The Spruce / Lee Wallender
What Is Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)?
Though bans on phosphates are in effect in many communities, TSP is still legal in many areas.
However, phosphate-free substitutes to TSP are also available nearly everywhere.
The Spruce / Lee Wallender
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.
Keep TSP away from glossy surfaces.
TSP is known to harm vegetation and grass according to product safety data sheets.
Safe forcleaning aluminum, these solutions will not harm vegetation if you are using them for outdoor cleaning.
Use plastic sheeting to protect areas of the home that are not being cleaned with the TSP.
confirm that the water is hot, as this allows the TSP to become soluble.
Soak and Squeeze
With gloves on, soak the sponge in the water.
Hold the sponge over the bucket and thoroughly squeeze it dry.
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.
Rinse Surface Thoroughly
Rinse the cleaned area with cool water.
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.
Just be sure to thoroughly rinse the TSP with fresh water and wipe it down with atack cloth.
TSP Bans and Availability
TSP has long been the go-to cleaning product for most home improvement-related projects.
The addition of trisodium phosphate in toothpaste is meant to assist in protecting tooth enamel.
Yes, trisodium phosphate can be dangerous if ingested, as it is extremely corrosive.
PubChem Compound Summary for CID 24243, Trisodium phosphate.
National Center for Biotechnology Information, PubChem, 2005
The Unintended Consequences of Household Phosphate Bars.
Iowa State University
Phosphorus.EPA.
Unintended Consequences of Household Phosphate Bans.
Safety Data Sheet, TSP.
