Popular posts

Things you need to know before cleaning with trisodium phosphate cleaner(TSP)

Keeping your home clean is the biggest priority to maintain a hygienic life. Yet, to make it happen, using the right cleaning agent makes it highly important. TSP is one such cleaning agent that has shown its potential.

Though it comes along with some of the minor drawbacks, using a TSP by mixing it with water makes it excellent for tough stains. A trisodium phosphate cleaner can be the best for removing the deep stains of grease, when used along with scrub brush.

This article explores more about how to use the TSP in the best manner. Before we dig deep into why trisodium phosphate cleaner is the best for your house, let us know a bit more about TSP as a cleaning agent.

What is TSP?

Made out of Sodium and Phosphate, the inorganic compound is white in color which is either crystalline or granular. The high solubility in water makes it a good cleaning agent, thus making an alkaline solution. With a molar mass of 164 g/mol and its insolubility in ethanol, it makes trisodium phosphate cleaner a great cleaning agent.

History of TSP

Few decades back trisodium phosphate cleaner was the talk of the town for every cleaning home. Due to their extensive cleaning capabilities, they used to make up the larger shelves of the cleaning products.

But, in the 70s it was observed that the TSPs caused the algae to multiply in the water bodies. As a result, there used to be a reduction in the oxygen component in the water bodies.

This resulted in the reduction in the popularity of the TSP. People started to look for alternatives, to the extent that even products with the least amount of phosphates were banned. Yet, TSP is still in use, though not only for cleaning but also for multiple other issues at hand.

Pros of trisodium phosphate cleaner

What is it that makes TSP the best cleaner? Is it just the physical properties or the perfect balance between its chemical and physical properties?

Let us explore them.

Success rate:

Trisodium phosphate cleaner has proved to be successful in places where the other solutions have failed to function properly. It is thus clearly the best cleaning agent, when it comes to being used, after dilution.

Perfect for exterior use:

It is important that you repaint the surfaces after cleaning them with trisodium phosphate cleaner. The product is perfect to be used as an external cleaner.

Used during painting:

If there is any spillover paint, it must be cleaned. And there is no better friend of yours than TSP. Using the TSP it is often beneficial to remove the spill overpaints as well as clean the old paintings as well.

Treating the mold:

When working in combination with the bleaching powder, the mold and mildew are treated using the trisodium phosphate cleaner. Due to the deep cleaning effects of the TSP, it makes it easy to clean the rooms.

Replacement during painting walls:

Before painting the walls, the cleaning of the walls needs to be done. Using the TSP is a better alternative to sandpaper. When mixed with water and applied to the surface, it helps in making the surface smooth. Post this, make sure to rinse the surface of the walls thoroughly.

Cons of using trisodium phosphate cleaner

There are many benefits of using TSP as a cleaning agent. Yet, we should not shy away from the possible cons which might be on our way.

Taking extra care:

Handling the TSP with care is very important. With the increased toxicity in the TSP, it becomes important to protect yourselves while using the TSP. This is why using the right protective gear like full-sleeved shirts become important.

Avoiding runoffs:

Trisodium phosphate cleaner has a very bad impact on nature. It might hamper the landscape due to its corrosive nature. Thus it becomes very important to prevent the runoff into the environment. Making use of as less of TSP as possible while outdoor, as well as using it in limited quantity is suggested.

Oxygen levels in water bodies:

TSP has an adverse impact on the water bodies. It needs to be taken care that the oxygen levels in the water bodies don’t get affected since the TSPs often increase the growth rate of the algae. Thus, preventing the runoff water containing trisodium phosphate cleaner into the water bodies is very important.

Be legal:

It is important that you keep an eye on the law and the legal considerations. It is important to note that the area might have banned the use of the TSP, provided the environmental hazards that it can cause. Hence, before you start using the same for your environment, make sure you keep your legal rules intact.

Knowing where to use:

Using the trisodium phosphate cleaner over the bathroom floors or metals and ceramic tiles can damage the surface. Also, avoid using them for painted surfaces of glass.

Finding a better option

As TSPs come along with numerous health hazards, some of the alternatives can be used. Using the bicarbonates of sodium and zeolite/soda ash over the TSP can be a viable option.

Other options might not be as effective as TSP, though they might turn out to be a safer bet.

Yet, it is to be kept in mind that TSP’s substitutes might not function as effectively as TSP.

Precautions to be followed

Many precautions are to be followed while using the TSP. Since it is an excellent cleaning agent, you just cannot do away with it.

  • Using protective gear like gloves and head shield
  • Unfortunately, if it gets into the eye, not to panic. Instead, rinse with water for more than 15 minutes
  • Make sure not to get the TSP in touch with your body. Else, it might cause severe burns
  • Drink milk, if you ingested TSP by mistake. A common mistake is trying to vomit, instead, use cold water or milk to make you feel better.
  • TSP is a very strong cleansing agent. For surfaces that you don’t wish to damage, use the protective tape over the surface.
  • Avoid breathing the dust of the TSP as it may cause respiratory problems

Conclusion

Trisodium phosphate cleaner is the king of the cleaning agents. Yet, with the natural hazards that they bring about, it is often suggested to look forward to a less potent cleaning agent.

With the knowledge about the important facts and the history of TSP, we hope you would be able to make the right decision. But, before you use them, it is important to follow the protocol of your locality strictly. If you want to learn more about cleaning follow this site.

Editor
Editor
Subhajit Khara is an Electronics & Communication engineer who has found his passion in the world of writing. With a background in technology and a knack for creativity, he has become a proficient content writer and blogger. His expertise lies in crafting engaging articles on a variety of topics, including tech, lifestyle, and home decoration.

Related Posts

Comments

Recent Stories