Written by Norman Lowe
This blog covers two niche areas of laundry detergents for formulators: fine fabric (including wool) and travel wash.
Travel Wash
Going on holiday sometimes requires washing clothes, but it is not practical to take normal-sized laundry detergent packs. Also, cleaning is usually done in a simple hotel washbasin or on a campsite with limited facilities. Products produced for this need must be compact and easy to transport. This has led to products being viscous, concentrated, and packaged in plastic tubes. They are of course required to have good detergency and many of the attributes of a mainstream detergent, although they are not meant for heavy-duty cleaning. Uses will vary, but mainly cover underwear and swimwear (i.e. garments that can be washed in the confined space of a washbasin). This would also apply to washing infants’ clothing.
Simple Gel Travel Wash
Starter formulation, cold blended, giving a mild yet effective wash.
| Ingredient | Percentage | Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Geropon® TC Clear | 10.0% | HARKE UK/Syensqo |
| MACKAMINE® CS | 5.0% | HARKE UK/Syensqo |
| Rhodasurf® L7 NAT MB | 4.0% | HARKE UK/Syensqo |
| Rhodasurf® L 3 MB | 2.0% | HARKE UK/Syensqo |
| ADDBright SX | 0.5% | HARKE UK |
| Fresh Linen Fragrance DEV50372 | 0.2% | HARKE UK/IF |
| PREVENTOL® D 7 | 0.1% | HARKE UK/LANXESS |
| MACKAMIDE® C 5 | 5.0% | HARKE UK/Verdant |
| Water | to 100% |
Method: Disperse Geropon® TC Clear, Rhodasurf® L7 NAT MB, Rhodasurf® L 3 MB, fragrance, and PREVENTOL® D 7 in the formula amount of water. Add MACKAMIDE® C 5 and stir until homogeneous.
Usage: Use level is ca. 10 ml (two teaspoons) in a basin of warm or cold water. Hand wash and rinse thoroughly.
Fine Fabric / Wool Wash
Again, these are hand-wash products, not made for front-loading automatic machines. These can be liquid, powder or, in some cases, simply soap flakes (which have problems in hard water areas). They are for hand washing very fine, delicate fabrics and woolen articles in cold up to 40°C water.
Fine Fabric Hand Wash
Starting point formulation: free-flowing powder.
| Ingredient | Percentage | Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Geropon® TC 95 P MB | 20.0% | HARKE UK/Syensqo |
| MACKAM® 2800 | 5.0% | HARKE UK/Verdant |
| Trisodium Citrate | 10.0% | Various |
| Sodium Sesquicarbonate | 5.0% | Various |
| Fragrance English Bluebell DEV50371 | 0.5% | HARKE UK/IF |
| ADDBright SX | 0.5% | HARKE UK |
| Anhydrous Sodium Sulfate | to 100% | Various |
Method: Absorb the fragrance onto the Sodium Sulfate. Powder blend in all other ingredients until homogeneous. A small amount of silica free-flow powder can be added to improve flow.
Note: Geropon® TC 95 P MB is used by museums to wash antique items due to its mild but effective detergency.
Usage: Use level is 20 g to 30 g in a bowl of warm water.
Simple Liquid System
| Ingredient | Percentage | Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodapex® ESB-70 NAT | 20.0% | HARKE UK/Syensqo |
| MACKAMINE® LA | 14.0% | HARKE UK/Verdant |
| MACKERNIUM® CTAC 30 | 2.0% | HARKE UK/Verdant |
| ADDBright SX | ca. 0.5% | HARKE UK |
| Fragrance | 0.3% | HARKE UK/IF |
| PREVENTOL® D 7 | 0.1% | HARKE UK/LANXESS |
| Sodium Chloride | ca. 0.75% | Various |
| Water | to 100% |
Method: Disperse the fragrance and ADDBright SX into the MACKAMINE® LA, add water, and stir until clear. Add MACKERNIUM® CTAC 30 and stir until clear again. Add Rhodapex® ESB-70 NAT and stir until fully dispersed. Add PREVENTOL® D 7 preservative. Add salt as needed to reach desired viscosity.
Usage: Use level is 20 ml to 30 ml in a bowl of warm water.
Get In Touch
Many variations of these formulations are possible. The technical department of HARKE UK & Ireland is adept in formulating bespoke products to your specifications. Please contact us for more information or to discuss specific ingredients.
