FORM - 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
HARD SURFACE TREATMENT COMPOSITION
HINDUSTAN UNILEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under
the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office
at 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of the invention
The invention is in the field of hard surface cleaning, especially in the field of hard surface cleaning composition having anti-microbial effect.
Background of the invention
Hygiene is of high priority to present day consumers. Consumers all over the world use various kinds of disinfecting cleaning compositions for hard surfaces.
Many micro organisms found on household surfaces are harmless, but there are also various pathogenic types or sub-species present, such as Escherichia coli, also referred to a E. coii, and Staphylococcus aureus, also referred to as S. aureus. Several other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria can be found on any household surface.
Therefore present day consumers appreciate hard surface cleaning products that have anti-microbial activity.
The most commonly known disinfectant in house hold care is hypochlorite. However hypochlorite causes bad smell, bleaches clothes that come in contact with it and is unpleasant to skin mostly caused by its high alkalinity.
Various alternative hygiene materials have been proposed in the art. In recent years a number of publications have been made on the use of essential oils for anti-bacterial action.
EP-A-912678 discloses the use of essential oil compounds for anti microbial effect on hard surfaces.
However, essential oils are relatively expensive ingredients. Additionally, essential oils are also known for their fragrances; using high amounts may cause a peculiar smell that is not always appreciated by the consumer.

WO1998/20735 (Procter and Gamble) describes a spray-able liquid disinfecting composition comprising a hydrogen peroxide, an antimicrobial essential oil, and a shear thinning polymeric thickener. The hydrogen peroxide in presence shear thinning polymeric thickenerprovides safe and effective disinfection on clean surfaces. The Application doesn't disclose a composition comprising a polymer complex and an antimicrobial composition.
US 2007/0238634 (Foland et.al) describes a treatment formulation comprising of an active material selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a fragrance, a dye and a combination thereof, and an ionically cross linked polymer for incorporation into nonwoven substrates. The Application doesn't disclose a composition comprising a polymer complex and an antimicrobial composition.
It is further desired that the hygiene benefit is not only active shortly after deposition, but remains on the surface for a longer time.
Accordingly it remains to be desired to prepare hard surface cleaning composition having a high anti-microbial effect, even with a low dosage of anti-microbial essential oils
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hard surface cleaning composition, having good anti-microbial properties, at low levels of essential oil.
It is therefore another object of the invention to provide a hygiene benefit is not only active shortly after deposition, but remains on the surface for a longer time.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a composition that is effective against common bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Surprisingly it has been found that composition comprising a low amount of essential oil and quaternary ammonium biocide and a polymer complex provides improved hygiene efficacy.

Summary of the invention
Accordingly the present invention provides in a firstaspect a hard surface treatment composition comprising a polymer complex comprising polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and/or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose; and an antimicrobial composition comprising essential oil and quaternary ammonium biocide.
In a second aspect the invention provides a method for providing an anti-microbial effect to a hard surface comprising the steps of applying a composition according to the first aspect to the surface, and waiting for at least 5 seconds.
In a third aspect the invention provides the use of a combination of a polymer complex comprising polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and/or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose ; and an antimicrobial composition comprising essential oil and a quaternary ammonium biocide, for providing a anti-microbial effect on hard surfaces.
By anti-microbial effect is meant being able to kill bacteria under the standard European suspension test (EST) - EN 1276.
These and other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the following detailed description and the appended claims. For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be utilised in any other aspect of the invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not Necessarily "consisting of or "composed of." In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It is noted that the examples given in the description below are intended to clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se Similarly, all percentages are weight/weight percentages unless otherwise indicated.

Except in the operating and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When for a specific feature multiple preferred ranges are described in the format "from x to y", it is understood that all ranges combining the different endpoints are also contemplated.
Detailed description of the invention
The composition according to the invention thus comprises a polymer complex and an antimicrobial composition.
Polymer complex
The polymer complex according to the invention comprises a polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid, and a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone ; and/or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose ;
The composition according to the invention comprises a polymer A and a polymer B. Polymers A and B are typically selected such that they form a complex due to the formation of hydrogen bonds.
The polymers may be homo polymers or co polymers, wherein by copolymer of monomer X is meant any polymer that contains the monomer X and at least one further monomer.
Polymers A and B are preferably present in the composition in a ratio of between 1:5 and 5:1, more preferably between 1:2 and 2:1

Polymer A
According to the present invention, polymer A is a polymer selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of carboxylic acid . polymer A has a plurality of carboxyl groups. The polymer A has a molecular mass preferably from 300 to 109 D (Dalton, also referred to as atomic mass units, amu), The polymer A is selected from the class consisting of homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic polymers, including natural synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers in this class.
Some non-limiting examples of polymer A according to the present invention include:
(a) homopolymers of a carboxylic acid, including but not limited to polycarboxylic acid such as polyacrylic acid, polymaleic acid or copolymers of acrylic and maleic acid.
(b) polysaccharides comprising carboxyl groups. Such polysaccharides may include (but are not limited to) starch, cellulose, sodium alginate, natural gums, and their modified materials such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic acid have a molecular mass of preferably from 2x103 to 107 D more preferably from 5x104 to 106 D and most preferably from 9x104 to 5x105D.
If the polymers are in particulate form, the particle size is preferably less than 200µm, preferably less than 100µm, more preferably less than 50µm still more preferably less than 10µm, or even less than 5µm.
The homopolymers or copolymers of polysaccharide have a molecular mass of preferably from 103 to 109 D, more preferably from 104 to 109 D and most preferably from 105to109D.
Polymer A is preferably at least partially neutralised in the Sodium (Na+) form, preferably at least 10%w of polymer A is neutralised, more preferably at least 20%, still more preferably at least 50%.
Polymer A may be synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural. However, synthetic or semisynthetic polymers are preferred.

Polymer A is preferably water soluble or water dispersible, most preferably polymer A is water soluble.
It is preferred that the polymer A is selected from a class consisting of homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic acid.
The homopolymers or copolymers of carboxylic acid are preferably a polyacrylic acid or a copolymer thereof. Examples include SOKALAN® PA (BASF) and CARBOPOL® (Lubrizol).
The concentration of polymer A in the composition according to the invention is preferably between 0.001 and 25% by weight, more preferably at least 0.002%, or even at least 0.005%, but preferably not more than 15%, more preferably less than 5%, still more preferably less than 1%, even more preferably less than 0.5%, even less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05% by weight of the composition.
Polymer B
According to the present invention, polymer B has a monomeric unit comprising a
group that can form hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups of polymer A..
Accordingly, polymer B is selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and/or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose.
The group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, is generally not water soluble. In order to obtain the benefit of this group of polymers the particle size is set such that the particles are easily dispersible in water or and aqueous solution (i.e. a wash or rinse liquor). If the polymers are in particulate form, the particle size is preferably less than 200µm, more preferably less than 100µm, even more preferably less than 50pm still more preferably less than 10µm, or even less than 5µm.

Polymers and homopolymers of carboxylic acid and/or sacchharides and/or polyalkylene giycol/ether qualify to be selected both as polymer A or polymer B, as they comprise hydroxyl or carboxyl group and either a carbonyl or an ether group. However, according to an essential aspect, polymer A and polymer B are not of the same class. It is particularly preferred that the polymers A and B are selected from different classes of polymers. Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that the two polymers A and B, when dissolved in water, form a complex with a solubility lower than each of the polymers A and B, which helps in enhanced deposition and other benefits.
Polymer B preferably has a molecular mass from 10 to 10 D.
Homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl alcohol preferably have a molecular mass of between 103 and 10-7 D, more preferably from 104 to 108 D and most preferably from 30,000 to 500,000 D. Commercially available polyvinyl pyrrolidone can be used, one example of which is LUVISKOL® (BASF).
Homopolymers or copolymers of poly alkylene oxide preferably have a molecular mass greater than 2x104 D. The molecular mass is preferably from 2x104 to 106 D, more preferably from 3x104 to 5x105 D and most preferably from 5x104 to 2x105 D.
Homopolymers or copolymers of saccharide preferably have a molecular mass of preferably from 103 to 109 D, more preferably from 104 to 109 D and most preferably from 105 to 109 D. Any commercially available poly alkylene oxide, for example POLYOX® (Dow Chemical Co) can be used according to the present invention.
Polymer B may be synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural. However, synthetic or semisynthetic polymers are preferred.
According to a preferred embodiment, the polymer B is water soluble.

It is particularly preferred that the polymer B is selected from a class consisting of homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone or alkylene oxide.
The concentration of polymer B in the composition according to the invention is preferably between 0.001 and 20% by weight, more preferably at least 0.002%, or even at least 0.005%, but preferably not more than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, still more preferably less than 1%, even more preferably less than 0.5%, even less than 0.1%, or even less than 0.05% by weight of the composition.
Some examples of combinations of polymer A and polymer B, which are particularly preferred, are given below.
Table 1: Preferred combination of the polymers

Polymer A Polymer B
Polyacrylic acid (PAA) Poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)
Polyacrylic acid (PAA) Polyethylene Oxide(PEO)
Polyacrylic acid (PAA) Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polyacrylic acid (PAA) Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)
Polyacrylic acid(PAA) Hydroxyethyl cellulose
Starch-graft-polymethacrylic acid Polyethylene Oxide
Starch-graft-polymethacrylic acid Polyvinyl pyrrolidone
Pluronic-g-Polyacrylic acid Polyethylene Oxide
Pluronic-g-Polyacrylic acid Polyvinyl pyrrolidone
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose Hydroxyethyl cellulose
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose Polyvinyl alcohol
The most preferred combinations of the polymers are PAA-PVP, PAA-PEO, PAA-PEG Starch-graft-polymethacrylic acid-Polyethylene Oxide.

Antimicrobial composition
The polymer complex according to the invention comprises an antimicrobial
composition comprising essential oil and quaternary ammonium biocide.
Essential oil
Essential oils are typically concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are also known as volatile, ethereal oils or aetherolea. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Essential oils do not as, a group, need to have any specific chemical properties in common, beyond conveying characteristic fragrances. Essential oils may also be obtained though synthetic or semi-synthetic routes.
Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes, cosmetics, soap and other products, for flavoring food and drink, and for scenting incense and household cleaning products.
Examples of aromatic essential oils suitable for use in the present invention include amyl salicylate, carvacrol, cymene, e.g. p-cymene, dihydroeugenol, eugenol, hexyl eugenol, hexyl salicylate, isoeugenol, methyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol, methyl salicylate, tert butyl cresol, thymol, and vanillin. Examples of non-aromatic essential oils of terpenoid compounds include cedrene, cineole, citral (including geranial and neral), citronellal, citronellol, eucalyptol (also known as 1,8 cineole) paradihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol (DH myrcenol), farnesol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronallol, hydroxycitronellal, isocitral, limonene, preferably d-limonene, linalool, longifolene, menthol, nerol, nerolidiol, pinene, e.g. a-pinene, phellendrene, terpinene, e.g. a-terpinene and y-terpinene, terpineol, e.g. y-terpineol and terpin-4-ol, and tetrahydromyrcenol (THM).
The most preferred essential oils in the context of the present invention are thymol, terpineol and eugenol.

The essential oil is preferably present in the composition in a concentration of between 0.001 and 10% by weight of the composition, but preferably at least 0.002%, or even at least 0.005% by weight of the composition, while preferably not more than 5%, more preferably not more than 1%, still more preferably not more than 0.5%, or even not more than 0.1% by weight of the concentration.
It is preferred that the composition comprises a second essential oil, wherein the essential oils are even more preferably selected from any combination of a thymol, a terpineol and/or a eugenol.
It is even more preferred that the composition comprises three essential oils, wherein the essential oils are still more preferably selected from a combination of a thymol, a terpineol and a eugenol.
When more than one essential oil is present in the composition, the above mentioned concentrations may be considered to be the concentrations of the combined essential oils, but preferably relate to each of the individual essential oils.
Quaternary ammonium biocide
A quaternary ammonium biocide may be used to provide additional biocidal efficacy. The quaternary ammonium biocide is preferably selected from Cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium Chloride, Cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium Bromide, Tetradecyl-trimethyl-ammonium Chloride, Dodecyl-trimethyl-ammonium Chloride, Stearyl-trimethyl-ammonium Chloride, Octadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium Chloride, Dodecylpyridinium Chloride, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, Benzalkonium Chloride, Tetrabutyl-ammonium. Chloride, Tetraheptyl-ammonium. Chloride, 1,3-Decyl-2-methyl-imidazolium Chloride, 1-Hexadecyl-3-methyl-imidazolium Chloride, Didecyl-dimethyl-ammonium. Bromide, Didecyl-dimethyl-ammoniurn. Chloride.
Bromides are typically not preferred due to their toxicity.
The most preferred quaternary ammonium biocide is benzalkonium chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride.

The quaternary ammonium biocide is preferably present in the composition in a concentration of between 0.01 and 10% by weight of the composition, but preferably at least 0.02%, or even at least 0.05% by weight of the composition, while preferably not more than 5%, more preferably not more than 1%, still more preferably not more than 0,5%, or even not more than 0.1% by weight of the concentration.
The quaternary ammonium biocide provides more complete kill with longer lasting hygiene.
Compositions
The compositions according to the invention may be applied in various hard surface cleaning composition, such as concentrated and dilute liquid compositions.
Concentrated composition include amongst other floor cleaner composition that need to be diluted by the consumers upon use. For this kind of composition, the above mentioned concentrations are relating to the diluted concentrations as used by the consumer.
Dilute liquid compositions include but are not limited to ready-to-use compositions, such as liquid abrasive cleaners and toilet cleaning compositions, and spray compositions for glass, kitchen surfaces and bathroom surfaces
It is preferred that the contact time of the product with the surface before rinsing is at least 5 seconds, more preferably at least 10 seconds, still more preferably at least 15 seconds, or even at least 20 seconds.
Stay on compositions, may stay for a longer period of time, preferably at least 5 minute, more preferably at least 15 minutes, still more preferably at least 1 hour, still more preferably at least 2 hours, or even more than 5 hours, or even days.

The pH of the compositions is preferably neutral or mildly acidic, more preferably between pH 2 and 9, still more preferably at least pH 3, while more preferably less than pH 8, still more preferably less than pH 7, or even less than pH 6.
Method
Consequently there is provided a method for providing an anti-microbial effect to hard surfaces comprising the steps of applying a composition according to the invention to the surface, waiting for at least 5 seconds.
It is preferred that the composition is not wiped away or rinsed, but may be wiped of after the indicated time.
Examples
The invention will now be illustrated by means of the following non-limiting examples.
Example 1: EST challenge This test is not a surface test. It is a suspension test
The standard European suspension test (EST) protocol - EN 1276 for antiseptics was followed. The test organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus hirae. Under clean conditions the test was done with 0.03% BSA (bovine serum albumin), while in dirty condition 0.3% BSA was used (see table 2 below). The contact time was 5 min. A 5 log reduction was required to pass the test.
The compositions as used are given in table 1 below.

Table 1

Comparative A
(%w) Comparative B
(%w) Example 1 (%w)
PAA1) 0.015 0.015
PEO1) 0.01 0.01
Thymol 0.025 0.025
Terpineol 0.05 0.05
Eugenol 0.005 0.005
1) The polymer complex comprised PAA (poly acrylic acid; Mw 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) and PEO (poly ethylene oxide; Mw 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), in a total amount as given in the table.
Table 2

E. coli S. aureus P. aeruginosa E. hirea

clean dirty clean dirty clean dirty clean dirty
Comparative A Fai ed
Comparative B Failed
Example 1 Passed
The test results against the individual organisms are given below.

EST - E.coli (5min contact time)
Sample Avg.c fu/ml Log Reduction

Clean Dirty Clean Dirty
E.coli 135000000 125000000 0.0 0.0
Comparative B 4700000 17500000 1.4 0.8
Comparative A 130000000 128000000 0.0 0.0
Example 1 0.0 0.0 8.1 8.0

EST- S.aureus (5min contact time)
Sample Avg.c fu/ml Log Reduction

Clean Dirty Clean Dirty
S.aureus 4000000 4000000 0.0 0.0
Comparative B 2700000 2800000 0.2 0.2
Example 1 4.0 0.0 6.0 6.6

EST - P.aeruginosa (5min contact time)
Sample Avg.c Fu/ml Log Reduction

Clean Dirty Clean Dirty
P.aeruginosa 11000000 7300000 0.0 0.0
Comparative B 870000 3900000 1.1 0.3
Example 1 0.0 0.0 7.0 6.9

EST - Enterococcus hirae (5min contact time)
Sample Avg.c Fu/ml Log Reduction

Clean Dirty Clean Dirty
E. hirae 3300000 2400000 0 0
Comparative B 2200000 2400000 0.2 0
Example 1 0.0 0.0 6.5 6.4
The results above show that very high reduction of bacteria is achieved with the compositions according to the inventions, while the single components do not achieve even a remotely similar effect.
Example 2: Long Lasting hygiene challenge. In this example a multi day test has been done.

The following compositions were used (as is)

Comp C
(%w) Comp D
(%w) Example 2 (%w)
Thymol 0.025 0.025
Terpineol 0.05 0.05
Eugenol 0.005 0.005
Poly acrylic acid 1) 0.015 0.015
Poly ethylene oxide 1) 0.01 0.01
Isopropanol 0.65 0.65
Curcuma extract 0.005 0.005
Benzalkonium chloride 0.15 0.15
Citric acid 0.02 0.02
Water Up to 100% Up to 100% Up to 100%
1) The polymer complex comprised PAA (poly acrylic acid; Mw 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) and PEO (poly ethylene oxide; Mw 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), in a total amount as given in the table, or its individual components.
Day 1
• Clean ceramic tiles of 10 by 10 cm are washed with Isopropanol (IPA, 70%) and dried.
• 10 microliter of a 108 cfu/ml E.coli (ATCC 10536) suspension was spread over the tile and dried.
• 1 ml of the fest formulations of the table above was spread over the tiles and left for 10 minutes and the tiles were dried afterwards.
• The tiles were left overnight under moist conditions
Day 2
• The tiles were wiped with one wet wipe (DM water only) and one dry wipe.
• Rinsed with water and left to dry
• Left over night under moist conditions

Day 3
• 10 microliter of a 108 cfu/ml E.coli suspension was spread over the tile and dried.
• The tiles were wiped with one wet wipe (DM water only) and one dry wipe.
• 10 microliter of a 108 cfu/ml E.coli suspension was spread over the tile and dried for 10 min.
• 0.5 ml of a neutraliser (D/E Neutraliser) was spread over the tile and left for 5 min
• Neutraliser was collected from the tiles
• Collected neutraliser liquid was serially diluted and plated on CY Agar plate from HiMedia.
Test results (n=3) are given below

Blank Comp C Comp D Example 2
Start colonies 2.8x106 2.8x106 2.8x106 2.8x106
{E.coli)

Colonies in 2.8x106 2.8x106 2.1x106 0
collected
neutraliser
Log reduction 0.0 0.0 0.1 6.4
The above results show that even after 2 days, the compositions according to the invention still provides anti-microbial activity to the surface, even though the single ingredients do not show the same effect.
Example 3: Long Lasting hygiene challenge.
In this example a multi day test has been done as in example 2, but using different
compositions.

The following compositions were used {as is)

Comp E
(%w) Example 3 (%w) Example 4 (%w)
Thymol 0.025 0.025
Terpineol 0.05 0.05
Eugenol 0.005 0.005
Poly acrylic acid 1) 0.015 0.015 0.015
Poly ethylene oxide 1) 0.01 0.01 0.01
C12-E05 Nonionic 0.15 0.15
Benzalkonium chloride 0.15
Citric acid 0.02 0.02
Water Up to 100% Up to 100% Up to 100%
1) The polymer complex comprised PAA (poly acrylic acid; Mw 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich) and PEO (poly ethylene oxide; Mw 100,000 D, ex Sigma-Aldrich), in a total amount as given in the table, or its individual components.
Test results (n=3) are given below

Blank Comp E Example 3 Example 3a
Start colonies 2.8x106 2.8x106 2.8x106 2.8x106
(E.coli)

Colonies in 2.8x106 2.8x106 60 1100
collected
neutraliser
Log reduction 0.0 0.0 4.6 3.4

The above results show that even after 2 days, the compositions according to the invention still provides anti-microbial activity to the surface, even though the single ingredients do not show the same effect. The additional benefit of benzalkonium chloride is also demonstrated.

Claims
1 A hard surface treatment composition comprising:
a a polymer complex comprising
i polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers
of carboxylic acid, and ii a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and
copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and/or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, wherein polymer A and polymer B are not of the same class; and, b an antimicrobial composition comprising: i essential oil ii quarternary ammonium biocide
2 A composition according to any one of claims 1 wherein polymer A is present in a concentration of between 0.001 and 25% by weight of the composition.
3 A composition according to any one of claim 1 to 2, wherein polymer B is present in a concentration of between 0.001 and 20% by weight by weight of the composition.
4 A composition according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the essential oil is present in a concentration of between 0.001 and 10% by weight of the composition.
5 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises a second essential oil, preferably a second and a third essential oil.
6 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential oil is selected from amyl salicylate, carvacrol, cymene, e.g. p-cymene,

dihydroeugenol, eugenol, hexyl eugenol, hexyl salicylate, isoeugenol, methyl eugenol, methyl isoeugenol, methyl salicylate, tert butyl cresol, thymol, vanillin, cedrene, cineole, citral (including geranial and neral), citronellal, citronellol, eucalyptol (also known as 1,8 cineole) paradihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol (DH myrcenol), farnesol, geraniol, hexyl cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronallol, hydroxycitronellal, isocitral, limonene, preferably d-limonene, linalool, longifolene, menthol, nerol, nerolidiol, pinene, e.g. a-pinene, phellendrene, terpinene, e.g. a-terpinene and y-terpinene, terpineol, e.g. y-terpineol and terpin-4-ol, and tetrahydromyrcenol (THM).
7 A composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the composition is between 2 and 9.
8 A method for providing an anti-microbial effect to a hard surface comprising the steps of:
a applying a composition according to any one of claim 1 to 7 to the surface,
and b waiting for at least 5 seconds.
9 A method according to claim 8, wherein the composition is wiped of the surface
or rinsed of the surface after step 'b'.

10 Use of a combination of
a a polymer complex comprising
i polymer A selected from the group of homopolymers and copolymers
of carboxylic acid and , and ii a polymer B selected from the group of homopolymers and
copolymers of alkylene oxides, vinyl pyrrolidone; and/or the group of homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl alcohol, saccharides, hydroxyalkyl cellulose; and b an antimicrobial composition comprising i essential oil, and ii quaternary ammonium biocide, for providing a anti-microbial effect on hard surfaces.