Simple Green Surface Prep formula is a safer alternative to TSP, with no PPE requirements. The non-toxic formula easily cuts through grease, oils, wallpaper paste, mold stains, nicotine buildup, soot and other tough soils without heavy scrubbing.
Restrictions on Use: Do not use on non-rinsable surfaces. This product is not classified as hazardous under 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standards (29 CFR 1910.1200). Inhalation: Not expected to cause respiratory irritation. If adverse effect occurs, move to fresh air.
Trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP, is a powder you mix with warm water and use to wipe down your walls before painting. It is an essential step to paint preparation, acting in three ways to improve your paint's overall look and adhesiveness.
We do not recommended that you mix Simple Green with bleach or ammonia because mixing will detract from the cleaning ability of Simple Green and detract from the disinfecting ability of bleach. You will receive a higher efficacy when products are used separately.
Apply solution. Leave on heavy soils for 1-2 minutes. Scrub if needed. Rinse or damp-wipe with clean water.
Simple Green contains 2-butoxyethanol, which is known to damage red blood cells and cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Simple Green is labeled as an all purpose cleaner. It's also labeled as non-toxic and biodegradable, but the 2-butoxyethanol solvent makes it dangerous.
Sherwin Williams: "Washing your walls and trim will remove grime, cobwebs, dust, and stains that can prevent your paint from adhering. Use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse your walls using a slightly damp cellulose sponge.
If you've hired a professional to paint your walls, don't expect them to wash beforehand. Most professional painters don't — so you'll either want to hire a cleaner or do this step yourself before they start working (otherwise, you may have just paid for a paint job that will just need to be redone).
It's also important to protect household surfaces from TSP splashes. Painted surfaces, finished wood, and metals can be discolored or de-glossed by TSP.
The non-toxic formula easily cuts through grease, oils, wallpaper paste, mold stains, nicotine buildup, soot and other tough soils without heavy scrubbing. It leaves a residue-free finish, so washable painted surfaces, sealed wood, metals and plastic are clean and ready to paint in minutes.
Simple Green is non-abrasive and non-corrosive, making it safe for use on a wide range of surfaces. It also carries the U.S. EPA Safer Choice label, ensuring that it works well, is effective, and is safer for people and the planet.
Additionally, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is fantastic for cleaning your car interior, from car carpet to dashboards, upholstery and beyond. It's free of harsh or abrasive chemicals, making it safe for car paint and interior surfaces.
All phosphates, including trisodium phosphate (TSP) are excessively damaging to the environment, particularly lakes and rivers. More than 19 states and several counties in 15 other states limit the phosphorous content of household laundry products to 0.5% (this is assumed to be a virtual ban).
Simple Green Surface Prep cleans and degreases surfaces prior to painting to remove the dirt, grease, and oils that can cause paint to be uneven, crack or peel. Can be used on any washable hard, non-porous surface, including walls, cabinets, doors, floors, furniture, and more.
Stick with Warm Water or Mild Soap
Glossy paint: All-purpose cleaner or dish soap and water. White paint: Baking soda and water. Latex paint: Dish soap and water, or vegetable oil-based cleaner. Oil-based paint: White vinegar, or dish soap and water.
A solution of warm water and mild detergent is the best thing to wash walls with before painting and generally recommended by the major paint companies.
You probably don't need a primer. If the current wall is smooth, clean and covered with the same type of paint (both are oil-based for example), you can head straight for the paint. You need to fill holes, spackle and sand*, maybe even cut a new piece of drywall in to the existing wall.
Use warm water and an all-purpose cleaner for walls with latex paint. Wash this type of paint with a soft sponge and a safe, all-purpose cleaning solution like water, dish soap, and distilled white vinegar. Dip a clean sponge in your wall cleaner, wring it dry, and gently clean your wall.
Steps for Regular Cleaning
For a more powerful cleaner, grab a spray bottle and mix 1 cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 gallon of warm water. Evenly distribute the solution onto the wall and gently rub it with a sponge. Remember, keep your touch light so as not to scrub off any paint.
TSP is excellent for cleaning and removing heavy deposits of grease, grime, smoke, soot stains and chalked paint from walls, woodwork and floors.
Overall, I'd say that Simple Green lives up to Good Housekeeping's claim that it's the best all-purpose cleaner for everyday use. From the kitchen to the bathroom to outdoors, it did good work, potentially eliminating the need for several other products.
Simple Green is hands down, our family's go to all-purpose cleaner. It works great for cutting grease and removing cooked on bits of food from our kitchen range top without leaving steaks. My husband uses Simple Green exclusively to clean dirt and grease from his bicycles.
Warnings & Directions
Precautions: Avoid eye contact. Responsible Use: Do not dispose of degreasing rinseates into or near storm drains, oceans, lakes or streams. First Aid Treatment: In case of eye contact, flush well with water. If swallowed, drink a glass of water and contact a physician.