Method for determining improved laundry washing conditions

Abstract

A method for determining improved washing conditions for a process of laundering textiles includes the steps of preparing one or more test loads; selecting various wash cycle variables; inserting test materials into test loads; washing the loads and materials pursuant to selected the variables; comparing the materials washed pursuant to the selected variables to generate comparison data; and using the comparison data to develop parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or more textiles. Consumers may be instructed on how to achieve improved overall care of their clothes or other textiles using the improved washing conditions.

1 . A method of achieving improved care of a load of textiles using improved washing conditions for a wash process, wherein the improved washing conditions comprise:
 (a) washing the textiles in a washing medium having: a volume; a density of from about 0.8 g/cc to about 1.5 g/cc; and a conductivity of from about 10 to about 4000 microsiemens/cm;   (b) introducing the washing medium into a washing machine comprising a drum wherein the load of textiles has a size sufficient to provide a load size of from about 1.0 to about 4.0 lbs/ft 3 ; and   (c) setting a cycle time of the wash process is no more than about 60 minutes, wherein the cycle time includes time for washing, rinsing, and spinning functions of the wash process.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the washing medium comprises a fluid selected from: liquid; gas; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the washing medium has a density of from about 0.9 g/cc to about 1.1 g/cc. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the washing medium has a conductivity of from about 10 to about 1000 microsiemens/cm. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the load has a size of from about 1.5 to about 4.0 lbs/ft 3 . 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the drum has a drum size and the ratio of the drum size to volume of the washing medium is from about 0.15 to about 60 ft 3 /gallon. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the drum is selected from a horizontal axis drum and a vertical axis drum, and further wherein the cycle time is no more than about 40 minutes for the horizontal axis drum and no more than 60 minutes for the vertical axis drum. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the improved washing conditions are determined by utilization of a mechanical energy swatch providing a value of about 15% or less thread removal. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a user of the washing machine is instructed to set parameters to achieve garment care via label instructions on packaging for detergent or fabric softener. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a user of the washing machine is instructed electronically or in print form to set parameters to achieve garment care. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the washing machine is programmed to optimize fabric care. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the washing machine comprises a load weighing mechanism which enables the washing machine to assess the load weight and adjust the washing conditions. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the washing conditions further include using a chemical additive to achieve benefits selected from: reduced pill formation; increased softness;
 improved color fidelity and/or whiteness; reduced chlorine damage to dyes of the textiles; and   combinations thereof.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the chemical additive is selected from: detergent capable of removing stains as well as imparting care benefits to the textiles; fabric softening agent; fabric care formulation; and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       15 . A method for determining improved washing conditions for a process of laundering textiles, comprising the steps of:
 (a) preparing one or more test load loads;   (b) selecting first and second wash cycle variables;   (c) inserting a first test material into each test load;   (d) washing each test load and first test material using a selected wash cycle with the first selected wash cycle variables;   (e) inserting a second test material into each test load;   (f) washing each test load and second material using the selected wash cycle with the second selected wash cycle variables;   (g) comparing the first and second test materials to generate comparison data; and   (h) using the comparison data to develop parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or more textiles.   
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second wash cycle variables include different wash cycle times for each wash cycle. 
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second wash cycle variables include different water levels for each wash cycle. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the parameters aid in the selection of improved washing conditions for a selected fabric or garment type based upon one or more selected washing goals. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the parameters further comprise a predictive model. 
   
   
       20 . A textile washing machine for providing improved washing conditions, wherein the improved washing conditions are determined using the method of  claim 15 . 
   
   
       21 . A detergent composition packaged with instructions for use in a process for laundering a discrete wash load of textiles, wherein the instructions provide for improved washing conditions that are determined using the method of  claim 15 .