Trisodium Phosphate ( TSP ) is a powerful cleansing broker , but its use has drawbacks . see how to employ TSP safely to clean your home .
Getty Images / Natalia Kopyltsova
What is TSP and when would you use it in your home ? Trisodium phosphate ( TSP ) is an inexpensive and knock-down clean agent that cuts through stubborn grime , stamp , lampblack , and lubricating oil , eliminating stains . It is often used toprepare surfaces for repaintingor refinishing . It is also a heavy - duty cleaner often used for home betterment projects like cleaning soot from a chimney or eliminating mold and mildew buildup on wooden pack of cards or railroad siding .
Credit:Getty Images / Natalia Kopyltsova
While TSP is a versatile and in effect heavy - duty cleanser , it is not without significant drawbacks . It is ostracize in many states , and its function is highly regulated in others because of its significant environmental impact on waterways .
TSP is highly caustic and can cause dangerous eye and tegument damage if used improperly .
This template will explain the ways in which TSP should — and should not — be used for home base improvement project , as well as detailing the necessary safety precautions to take when forge with TSP .
What Is TSP?
Trisodium inorganic phosphate , commonly known as TSP , is an inorganic chemical substance compound that is load with water to make a heavy - responsibility alkaline houseclean agent that can be used as a degreaser , grunge remover , and to deal painted surfaces prior to repainting or refinishing . TSP is a white farinaceous substance consisting of 75 % to 80 % trisodium orthophosphate and 20 % to 25 % atomic number 11 carbonate ; its chemical formula is Na3PO4 .
TSP was wide used in consumer products in the 20th century , and it was especially rife as an ingredient in cleaning agents . It began to fall out of favor in the 1960s , as it became exonerated that phosphate - based product are assort with ecologic scathe to lake and river . TSP is banned in many states , and its usance is extremely regulated in country where its sale is legal . However , TSP is still commonly used by contractors and painters to train surfaces for house painting .
Uses for TSP
•Prepare painted surfaces : Use TSP before repainting or refinishing open . De - gloss existing paint andremove any paintthat has flaked or peeled , leaving the Earth’s surface clean and quick to accept new pigment or finish .
•Remove layer of soil , lampblack , grease , stains , and grease : TSP is also used as a punishing - tariff cleaning agent to strip exterior , including masonry material like brick , stone , concrete , cement , Ellen Price Wood siding anddecks , and roofing . It can also be used to clean long - drop interior surface , such as dirty , greasy reach of wall after removing with child household appliances like refrigerator or oven .
•Eliminated mould and mildew : When mixed with Cl bleach , TSP is a powerful agent for molding and mold removal .
•Remove grout : TSP is often happen as an active ingredient in grout removal products because of its power to dissolve grout .
What to Avoid Cleaning with TSP
When amalgamate with water , TSP is a highly alkaline solution that can induce irreversible legal injury to many coarse menage surface . It is powerfully recommend that TSP not be used in bathrooms , in special , because it can darken and eat metal regular ; induce etch in glass and ceramic tile ; and eat away at grout .
The travel along materials and detail should not be queer to TSP :
• Aluminum , chrome , and other metal
• Faucets , shower and tub enclosures , drain , and tube
• Glass , including mirror
•Ceramic tile
• Grout
• paint or finish wood , include hardwood flooring , that is not stand for to be stripped
• leafage , plant , grass , and other landscaping elements
Safety Precautions When Using TSP
TSP is a strong root that can burn up skin and cause severe eye damage ; therefore , it is imperative to tire out personal protective equipment ( PPE ) when work with it . As a extremely regulated substance , it is also vital to register and follow package directions to the varsity letter , include and especially the provide condom warnings .
When working with TSP , wear down suitable clothing , including long arm , waterproof employment boxing glove , and eye protection .
If there is foliage or landscape present in the area where you will be using TSP , soak it with neat water supply before starting the chore , and rinse off it well after work has conclude to ensure that no TSP residual remains .
storage TSP in a secure , dry area .
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Materials
Instructions
How to Use TSP for Cleaning
Don PPE and Prepare Work Area
Before integrate a TSP root for cleansing , it is imperative that you don protective gear wheel and set up the work area to preclude harm . When desegregate and work with TSP , bear center shelter , long sleeves , and waterproofed body of work gloves . Plastic sheeting should be used to cover any areas that are not being cleaned with TSP .
Mix TSP Solution
When work with TSP , always read the package directions regarding dilution ratio , desegregate teaching , and safety precautions , and follow those to the letter . A standard dilution proportion is 1/2 cupful of TSP to 2 gallons of hot water ; hot water is needed to see the TSP becomes soluble and dissolves . Once mixed , the TSP solution will appear slightly cloudy .
The use of TSP toeliminate mold and mildewcalls for a stronger solution that let in chlorine bleach . Typically that ratio is 1 cup of TSP to 3 quart of hot urine to 1 dry quart of chlorine bleach .
Saturate and Wring Sponge
Soak the poriferan by holding it in the TSP answer and compress it several times . Then , holding the poriferan over the pail , rack the sponge again to extrude TSP solution until the poriferan is just - damp . Avoid cleaning control surface with a dripping blind drunk leech , which can leave white powdery stripe or slur as the solution dries .
Clean the Surface from the Bottom Up
clean house the airfoil , bulge out from the bottom and using a sweeping motion to work upward . Soak and rack the sponge in the TSP resolution frequently while work .
Rinse Surface
As the TSP solution dry , it can leave a white powdery residue on the surface that has been cleaned , which require to be rinsed away . Using a newfangled sponge and a uninfected bucket take with cool water system , wipe the surface clear .
