Can I mix TSP with Dawn?

Author: Dee Baumbach  |  Last update: Sunday, July 13, 2025

Work in a well-ventilated area and use the least amount of TSP that will be effective for your purposes. Never mix TSP with other cleaners or chemicals, except as directed below for mold and mildew removal.

What can you mix with Dawn dish soap?

While I usually add just water and vinegar, you could try washing soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, citric acid, salt, or even a few drops of essential oils for fragrance based on the task at hand (just make sure not to mix anything that could be dangerous together!).

Why is TSP banned in some states?

Many states/ local governments outlawed true TSP as it was a problem in the downstream runoff, as the phosphates cause algae blooms in ponds and lakes.

What is the use of TSP in dishwashing liquid?

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is used in the manufacture of a wide range of detergents. It is an effective cleaning agent when used with surfactants for anything from laundry to concrete surfaces. A 1% solution has a pH of 12 (extremely basic), and it is alkaline enough to saponify fats and oils.

What should you not use TSP on?

Most people know that TSP is a powerful cleaner and degreaser, but they may not know the things that TSP should not be used for. Because of its high alkalinity, TSP can etch glass, mirrors, and ceramic tiles. It also eats away at the grout and should not be used for general cleaning on painted wood and metals.

Does TSP need to be rinsed?

What can TSP be mixed with?

A good general ratio is 1/2 cup of TSP to 2 gallons of water. You can use a slightly stronger batch to combat mold and mildew—mix 1 cup of TSP with 3 quarts of warm water and 1 quart of chlorine bleach. This solution can be funneled into a spray bottle or applied with a stiff scrub brush or sponge.

What is the drawback of TSP?

Limited Investment Options

Unlike 401 (k) plans, the TSP offers only six investment fund choices, all based on index funds. Index funds allow investors to buy a bundle of stocks that tracks a single market sector. Those fund choices include: G Fund – Short-term U.S. Treasuries specially issued to the TSP.

Can I use Dawn instead of TSP?

Dawn: You can use the original blue Dawn dish detergent instead of TSP to cut through surface grease. Pressure-washing: This is another alternative to cleaning outside surfaces without TSP. With sufficient and well-calibrated water pressure, it is possible to clean tough areas with only the pressure of the water.

Do you need to rinse after cleaning with TSP?

Rinse Surface

As the TSP solution dries, it can leave a white powdery residue on the surface that has been cleaned, which needs to be rinsed away.

What is the best surfactant for dishwashing liquid?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS is a strong surfactant known for its excellent foaming and emulsifying abilities. It effectively breaks down grease and oil and is commonly used in many household cleaning products, including dishwashing liquids.

Why is TSP cleaner bad?

Skin, eye or respiratory contact with tri-sodium phosphate is hazardous. TSP also leaves a phosphate film on surfaces that if not thoroughly rinsed off will cause adhesion failure and/or blistering of new paint or encapsulant. Phosphate mixed with lead can form a compound known as lead-phosphate.

Can TSP go down the drain?

The most accessible way to dispose of TSP in the home would be to pour it down the toilet so it gets treated properly. This is even safe on septic systems. Never dispose of used degreasing rinsates like TSP into lakes, streams, storm drains, or open bodies of water.

Can I use TSP in my washing machine?

It CAN be used on fabric and in the laundy if you use VERY SMALL AMOUNTS per load. Google "Using TSP in Laundry" for some detailed instructions and measurements or read the reviews posted that discuss this.

Why squirt Dawn in the bathtub at night?

Applying dish soap before the night gives the solution ample time to work its magic. As the hours pass, the dish soap loosens and lifts away the grime that has taken residence on your bathtub's surface.

Why is Blue Dawn different?

It's the fact that the Platinum product is concentrated, and delivers more of the key grease-fighting, colorless ingredients called “surfactants."

What not to mix with dish soap?

Mixing chlorine bleach and cleaners like dish soap can be harmful to your health. Mixing bleach with other cleaners can release toxic gases. Bleach can irritate your skin and eyes. Washing dishes in warm, soapy water already removes germs.

Do I need a mask when using TSP?

Proper Handling, Safety, and Storage

Gloves: Always wear chemical-resistant gloves. Eye Protection: Goggles or safety glasses, especially when mixing. Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a mask if handling large volumes.

Is simple green a TSP cleaner?

Simple Green Surface Prep cleans and degreases surfaces prior to painting to remove the dirt, grease and unseen oils that cause paint to be uneven, crack or peel. The phosphate-free formula is a safer alternative to TSP.

Does TSP remove cigarette smoke?

Home Remedies for Nicotine Stain Removal from Walls

Buy a dry-cleaning sponge (if you do not wish to get your walls wet). Mix TSP (trisodium phosphate) with warm water, to create a cleaning solution. TSP is a powder that, with the right amount of water, can help clean heavy stains.

Why was TSP banned?

TSP is still sold and used as a cleaning agent, but since the late 1960s, its use has diminished in the United States and many other parts of the world because, like many phosphate-based cleaners, it is known to cause extensive eutrophication of lakes and rivers once it enters a water system.

What can I mix with Dawn to clean?

Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle. Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate. You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything.

What not to use TSP on?

TSP is a pretty harsh cleaner, it will etch many items including some plastics and aluminum. That is one reason why it is used before painting because it will take the gloss off of some painted surfaces.

What are the cons of TSP?

The major limitation of TSPs is that participants must be employees of the U.S. federal government. This includes part-time and full-time employees of the civilian branches, as well as military service members.

When to use TSP?

Use TSP to clean surfaces after using paint/varnish removers. Preferred by painting and cleaning professionals. Removes smoke and soot stains from walls. Cleans chalked paint.

What is so great about TSP?

Advantages of your TSP account

Regardless of your retirement system, participating in the TSP can significantly increase your retirement income, and starting early is important. Contributing early gives the money in your account more time to increase in value through compound earnings.

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