Solid core particles encapsulated in a single coat of paraffin wax, the wax having a melting point of about 40.degree. to about 50.degree. C. and a solids content of from 100 to about 35% at 40.degree. C. and from 0 to about 15% at 50.degree. C. The paraffin coat may comprise 20 to 90% by weight of the particle and may be from 100 to 1,500 microns thick. The coat prolongs the time in which particles encapsulated therewith may remain active in aqueous environments.The encapsulated particle is made by spraying molten wax onto the particles in a fluidized bed. Liquid or powder cleaning compositions, particularly automatic dishwashing liquid detergents, may incorporate 0.01 to 20% by weight of the composition of the coated wax-encapsulated particles.