Cleaning method

Abstract

The invention provides a method for the cleaning of a soiled substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate cleaning material and wash water, the treatment being carried out in an apparatus comprising a drum comprising perforated side walls and having a capacity of between 5 and 50 liters for each kg of fabric in the washload, wherein said solid particulate cleaning material comprises a multiplicity of polymeric particles at a particle to fabric addition level of 0.1:1-10:1 by mass, each particle being substantially cylindrical or spherical in shape and having an average density in the range of 0.5-2.5 g/cmand an average volume in the range of 5-275 mm, and wherein said drum comprising perforated side walls is rotated at a speed which generates G forces in the range of from 0.05 to 900 G. The polymeric particles may comprise foamed or unfoamed polymeric materials which may comprise either linear or crosslinked polymers. Preferably, at least one detergent is employed in the cleaning process. The invention provides optimum cleaning performance as a result of improved mechanical interaction between substrate and cleaning media and is preferably used for the cleaning of textile fabrics. The method allows for significant reductions in the consumption of detergents, water and energy when compared with the conventional wet cleaning of textile fabrics, and also facilitates reduced washing-related textile fabric damage. The invention also envisages a cleaning composition comprising a solid particulate cleaning composition and at least one additional cleaning agent. In particular embodiments of the invention, the solid particulate cleaning material is separated and recovered and then re-used in subsequent cleaning processes. Typically, the solid particulate cleaning material is itself cleaned intermittently in order to maintain its efficacy.