A Home Remedy for a TSP Substitute for Cleaning Drywall

Never attempt to clean uncovered drywall.

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a chemical cleaning powder that many homeowners use to remove dirt, bacteria and other debris from the drywall in their home. Unpainted drywall is very fragile and may not stand up to a lot of water and strong cleaning solution. Take care when cleaning your drywall, and use non-toxic household products to get the job done.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural and gentle cleanser that will not contaminate the air environment in your home. The powder solution is antibacterial and it also absorbs odors. To use it, mix 1 tsp. of baking soda with 1 cup warm water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake it to combine. Apply the solution to the wall and clean it thoroughly.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is another natural cleanser that is also an odor neutralizer. It is food-grade and non-toxic. To use it, mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon warm water. Apply the solution to the drywall and rinse it with clear water. White vinegar has a pungent smell that will dissipate once it dries completely. It is particularly effective in removing grease and crayon stains.

Rubbing Alcohol

Remove ink marks and marker stains from your drywall with rubbing alcohol. To use it, douse a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub it over the stain. Work from the edges of the stain toward the center so that you don't spread the mark. If you don't have rubbing alcohol, use hairspray that contains alcohol.

Eraser

Use a plain pencil eraser to remove scuff marks or sticker residue from drywall. This dry method is the gentlest method of removing scuff marks and will remove all but the darkest stains from your drywall. To use it, rub the mark from its edges to its center until the mark is gone.

Sponges

One of the main ways people ruin their unpainted drywall is by applying too much water. One way to avoid this is to fill a sponge with the cleaning solution of your choice and wring out as much of it as possible before using it to clean the drywall.

References

• Chemical Free Cleaning Book: Cleaning Walls: Drywall and Plaster