How to Use Sugar Soap for Cleaning
Sugar soap, also known as trisodium phosphate, is a strong cleaner used on exterior wood, concrete or other previously painted surfaces in preparation for a new coat of paint. Use sugar soap both to remove grease, oil, mildew and other stains, and to lightly etch the surface for better adhesion of the paint. The primary ingredients in sugar soap are sodium carbonate and sodium phosphate. Sugar soap comes in granulated powder form; dissolve in warm water for cleaning. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bucket
- Sugar soap (TSP)
- Bleach (for cleaning mildew)
- Soap application tool (sponge, paintbrush, mop, garden sprayer)
Instructions
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To make the cleaning solution, place the sugar soap in a bucket and pour warm water on top. Follow the instructions on the soap package for dilution ratios. Typically 1/4 cup of sugar soap per gallon of water is used for most jobs. For surfaces that are extremely soiled, use 3/4 cup of sugar soap per gallon of water. For cleaning mildew, add bleach to the solution. Use 4 cups (1 quart) of bleach per gallon of water.
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Apply the sugar soap liberally to the surface being cleaned using a sponge, paintbrush, mop or garden sprayer. If necessary, work the sugar soap into the surface to loosen grime.
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Allow the sugar soap to sit for 5 to 8 minutes as it works.
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Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
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Tips & Warnings
Work in small sections at a time, if necessary, to avoid letting the solution sit for too long, as the sugar soap can start to degrade the surface.
Sugar soap is an irritant. Always wear long sleeves and latex gloves to avoid skin contact. Flush thoroughly with fresh water if any gets on your skin.
Sugar soap is not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens, as it can cause damage to metal and tile.
Sugar soap can harm vegetation. Keep it from getting on your plants and divert it away from soil. If any does make its way into your soil, flush the soil thoroughly with fresh water.
