| abstract |
A low-foaming machine dishwashing composition comprising (1) an alkali metal, or ammonium, carbonate and (2) a water soluble salt of a polyelectrolyte having an average molecular weight of about 500-4000 and the formula: <IMAGE> wherein R1, R2, R4, and R5 can be hydrogen, C1-C4 lower alkyl, or a combination thereof; R3 and R6 can be hydrogen, carboxy, or alkylcarboxy; and the sum of (a+b) is >/=5 to </=30, preferably >/=7 to </=15, employed in a weight ratio (polyelectrolyte:carbonate) of 5:95-20:80, and, preferably, a low foaming surfactant, results in effective and economical dishwashing. |