What is Trisodium Phosphate? An inorganic chemical compound (Na₃PO₄), TSP is a white granular or crystalline substance that can be mixed with water to create an alkaline solution. Once diluted, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover.
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.
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.
The main ingredient in TSP is phosphate, but this product contains no phosphate. It has sodium sesquicarbonate, similar to baking soda, as the main ingredient (sodium sesquicarbonate makes up about 20% of actual TSP).
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.
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.
Krud Kutter 32 oz. Prepaint Cleaner/TSP Substitute PC326.
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. It isn't as strong as the original TSP, but it is well-suited for lightly soiled surfaces and general-purpose cleaning.
TSP and bleach are non-reactive. This means you can add up to 1 cup of bleach per gallon of TSP solution, for moderate infestations. Be aware that this will only remove mold and stains on the surface. Heavy deposits or growths will require an additional step.
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.
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, or TSP, is a powder you mix with warm water and use to wipe down your walls before painting. It is essential to paint preparation, acting in three ways to improve your paint's adhesiveness.
Clean the surface using ordinary household detergent or mineral spirits. Remove loose paint or rust with a wire brush, sandpaper or steel wool. Sand glossy surfaces with fine grain sandpaper and wipe with a tack cloth.
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.
Combine 1/2 cup of trisodium phosphate with 1/2 gallon of warm water. Soak the rusted area for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub the area with a bristle brush and repeat as necessary.
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.
The best use of TSP is for emergency cleaning -- for example, removing soot from a fire -- or to prepare your walls for a fresh coat of paint.
2 TSP requires care when you work with it. Always use eye protection and waterproof gloves when handling or cleaning with TSP. Also wear full skin protection, including long sleeves and long pants. Safety precautions apply to both dry and mixed or diluted forms of TSP.
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 — 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.
Rust Oleum - Cleaner TSP Substitute Krud Kutter 32 oz.
Borax has been used for many years as a laundry aide, food preserver and cleaning product. It is made from boron, sodium, oxygen and water and contains no harmful fumes or caustic ingredients. Use it to safely clean walls, toilets and other household surfaces, but keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
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.
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.