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.
TSP also helps to remove stubborn greasy areas. It is crucial to use when painting walls in your kitchen, specifically ones that are near your stove. Any grease that isn't removed before painting can adversely affect the paint's adherence.
If the surface is previously painted, you should expect to repaint after cleaning with TSP (see next). Paint-stripping capabilities: So strong that it will peel old paint from a surface along with the stains, TSP is often used for cleaning surfaces in the course of preparation for painting, particularly for exteriors.
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.
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.
Mix a cleaning solution in a bucket. About 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent to one gallon of warm water makes an effective cleaner to remove grease, tobacco smoke and grime. Borax or ammonia with warm water will also work.
Vinegar is an excellent solution for natural from trisodium phosphate cleaners. It is a superb wall degreaser suitable for cleaning cabinets before painting. This process is relatively easy and efficient. You need to mix an equal amount of water and white vinegar.
To cut the gloss on an entire wall, wash it down with a strong solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP), available at hardware or paint stores. Mix the TSP powder into hot water until no more will dissolve. Swab it on the wall, and sponge it dry. Rinse with clear water, then sponge dry again.
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.
You should clean with TSP before chipping/sanding. TSP will clean the dirt and grease off the surface of the item before you grind the dirt and grease into the pores by chipping and sanding. But cleaning afterwards is better than not cleaning at all.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is often used both to clean the walls and to de-gloss existing paint. Use eye protection and mix TSP with water; it's a powerful chemical. Also, work from the top of the wall down and rinse off cleaners and chemicals.
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.
Instead of TSP, I like to clean my walls with a simple solution of warm water and Dawn soap (or any dish soap). Dawn is available anywhere and many homes already have it on hand, making it easier than TSP. It breaks down grease and leaves your walls incredibly clean.
TSP is a grease cleaner that has been used for years in woodworking and furniture painting. It is a great product to use before applying paint, so it is a great option to use to clean up wood after sanding. Similar to mineral spirits, you should dust the sawdust off and then wipe things down with a rag and TSP.
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.
Trisodium phosphate is a powerful cleaner and degreaser. It's ideal for cleaning dirt, fingerprints and grease from walls. If you plan to paint your walls, trisodium phosphate is a good choice for thoroughly cleaning the walls so the fresh paint sticks properly.
Trisodium phosphate is a strong detergent -- so strong that it can cause skin burns. There's no doubt that it will get your walls clean, whether they're plaster, drywall, masonry or wood, but it's too strong to use as an all-purpose cleaner.
Step #3: Sand Surfaces Before Painting
For previously painted water-based paint, sand with a fine-grit sandpaper. For oil-based paint, a medium-grit sandpaper (100- to 150-grit) should be used.
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.
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.
For tile and grout cleaning, start with T.S.P. (trisodium phosphate) mixed in a very strong solution with warm water. Add 1/2-pound T.S.P. to a gallon of water. If there is any mold on the tile surface, add 1/3 cup of cleaning bleach.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP), however, can effectively clean soda kegs, especially when used the keg is soaked in it, because it will not harm the stainless steel or rubber components. Plastic abrasives and some elbow grease also work well.