Acidic liquid detergent composition for cleaning ceramic tiles without

Abstract

An acidic liquid detergent composition for cleaning ceramic tiles without eroding the grout between the tiles comprises minor proportions of partially neutralized glutaric acid, partially neutralized phosphoric acid, surface active condensation product of ethylene oxide and higher linear alcohol of 10 to 20 carbon atoms, such as the condensation product of a linear secondary alcohol averaging about 13 carbon atoms with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide, and mono-lower alkyl ether of diethylene glycol, such as the butyl ether of diethylene glycol, and a major proportion of water, with the pH of the composition being within the range of 3 to 5, preferably 4.0. The composition is found to be an excellent bathroom cleaner, being especially useful for cleaning soap scum and other soil from ceramic tile, porcelain ware, such as bathtubs and sinks, and from other hard surfaces. Tile cleaning is easily effected without erosion of the grout between the tiles, which is often experienced when other acidic cleaners are utilized. Within broader composition aspects of the invention are acidic cleaning compositions containing glutaric acid or a salt thereof, together with an acid or salt thereof, the calcium salt of which is water insoluble. Also within the invention are methods for manufacturing the described liquid detergent compositions and methods of cleaning ceramic tiles and intermediate grout without causing erosion of the grout.