Compositions and methods for killing dust mites are disclosed. The disclosed miticides are aqueous mixtures composed of benzyl benzoate in an amount effective for killing dust mites and a solvent having a high affinity for benzyl benzoate and for water. The amount of solvent is sufficient to maintain a stable dispersion of benzyl benzoate in the aqueous mixture. Benzyl alcohol, which is itself a miticide, is an especially useful solvent. The miticide optionally contains at least one surfactant, which along with the solvent, helps maintain a stable dispersion of benzyl benzoate in the aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is applied to surfaces of household furnishings including bedding, carpeting, and upholstery, using conventional liquid application techniques. An important aspect of the present invention is that the miticide is a fully aqueous solution that, unlike available miticides, contains no solid particles for dispersing the benzyl benzoate.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This invention claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/068,270, filed Dec. 19, 1997.
Compositions and methods for killing dust mites and cleaning carpets and other textile fabrics are disclosed. A miticide composition concentrate for mixing with water and optionally with a carpet or fabric cleaning solution consists essentially of a solution of benzyl benzoate and a water soluble organic solvent for the benzyl benzoate such as benzyl alcohol, a surfactant and water. The amounts of the solvent, surfactant and water are selected to maintain a stable dispersion of benzyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol in the aqueous mixture. Also disclosed are aqueous carpet cleaning miticide composition comprising benzyl benzoate, at least one organic solvent which has an affinity for benzyl benzoate and water, at least one surfactant, an anti-resoiling agent, optionally, a fragrance, optionally, a chellating agent and water. The amounts of the at least one organic solvent, surfactant and water are selected to solubilize the benzyl benzoate in the aqueous mixture and maintain a stable dispersion of benzyl benzoate and solvent in the aqueous mixture. Further, the at least one organic solvent and the at least one surfactant are selected to clean dirt and grease from a carpet surface or textile fabrics. The aqueous mixture is applied to surfaces of household furnishings including bedding, carpeting, and upholstery, using conventional liquid application techniques.
A method of deodorizing a textile which comprises providing a solid composition comprising an inorganic salt, at least one of a malodor counteractant, an odor absorbent and an odor-masking agent, and applying the composition to the textile.
In one aspect of the present invention a deodorizing composition comprising an effective amount of an inorganic salt, at least one odor-counteracting material, and an optional additive is provided. In another aspect of the present invention a method of using an inorganic salt, at least one of a malodor counteractant, an odor absorbent, and an odor-masking agent, and an optional additive in a solid composition for removing a malodor from a textile is provided. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a process for removing a malodor from a textile is provided. The present invention comprises compositions and kits based thereon, and methods for the preparation and use thereof.
In one aspect of the present invention a deodorizing composition comprising an effective amount of an inorganic salt, at least one odor-counteracting material, and an optional additive is provided. In another aspect of the present invention a method of using an inorganic salt, at least one of a malodor counteractant, an odor absorbent, and an odor-masking agent, and an optional additive in a solid composition for removing a malodor from a textile is provided. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a process for removing a malodor from a textile is provided. The present invention comprises compositions and kits based thereon, and methods for the preparation and use thereof.
