mex instead of tsp
- Thread starter MIKE FP
- Start date
Grant
Administrator
Trisodium phosphate (TSP), available at most hardware stores in white powder form, is a cleaning agent, stain remover and degreaser, commonly used to prepare surfaces for painting. It can also be called trisodium orthophosphate and has the chemical formula Na3PO4. It is a highly water-soluble ionic salt. Solutions of it dissolved in water have an alkaline pH.
It can also be found as a food additive; it is used as an acidity regulator (buffering agent), emulsifier, thickening agent, nutrition enlargement agent and sequestrant (metal-chelating agent). In these uses, all sodium phosphates may be collectively referred to as sodium phosphate, or by E number E339. The same is true when sold as an enema, working as a laxative to treat constipation. Sodium phosphate enemas are sold over-the-counter in the United States. However, it should not be confused with the related compounds sodium dihydrogen phosphate, also known as monosodium phosphate or MSP, and disodium hydrogen phosphate.
Similar chemicals were once common in laundry and dishwashing detergents, but the phosphate, being a fertilizer, would cause algal blooms in the bodies of water that the drains led to. In the early 1970s the use of phosphate-containing products was limited. Now products sold as TSP Substitute, containing 80–90% sodium carbonate, are promoted as a direct substitute. http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=317
Cleaning products labeled as TSP may contain other ingredients as well, and may in fact be less than half TSP. So even "regular" TSP found at the hardware store may be half TSP and half "TSP substitute". Savogran's brand actually contains 80% trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate.
Although it is the active ingredient in at least one toilet bowl cleaning tablet, TSP is generally not good for cleaning bathrooms, because it can corrode metal.
TSP is commonly used after cleaning with mineral spirits in order to then clean up all the mineral spirits. TSP may be used with household chlorine bleach in the same solution, and this is particularly good for removing mildew from wood. The TSP alone can cause dark stains on redwood, and bleach prevents it.
Also used in various forms as a boiler treatment chemical for calcium precipitation, as well as regulating the caustic effects of disodium phosphate in coordinated phosphate chemistry.
PS. I have not heard of Mex for cleaning unless someone is making an ethnic joke(!)
It can also be found as a food additive; it is used as an acidity regulator (buffering agent), emulsifier, thickening agent, nutrition enlargement agent and sequestrant (metal-chelating agent). In these uses, all sodium phosphates may be collectively referred to as sodium phosphate, or by E number E339. The same is true when sold as an enema, working as a laxative to treat constipation. Sodium phosphate enemas are sold over-the-counter in the United States. However, it should not be confused with the related compounds sodium dihydrogen phosphate, also known as monosodium phosphate or MSP, and disodium hydrogen phosphate.
Similar chemicals were once common in laundry and dishwashing detergents, but the phosphate, being a fertilizer, would cause algal blooms in the bodies of water that the drains led to. In the early 1970s the use of phosphate-containing products was limited. Now products sold as TSP Substitute, containing 80–90% sodium carbonate, are promoted as a direct substitute. http://www.dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=317
Cleaning products labeled as TSP may contain other ingredients as well, and may in fact be less than half TSP. So even "regular" TSP found at the hardware store may be half TSP and half "TSP substitute". Savogran's brand actually contains 80% trisodium phosphate dodecahydrate.
Although it is the active ingredient in at least one toilet bowl cleaning tablet, TSP is generally not good for cleaning bathrooms, because it can corrode metal.
TSP is commonly used after cleaning with mineral spirits in order to then clean up all the mineral spirits. TSP may be used with household chlorine bleach in the same solution, and this is particularly good for removing mildew from wood. The TSP alone can cause dark stains on redwood, and bleach prevents it.
Also used in various forms as a boiler treatment chemical for calcium precipitation, as well as regulating the caustic effects of disodium phosphate in coordinated phosphate chemistry.
PS. I have not heard of Mex for cleaning unless someone is making an ethnic joke(!)
RandyL
New member
The TSP I have bought in the past is from the store and the box says TSP Phosphate free on it. I noticed that from the chemical manufacture I just started using that they sell it as well. TRISOD PHOS CRYS TECH 50# BG I was curious if there are any pro's or cons to the different products, besides the fact that the 50# bags are alot cheaper then buying by the box.
MIKE FP
Member
im not joking i bought it today, its callled mex cleaner and it costs about six bucks for a 2 lb. plastic jar. i bought it from a paint supplier where i buy all my paints, etc. they told me you cannot get tsp anymore. i will read more on the container tomorrow and give more info. if you look for mex cleaner on google im sure something will come up.
K Gauthier
New member
You can get Tsp online but its gonna cost a lil bit for shipping. most likely will be cheaper than the $6 for 2lbs. If you get tsp online it will prob be around $3 a lb after shipping my guess. http://www.chemistrystore.com/trisodium_phosphate.htm
MIKE FP
Member
if you look at www.misterfix-it.com you will find mex(all purpose cleaner). it states it does not contain phosphate but is just as strong as tsp. its made by a company called ugl. so now you know it does exist and no one is making jokes. i beleive tsp is banned where i live so i guess i will just have to use the mex all purpose cleaner.
MIKE FP
Member
it basically says on the container what it is used for as far as cleaning. its supposed to do what tsp does but the guy at the store where i bought it said nothing cleans as good as tsp. i tried the mex(all purpose cleaner) and found that so far it does what i want it to do.
K Gauthier
New member
If you goto a chem store they have the real stuff. Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate
MIKE FP
Member
i was told tsp is not allowed to be sold around where i live.
K Gauthier
New member
Ace, Home Depot, Lowes around me dont carry it either They have the subs but not full tsp. and if they do you will have to pay to much hence the small amount they would sell. I dont know what the laws are where you guys are from but i dont see why it would be alegal for a contractor to use.
Find a chem wharehouse and see what they say about it.
MIKE FP
Member
ill find out why its not sold around where i live.
oddjobs
New member
I get mine from Univar. I get 50lb bags for $30. They may have a distribution center near you. They have them all over the country. Check their website.
You can't get the real stuff retail here either. I think the eco-people put up a stink about the phosphate parts getting into streams and acting a fertilizer, promoting algae growth. Scared the retail sellers of TSP. Wonder if it worked...
You can't get the real stuff retail here either. I think the eco-people put up a stink about the phosphate parts getting into streams and acting a fertilizer, promoting algae growth. Scared the retail sellers of TSP. Wonder if it worked...
Russ Johnson
Equipment Expert
So...you can clean your house and colon, too?
MIKE FP
Member
to answer your question, yes its called flood restora vinyl and has to be painted on. i personally have never used it so i cant tell you how it looks or lasts.
John Orr
Member
I had heard that Flood dropped Restora. Its concept was great, but I was not sold on it. (After all, this is the same company that makes CWF.)