Cleaning with B-Brite TSP: A Complete Guide

B-Brite (Trisodium phosphate or TSP) is an inexpensive and powerful cleaning agent that cuts through stubborn grime, mold, soot, and grease, eliminating stains. It is frequently used to prepare surfaces for repainting or refinishing. It is also a heavy-duty cleaner often used for home improvement projects like cleaning soot from a chimney or eliminating mold and mildew buildup on wooden decks or siding. 

 

While B-Brite is a versatile and effective heavy-duty cleaner, it is not without significant drawbacks. It is banned in many states, and its use is highly regulated in others because of its significant environmental impact on waterways. It is also highly caustic and can cause severe eye and skin damage if used improperly.

This guide will explain the ways in which B-Brite should—and should not—be used for home improvement projects, as well as detailing the necessary safety precautions to take when working with B-Brite.

What Is B-Brite?

B-Brite, or Trisodium phosphate (TSP), is an inorganic chemical compound that is diluted with water to make a heavy-duty alkaline cleaning agent. This agent can be used as a degreaser, stain remover, and to treat painted surfaces before repainting or refinishing. B-Brite is a white granular substance consisting of 75 to 80% trisodium phosphate and 20 to 25% sodium carbonate; its chemical formula is Na3PO4.

TSP was widely used in consumer products in the 20th century, especially as an ingredient in cleaning agents. It began to fall out of favor in the 1960s as it became clear that phosphate-based products are associated with ecological damage to lakes and rivers. TSP is banned in many states, and its use is highly regulated where its sale is legal. However, TSP is still commonly used by contractors and painters to prepare surfaces for painting.

Uses for B-Brite

B-Brite is most often used to prepare painted surfaces before repainting or refinishing them, de-glossing existing paint, and removing any paint that has flaked or peeled, leaving the surface clean and ready to accept new paint or finish.

B-Brite is also used as a heavy-duty cleaning agent to remove layers of dirt, soot, grime, stains, and grease from exteriors, including masonry materials like brick, stone, concrete, cement, wood siding and decks, and roofing. It can also be used to clean long-neglected interior surfaces, such as dirty, greasy stretches of wall after removing large household appliances like refrigerators or ovens.

When mixed with chlorine bleach, B-Brite is a powerful agent for mold and mildew elimination. It can also be used to remove grout and is often found as an active ingredient in grout removal products because of its ability to dissolve grout.

What to Avoid Cleaning with B-Brite

When mixed with water, B-Brite forms a highly alkaline solution that can cause irreversible damage to many common household surfaces. It is strongly recommended that B-Brite not be used in bathrooms, in particular, because it can darken and corrode metal fixtures, cause etching in glass and ceramic tile, and eat away at grout.

The following materials and items should not be exposed to B-Brite:

  • Aluminum, chrome, and other metals
  • Faucets, shower and tub enclosures, drains, and pipes
  • Glass, including mirrors
  • Ceramic tile
  • Grout
  • Painted or finished wood, including hardwood flooring, that is not intended to be stripped
  • Foliage, plants, grass, and other landscaping elements

General Cleaning & Grease Removal

  1. Mix 1.5 oz. (40g or 3 tablespoons) of B-Brite TSP Cleaner with 1 gallon of warm water.
  2. Apply the solution to the surface using a sponge or cloth.
  3. Scrub as needed to remove grease and grime.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Garage Floors & Driveways

Standard Cleaning

  1. Mix 3 oz. (80g or 6 tablespoons) with 1 gallon of warm water.
  2. Apply the solution to the surface.
  3. Scrub as needed to remove dirt and stains.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Heavy Stains

  1. Mix 3 tablespoons of B-Brite TSP Cleaner with 1 cup of water.
  2. Apply the concentrated solution directly to the stains.
  3. Allow it to soak for several minutes.
  4. Scrub the stains.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Paint Preparation

  1. Mix 3 oz. (80g or 6 tablespoons) with 1 gallon of warm water.
  2. Apply the solution to walls and ceilings using a sponge or cloth.
  3. Scrub to remove grease and grime, ensuring a clean surface for painting.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Restoring Paint Brushes

  1. Mix 1.5 oz. (40g or 3 tablespoons) with 1 gallon of warm water.
  2. Soak the paint brushes in the solution for several minutes.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Safety Precautions

  • Follow all safety guidelines.
  • Wear protective gloves and eye protection during use.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • May cause eye or skin irritation. Seek emergency help if needed.

Recommended for:

  • Home users
  • Professional painters
  • Restoration crews
  • Cleaning professionals
  • Automotive professionals
  • Masonry experts

For best results, always adhere to the guidelines and precautions stated on the packaging.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sponge
  • Bucket

Materials

  • PPE, including eye protection and waterproof work gloves
  • B-Brite
  • Hot water

Instructions

How to Use B-Brite for Cleaning

  1. Don PPE and Prepare Work Area Before mixing a B-Brite solution for cleaning, it is imperative that you don protective gear and prepare the work area to prevent damage. When mixing and working with B-Brite, wear eye protection, long sleeves, and waterproof work gloves. Plastic sheeting should be used to cover any areas that are not being cleaned with B-Brite.

  2. Mix B-Brite Solution Always read the package directions regarding dilution ratio, mixing instructions, and safety precautions, and follow those to the letter. A standard dilution ratio is 1/2 cup of B-Brite to 2 gallons of hot water; hot water is needed to ensure the B-Brite becomes soluble and dissolves. Once mixed, the B-Brite solution will appear slightly cloudy.

    The use of B-Brite to eliminate mold and mildew calls for a stronger solution that includes chlorine bleach. Typically that ratio is 1 cup of B-Brite to 3 quarts of hot water to 1 quart of chlorine bleach.

  3. Saturate and Wring Sponge Soak the sponge by holding it in the B-Brite solution and squeezing it several times. Then, holding the sponge over the bucket, squeeze the sponge again to extrude B-Brite solution until the sponge is just-damp. Avoid cleaning surfaces with a dripping wet sponge, which can leave white powdery streaks or spots as the solution dries.

  4. Clean the Surface from the Bottom Up Clean the surface, starting from the bottom and using a sweeping motion to work upward. Soak and wring the sponge in the B-Brite solution frequently while working.

  5. Rinse Surface As the B-Brite solution dries, it can leave a white powdery residue on the surface that has been cleaned, which needs to be rinsed away. Using a new sponge and a clean bucket filled with cool water, wipe the surface clean.

By following these guidelines and precautions, you can effectively use B-Brite for various heavy-duty cleaning tasks while ensuring safety and environmental responsibility.