
TSP – Trisodium Phosphate: The Painter’s Degreasing Choice
- Protect Surfaces You Aren’t Painting. It’s also important to protect household surfaces from TSP splashes. ...
- TSP Trisodium Phosphate Mixing Instructions. For most applications, a solution of 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate per gallon of very warm water is appropriate.
- Using the TSP Trisodium Phosphate to Prepare Paint Surfaces. ...
How much should I contribute to the TSP?
The Top 9 TSP Mistakes Federal Employees Make
- Not having a TSP plan. The TSP may be the largest retirement vehicle for federal employees, so it’s important to evaluate how it fits into your entire plan.
- Not making at least a 5% contribution. If you aren’t contributing at least 5% to your TSP plan you are leaving significant money on the table.
- Investing 100% into the G Fund. ...
How to maximize your TSP?
- regularly contribute to your Thrift Savings Plan
- ensure you are getting matching if it’s offered
- stick with the same TSP investing strategy over the long term
What not to do with your TSP?
What to do with your TSP after the military
- Leave the balance in your TSP account. ...
- Roll your TSP balance into an Individual Retirement Arrangement. ...
- Roll your TSP balance into your new employer’s 401 (k) plan. ...
- Withdraw your TSP account balance in a lump sum. ...
- Transfer your TSP account balance to a qualified annuity. ...
What should I do with my TSP when I retire?
You can:
- Withdraw all of the money as a taxable lump sum.
- Withdraw the money in equal monthly payments based on the dollar amount or actuarial tables.
- Have the TSP purchase a life annuity for you.
See more

Why is trisodium phosphate a good cleaning agent?
It removes splintered or flaking leftover paint that may impede the bond of the new coat. Mold and mildew treatment: One benefit of washing exteriors with TSP cleaner is that, when combined with household bleach, it eliminates mold and mildew.
Can TSP hurt you?
TSP is toxic and can cause eye and skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed. 2 TSP requires care when you work with it. Always use eye protection and waterproof gloves when handling or cleaning with TSP. Also wear full skin protection, including long sleeves and long pants.
Is TSP necessary?
Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is a powder you mix with warm water and use to wipe down your walls before painting. It is essential to paint preparation, acting in three ways to improve your paint's adhesiveness.
Is TSP good for cleaning walls?
Trisodium phosphate is a powerful cleaner and degreaser. It's ideal for cleaning dirt, fingerprints and grease from walls. If you plan to paint your walls, trisodium phosphate is a good choice for thoroughly cleaning the walls so the fresh paint sticks properly.
Can I use TSP to clean my bathtub?
However, if your bathtub has some tough stains, follow the following steps: Mix a teaspoon of trisodium phosphate cleaner (TSP) with hot water. Apply the solution on the stain with gentle rubbing using a sponge and rinse well.
Can I pour TSP down the drain?
The most accessible way to dispose of TSP in the home would be to pour it down the toilet so it gets treated properly. This is even safe on septic systems. Never dispose of used degreasing rinsates like TSP into lakes, streams, storm drains, or open bodies of water.
Can I use vinegar instead of TSP?
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.
Is TSP good for cleaning windows?
There trick is to use power TSP and water. Just enough TSP to make the water soft to the touch (like silk). It does a better job than vinegar, dishwashing liquid, or any other window cleaner. It helps sheet the water dirt off.
Is TSP good to use before painting?
When prepping for a paint job, TSP can clean and de-gloss painted surfaces and remove peeling, flaking old paint. Inside the house, TSP works well on the stubborn sort of grease-meets-dirt gunk typically found after pulling an old stove or fridge away from the wall.
How do you clean a ceiling with TSP?
Apply vinegar or TSP liberally to the ceiling. This will keep the solution from dripping onto your face. With your hands gloved, apply the cleaning solution to the area with beading. Dip and re-wring your cloth or sponge when one side has become completely soiled.
Is TSP toxic to dogs?
Trisodium phosphate is very caustic and can be irritating to the tissues inside the mouth and along the GI tract, but it should not cause any serious toxicity issues such as liver or kidney damage, especially in such a small amount.
Will TSP remove wood stain?
Nevertheless, there is a way to take the stains out without too much elbow grease: TSP. TSP (trisodium phosphate), is a robust cleaning option that not only helps the stain stick to hardwood better, but it also removes grease, stubborn junk, and mildew from both painted and unpainted wood.
What does Dave Ramsey say about TSP?
Dave Ramsey's advice is to save 5% into the TSP to get the full match, then max out a Roth IRA, and then put more into the TSP if you are able to save more after that.
What is the safest TSP fund?
The G Fund is invested in short-term U.S. Treasury securities specially issued to the TSP. Payment of principal and interest is guaranteed by the U.S. government. Thus, there is no “credit risk.”
Should I stop investing in TSP?
Given the current economic and market cycle, if you're nearing retirement and your cash reserves are not close to at least 6-12 months of your expenses, you may want to consider slowing down your TSP contributions so that you are able to take more of your paycheck home and use that additional capital to build up your ...
What happens to TSP if you quit?
Once you leave the uniformed services, you'll no longer be able to make contributions. However, you can still change your investment mix, transfer eligible money into your account, and enjoy our low costs—all while your account continues to accrue earnings.
Is it better to contribute to 401k or Roth 401k?
If you prefer to pay taxes now and get them out of the way, or you think your tax rate will be higher in retirement than it is now, choose a Roth 4...
How much do I need in my TSP?
Answer: More! I often say that there is not much money in the Thrift Savings Plan. If you want your TSP balance to be able to generate an annual in...
Should I rollover 401k to TSP?
Ability to Transfer Old 401k IRAs to TSP - You can transfer your old IRA or 401 (k) accounts to TSP. This will allow you to consolidate investments...
How do I maximize my TSP growth?
6 keys to maximize your savings plan accountEvaluate your options. ...Contribute as much as possible. ...Consider the Roth option. ...Don't leave e...
What is TSP used for?
Photo: amazon.com. It wasn’t so long ago that trisodium phosphate (TSP) was a go-to choice for tough cleaning jobs , especially on exteriors. Diluted in water and applied often with a stiff scrub brush, it can remove stubborn grease stains and mold and mildew growth. In recent years, however, the popularity of TSP has waned.
What is TSP paint?
Paint-stripping capabilities: So strong that it will peel old paint from a surface along with the stains, TSP is often used for cleaning surfaces in the course of preparation for painting, particularly for exteriors. It removes splintered or flaking leftover paint that may impede the bond of the new coat. Mold and mildew treatment: One benefit of ...
What is a good substitute for TSP?
If the cons give you pause and you wish to use another cleanser, consider this TSP substitute: borax. Also known as sodium borate, borax is a naturally-occurring mineral compound that will clean many of the same surfaces TSP has been used on for years, including mold- and mildew-stained areas—all without causing damage nearby plants. (See it in use in our tutorial for homemade deck cleaner .) Plus, you can pick up this powerful antimicrobial cleaning agent right in your grocery store’s cleaning aisle.
Can TSP be used on painted surfaces?
Damage to certain surfaces: Avoid cleaning with TSP in the bathroom; it can damage metal, ceramic tile, grout, and glass. And as discussed above, it’s not suitable for painted surfaces.
Can you use TSP instead of TSP?
Before starting your cleaning project, be sure to check local regulations. Also note that on the shelves of your local home center you may not find TSP, but TSP substitute instead. The latter is much safer to use, but most agree that it doesn’t clean as well as the real stuff.
Is TSP toxic to cleaning?
Cons of Cleaning with TSP. Toxicity: Being toxic, TSP must be handled with care. That means wearing the appropriate protective gear. T-shirts and shorts are a no-no. Instead, wear full-sleeve clothing in addition to gloves, glasses, and a respiratory mask.
Can you use TSP to clean siding?
Pro tip: If you’re using TSP to clean siding, speed up the job with a power washer.
What is a tsp?
What is Trisodium Phosphate? An inorganic chemical compound (Na₃PO₄), TSP is a white granular or crystalline substance that can be mixed with water to create an alkaline solution. Once diluted, TSP is a highly effective cleanser, degreaser, and stain remover.
What equipment is needed for TSP?
Personal protection equipment (PPE), including long pants and sleeves, waterproof gloves, goggles, and a respirator, should be worn when preparing and using TSP (check out this Safety Data Sheet for more information). Up until the late 20 th century, trisodium phosphate was a common ingredient in household cleaners and detergents, ...
How much sodium carbonate is in TSP?
It’s sold in powder form, typically as 75 to 80 percent trisodium phosphate and 20 to 25 percent sodium carbonate. TSP should be stored in a secure, dry place (humid conditions can cause clumping).
What is trisodium phosphate?
Up until the late 20 th century, trisodium phosphate was a common ingredient in household cleaners and detergents, but negative environmental impact led to strict limitations on its use. Phosphate runoff into lakes and rivers was found to trigger algae overgrowth, depleting oxygen in the water and endangering fish, animals, and aquatic plants.
Can you use TSP to clean grout?
Though it shouldn’t be used to clean grout, TSP can be used to remove it; TSP is an active ingredient in grout removal products. TSP can safely be mixed with bleach to remove mold and mildew (see below for measurement guidelines).
Is TSP phosphate free?
An erroneously named phosphate-free version of TSP exists, which relies on sodium sesquicarbonate as its main ingredient. Sodium borate, aka borax, is another heavy-duty cleaner that can tackle tough jobs. But without phosphate, they will likely be less effective at getting rid of grease.
People with kidney disease or kidney failure
When the kidneys are healthy and functioning normally, they filter out waste products from the blood, including excess phosphorus.
Those with osteoporosis and osteopenia
A diet high in foods that contain sodium phosphate additives may harm bone health.
People with heart conditions
Excessive consumption of sodium phosphate additives can also harm the heart.
Those who have inflammatory bowel disease
High intake of inorganic phosphorus has been shown to worsen intestinal inflammation in animal studies.
What is TSP used for?
Properly applied with a brush or spray, TSP can help you prepare tough surfaces for repainting or refinishing, and can clean off mold, mildew and fungal growth when combined with household bleach.
Can TSP cause skin irritation?
Safety Note: TSP can cause injuries if it comes in contact with eyes or skin. Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with this substance and never ingest it. Wash any areas of accidental skin contact thoroughly with soap and water, and flush any eyes it contacts with water for at least 15 minutes.
Can TSP be used on glass showers?
TSP can also harm the items you're trying to clean. It's not a good match for delicate fixtures, as it can stain the metals of your faucets and pipes, and damage glass showers and ceramic tiles. Its high alkalinity can react with aluminum, causing corrosion and releasing hydrogen gas.
Can you use TSP on stone?
Because it's so corrosive, you should only use TSP on resilient materials like stone or brick, or on surfaces you're planning to repaint after cleaning. It makes an effective substitute for muriatic acid, another potentially hazardous substance.
Is TSP bad for the environment?
Disadvantages of TSP. TSP is also dangerous for plants and wildlife, and environmental campaigners have raised concerns about introducing phosphates into ecological systems through runoff into local water sources.
Is TSP safe to use on siding?
on May 13, 2020. TSP, or Trisodium Phosphate, is one of the most powerful cleaning agents still in regular use. It's especially good at cleaning greasy buildup off tough surfaces, like flooring or siding, but it can be dangerous to work with, and can damage sensitive materials. Safety Note: TSP can cause injuries if it comes in contact with eyes ...
Why is TSP the best retirement plan?
workers and whether you might be able to get into the TSP in the future. 1. The TSP's costs can't be beat. In a world where 1% management fees are alarmingly common, the Thrift Savings Plan is a model of efficiency.
Does TSP give matching contributions?
The TSP gives some federal workers matching contributions. Workers in the Federal Employees Retirement System are entitled to receive matching contributions from TSP contributions. The agency for which the employee works contributes an automatic 1% regardless of whether you participate in the plan.
Is the TSP available to a wider range of Americans?
But proposals from some lawmakers have suggested making the TSP available to a far wider range of Americans. For instance, last year, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida made a proposal that would have given any worker whose employer didn't offer an in-house retirement plan the option to join the TSP.
Can you elect a TSP?
You can elect either traditional or Roth TSP contributions, either earning upfront tax benefits or getting tax-free treatment when you withdraw funds in retirement. TSPs also offer flexibility by allowing in-service loans, charging the same loan rate at which the G Fund pays interest.
Can military personnel get TSP?
In addition, uniformed service members like military personnel don't generally get the TSP match, although some workers in critical jobs can get special designations that make them eligible. Image source: Getty Images. 5. More people might be able to get into the TSP in the future.
Is thrift savings plan the same as 401(k)?
One possible solution, though, has hidden in plain sight for years. The federal government's Thrift Savings Plan, also known as the TSP, serves the same function as private 401 (k) plans, but it also has a number of advantages that 401 (k)s and other private plans usually don't match. Let's take a look at five reasons why the TSP might just be ...
TSP ALLOCATION 2021
Below is a list of different potential TSP allocation strategies to show you how to invest in the TSP in 2021.
The Total Stock Market Index
This investment choice is a popular one and is the main recommendation of JL Collins on his blog www.jlcollinsnh.com and in his book The Simple Path to Wealth.
Dave Ramsey TSP Investment Advice
I’m a huge fan of Dave’s book Total Money Makeover . His baby steps for getting out of debt are legendary!
Paul Merriman TSP Allocation Recommendations
Paul Merriman is a successful advisor on mutual fund and index fund investing. He’s an accomplished author, speaker, and is well known for the ultimate buy-and-hold portfolio.
Total World Stock Market Portfolio
This portfolio mix is a TSP investment strategy modeled loosely after the Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund (VTWSX).
Balanced Index Fund Portfolio
This portfolio is meant to mimic the Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBIAX).
Three Fund Portfolio
This is a favorite among Bogleheads (Those who love Vanguard and its founder Jack Bogle).
