Molded detergent composition and methods for manufacturing and using a molded detergent composition

A molded detergent composition comprising:

• a result of mixing and molding a composition comprising:
• (a) hydrated component and a hydratable component;
• (b) the hydrated component having a melting point below about 100° C. and comprising a transhydration product of an anhydrous material and water of hydration, the anhydrous material having a melting point greater than about 300° C;
• (c) the hydrated component being provided in a solid state during the mixing and molding;
• (d) the hydratable component comprising water, if present at all, at a level of less than about 2 wt. % based on the weight of the hydratable component;
• (e) the hydratable component being a component which successfully competes with the hydrated component for at least a portion of the water of hydration;
• and
• (f) the molded detergent composition having a melting point greater than about 30° C.

A method for washing an article, the method comprising steps of:

• (a) generating an aqueous use solution from a molded detergent composition, the molded detergent composition comprising a result of mixing and molding a composition comprising:
• (i) hydrated component and a hydratable component;
• (ii) the hydrated component having a melting point below about 100° C. and comprising a transhydration product of an anhydrous material and water of hydration, the anhydrous material having a melting point greater than about 300° C.;
• (iii) the hydrated component being provided in a solid state during the mixing and molding;
• (iv) the hydratable component comprising water, if present at all, at a level of less than about 2 wt. % based on the weight of the hydratable component;
• (v) the hydratable component being a component which successfully competes with the hydrated component for at least a portion of the water of hydration;
• and
• (vi) the molded detergent composition having a melting point greater than about 30° C.;
• and
• (b) washing an article with the use solution.