| abstract |
A fabric treatment composition is provided that includes at least one zeta potential modifier, a fluoropolymer and a hydrophobic agent with a melting point or glass transition temperature below 100° C., for imparting fabric protection benefits to a fabric, such as improved stain and soil resistance, oil repellency, water repellency, softness, wrinkle and damage resistance, and better hand feel. Fabric treatment compositions can be used as a pretreatment prior to washing, through soaking, or added to the treatment liquor, that is either the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, to first provide and then maintain and refresh the fabric protection benefits imparted to the fabric, with the proviso that an intermediate rinsing step essentially devoid of added surfactant—is used after the washing cycle and prior to the fabric treatment step. Following use of a first treatment composition, protective benefits are maintained and refreshed by means of a second treatment operation employing a second treatment composition. The second treatment composition may have lower active levels of the protective agents to provide for economical and periodic maintenance of the imparted fabric protection benefits. |