Product

Abstract

A detergent dispensing cartridge for use in a washing machine. The washing machine is for cleaning a soiled substrate. The treatment of the moistened substrate is with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles. The cartridge has multiple compartments. A first compartment holds a polymeric particle cleaning formulation. A portion of the contents of the first compartment are released after a plurality wash cycles have been completed.

1 . A detergent dispensing cartridge adapted for use with a washing machine, wherein the washing machine is used in a method for cleaning a soiled substrate, said method comprising the step of: treating the soiled substrate moistened with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, the said cartridge having multiple compartments; a first compartment holding a polymeric particle cleaning formulation; wherein a portion of the contents of the first compartment are released after a plurality wash cycles have been completed. 
     
     
         2 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein polymeric particle cleaning formulation comprises a bleach and/or antimicrobial/bactericide based formulation. 
     
     
         3 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the release of the contents of the first compartment occurs after from 5 to 20 wash cycles have been completed. 
     
     
         4 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 u, wherein the release of the contents of the first compartment occurs during a wash cycle of a washing machine, and further wherein the washing machine is run empty of clothing. 
     
     
         5 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein 0.1 to 1000 g, of polymeric particle cleaning formulation is released. 
     
     
         6 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric particles comprise nylon chips. 
     
     
         7 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein each compartment holds a bespoke complete detergent formulation or holds a formulation that comprises a single active component of a detergent formulation. 
     
     
         8 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge compartments are modular. 
     
     
         9 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein each compartment has a volume of from 5 to 5000 cc. 
     
     
         10 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the compartment contents are contained in a secondary packaging. 
     
     
         11 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the compartment contents are refillable. 
     
     
         12 . A cartridge according to  claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises a plastics material. 
     
     
         13 . A method of treating a soiled substrate in an automatic washing machine, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a cartridge according to  claim 1  to the automatic washing machine; and,   during the washing operation of the automatic washing machine treating the moistened soiled substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles which is provided from the cartridge to the moistened soiled substrate.   
     
     
         14 . A detergent dispensing cartridge adapted for use in a washing machine used in the cleaning of a moistened soiled substrate, wherein the detergent dispensing cartridge comprises a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, the cartridge having multiple compartments and includes a first compartment which holds a polymeric particle cleaning formulation; wherein during the operation of the washing machine, the detergent dispensing cartridge releases a portion of the contents of the first compartment to the washing machine after a plurality wash cycles have been completed, wherein at least 3 log kill efficacy, at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of:  S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa  and  E. hirae , according to the protocols of prEN12054, is observed on the polymeric particles. 
     
     
         15 . A method of reducing anti-microbial growth on polymeric particles, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a deter ent dispensing cartridge according to  claim 14  to a washing machine, and operating the washing machine, wherein at least 3 log kill efficacy at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of:  S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa  and  E. hirae , according to the protocols of prEN12054, is observed on the polymeric particles.   
     
     
         16 . A detergent dispensing cartridge according to  claim 14 , wherein at least 4 log kill efficacy at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of:  S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa  and  E. hirae , according to the protocols of prEN12054, is observed on the polymeric particles. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein least 4 log kill efficacy at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of:  S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa  and  E. hirae , according to the protocols of prEN12054, is observed on the polymeric particles.