Old Axion

[launderess]

TSP

Actually was (and or is still for all one knows somewhere) used as a builder and or otherwise with detergents/laundry.

Ecolab had at least one phosphate detergent which used TSP as the builder. Commercial laundries also used it same as any other water softening agent, especially back when soap was the only "detergent" on offer.

As a builder trisodium phosphate had much to offer. Due to its pH and other properties it emulsified grease, fats, oils in laundry.Then of course there are the water softening properties.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trisodium_phosphate

What Calgon was to STPP, Oakite was to TSP.

http://www.retro-housewife.com/1940-housekeeping.html

https://kookykitsch.com/index.php/kitchen/new-gentle-oakite-all-purpose-cleaner-vintage-box-detail

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/254716134/oakite-the-modern-cleaner-soap-boxes

 

[stan]

The Oakite

Makes me think of powdered Spic N Span..that I think originally contained TSP in the formula?
I always have some TSP on hand, as it comes in useful for a few things, but deserves some caution, and respect..its why I don't recommend anyone using it for home laundry.
I hate cleaning with gloves, so I don't use them but if TSP is in use.. I ware them.
Some years back when working in pro laundry and dry cleaning we had TSP but it was rarely used. And when it was used, it was only used as a presoak. About 1 or 2 Tbls was used in warm to hot water. Items were soaked for 15 min only, then machine dumped, spin rinsed, and normal cycle was started with detergent, a soured rinse, then normal rinse.
As I recall there was a elderly customer that brought in nasty sheets Obviously not changed often enough, so bedding had a racid smell and body oil. The TSP did a good job of breaking that loose first Then normal process followed. Any blood spots were treated first with Aqua ammonia.
Recently I had a greasy pan that I need to clean, so I filled the pan with hot water and detergent and added 1 tsp of TSP soaked for 10 min the poured out. Most everything was gone, just a light cleaning and good rinsing, pan was spotless without scrubbing.
Back to the water test..I'm still puzzled why well water spring water remainded,clear with TSP.
If I got cloudy water with tap water and washing soda, I was sure it get cloudyness with well water and TSP

 

[launderess]

Thing with TSP

With laundry is to only use it amounts enough to get the job done, then rinse/neutralize properly.

As have mentioned many times commercial laundries in past and still pretty much today rely upon chemicals and pH for soil/stain removal. Enzymes are all very well and have their place, but when you're doing total wash cycles that measure in thirty to forty minutes places don't have that kind of time.

OPL and other laundries where a more leisurely pace can be had are a different story.

 

[launderess]

Vintage box of TSP powder

See directions for laundry use: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bo...252304?hash=item3fab9ed310:g:g~UAAOSw4QdahJap

 

[stan]

Thank you dear for posting

Product above dose not appear to be real TSP?
But a TSP substitute..as indicated on the box. I suspect the small "S" on front of box, is supposed to be some indication.
Dosing instructions seem to be a bit much if it was real, or pure trisodium phosphate?
At lest my personal experience with real TSP has been..not much is needed to achieve results. And when using TSP, weather for laundry or general cleaning, rinsing is a important step.
TSP can be a good first step before a repaint, but you certainly want to rinse TSP before repainting.

 

[launderess]

Mayhaps

Not pure TSP, but a cleaner with that and sodium carbonate and water glass.

Only the now defunct Santa Monica Chemical Company know for sure. Perhaps it was to cut back on phosphates and or to produce a cheaper price point product.