Non-caustic cleaning composition comprising peroxygen compound and specific silicate, and method of making same in free-flowing, particulate form

The present invention discloses an alkaline cleaning composition for cleaning heavily soiled metal surfaces such as food fryers, baking pans, high temperature pasteurizers, and beer kettles, ceramic surfaces such as restaurant grade ceramic china plates and platters, and plastic surfaces. The cleaning composition is noncaustic and includes a peroxygen compound, a chelate, and a metasilicate and/or sesquisilicate. A preferred cleaning composition further includes a surfactant and hydrated builder.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to a cleaning composition and more 
specifically to an alkaline cleaning composition for removing protein, 
grease and other organic deposits and stains from articles such as those 
used in the food industry. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In the food processing industry, the cleaning of equipment is a significant 
problem. In many applications, the high temperatures employed cause 
difficult-to-remove organic deposits, such as baked-on carbon and 
hydrolyzed protein, to form on the equipment. In the dairy industry, for 
example, the pasteurizing equipment is heated to temperatures in excess of 
160.degree. F. to sterilize dairy products. At such temperatures, a 
blue-black organic deposit, that is very difficult to remove with known 
cleaners, commonly forms on the equipment. 
Caustic cleaners are commonly used to remove organic deposits but caustic 
cleaners are unsafe and require substantially elevated temperatures to 
work effectively and are extremely difficult to remove by rinsing. Many 
caustic cleaners, such as those incorporating sodium hydroxide, are 
corrosive to skin and produce hazardous fumes. Such caustic cleaners can 
also corrode or scar metal (e.g., aluminum and brass), and destroy many 
types of floor, wall and countertop surfaces. For instance, sodium 
hydroxide should not be used on aluminum since reactions will occur which 
are corrosive to the metal. At temperatures in excess of 160.degree. F., 
which are normally required to remove organic deposits, caustic cleaners 
can consume oxygen. In tanks and other types of substantially closed 
vessels, the consumption of oxygen can cause a decrease in the internal 
pressure of the vessel leading to vessel collapse. To remove the caustic 
cleaners, an elaborate set of steps is followed, typically requiring high 
temperatures and neutralization. 
To avoid the problems associated with caustic cleaners, noncaustic 
cleaners, which are typically not as effective as caustic cleaners, are 
employed in many applications. Because of the reduced effectiveness of the 
noncaustic cleaners, additional time and labor is required to remove 
stubborn organic deposits. Noncaustic cleaners are sometimes initially 
used to remove a portion of the organic deposits with the remainder being 
removed by caustic cleaners. In this manner, the use of caustic cleaners 
is reduced as much as possible. 
There is a need for a non-hazardous cleaner for removing organic deposits, 
such as those encountered in the food industry, that is safe to use and 
will not damage the surfaces to be cleaned. Particularly, there is a need 
to provide a cleaner that is noncorrosive to skin and the surfaces to be 
cleaned and that will not consume oxygen at high temperatures. 
There is a further need to provide a cleaner that is capable of removing 
organic deposits at relatively low temperatures. 
There is a further need for an all purpose cleaner having a wide range of 
applications, including the removal of organic deposits from deep fat 
fryers or bakery pans, to replace caustic and noncaustic cleaners. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention addresses these and other needs by providing a 
cleaning composition which includes at least a peroxygen compound, a 
metasilicate or sesquisilicate, and a chelate. The cleaning composition is 
typically in a dry or granulated state and can be combined with a suitable 
carrier, typically water, to form a cleaning solution. 
The peroxygen compound is preferably a perborate or a percarbonate and more 
preferably a percarbonate. The perborate or percarbonate preferably is 
complexed with a metal such as sodium, lithium, calcium, potassium or 
boron. The preferred amount of the peroxygen compound in the cleaning 
composition, when in the dry or granular state, is at least about 25% by 
weight and more preferably ranges from about 25% to about 40% by weight of 
the cleaning composition. 
The metasilicate and sesquisilicate are preferably anhydrous. The preferred 
amount of the metasilicate and/or sesquisilicate in the cleaning 
composition, when in the dry or granular state, is at least about 15% by 
weight and more preferably ranges from about 15% to about 40% by weight of 
the cleaning composition. 
The chelate is preferably a derivative of a carboxylic or phosphonic acid. 
More preferably, the chelate is selected from the group consisting of 
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ("EDTA"), 
N-hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid ("NTA"), and poly(alkylphosphonic 
acid). The preferred amount of the chelate in the cleaning composition, 
when in the dry or granular state, is at least about 2% by weight and more 
preferably ranges from about 2% to about 8% by weight of the cleaning 
composition. 
In one embodiment, the peroxygen compound, metasilicate and chelate are all 
salts having the same cation. The preferred cation is sodium or potassium. 
The composition can include a builder. The builder is preferably a 
carbonate, sulfate, phosphate, or mixture thereof. The carbonate is 
preferably at least one of the following compounds: a sodium carbonate 
(e.g., soda ash), sodium sesquicarbonate, or sodium bicarbonate. The 
sulfate is preferably sodium sulfate. The phosphate is preferably at least 
one of the following compounds: a tripolyphosphate, trisodium 
polyphosphate, sodium potassium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, 
disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate. The carbonate and phosphate are 
preferably in the hydrated form. The preferred amount of the builder in 
the cleaning composition, when in the dry or granular state, is from about 
15% to about 75% by weight of the cleaning composition. 
The ratios of the various components are important in many applications. 
The preferred weight ratio of the peroxygen compound to the chelate ranges 
from about 7:1 to 3:1. The preferred weight ratio of the metasilicate and 
sesquisilicate to the surfactant ranges from about 5:1 to about 15:1. 
The cleaning composition can include a surfactant to act as a wetting 
agent, emulsifying agent, and/or dispersing agent. The preferred amount of 
the surfactant in the cleaning composition, when in the dry or granular 
state, ranges from about 2.5% to about 5% by weight of the cleaning 
composition. 
The cleaning composition can include a gelling agent for adhering the 
cleaning composition to a desired surface. Preferred gelling agents 
include carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose and modified 
polyacrylamide. The preferred amount of the gelling agents in the cleaning 
composition, when in the dry or granular state, ranges from about 5% to 
about 10% by weight of the cleaning composition. 
As noted above, the cleaning composition can be combined with water to form 
a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution preferably contains from about 
92% to about 99% water by weight with the remainder constituting the 
cleaning composition. The pH of the cleaning solution preferably ranges 
from about pH 9 to about pH 12. 
In another embodiment of the subject invention, the cleaning composition 
includes (a) a peroxygen compound; (b) at least about 15% by weight of a 
metasilicate and/or sesquisilicate; and (c) a chelate that is at least one 
of a carboxylic acid, phosphonic acid and salt thereof. The peroxygen 
compound, metasilicate and chelate can be salts having the same cation. 
The cleaning composition can further include a surfactant and a builder as 
described above. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a 
method for cleaning an object is provided including the steps of: (i) 
applying a cleaning solution to the object wherein the cleaning solution 
includes (a) at least about 25% by weight of a percarbonate compound; (b) 
at least one of a metasilicate and sesquisilicate; (c) a builder including 
at least one of the following: a sulfate, phosphate, and a carbonate; and 
(d) a chelate; and (ii) removing the cleaning solution from the object. 
The object can be composed of a broad variety of materials, including a 
metal, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or a ceramic or plastic 
material. 
The method can further include one or more of the following steps: (i) 
soaking the object in the cleaning solution at a temperature less than 
about 190.degree. F.; (ii) spraying the object with the cleaning solution 
at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. F.; (iii) circulating the 
cleaning solution about the object at a temperature less than about 
190.degree. F.; and/or (iv) rinsing the object with water to remove the 
cleaning solution. 
In many applications, the cleaning composition of the present invention is 
significantly more effective and safer than caustic cleaners in removing 
organic deposits. The cleaning composition can generally be used 
effectively at temperatures lower than the temperatures at which caustic 
cleaners are used. It is believed that, depending on the cleaning task and 
the duration of application, cleaning solutions according to the present 
invention typically need not be used at temperatures higher than about 
100.degree. F. In most applications, the cleaning composition is safer to 
use than caustic cleaners. Unlike many caustic cleaners, the cleaning 
composition generally does not produce dangerous fumes and is not 
corrosive to skin. The cleaning composition also does not corrode or scar 
metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and brass. In high temperature 
tank cleaning operations, the cleaning composition can release oxygen and 
thereby produces a counter-pressure which helps prevent tank collapse. 
The cleaning composition has a number of other advantages relative to 
existing cleaners. In some applications, the cleaning composition provides 
an all purpose cleaner that can replace existing caustic and noncaustic 
cleaners. The cleaning composition thereby reduces the labor and time 
required to clean equipment. In some applications, the cleaning 
composition is environmentally benign. The release of oxygen by the 
composition facilitates compliance of the cleaning solution with the 
regulations regarding chemical and biological oxygen levels in waste 
water. The cleaning composition thereby often requires little or no 
treatment in primary waste water treatment facilities, as generally 
required by many existing cleaners. In some applications, the cleaning 
composition has a pH level acceptable to municipal waste water treatment 
facilities. In particular, a pH level between 9 and 12 is expected from 
the use of the present cleaning composition. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
The present invention provides an alkaline cleaning composition for 
cleaning heavily soiled surfaces especially in the processing and storing 
of foods. The cleaning composition removes a wide range of foreign 
deposits, such as grease, protein, baked-on carbon and charred organics, 
and other types of organic and inorganic deposits and stains. The cleaning 
composition removes foreign deposits from a wide variety of objects such 
as food fryers, baking pans, high temperature pasteurizing equipment, beer 
kettles, ceramic china plates, platters, brass and aluminum filters, 
metal, ceramic or plastic parts and equipment, aluminum baking pans, 
carpets, fabrics, and the like. 
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition includes (a) a 
peroxygen compound, (b) a metasilicate and/or sesquisilicate, (c) a 
builder, and (d) a chelate. Preferably, the cleaning composition is 
substantially free of chlorine-containing compounds and hydroxides. The 
cleaning composition is typically in a dry, granulated form which is 
dissolved in a carrier, such as water, to form a cleaning solution before 
use. The cleaning solution can be applied by a mechanical sprayer, 
soak-tank, or other suitable technique. In a preferred embodiment, the 
cleaning solution is effective at temperatures of no more than about 
190.degree. F., and more preferably no more than about 100.degree. F. 
While not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the 
peroxygen compound and chelate react synergistically to remove most 
foreign deposits. The peroxygen compound releases oxygen molecules which 
break down bonds in the foreign deposit. The chelate reacts with and ties 
up dissolved metals in the water which would otherwise react with and 
neutralize the oxygen. It is further believed that the metasilicate and 
builder peptize or emulsify (e.g. solubilize) proteins or fat. The 
metasilicate and builder together provide sufficient alkalinity to 
saponify the high levels of fat in many foreign deposits. 
The peroxygen compound preferably includes a perborate or a percarbonate 
and more preferably a percarbonate. The perborate or percarbonate can be 
complexed with a metal, preferably one selected from the group including 
sodium, lithium, calcium, potassium, and boron. The cleaning composition 
preferably includes at least about 25% by weight and more preferably from 
about 25% to about 40% by weight, and most preferably from about 25% to 
about 35% by weight, of the peroxygen compound. The metasilicate and 
sesquisilicate are preferably in the anhydrous form and are complexed with 
a metal selected from the group including sodium and potassium. The 
cleaning composition preferably includes at least about 15% by weight and 
more preferably an amount ranging from about 20% to about 40% by weight 
and most preferably from about 25% to about 35% by weight of the 
metasilicate and/or sesquisilicate. 
The chelate is preferably a derivative of a carboxylic or phosphonic acid. 
More preferably, the chelate is selected from the group consisting of 
EDTA, NTA, and other derivatives of a carboxylic acid and phosphonic acid 
and derivatives of phosphonic acid, such as poly(alkylphosphonic acid) 
(e.g., sold under the trademark ACUSOL 505ND). The EDTA acid is preferably 
in the form of a salt, such as a sodium salt ("ETDA-Na.sub.4 ") or a 
potassium salt, as the salt is more water soluble than the acid. The 
cleaning composition preferably includes at least about 2% by weight and 
more preferably an amount ranging from about 2% to about 8% by weight and 
most preferably from about 4% to about 6% by weight of the chelate, with 
the optimum amount being about 5% by weight. 
In one embodiment, the peroxygen compound, metasilicate, and chelate are 
all salts having the same cation. More preferably, all of the salts in the 
cleaning composition have the same cation. The preferred cation is sodium 
or potassium. 
The builder preferably includes at least a sulfate, a phosphate or a 
carbonate. The sulfate can be a sodium sulfate. The phosphate can be a 
tripolyphosphate, trisodium polyphosphate, sodium potassium pyrophosphate, 
sodium hexametaphosphate, disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate, and 
mixtures thereof. The carbonate can be a sodium carbonate, sodium 
sesquicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof. When the 
cleaning composition includes a surfactant, the carbonate and phosphate 
are preferably in the hydrated form, such as trona or soda ash. 
While not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the 
hydrated builders, such as the hydrated phosphates and/or carbonates, form 
bonds with the surfactants which are hydrophilic substances, thereby 
immobilizing the surfactant and water. As will be appreciated, the 
surfactant and water will react with the peroxygen compound unless the 
surfactant and water are immobilized. The reaction reduces and therefore 
neutralizes the peroxygen compound while causing the release of oxygen 
gas. The reaction not only adversely impacts the shelf life and cleaning 
efficiency of the cleaning composition but also can cause a hazardous 
pressure build up from the released oxygen gas. The use of adequate 
amounts of hydrated builders has been found to substantially eliminate 
these problems. 
The amount of hydrated builder in the cleaning composition depends upon the 
amount of surfactant in the cleaning composition. Preferably, the molar 
ratio of the hydrated builder to the surfactant is at least about 4 parts 
of hydrated builder to one part surfactant and more preferably ranges from 
about 6 to about 22 parts of hydrated builder to one part surfactant, and 
most preferably ranges from about 8 to about 10 parts of hydrated builder 
to one part surfactant. In most applications, the preferred amount of 
hydrated builder in the cleaning composition is at least about 20% by 
weight and more preferably ranges from about 25% to about 45% by weight of 
the cleaning composition. 
The total amount of builder in the cleaning composition (both in the 
hydrated and anhydrous forms) varies depending upon the application. The 
cleaning composition preferably includes from about 20% to about 75% by 
weight and more preferably from about 20% to about 50% by weight of the 
builder. 
It has been discovered that phosphate builders have several beneficial 
effects on the performance of the cleaning composition in addition to 
immobilizing the surfactant and water. The phosphate helps the chelate 
build up free metals and keep soils in suspension. In sufficient amounts, 
the phosphate has been found to have improved rinsibility and reduced 
streaking, and dry blending of the cleaning composition is much less 
difficult. Preferably, the cleaning composition contains from about 3% to 
about 15% by weight phosphates. 
The ratios of the various components are important parameters in many 
applications. Preferably, the weight ratio of the peroxygen compound to 
the chelator ranges from about 3:1 to 7:1 and more preferably is about 
6:1. The preferred weight ratio of the metasilicate and sesquisilicate to 
the surfactant preferably ranges from about 5:1 to about 15:1 and most 
preferably is about 9:1. The preferred weight ratio of the metasilicate 
and sesquisilicate to the peroxygen compound preferably ranges from about 
1:1 to about 2:1 and is more preferably about 1:1. The preferred weight 
ratio of the metasilicate and sesquisilicate to the chelator preferably 
ranges from about 5:1 to about 15:1 and most preferably is about 6:1. 
The cleaning composition can further include a surfactant, such as a 
wetting agent, emulsifying agent, or dispersing agent. The surfactant must 
be functional in an alkaline solution. Suitable surfactants are nonionic, 
anionic and amphoteric surfactants. Preferred nonionic surfactants include 
octylphenoxy-polyethoxy-ethanol (e.g., sold under the trademark TRITON 
X-100), nonyl phenoxy ethyleneoxy ethanol (e.g., sold under the trademark 
IGE C0730), nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol (e.g., sold under the 
trademark IGE CO630), octylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol (e.g., sold 
under the trademark IGE 630), polyoxy ethoxylated ethanol (e.g., sold 
under the trademark RENEX ZO), glycol fatty esters (e.g., sold under the 
trademark HALLCO-376-N), fatty acid alkylanolamid (e.g, sold under the 
trademark ALKAMIDE 2110), cetyldimethyl amine oxide (e.g., sold under the 
trademark AMMONYX CO), aliphatic polyether (e.g., sold under the trademark 
ANTAROX LF-344), polyethylenated alkyl glycol amide (e.g., sold under the 
trademark ANTAROX G-200), fatty alcohol polyether (e.g., sold under the 
trademark AROSURE 63-PE-16), polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters of mixed 
fatty and resin acids (e.g., sold under the trademark ATLAS G-1234), 
modified oxyethylated straight-chain alcohol (e.g., sold under the 
trademark RENEX 648), modified oxyethoxylated straight-chain alcohols 
(e.g. sold under the trademark PLURAFAC RA,ZO), alkylaryl polyether (e.g., 
sold under the trademark TRITON CF10), trifunctional polyoxyalkylene 
glycols (e.g., sold under the trademark PLURADOT HA-410), diethylene 
glycol dioleate, polyethylene glycol recinaleate, polyethylene glycol 
dioleate, tridecyl alcohol, nonylphenol, and ethylene oxide condensation 
products that are based on propylene oxide-propylene glycol (e.g., sold 
under the trademark PLURONIC L-61), ethoxylated alkylphenols (e.g., sold 
under the trademarks IGE RC-620, ALKASURF OP-12, and TRITON N-101), 
propoxylated and ethoxylated fatty acids, alcohols, or alkylphenols (e.g., 
sold under the trademarks TRITON XL-80N and ANTAROX BL-330), ethoxylated 
alcohols (e.g., sold under the trademarks PLURAFAC A, TRITON CF-54, 
TERGITOL TMN-6, and TERGITOL 15-5-7), alkoxylated linear aliphatic alcohol 
(e.g., sold under the trademark OLIN SL-42), and alcohol alkoxylate (e.g., 
sold under the trademark SURFONIC LF-17). Preferred anionic surfactants 
include ethoxylated (3 moles) phosphate ester (e.g., sold under the 
trademark TRITON QS-44), sodium sulfate of 2 ethyl-a-hexanol (e.g., sold 
under the trademark TERGITOL 08), sodium petroleum sulfonate (e.g., sold 
under the trademark PETRONATE K), sodium alkyl naphthahalene sulfonate 
(e.g., sold under the trademark PETRO AR, SELLOGEN K, NEKAL BX-78, ALKANOL 
B), primary alkane sulfonate (e.g., sold under the trademark BIO TERG 
PAS-8S), dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid (e.g., sold under the 
trademark ABRESOL OT), sodium alkylaryl sulfonate (e.g., sold under the 
trademark AHCOWET ANS), sodium salt of sulfated alkylphenoxy 
poly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol (e.g., sold under the trademark ALI EO-526), 
sodium methyl n-oleyl-taurate (e.g., sold under the trademark AMATER G T), 
alkyl polyphosphate (e.g., sold under the trademark ATCOWET C2), sodium 
lauryl sulfate (e.g., sold under the trademark AVIROL 101), sodium 
N-methyl-N-tall oil acid taurate (e.g., sold under the trademark IGEPON 
TK-32), lauric alkyloamine condensate (e.g., sold under the trademark 
NOPCOGEN 14-L), fatty alcohol sulfate modified (e.g. sold under the 
trademark RICHOLOL 4940), modified diethanolamides of fatty acids (e.g., 
sold under the trademark SHERCOMID), sulfates of alcohols (e.g., sold 
under the trademark STANDO LF), sulfonates of naphthalene and alkyl 
naphthalene (e.g., sold under the trademark PETRO WP) and alkanolamides 
(e.g., sold under the trademark NOPCO 1179). Preferred amphoteric 
surfactants include disodium N-tallow betamino dipropionate (e.g., sold 
under the trademark DERIPHATE 154), sodium derivative of dicarboxylic 
caprylic acid (e.g., sold under the trademark MIRANOL J2M, letithin (e.g., 
sold under the trademark CENTROL CA, LA), lauryl ampholytic (syndet) 
(e.g., sold under the trademark SCHERCOTERIC BASE 156), carboxylic acid 
derivatives of substituted imidazolines (e.g., sold under the trademark 
MONATERIC), complex coco betaine (e.g., sold under the trademark CARSONAM 
3 AND 3147), fatty sulfobetaine (e.g., sold under the trademark LONZAINE 
CS), dicarboxylic coconut derivative triethanolamine (e.g., sold under the 
trademark MIRANOL TEA), dicarboxylic octoic derivative sodium salt (e.g. 
sold under the trademark MIRANOL JEM), dicarboxylic myristic derivative 
diethanolamine (e.g., sold under the trademark MIRANOL M2M-DEM), 
dicarboxylic myristic derivative monoethanolamine (e.g., sold under the 
trademark MIRANOL M2M-MEA), dicarboxylic myristic derivative sodium salt 
(e.g., sold under the trademark MIRANOL M2M-SF), dicarboxylic capric 
derivative diethanolamine (e.g., sold under the trademark MIRANOL 
S2M-DEA), imidazolnes and imidazline derivatives (e.g., sold under the 
trademark MONATERIC 949-J), dicarboxylic capric derivative triethanolamine 
(e.g., sold under the trademark MIRANOL S2M-TEA), and other amphoteric 
surfactants (e.g., sold under the trademark PHOSPHOTERIC T-C6). 
More preferred surfactants include (i) the nonionic surfactants, 
nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol (e.g., sold under the trademark 
IGE CO630), octylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol (e.g., sold under the 
trademark IGE 630), ethoxylated alkylphenols (e.g., sold under the 
trademarks IGE RC-620, ALKASURF OP-12, and TRITON N-101), propoxylated 
and ethoxylated fatty acids, alcohols, or alkylphenols (e.g., sold under 
the trademarks TRITON XL-80N and ANTAROX BL-330), ethoxylated alcohols 
(e.g., sold under the trademarks PLURAFAC A, TRITON CF-54, TERGITOL TMN-6, 
and TERGITOL 15-5-7), alkoxylated linear aliphatic alcohol (e.g., sold 
under the trademark OLIN SL-42), diethylene glycol dioleate, polyethylene 
glycol recinaleate, polyethylene glycol dioleate, tridecyl alcohol, 
nonylphenol, and ethylene oxide condensation products that are based on 
propylene oxide-propylene glycol (e.g., sold under the trademark PLURONIC 
L-61), and alcohol alkoxylate (e.g., sold under the trademark SURFONIC 
LF-17); (ii) the anionic surfactants, primary alkane sulfonate (e.g., sold 
under the trademark BIO TERG PAS-8S), sulfates of alcohols (e.g., sold 
under the trademark STANDO LF), sulfonates of naphthalene and alkyl 
naphthalene (e.g., sold under the trademark PETRO WP), and alkanolamides 
(e.g., sold under the trademark NOPCO 1179); and (iii) the amphoteric 
surfactants, imidazolnes and imidazline derivatives (e.g., sold under the 
trademark MONATERIC 949-J), and the amphoteric surfactant sold under the 
trademark PHOSPHOTERIC T-C6. 
Most preferred surfactants include the low foaming surfactants, primary 
alkane sulfonate sold under the trademark BIO TERG PAS-8S and propylene 
oxide and ethylene oxide block polymer sold under the trademark PLURONIC 
L-61 and the high foaming surfactants, nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) 
ethanol sold under the trademark IGE CO 630 and 
octylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol sold under the trademark IGE CA 
630. 
The amount of the surfactant in the cleaning composition is important to 
the effectiveness of the cleaning composition. Preferably, the cleaning 
composition contains at least about 2.5% by weight and more preferably 
from about 2.5% to about 8% by weight, and most preferably from about 2.5% 
to about 5% by weight of the surfactant. 
The cleaning composition can also include a gelling agent to provide a gel 
formulation for applying the cleaning composition to soiled objects. The 
cleaning ability of the cleaning composition is facilitated by the 
adherence properties of the gel. For instance, such gel formulations are 
particularly useful for thick charred organic buildups on barbecue grills. 
Preferred gelling agents include carboxymethyl cellulose, 
hydroxymethylcellulose and modified polyacrylamide. The preferred 
concentration of the gelling agent in the cleaning composition ranges from 
about 6% to about 12% by weight. 
To apply the cleaning composition with a gelling agent, the cleaning 
composition is preferably combined with from about 7 to about 14 parts by 
weight water and the mixture is placed in a pressurized vessel at about 
160 psi. As the pressure is released, the mixture is ejected from the 
vessel onto the object to be cleaned. The mixture can include a foam 
builder such as nonylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol to enhance the foaming 
characteristics of the mixture. 
The above-noted components of the cleaning composition are combined by 
suitable techniques for forming granulated cleaners. For example, the 
various components are added to a vessel as follows: (i) the various 
builders are added first, preferably in an anhydrous form, and blended 
together, (ii) the surfactant is added second and blended with the 
builders, (iii) water is added after or simultaneously with the 
surfactants and blended with the surfactants and builders for a sufficient 
period of time for substantially all of the water to form hydrates with 
the builder(s), (iv) the metasilicate and/or sesquisilicate, chelate, and 
peroxygen compound are added in that order, and (v) the gelling agent is 
added last. The various components can be blended with any suitable 
device. In the preceding steps, the peroxygen compound must be maintained 
separate from water and the surfactant as the peroxygen compound will 
react with water and/or the surfactant, thereby releasing oxygen and 
neutralizing the peroxygen compound. Thus, the surfactant must be added to 
the vessel before the peroxygen compound. 
The addition of water in the third step must be carefully controlled. If 
too much water is added, the resulting cleaning composition will not be a 
free flowing particulate, as desired, but will be a highly viscous mass. 
If too little water is added, the surfactant may not be immobilized and 
can react with the peroxygen compound. Preferably, the minimum amount of 
water added is the stoichiometric amount that is sufficient to form 
hydrates with substantially all of the hydratable builders and the maximum 
amount of water added is no more than about 150% and more preferably no 
more than about 125% of the stoichiometric amount. By way of example, if 
sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3) is the hydratable builder the molar 
ratio of sodium carbonate to water preferably ranges from about 50:1 to 
about 175:1 and most preferably from about 100:1 to about 150:1. In most 
applications, the molar ratio of hydratable builders to water also ranges 
from about 50:1 to about 175:1 and more preferably from about 100:1 to 
about 150:1, and the total amount of water added to the cleaning 
composition in the third step and total amount of water in the cleaning 
composition, whether occurring as free or hydrated molecules, ranges from 
about 0.1 to about 0.5% by weight of the final cleaning composition, with 
0.1% by weight being most preferred. The free moisture content of the 
cleaning composition is preferably no more than about 0.1% by weight of 
the cleaning composition. 
The blending time of the third step must also be carefully controlled to 
substantially minimize the amount of free water molecules present in the 
cleaning composition. The water/surfactant/builder blend must be blended 
for a sufficient period of time for the water to react with substantially 
all of the hydratable builders and for substantially all of the surfactant 
to form bonds with the hydrated builders. Preferably, the blending in the 
third step has a duration of at least about 5 minutes after water addition 
and more preferably ranging from about 5 to about 10 minutes. 
As noted above, the cleaning composition is preferably a dry, granular 
material. Before use, the cleaning composition can be dissolved in water, 
or other suitable carrier, to form a cleaning solution. The preferred 
concentration of the cleaning composition in the cleaning solution is 
discussed below. The cleaning solution preferably has pH ranging from 
about pH 8 to about pH 12 and more preferably from about pH 10 to about pH 
11. 
The method for using the cleaning solution to remove organic deposits from 
an object will now be described. Before applying the steps described 
below, the various components of the cleaning composition are combined in 
the appropriate amounts and ratios to provide the cleaning composition. 
In the first step, the cleaning composition is combined with water to form 
the cleaning solution and the cleaning solution applied to the object. The 
cleaning solution is applied to the object for a sufficient period of time 
to remove the foreign deposit. Preferably, the application is effectuated 
by soaking the object in the cleaning solution in a soak-tank or spraying 
the cleaning solution on the object. The soaking of the object can be 
accomplished by quiet soak or by circulating the cleaning solution about 
the object. The temperature of the cleaning solution is preferably no more 
than about 190.degree. F., more preferably less than about 160.degree. F., 
and most preferably less than about 120.degree. F. Depending on the soil 
load, the time required to solubilize most foreign deposits into the 
cleaning solution is preferably no more than about 8 hours for soaking 
techniques and no more than about 2 hours for spraying techniques. 
The concentration of the cleaning composition in the cleaning solution 
depends upon the type of foreign deposit and application technique. In 
most applications, the preferred aqueous concentration of the cleaning 
agent in the cleaning solution ranges from about 2 to about 8 percent by 
weight. For soak-tank applications, the cleaning solution more preferably 
contains from about 3% by weight of the cleaning composition for cleaning 
heavily soiled, carbonized baking pans; about 0.75% by weight of the 
cleaning composition (at 120.degree. to 160.degree. F.) for cleaning 
brewery kettles; about 3% by weight of the cleaning composition (at room 
temperature) for cleaning aluminum baking pans; about 3% by weight of the 
cleaning composition (above the boiling point) for cleaning deep fat 
fryers; about 2% by weight of the cleaning composition (at 140.degree. F.) 
for cleaning china plates; about 2% by weight of the cleaning composition 
for cleaning objects having carbon or protein deposits; and as much as 5% 
by weight of the cleaning composition for cleaning other types of heavy 
soiled objects. For spray and other clean-in-place applications, the 
cleaning solution more preferably has a concentration of the cleaning 
composition ranging from about 0.25% to about 5% by weight. However, 
because of the pressure with which the cleaning solution is applied in 
these operations, a somewhat lower concentration may be used than for 
comparable cleaning required for mechanical soak-tank cleaning. 
After the appropriate time, the cleaning composition is removed from the 
object. Typically, the cleaning solution is removed by rinsing the object 
with water. After removal, the cleaning solution typically has a pH 
ranging from about pH 9 to about pH 12.

EXAMPLES 
The present cleaning composition will now be further described by reference 
to the following illustrative examples in which all references to "parts" 
and percentages are on a weight basis. 
Example No. 1 
For cleaning a deep fat fryer, an aqueous solution having a 2.4% by weight 
concentration of the present cleaning composition was placed in the deep 
fat fryer and allowed to sit at ambient room temperature without agitation 
for 8 hours. The solution was removed and the fryer rinsed with water. The 
deep fat fryer had over 90% of the carbon removed without scouring or 
rubbing of any kind. When compared against a standard caustic cleaner 
comprised of 80% by weight caustic soda, 15% by weight builder and 5% by 
weight surfactant, using the same soak time, temperature and 
concentration, only 40% of the carbon was removed. Furthermore, when the 
caustic cleaner was used at 190.degree. F. for 4 hours at 2.4% by weight, 
the deep fat fryer was only 80% clean. 
Example No. 2 
For cleaning bakery pans, a solution having a 2.4% by weight concentration 
of the present cleaning composition was used for immersing aluminum bakery 
pans for 31/2 hours at 120.degree. F. The pans were initially covered with 
baked-on carbon from the commercial ovens as well as typical food soils 
and food stains. After the 31/2 hour soak, all carbon and food soils were 
removed without agitation, scouring or rubbing. Note that no standard 
caustic cleaner could be used on the aluminum pans without major damage to 
the pans. Further note that normal silicated bakery pan cleaners will not 
remove carbon due to their lack of penetrating power. 
In addition to the above examples, it has been determined that heavily 
soiled, carbonized baking pans at ambient room temperature can be 
effectively cleaned by soaking in a solution having a 3% by weight 
concentration of the present cleaning composition. 
Example No. 3 
For removing protein and beer stone deposits in a micro brewery, a solution 
having a 1% by weight concentration of the present cleaning composition 
was circulated about the deposits at 150.degree. F. for 30 minutes. The 
cleaning effectiveness was compared against a standard liquid and a soda 
powder chlorinated caustic cleaner. In each case the present cleaning 
composition outperformed the caustic cleaners in protein and beer stone 
removal, at lower temperatures and in substantially less time (in most 
cases the time was 1/4 to 1/3 of the normal time required for the caustic 
cleaners). 
The two caustic cleaners (one a powder and one a liquid) against which the 
present cleaning composition was compared had the following ingredients: 
______________________________________ 
Powder Liquid 
(% by weight) 
(% by weight) 
______________________________________ 
Caustic Soda Beads 
30 -- 
Caustic Soda Liquid 50% 
-- 40 
Polymer (ACUSOL 44) 
-- 6 
Sodium Tripolyphosphate 
25 -- 
Soda Ash Dense 29 -- 
Sodium Hypochlorite 
-- 20 
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate 
3.0 -- 
surfactant (PLURONIC 25R2) 
2.0 -- 
Sodium Sulfate 10.0 -- 
Water -- 28.0 
Potassium Silicate 
-- 6.0 
______________________________________ 
Further note that it has been determined that using a 0.5% by weight 
solution at 140.degree. F. is effective for cleaning brewery kettles. 
Example No. 4 
For cleaning brass beer filters a solution having a 2% by weight 
concentration of the present cleaning composition was applied at 
180.degree. F. for 20 minutes to brass beer filters. The present cleaning 
composition removed all visible protein and charred organics which had 
accumulated from several years of beer processing. The normal cleaning 
agent used 3% by weight sodium hydroxide and was typically circulated for 
2 hours. This process removed soils, but caused great corrosive and 
oxidation damage to the filters. The present cleaning composition did a 
better job at lower temperatures in less time and did not damage the 
filters. The calculated metal loss from corrosion was 11 ppm for the 
solution having the present cleaning composition as compared to 1,000 ppm 
when using the normal caustic cleaning agent. 
Example No. 5 
For cleaning barbecue grills, a solution having a concentration of 1 lb. of 
the present cleaning composition dissolved in 5 gallons of water was used. 
The barbecue grills, which were caked with grease and baked-on carbon, 
were soaked overnight in the solution at ambient room temperature. This 
resulted in 98% of all carbon and food soils being removed upon rinsing 
with a slight spraying action and with a slight rubbing of the grills. 
Almost no residue or evidence of the grease or carbon was visible in the 
waste water after soaking was complete. Note that the standard caustic 
cleaners had very little effect. 
Example No. 6 
For cleaning restaurant grade ceramic china, a solution having a 
concentration of 16 oz. of the present cleaning composition dissolved in 5 
gallons of water was used. Restaurant grade ceramic china plates and 
platters were immersed in the solution for 3 hours at ambient room 
temperature. In everyday use these plates and platters are heated in an 
oven at 400.degree. F. with steak and other red meat foods on them. The 
plates and platters are also placed directly on a heated grill surface 
that heats to over 500.degree. F. The plates and platters were initially 
covered with baked-on carbon, grease and other food soils as well as 
discoloration stains. After the plates and platters were washed with 
conventional cleaners in a dishwasher and by hand scrubbing, they still 
were covered with brown and black spot stains and baked-on carbon. They 
had also become yellow in color instead of their original white. After the 
3 hour soak in the solution of the present invention at ambient room 
temperature, the plates became clean and whitened. 
Example No. 7 
Standard clean-in-place procedures at a dairy includes mixing a caustic 
powdered cleaner in water at 185.degree. F. and circulating the mixture 
through milk lines tanks and an high-temperature short-time pasteurizer 
for 45 minutes. The resulting waste water is discharged at a pH of 14. The 
caustic powdered cleaner had the following composition: 
______________________________________ 
Caustic Soda 90.0% by weight 
Builder 5.0% by weight 
Sodium Gluconate 
3.0% by weight 
Wetting Agent 2.0% by weight 
______________________________________ 
A solution having a concentration of 1 lb. of the cleaning composition 
dissolved in 5 gallons of water and heated to 185.degree. F. was used in 
the same manner. That is, the solution was circulated for 45 minutes in 
the same manner as with the caustic cleaner. The cleaning results were far 
superior. All lines, valves and tanks were fully cleaned. Scalded areas 
that needed manual scrubbing after the caustic cleaning procedure were 
non-existent after circulating the solution having the present cleaning 
composition. Further, the high-temperature short-time pasteurizer had 
previously always required manual scrubbing and cleaning on its last 15 to 
20 plates at the far end of the high temperature side of the press after 
each caustic cleaning. However, after the cleaning with the present 
cleaning composition, all plates including the very last one were fully 
cleaned. No manual scrubbing was required and the waste water discharge 
was pH 7 to pH 9. 
As an aside, note that the high pH 14 of the caustic waste water discharged 
by the dairy when using the caustic powdered cleaner is unacceptable to 
local municipal waste water treatment facilities. However, a pH of pH 7 to 
pH 9 is acceptable. 
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in 
detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those 
embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be 
expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within 
the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.