LIQUID HAND DISHWASHING CLEANING COMPOSITION

Abstract

 The need for a liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition which reduces or even prevents malodour from the degradation of organic residues, including certain cooking oils, in sponges and other cleaning implements after repeated use, while also providing improved removal of stains, such as coffee, tea and wine stains, is met when the liquid hand dishwashing composition is formulated with a hydroxypyrone, as described herein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Liquid detergent compositions for use in manual dishwashing applications have to be able to clean a variety of soils from dishes and tableware, and to be highly sudsing. Typically, cleaning implements such as sponges, cloths, and the like are used during the cleaning of dishes and tableware. As such, there is often a build-up of organic residues such as oils and other food residues on such implements. Some organic residues, such as certain cooking oils, form compounds such as 3-methyl fatty acids which photo-oxidise to form volatile compounds which give a malodourous impression to some individuals. As such, the biodegradation of such organic residues can leave cleaning implements, such as sponges and the like, smelly after repeated use.

[0003] Moreover, as producers use increasing amounts of biodegradable ingredients when formulating their detergent compositions, there is a risk that some of these ingredients can also biodegrade to form such compounds that give rise to a malodour impression.

[0004] In addition, while certain stains like liquid oil stains are relatively easy to remove using surfactant alone, other stains such as coloured stains are hard to remove without bleaching (including such as coffee, tea and wine). Such stains typically require excessive scrubbing to remove from dishware.

[0005] As such, a need remains for a liquid detergent composition that reduces or even prevents malodour smells due to biodegradation of organic residues and especially cooking oils in the cleaning implement, while also providing improved removal of stains, such stains such as coffee, tea and wine stains.

[0006] WO2013181150A relates to acidic destaining compositions for removing hard water and metal stains, the composition comprises an acid in combination with a reducing agent and may preferably be formulated as a solid. WO2015091124A relates to the use of bis-pyranonylmethanes in washing and cleaning agents for improving the washing or cleaning performance with respect to bleachable stains. WO2019145158A relates to the use of substituted bis-4H-pyranonyl compounds in which the 4H-pyranonyl units are combined with heteroalkyl groups, in detergents and cleaning agents, for improving detergent or cleaning performance with respect to bleachable stains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition comprising: from 5.0% to 50% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant system, and at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition of ahydroxypyrone selected from a hydroxypyrone of formula I, formula II, and mixtures thereof:

wherein in formula I and formula II, R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from: H, OH, C1-C8 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; C1-C8 alkyl ether or derivatives thereof; C1-C8 alkyl alkoxylated ether or derivatives thereof; aryl or derivatives thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It has been found that formulating liquid detergent compositions using a hydroxypyrone, as described herein, can lead to a reduction in malodour in cleaning implements, such as sponges, due to the biodegradation of organic residues accumulating in the cleaning implement. In addition, the hydroxypyrones described herein can also prevent malodour arising from the degradation of some biodegradable ingredients when formulated into liquid detergent compositions.

[0009] In addition, some stains (such as coffee, tea and wine) which are hard to remove without bleaching comprise an organic ligand molecule which is stabilized by a metal ion. The hydroxypyrones of use in the present compositions have been found to be particularly effective at removing such metal ions, leading to improved removal of such stains.

[0010] As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

[0011] The term "comprising" as used herein means that steps and ingredients other than those specifically mentioned can be added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

[0012] The term "dishware" as used herein includes cookware and tableware made from, by non-limiting examples, ceramic, china, metal, glass, plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.) and wood.

[0013] The term "grease" or "greasy" as used herein means materials comprising at least in part (i.e., at least 0.5 wt% by weight of the grease in the material) saturated and unsaturated fats and oils, preferably oils and fats derived from animal sources such as beef, pig and/or chicken.

[0014] The terms "include", "includes" and "including" are meant to be non-limiting.

[0015] The term "particulate soils" as used herein means inorganic and especially organic, solid soil particles, especially food particles, such as for non-limiting examples: finely divided elemental carbon, baked grease particle, and meat particles.

[0016] The term "sudsing profile" as used herein refers to the properties of a cleaning composition relating to suds character during the dishwashing process. The term "sudsing profile" of a cleaning composition includes initial suds volume generated upon dissolving and agitation, typically manual agitation, of the cleaning composition in the aqueous washing solution, and the retention of the suds during the dishwashing process. Preferably, hand dishwashing cleaning compositions characterized as having "good sudsing profile" tend to have high initial suds volume and/or sustained suds volume, particularly during a substantial portion of or for the entire manual dishwashing process. This is important as the consumer uses high suds as an indicator that enough cleaning composition has been dosed. Moreover, the consumer also uses the sustained suds volume as an indicator that enough active cleaning ingredients (e.g., surfactants) are present, even towards the end of the dishwashing process. The consumer usually renews the washing solution when the sudsing subsides. Thus, a low sudsing cleaning composition will tend to be replaced by the consumer more frequently than is necessary because of the low sudsing level.

[0017] It is understood that the test methods that are disclosed in the Test Methods Section of the present application must be used to determine the respective values of the parameters of Applicants' inventions as described and claimed herein.

[0018] All percentages are by weight of the total composition, as evident by the context, unless specifically stated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unless specifically stated otherwise, and all measurements are made at 25°C, unless otherwise designated.

Cleaning Composition

[0019] The cleaning composition is a hand dishwashing cleaning composition in liquid form. The cleaning composition is preferably an aqueous cleaning composition. As such, the composition can comprise from 50% to 85%, preferably from 50% to 75%, by weight of the total composition of water.

[0020] The liquid cleaning composition has a pH of from 7.0 to 12.0, preferably from 7.5 to 11.0, more preferably from 8.0 to 10.0, measured as a 10% aqueous solution in demineralized water at 20 degrees °C.

[0021] When the pH exceeds a pH of 7.0, the reserve alkalinity can be from 0.1 to 1.0, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.5. Reserve alkalinity is herein expressed as grams of NaOH/100 ml of composition required to titrate product from a pH 7.0 to the pH of the finished composition. This pH and reserve alkalinity further contribute to the cleaning of tough food soils.

[0022] The composition of the present invention can be Newtonian or non-Newtonian, preferably Newtonian. Preferably, the composition has a viscosity of from 10 mPa·s to 10,000 mPa·s, preferably from 100 mPa·s to 5,000 mPa·s, more preferably from 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, or most preferably from 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s, alternatively combinations thereof. The viscosity is measured at 20°C with a Brookfield RT Viscometer using spindle 31 with the RPM of the viscometer adjusted to achieve a torque of between 40% and 60%.

Surfactant System

[0023] The cleaning composition comprises from 5.0% to 50%, preferably from 6.0% to 40%, most preferably from 15% to 35%, by weight of the total composition of a surfactant system.

Anionic surfactant

[0024] The surfactant system comprises an anionic surfactant. The surfactant system can comprise at least 50%, preferably from 60% to 90%, more preferably from 65% to 85% by weight of the surfactant system of the anionic surfactant. The surfactant system is preferably free of fatty acid or salt thereof, since such fatty acids impede the generation of suds.

[0025] The anionic surfactant can comprise at least 70%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably 100% by weight of the anionic surfactant of alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

[0026] The mol average alkyl chain length of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant can be from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 14, more preferably from 12 to 14, most preferably from 12 to 13 carbon atoms, in order to provide a combination of improved grease removal and enhanced speed of cleaning.

[0027] The alkyl chain of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant can have a mol fraction of C12 and C13 chains of at least 50%, preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%. Suds mileage is particularly improved, especially in the presence of greasy soils, when the C13/C12 mol ratio of the alkyl chain is at least 57/43, preferably from 60/40 to 90/10, more preferably from 60/40 to 80/20, most preferably from 60/40 to 70/30, while not compromising suds mileage in the presence of particulate soils.

[0028] The relative molar amounts of C13 and C12 alkyl chains in the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant can be derived from the carbon chain length distribution of the anionic surfactant. The carbon chain length distribution of the alkyl chains of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactants can be obtained from the technical data sheets from the suppliers for the surfactant or constituent alkyl alcohol. Alternatively, the chain length distribution and average molecular weight of the fatty alcohols, used to make the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant, can also be determined by methods known in the art. Such methods include capillary gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection on medium polar capillary column, using hexane as the solvent. The chain length distribution is based on the starting alcohol and alkoxylated alcohol. As such, the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant should be hydrolysed back to the corresponding alkyl alcohol and alkyl alkoxylated alcohol before analysis, for instance using hydrochloric acid.

[0029] The alkyl sulphate surfactant can be alkoxylated or free of alkoxylation. When alkoxylated, the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant can have an average degree of alkoxylation of less than 3.5, preferably from 0.3 to 2.0, more preferably from 0.5 to 0.9, in order to improve low temperature physical stability and improve suds mileage of the compositions of the present invention. When alkoxylated, ethoxylation is preferred.

[0030] The average degree of alkoxylation is the mol average degree of alkoxylation (i.e., mol average alkoxylation degree) of all the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant. Hence, when calculating the mol average alkoxylation degree, the mols of non-alkoxylated sulphate anionic surfactant are included:

wherein x1, x2, ... are the number of moles of each alkyl (or alkoxy) sulphate anionic surfactant of the mixture and alkoxylation degree is the number of alkoxy groups in each alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

Preferred alkyl alkoxy sulphates are alkyl ethoxy sulphates

[0031] The alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant can have a weight average degree of branching of more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 30%, even more preferably between 30% and 60%, most preferably between 30% and 50%.

[0032] The alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant can comprise at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, most preferably at least 25%, by weight of the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant, of branching on the C2 position (as measured counting carbon atoms from the sulphate group for non-alkoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactants, and the counting from the alkoxy-group furthest from the sulphate group for alkoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactants). More preferably, greater than 75%, even more preferably greater than 90%, by weight of the total branched alkyl content consists of C1-C5 alkyl moiety, preferably C1-C2 alkyl moiety. It has been found that formulating the inventive compositions using alkyl sulphate surfactants having the aforementioned degree of branching results in improved low temperature stability. Such compositions require less solvent in order to achieve good physical stability at low temperatures. As such, the compositions can comprise lower levels of organic solvent, of less than 5.0% by weight of the cleaning composition of organic solvent, while still having improved low temperature stability. Higher surfactant branching also provides faster initial suds generation, but typically less suds mileage. The weight average branching, described herein, has been found to provide improved low temperature stability, initial foam generation and suds longevity.

[0033] The weight average degree of branching for an anionic surfactant mixture can be calculated using the following formula:

wherein x1, x2, ... are the weight in grams of each alcohol in the total alcohol mixture of the alcohols which were used as starting material before (alkoxylation and) sulphation to produce the alkyl (alkoxy) sulphate anionic surfactant. In the weight average degree of branching calculation, the weight of the alkyl alcohol used to form the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant which is not branched is included.

[0034] The weight average degree of branching and the distribution of branching can typically be obtained from the technical data sheet for the surfactant or constituent alkyl alcohol. Alternatively, the branching can also be determined through analytical methods known in the art, including capillary gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection on medium polar capillary column, using hexane as the solvent. The weight average degree of branching and the distribution of branching is based on the starting alcohol used to produce the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

[0035] Suitable counterions include alkali metal cation earth alkali metal cation, alkanolammonium or ammonium or substituted ammonium, but preferably sodium.

[0036] Suitable examples of commercially available alkyl sulphate anionic surfactants include, those derived from alcohols sold under the Neodol^® brand-name by Shell, or the Lial^®, Isalchem^®, and Safol^® brand-names by Sasol, or some of the natural alcohols produced by The Procter & Gamble Chemicals company. The alcohols can be blended in order to achieve the desired mol fraction of C12 and C13 chains and the desired C13/C12 ratio, based on the relative fractions of C13 and C12 within the starting alcohols, as obtained from the technical data sheets from the suppliers or from analysis using methods known in the art.

[0037] The performance can be affected by the width of the alkoxylation distribution of the alkoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant, including grease cleaning, sudsing, low temperature stability and viscosity of the finished product. The alkoxylation distribution, including its broadness can be varied through the selection of catalyst and process conditions when making the alkoxylated alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

[0038] If ethoxylated alkyl sulphate is present, without wishing to be bound by theory, through tight control of processing conditions and feedstock material compositions, both during alkoxylation especially ethoxylation and sulphation steps, the amount of 1,4-dioxane by-product within alkoxylated especially ethoxylated alkyl sulphates can be reduced. Based on recent advances in technology, a further reduction of 1,4-dioxane by-product can be achieved by subsequent stripping, distillation, evaporation, centrifugation, microwave irradiation, molecular sieving or catalytic or enzymatic degradation steps. Processes to control 1,4-dioxane content within alkoxylated/ethoxylated alkyl sulphates have been described extensively in the art. Alternatively 1,4-dioxane level control within detergent formulations has also been described in the art through addition of 1,4-dioxane inhibitors to 1,4-dioxane comprising formulations, such as 5,6-dihydro-3-(4-morpholinyl)-1-[4-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-phenyl]-2-(1-H)-pyridone, 3-α-hydroxy-7-oxo stereoisomer-mixtures of cholinic acid, 3-(N- methyl amino)-L-alanine, and mixtures thereof.

[0039] The surfactant system may comprise further anionic surfactant, including sulphonate anionic surfactants such as HLAS, or sulphosuccinate anionic surfactants. However, the composition preferably comprises less than 30%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10% by weight of the surfactant system of further anionic surfactant. Most preferably, the surfactant system comprises no further anionic surfactant, other than the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

Co-Surfactant

[0040] In order to improve surfactant packing after dilution and hence improve suds mileage, the surfactant system can comprise a co-surfactant. The co-surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of an amphoteric surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant and mixtures thereof.

[0041] The alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant to the co-surfactant weight ratio can be from 1:1 to 8:1, preferably from 2:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2.5:1 to 4:1.

[0042] The composition preferably comprises from 0.1% to 20%, more preferably from 0.5% to 15% and especially from 2% to 10% by weight of the cleaning composition of the co-surfactant.

[0043] The surfactant system of the cleaning composition of the present invention preferably comprises up to 50%, preferably from 10% to 40%, more preferably from 15% to 35%, by weight of the surfactant system of a co-surfactant.

[0044] The co-surfactant is preferably an amphoteric surfactant, more preferably an amine oxide surfactant.

[0045] The amine oxide surfactant can be linear or branched, though linear are preferred. Suitable linear amine oxides are typically water-soluble, and characterized by the formula R1 - N(R2)(R3) O wherein R1 is a C8-18 alkyl, and the R2 and R3 moieties are selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl groups, C1-3 hydroxyalkyl groups, and mixtures thereof. For instance, R2 and R3 can be selected from the group consisting of: methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and 3-hydroxypropyl, and mixtures thereof, though methyl is preferred for one or both of R2 and R3. The linear amine oxide surfactants in particular may include linear C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and linear C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides.

[0046] Preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide, and mixtures thereof. Alkyl dimethyl amine oxides are particularly preferred, such as C8-18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, or C10-16 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides (such as coco dimethyl amine oxide). Suitable alkyl dimethyl amine oxides include C10 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, C10-12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, and mixtures thereof. C12-C14 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide are particularly preferred.

[0047] Alternative suitable amine oxide surfactants include mid-branched amine oxide surfactants. As used herein, "mid-branched" means that the amine oxide has one alkyl moiety having n1 carbon atoms with one alkyl branch on the alkyl moiety having n2 carbon atoms. The alkyl branch is located on the α carbon from the nitrogen on the alkyl moiety. This type of branching for the amine oxide is also known in the art as an internal amine oxide. The total sum of n1 and n2 can be from 10 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 20, and more preferably from 10 to 16. The number of carbon atoms for the one alkyl moiety (n1) is preferably the same or similar to the number of carbon atoms as the one alkyl branch (n2) such that the one alkyl moiety and the one alkyl branch are symmetric. As used herein "symmetric" means that | n1 - n2 | is less than or equal to 5, preferably 4, most preferably from 0 to 4 carbon atoms in at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 75 wt% to 100 wt% of the mid-branched amine oxides for use herein. The amine oxide further comprises two moieties, independently selected from a C1-3 alkyl, a C1-3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an average of from about 1 to about 3 ethylene oxide groups. Preferably, the two moieties are selected from a C1-3 alkyl, more preferably both are selected as C1 alkyl.

[0048] Alternatively, the amine oxide surfactant can be a mixture of amine oxides comprising a mixture of low-cut amine oxide and mid-cut amine oxide. The amine oxide of the composition of the invention can then comprises:

a) from about 10% to about 45% by weight of the amine oxide of low-cut amine oxide of formula R1R2R3AO wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls or mixtures thereof, and R3 is selected from C10 alkyls and mixtures thereof; and

b) from 55% to 90% by weight of the amine oxide of mid-cut amine oxide of formula R4R5R6AO wherein R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls or mixtures thereof, and R6 is selected from C12-C16 alkyls or mixtures thereof

[0049] In a preferred low-cut amine oxide for use herein R3 is n-decyl, with preferably both R1 and R2 being methyl. In the mid-cut amine oxide of formula R4R5R6AO, R4 and R5 are preferably both methyl.

[0050] Preferably, the amine oxide comprises less than about 5%, more preferably less than 3%, by weight of the amine oxide of an amine oxide of formula R7R8R9AO wherein R7 and R8 are selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls and mixtures thereof and wherein R9 is selected from C8 alkyls and mixtures thereof. Limiting the amount of amine oxides of formula R7R8R9AO improves both physical stability and suds mileage.

[0051] Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include betaine surfactants. Such betaine surfactants includes alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaine, amidazoliniumbetaine, sulphobetaine (INCI Sultaines) as well as the phosphobetaine, and preferably meets formula (I):

         R¹-[CO-X(CH₂)_n]_x-N⁺(R²)(R₃)-(CH₂)_m-[CH(OH)-CH₂]_y-Y^-

Wherein in formula (I),
R1 is selected from the group consisting of: a saturated or unsaturated C6-22 alkyl residue, preferably C8-18 alkyl residue, more preferably a saturated C10-16 alkyl residue, most preferably a saturated C12-14 alkyl residue;
X is selected from the group consisting of: NH, NR4 wherein R4 is a C1-4 alkyl residue, O, and S,
n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, more preferably 3,
x is 0 or 1, preferably 1,
R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of: a C1-4 alkyl residue, hydroxy substituted such as a hydroxyethyl, and mixtures thereof, preferably both R2 and R3 are methyl,
m is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 1, 2 or 3,
y is 0 or 1, and
Y is selected from the group consisting of: COO, SO3, OPO(OR5)O or P(O)(OR5)O, wherein R5 is H or a C1-4 alkyl residue.

[0052] Preferred betaines are the alkyl betaines of formula (Ia), the alkyl amido propyl betaine of formula (Ib), the sulphobetaine of formula (Ic) and the amido sulphobetaine of formula (Id):

         R¹-N⁺(CH₃)₂-CH₂COO^-     (IIa)

         R¹-CO-NH-(CH₂)₃-N⁺(CH₃)₂-CH₂COO^-     (IIb)

         R¹-N⁺(CH₃)₂-CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃^-     (IIc)

         R¹-CO-NH-(CH₂)₃-N⁺(CH₃)₂-CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃^-     (IId)

in which R1 has the same meaning as in formula (I). Particularly preferred are the carbobetaines [i.e. wherein Y-=COO- in formula (I)] of formulae (Ia) and (Ib), more preferred are the alkylamidobetaine of formula (Ib).

[0053] Suitable betaines can be selected from the group consisting or [designated in accordance with INCI]: capryl/capramidopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, cetyl amidopropyl betaine, cocamidoethyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaines, decyl betaine, decyl amidopropyl betaine, hydrogenated tallow betaine / amidopropyl betaine, isostearamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, oleamidopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, palmamidopropyl betaine, palmitamidopropyl betaine, palm-kernelamidopropyl betaine, stearamidopropyl betaine, stearyl betaine, tallowamidopropyl betaine, tallow betaine, undecylenamidopropyl betaine, undecyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Preferred betaines are selected from the group consisting of: cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaines, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Cocamidopropyl betaine is particularly preferred.

Nonionic Surfactant:

[0054] The surfactant system can further comprise a nonionic surfactant. Suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

Alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactant:

[0055] Preferably, the surfactant system of the composition of the present invention further comprises from 1% to 25%, preferably from 1.25% to 20%, more preferably from 1.5% to 15%, most preferably from 1.5% to 5%, by weight of the surfactant system, of an alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant.

[0056] Preferably, the alkoxylated alcohol non-ionic surfactant is a linear or branched, primary or secondary alkyl alkoxylated non-ionic surfactant, preferably an alkyl ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant, preferably comprising on average from 9 to 15, preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms in its alkyl chain and on average from 5 to 12, preferably from 6 to 10, most preferably from 7 to 8, units of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

Alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactant:

[0057] The compositions of the present invention can comprise alkyl polyglucoside ("APG") surfactant. The addition of alkyl polyglucoside surfactants has been found to improve sudsing beyond that of comparative nonionic surfactants such as alkyl ethoxylated nonionic surfactants. If present, the alkyl polyglucoside can be present in the surfactant system at a level of from 0.5% to 20%, preferably from 0.75% to 15%, more preferably from 1% to 10%, most preferably from 1% to 5% by weight of the surfactant composition. Preferably the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant is a C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside surfactant, preferably a C8-C14 alkyl polyglucoside surfactant. The alkyl polyglucoside preferably has an average degree of polymerization of between 0.1 and 3, more preferably between 0.5 and 2.5, even more preferably between 1 and 2. Most preferably, the alkyl polyglucoside surfactant has an average alkyl carbon chain length between 10 and 16, preferably between 10 and 14, most preferably between 12 and 14, with an average degree of polymerization of between 0.5 and 2.5 preferably between 1 and 2, most preferably between 1.2 and 1.6.

[0058] C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides are commercially available from several suppliers (e.g., Simusol^® surfactants from Seppic Corporation; and Glucopon^® 600 CSUP, Glucopon^® 650 EC, Glucopon^® 600 CSUP/MB, and Glucopon^® 650 EC/MB, from BASF Corporation).

Hydroxypyrone:

[0059] The liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition comprises at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition of a hydroxypyrone. The hydroxypyrone is preferably present at a level of from 0.01% to 5.0%, more preferably from 0.05% to 2.5%, and most preferably from 0.1% to 1.0%, by weight of the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition.

[0060] Pyrones, also called pyranones, are a class of heterocyclic compounds which contain an unsaturated six-membered ring containing one oxygen atom and a ketone functional group. Hydroxypyrones according to the invention have a hydroxy group neighbouring the ketone functional group.

[0061] It is believed that having neighbouring hydroxy and ketone functional groups improves the ability of the hydroxypyrone to prevent the formation of malodourous volatiles from the biodegradation of organic residues such as cooking oils. It is believed that such hydroxypyrones are able to provide alternative pathways for the degradation of 3-methyl fatty acids and similar compounds, which do not give rise to malodourous volatiles.

[0062] Moreover, the hydroxypyrones improve the chelation of metal ions present in hard to remove coloured stains such as coffee, tea and wine stains, especially when used in alkaline compositions. The improved chelation of such metal ions in these stains has been found to improve the removal of the stains from the treated surface.

[0063] Suitable hydroxypyrones are selected from hydroxypyrones of formula I, formula II, and mixtures thereof:

wherein in formula I and formula II, R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from: H, OH, C1 to C8 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; C1 to C8 alkyl ether or derivatives thereof; C1 to C8 alkyl alkoxylated ether or derivatives thereof; aryl or derivatives thereof.

[0064] Suitable derivatives of C1 to C8 alkyls/alkenyls, C1 to C8 alkyl ethers, and C1 to C8 alkyl alkoxylated ethers can comprise amino-groups or hydroxyl groups, with hydroxyl groups being preferred, if present.

[0065] Suitable derivatives of aryls include hydroxybenzyl (phenyl), 1,2-dihydroxybenzyl, and 1,3- dihydroxybenzyl, with 1,2-dihydroxybenzyl being preferred. Preferably the aryl group is bound to the hydroxypyrone group at the 3 or 4 carbon position of the aryl group. The aryl group can be bound the hydroxypyrone group by a linking group, such as a C1 to C6 alkyl. If present, C1 to C2 alkyl groups are preferred as linking groups, with no linking group being preferred. That is, the aryl group is bound directly to the hydroxypyrone group.

[0066] In the hydroxypyrone:

R1 can be selected from the group consisting of: H, OH, and C1 to C6 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; preferably H and OH, more preferably H. If R1 is an alkyl/alkenyl, the alkyl/alkenyl preferably is a C1 to C3 alkyl/alkylene, more preferably C1 to C3 alkyl. Suitable derivatives of alkyls/alkenyls are hydroxyl and/or amino-substituted alkyls/alkenyls, with hydroxyl-substituted alkyls/alkenyls being preferred and hydroxyl-substituted alkyls being most preferred.

R2 can be selected from the group consisting of: H, OH, and C1 to C6 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; preferably H and C1 to C6 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof, more preferably H. If R2 is an alkyl/alkenyl, the alkyl/alkenyl preferably is a C1 to C3 alkyl/alkylene, more preferably C1 to C3 alkyl. Suitable derivatives of alkyls/alkenyls are hydroxyl and/or amino-substituted alkyls/alkenyls, with hydroxyl-substituted alkyls/alkenyls being preferred and hydroxyl-substituted alkyls being most preferred.

R3 can be selected from H, C1 to C6 alky/alkenyl or derivatives thereof, aryl or derivatives thereof, preferably C1 to C6 alkyl, more preferably wherein R3 is a C1 to C2 alkyl or derivatives thereof, most preferably an unsubstituted C1 to C2 alkyl chain. Suitable derivatives of alkyls/alkenyls are hydroxyl and/or amino-substituted alkyls/alkenyls, with hydroxyl-substituted alkyls/alkenyls being preferred and hydroxyl-substituted alkyls being most preferred. Suitable derivatives of aryls include hydroxybenzyl (phenyl), 1,2-dihydroxybenzyl, 1,3- dihydroxybenzyl, with 1,2-dihydroxybenzyl being preferred. If R3 is an aryl, the aryl group can be bound to the hydroxypyrone group by a linking group, such as a C1 to C6 alkyl. If present, C1 to C2 alkyl groups are preferred as linking groups, with no linking group being preferred. That is, the aryl group is bound directly to the hydroxypyrone group.

[0067] The. hydroxypyrone is preferably a hydroxypyrone of formula (I), more preferably the hydroxypyrone is selected from 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (maltol), 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one (2-ethylmaltol), and mixtures thereof, most preferably the hydroxypyrone is 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one (2-ethylmaltol).

[0068] Other suitable hydroxypyrones include:





6-alkoxylated-2-ethylmaltol (6-alkoxylated-2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one),
wherein AO stand for alkoxy, preferably ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, and mixtures thereof, preferably ethoxy, and n = 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 5 more preferably 1 to 3, with R being H or C1-C6 alkyl, preferably H or CH3

[0069] Suitable hydroxypyrone compounds according to the invention, such as maltol and 2-ethylmaltol, are commercially available from Sigma Aldrich.

Further ingredients:

[0070] The composition can comprise further ingredients such as those selected from: amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, cyclic polyamines, triblock copolymers, inorganic mono-, di- or trivalent salts, hydrotropes, organic solvents, other adjunct ingredients such as those described herein, and mixtures thereof.

Amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine:

[0071] The composition of the present invention may further comprise from 0.05% to 2%, preferably from 0.07% to 1% by weight of the total composition of an amphiphilic polymer. Suitable amphiphilic polymers can be selected from the group consisting of: amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine and mixtures thereof. The amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimine polymer has been found to improve grease removal.

[0072] A preferred amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer has the general structure of formula (I):

wherein the polyethyleneimine backbone has a weight average molecular weight of 600, n of formula (I) has an average of 10, m of formula (I) has an average of 7 and R of formula (I) is selected from hydrogen, a C₁-C₄ alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The degree of permanent quaternization of formula (I) may be from 0% to 22% of the polyethyleneimine backbone nitrogen atoms. The molecular weight of this amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer preferably is between 10,000 and 15,000 Da.

[0073] More preferably, the amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer has the general structure of formula (I) but wherein the polyethyleneimine backbone has a weight average molecular weight of 600 Da, n of Formula (I) has an average of 24, m of Formula (I) has an average of 16 and R of Formula (I) is selected from hydrogen, a C1-C4 alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The degree of permanent quaternization of Formula (I) may be from 0% to 22% of the polyethyleneimine backbone nitrogen atoms and is preferably 0%. The molecular weight of this amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer preferably is between 25,000 and 30,000, most preferably 28,000 Da.

[0074] The amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymers can be made by the methods described in more detail in PCT Publication No. WO 2007/135645.

Cyclic Polyamine

[0075] The composition can comprise a cyclic polyamine having amine functionalities that helps cleaning. The composition of the invention preferably comprises from 0.1% to 3%, more preferably from 0.2% to 2%, and especially from 0.5% to 1%, by weight of the composition, of the cyclic polyamine.

[0076] The cyclic polyamine has at least two primary amine functionalities. The primary amines can be in any position in the cyclic amine but it has been found that in terms of grease cleaning, better performance is obtained when the primary amines are in positions 1,3. It has also been found that cyclic amines in which one of the substituents is -CH3 and the rest are H provided for improved grease cleaning performance.

[0077] Accordingly, the most preferred cyclic polyamine for use with the cleaning composition of the present invention are cyclic polyamine selected from the group consisting of: 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine, 4-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine and mixtures thereof. These specific cyclic polyamines work to improve suds and grease cleaning profile through-out the dishwashing process when formulated together with the surfactant system of the composition of the present invention.

[0078] Suitable cyclic polyamines can be supplied by BASF, under the Baxxodur tradename, with Baxxodur ECX-210 being particularly preferred.

[0079] A combination of the cyclic polyamine and magnesium sulphate is particularly preferred. As such, the composition can further comprise magnesium sulphate at a level of from 0.001 % to 2.0 %, preferably from 0.005 % to 1.0 %, more preferably from 0.01 % to 0.5 % by weight of the composition.

Triblock Copolymer

[0080] The composition of the invention can comprise a triblock copolymer. The triblock co-polymers can be present at a level of from 0.1% to 10%, preferably from 0.5% to 7.5%, more preferably from 1% to 5%, by weight of the total composition. Suitable triblock copolymers include alkylene oxide triblock co-polymers, defined as a triblock co-polymer having alkylene oxide moieties according to Formula (I): (EO)x(PO)y(EO)x, wherein EO represents ethylene oxide, and each x represents the number of EO units within the EO block. Each x can independently be on average of from 5 to 50, preferably from 10 to 40, more preferably from 10 to 30. Preferably x is the same for both EO blocks, wherein the "same" means that the x between the two EO blocks varies within a maximum 2 units, preferably within a maximum of 1 unit, more preferably both x's are the same number of units. PO represents propylene oxide, and y represents the number of PO units in the PO block. Each y can on average be from between 28 to 60, preferably from 30 to 55, more preferably from 30 to 48.

[0081] Preferably the triblock co-polymer has a ratio of y to each x of from 3:1 to 2:1. The triblock co-polymer preferably has a ratio of y to the average x of 2 EO blocks of from 3:1 to 2:1. Preferably the triblock co-polymer has an average weight percentage of total EO of between 30% and 50% by weight of the tri-block co-polymer. Preferably the triblock co-polymer has an average weight percentage of total PO of between 50% and 70% by weight of the triblock co-polymer. It is understood that the average total weight % of EO and PO for the triblock co-polymer adds up to 100%. The triblock co-polymer can have an average molecular weight of between 2060 and 7880, preferably between 2620 and 6710, more preferably between 2620 and 5430, most preferably between 2800 and 4700. Average molecular weight is determined using a 1H NMR spectroscopy (see Thermo scientific application note No. AN52907).

[0082] Triblock co-polymers have the basic structure ABA, wherein A and B are different homopolymeric and/or monomeric units. In this case A is ethylene oxide (EO) and B is propylene oxide (PO). Those skilled in the art will recognize the phrase "block copolymers" is synonymous with this definition of "block polymers".

[0083] Triblock co-polymers according to Formula (I) with the specific EO/PO/EO arrangement and respective homopolymeric lengths have been found to enhance suds mileage performance of the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition in the presence of greasy soils and/or suds consistency throughout dilution in the wash process.

[0084] Suitable EO-PO-EO triblock co-polymers are commercially available from BASF such as Pluronic^® PE series, and from the Dow Chemical Company such as Tergitol^™ L series. Particularly preferred triblock co-polymer from BASF are sold under the tradenames Pluronic^® PE6400 (MW ca 2900, ca 40wt% EO) and Pluronic^® PE 9400 (MW ca 4600, 40 wt% EO). Particularly preferred triblock co-polymer from the Dow Chemical Company is sold under the tradename Tergitol^™ L64 (MW ca 2700, ca 40 wt% EO).

[0085] Preferred triblock co-polymers are readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.

[0086] The composition of the present invention may further comprise at least one active selected from the group consisting of: salt, hydrotrope, organic solvent, and mixtures thereof.

Salt:

[0087] The composition of the present invention may comprise from 0.05% to 2%, preferably from 0.1% to 1.5%, or more preferably from 0.5% to 1%, by weight of the total composition of a salt, preferably a monovalent or divalent inorganic salt, or a mixture thereof, more preferably selected from: sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, and mixtures thereof. Sodium chloride is most preferred.

Hydrotrope:

[0088] The composition of the present invention may comprise from 0.1% to 10%, or preferably from 0.5% to 10%, or more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the total composition of a hydrotrope or a mixture thereof, preferably sodium cumene sulphonate.

Organic Solvent:

[0089] The composition can comprise from 0.1% to 10%, or preferably from 0.5% to 10%, or more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the total composition of an organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents include organic solvents selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof, preferably alcohols, glycols, and mixtures thereof. Ethanol is the preferred alcohol. Polyalkyleneglycols, especially polypropyleneglycol (PPG), are the preferred glycol. The polypropyleneglycol can have a molecular weight of from 400 to 3000, preferably from 600 to 1500, more preferably from 700 to 1300. The polypropyleneglycol is preferably poly-1,2-propyleneglycol.

Adjunct Ingredients

[0090] The cleaning composition may optionally comprise a number of other adjunct ingredients such as builders (preferably citrate), further chelants, conditioning polymers, other cleaning polymers, surface modifying polymers, structurants, emollients, humectants, skin rejuvenating actives, enzymes, carboxylic acids, scrubbing particles, perfumes, malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, pearlescent particles, inorganic cations such as alkaline earth metals such as Ca/Mg-ions, antibacterial agents, preservatives, antioxidants, viscosity adjusters (e.g., salt such as NaCl, and other mono-, di- and trivalent salts) and pH adjusters and buffering means (e.g. carboxylic acids such as citric acid, HCl, NaOH, KOH, alkanolamines, carbonates such as sodium carbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, and alike).

[0091] If present, the composition comprises from 0.01% to 2.0%, preferably from 0.05% to 1.5%, or more preferably from 0.1% to 1.0%, by weight of alkaline earth metal ions, with magnesium and/or calcium ions being particularly preferred. Low levels of transition metal ions can also be present in the liquid detergent composition, such as up to 1.0%, or up to 0.5% by weight of the composition.

Method of Washing

[0092] The invention is further directed to a method of manually washing dishware with the composition of the present invention. The method comprises the steps of delivering a composition of the present invention to a volume of water to form a wash solution and immersing the dishware in the solution. The dishware is be cleaned with the composition in the presence of water. The dishware can be rinsed. By "rinsing", it is meant herein contacting the dishware cleaned with the process according to the present invention with substantial quantities of appropriate solvent, typically water. By "substantial quantities", it is meant usually about 1 to about 20 L, or under running water.

[0093] The composition herein can be applied in its diluted form. Soiled dishware are contacted with an effective amount, typically from about 0.5 mL to about 20 mL (per about 25 dishes being treated), preferably from about 3 mL to about 10 mL, of the cleaning composition, preferably in liquid form, of the present invention diluted in water. The actual amount of cleaning composition used will be based on the judgment of the user, and will typically depend upon factors such as the particular product formulation of the cleaning composition, including the concentration of active ingredients in the cleaning composition, the number of soiled dishes to be cleaned, the degree of soiling on the dishes, and the like. Generally, from about 0.01 mL to about 150 mL, preferably from about 3 mL to about 40 mL of a cleaning composition of the invention is combined with from about 2,000 mL to about 20,000 mL, more typically from about 5,000 mL to about 15,000 mL of water in a sink. The soiled dishware is immersed in the sink containing the diluted cleaning compositions then obtained, before contacting the soiled surface of the dishware with a cloth, sponge, or similar cleaning implement. The cloth, sponge, or similar cleaning implement may be immersed in the cleaning composition and water mixture prior to being contacted with the dishware, and is typically contacted with the dishware for a period of time ranged from about 1 to about 10 seconds, although the actual time will vary with each application and user. The contacting of cloth, sponge, or similar cleaning implement to the dishware is accompanied by a concurrent scrubbing of the dishware.

[0094] Preferably, the composition is applied in its neat form to the dish to be treated. By "in its neat form", it is meant herein that said composition is applied directly onto the surface to be treated, or onto a cleaning device or implement such as a brush, a sponge, a nonwoven material, or a woven material, without undergoing any significant dilution by the user (immediately) prior to application. Application using a sponge is preferred. "In its neat form", also includes slight dilutions, for instance, arising from the presence of water on the cleaning device, or the addition of water by the consumer to remove the remaining quantities of the composition from a bottle. Therefore, the composition in its neat form includes mixtures having the composition and water at ratios ranging from 50:50 to 100:0, preferably 70:30 to 100:0, more preferably 80:20 to 100:0, even more preferably 90:10 to 100:0 depending on the user habits and the cleaning task.

TEST METHODS

A) pH:

[0095] The pH is measured as a 10% aqueous solution in demineralized water at 20 °C.

B) Reserve alkalinity:

[0096] Reserve alkalinity is defined as the grams of NaOH per 100 g of composition required to titrate the test composition at pH 7.0 to come to the test composition pH. The reserve alkalinity for a solution is determined in the following manner.

[0097] A pH meter (for example an Orion Model 720A) with an Ag/AgCl electrode (for example an Orion sure flow Electrode model 9172BN) is calibrated using standardized pH 7 and pH 10 buffers. A 100g of a 10% solution in distilled water at 20°C of the composition to be tested is prepared. The pH of the 10% solution is measured and the 100g solution is titrated down to pH 10 using a standardized solution of 0.1 N of HCl. The volume of 0.1N HCl required is recorded in ml. The reserve alkalinity is calculated as follows:

EXAMPLES

[0098] Inventive example 1 and comparative example A were prepared through mixing of the individual raw materials in a batch process. The liquid hand dishwashing composition of inventive example 1 differed single variably from comparative example A by comprising a hydroxypyrone (2-ethylmaltol):

Table 1: Inventive (example 1) and Comparative example (Example A):

Wt% (100% active basis)	Ex 1 (Inventive)	Ex A (Comparative)
C12-13 EO0.6 Sulphate (33.4% branching)	13.5	13.5
C12-14 dimethyl amine oxide	3.6	3.6
Sodium chloride	0.9	0.9
1,2-polypropylene glycol (MW 2000)	0.3	0.3
Alkoxylated polyethyleneimine1	0.2	0.2
2-ethylmaltol	0.5	0
Water and minors (perfume, dye, ...)	to 100	to 100
pH (10% aqueous solution - via NaOH trimming)	9.0	9.0

1 600 g/mol weight average molecular weight polyethylenimine substituted with 24 ethoxylate groups and 16 propoxylate groups per -NH, supplied by BASF

[0099] The impact of 2-ethylmaltol, a hydroxypyrone technology according to the invention, to reduce malodor build-up in a dishwashing sponge has been tested within real life used consumer sponges through analytical measurements of 3-methyl fatty acid, a typical malodor compound developing in dishwashing sponges over time.

[0100] Four users were given new dishwashing sponges (Scotch Brite, made by 3M, as commercially available in North America) and the hand dishwashing composition of comparative example A (not comprising a hydroxypyrone), to be used together for one week. The same users were then given new sponges and the hand dishwashing composition of inventive example 1 (comprising the hydroxypyrone) for use during a subsequent week.

[0101] The sponges were collected after the usage period and stored at 4 °C until they could be analysed. The used sponges were then analysed for 3-methyloctanoic acid which is known for creating a malodour impression amongst users.

[0102] The 3-methyl fatty acid compound was extracted from the used sponges using the following procedure:
A 25.4 mm x 25.4 mm (1 x 1 inch) piece was cut from the body of the sponge using sterile scissors. Each sponge section was then placed into 50 ml conical tubes (purchased from Chrom Tech, Apple Valley, MN, USA), the conical tubes containing an integrated 0.45 µM filter (purchased from VWR, Radnor, PA, USA) which held the sponge section off the bottom of the tube. 5 mL of sterile saline was added to the sponge sections which were then spun at 3500 RPM for 5 min (using a model 5804 centrifuge purchased from Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany). After centrifugation the liquid collected in the conical tube was further filtered through a separate 0.45 µM filter and the filtered supernatant was stored at -20°C.

[0103] An Agilent 7890 GC system connected to an Agilent 7010B triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with a DB-WAX Ultra Inert Column (30 m length 0.25 mm i.d., 0.25mm film thickness) purchased from Agilent Technologies (Santa Clara, CA, USA), was used for the analysis.

[0104] A 10µg/mL ISTD (internal standard) spiking solution of valproic acid-d6 was prepared by diluting 50µL of the valproic acid-d6 solution (1mg/mL in methanol) into 5mL of methanol. A stock solution of 3-methyloctanoic acid is prepared at 100µg/mL in a solution of 10% Dawn hand dishwashing liquid (North American retail product) in water. Standards were prepared using 0.1µg/mL to 2.0µg/mL from this stock solution. All the materials used for preparation of the standards were purchased Sigma-Aldrich St. Louis, MO, USA.

[0105] 500µL aliquots of the standards and samples were spiked with 40µL of formic acid, 25µL of the ISTD spiking solution and mixed gently. A liquid-liquid extraction using methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE, HPLC Plus grade) was then performed by addition of 500µL MTBE, mixing thoroughly and then centrifuging. An aliquot of the MTBE layer was then transferred for injection via GC-MS/MS. Linear calibration curves were built for the target analyte (3-methyloctanoic acid) using the peak area ratios.

[0106] The column temperature was initially held at 120°C for 1 minute, then ramped at 20°C/min to 240°C then 40°C/min to 260°C and held at 260°C for 5 minutes. 1µL of each test solution was injected with a 20:1 split ratio, with helium carrier gas at 1.2mL/min. Ion source, inlet and transfer line temperatures were set at 230°C, 250°C and 250°C respectively. The MS was operated in MRM mode, with collision energy and transitions optimized using Agilent MassHunter Optimizer for GC-TQ. Two MRM transitions (quantifier and qualifier), were extrapolated and optimized for each target. The resultant parameters are given in Table 1 below:

Table 2: GC-MS/MS parameters for quantifier ions

	Precursor ion (m/z)	Collision energy (eV)	Product ion (m/z)
Valproic acid-d6	105	5	73
3-methyloctanoic acid	60	12	42

[0107] The amount of 3-methyl octanoic acid within the filtered supernatant was calculated from the relative ratio of the peak area for the test samples compared to peak areas of 3-methyloctanoic acid stock solutions used to define the calibration curves.

[0108] The 3-methyloctanoic acid level retrieved within the filtered supernatant solutions (in ppm) extracted from the used sponges is given in table 3 below (averaged over the four samples).

Table 3: ppm of 3-methyloctanoic acid in supernatant extracted from the used sponges after 1 week usage washing dishes with the composition of inventive example 1 (comprising a hydroxypyrone) and with the composition of comparative example A (not comprising a hydroxypyrone):

	Ex 1 (Inventive) ppm	Ex A (Comparative) ppm
Av. ppm of 3-methyloctanoic acid in supernatant	0.1	0.7

[0109] As can be seen from the results above, hand dishwashing compositions comprising the hydroxypyrone result in a substantial reduction in 3-methyl fatty acids accumulating on sponges and other cleaning implements, after extended usage.

[0110] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Claims

1. A liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition comprising:

a. from 5.0% to 50% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant system, and

b. at least 0.01% by weight of the total composition of a hydroxypyrone selected from a hydroxypyrone of formula I, formula II, and mixtures thereof:

wherein in formula I and formula II, R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from: H, OH, C1-C8 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; C1-C8 alkyl ether or derivatives thereof; C1-C8 alkyl alkoxylated ether or derivatives thereof; aryl or derivatives thereof.

2. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein the hydroxypyrone is present at a level of from 0.01% to 5.0%, preferably from 0.05% to 2.5%, most preferably from 0.1% to 1.0%, by weight of the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition.

3. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein in the hydroxypyrone:

a. R1 is selected from the group consisting of: H, OH, and C1-C6 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; preferably H and OH, more preferably H;

b. R2 is selected from the group consisting of: H, OH, and C1-C6 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof; preferably H and C1-C6 alkyl/alkenyl or derivatives thereof, more preferably H;

c. R3 is selected from H, C1 to C6 alky/alkenyl or derivatives thereof, aryl or derivatives thereof, preferably C1 to C6 alkyl, more preferably wherein R3 is a C1 to C2 alkyl or derivatives thereof.

4. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 3, wherein the hydroxypyrone comprises a hydroxypyrone of formula (I), more preferably wherein the hydroxypyrone is selected from 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (maltol), 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one (2-ethylmaltol), and mixtures thereof, most preferably wherein the hydroxypyrone is 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one (2-ethylmaltol).

5. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid cleaning composition has a pH of from 7.0 to 12.0, preferably from 7.5 to 11.0, more preferably from 8.0 to 10.0, measured as a 10% aqueous solution in demineralized water at 20 degrees °C.

6. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition comprises from 6.0% to 40%, preferably from 15% to 35%, by weight of the total composition of the surfactant system.

7. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the surfactant system comprises at least 50%, preferably from 60% to 90%, more preferably from 65% to 85% by weight of the surfactant system of an anionic surfactant.

8. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least 70%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably 100% by weight of the anionic surfactant of alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant.

9. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 8, wherein the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant has a number average alkyl chain length of from 8 to 18, preferably from 10 to 14, more preferably from 12 to 14, most preferably from 12 to 13 carbon atoms.

10. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant is an alkyl alkoxy sulphate anionic surfactant having an average degree of alkoxylation of less than 3.5, preferably from 0.3 to 2.0, more preferably from 0.5 to 0.9.

11. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant has a weight average degree of branching of more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 30%, even more preferably between 30% and 60%, most preferably between 30% and 50%.

12. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the surfactant system further comprises a co-surfactant selected from an amphoteric co-surfactant, a zwitterionic co-surfactant, and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the anionic surfactant and the co-surfactant are present in a weight ratio of from 1:1 to 8:1, preferably from 2:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2.5:1 to 4:1.

13. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 12, wherein the co-surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant, preferably an amine oxide surfactant, more preferably wherein the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl amido propyl dimethyl amine oxide, and mixtures thereof, most preferably alkyl dimethyl amine oxide.

14. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to claim 12, wherein the co-surfactant is a zwitterionic surfactant, preferably a betaine surfactant, more preferably a betaine surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl betaines, alkylamidoalkylbetaine, amidazoliniumbetaine, sulphobetaine (INCI Sultaines), phosphobetaine, and mixtures thereof, most preferably cocoamidopropylbetaine.

15. The liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the surfactant system further comprises a nonionic surfactant, preferably wherein the nonionic surfactants is selected from the group consisting of: alkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof.