Patent ID: 6099589
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: C11D

Abstract:
A method for improving the whitened appearance of laundered cellulosic fabrics, using at least two brightening steps, the method comprising:(a) a first brightening step comprising contacting a fabric item comprising a soiled cellulosic fabric with a liquid detergent composition comprising an anionic sulfate or alkoxylated nonionic surfactant composition, a solvent, and about 0.001 to 1 wt % of an optical brightener in an aqueous medium at a pH between about 6.5 and 10.5 to produce a treated item;(b) an extraction step comprising substantially removing residual liquid detergent composition from the treated item;(c) a second brightening step comprising contacting the extracted item with an aqueous laundry composition comprising a surfactant package comprising a conventional laundry detergent and about 0.001 to 1 wt % of an optical brightener, such brightener being a styryl composition, to form a cleaned fabric item; and(d) cleaning a food contact surface with the cleaned fabric item;wherein the cellulosic fabric has substantially improved bright white appearance when compared to fabric laundered with a single brightening laundry step.