Composite structure wipe with improved cleaning ability

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nonwoven fabric structure, formed by hydroentanglement of a precursor fibrous web, which has demonstrated particular suitability for cleansing/wiping applications. Testing has shown the present product to provide a desirable tactile impression with users, which is believed to result from the disposition of relatively large denier fibers on the surface of the fabric structure. Such relatively large denier fibers have been found to provide good cleansing/wiping performance.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of forming a cleansing/wiping nonwoven fabric structure, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a precursor web comprising fibrous matrix of relatively large denier fibers, having deniers within the range of about 4 to about 12;    positioning said precursor web on a foraminous forming surface;    subjecting said precursor web to hydroentanglement by the direction of high-pressured liquid streams against the web;    and thereby imaging and patterning said precursor web by cooperation with said foraminous forming surface to form said nonwoven fabric structure.    
     
     
         2 . The method of forming a cleansing/wiping nonwonven fabric structure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said foraminous surface comprises a three-dimensional image transfer device.  
     
     
         3 . The method of forming a cleansing/wiping nonwoven fabric structure in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said precursor web comprises a blend of cellulosic and synthetic fibers.  
     
     
         4 . The method of forming a cleansing/wiping nonwoven fabric structure in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein said blend of fibers comprises approximately 50/50, cellulosic/synthetic fiber blend.