"Method To Clean A Moistened Soiled Substrate Without Organic Solvents"

Abstract: The invention provides a method for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a solid particulate cleaning material wherein the formulation is free of organic solvents, the treatment comprising agitation of the substrate and the formulation in at least one sealed container. Preferably the sealed container comprises a metal container or a container formed from a rigid or flexible plastic material. Preferably, the at least one container is agitated in a rotating device such as a tumble dryer. Preferably, the substrate is wetted and the solid particulate cleaning material comprises a multiplicity of polymeric particles which comprise at least one additional cleaning agent, which preferably comprises a surfactant. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fibre. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of nylon or polyester. The results obtained are in line with those observed when carrying out conventional cleaning processes and the method provides the significant advantage that the use of solvents, with all the attendant drawbacks in terms of cost and environmental considerations, can be avoided.

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