Abstract:
An improved dry cleaning apparatus and method for the non-aqueous cleaning of fabric materials comprises the introduction of steam into a dryer chamber containing fabric materials previously washed in a non-aqueous organic cleaning solvent such as perchloroethylene. The steam is heated at a sufficient temperature for a duration of time, both of which are determined by the type of fabric and solvents involved. The heated steam volatilizes any excess cleaning solvent contained in or on said fabric creating a gaseous water/solvent mixture which is then subsequently separated from the fabric materials. The gaseous mixture can be condensed, its component parts separated and re-used in the cycle again.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.
Abstract:
Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance having at least one detergency step, products therefor, and kits which combine treatment products for more effective results.
Abstract:
A method for enhancing the removal of water-soluble soil during dry cleaning, which contemplates the application of a preconditioning treatment to the goods to be cleaned before the dry cleaning thereof, but in the same equipment in which the dry cleaning treatment will be performed. Preconditioning consists of treating the goods with a mixture of water and detergent which has been substantially vaporized prior to introduction into the dry cleaning equipment. A predetermined water moisture level is established inside the dry cleaning equipment through introduction therein of the water and detergent mixture and maintained throughout the preconditioning treatment and the dry cleaning treatment following. Concentrated detergent in amounts based upon the weight of the goods to be cleaned is introduced into the dry cleaning equipment during the preconditioning treatment of the goods to insure the availability of sufficient detergent for the preconditioning treatment in those instances in which a pre-existing moisture level in the dry cleaning equipment would not require the addition of sufficient water and detergent mixture to provide the needed detergent by that means. Special treatment agents may be introduced into the dry cleaning equipment to achieve some desired effect and include the watersoluble type in which case they are introduced with the preconditioning treatment, or the solvent-soluble type, introduced with the solvent dry cleaning treatment.
Abstract:
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR DRY CLEANING FABRICS, E.G., COTTON, COTTON-SYNTHETIC BLENDS, RAYON, NYLON, WOOL, WORSTED, ETC, WHCIH COMPRISES A THREE-STEP PROCESS: (A) CONTACTING THE FABRIC WITH A DRY CLEANING SOLVENT CONTAINING FROM 0.005 TO 25 VOLUME PERCENT OF H2O AND 0.01 TO 5 VOLUME PERCENT OF A DETERGENT FOR FROM ONE TO 20 MINUTES; AND THEN, IN ANY ORDER, (B) CONTACTING THE FABRIC WITH A DRY CLEANING SOLVENT CONTAINING 0.01 TO 15 VOLUME PERCENT OF A DETERGENT FOR FROM ONE TO 20 MINUTES; AND (C) CONTACTING THE FABRIC WITH A DRY CLEANING SOLVENT CONTAINING 0.01 TO 5 VOLUME PERCENT OF A DETERGENT FOR FROM ONE TO 20 MINUTES.