| abstract |
A composition is provided comprising two liquids which are separately maintained prior to forming an admixture during delivery to a surface to be treated, whereupon the admixture generates a foam sufficient for cleaning efficacy and stability. A first liquid preferably includes a hypohalite, or a hypohalite generating agent and a second liquid preferably includes a peroxygen agent. As the two liquids are initially separated, the hypohalite generating agent can be maintained in an environment free of peroxygen agent and otherwise conducive to their cleaning activity and stability up to the time of use. When the two liquids are allowed to mix, for example, by simultaneously pouring into a drain, the hypohalite and peroxygen react to liberate oxygen gas. As foam generation occurs, the escaping gas contacts surfactant in the solution, and creates foam which expands to completely fill the drain pipe. The expanded foam contains an excess of the hypohalite, which acts to clean the drain. A method of cleaning drains is provided which comprises the step of pouring into a drain at least one liquid which generates foam in situ, the foam characterized by a density of at least about 0.1 g/ml, a half life of greater than about thirty minutes, a volume of at least about 500 ml, and wherein the foam contains a cleaning-effective amount of a drain cleaning active. |