Is borax a good substitute for TSP?

Author: Devonte Swift  |  Last update: Monday, June 27, 2022

An Alternative to Cleaning with TSP
Also known as sodium borate, borax is a naturally-occurring mineral compound that will clean many of the same surfaces TSP has been used on for years, including mold- and mildew-stained areas—all without causing damage nearby plants.

What can I use in place of TSP?

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.

What is the difference between borax and TSP?

Trisodium phosphate — also known as TSP — is a heavy-duty cleaning agent that removes grease and dirt while killing mold. Like TSP, borax successfully cleans a variety of surfaces as well as removes mold and mildew. However, borax consists of sodium borate and does not contain harsh chemicals.

Does borax contain trisodium phosphate?

Borax. Sodium borate or Borax is a natural mineral compound. This product is free of trisodium phosphate, and it is an excellent cleaner of many surfaces that a TSP product cleaned for years, such as mildew stained areas and mold.

What can I substitute for TSP to clean cabinets?

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.

What can I use instead of TSP cleaner?

How do you get thick grease off kitchen cabinets?

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.

How do you clean with borax?

Make an all-purpose cleaning spray

To create an all-purpose spray, dissolve 2 teaspoons of borax into 4 cups of hot water, then mix with 1 teaspoon of dish soap and 4 tablespoons of vinegar. Use this to clean countertops, appliances, windows, and more.

Can you mix TSP and borax?

Start by mixing one teaspoon of any one or more of the following into one quart warm or hot water in a spray bottle or bucket: TSP (use for heavy duty cleaning), liquid soap or borax.

Can I use simple green instead of TSP?

Simple Green is an environmentally safe alternative for TSP that is also not an irritant. It is a liquid cleaner that can clean an array of surfaces and material. It cleans and cuts grease well and there are a variety of formulations for different applications.

Is Krud Kutter the same as TSP?

Krud Kutter 32 oz. Prepaint Cleaner/TSP Substitute PC326.

Should I use TSP before painting?

When prepping for a paint job, TSP can clean and de-gloss painted surfaces and remove peeling, flaking old paint. Inside the house, TSP works well on the stubborn sort of grease-meets-dirt gunk typically found after pulling an old stove or fridge away from the wall.

Is TSP boric acid?

Boric acid (hydrogen borate or boracic acid), is an acidic version of borax. TSP Is a moderate to strong alkaline product. TSP causes moderate skin irritation and severe eye irritant. If ingested, can cause burns to internal organs.

What is TSP for cleaning furniture?

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. Here's how to properly clean your wood floors with TSP.

What is TSP for removing paint?

Trisodium phosphate has been used by painters for years and years as a heavy duty degreaser and all purpose cleaner. TSP is formulated for removing Grease, soot,and lead paint dust cleanup. A washing of surfaces prior to painting helps insure a good clean "bite" for the finish coats of paint.

How do you make trisodium phosphate?

Production. Trisodium phosphate is produced by neutralization of phosphoric acid using sodium carbonate, which produces disodium hydrogen phosphate. The disodium hydrogen phosphate is reacted with sodium hydroxide to form trisodium phosphate and water.

How do you prep walls for painting?

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.

Does TSP need to be rinsed?

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.

Will TSP remove mold?

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.

Is TSP good for cleaning kitchen cabinets?

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.

Will borax damage paint?

Borax is a gentle but effective alternative that raises the pH of your detergent enough to kill bacteria without being corrosive enough to damage the paint.

Is borax a degreaser?

Borax is great at removing dried grease and food from aluminum or porcelain cookware because of its high pH level. The alkaline that helps make borax's acidity breaks down tough grease and stains because it's so strong.

Can I paint over borax?

Do you be able to paint over the borax concoction once a it dries? You can do that, yes. You can paint your desired color of lime chemical whitewash by first painting the side.

Which is better OxiClean or borax?

Go with the safer option. Not only is OxiClean the safer option, but it comes in several forms, including powder, liquid spray, and laundry detergent; borax is only sold as a powder. Learn more about the many ways you can use OxiClean on Amazon or OxiClean.com.

Can I mix vinegar and borax?

Borax and vinegar are two safe ingredients that can be combined to create a good general cleaning solution. Undiluted vinegar and borax can also be used for mildew removal. When mixing Borax with other ingredients, it is essential to use warm water to help it dissolve.

What are the dangers of borax?

Borax health risks

Borax can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if you ingest it by itself, and large amounts can lead to shock and kidney failure. It's banned in U.S. food products. It also can irritate your skin and eyes, and it can hurt your nose, throat, and lungs if you breathe it in.

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