Fabric cleaning

Abstract

A method and device for spot cleaning a fabric with liquid cleaning composition comprising the steps of a) applying the composition to the fabric wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises from 0.001 to 2 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of a amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant; from 0.001 to 2 wt. %, preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant; from 0 to 2 wt. % preferably from 0.01 to 1.5 wt. %, more preferably from 0.05 to 0.9 wt. % of an anionic surfactant; and b) absorbing the excess liquid cleaning composition with an absorbent means. The device preferably comprises both the cleaning composition and the absorbent means

1 . A method for spot cleaning a fabric with liquid cleaning composition comprising the steps of 
 a) applying the composition to the fabric    wherein the liquid cleaning composition comprises 
 from 0.001 to 2 wt. % of a amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant;  
 from 0.001 to 2 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant;  
 from 0 to 2 wt. % of an anionic surfactant; and  
   b) absorbing the excess liquid cleaning composition with an absorbent means.    
     
     
         2 . A liquid cleaning composition for spot cleaning a fabric for use in the method according to  claim 1  comprising 
 from 0.001 to 2 wt. % of a amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant;  
 from 0.001 to 2 wt. % of a nonionic surfactant;  
 from 0 to 2 wt. % of an anionic surfactant  
 
     
     
         3 . A device for use in the method for spot cleaning a fabric according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises 
 holding means for at least one absorbent means, and    at least one absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning composition from the fabric wherein the ratio of the working surface and the thickness or height of the absorbent means is preferably lower than 3000 mm.    
     
     
         4 . A device for use in the method for spot cleaning a fabric according to  claim 1  suitable for multiple uses, wherein the device comprises more than one absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning composition from the fabric and holding means for storing the more than one absorbent means.  
     
     
         5 . A device for use in the method for spot cleaning a fabric according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises an absorbent means whereby the absorbent means is capillary active in a plane different to the working surface of the absorbent means.  
     
     
         6 . A device for use in the method for spot cleaning a fabric according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises an absorbent means whereby comprises a capillary active continuous body of fibres which are as a whole longitudinally aligned, and which are, in the aggregate, in a parallel orientation.  
     
     
         7 . A device for use in the method for spot cleaning a fabric according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a reservoir for holding said liquid cleaning composition, an applicator for applying the composition from the reservoir to the fabric and optionally absorbent means for absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning composition from the fabric.  
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 7 , wherein the wherein the device comprises absorbent means according to  claim 3 .  
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 7 , in the form of a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the reservoir is located within or forms at least part of the member.  
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein one of the applicator and the absorbent means is located at one of said first and second ends of the member and the other of the applicator and the absorbent means is located at the other of the first and second ends of the member.  
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein mesh means is provided for rubbing the fabric so that liquid absorbed by the absorbent means from the fabric passes through the mesh means.  
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein said applicator comprises a slot or hole of dimensions for restricting the out-flow of the liquid composition.  
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein a removable cap is provided for covering the applicator when not in use.  
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 5 , wherein the liquid composition comprises water, at least one organic solvent and optionally, surfactant.  
     
     
         15 . A method of spot cleaning a fabric by applying a liquid cleaning composition to the fabric with an applicator of a device according to any preceding claim and absorbing at least some of the applied liquid cleaning composition so applied with the absorbent means of said device.  
     
     
         16 . A method of spot cleaning according to  claim 15  when dependent upon  claim 11 , wherein the mesh means is used to rub the fabric after application of the liquid composition.