Even the slightest automotive oil leak can lead to a grungy-looking buildup on your home driveway, particularly if you tend to park in the same spot every time. These well-weathered grease and oil stains are very hard to clean up, but they can be removed with some heavy scrubbing and a cleaning solution that contains trisodium phosphate. Liquid dishwasher detergent is a common and handy trisodium phosphate source. Read on to learn how it can make this job relatively easy. more »

There are numerous cleaning solutions you can add to warm water that will soften the wallpaper, allowing it to be removed easily. Dishwashing and laundry detergents work well, as does trisodium phosphate, which is a powder cleanser that works particularly well on slick surfaces, such as walls. Simply add 2/3 cup of trisodium phosphate or your favorite detergent to two gallons of warm water. This solution will soften the water, causing the wallpaper adhesive to lose its effectiveness. You can also add 1/4 cup of liquid bleach to the solution, if the detergent doesn't already contain bleach, in order to remove any mildew or dirt that may have formed on the walls. more »

Titanium is a light, strong metal with a grayish color. Titanium jewelry and art have multiple bright colors and intricate patterns, produced by oxidization and treatment with electic current. Use an electrically conductive solution for the titanium. Acidic solutions containing phosphoric acid include Coca-Cola or any cola product. Alkaline solutions are baking soda or trisodium phosphate. more »

Trisodium Phosphate, also known as TSP, is a powerful chemical cleaner that can be found in most hardware stores. As your fireplace burns, it emits soot and dust particles that are transferred to the stones of your fireplace via the air that circulates throughout the room. TSP is very effective in cleaning this grime that has accumulated on the fireplace stones over a long winter's use. more »

Mildew is a type of mold that thrives in warm, humid climates and grows readily on damp wood. It can sometimes be very difficult to remove and can even grow under layers of paint. A variety of chemicals are available to kill and remove mildew stains from wood including trisodium phosphate, bleach and oxalic acid. more »

Mix one cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one gallon of hot water. Pour the TSP on the oil stain, and allow it to soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Scrub thoroughly using a plastic-bristled brush and rinse with a hose. Wear protective goggles and gloves because TSP is caustic. more »

Painting a wall that used to have wallpaper on it requires first removing all of the glue from the surface. Use hot water and a sponge, or trisodium phosphate, to dissolve all of the residual glue with helpful tips from a professional artist in this free video on painting techniques. more »

If you find that you've run out of bathroom tile cleaner, you might be able to scrounge together all of the key ingredients by exploring your supply shed and those bottles under the sink. All you really need to make a powerful anti-mildew agent is some water, bleach and trisodium phosphate, commonly sold under the name TSP. Even if you do have plenty of bathroom cleaner, this formula can work just as well and save you plenty of money over commercial products in the long run. more »

A stained concrete slab can create an attractive, durable flooring surface, inside or outside the house--but only if the slab is clean before being stained. All old stains, including those from grease and oil, must be removed. Old stains may work down into the pores of the concrete, necessitating the use of a scrubbing agent like trisodium phosphate and the power of a pressure washer to help get them out. Once your concrete slab is pristine--and dry--you'll be ready to stain it. more »