Abstract

An acidic, aqueous cleaning composition comprising a surfactant; up to about 50% of a higher boiling solvent, typically in alkyl ether of an alkylene glycol, said solvent introducing impurities into the composition in an amount and of a nature normally chemically incompatible with oxidizable dye chromophores; a dye in an amount to provide a desired tinctorial value, and oxalic acid or a salt thereof in an amount effective to retard fading of the dye. In another aspect of the invention, the oxalic acid incorporated into compositions containing a solvent, a surfactant, and water, and optionally a dye provides a beneficial cleaning result. In yet another aspect of the invention, the oxalic acid beneficially retards the development of malodors when the compositions of the present invention are contained in a PVC container. Broadly, the incorporation of oxalic acid in said solvent can be employed to neutralize said impurities.