AU700513B2 - A cleaning formulation - Google Patents

Description

1-1~LIIN NE- I i ~i S F Ref: 314882

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

oa o o 0* a c o 00 a a 0 a a oa

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*0 a a o o e 00 0 0a 00 a a -I -r Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL [31] Application No(s) PM8383 PM9594 Bio-Brighter Cleaning Products Pty Limited Suite 70, Market Square Hunter Street Mall Newcastle New South Wales 2300

AUSTRALIA

Phillip Mark Egge Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia A Cleaning Formulation APPLICATION DETAILS [33] Country

AU

AUL

[321 Application Date 26 September 1994 22 November 1994 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- ~1 A Cleaning Formulation Technical Field This invention relates to a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface and a method of cleaning a surface.

Background Art There is a need for a general purpose cleaning formulation which is capable of cleaning a wide variety of surfaces.

Objects of the Invention Objects of this invention are to provide a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface and a method of cleaning a surface.

Disclosure of the Invention Throughout the specification and claims the term "comprising" is to be taken as meaning i either "including", consisting essentially of or "consisting of".

u! There is disclosed a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: a surfactant; |i :a non aqueous solvent; I an alkali; and water.

Also disclosed is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: l a non ionic surfactant; S; an anionic surfactant; a non aqueous solvent; an alkali; and water.

j Also disclosed is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: J 35 a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; a non phosphate anionic surfactant; a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one glycol ether; an alkali; and water.

Pir 1 if 2 Also disclosed is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: 1-70%w/v or v/v of a surfactant; 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non aqueous solvent; 1-35%w/v of an alkali; and remainder water.

Also disclosed is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: 1-35%w/v or v/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 1-35 w/v or v/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one glycol ether; 1-35%w/v of an alkali; and remainder water.

Also disclosed is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: 0.5-8%w/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 1-8%w/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 3-12%w/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one glycol ether; 5-15 w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and remainder water.

According to the invention there is provided a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: a non phosphate non ionic surfactant and a non phosphate anionic surfactant; a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkyglycol alkylether; an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and 30 water.

and wherein said cleaning formulation does not contain a terpene cleaning agent.

I Also disclosed by the invention is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: 35 1-70%w/v or v/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant and a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 1-35%w/v or v/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether; 1-35 %w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and water.

I I 2a Also disclosed by the invention is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 1-35%w/v or v/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether; 1-35%w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and remainder water.

Further disclosed by the invention is a cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: 0.5-8% w/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 1-8% w/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 3-12%w/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether; 5-15 w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and water.

According to a second embodiment of this invention there is provided a method of cleaning/treating a surface or an aqueous liquid comprising: cleaning the surface with an effective cleaning amount of a cleaning formulation of the first embodiment.

The cleaning formulation of the first embodiment is generally left on the surface for a time sufficient to effectively clean the surface.

oO 30 The method of the second embodiment of the invention may include rinsing the surface after the cleaning formulation of the first embodiment has been left on and optionally scrubbed into the surface for a time sufficient to effectively clean the surface.

o Advantageously, the surface is rinsed with water or an aqueous based solution (which is a35 typically in the temperature range 3-100 0 C, more typically 12-60 0

C).

a a e0 The formulation of the invention typically has a pH in the range of 7 to 14, more typically 9 to 13.5, and even more typically 11 to 13.5. may be made alkaline by the addition of an a e

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I

alkaline solution (for example, aqueous sodium hydroxide, aqueous potassium hydroxide) or an alkaline buffer.

Typically the surfactant is present in the range 0. lwt% to 70wt% or 0. lv/v% to or 0. lwt/v% to 70wt/v%, more typically Iwt/v% to 50wt/v%, and even more typically 3 s to 2wt/v% to 10wt/v%, based on the total weight/volume of the formulation.

Typically the non aqueous solvent is present in the range 0. lwt% to 70wt% or 0. lv/v% to 70v/v% or 0. lwt/v% to 70wt/v%, more typically lwt/v% to 50wt/v%, and even more typically 3 to 2wt/v% to 10wt/v%, based on the total weight/volume of the formulation, Typically the alkali is present in the range 0. lwt% to 70wt% or 0. lv/v% to 70v/v% or 0. wt/v% to 70wt/v%, more typically lwt/v% to 50wt/v%, and even more typically 3 to 2wt/v% to 10wt/v%, based on the total weight/volume of the formulation.

Typically water is present in the range 0.1wt% to 99.3wt% or 0. Iv/v% to 99.3v/v% or 0. 1wt/v% to 99.3wt/v%, more typically lwt/v% to 50wt/v%, and even more typically 3 to 2wt/v% to 10wt/v%, based on the total weight/volume of the formulation.

r The formulation of the invention may be in the form of a concentrate which is diluted, typically with water, prior to, or at the same time as, use. The cleaning formulation:diluent ratio is typically in the range from 1:1 to 1:200 v:v, more typically 1:2 to 1:50 v:v, and even more typically 1:5 to 1:20 v:v. A cleaning formulation of the invention may be, for example, diluted with up to fifteen parts water. The common concentration for efficient heavy duty cleaning is one part cleaning formulation of the invention concentrate to six parts water. The solution may be applied by brush, swab or spray and allowed to remain a short time. The surface may then be rinsed or wiped with S. a clean, damp cloth, For heavier soils a stronger solution and longer contact time should be employed.

A cleaning formulation of the invention may remove oil, grease, wax, carbon, inks, dyes, creosote, mildew, exhaust stains, and other stubborn stains from all hard surfaces.

Particular uses of a cleaning formulation of the invention include: INDUSTRY: A cleaning formulation of the invention safely cleans grease from machinery equipment walls small parts concrete floors sludge, etc.; (ii) MACHINE, AUTOMOTIVE AND ENGINEERS: A cleaning formulation of the invention is a superior cleaner for motors motor parts equipment tanks cement floors shower stalls; (iii) AUTOMOBILE ACCOUNTS: A cleaning formulation of the invention is unequalled for upholstery and fittings. Allows speedy cleaning of engines, concrete floor, etc.; (iv) AVIATION INDUSTRY: A cleaning formulation of the invention is an all purpose degreaser and cleaner for all aeroplane parts removal of all oil and fuel residues.

MIa: l;BXX~n ts: 3 I _I r 1 4 Thorough cleaning of interior and exterior; RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS: A cleaning formulation of the invention cleave stoves food preparation ventilation hoods floors walls; (vi) FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES: For bakeries, abbattoirs, meat packers, poultry processors, breweries, drink manufacturers and canneries. A cleaning formulation of the invention dissolves carbon, wax and grease from processing and packaging machines. A cleaning formulation of the invention dissolves fat and grease from meat processing equipment. Cleans blood and offal from killing areas; (vii) MUNICIPALITIES: A cleaning formulation of the invention is a complete all purpose degreaser and cleaner for all departments. Cleans motors, pumps, housings, safety cones, floors, equipment in sewage and water.taeatment plants,-Ideal for-parking meter heads; (viii) PRINTERS: Versatile A cleaning formulation of the invention removes ink and grease from all metal surfaces on printing machines. Excellent for floors, walls, plates and rollers; (ix) MARINE INDUSTRY: A cleaning formulation of the invention quickly removes mildew and fungi from hulls. Excellent as a bilge cleaner. Quickly emulsifies gas, oil and bilge water to make cleaning relatively simple. Reduces fire hazard leaves no oil film; SCHOOLS: A cleaning formulation of the invention is effective for cleaning walkways and play areas. Removes grease and scum from air-conditioning and heating systems. Multi purpose cleaner and degreaser for canteen and kitchen areas; (xi) PREPARATION FOR PAINTING: A cleaning formulation of the invention cleans and degreases thoroughly before painting. Leaves no residue.

An auxiliary cleaning agent/additive or mixture of auxiliary cleaning agents/additives may be included in the cleaning formulation of the invention. The cleaning agent/additive(s) is S" typically at least one of known additives that can be used in cleaning formulations.

Examples of such agent/additives include a preservative, a chelating agent(s), a S 30 sequestrant, an antimicrobial agent, a water softener, enzyme(s), a lubricant, a colourant, a gelling agent, a perfume, an antiftlngal agent, a builder, a disinfectant, a dispersing agent, or a thickener or a mixture of any of the foregoing. The amount of additive typically used in the cleaning formulation of the invention is 0.01 to 93wt%, more S typically 0.1 to 20wt% and even more typically 0.5 to 7wt%, based on the total weight of S 35 the cleaning formulation.

Examples of non phosphate non-ionic surfactants include C 6 to C 18 alcohol ethoxylates and in particular C 12 to C 14 alkyl alcohol ethoxylates such as lauryl alcohol 8 mole ethoxylate, octylphenol ethoxylate, nonylphenol ethoxylate, dodecaphenol ethoxylate, C 6 to C 18 alkylpoly(ethylene oxides), C 6 to C 18 alkylpolyoxyethylene ethers, C 6 to C 18 alkyl polyglycosides, octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol; polypropylene glycol, k. polypropylene/polyethylene oxide adducts or CI to C 1 2 alkylpolypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol.

ii 4 L II Il iiilE~ s Examples of non phosphate anionic surfactants include linear alkylarylsulphonates, such as alkylbenzenesulfonates including, for example, sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate, linear alkylate sulfonates, alcohol sulfates including C 10 to C 18 alcohol sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates including C 10 to C 18 alcohol ether sulfates, water-soluble soaps such as sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids, such as the sodium or potassium salts o1 of linoleic acid, palmitic, abietic or stearic acid or of natural fatty acid mixtures such as coconut oil or tallow oil, or water-soluble synthetic surface active compounds, secondary alkanesulfonates, a-olefisulfonate or methyl ester sulfonate.

More surfactants are exemplified in "McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers Annual", MC Publishing Corp., Glen Rock, NJ, USA, 1988, "Encyclopedia of Surfactants", compiled by Michael and Irene Ash, Volumes I-Ill, Chemical Publishing Co. 1980-1981, "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology", Kirk Othmer, 3rd edition, Volume 8, John Wiley Sons 1982, "Encyclopedia of Surfactants", compiled by Michael and Irene Ash, Volume IV, Chemical Publishing Co. 1985, "Handbook of Surfactants", M.R. Porter, Blackie (Glasgow and London), Chapman and Hall (USA) 1991, and "What Every Chemical Technologist Wants To Know About... Volume IV Conditioners, Emollients and Lubricants", compiled by Michael and Irene Ash, Edward Arnold 1990, "Emulsifying Agents An Industrial Guide", Ernest W. Flick, Noyes Publications 1990, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

Generally the solvent is water soluble/water miscible. Examples of solvents suitable for use in the cleaning formulation of the invention are ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, or mixture of any of the foregoing.

Further examples of water soluble/miscible solvents are described in "Organic Solvents Physical Properties and Methods of Purification", John A. Riddick, William B. Bunge and Theodore K. Sakano, fourth edition, Volume II, John Wiley Sons 1986, "Chemical Safety Data Sheets", David Walsh (editor), Volume I, The Royal Society of Chemistry 0 0 0* 0 J6 1989, and "Industrial Water-Based Paint Formulations", Ernest W. Flick, Noyes Publications, 1988, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

Examples of alkalis include sodium metasilicate pentahydrate, potassium metasilicate pentahydrate, sodium metasilicate anhydrous, sodium hydrous polysilicate, potassium hydrous polysilicate, potassium metasilicate anhydrous, liquid sodium silicate, potassium silicate, sodium silicate, or any mixture thereof. These alkalis also act as corrosion Sinhibitors due to their alkalinity.

j The cleaning formulation of the invention may include a dye such as a red, yellow, blue, orange, green, violet or purple dye. Advantageously a red dye such as carmosine, a blue dye such as Blue or a yellow dye such as tartrazine or FD&C Yellow No. 5 is Sused.

Examples of antimicrobial agents are potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate, cobaltous sulphate, zinc sulphate, silver nitrate, 1-phenoxyphenyl-l-triazolylmethylcarbinols, manganous sulphate, silver oxide, colloidal silver iodide, phenol, paraben, chlorobutamol, sorbic acid, or mixtures thereof.

S4; Examples of preservatives are formalin, sodium benzoate, or glycerine.

.Examples of water softeners/chelating agents are aminocarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) such as j ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid disodium salt, ethylenediami netetraacetic acid 20 diammonium salt, ethylenediamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid trisodium salt, triethylene tetramine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetra-sodium salt, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetra-potassium salt, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrammonium salt, the sodium, potassium and ammonium salts of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) such as diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid pentasodium salt, 2s diethylenetri-aminepentaacetic acid pentapotassium salt, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid trisodium salt, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid tripotassium salt, etc. the salts of (N-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) such as (N-hydroxyethyl) ethylenediamine-triacetic acid trisodium salt, 1,3-diketones such as acetylacetone; hydroxycarboxylic acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, or gluconic acid; polyamines such as ethylenediamine.

Examples of perfumes or fragrances are naturally occurring oils for example lemon grass oil, clove leaf oil, ambergris, bergamot oil, benzoin oil, castoreum, civet, eucalyptus, geranium oil, jasmine absolute, lavender, myrrh, musk tonquin, mimosa, rose oil, rosemary oil, or sandalwood oil or synthetic aroma chemicals for example citronellol, benzyl acetate, geraniol, linalool, musk ambrette, or terpinyl acetate. Further examples

I

IN:L BXXinuean.tdQ 6 r 7 of perfumes or fragrances are described in "The Perfume Handbook", Nigel Groom, 1st edition, Chapman Hall 1992, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross reference.

Examples of disinfectants and/or sanitisers include aliphatic alcohols such as ethyl alcohol, N-chloramines such as sodium N-chloro-p-toluenesulphonamide, N,N-dichlorop-toluenesulphonamide, N,N dichloro-p-carboxybenzenesulphonamide, iodine and organic iodine compounds, and other like disinfectants and/or sanitisers.

In some cases it may be necessary to add a thickener to increase the viscosity, in order to provide a more stable emulsion. Examples of thickeners or gelling agents are soap gels, gelatin, alginates such as sodium alginate, gums, such as Xanthan gum or Guar gum, starches such as furcellaran, hypnean or dextran, pectic gels such as sodium pectate, alkylcellulose hydrophilic colloids, for example, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxy methylcellulose, ethyl succinylated Cellulose, or carboxymethylcellulose, polymers such as sodium poly (styrene sulphonate) with poly 15s (vinyl methyl pyridinium) chloride, sodium poly (styrene sulphonate) with poly (vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium) chloride, strongly acidic polyanion with strongly basic polycation, vinyl acetate homopolymer, polyvinyl alcohol resin, or carboxypolymethylene (a carboxyvinyl polymer or a polyacrylic acid polymer), bentonite and mixtures thereof or other like thickeners.

The cleaning formulation of the invention may further comprise a corrosion inhibitor such as sodium silicate, potassium silicate, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium nitrate, and the like.

The cleaning formulation of the invention is generally scrubbed on the surface to be cleaned and is typically left on the stained surface for a time sufficient to effectively clean 25 and/or bleach the stained surface. The surface is then rinsed typically with cold or hot water.

Typically a concentrated cleaning formulation of the invention is diluted with water prior to or during use. The diluent water typically has a temperature range of 3-100 0

C,

typically 15-700C, preferably 20-50°C.

Generally the cleaning formulation of the invention (concentrated or diluted) is applied to the surface by pouring, rubbing, spraying, or dipping the surface. Generally scrubbing takes place for 3 seconds to 60 minutes, typically 10 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably seconds to 2 minutes and even more preferably 25 seconds to 1 minute.

IN:\LIBXX[nuclean.doc 7 8 The cleaning formulation of the invention (concentrated or diluted) may be allowed to stand on the surface to be cleaned prior to scrubbing or after scrubbing to penetrate and clei., the surface. Generally the standing time is chosen such that it is sufficient to clean i the surface. The cleaning formulation of the invention (concentrated or diluted) may be allowed to stand on the surface to be cleaned for 5 seconds minute to 24 hours, typically seconds to 24 hours, more typically 15 seconds to 20 minutes, preferably 30 seconds to 10 minutes and more preferably 10 seconds to 1 minute.

Advantages of a cleaning formulation of the invention are: it allows most soils to be removed without hard rubbing; (ii) it is non-flammable, non-toxic and non-residual; (iii) it is safe on all hard surfaces; (iv) it optionally contains a special rust inhibitor, to protect metal surfaces; it will not harm sound paint work.

3ast Modes For Carrying Out The Invention i An cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface is made by mixing 0.5-2%w/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant, 3-6%w/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant, 5-9%w/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising two alkylglycol alkylethers, 8-15%w/v of a metasilicate based alkali; 0.5-2%w/v of a chelating agent, .005-. l%w/v of a dye and remainder water. In use for the cleaning of tiles, for example, the concentrate is diluted with 200 parts water and applied to the tiles typically by rubbing the tiles with a 15 cloth that has been wetted with the diluted formulation. The tiles are then typically rinsed with water and dried by wiping with a cloth or sponge.

Example 1 A useful concentrated cleaning formulation of the invention is as follows: Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate 9%w/v Sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate 4%w/v Propylene glycol methyl ether Dipropylene glycol methyl ether 3.5 %w/v Lauryl alcohol 8 mole ethoxylate 1.5 %w/v EDTA 4Na 1%w/v Dye Carmosine 0.0125%w/v Water 77.4875 %w/v.

The concentrated cleaning formulation may be used as a concentrate or may be, for example, diluted with up to three hundred or thirty or more, more typically up to fifteen parts water The common concentration for efficient heavy duty cleaning is one part cleaning formulation concentrate to six parts water.

IN:WIBXXnulear do B 9 Application Examples Tests were carried out by cleaning various structures with cleaning formulations of various dilutions. The tests were also performed with other well-known cleaning products.

1. CLEANING TILES:- A cleaning formulation of Example I was utilised by placing exactly 15ml equal to one cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water in a bucket; a mop was then immersed in the liquid and an area of 5 metres by 4 metres was covered with the diluted cleaning formulation and the results were amazing. One of the main features of the diluted cleaning formulation was that it is of Non-Slip nature, whereas other comparable agents such as Pine-O-Clean, Domestos, Mr Muscle and Ajax were utilised in the same area and did not give the same results as a forn.ulation of the invention, It was noted that the diluted cleaning formulation easily took away the scum and grit that was on the tiles without any hard rubbing or abrasive materials utilised.

The same area was then prepared and the other products mentioned were utilised and it was noted that the slip resurface was formed as well as in some areas it was required to use an abrasive scouring pad. I'he after fragrance of the diluted clianing formulation of Example I gave it a fresh smelling and very clean appearance equal to 'no other product. The diluted cleaning formulation of Example I was most certainly S the outstanding product used to carry out this type of cleaning of major tile areas.

2. CLEANING CIEMENT:- The driveway area was pipared with oil and grease smeared into the surface and it was also noted th thathere \ere al eady spills of oil folim motor vehicles on the driveway area This area was then cleaned with a diluted cleaning formulation of Example I and the *O preparation was five 15ml precise caps of the undiluted cleaning formulation of Example 1 immersed into a 5 litre bucket of water, the diluted cleaning formulation from the bucket was then poured over the oil and grease area and a scrubbing brush was then utilised to scrub the area and the results were that all oil and grease was removed from the cement area Other products utilised in the testing were Australian Export Degreaser, Kenco Heavy Duty Degreaser and Hlydrosolve The surfaces were prepared in the same manner with equal quantity of oil and grease and the same content placed in the water and utilised as directed None of the above products bring the result that a diluted cleaning formulation of Example 1 does Cleaning with a diluted cleaning formulation of Example 1 made the surface appear to be like new and the non slippery aspect was also experienced on the cement 3. CLEANING WEATHER BOARD:- An extensive cleaning of a ,eather board home was conducted utilising a diluted cleaning formulation of Example I which was located near Engineering and Industrial Estates BX<X .oX *o 9 a A cleaning formulation of Example I was utilised by placing one 15ml cap of an undiluted into 4 litres of water in a plastic bucket and the premises was of painted weather board construction with a corrugated iron roof. A diluted cleaning formulation was applied with a plastic brush and the premises was hosed alter completing a 4m x section leaving amazing results that appeared as if the premises had been freshly painted. Numerous other products were utilised such as Export Degreaser, Kenco Degreaser, Pine-O-Clean all purpose pine and lemon cleaner, Mr Muscle and Ajax Multi Purpose.

There were several aspects of the cleaning formulation of the invention which made the product unique. Firstly, the cleaning formulation of the invention has a non slip reaction to tile and cement surfaces which when working in such an area it does not pose a safety hazard. Secondly, the cleaning formulation of the invention easily removed the grit and grime that had been deposited on the weather board from Industrial Engineering facilities within the area. It required no hard rubbing and the grit and grime could be seen easily to hose off after the application of a diluted S cleaning formulation of Eaxample I. Thirdly, it is anticipated that the cost of making a formulation of the invention such as that of Example I as opposed to the other "*products mentioned will be some one third cheaper than the other products.

S4. CLEANING BARBEQUES:- To clean a barbecue a cleaning formulation of Example 1 was applied by placing one 15ml cap of the undiluted formulation of ii Example I into 3 litres of water in a plastic bucket. The diluted cleaning formulation was then spread across the surface of the barbecue revealing a complete film of flit and grime which was completely over the barbecue plate In addition the wooden areas and bricks that were surrounding the barbecue also had a film of fat.

The diluted cleaning formulation was then applied by utilising a scrubbing brush which effectively removed the grit, grime and fat from the barbecue surfaces, such o i as the plate, wooden surface, brick and cement surrounds.

The results were that the diluted cleaning formulation of Example 1 removed the grit, grime and fat with very little scrubbing and was easily hosed away. It was also noted that the surfaces dried with a clean fresh appearance without any trace of fat and grit or grime located. Further products utilised to carry out the tests were Ajax Multi Purpose Cleaner, Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Domestos and Castle Bio Degradable White Cloudy Ammonia. None of the products utilised in the area were able to give the same effective results as well as non slippery components which the cleaning formulation of the invention displayed.

ALUMINIUM WINDOW FRAMES:- Frames with aluminium windows have been cleaned utilising the dilution of one 15ml cap of an undiluted cleaning formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water in a bucket. A cotton cloth was immersed in the water and the window frames were scrubbed with the cotton cloth. It was noted that all IN LIBXXI uclean de SWMWW .Mfty 11 grease and grime and hard grit was removed easily, utilising the diluted cleaning formulation. Other products such as Hydrosolve, Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner and Kenco Degreaser were utilised and none of the other products were able to remove the grit and grime as did a formulation of the invention. After cleaning the window frames, the frames were hosed and those that had been cleaned with the diluted cleaning formulation of Example I left a clean appearance, in fact as if the aluminium window frames were brand new.

6. BATHROOM, TOILET, SHOWER, BATH AND TILED FLOOR:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised to clean bathroom, toilet, shower, bath and tiled floor area of a bathroom which gave amazing results No hard scrubbing was required and in the shower tiled floor area, the scrubbing brush was used but it was noticed that not half the pressure used normally was utilised, to bring a clean fresh appearance and the tiled floor area appeared to have a better sheen than any other product that was utilised in the test Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Mr Muscle and Ajax Multipurpose were utilised in the test, all of which did not bring the sheen to ithe tiled bathroom and toilet areai It x\as also noticed on the tiled area that a non- So* slippery action, which normally occurs with tiled areas, was experienced The dilution So, was one 15ml cap of cleaning formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water into a plastic bucket utilising a mop and scrubbing brush 7. POOLS AND SPAS:- Normally on pools and spas a ring around the surface with the greasy grime is experienced after settlement after a few days of hard using A cleaning formulation of Example I was utilised by placing one 15ml cap of the undiluted tfrmulation of Example I into a bucket of water and a cotton cloth was immersed in water and the grime just rubbed away extremely easily and no other product was able to remove the grime and body fat in the manner that the cleaning formulation of the invention had Other chemicals tested vwere Pine-)-('lean All Purpose Cleaner, Mr Muscle and Ajax Multi-Purpose, the other cleaning agents required much more hard rubbing and appeared to smear the body fat where the cleaning formulation of Example I lifted the body fat without any difficulty whatsoever S8S. POOL FILTERS:- An extremely dirty pool filter was utilised in the testing of a formulation of the invention The pool filters were immersed in a cleaning formulation of Example I without dilution and amazing results were experienced where the undiluted cleaning formulation of Example I removed all the grit. grime and body fat from the body pool filter Further testing was given to Hydrosolve and Pine-O-Clean All Purpose, but these products were unable to give the cleaner results as the cleaning formulation of Exampl 1 9. CAR ENGINES:- A cleaning formulation of the invention has been utilised to degrease grease and oil from a car engine By placing five 15ml caps of the cleaing formulation of Example I into 4 litres of water into a bucket, the resultant cleaning formulation of the invention was then spread over the engine and light scrubbing with a brush was given and applied and removed from the engine all the grease, oil and dirty grit surfaces. The appearance was much cleaner and all the grease and grime was removed and the field of the metal area was that there was no trace of grease and oil, SThis cleaning formulation of the invention being fully bio-degradable, showed amazing results. Export Degreaser, Kenco Degreaser and Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner was utilised in the testing and the diluted cleaning formulation of Example 1 gave a far better, easier application and removal, removing all grease and grime fiom the engine as opposed to the other products where application had to be applied a number of times to f give an appearance such as a diluted formulation of Example 1.

REMOVAL OF GREASE AND HARD STAINS FROM CARPET:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised to remove grease, stain and red wine from carpet. The application was three 15ml caps of the cleaning formulation of Example 1 into I litre spray cap and the resultant diluted cleaning formulation was then spray pumped onto the carpet areas, utilising a cloth to remove the diluted cleaning Sformulation, very easily by just rubbing the surface area. It was noted that hard dirt, grease and red wine were removed from the carpet very easily. Further testing was *made with Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner and Mr Muscle, however, a diluted .i cleaning formulation of Example I removed the substances much easier than the other products.

11. PAINTED WOODEN RAILINGS:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised in removing hard grit surfaces from wooden rail simply by placing one 15ml cap of an undiluted cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 4 litres of water in a bucket with I a cotton cloth, wiping the railing down. It was noted that the diluted cleaning formulation gave a new appearance and in the painted situation it appeared to be freshly painted. In addition the formulation of the invention's shine lasted much longer than any other product utilised during the testing. Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Mr Muscle and Ajax Multipurpose were all utilised in the testing, however, the shine and appearance after application and the removal application was unable to equal a formulation of the invention.

12 STOVES AND OVENS:- Amazing results were experienced when utilising a cleaning formulation of the invention on the top of the stove area where grease and fat had built up around the element area. After removing the elements and using a brush with the dilution of one 5ml cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water by applying the diluted cleaning formulation and lightly brushing the built up grit, giime, grease and food fats were easily removed, giving a new appearance to the stove area. It was also noted that the stove gave a new appearance and the shine was longer lasting than any other product utilised in the testing.

IN:tLIBXXInuclean.doc 12 13 13 The inside oven area was also utilised in the same dilution method of one 15ml cap of the cleaning formulation of Example 1 to 3 litres of water and grit, grease and grime were removed easily by placing a cotton cloth into the bucket and wiping the oven area clean. Where a build-up of grease occurred which resulted from the long heating process of the stove or oven, it was then cleaned by simply utilising a small brush and the rest of the grease and grime was removed. Further products utilised such as Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Mr Muscle and Ajax All Purpose Cleaner, did not remove the build up and grease and grime as did a formulation of the invention.

13. WALLS:- One 15ml cap of the cleaning formulation of Example 1 was placed into a bucket and into 3 litres of water and a cotton cloth was immersed into water and the walls of the painted plaster inside the cottage was cleaned with the diluted cleaning formulation and it was noted that grit and grime were easily removed. Other products like Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Mr Muscle and Hydosolve did not give the i lasting results as the cleaning formulation of the invention did o. 14. CEILINGS:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was diluted by one 15ml cap of the cleaning formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water into a bucket and painted ceilings in a cottage were cleaned utilising a cotton cloth and it was noted that spot and stained areas were revitalised as if freshly painted. It was noted over the pursuing weeks that the stained areas did not result in reappearance It was also noted mould and fungi in various parts were also easily removed utilising this procedure Further products utilised such as Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner and Hlydrosolve did not get the lasting results or the easiness in application as did a formulation of the invention 15. GARAGE FLOORS:- Noticeably on most garage floors oil and grease that drips from motor vehicles givec an unsightly appearance as well as slippery areas and can cause accidents. A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised for the cleaning of the oil and grease and grit areas on a garage floor and it was noted by placing 45ml of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water that the garage area was cleaned with a scrubbing brush and hosed and notably there was a non-slip affect and that all grease and grime was removed easily Other products such as Pine-O-Clean, Kenco Degreaser and Export Degreaser did not give the results and on occasions had a slippery affect to the surface after application. A cleaning formulation of the invention was most certainly a different product in that it removed easily grease and grime and left the non-slip surface 16. FIBRO PAINTED WALLS:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was applied to the outside of a cottage which had fibro painted walls. It could be seen easily that grit and grime was sticking to the fibro painted walls and when touched with a dry hand Sthat it smeared and made the appearance look much dirtier. A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised by placing one 15ml cap of the formulation of Example 1 14 into a bucket of 3 litres of water and a cotton cloth was immersed in the water with the diluted cleaning formulation and applied to the walls. After application of the formulation of the invention, the fibro painted walls had a new appearance and the shine from the cleaning formulation lasted many weeks, giving a newly freshly painted appearance.

Further products such as Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner and Mr Muscle were utilised, however, they failed to meet the standards of the cleaning formulation of the invention in that they needed much more application and did not give a lasting shine such as a diluted formulation of Example 1.

17. SHOES:- A pair of loafer shoes which had hard scum and grit and dirt, which were hard grinded into the shoes, were cleaned with a cleaning formulation of the invention with the dilution of one 15ml cap of a cleaning formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water. Utilising a brush and cotton cloth, the diluted cleaning formulation was applied and the shoes were removed of all grit, grime and hard surface spot stains. The 'J shoes had a new appearance and the shine again lasted many weeks. Further products ei i Al P s M 4 o' were utilised such as Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner and Ajax Multipurpose, however, the same results were not experienced and they did not remove remove all stains such as a cleaning formulation of the invention did.

S: 18. STAINLESS STEEL:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was applied by dilution method of one 15ml cap of a formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water and was I applied to stainless steel, which had grit, grime and grease applied. It was noticed that lthe diluted cleaning formulation of the invention removed all foreign bodies from the stainless steel surface without hard rubbing and extreme effort. Further products utilised S in the testing were Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Ajax Multi-Purpose and Hydrosolve, however, their application to remove and receive the same result as the i |l cleaning formulation of the invention was much more hard rubbing then utilising further abrasive scouring pads.

19. VENETIAN BLINDS:- One of the worst jobs that can be experienced is the cleaning Sof venetian blinds, particularly after they haven't been cleaned for several months. A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised by placing two 15ml caps of the I. cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 4 litres of water and a cotton cloth produced amazing results when applied to the grit and grime on the venetian blinds. One of the most encouraging results was the shine that the cleaning formulation of the invention gave to the venetian blinds and the clean feel appearance of the result was excellent Further products such as Pine-O-Clean All Purpose Cleaner, Ajax Multi-Purpose and Hydrosolve were unable to give the results as well as cause the grit and grime to smudge into the surface of the blinds. Further application of the scouring pads had to be utilised which caused damage to the venetian blinds. By utilising a formulation of the invention, no scouring pads or scratching of surfaces occurred.

IN:.LtBXXinuleandoc 14 r PAINTED OUTSIDE TABLE AND CHAIR SETTINGS:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised by diluting one 15ml cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water and utilising a cotton cloth emerged in the substance and then wiped over the tables, removed all grit, grime and had stain surface from the outdoor setting, giving a new appearance and freshly painted appearance. Again a nonslip affect to the table surfaces was experienced and a very fresh clean appearance It was noted that Pine-O-Clean and Ajax Multi-Purpose did not give the same result and required much more hard rubbing over the same surface to remove the grit and grime 21. UPHOLSTERY INTERIOR OF MOTOR VEHICLES:- A cleaning bfrmulation of the invention was utilised on vinyl and leather upholstery within a motor vehicle by diluting one 15ml cap into water and then rubbing the stains over the area gave an even fresh appearance to the upholstered area of the motor vehicle It was also noted that on application that the grit and grime was easily removed without smudging, scouring or using scouring pads to remove such matter 22. BUM'PER BAR ON MOTOR VEIICLE:- The plastic surface of bumper bars of motor vehicles was cleaned by a cleaning formulation of the invention by diluting 2 caps of a formulation of Example I into 4 litres of water and utilising a brush and cotton cloth was able to remove the hard insect tar, grit and grime froml the area giving a new clean look to the motor vehicle and bumper bar area It was noted that a fresh shine appearance was also given and the non-slip affect of the cleaning formulation of the invention made the application much safer Further products such as Pine-O-Clean Multi Purpose Cleaner, Hydrosolve and Ajax Multi Purpose were used, however the results were not the same as the cleaning formulation of the invention in that tI application was much easier and the removal of the substances was much easier than the utilising of the other products The other products had to be utilised a number of Soccasions to give a similar appearance and did not meet the standards of a formulation of the invention.

23. WHEEL TRIMS ON MOTOR VEHICLES:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised in the same manner as cleaning a bumper bar to the wheel trims and the same affects were experienced as were the results with the other products 24. PLASTIC SURFACES:- A number of various plastic surfaces were cleaned such as plastic tabletops, plastic parts which in motor vehicles were cleaned with A cleaning formulation of the invention by applying one 15m cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water in a bucket, immersing a cotton cloth and wiping the area free of grit and grime easily. The results as opposed to other products used such as Pine-O-Clean and Ajax Multi Purpose Cleaner did not give the shine and appearance of the cleaning formulation of the invention after application.

LEATHER CHAIRS:- A dining room setting with leather chairs was cleaned with a cleaning formulation of the invention with the application of one 15ml cap of a k cleaning formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water into a bucket and a cotton cloth was utilised to clean away the grit and grime from the leather chairs with a fresh appearance without any harmful effects to the leather chairs and surfaces. Further products utilised caused a dryness to the leather such as Pine-O-Clean all purpose cleaner and Ajax Multi Purpose and did not give the shine and clean appearance such as a formulation of the invention.

26. KITCHEN TABLES:- A laminated kitchen table was cleaned with a cleaning formulation of the invention and with ease by diluting a formulation of the invention, one 15ml cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water in a bucket utilising a cotton cloth and wiping the top area, no hard rubbing or scouring was required. The results were that the cleaning formulation of the invention left a fresh clean appearance with a shine that lasted much longer than other products such as Pine-O-Clean all purpose cleaner and Ajax multi purpose cleaner 27. MICROWAVE OVEN:- The application of a cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised by diluting one 15ml cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water in a bucket, a cotton cloth was then used to wipe out the microwave r 'oven and front door, back door and side areas of the microwave oven and the new fresh appearance and shine that A cleaning formulation of the invention gave an ever *i lasting clean which 3 weeks later still gave the microwave oven a very fiesh clean appearance. Other products such as Pine-O-Clean all purpose cleaner and Ajax multi purpose cleaner were unable to give the shine and easy removal of grit and grime that was experienced in the microwave oven such as a formulation of the invention 28. POTS AND PANS:- A number of pots and pans that had thick, hard grease and burnt areas had a cleaning formulation of the invention applied to them. A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised by placing 45ml of a cleaning formulation of Example I into 3 litres of water allowing the cleaning formulation of the invention to soak in for approximately 5 minutes A scouring pad was used and it was noted that the pots and pans were able to be given a brand new clean fresh appearance removing all grease and grime without any effort Further products utilised such a Pine-O-Clean all purpose cleaner and Ajax multi purpose cleaner were unable to give effects and easy cleaning and application such a formulation of the invention 29. ELECTRIC FRY PAN:- The base of an electric fry pan is extremely hard to clean and the build up of grime and grease that appears around most electric fry pans in the normal house is a stubborn area to remove No other products could equal a formulation of the invention's ability. A cleaning formulation of the invention was applied by placing two 15ml caps of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into water allowing the fry pan to sit in the water with A cleaning formulation of the invention in it for approximately 5 to 10 minutes then by using a scouring pad, all grit and grime and hard surfaces were removed giving a new and clean appearance to the fry pan. No :-,L1BXXrnue:ear.s-c 16 17 other product what so ever was able to remove the grit and grime such as the cleaning formulation of the invention in this application. Products utilised were Pine-O-Clean All Purpose, Spray and Wipe and Ajax Multi Purpose Cleaner.

STEEL OVEN TRAYS:- A cleaning formulation of the invention was utilised by placing one 15 ml cap of a cleaning formulation of Example 1 into 3 litres of water and by utilising a steel scouring pad it easily removed all built up grit and grime from the steel oven trays. The appearance was amazing as all grit and grime was removed giving the steel trays a new appearance. No other cleaning product such as Pine-O- Clean all purpose cleaner or Ajax multi purpose cleaner are able to bring about results as a the cleaning formulation of the invention.

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Claims (8)

1. A cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface comprising: a non phosphate non ionic surfactant and a non phosphate anionic surfactant; a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether; an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; water; and wherein said cleaning formulation does not contain a. terpene cleaning agent.

2. A cleaning formulation according to claim 1 comprising: 1-70%w/v or v/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant and a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether; 1-35%w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and water.

3. A cleaning formulation according to claim 1 or claim 2 comprising: 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 1-35 %w/v or v/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 1-35%w/v or v/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether; 1-35%w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and water.

4. A cleaning formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising: 0.5-8%w/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 1-8%w/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 3-12%w/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether;

5-15 w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; and f water. o 5. A cleaning formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising: S0.5-2%w/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; S 3-6%w/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 5-9%w/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising at least one alkylglycol alkylether;

8-15%w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; 0.5-2%w/v of a chelating agent; 0.005-0.1 %w/v of a dye; and remainder water. 6. A cleaning formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising: S0.5-2%w/v of a non phosphate non ionic surfactant; 3-6%w/v of a non phosphate anionic surfactant; 5-9 %w/v of a non aqueous solvent comprising two alkylglycol alkylethers; 8-15 %w/v of an alkali metal silicate, metasilicate or hydrous polysilicate; 0.5-2%w/v of a chelating agent; 0.005-0.1 %w/v of a dye; and SINALIBXX1CLEAN4:ssd 0 1W NN MWI 1 -11-1- remainder water. 7. A cleaning formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein alkylglycol alkyl ethers are selected from the group mono- or di- C 2 -C 3 alkylglycol mono- or di- C 1 -C 4 alkylethers. 8. A cleaning formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising: Lauryl alcohol 8 mole ethoxylate 0.5-2 %w/v Sodium dodecy! benzene sulphonate 3-6 %w/v Propylene glycol methyl ether and 5-9 %w/v Dipropylene glycol methyl ether Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate 8-15 %w/v EDTA 4Na 0.5-2 %w/v Dye Carmosine 005-.1 %w/v Water remainder %w/v.

9. A cleaning formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising: Lauryl alcohol 8 mole ethoxylate 1.5 %w/v Sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate 4 %w/v Propylene glycol methyl ether 3.5 %w/v Dipropylene glycol methyl ether 3.5 w/v Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate 9 %w/v EDTA 4Na 1 %w/v Dye Carmosine 0.0125 %w/v Water 77.4875 %w/v.

10. A method of cleaning/treating a surface with an aqueous liquid comprising: cleaning the surface with an effective cleaning amount of a cleaning formulation of any one of claims 1 to 9. Dated 30 October, 1998 S. Bio-Brighter Cleaning Products Pty Limited Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON a a [N:\UBXX]CLEAN4:ssd A Cleaning Formulation p ABSTRACT A cleaning formulation for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The cleaning formulation includes a surfactant, a non aqueous solvent, an alkali and water. The cleaning formulation may be in the form of a concentrate or it may be in a diluted form. 1~