Most cleaning in a property is done regularly from time to time; however, sometimes, there might be places that have the dirt and grime set in from years of not being cleaned properly. This kind of stubborn dirt is found in common areas behind washing machines, microwaves, or dishwashers.
Such stains require a heavy-duty cleaner to properly dissolve the dirt and remove it. While frequent use of abrasive cleaners is not recommended because of its downsides, a major cleanup once in a while is extremely important.
TSP or trisodium phosphate is one such inexpensive but extremely effective cleaner, stain remover, and degreaser. TSP is commonly used to prep surfaces for repainting. It is extremely effective for removing the gloss from paint, allowing the surface to be repainted without dripping. Read more about TSP cleaner.
The risks of using TSP
When using TSP outdoors, some of the chemicals might get onto grass or plants nearby, which will destroy them if not removed on time. For this reason, many people who use TSP outdoors use a Sod Cutter to remove shallow grass from as close to the ground as possible to minimize the impact of the chemical on the outdoor plants. This also promotes the healthier growth of grass. Find out more at https://www.activemyhome.com/the-sod-cutter-guide/
TSP used to be a regular part of cleaning; however, soon enough, it was discovered that the chemical is actually quite harmful to the environment. Since TSP contains phosphate, dumping it into water bodies resulted in a rapid growth of the algae population, reducing oxygen for other aquatic animals.
TSP is an extremely dangerous substance and can cause severe problems to the eye or the skin if any contact is made. It is always recommended to be properly covered while using TSP as a cleaner. The use of proper PPE, with gloves, goggles, and a mask, is encouraged to keep the health impact of the chemical to the minimum.
So, where exactly should TSP be used?
TSP is an extremely heavy-duty cleaner that should be used only in extreme cases. Examples of this include heavily built-up dirt and grease, particularly in the kitchen. Backyard areas where barbeque is done frequently can also be subject to greasy walls.
TSP is also normally used to remove the gloss of the existing paint, so the new paint sticks better. In the case of really old walls, TSP gets rid of the paint that would otherwise flake away.
TSP can be combined with certain cleaning products such as bleach to emphasize its effect in cleaning mold. It is crucial for this to be done with careful measurements, so no adverse effects are noticed.
What are the alternatives to TSP?
There’s a product on the market that names sodium sesquicarbonate as its primary active ingredient and claims to be the phosphate-free version of TSP. Borax is also another known alternative, even though it is not as effective in cleaning grease because of the lack of phosphate.
The conclusion
While TSP does pose some negative effects and health hazards, it can prove to be quite a useful cleaner with proper precautions and seldom use. Proper disposal of the chemical is also important to minimize the adverse environmental effects. TSP use is not recommended regularly and is banned in some states, so you must check if it is legal for use where you live.
