Method for laundering fabric with a non-aqueous working fluid using a select rinse fluid

Abstract

Methods of laundering fabric having the steps of applying a non-aqueous working fluid to fabric, removing a portion of the non-aqueous working fluid from the fabric, and then applying a select rinse fluid to the fabric. The method may be performed in a batch-type laundry apparatus and may include the steps of recovering and storing for reuse the non-aqueous working fluid and the select rinse fluid.

1 . A method for laundering fabrics comprising the steps of: 
 (a) Contacting the fabrics with a non-aqueous working fluid whereby the soils are removed and the fabrics are cleaned;    (b) Contacting the fabrics with a select rinse fluid selected at pressures lower than 100 psi wherein the select rinse fluid has a lower affinity for the fabrics to be cleaned than the working fluid.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one washing additive is added to the non-aqueous working fluid to promote soil removal and fabric cleaning.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the at least one washing additive is selected from the group including but not limited to: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, water and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the non-aqueous working fluid is further characterized by the following properties: 
 (a) Surface tension less than 35 dynes/cm; and    (b) A flash point greater than 140° F.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP), dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPtB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PnP), tripropylene methyl ether (TPM) and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the select rinse fluid is miscible with the working fluid and has Hanson Solubility parameters (expressed in joules/cm 3 ) with one of the following criteria: 
 (a) A polarity greater than 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9;    (b) Hydrogen bonding less than 13 and dispersion from about 14 to about 17; or    (c) Hydrogen bonding from 13 to about 19 and dispersion from 14 to 22.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the select rinse fluid is non-flammable.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected to have the following properties: 
 (a) a viscosity less than the viscosity of the working fluid; and    (b) a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg at standard conditions.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein contacting the fabric with a non-aqueous working fluid comprises adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the working fluid and fabric.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the mechanical energy is added for a time sufficient to remove the soil from the fabric.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the mechanical energy is added for at least 5 minutes.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the mechanical energy can be added continuously or intermittently.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein prior to contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid, a significant amount of working fluid is separated from the fabric via a mechanical means.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the mechanical means to remove the working fluid from the fabric comprises a centrifugal force of at least 5 G.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid occurs while mechanical energy is being added to provide relative movement between the select rinse fluid, remaining working fluid and fabric.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein less than 20 liters of select rinse fluid is added per kilogram of fabric.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the centrifugal force results in a spin velocity sufficient to move the fabric toward the surface of the container.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein at least 1 G of centrifugal force is added to provide relative movement between the remaining fluids and the fabric.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein during the fabric moving toward the drum surface less than 10 liters of select rinse fluid per kilogram of fabric is needed for the system.  
     
     
         22 . A method for non-aqueous laundering comprising the steps of: 
 (a) contacting the fabrics with a wash liquor comprising a non-aqueous working fluid and at least one washing additive wherein the working fluid has a surface tension less than 35 dynes/cm or a flash point greater than 140° F.; and    (b) contacting the fabrics with a select rinse fluid at pressures less than 100 psi wherein the select rinse fluid is miscible with the working fluid and has Hansen Solubility parameters (joules/cm 3 ) meeting one of the following criteria: 
 1. a polarity greater than 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9;  
 2. a hydrogen bonding factor less than 13 and dispersion from 14 to 17; or  
 3. Hydrogen bonding from 13 to 19 and dispersion from 14 to 22.  
   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the at least one washing additive is selected from the group including but not limited to: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, water and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the non-aqueous working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the non-aqueous working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP), dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPtB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PnP), tripropylene methyl ether (TPM) and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22  wherein contacting the fabric with a non-aqueous working fluid involves the addition of mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the fabric and working fluid.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the mechanical energy is added for a time sufficient to remove the soil from the fabric.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the mechanical energy is added by tumbling, agitating, nutating or impelling the fabrics within the drum, counter-rotating the drum, liquid jetting the working fluid or another substance to rotate the fabric or any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 22  wherein after contacting the fabric with working fluid, a significant amount of working fluid is removed from the fabric.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein removing working fluid from the fabric comprises a centrifugal force on the fabric of at least 5 G.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 22  wherein contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid comprises a non-immersive addition step.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 27  wherein contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid comprises the addition of less than 20 liters of select rinse fluid per kilogram of fabric.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein while contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid, mechanical energy is added to the system to provide relative movement between the fabric and the select rinse fluid.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the mechanical energy is added for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of working fluid remaining in the fabric to preferably less than 45% by weight of the fabric, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 15%.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the mechanical energy is added for at least 2 minutes.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the mechanical energy can be added continuously or intermittently.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 22  wherein after contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid, a significant amount of select rinse fluid and remaining working fluid are removed from the fabric.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38  wherein upon removal of the select rinse fluid and remaining working fluid, the mixture is re-circulated back to the fabric.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38  wherein the removal of the select rinse fluid and remaining working fluid involves passing a drying gas over the fabric.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the drying gas is selected from air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the temperature of the drying gas should be controlled such that the temperature of the fabric does not exceed 140° F.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the temperature of the drying gas should not heat the working fluid or working fluid vapor to within 30° F. of the working fluid's flash point.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the drying gas is passed over a condensing means to remove some of the working fluid and select rinse fluid vapor prior to re-contacting the fabric.  
     
     
         45 . A process for laundering fabrics comprising the following steps: 
 (a) Washing the fabrics to be cleaned with a working fluid having an affinity for the soil and fabric;    (b) Removing some of the working fluid from the fabric;    (c) Flowing a select rinse fluid through the fabric, said select rinse fluid being miscible with the working fluid and wherein the select rinse fluid is selected to have a higher affinity for the working fluid than the fabric;    (d) Subjecting thus treated fabric to a force sufficient to move the fabric toward the drum surface;    (e) Flowing a drying gas through the fabrics while tumbling under conditions of time and temperature to essentially dry the fabrics.    
     
     
         46 . The process of  claim 45  wherein the working fluid selected for having water solubility of less than 20%.  
     
     
         47 . The process of  claim 45  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         48 . The process of  claim 47  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP), dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPtB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PnP), tripropylene methyl ether (TPM) and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         49 . The process of  claim 45  wherein at least one washing additive is added to the working fluid.  
     
     
         50 . The process of  claim 49  wherein the at least one washing additive is selected from the group including but not limited to: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, water and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         51 . The process of  claim 45  wherein washing the fabric involves the addition of mechanical energy for a time sufficient to remove the soil from the fabric.  
     
     
         52 . The process of  claim 51  wherein mechanical energy is added for at least 5 minutes.  
     
     
         53 . The process of  claim 52  wherein mechanical energy can be added continuously or intermittently.  
     
     
         54 . The process of  claim 45  wherein mechanically removing the working fluid from the fabric comprises a centrifugal force of at least 5 G.  
     
     
         55 . The process of  claim 45  wherein the select rinse fluid is selected for having one of the following set of Hanson Solubility Parameters: 
 (a) A polarity greater than 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9;    (b) Hydrogen bonding less than 13 and dispersion from about 14 to 17; or    (c) Hydrogen bonding from 13 to 19 and dispersion from 14 to 22.    
     
     
         56 . The process of  claim 55  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         57 . The process of  claim 56  wherein flowing a select rinse fluid through the fabric comprises the addition of mechanical energy to the fabric.  
     
     
         58 . The process of  claim 57  wherein less than 20 liters of select rinse fluid is added per kilogram of fabric.  
     
     
         59 . The process of  claim 57  wherein mechanical energy is added for a time sufficient to decrease the concentration of working fluid in the fabric to preferably less than 45% by weight of the fabric, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 15%.  
     
     
         60 . The process of  claim 59  wherein the mechanical energy is supplied for at least 2 minutes.  
     
     
         61 . The process of  claim 57  wherein the mechanical energy creates a drum velocity sufficient to move the fabric toward the wall of the drum.  
     
     
         62 . The process of  claim 46  wherein the drying gas is selected from air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.  
     
     
         63 . The process of  claim 46  wherein the drying gas increases the temperature of the fabric to less than 140° F.  
     
     
         64 . The process of  claim 46  wherein the temperature of the drying gas is controlled such that the temperature of the working fluid does not exceed 30° F. below the flash point of the working fluid.  
     
     
         65 . The process of  claim 46  wherein the drying is subjected to the fabric until preferably less than 8% by weight of the fabric of working fluid and select rinse fluid remain, more preferably less than 5% and most preferably less than 2%.  
     
     
         66 . A method for laundering fabrics comprising the steps of: 
 (a) disposing a fabric load in a wash container;    (b) contacting the fabric load with a wash liquor comprising a non-aqueous working fluid and at least one washing additive wherein the working fluid has a surface tension less than 35 dynes/cm or a flash point greater than 140° F.;    (c) adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between wash liquor and fabric load;    (d) removing a significant amount of the wash liquor from said fabric load;    (e) contacting the fabric load and remaining wash liquor with a select rinse fluid;    (f) adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between fabric load and remaining wash fluids;    (g) removing a significant amount of the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from the fabric load; and    (h) recovering wash liquor and select rinse fluid and storing same for reuse.    
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66  wherein at least one washing additive added is selected from the group including but not limited to: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, water and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 67  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 68  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP), dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPtB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PnP), tripropylene methyl ether (TPM) and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 66  wherein the select rinse fluid is selected to have the following properties: 
 (a) a viscosity less than the viscosity of the working fluid; and    (b) a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg at standard conditions.    
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 66  wherein the select rinse fluid is non-flammable.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 70  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 66  wherein mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the wash liquor and fabrics is added by tumbling, agitating, nutating or impelling the fabric, counter-rotating the wash container, liquid jetting the working fluid to rotate the fabric or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 66  wherein removing the wash liquor from the fabric is accomplished by at least one of the following steps: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing materials, capillary channels or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 66  wherein after removing the wash liquor, additional working fluid is added to remove some of the remaining soil or to remove some of the washing additives.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75  wherein additional additives may be added to the working fluid.  
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76  wherein the additional additives are selected from the group including but not limited to: bleach, cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, heat, air, soil repellency agents, anti-static agents, viscosity thinning agents, surface tension reducing agents or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 66  wherein contacting the fabric load with a select rinse fluid involves less than 20 liters of select rinse fluid per kilogram of fabric.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 66  wherein contacting the fabric load with a select rinse fluid is accompanied by the addition of fabric enhancement agents selected from the group including but not limited to at least one of the following: fabric softening agents, viscosity thinning agents, cationic surfactants, soil repellency agents, fabric stiffening agents and anti-static agents.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 66  wherein adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the fabric load, remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid is completed for a time of less than 20 minutes.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80  wherein the mechanical energy can be added continuously or intermittently.  
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 66  wherein mechanical energy is added or the select rinse fluid is added until preferably less than 45% by weight of the fabric of working fluid remains on the fabric, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 15%.  
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 66  wherein removing the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from the fabric load is accomplished by at least one of the following steps: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing materials or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 83  wherein after removing a majority of the wash liquor and select rinse fluid, a stream of heated drying gas is introduced into the drum.  
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84  wherein the temperature of the air in the container should not exceed 30° F. below the flash point of the working fluid until less than 25% of the lower flammability concentration of the working fluid remains.  
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 66  wherein recovering the wash liquor and select rinse fluid comprises fractionally distilling the select rinse fluid from the wash liquor.  
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86  wherein after fractionally distilling the select rinse fluid, less than 25% by weight of the working fluid remains in the select rinse fluid.  
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87  wherein recovering the wash liquor incorporates utilizing a filtration means.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88  wherein the filtration means is further selected from a cross flow membrane.  
     
     
         90 . A method for laundering fabrics comprising the steps of: 
 (a) disposing a fabric load in a wash container;    (b) contacting the fabric load with wash liquor comprising a non-aqueous working fluid and at least one washing additive wherein the working fluid has a surface tension less than 35 dynes/cm or a flash point greater than 140° F.;    (c) adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between wash liquor and fabric load;    (d) removing a significant amount of the wash liquor from fabric load;    (e) contacting the fabric load and remaining wash liquor with a select rinse fluid;    (f) adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between fabric load, remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid;    (g) re-circulating the select rinse fluid and remaining wash liquor back into the drum and through the fabric load;    (h) removing a significant amount of the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from fabric load; and    (i) recovering wash liquor and select rinse fluid and storing them for reuse.    
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 90  wherein at least one washing additive added is selected from the group including but not limited to: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, water and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP), dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPtB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PnP), tripropylene methyl ether (TPM) and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the select rinse fluid is selected to have the following properties: 
 (a) a viscosity less than the viscosity of the working fluid; and    (b) a vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg at standard conditions.    
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the select rinse fluid is non-flammable.  
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 94  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the wash container can be a perforated drum within a horizontal axis machine.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the wash container can be a perforated drum within a vertical axis machine.  
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the wash container can be a chamber in which fabric is hung.  
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the wash container can be a drawer in which fabrics is laid.  
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 90  wherein mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the wash liquor and fabrics is added by tumbling, agitating, nutating or impelling the fabrics, counter-rotating the wash container, liquid jetting the working fluid to rotate the fabric or combinations thereof the fabrics within the wash container.  
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 90  wherein removing the wash liquor from the fabric is accomplished by at least one of the following steps: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing materials, capillary channels or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 90  wherein after removing the wash liquor, additional working fluid is added to remove some of the remaining soil or to remove some of the washing additives.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103  wherein additional additives may be added to the working fluid.  
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104  wherein the additional additives are selected from the group including but not limited to: bleach, cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, heat, air, soil repellency agents, anti-static agents, viscosity thinning agents, surface tension reducing agents or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 90  wherein contacting the fabric load with a select rinse fluid involves less than 20 liters of select rinse fluid per kilogram of fabric.  
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 90  wherein contacting the fabric load with a select rinse fluid is accompanied by the addition of fabric enhancement agents selected from the group including but not limited to at least one of the following: fabric softening agents, viscosity thinning agents, cationic surfactants, soil repellency agents, fabric stiffening agents and anti-static agents.  
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 90  wherein adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the fabric load, remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid is completed for a time of at least 2 minutes.  
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 108  wherein the mechanical energy can be added continuously and/or intermittently.  
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 90  wherein mechanical energy is added or the select rinse fluid is added until preferably less than 45% by weight of the fabric of working fluid remains on the fabric, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 15%.  
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 90  wherein removing the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from the fabric load comprises at least one of the following methods: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing material or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111  wherein removal of the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from the fabric load comprises a centrifugal force on the fabric of at least 5 G.  
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the removal of the remaining wash fluids from the fabric comprises passing a drying gas over the fabrics.  
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 113  wherein the drying gas is selected from air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.  
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 114  wherein the temperature of the drying gas should be controlled such that the temperature of the fabric does not exceed 140° F.  
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 114  wherein the temperature of the drying gas should be controlled such that the temperature of the working fluid does not exceed 30° F. below the flash point of the working fluid.  
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 90  wherein recovering the wash liquor and select rinse fluid involves recovering the select rinse fluid prior to recovering the working fluid.  
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 117  wherein recovering the select rinse fluid involves one of the following steps: fractional distillation, filtration, temperature reduction, gravimetric separation, adsorption, absorption, temperature reduction, air stripping, contact with a packed bed column and/or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 118  wherein recovering the select rinse fluid involves fractionally distilling at a temperature slightly above the boiling point of the select rinse fluid or 30° F. below the flash point of the working fluid whichever is lower.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 118  wherein recovering the working fluid includes but is not limited to a combination of the following steps: temperature reduction, adsorption, filtration, absorption and sanitization.  
     
     
         121 . A method for non-aqueous laundering comprising the steps of: 
 (a) disposing a fabric load in a wash container;    (b) contacting the fabric load with a non-aqueous working fluid and at least one washing additive wherein the working fluid has a surface tension less than 35 dynes/cm or a flash point greater than 140° F.;    (c) adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between wash liquor and fabric load;    (d) removing a substantial amount of the wash liquor from fabric load;    (e) contacting the fabric load and remaining wash liquor with a select rinse fluid;    (f) rotating the drum at least at 1 G while contacting the fabric with the select rinse fluid;    (g) removing a substantial amount of the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from fabric load; and    (h) recovering wash liquor and select rinse fluid and storing them for reuse.    
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 121  wherein at least one washing additive added is selected from the group including but not limited to: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents, electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors, suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, anti-static agents, dye fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents, water and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 121  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: terpenes, halohydrocarbons, glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, aliphatic hydrocarbons and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 123  wherein the working fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylpentasiloxane, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether (DPnB), dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP), dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPtB), propylene glycol n-butyl ether (PnB), propylene glycol n-propyl ether (PnP), tripropylene methyl ether (TPM) and/or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 121  wherein the select rinse fluid is selected for having one of the following set of Hanson Solubility Parameters: 
 (a) A polarity greater than 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9;    (b) Hydrogen bonding less than 13 and dispersion from about 14 to 17; or    (c) Hydrogen bonding from 13 to 19 and dispersion from 14 to 22.    
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 125  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 121  wherein mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the wash liquor and fabrics is added by tumbling, agitating, nutating or impelling the fabric, counter-rotating the wash container, liquid jetting the working fluid to rotate the fabric, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         128 . The method of  claim 121  wherein removing the wash liquor from the fabric is accomplished by at least one of the following steps: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing materials or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         129 . The method of  claim 121  wherein after removing the wash liquor, additional working fluid is added to remove some of the remaining soil or to remove some of the washing additives.  
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 129  wherein additional additives may be added to the working fluid.  
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 130  wherein the additional additives are selected from the group including but not limited to: bleach, cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, heat, air, soil repellency agents, anti-static agents, viscosity thinning agents, surface tension reducing agents or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 121  wherein rotating the drum at a centrifugal force greater than 1 G moves the fabric toward the drum wall.  
     
     
         133 . The method of  claim 132  wherein the select rinse fluid is sprayed onto the fabric while the fabrics are against the drum wall.  
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 121  wherein contacting the fabric load with a select rinse fluid involves less than 10 liters of select rinse fluid per kilogram of fabric.  
     
     
         135 . The method of  claim 121  wherein contacting the fabric load with a select rinse fluid is accompanied by the addition of fabric enhancement agents selected from the group including but not limited to at least one of the following: fabric softening agents, viscosity thinning agents, cationic surfactants, soil repellency agents, fabric stiffening agents and anti-static agents.  
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 132  wherein the fabrics are against the drum wall for at least 2 minutes.  
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 136  wherein the mechanical energy is added continuously or intermittently.  
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 121  wherein mechanical energy is added or the select rinse fluid is added until preferably less than 45% by weight of the fabric of working fluid remains on the fabric, more preferably less than 25% and most preferably less than 15%.  
     
     
         139 . The method of  claim 121  wherein removing the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from the fabric load comprises at least one of the following methods: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing material or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         140 . The method of  claim 139  wherein removal of the remaining wash liquor and select rinse fluid from the fabric load comprises a centrifugal force on the fabric of at least 5 G.  
     
     
         141 . The method of  claim 121  wherein the removal of the remaining wash fluids from the fabric comprises passing a drying gas over the fabrics.  
     
     
         142 . The method of  claim 141  wherein the drying gas is selected from air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.  
     
     
         143 . The method of  claim 141  wherein the temperature of the drying gas should be controlled such that the temperature of the fabric does not exceed 140° F.  
     
     
         144 . The method of  claim 141  wherein the temperature of the drying gas is controlled such that the temperature of the working fluid should not exceed 30° F. below the flash point of the working fluid.  
     
     
         145 . The method of  claim 141  wherein drying gas is passed over the fabric until less than 8% by weight of fabric of working fluid and select rinse fluid remains, more preferably 5% and most preferably 2%.  
     
     
         146 . The method of  claim 121  wherein recovering the wash liquor and select rinse fluid involves recovering the select rinse fluid prior to recovering the working fluid.  
     
     
         147 . The method of  claim 146  wherein recovering the select rinse fluid involves one of the following steps: fractional distillation, filtration, temperature reduction, gravimetric separation, adsorption, absorption, temperature reduction, air stripping, contact with a packed bed column and/or a combination thereof.  
     
     
         148 . The method of  claim 146  wherein recovering the select rinse fluid involves fractionally distilling at a temperature slightly above the boiling point of the select rinse fluid or 30° F. below the flash point of the working fluid whichever is lower.  
     
     
         149 . A method of laundering fabrics with a non-aqueous working fluid comprising the steps of: 
 (a) Contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid selected for being miscible with the working fluid wherein the amount of select rinse fluid added is less than 5 liters of select rinse fluid per kilogram of fabric; and    (b) Removing a substantial amount of the select rinse fluid and remaining working fluid from the fabric.    
     
     
         150 . The method of  claim 149  wherein the select rinse fluid is selected for having at least one of the following properties: 
 (a) A surface tension less than the surface tension of the working fluid;    (b) A viscosity less than the viscosity of the working fluid;    (c) A vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg under standard conditions; or which is    (d) non-flammable.    
     
     
         151 . The method of  claim 150  wherein the select rinse fluid further selected for being miscible with a non-aqueous working fluid and having Hanson Solubility parameters (expressed in joules/cm 3 ) with one of the following criteria: 
 (a) A polarity greater than 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9;    (b) Hydrogen bonding less than 13 and dispersion from about 14 to about 17; or    (c) Hydrogen bonding from 13 to about 19 and dispersion from 14 to 22.    
     
     
         152 . The method of  claim 151  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         153 . The method of  claim 149  wherein contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid comprises spraying the select rinse fluid onto the fabric.  
     
     
         154 . The method of  claim 149  wherein contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid comprises adding mechanical energy to provide relative movement between the select rinse fluid and the fabric.  
     
     
         155 . The method of  claim 154  wherein mechanical energy is added by rotating a perforated drum.  
     
     
         156 . The method of  claim 155  wherein mechanical energy is added until preferably less than 45% by weight of the fabric of working fluid remains in the fabric, more preferably 25% and most preferably 15%.  
     
     
         157 . The method of  claim 149  wherein removing the select rinse fluid from the fabric load comprises at least one of the following methods: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing material, capillary channels or mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         158 . A method of laundering fabrics with a working fluid comprising the steps of: 
 (a) Contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid selected for being miscible with the working fluid wherein the select rinse fluid is added while the fabric is spinning at a velocity to move the fabric towards the wall of the drum; and    (b) Removing the select rinse fluid and remaining working fluid from the fabric.    
     
     
         159 . The method of  claim 158  wherein the select rinse fluid is selected for having at least one of the following properties: 
 (a) A surface tension less than the surface tension of the working fluid;    (b) A viscosity less than the viscosity of the working fluid;    (c) A vapor pressure greater than 5 mm Hg under standard conditions; or which is    (d) non-flammable.    
     
     
         160 . The method of  claim 158  wherein the select rinse fluid further selected for being miscible with a working fluid and having Hanson Solubility parameters (expressed in joules/cm 3 ) with one of the following criteria: 
 (a) A polarity greater than 3 and hydrogen bonding less than 9;    (b) Hydrogen bonding less than 13 and dispersion from about 14 to about 17; or    (c) Hydrogen bonding from 13 to about 19 and dispersion from 14 to 22.    
     
     
         161 . The method of  claim 158  wherein the select rinse fluid is further selected from the group including but not limited to: perfluorinated hydrocarbons, decafluoropentane, hydrofluoroethers, methoxynonafluorobutane, ethoxynonafluorobutane and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         162 . The method of  claim 158  wherein contacting the fabric with a select rinse fluid comprises spraying the select rinse fluid onto the fabric.  
     
     
         163 . The method of  claim 158  wherein removing the select rinse fluid from the fabric load comprises at least one of the following methods: centrifugation, liquid extraction, the application of a vacuum, the application of forced heated air, the application of pressurized air, simply allowing gravity to draw the wash liquor away from the fabric, the application of moisture/wash liquor absorbing material or mixtures thereof.