WO1996017052A1

WO1996017052A1 - Detergent composition and method for washing using the same

Info

Publication number: WO1996017052A1
Application number: PCT/KR1994/000172
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.; Hichem Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 1994-12-02
Filing date: 1994-12-02
Publication date: 1996-06-06
Also published as: EP0746604A1; BR9408523A; AU1249895A; JPH11511182A

Abstract

A detergent composition for laundering thin and contractive laundry made of silk, wool, etc. at home without fiber damage and a method for laundering using the same are disclosed. The detergent composition includes from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of surfactant consisting of lauryl alcohol oxyethylene and coconut fatty acid alcohol amide, from about 15 to about 35 parts by weight of solvent for laundering containing normal paraffin and/or limonene, from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water, from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of tetra-alkyl ammonium chloride, from about 0.2 to about 0.7 parts by weight of protease maintaining a titer at the pH of from about 6.0 to about 8.0, from about 0.3 to about 0.8 parts by weight of lipase, from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose and about 6 to about 10 parts by weight of butyl diglycol. After adding the detergent composition to a washing tank having a rotary blade, an appropriate amount of water is added to the washing tank while rotating the rotational blade to dilute the detergent composition. More water is added to the washing tank to adjust the water level to a level suitable for laundering and laundry made of wool or silk is introduced into the washing tank. The laundering is carried out by rotating the rotary blade to generate water flow.

Description

DETERGENT COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR WASHING USING THE SAME

Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a detergent composition and a method for washing using the same, and more particularly, to a detergent composition comprising an emulsion prepared by emulsifying three components of a surfactant, a solvent and water to an oil-in-water state as a main component for washing a washing object made of silk or wool and a method for washing in a fully automatic washing machine using the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art Fibers like protein-based fiber such as woolen cloth, silk goods, etc. and regenerated fiber such as artificial silk, acetate, etc., which are liable to be damaged in an alkaline solution lose gloss due to the chemical damage on the fiber surface and contract when washing these using conventional detergents in water. Accordingly, the laundry made of these fibers can not be laundered with water but should be laundered by means of dry cleaning using an organic solvent.

Dry cleaning is carried out by using petroleum-based solvents containing the light fractions in the kerosene or the heavy fractions in the heavy naphtha as a main component, hydrochlorocarbon solvents such as 1,1,1- trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, etc. or normal paraffin solvents containing surfactant and by applying a mechanical method at a launderette. However, the conventional dry cleaning method at a launderette has some defects as follows.

Firstly, the main pollutants adhered to the laundry are classified as fat matters, protein matters and water soluble inorganic compounds. Through dry cleaning, only the fat matters are removed and the protein matters and the water soluble inorganic pollutants are not removed even through repeated laundering and thus remain on the fiber. Therefore, the laundry are still dirty after the laundering.

Secondly, since the laundry is washed with other laundry entrusted to the launderette, transfer of bacilli or pollutants may occur, which is unsanitary.

Thirdly, since the laundry should be entrusted to the launderette, it is time-consuming, inconvenient and expensive. The fiber damage and contraction phenomenon that appears when washing protein-based fiber such as wool, silk, etc. and cellulose fiber such as artificial silk, acetate, etc. with water are explained as follows.

Since a conventional detergent includes 20-30 % by weight of surfactant and an alkaline material, when the detergent dissolves in an appropriate amount of water, the concentration of the surfactant reaches 0.2-0.3 % by weight which could provide the best washing effect. The pH at this time reaches 10-11. Washing using surfactant in an alkaline solution gives a good performance. However, the peptide bonding structure in the protein-based fiber becomes partially hydrolyzed into carboxyl functional groups and amino functional groups or the remaining fat matters are lost, thereby eliminating the gloss of the fiber and contracting the fiber due to a special contractibility property of the wool fiber. The peptide bonding structure also is hydrolyzed in an acidic solution and results in fiber damage. The natural rinsing water used during laundering is acidic. The natural water is a kind of carbonated water which maintains an equilibrium with the carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere and keeps the pH at 5.6 and thus damages the protein-based fiber.

Another phenomenon occurring at the protein-based fiber during washing and rinsing using the conventional detergent is the penetration of the washing water or rinsing water into pores (these pores have a capillary shape formed by liquating out fat matters filled in furs of the animals) in the fiber through a capillary phenomenon. The penetrated water damages the inner surface of the pores of the fiber and contributes to the contraction of the fiber. Most of the conventional detergents contain ionic surfactant and electrolytes of high degree and have a relatively great interfacial tension. Therefore, these penetrate into the capillary of the wool fiber through the capillary phenomenon to promote the fiber damage.

Accordingly, a detergent which enables domestic laundering of the laundry made of wool or silk has been required. In U.S. Patent No. 4,750,907 (issued to Heinz M. Wilsberg), examples of a detergent for laundering the laundry made of wool or silk are disclosed. The disclosed detergent includes as an anionic surfactant, primary C₁₂-C₁₈ alcohols of sodium alkyl glycolether sulfate and sodium alkyl benzene sulfate as main components. However, since anionic surfactant produces foam and lowers washability and is not rinsed out after the washing, a large amount of water is necessary for the rinsing. Therefore, water and the wool or silk fiber come in contact with each other for a long period and thus there is a probability of the fiber contraction. Further, anionic surfactant reacts with calcium ion in the natural water to lower the washability and to produce insoluble calcium salt to cause the pollution.

Besides, detergents for domestic use for laundering laundry made of silk or wool have come into the market. Dry-senka (trade name) manufactured by Inter Orion Co., Japan can be illustrated as an example. This product includes an emulsified emulsion in an oil-in-water state as a main component, however, it includes anionic surfactant also as in the Heinz' Patent and cationic surfactant as well as the anionic surfactant together, and undesirably produces insoluble fat matters. Detailed components of the Dry-senka is not known within the present inventor's knowledge.

Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention made many efforts to prevent fiber damage and fiber contraction and to eliminate protein-based pollutants produced through dry cleaning and water soluble inorganic pollutants and discovered that a composite detergent composition manufactured by dissolving a non-ionic surfactant and a proper solvent in water and mixing with fiber softener, etc. could overcome the defects produced through the conventional washing with water and dry cleaning and thus the present invention has been accomplished.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel detergent composition which can be used in laundering laundry made of silk or wool by means of domestic washing machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for laundering using the above-mentioned detergent composition. To achieve the object of the present invention, there is provided an oil-in-water emulsion-type detergent composition comprising:

(a) from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of a non-ionic surfactant; (b) from about 15 to about 35 parts by weight of a hydrocarbon solvent containing a normal paraffin and/or limonene for laundering;

(c) from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water; and (d) from 0 to about 10 parts by weight of an additional agent.

More particularly, a detergent composition according to the present invention comprises:

(a) from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of non- ionic surfactant;

(b) from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water; (c) from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of tetra-alkyl ammonium chloride;

(d) from about 0.2 to about 0.7 parts by weight of protease maintaining a titer at the pH of from 6.0 to 8.0; (e) from about 0.3 to about 0.8 parts by weight of lipase;

(f) from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose; and

(g) from about 6 to about 10 parts by weight of butyl diglycol.

To accomplish another object of the present invention, there is provided in accordance with the present invention a method for laundering laundry made of silk or wool using an oil-in-water emulsion-type detergent composition comprising from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of non-ionic surfactant, from about 15 to about 35 parts by weight of hydrocarbon solvent containing normal paraffin and/or limonene for laundering, from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water and from 0 to about 10 parts by weight of additional agent.

After adding the detergent composition to a washing tank having a rotary blade, the detergent composition is diluted by introducing an appropriate first amount of water into the washing tank, while rotating the rotary blade. Then, the amount of water is adjusted to an appropriate second amount for laundering by introducing more water into the washing tank and the laundry made of silk or wool is introduced into the washing tank. The rotary blade is rotated to generate an appropriate water flow for laundering the laundry.

The detergent composition of the present invention is made by using an emulsion as a main component and prepared by ideally emulsifying three components of alcoholic non- ionic surfactant, normal paraffin and limonene as a special solvent, and an appropriate amount of water.

Through employing the detergent composition of the present invention, high grade clothes made of wool, silk, and regenerated cellulose-based fiber which had been conventionally washed by dry cleaning can be advantageously laundered by means of a domestic washing machine at home. Additional agents such as a fiber softener, an antistatic agent, a protease, a lipase, a dispersing agent, a thickening agent, etc. may be added to the detergent composition. The protein-based pollutants which could not be removed through dry cleaning, can be removed by adding a protease, and water soluble inorganic pollutants can be removed through washing with water included in the detergent composition. Moreover, fatty acid glyceride pollutants secreted from the human skin also can be more cleanly and effectively removed by applying an emulsion of lauryl non-ionic surfactant and solvent than by the method of applying any conventional surfactant or solvent through dry cleaning.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail a preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIGs. 1A and IB are a flow chart for illustrating methods for laundering according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG.2 is a block diagram for showing a constitution of a washing machine for carrying out the method of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention will be described in detail below.

The detergent composition of the present invention includes from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, from about 15 to about 35 parts by weight of a hydrocarbon solvent containing normal paraffin and/or limonene for laundering, from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water and from 0 to about 10 parts by weight of additional agents.

The detergent composition of the present invention includes from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of a non-ionic surfactant. As examples of the non-ionic surfactant, oxyethylene of lauryl-based alcohol containing 12 carbons and coconut fat acid alcohol amide of alkanol amide-based surfactant may be mentioned. In the detergent composition of the present invention, from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of 100% lauryl-based surfactant which has high washing power is preferably employed. When the surfactant is diluted in water to the concentration of lg/jβ, the concentration of the surfactant becomes 0.2-0.3 % by weight which is an optimal concentration for laundering. At this concentration, the damage to the soft fibers can be prevented and the washing effect can be maximized, while minimizing skin damage.

The lauryl-based non-ionic surfactant has benefits of producing small amounts of foam, not affecting enzyme activity, having strong surface activity and strongly penetrating in a diluted solution. Especially, this surfactant is not dissociated into ions in an aqueous solution and has good effect of removing fatty pollutants. Moreover, the surfactant largely lowers interfacial tension and optionally adjusts the equilibrium between hydrophilic and hydrolipic functional groups.

At this time, if the amount of the surfactant oxyethylene of lauryl alcohol and alcohol amide of fatty acid is less than about 15 parts by weight, the sufficient surface activity can not be obtained, while if the amount exceeds about 45 parts by weight, the washability is undesirably lowered owing to an excessive surface activity. Therefore, the amount of the surfactant ranges from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight based on the total amount of the detergent composition and preferably ranges from about 20 to about 40 parts by weight. At this time, the amount of lauryl alcohol oxyethylene in the non-ionic surfactant ranges preferably from about 12 to about 30 parts by weight and more preferably from about 15 to about 23 parts by weight, and the amount of coconut fatty acid alcohol amide in the non-ionic surfactant ranges preferably from about 3 to about 15 parts by weight and more preferably from about 5 to about 11 parts by weight.

While the conventional detergent includes as surfactant an anionic surfactant, the detergent composition of the present invention includes only a non-ionic surfactant. Therefore, the detergent of the present invention has less of a chemical effect and a relative low surface activity, which reduces the penetration in the capillary of the wool fiber to prevent the damage of the wool fiber. The composition of the present invention includes at least one solvent of normal paraffin solvents which contains 9-12 carbons and is used as hydrocarbon-based solvents and unsaturated naphtene-based solvents. As for normal paraffin, n-decane can be preferably used. At this time, the amount of hydrocarbon-based solvent ranges from about 12 to about 36 parts by weight and preferably from about 18 to about 30 parts by weight.

As for the unsaturated naphtene-based solvents limonene which is extracted from orange epidermis and is a natural aromatic unsaturated naphtene solvent, can be illustrated. Limonene further increases washability of the fat matters. Further, the addition of naphtene-based solvents increases the washability of normal paraffin.

Therefore, the composition of the present invention preferably employs normal paraffin together with unsaturated naphtene-based solvents. Mixing weight ratio of normal paraffin to unsaturated naphtene solvent ranges from about 1.5 to about 2.5, and is preferably about 2. If the mixing weight ratio of normal paraffin and limonene deviates from the above ratio, the washability of normal paraffin solvent and the fat washability may decline.

At this time, if the amount of the normal paraffin solvent is less than about 8 parts by weight, the washability of the fat is lowered, while if the amount exceeds about 24 parts by weight, the cost increases. If the amount of the unsaturated naphtene solvent limonene is less than about 4 parts by weight, the washability of the normal paraffin solvent is lowered, while if the amount exceeds about 12 parts by weight, the cost increases. Therefore, the amount of the normal paraffin ranges from about 8 to about 24 parts by weight, and preferably from about 12 to about 20 parts by weight. The amount of limonene ranges from about 4 to about 12 parts by weight, and preferably is from about 6 to about 10 parts by weight.

The detergent composition of the present invention forms an oil-in-water emulsion through mixing three components of lauryl alcohol-based non-ionic surfactant, special solvent prepared by mixing normal paraffin and limonene in a mixing ratio of about 2:1 in parts by weight, and an appropriate amount of water.

Thus, the detergent composition of the present invention enables domestic laundering of a washing object made of wool, silk and regenerated cellulose fiber using water, which was conventionally carried out through dry cleaning. Water soluble inorganic material which could not be removed through dry cleaning, could be completely removed through laundering using water. Moreover, stronger washability of fatty acid glyceride fatty pollutants which have been secreted from human skin and become the main pollutants on the fiber, can be obtained when compared with the laundering using water and the conventional surfactant or the dry cleaning using a solvent.

Further, the detergent composition according to the present invention is prepared by emulsifying in water alcohol-base non-ionic surfactant and a particular organic solvent such as limonene, normal paraffine, etc. more than 99.5 % by weight of which is biologically decomposed in waste water.

In addition, the detergent composition of the present invention includes from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of tetra-alkyl ammonium chloride as a fiber softener and antistatic agent. If the amount of the agent is less than about 0.3 parts by weight, a sufficient fiber softening and antistatic effect could not be obtained, while if the amount exceeds 0.7 parts by weight, the fiber becomes too soft and the cost increases.

The detergent composition of the present invention preferably comprises from about 0.2 to about 0.7 parts by weight of protease. The protease is commercially available and should maintain a titer at the pH of 6.0 to about 8.0.

Generally, except for some water soluble protein pollutants, various protein-based pollutants which remain in laundry such as fallen off skin pieces, blood stains, protein-based food, mold, etc. are hardly removed through dissolving or dispersing in organic solvent or through reaction of surfactant, can be advantageously removed by using enzyme. By adding from about 0.2 to about 0.7 % by weight of protease which is a protein decomposing enzyme for decomposing the protein to water soluble amino acid, the protein-based pollutants can be completely removed by the action of the enzyme.

At this time, if the amount of the protease is less than 0.2 parts by weight, the enzyme action is so weak that protein decomposition is difficult, while if the amount exceeds 0.7 parts by weight, it is not economic.

The detergent composition of the present invention preferably contains from about 0.3 to about 0.8 parts by weight of lipase. Lipase is an enzyme which decomposes fat into glycerol and fatty acid. Therefore, by adding lipase to the detergent composition of the present invention, the removal of the fatty pollutants can be promoted. If the amount of the lipase is less than 0.3 parts by weight, the decomposition of the fat is difficult, while if the amount exceeds 0.8 parts by weight, it is not economic.

The detergent composition of the present invention contains from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose as a dispersing agent. The dispersing agent promotes the separation of the pollutants, while preventing re-adherence of the pollutants to the fiber or washing tank, to the drain hose during draining or to the ditch. This agent also plays somewhat as a thickening agent.

The detergent composition of the present invention contains from about 6 to 10 parts by weight of butyl diglycol as a thickening agent. The added thickening agent heightens viscosity of the content along with improving visual effect. If the amount of the thickening agent is less than about 6 parts by weight, the viscosity increasing effect can not be obtained and if the amount exceeds about 10 parts by weight, the viscosity becomes too high so it is not economic.

The detergent composition of the present invention is strictly adjusted to the pH of 7.1, i.e. neutral and is applied to the laundry in a dispersion state of an oil-in- water emulsion to lower the amplification of the capillary phenomenon due to the interfacial tension decrease so as to reduce the fiber damage.

Surfactant contained in the general detergent actively reacts in an alkaline solution. However, for the detergent composition of the present invention, though the solution maintains the pH of 7.1, i.e. neutral, protein fiber damage can be prevented and increased washing effect can be obtained through the complex reaction of surfactant with solvent when compared with washing using an alkaline solution. A method for laundering laundry made of silk or wool using the detergent composition in an automatic washing machine is provided in accordance with the present invention.

The detergent composition is added to a washing tank having a rotary blade and then an appropriate amount of water is introduced while rotating the blade in the washing tank to dilute the detergent composition. More water is added to the washing tank to adjust water level to an appropriate amount for laundering and then the laundry made of wool or silk is introduced into the washing tank. The laundering is carried out by rotating the blade to generate water flow.

FIGs. 1A and IB are a flow chart for schematically illustrating a washing method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a construction of a washing machine for carrying out a method of the present invention.

Hereinafter, using the detergent composition as above, a method for washing a washing object made of wool or silk will be explained.

Method for washing the laundry made of wool (washing process in a dry cleaning mode)

After the power of an washing machine is switched on, a detergent composition is introduced in a washing tank 100 and a selection button for a dry cleaning mode is pushed on a key array part 170. When micom 200 receives the signal for selecting the dry mode from key array part 170, a method for performing a dry cleaning washing course is performed to wash the laundry.

More particularly, in a selecting step of the washing mode, key array part 170 sends a dry mode selection signal to micom 200 (S₃), which judges whether the water level reaches the first level (S₅) and then sends a water introducing order signal to driving part 160 to open water introducing valve 120 (S₆). Then, washing water is introduced into washing tank 100 in a small amount through water introducing pipe.

When the suitable amount of water for diluting the detergent is introduced, micom 200 drives motor 150 via driving part 160 for a predetermined time, to thereby rotate rotary blade 110 at a low rotation speed. Due to the rotation of rotary blade 110, a water stream is generated to dilute the detergent. Simultaneously, a predetermined amount of water is sequentially introduced into washing tank 100 (S₈) .

When the suitable amount of water (at this time, the concentration of the detergent is about 0.5g/l) is introduced into washing tank (S₇) and the dilution of the detergent is completed, sensor 140 senses a water level enough for performing the washing step of the washing object and sends a signal to micom 200. Then, micom 200 sends a water introducing stop order signal and a motor rotation stop order signal to driving part 160 (S₉). Driving part 160 closes water introducing valve 120 in accordance with the water introducing stop order signal and stops motor 150 so that rotary blade 100 does not rotate any more. Also, micom 200 judges that the washing mode is a dry mode (S₁₀), and sends a display signal to display part 180 so that display part 180 displays "dry" (S_ιη) and sends a buzzer sound generating signal to speaker 190 to generate a buzzer sound on speaker 190 (S₁₃) . When the user hears the buzzer sound, he introduces the laundry into washing tank 100 and then pushes a start button in key array part 170. Micom 200 judges whether the start signal is inputted from key array part 170 (S₁₄). When micom 200 senses the start signal, a signal for performing the washing step is transmitted to driving part 160 to start the dry cleaning washing course. Within one minute, when the start signal is not inputted in micom 200 from key array part 170, micom 200 sends a buzzer sound generating signal to speaker 190 again to generate another buzzer sound (S₁₅).

At the state that the washing object is in washing tank 100, when the start signal is applied, driving part 160 drives motor 150 so that rotary blade 110 rotates right and left for a predetermined time. More particularly, rotary blade 110 rotates in the right direction for about 2-4 seconds, is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, rotates in the left direction for about 2-4 seconds and then is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, which as one cycle is repeated for a predetermined time (for example, about six minutes) to wash the washing object (S₁₆).

When the washing step is completed, micom 200 sends a water drain order signal to driving part 160, which opens water drain valve 130 to drain the washing water from washing tank 100 through a drain hose.

When the water draining is completed micom 200 sends a water introducing order signal to driving part 160. Then, water drain valve 130 is closed and water introducing valve 120 is opened to thereby introduce a new washing water into washing tank 100 which is suitable for rinsing the washing object. When the water introduction is finished, water introducing valve 120 is closed and motor 150 is driven to rotate rotary blade 110 for a predetermined time to generate a water stream suitable for rinsing the washing object (S₁₇).

The water stream necessary for the rinsing step is generated in the same manner as in the washing step. That is, rotary blade 110 rotates in the right direction for about 2-4 seconds, is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, rotates in the left direction for about 2-4 seconds and then is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, which as one cycle is repeated continuously for about two minutes.

This rinsing step is performed twice so that all the contaminants (stains and detergent) remaining on the washing object are removed.

When the rinsing step is completed, micom 200 sends a water drain order signal to driving part 160 to open water drain valve 130. Then the washing water remaining in washing tank 100 is drained, and a dewatering step starts. In the dewatering step, micom 200 combines rotary blade 100 with washing tank 100 mechanically and then drives motor 150 to rotates washing tank at a rotation speed of about 100 to 150 r.p.m. (S₁₈).

The dewatering step is performed by rotating washing tank 100 in the left or right direction for about 3-5 seconds, stilling washing tank 100 for about 5-6 seconds, repeating about seven times a process comprising the steps of i)rotating washing tank 100 in the left or right direction for about 2-3 seconds and ii)stilling washing tank 100 for about 5-6 seconds, and then rotating washing tank 100 in the left or right direction for about 1-3 seconds.

When the dewatering step is completed to finish the washing of the washing object, micom 200 generates a buzzer sound via speaker 190 so that the user may note that. This finishes the washing method for washing the washing object made of wool.

Washing method for washing the laundry made of silk (silk mode washing process)

Using the washing method as shown in FIGs. 1A and IB and the washing machine as shown in FIG. 2, the washing process for the laundry made of silk is performed as follows.

A detergent composition according to the present invention suitable for silk is introduced in an amount suitable for washing the laundry ( S. ) and then a button for selecting a silk mode in key array part 170 is pushed (S₂). When micom 200 receives the signal for selecting the silk mode from key array part 170, a method for performing a silk washing course is performed to wash the laundry made of silk.

More particularly, in a selecting step of the washing mode, key array part 170 sends a silk mode selection signal to micom 200 (S₃), which judges whether the water level reaches the first level (S₅) and sends a water introducing order signal to driving part 160 to open water introducing valve 120. Then, washing water is introduced into washing tank 100 in a small amount through water introducing pipe

<s₆>.

When the suitable amount of water for diluting the detergent is introduced, micom 200 drives motor 150 via driving part 160 for a predetermined time, to thereby rotate rotary blade 110 at a low rotation speed. Due to the rotation of rotary blade 110, a water stream is generated to dilute the detergent (S₈). Simultaneously, a predetermined amount of water is sequentially introduced into washing tank 100. When the suitable amount of water (at this time, the concentration of the detergent is about 0.5g/l) is introduced into washing tank and the dilution of the detergent is completed, sensor 140 senses a water level enough for performing the washing step of the washing object and sends a signal to micom 200 (S₇). Then, micom 200 sends a water introducing stop order signal and a motor rotation stop order signal to driving part 160. Driving part 160 closes water introducing valve 120 in accordance with the water introducing stop order signal and stops motor 150 so that rotary blade 100 does not rotate any more (S₉). Also, micom 200 judges that the washing mode is a silk mode (S₁₀) and sends a display signal to display part 180 so that display part 180 displays "silk" (S₁₂) and sends a buzzer sound generating signal to speaker 190 to generate a buzzer sound on speaker 190 (S₁₃). When the user hears the buzzer sound, he introduces the laundry made of silk into washing tank 100 and then pushes a start button in key array part 170. Micom 200 judges whether the start signal is inputted from key array part 170. When micom 200 senses the start signal (S₁₄), a signal for performing the washing step is transmitted to driving part 160 to start the silk washing course. Within one minute, when the start signal is not inputted in micom 200 from key array part 170, micom 200 sends a buzzer sound generating signal to speaker 190 again to generate another buzzer sound (S₁₅).

At the state that the washing object is in washing tank 100, when the start signal is applied, driving part 160 drives motor 150 so that rotary blade 110 rotates right and left for a predetermined time. More particularly, rotary blade 110 rotates in the right direction for about 0.3-0.5 seconds, is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, rotates in the left direction for about 0.3-0.5 seconds and then is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, which as one cycle is repeated for a predetermined time (for example, about four minutes) to wash the washing object (S₁₆).

The washing object made of silk does not sink into the washing water but floats at an upper portion of the washing water. In the conventional washing machine, the rotating water stream is generated regardleβs of the kinds of fabrics of the washing objects. In this case, when the rotating water is generated for a long time, the washing object sinks due to the rotating water stream to come in contact with rotary blade 110 or with the bottom portion of washing tank 100. Therefore, the washing object is damaged. However, in the present embodiment, rotary blade is rotated for about 0.3 to 0.5 seconds. Then, the washing object sinks to the lower portion of the washing water and is washed due to the rotational friction force. However, since the water stream is generated for a short time, the washing object does not come in contact with rotary blade 110 or the bottom of washing tank 100 although the washing object sinks into the washing water. Therefore, the washing object is not damaged.

After rotating rotary blade 110 for about 0.3-0.5 seconds, rotary blade 110 is stationary for about 5-6 seconds. At this time, the pressure generated by the rotating water stream is reduced and the washing object which has sunk due to the rotating water stream rises to the surfaces of the washing water.

At this state, rotary blade 110 rotates in the opposite direction to generate a rotating water stream again. Then, the washing object sinks again and is washed due to the rotating friction force of the water stream.

When the water draining is completed, micom 200 sends a water introducing order signal to driving part 160. Then, water drain valve 130 is closed and water introducing valve 120 is opened to thereby introduce a new washing water into washing tank 100 which is suitable for rinsing the washing object. When the water introduction is finished, water introducing valve 120 is closed and motor 150 is driven to rotate rotary blade 110 for a predetermined time to generate a water stream suitable for rinsing the washing object. The water stream necessary for the rinsing step is generated in the same manner as in the washing step. That is, rotary blade 110 rotates in the right direction for about 0.3-0.5 seconds, is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, rotates in the left direction for about 0.3-0.5 seconds and then is stationary for about 5-6 seconds, which as one cycle is repeated continuously for about two minutes (S₁₇). This rinsing step is performed twice so that all the contaminants (stains and detergent) remaining on the washing object are removed.

When the rinsing step is completed, micom 200 sends a water drain order signal to driving part 160 to open water drain valve 130. Then the washing water remaining in washing tank 100 is drained, and a dewatering step starts.

In the dewatering step, micom 200 combines rotary blade 100 with washing tank 100 mechanically and then drives motor 150 to rotate washing tank at a rotation speed of about 100 to 150 r.p.m.

The dewatering step is performed by rotating washing tank 100 in the left or right direction for about 3-5 seconds, stilling washing tank 100 for about 5-6 seconds, repeating about seven times a process comprising the steps of i)rotating washing tank 100 in the left or right direction for about 2-3 seconds and ii)stilling washing tank 100 for about 5-6 seconds, and then rotating washing tank 100 in the left or right direction for about 1-3 seconds (S₁₈) . When the dewatering step is completed to finish the washing of the washing object, micom 200 generates a buzzer sound via speaker 190 so that the user may note that. This finishes the washing method for washing the washing object made of silk.

Advantages obtained by using the detergent composition of the present invention and the method for washing a washing object according to the present invention are as follows.

Firstly, high grade clothes could be washed using water. Clothes made of wool, silk, regenerated cellulose fiber, etc. can be domestically laundered using water, which has been possible only through dry cleaning.

Secondly, protein-based pollutants can be removed. Through adding a protease, the protein-based pollutants can be completely removed, which could not be removed through dry cleaning.

Thirdly, water soluble inorganic materials can be removed. Through washing using water the water soluble inorganic pollutants can be completely removed, which have been impossible to remove through dry cleaning. Fourthly, strong washability of fatty pollutants can be obtained. Fatty acid glyceride fatty pollutants which have been secreted from human skin and become the main pollutant on the fiber can be more effectively removed by using an emulsion of lauryl-based non-ionic surfactant and organic solvent when compared with the laundering using a conventional surfactant or the dry cleaning using a solvent.

Fifthly, this lowers cost. Domestic laundering using water is convenient, sanitary and economic.

Preferred examples of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. Examples 1-5 Detergent compositions were prepared by mixing a lauryl-based non-ionic surfactant, n-decane as a normal paraffin, limonene as an unsaturated aromatic hydrocarbon. tetra-alkyl ammonium chloride, protease, lipase, carboxyl methyl cellulose and butyl diglycol as shown in Table 1.

Table 1

example 1 2 3 4 5 component

lauryl 23 20 15 22 19 alcohol oxyethylene

coconut fatty 5 5 5 7 11 acid alkanol amide

n-decane 18 12 20 14 16

limonene 9 6 10 7 8

tetra-alkyl 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.7 ammonium chloride

protease 0.7 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.6

lipase 0.7 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.3

carboxymethyl 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.7 0.6 cellulose

butyl 6 10 8 7 9 diglycol

water 36.9 45 40.1 41 34.8

Comparative Example 1

Commercially available detergent for laundering, perchloroethylene of hydrocarbon solvent and drum-type washing machine for dry cleaning were prepared. Comparative Example 2

Commercially available Dry-senka (model name; manufactured by Inter Orion Co. Japan) was prepared.

Contractibilitv Test

Pure silk laundry samples of 30cm in width and 40cm in length, and pure wool laundry samples of 20cm in width and 30cm in length were prepared. These samples were laundered using the detergent compositions according to Examples 1 to 5, and Comparative Example 2 by dry cleaning mode washing and silk mode washing processes.

As a washing machine, DWF-6650F (trade name; manufactured by Dae Woo Electronics Co. Ltd, Korea) was used and the laundering was carried out as per the above mentioned dry cleaning mode and silk mode processes. Water level in the washing machine was adjusted to the standard level of 59£ and the amount of the detergent used was 29.5g.

In addition, the samples were laundered by the conventional dry cleaning method at launderette using the detergent in Comparative Example 1.

After the samples were laundered using the detergent compositions of Examples 1 to 5, Comparative Example 2 and by means of the above mentioned laundering process, and other samples were laundered using the detergent composition and the solvent of Comparative Examples 1 in accordance with a conventional dry cleaning process, the various samples were laid without the folded rumples on a shaded and smooth place and were naturally dried. The length and width of the samples were measured and the contractibilities were calculated according to the following equation (1).

contractibility (%) = length length before laundering - after laundering

length before laundering The results are illustrated in Table 2. Table 2

* In table 2, W.A. represents contractibility in the width measurement and L.A. represents contractibility in the length measurement.

As can be seen from table 2, we found that the contractibility of the silk or wool laundry obtained by laundering using the detergent composition of the present invention is similar to that obtained by laundering by dry cleaning entrusted to launderette.

Washability Test

1) preparation of polluted fabric

A fabric of silk or wool which had an original reflectance of 70.0 was prepared and was cut to the size of 15cmx20cm. In a 50πu? vessel, 0.5-0.8g of hardening oil (melting point; 57°C or above, iodine value; 3 or less, saponification value; 90-93) and 3g of flowing paraffin were added. Then lamp black was added thereto and the mixture was homogeneously stirred for a predetermined period or for predetermined times using an oil rod. The obtained mixture was dispersed in 800g of tetrachlorocarbon or 1,1,1-trichloroethane to obtain a polluting liquid.

In a dyeing bath of 15cmx20cm size, 400g of the polluting liquid was added and maintained at the temperature of 15-30°C. The cut fabric was polluted for 60 seconds while properly turning over the fabric. The amount of the lamp black was adjusted to obtain the reflectance of the fabric ranges 30±2%.

2) measurement of the reflectance

The reflectance on the surface of the fabric was measured using 510-550nm wavelength by means of a photometer, a photoreversing reflectometer, a spectrophotometer, etc.

The reflectance of the white plate of magnesium oxide was regarded as 100%, while the reflectance of a black body was regarded as 0%. The reflectance of the polluted fabric was measured at two positions of each front side and back side. The total of four reflectances were measured and an average thereof was regarded as a reflectance of the fabrics.

3) laundering of the polluted fabric The polluted fabrics were prepared as samples and were laundered using the detergent composition of the examples 1 to 5 and comparative example 2 and by means of dry mode washing and silk mode washing processes.

As a washing machine, DWF-6650F (model name; manufactured by Dae Woo Electronics Co. Ltd., Korea) was used and the samples were laundered at the above-mentioned dry cleaning mode. The water level was adjusted to the standard washing level 59£ and the amount of the detergent used was 29.5g. In addition, the samples were laundered by the conventional dry cleaning method at a launderette using the detergent and the solvent in Comparative Example 1. After laundering, the samples laundered using the detergent compositions of Examples 1 to 5, Comparative Example 2 and by means of the above mentioned laundering method, along with other samples laundered by using the detergent compositions of Comparative Example 1 and by the conventional dry cleaning method, were laid without the folded rumples on a shaded and smooth place and were naturally dried. The reflectances of the laundered fabrics were measured and washability was calculated according to the following equation (2).

washability (%) = reflectance before - reflectance after laundering (%) laundering (%) x loo (2) reflectance of the - reflectance before original fabric (%) laundering (%)

The results are illustrated in Table 3,

Table 3

* In table 3, R.B. represents reflectance before laundering, R.A. represents reflectance after laundering, and W.A. represents washability.

As can be seen from table 3, we found that similar washability of laundry made of silk or wool can be obtained by using the detergent composition of the present invention as compared with the conventional dry cleaning at launderette.

Moreover, since the detergent composition of the present invention includes non-ionic surfactant having a good washability, the insoluble calcium salt was not produced even though washed with piped water.

In case of laundering the laundry made of silk or wool using the detergent composition of the present invention. similar effects in contraction and washability can be obtained as in the case of the conventional laundering at launderette. Therefore, simple laundering without damaging fiber is possible when using the detergent composition of the present invention, and so cost can be saved. Moreover, unsanitary problems when laundered in the washing tank with other laundry could be solved and clean and satisfied wearing can be accomplished.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An oil-in-water emulsion-type detergent composition comprising: from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of non-ionic surfactant; from about 15 to about 35 parts by weight of hydrocarbon solvent containing normal paraffin and/or limonene for laundering; from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water; and from 0 to about 10 parts by weight of an additional agent.

2. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said non-ionic surfactant is at least any one selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol oxyethylene and lauryl alcohol amide.

3. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said normal paraffin includes 9 to 13 carbons.

4. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional agent includes from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of tetra-alkyl ammonium chloride.

5. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional agent includes from about 0.2 to about 0.7 parts by weight of protease which maintains a titer at the pH of from about 6.0 to about 8.0.

6. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional agent includes from about 0.3 to about 0.8 parts by weight of lipase.

7. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional agent includes from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose.

8. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additional agent includes about 6 to about 10 parts by weight of butyl diglycol.

9. The detergent composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein an additional ratio of said normal paraffin and said limonene is about 2:1.

10. An oil-in-water emulsion type detergent composition comprising: from about 15 to about 45 parts by weight of non-ionic surfactant; from about 25 to about 50 parts by weight of water; from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of tetra- alkyl ammonium chloride; from about 0.2 to about 0.7 parts by weight of protease maintaining a titer at a pH of from about 6.0 to about 8.0; from about 0.3 to about 0.8 parts by weight of lipase; from about 0.3 to about 0.7 parts by weight of carboxymethyl cellulose; and from about 6 to about 10 parts by weight of butyl diglycol.

11. A method for laundering laundries made of silk or wool using the detergent composition as claimed in claim 1.

12. A method for laundering a washing object comprising the steps of: introducing the detergent composition as claimed in claim 1 into a washing tank having a rotary blade; diluting said detergent composition by introducing a first amount of water into said washing tank, while rotating said rotary blade; adjusting a second amount of water suitable for laundering the washing object by introducing water into said washing tank; introducing the washing object made of silk or wool into said washing tank; and rotating said rotary blade to generate a water flow suitable for laundering the washing object.