Remove your cabinet doors from the cabinet boxes. The first thing you are going to do is in your quart bucket measure 4oz or a 1/2 cup of TSP. Then fill your larger bucket with 2 gallons of warm water. Pour the 1/2 cup of TSP into the water and using a paint stirrer stir the water dissolving the powder.
Pros of Cleaning with TSP
Suitability for exterior surfaces: TSP works well—and without damage—on a variety of surfaces, including brick and stone, cement, wood, and roofing. If the surface is previously painted, you should expect to repaint after cleaning with TSP (see next).
In a large bucket, combine a half cup of TSP with two gallons of warm water and stir. Fill up another bucket with clean warm water. Soak a sponge in the TSP solution and start wiping down your cabinets. Focus on corners and any other areas where grease can build up.
Standard TSP must be rinsed away with clean water. Depending on how dirty the surface is, several rinses may be necessary. As a general rule, if the water in the rinse bucket is dirty, it is worth your effort to rinse the wall again with clean water. No-rinse TSP is fairly new invention.
TSP (trisodium phosphate), is a robust cleaning option that not only helps the stain stick to hardwood better, but it also removes grease, stubborn junk, and mildew from both painted and unpainted wood. When it comes to your wood flooring, you want the best clean.
Washing wood with trisodium phosphate allows paint, stain or varnish to adhere to wood. Unlike furniture sprays, TSP is a powerful cleaner and degreaser formulated to detach stubborn gunk, grease and mildew from painted and unpainted wood.
It can damage many metal and painted surfaces, and can stain woods. It is not recommended for use on glass, either, since it will leave a filmy residue. TSP can also be used as a masonry cleaner.
TSP can damage some common surfaces in and around the home; particularly vulnerable are bathroom fixtures such as faucets, pipes, shower/tub enclosures, and drains. Its high alkalinity can etch glass, mirrors, and ceramic tile, as well as darken and corrode aluminum, chrome, and other metals.
Create a cleaning solution with 1-part baking soda, 2 parts warm water and the lemon juice. Add the solution to a spray bottle and spray the liquid onto the kitchen cabinets. Leave for 2-3 minutes, allowing the baking soda to work its magic. Use the soft sponge to gently scrub the grease away.
Clean With Mild Dish Soap
Like with wood cabinets, you shouldn't need to resort to abrasive cleaning products like vinegar or baking soda to remove dirt and grease from your laminate kitchen cabinets. A bit of dish soap in warm water applied with a good dose of elbow grease should be more than sufficient.
Mix 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of white toothpaste, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Use your finger or a spoon to mix it well. Dip a sponge in the mixture and scrub down your cabinets. Rinse with a damp cloth until all residue is gone.
After thoroughly scrubbing away any grease, grime or cleaner buildup from the surface of the cabinets with a good laminate cleaner/degreaser (trisodium phosphate, or a TSP substitute, but follow directions carefully), take the gloss off the laminate with 180-grit sandpaper.
Sanding and proper preparation of the surface is a must, and wiping the area with a solution of TSP and water will help break down a bit of the glossiness of the previous coat. Be aware that TSP will darken some wood, such as mahogany.
The comparable cleaning product in Canada and the USA is trisodium phosphate, also known as "TSP". However, due to environmental concerns about the impact of phosphorus on lakes and streams, products labeled TSP may not actually contain any trisodium phosphate. "Sugar Soap" in the USA is generally a cosmetic product.
Trisodium phosphate, also called TSP, is a tough cleaning agent available at home improvement stores. It is used to remove grease, stains, soap scum, and black mold from a variety of surfaces both inside and outside the home. Always use TSP in a well-ventilated area with safety goggles and rubber gloves.
However, borax consists of sodium borate and does not contain harsh chemicals. Choosing to use borax instead of TSP will allow you to clean the surface and kill fungus without the use of chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
TSP can be used for deep-cleaning tile. TSP is short for trisodium phosphate. Painters often use this for preparing surfaces prior to painting. However, this alkaline cleaning agent can also be used for wall or floor tiles that need extra heavy-duty cleaning, such as tiles hazy with soot or with grout dust.
Krud Kutter 32 oz. Prepaint Cleaner/TSP Substitute PC326.
If you are looking for a more natural trisodium phosphate substitute, borax can be a fine replacement. It doesn't require all the safety measures of TSP and is inexpensive, easy to use and it won't hurt the environment. Borax can kill fungus and strip away dirt and grease on porous surfaces such as wood and cement.
Compatible and safe to use on all surfaces (wood, paint, gypsum, melamine, plastics, metals and glass), Fusion TSP Alternative is environmentally friendly and contains no phosphates.
Dawn dish soap is famous for being an excellent degreaser, and this simple tip might be the best way to clean wooden cabinets. It is also mild enough that it won't ruin your wood cabinets or their finish. You can even use dish detergent as the best way to clean painted kitchen cabinets, too.