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What percentage of TSP are you using when doing final clean-up from a job that is particular dirty and dusty. I’m thinking along the line of removing old masonry (interior) or plaster lath.
I’ve done TSP clean-up before and while it seems to work i’ve read all the carton info. and the stuff sounds nasty and potent. But using it, I’ve not really found it “noxius” and am wondering what I don’t know about it.
Is the danger in up-ing the mix that makes clean-up more difficult or impossible?
Method you may have used to pick the stuff back off the surfaces?
Has anyone used the product called “TSP-free” (I think that is the name), it is basically a phosphate free version? Don’t know how it is supposed to work.
Thanks.
Replies
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I seldom use trisodium phosphate, so I can't help you there. But be aware that TSP is a trademarked product that does not contain trisodium phosphate. If you want the latter you have to buy it in generic form.
*Mike is right. I rarely see real, honest to goodness TSP. The paint store stuff, or for that matter, any quality cleaner will work fine.TSP (or its successors) is generally used to remove grease prior to painting. Since your project appears grease free, I doubt you need to stress out over what clenser to use. I would just sweep, vacuum, and mop or sponge the area with any good cleaner. Hope this helps.
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Mike & Scooter:
Thanks for the help. I thought I read the product information closely enough -- I never knew that the "TSP" that I get at the building yard didn't contain 'Trisodium Phosphate.' Just my own erroneous assumptions getting the best of me again. I might now check to see if 'Savagram' (Sp), product manuf. has a web site - curious to see whats in it and how it works.
Best Regards.
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Real TSP, I understand, is the best choice for removing lead paint dust from window sills. I think it also has a deglossing effect for prepaint prep, but then you have that residue to worry about. With plaster, avoid using water unless you have an easy way to rinse it away. Shop vac does OK if you clean the filter periodically.
I like Simple Green as a general purpose, nonhazardous cleaner.
*Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) was taken off the market for being non-degradable and its replacement is called TSP-free and is nowhere near as strong. Real TSP would degrade your gold wedding band and would react with aluminum to turn oak green. For real TSP, there is no worthwile substitute and (opinion) the beneficial effects to the environment of its absence is perhaps neglible.
*Yes TSP is still used as a label only. I am posting this as a warning. A common substitute is sodium matasilicate. THIS CAN LEAVE A NASTY RESIDUE ON GLASS; IF NOT RINSED IT MAY ACTUALLY ETCH THE GLASS. Rick
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What percentage of TSP are you using when doing final clean-up from a job that is particular dirty and dusty. I'm thinking along the line of removing old masonry (interior) or plaster lath.
I've done TSP clean-up before and while it seems to work i've read all the carton info. and the stuff sounds nasty and potent. But using it, I've not really found it "noxius" and am wondering what I don't know about it.
Is the danger in up-ing the mix that makes clean-up more difficult or impossible?
Method you may have used to pick the stuff back off the surfaces?
Has anyone used the product called "TSP-free" (I think that is the name), it is basically a phosphate free version? Don't know how it is supposed to work.
Thanks.