetting agent, optionally, a volatile ammoniated
substance, and the balance water, said treating in an amount sufficient to comply
with the Efficacy Data Requirements known as DIS/TSS-8, and (b) allowing the carpet
to dry without deposition of a residue from the solution.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved carpet sanitizing
composition.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method for sanitizing
carpets and the like.
[0014] Related objects and advantages will be apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the
art to which the invention pertains after reading the following description of the
invention.
[0015] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions
of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language describes the
same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention
is thereby intended, and that such alterations and further modifications, and such
further applications of the principles of the invention as discussed are contemplated
as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention
pertains.
[0016] The present invention involves carpet sanitizing compositions and methods which comply
with the EPA efficacy requirements for such. These compositions are essentially volatile
so that, after sanitizing, there remains substantially no residue to harbor bacteria.
In general, the compositions may contain peroxide, a volatile wetting agent, and an
ammoniated substance.
[0017] The aqueous shampoo compositions of the present invention are mixtures of ingredients
so that the solution applied to carpet has between about 3% and about 15% of a peroxide.
Perferably, the composition contains up to 30% of a volatile wetting agent. Optionally,
the composition may contain ammonia or other volatile ammoniated compounds.
[0018] Peroxides that are useful in the present invention include hydrogen peroxide or any
compound which, in aqueous composition, yields hydrogen peroxide and is volatile so
that it does not leave a residue. The preferred oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide.
[0019] Ammoniated substances useful in the present invention should be volatile under the
conditions found in standard hospital and health care facilities. These substances
include ammonia and tetrabutyl ammonia hydroxide, as well as certain other ammoniated
substances. The suggested amounts of ammonia and other volatile ammoniated compounds
should be within the range of about .1% to 5%.
[0020] Wetting agents useful in the present invention should be volatile as well. Generally,
preferable wetting agents are miscible with water and organically based. Especially
preferred are wetting agents that also have sanitizing ability. Two classes of useful
wetting agents are glycols and lower aliphatic alcohols. Exemplary alcohols include
water soluble alcohols containing up to 5 carbon atoms, such as methyl alcohol, ethyl
alcohol, N-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol.
The presently preferred alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. Exemplary glycols include glycerol,
ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and trimethylene glycol. Mixtures of these alcohols
and glycols are included, too. The suggested amounts of wetting agent should be no
more than 30%.
[0021] A first embodiment of the present invention is a two-part composition. The first
part is an aqueous peroxide solution, and the second part is an aqueous solution containing
a volatile wetting agent that is a sanitizer and, optionally, an ammoniated substance.
The two parts are mixed prior to use to give a desired final concentration having
between about 3% and about 15% peroxide.
[0022] The first part preferably contains between about 5% and 29% hydrogen peroxide, with
the balance being deionized water. Preferably, the second part contains up to 60%
volatile wetting agent, particularly about 4% wetting agent, the balance being water
and, optionally, up to about 10% of volatile ammoniated substance.
[0023] The two-part system of the invention is preferably mixed just prior to application
to greatly enhance the final composition stability. This two-part system is quite
stable and does not require stabilizers. The parts are mixed to obtain, after mixture,
about 3%-15% peroxide (preferably about 10%), up to about 30% wetting agent (preferably
about 2%), and about 0.1% to 5% ammoniated substance.
[0024] The two parts may be provided in a number of ways. For example, the parts may be
provided in two separate containers and mixed in equal parts (or as required to obtain
the desired final formulation) in a third container soon before use. The mixture is
then applied to the stained material according to the method described below. Alternatively,
the two parts may be supplied in a single partitioned container where the partition
prevents the parts from mingling prior to use. This type of container may be fitted
with a spray nozzle which draws from each part and mixes the parts in the spray. Advantageously,
this type of nozzle is provided with one-way valves to prevent the mixed solution
from flowing back into the receptacles. Also, the two parts can be separately sprayed
in appropriate volumes directly onto the stain.
[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention is an aqueous solution sanitizing composition.
This composition contains from about 3% to about 15% peroxide, up to about 30% of
a volatile wetting agent and, optionally, an ammoniated substance and, preferably,
the balance water.
[0026] A third embodiment of the present invention involves a method of sanitizing using
the sanitizing compositions above. This method includes applying the aqueous sanitizing
compositions to carpet and the like to be sanitized. Since the components are all
volatile, they do not leave a residue on the carpet, which would attract dirt and
bacteria Therefore, the carpet remains sanitized for a long period of time. Advantageously,
in applying the sanitizer of the invention according to this method, standard carpet
cleaning equipment which first applies the sanitizer and then suctions as much of
the aqueous composition into a reservoir for disposal is preferable.
[0027] The sanitizer destroys substantially all bacteria and then evaporates without leaving
a residue. After the treated carpet is allowed to air dry, i.e. dry under ambient
conditions, it may be extracted with hot water to remove the dead bacteria.
[0028] In general, the present invention is useful on any synthetic fiber carpet or the
like or natural fiber which is not alkaline sensitive. Examples of such fibers include
those made from synthetic thermoplastic polymers which are capable of being formed
into fibers, such as by melt extrusion, including polyolefins, for example, homopolymers
of olefins such as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene,
and the like. Copolymers of olefins with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers
such as ethylenepropylene copolymers and ethylenebutene copolymers and the like find
particular application with the present invention.
[0029] Fibers made from polyamides also find particular application with the present invention.
Examples of such polyamides include homopolyamides and copolyamides which are obtained
by the polymerization of lactam of aminocaprionic acid or a copolymerization product
from mixtures of diamines together with dicarboxylic acids or mixtures of lactams.
[0030] Typical polyamides include nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 6,10, nylon 6,12, nylon 11,
nylon 12, copolymers thereof, or mixtures thereof. Polyamides can also be copolymers
of nylon 6 or nylon 6,6 and a nylon salt obtained by reacting a dicarboxylic acid
component such as terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, adipic acid, or sebacic add
with a diamine such as hexamethylenediamine or 1,4-bisaminomethylcyclohexane.
[0031] Fibers made from polyester also find particular application with the present invention.
The preferred polyesters are the linear terephthalate polyesters, i.e., polyesters
of a glycol containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and a dicarboxylic acid comprising
at least about 75% terephthalic acid. The remainder, if any, of the dicarboxylic component
may be any suitable dicarboxylic acid, such as sebacic acid, adipic acid, isophthalic
acid, sulfonyl-1, 4-4-dibenzoic acid, or 2,8-dibenzofurandicarboxylic acid. Examples
of linear terephthalate polyesters which may be employed include poly(ethylene terephthalate),
poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene terephthalate/5-chloroisophthalate), poly(ethylene
terephthalate), poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene terephthalate/5-chloroisophthalate),
poly(ethylene terephthalate/5-[sodium sulfo]-isophthalate), and poly(cyclohexane-1,4-dimethylene
terephthalate/hexahydroterephthalate).
[0032] The present invention is also useful with fibers made from polyacrylonitrile homopolymers
and copolymers.
[0033] The invention will be described by reference to the following detailed examples.
The Examples are set forth by way of illustration, and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention. In the examples, all parts are part by weight unless otherwise
specified.
EXAMPLES
[0034] In the following examples, test carpets used are as follows:
Sample A is nylon 6 bulked continuous filament level loop at 29.1 ounces per square
yard (1180 g/m²) with a pile height of .156" (0.40 cm) and a density of 6727 ounces
per cubic yard (111.5 kg/m³).
Sample B is nylon 6 spun yarn cut pile at 28.0 ounces per square yard (1135 g/m²)
with a pile height of 0.187" (0.47 cm) and a density of 5400 ounces per cubic yard
(89.5 kg/m³).
Sample C is polypropylene bulked continuous filament cut pile at a weight at 10.86
ounces per square yard (440 g/m²) with a pile height of .25" (0.635 cm) and a density
of 1562 ounces per cubic yard (25.9 kg/m³).
Preparation of Sanitizer According to the Present Invention:
[0035]
Part A: An aqueous solution is prepared containing 18.8% hydrogen peroxide and 81.2% deionized
water.
Part B: An aqueous solution is prepared containing 1.3% saturated ammonia solution, 4.0%
isopropanol and 94.7% deionized water.
[0036] Test Solution (Sanitizer): Part A and Part B were mixed in equal parts to give a
solution having 9.8% hydrogen peroxide, 0.6% saturated ammonia, 2.0% isopropanol and
87.6% deionized water.
Procedure
[0037] Twelve 2 x 2 inch (5.08 cm x 5.08 cm) squares are cut from each test type A, B and
C. The 2" x 2" (5.08 cm x 5.08 cm) squares are sterilized using steam in an autoclave
at 121°C and 15 psig (103.4 KPa). Achievement of the sterilization temperature is
confirmed using a thermometer and sterile tape. The sterile tape turns from white
to black when the autoclave reaches a correct sterilization temperature. Each Test
Bacteria (Pseudomonas Aeroginosa, Staphylococcus Aureus, Enterbacter Aerogenes) is
inoculated on four test squares of each carpet type. Two of these squares are sanitized
and two are controls. The carpet containing the test bacteria is dried for 60 minutes
at 35°C.
[0038] The Test Solution is prepared. The Test Solution is sprayed on the carpet at a rate
of thirty milliliters per seventy-two square inches.
[0039] As a control, sterile water containing 0.01% isooctylphenoxy-polyethoxyethanol is
applied in the same manner to 4 additional squares of each carpet type.
[0040] All test squares and controls remain at room temperature for 60 minutes. The test
bacteria is extracted from each carpet square in neutralizer broth containing 1% of
a suitable defoaming agent (Pluronic 25R2). Plate counts are performed in serial dilutions
in neutralizer plate count agar. Results are as follows (average of two). The range
represents the largest count per sample less the smallest count per sample.
TEST BACTERIA: PSEUDOMONAS AEROGINOSA |
Sample ID |
Standard Plate Count ("SPC")* |
Range |
Control Carpet Sample A |
1,970,000 |
3,140,000 |
Control Carpet Sample B |
4,850,000 |
1,500,000 |
Control Carpet Sample C |
4,175,000 |
3,050,000 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample A |
<1 |
<1 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample B |
<1 |
<1 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample C |
<1 |
<1 |
* per ml of extraction fluid |
[0041]
TEST BACTERIA: STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS |
Sample ID |
Standard Plate Count* |
Range |
Control Carpet Sample A |
6,996,000 |
3,110,000 |
Control Carpet Sample B |
763,000 |
124,000 |
Control Carpet Sample C |
6,500,000 |
5,000,000 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample A |
<1 |
<1 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample B |
<1 |
<1 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample C |
<1 |
<1 |
* per ml of extraction fluid |
[0042]
TEST BACTERIA: ENTERBACTER AEROGENES |
Sample ID |
Standard Plate Count* |
Range |
Control Carpet Sample A |
5,865,000 |
1,270,000 |
Control Carpet Sample B |
2,915,000 |
770,000 |
Control Carpet Sample C |
5,200,000 |
1,200,000 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample A |
<1 |
<1 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample B |
<1 |
<1 |
Sanitized Carpet Sample C |
<1 |
<1 |
* per ml of extraction fluid |
[0043] The Test Solution shows a nearly 100% reduction in bacterial growth of all three
species inoculated onto three test carpets (A, B, and C) as described in the introduction.
This meets the performance requirements set forth by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency in accordance with test procedure DIS/TSS-8 developed and used by
the EPA.
[0044] Although certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been herein described
for illustrative purposes, it will be appreciated that various modifications and innovations
of the procedures recited may be effected without departure from the basic principles
which underlie the invention. Changes of this type are therefore deemed to lie within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
1. A two-part aqueous solution composition for use in cleaning and sanitizing carpets
and the like that consists essentially of (in percents by weight):
a first part comprising from about 5 to about 29 percent peroxide, and the balance
water; and
a second part comprising optionally up to about 10% of volatile ammoniated substance,
up to about 60% volatile wetting agent, and the balance water, said solution being
substantially completely volatile.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said volatile wetting agent is selected from the
group of methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butyl
alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene
glycol, and mixtures thereof.
3. An aqueous solution composition for use in cleaning and sanitizing carpets and the
like that consists essentially of (in percents by weight of the total composition
weight):
from about 3 to about 15 percent peroxide;
up to about 30 percent of volatile wetting agent;
optionally, up to about 5% of a volatile ammoniated substance; and
the balance water,
said solution being substantially completely volatile.
4. The composition of claim 3 wherein said volatile wetting agent is selected from the
group of methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butyl
alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene
glycol, and mixtures thereof.
5. The composition of claim 1 containing about 10% hydrogen peroxide, about 2% isopropanol
and about 1% saturated ammonia.
6. A method for sanitizing carpet and the like comprising:
(a) treating the carpet with an aqueous solution consisting essentially of in parts
by weight of the total composition from about 3 to about 15 percent peroxide, up to
30% volatile wetting agent, optionally, up to 5% of a volatile ammoniated substance,
and the balance water, said treating in an amount sufficient to comply with the Efficacy
Data Requirements known as DIS/TSS-8; and
(b) allowing the carpet to dry without deposition of a residue from the solution.
7. The method of sanitizing carpet and the like according to claim 6 wherein the peroxide
is hydrogen peroxide present as about 10%.
8. The method of sanitizing carpet and the like according to claim 6 wherein the volatile
wetting agent is present as about 2%, and is selected from the group of methyl alcohol,
ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, tert-butyl
alcohol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, and mixtures
thereof.
9. The method of sanitizing carpet and the like according to claim 6 and further comprising
the step of (c) extracting the dried carpet with hot water.