What Is TSP Cleaner? How To Use It?

What Is TSP Cleaner? How To Use It?

By : Georgia
The cleaning market is vast, with various fancy products, gadgets, and tools for multiple purposes. From robot vacuums to cleaning sprays and scrubbing pads, you have plenty of options to choose from. One of those powerful and super-effective cleaning agents is TSP or Trisodium Phosphate. It is an affordable cleaning product that can help remove stubborn stains, mould and mildew, built-up grease, caked-on grime and scuff marks from almost all surfaces. TSP is commonly used to prepare surfaces for refinishing or repainting. Many professionals cautiously use Trisodium phosphate to perform the best vacate cleaning Perth. However, if you have heard about this term for the first time, read the following guide and discover everything about TSP cleaner and its usage in housekeeping chores, major drawbacks and potential health hazards. Let’s Get Started!

What is TSP Cleaner?

TSP, or Trisodium Phosphate, is a heavy-duty cleaning agent used to clean surfaces before refinishing or painting surfaces. It is an effective stain remover and degrease. The chemical formula of TSO is Na3 PO4. It is a mixture of 75 % trisodium phosphate and 25 per cent sodium carbonate. In layman’s terms, it is a white crystalline solid that has a strong alkaline compound with a 12.3 pH value. This means it is a harsh chemical that can cause skin rashes and eye irritation and damage delicate surfaces. Despite being a versatile cleaner and effective degreaser, it is banned in many countries because of its environmental impact and health concerns. According to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), only licensed individuals can use the TSP cleaner. Plus, it should not be applied on surfaces that come into direct contact with food items and water, such as kitchen countertops, dishes, etc.

Things to Clean with TSP Cleaner

It is good to hire fully licensed vacate cleaners in Perth because they can use TSP cleaner to effectively clean the following areas:
  • Wood surfaces before painting
  • House siding
  • Mould stains from decks
  • Grease stains
  • Paint stains from hardwood surfaces
  • Kitchen walls
  • Walls and Ceilings
  • Bathroom ceilings before repainting
Note: Do not apply it on the coated wooden surface or any area as it can de-gloss the paint and make it look dull and dingy.

How to Use it: Cleaning with TSP Cleaner

If you are using it for the first time, keep the following tips in mind and protect your surfaces and indoor environment from potential dangers:

Prep Yourself and the Area

Make sure you wear rubber gloves, eye protection glasses, and long sleeves before starting the process. It is good to use a plastic sheet to protect the areas of your home that are not being cleaned with this powerful solution. Also, open your windows and doors for proper ventilation. Wear a face mask to prevent toxic fumes from entering and damaging your respiratory tract.

Prepare TSP Cleaning Solution

According to cleaning experts, you should always mix half a cup of TSP in 2 gallons of water to tackle stubborn stains. On the other hand, mixing ¼ cup of TSP per 2 gallons of warm water is ideal for house cleaning. Make sure you understand the science of effective cleaning when using such products and mix water properly for safe and desired results.

Soak the Sponge

In this step, soak the sponge in the solution. Make sure you squeeze out the excess solution before applying it on the surface. A damp sponge can help remove stubborn stains, mould and mildew, grease and grime from hard surfaces.

Clean the Surface Gently

Rub the sponge over the affected area. Move it from bottom to upward for effective results. This hack is powerful if you have large surfaces to clean. Soak the sponge again and clean the dirt, stains and grime.

Rinse with Cool Water

Don’t forget to rinse the surface with cool water because this dry powder-based solution concludes in a dry form and leaves unpleasant streaks behind.
  1. Take a new sponge and simultaneously wipe off the surface to prevent white streaks.
  2. TSP can pollute the waterways and aquatic life. So, use it in a limited quantity when sprucing up your home.
  3. Repeat the process if required.

What are the Safe Alternatives of TSP Cleaner?

If you are concerned about your family’s health or want an eco-friendly way to clean your house, you can replace TSP cleaner with the following substitutes that are safe for both humans and the planet:

Borax Powder

It is a safe and effective cleaning agent that can cut through built-up grease and grime without causing any damage. It is free of phosphates and other chemicals.

Mild Dishwashing Soap

You can also use mild dishwashing soap and vinegar solution to remove mould, mildew and grime from your home or a rental property.

Pressure Washing

This is also a great alternative to cleaning concrete surfaces with TSP. You try pressure cleaning techniques to remove stains from concrete surfaces like driveways, decks and patio area. You can also hire professionals for a quality vacate cleaning Perth and get your full bond back. They will come to your place with all the necessary supplies and products to help you get your bond back without any rental dispute over-cleaning.

Wrapping Up

TSP, or Trisodium Phosphate, has long been the powerful cleaning product for most home renovation projects. However, it can also be used to clean stains, grime, mould and grease from different surfaces. Make sure you consider this guide, take all precautions and clean your home using TSP cleaner in the most effective and safe way.