| abstract |
The present invention relates to a feed unit of a detergent composition containing one or more surfactants, an alkali carbonate, and an acid which forms water-soluble calcium salts and magnesium salts and/or complexes, and in which detergent composition the acidic constituent and the alkaline constituent are separately present, the acidic constituent having a higher rate of solubility in a wash liquor than the alkaline constituent, and the total amount of alkali being present in excess relative to the amount of acid. The invention is characterized in that the feed unit comprises a sachet which entirely or partly consists of a material permeable to or disintegrating in water and is filled with the acidic and the alkaline constituent, the acidic constituent containing 5-30 percent by weight, calculated on the total amount of detergent composition, of an acid having a pK1 value in the range of 2.8 to 4.8. It is preferred that the sachet should have 2 compartments, the acidic constituent being contained in the one compartment and the alkaline constituent in the other compartment. |