What can I use instead of trisodium phosphate?
Well, ain’t that a good question?
Cleaning is essential in addition to have a kitchen that is clean and free of microorganisms. When using detergent, you will clean the kitchen perfectly, Yet, a detergent cannot kill the bacteria or other microorganisms that are threatening people’s health. The food in the kitchen can be poisoned if you do not clean your kitchen correctly.
People who do things by themselves without professional advice use trisodium phosphate, also called TSP, to get rid of microorganisms in the kitchen. For decades, it was an ideal cleaner, yet now it is one of the most dangerous compounds, especially threatening for those who have sensitive skin and respiratory issues.
Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
The TSP or a trisodium phosphate is an inorganic compound that is crystalline solid, granular, or white. It can dissolve in water while producing an alkaline solution. People use the Trisodium phosphate degreaser, stain remover, lubricant, builder, cleaning agent, and food additive for long years.
It was a great option in difficult cleaning jobs, especially when cleaning exteriors. It can remove oil stains and even mold when it is water-down on a harsh- scrub brush. Trisodium phosphate is a really fantastic cleaning detergent, but be careful when using it. The phosphate in this compound is the biggest problem for environmentalists and users.
Trisodium phosphate can irritate skin and eyes, which is classified as a threat by OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If you use TSP, you need to wear gloves and protect your eyes. Plus, a long sleeve is a must. And not only there are health concerns, but also environmental ones.
While there are still businesses that sell this cleaning detergent and people who still use it, in the late 1960s, its selling stopped in the USA and many countries worldwide. The main reason for doing this was because it can provoke extensive eutrophication of rivers and lakes. While cleaning, phosphate runs everywhere from the streets into the waterways, killing many plants and fish.
Pros and Cons of TSP
Like with many others, using a trisodium phosphate cleaning detergent has pros and cons. We provide you with its advantages and disadvantages before you decide to use this cleaner.
Pros
- Accessible in many stores that allow its selling
- Efficient in cleaning dirty and heavy stains
- Very cheap
- Long shelf life if kept dry
Cons
- Banned and not accessible in many states
- Irritation of skin and eyes
- Stimulation of mold growth on surfaces mold
- Cannot eliminate mildew and mold
- Can darken aluminium and damage mirrors and glass
When using trisodium phosphate cleaner, you need the highest protection. It is another reason why people choose a substitute instead of TSP. Those who have allergies and are pretty sensitive to the chemical aroma of TSP use a sodium substitution instead.
Phosphate Free TSP substitute
The substitution of TSP phosphate-free is quite similar to the TSP detergent that many states prohibited to sale. While there are restrictions, many people are sceptical and do not want to use TSP in their homes. There are many Trisodium free phosphate substitutes on the market, quite similar, and can do your cleaning work properly.
It will impact less the environment while doing the same job as standard TSP. The phosphate-free formula also allows successful cleanse and removing big covers of soot stains, smoke, grime, grease, and chalked paint from floors, woodwork, and walls.
Alternatives
We provide you with a list of the best free TSP substitutes you can use for cleaning rigid dirt surfaces:
Phosphate-free TSP
Phosphate-free TSP is the main ingredient in TSP, but it does not contain phosphate. This TSP product contains sodium sesquicarbonate as the main ingredient that is similar to baking soda. It is a fantastic cleaner with the same power to clean as TSP. It is excellent for those where phosphate cleaners is prohibited by law.
Savogran is quite a famous brand with a large fan base. Many painting and cleaning professionals use this product regularly. The free TSP phosphate formula allows cleaning deposits of smoke, soot stains, and greasy grime. Plus, it cleans chalked paint from floors, woodwork and walls.
Klean strip
A biodegradable detergent that works quite the same as a TSP substitute is the Klean strip cleaner. Because it does not contain phosphate, it is not as effective as TSP for cutting grease. It is more like assisting in your arduous cleaning task while helping you remove dirt, smoke, and particularly oil.
It can immensely irritate the eyes and skin even its formulation is biodegradable. It is a great cleaning agent for cleaning fast and surface preparation, but still, it requires protection. With just wiping the surface, you can entirely clean it. Another additional piece of information of this TSP substitute cleaning detergent is to remove the gloss from a surface in just one step.
Simple green
Another alternative that is safe from the environment and your health is the Simple green. This free substitution provides safe and high performance as well as fast-acting surface cleaning and preparation. It is a free TSP phosphate liquid cleaner that can clean every material and dirty surfaces.
The versatility of Simple Green makes this product a fantastic TSP cleaning agent because it is not toxic and contains a biodegradable formula that can adequately clean all washable surfaces. Simple Green Free Trisodium phosphate is not harmful. It can also clean grease formulations carefully. It is pretty creamy, so you will probably need a second wipe to remove the residue.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent solution for natural from trisodium phosphate cleaners. It is a superb wall degreaser suitable for cleaning cabinets before painting. This process is relatively easy and efficient. You need to mix an equal amount of water and white vinegar. Then, sink a cloth in the vinegar mixture and start wiping the walls. When you finish, rinse the surface from bottom to top and let it dry.
Krud kutter
This TSP pre-paint cleaner is focused on safety and fast cleaning. Krud Kutter is an all-purpose cleaner, and it is recommended to use before painting. Just spray on- and remove the gloss from the surface so that paint can attach better.
You can also use this TSP cleaner for carpet stains, kitchen cabinets, pet stains, and many other things. The great thing about Krud Kutter TSP cleaner is that it will not waste your time. Just spray it, and you are done; you can paint in about 10 minutes. The brand is pretty focused on people’s safety while using this product. You will not have to worry because this product is biodegradable and not toxic. Hence, it is based on water, non-flammable, and xylene-free.
Borax
Sodium borate or Borax is a natural mineral compound. This product is free of trisodium phosphate, and it is an excellent cleaner of many surfaces that a TSP product cleaned for years, such as mildew stained areas and mold. The most important is that it cannot harm the environment because it does not contain harmful chemicals.
There are many options to use for cleaning. Choosing Borax instead of TSP product will allow you to feel more comfortable without worrying if you will get hurt and clean the surface without skin irritation.
Before you start this cleaning process, you should use a lukewarm water gallon and add 1/4 borax cup. Stir it with a wooden spoon. Then, put a sponge in the mix and after that, squeeze it to eliminate the excess liquid. Finally, you can wipe the surface. Wipe the surface until it is entirely cleaned.
FAQs about what to use instead of trisodium phosphate
1. What are some alternatives to trisodium phosphate (TSP) for cleaning?
Baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, borax, and hydrogen peroxide are some TSP substitutes for cleaning. These alternatives are preferred by those who want to avoid harsh chemicals because they are frequently natural and environmentally friendly.
2. Is baking soda an effective substitute for TSP?
Yes, baking soda works well as a TSP alternative. It is a safe, all-natural cleaning agent that works well on a range of surfaces, including walls, floors, and appliances. Additionally safe for the environment and with no toxic chemicals released into the air, baking soda.
3. Can white vinegar be used instead of TSP for cleaning?
Yes, white vinegar is a well-liked TSP substitute for cleaning. It is a natural acid that is efficient in cleaning a range of surfaces because it can dissolve grease and filth. In addition to being eco-friendly, white vinegar may be used to clean surfaces, get rid of odors, and more.
4. What are the benefits of using natural cleaners instead of TSP?
There are various advantages to using natural cleaners as opposed to TSP. Natural cleaners are often less likely to harm your health, safer for the environment, and devoid of harsh chemicals. They can be created with inexpensive, everyday components and are frequently less expensive.
5. Are there any environmental concerns associated with TSP?
TSP does indeed raise certain environmental issues. TSP has the potential to destroy aquatic life and is a factor in algal blooms and other types of water pollution. Additionally, TSP can injure people if consumed or inhaled and it can contribute to air pollution.
6. Can I use citrus-based cleaners instead of TSP for heavy-duty cleaning?
Yes, using citrus-based cleansers instead of TSP for tough cleaning jobs can be successful. These cleansers are good at removing oil and grime because they frequently contain natural components like citrus peels. They do not discharge dangerous chemicals into the air and are also safe for the environment.
7. What are some commercial cleaning products that can replace TSP?
TSP can be replaced by a number of commercial cleaning chemicals, including Simple Green, Krud Kutter, and Green Works. These treatments may effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains from a range of surfaces and are frequently created from natural substances.
8. Can hydrogen peroxide be used as a TSP substitute for cleaning?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can replace TSP for cleaning purposes. It functions as a natural bleach to get rid of stains and clean things. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide is harmless to the environment and does not produce any airborne toxic substances.
9. How effective are TSP substitutes in removing grease and grime?
Grease and grime can be easily removed off surfaces using TSP alternatives. Grease and dirt can be removed from a range of surfaces, including walls, floors, and appliances, with the use of baking soda, white vinegar, and citrus-based cleansers.
10. Are there any precautions to take when using TSP substitutes for cleaning?
Yes, there are safety measures to consider while cleaning with TSP alternatives. Some organic cleaners have the potential to be abrasive and harm some surfaces. Additionally, certain cleaners might not be able to get rid of stubborn stains or a lot of buildup. Before using the cleaner on a larger surface, it is crucial to follow the directions on the cleaner and test it on a small, discrete area.
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