What Is Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)?

How to Clean With Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

1. Prepare Yourself and Work Area

   Wear eye protection, long sleeves, and waterproof gloves. Use plastic sheeting to protect areas of the home that are not being cleaned with the TSP.

2. Mix TSP Solution

   The correct trisodium phosphate formula is a mix of 1/2 cup of TSP per 2 gallons of water for heavy-duty cleaning or 1/4 cup of TSP per 2 gallons of water for household cleaning. Make sure that the water is hot, as this allows the TSP to become soluble. Thus, wearing gloves not only helps to protect the skin but it allows you to handle hotter water than you could manage with bare hands.

3. Soak and Squeeze

   With gloves on, soak the sponge in the water. Hold the sponge over the bucket and thoroughly squeeze it dry. A damp sponge is better than a wet sponge, since the wet sponge may leave tracks from drops of water.

4. Clean Surface With TSP

   Clean the surface from the bottom upward. Move the sponge in broad strokes to remove the worst of the debris. Again soak the sponge in the TSP solution and squeeze out, the more frequent, the better.

5. Rinse Surface Thoroughly

   Rinse the cleaned area with cool water. Because TSP begins as a dry, white powder, it often can conclude as a dry, white powder on the surface after the water has dried.

   To combat this, make sure that you rinse the surfaces with a new sponge and a bucket that has been thoroughly rinsed out or even a new bucket.

6. Clean Surface Again With TSP

   For difficult areas, a second cleaning with TSP is required. Mix up another bucket with fresh, warm water and TSP and clean with this new solution. Rinse with a fresh bucket of cool water.

Tips For Cleaning With Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)

• If you're not accustomed to rinsing surfaces after washing them down with a cleaning solution, this step is absolutely necessary with TSP. TSP will always leave a white film behind if not rinsed.
• For problem surfaces or for mold and mildew, add some chlorine bleach to the TSP mix.
• When you first mix up the TSP solution, it should have a cloudy, milky appearance but it should not be solid white.
• Be especially careful of using TSP around glass, mirrors, and porcelain or ceramic tile. The mild acids in the TSP can etch the surface.
  

What to Clean With TSP

• Walls, ceiling, trim, and other woodwork before painting
• Mold and mildew from decks
• House siding
• Soot on chimney mantels
• Greasy stains and unidentifiable stains
• Lead paint dust
• Beams or joists in crawlspace
• Mold in the home, before mold remediation
• Kitchen walls near cook areas before painting
• Behind refrigerators
• Bathroom ceilings before painting

What Not to Clean With TSP

Though TSP can be used for a wide variety of surfaces, it cannot be used for all surfaces.

• TSP can darken or stain some materials, and it can etch glass and mirrors.
• Keep TSP away from aluminum, as well as other metals, when the TSP solution is at its hottest.
• Paints that have a glossy sheen may lose their sheen if they come into contact with TSP.
• Hardwoods like oak and mahogany may darken if they are cleaned with TSP.

If you have any concerns about whether or not to use TSP on a particular surface, test a small amount in an inconspicuous area first, or use a substitute cleanser.

TSP Bans and Availability

TSP has long been the go-to cleaning product for most home improvement-related projects. However, dishwasher detergents containing phosphates are banned in all 50 states, and laundry detergents are banned in a majority of states. The movement toward banning phosphates includes TSP in many states. For retailers offering TSP in states with bans, the penalty can be high, as a few major home centers have already experienced.