Ouestions about STPP

[stan]

In reading different threads, I see STPP mentioned often in regards to adding this to a wash load? Is this the same thing as TSP you buy in a hardware store for washing down walls prior to painting? I`ve been trying to do my part with switching to more natural cleaning products, including laundry soap. DR Bronners SalSuds, Washing Soda, Borax, Viniger ect, which was not an easy transition for me, after years of useing chemical products. I still have my chemical cleaning items, but I dont reach for them first any more, I only use them if I have to! So what is "STPP" and dose anyone know what effect it has on our water, and environment? If I try it am I going to see a huge differance in my whites??

 

[DADoES]

 
TSP (trisodium phosphate) and STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate) are NOT the same.  TSP produces a precipitate in the wash water, STPP does not.

 

[strongenough78]

STPP is an ingredient once used in laundry detergents. It softens hard water and allows the enzymes to do their job as they should. You don't want to use TSP that you see at the stores, that's way too harsh for clothes. Check with your town's water district to see how hard your water is, that is, if it is hard at all. This will help determine how much to use. In today's top loading, post agitator machines, 1 to 2 tablespoons should suffice. And around 1 teaspoon in a front load. I'll put in a link to a website you can go to and order some if you decide to do so. If your laundry isn't coming out as clean as you wish, then hard water could be the problem and you would benefit from using STPP. I started using it a month ago and have been very happy with the results. If you're not getting suds in the wash cycle, then you'll probably start getting them when you use it. One thing's for sure is, it also allows for better rinsing. You'll notice less suds and scum in the rinse cycle and a fresher smelling laundry. Give it a try, I think you'll be happy with it.

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[lordkenmore]

So what is "STPP" and dose anyone know what effect i

STTP is essentially a source of "phosphates" which environmentalists despise. That said, many here argue (successfully, to my mind) that STTP is not a huge problem compared to other sources of phosphates. (Like fertilizers used in conventional farming.)

 

[labboy]

Another useful STPP reference...

From the Laundry Room Forum FAQ at That Home Site

What is 'STPP' ??

[Information first posted in the Appliances Forum by Rich (spambdamn_rich) on 24 April 2003 - thanks, Rich!]: ------------------------------ "STPP" is a term you may see mentioned in threads here on THS. It stands for Sodium Tripolyphosphate, one of the group of compounds known as comp...

ths.gardenweb.com

 

[sudsmaster]

Not to mention that the average household sends more phosphorus down the drain - from toilets and garbage disposers - than would be from phosphated laundry detergents.

 

[stan]

STPP

Thanks guys for your answers to my questions about STPP, and especially to labboy for his very informative article, I recommend this read to everyone. STPP sounds like something I will keep on hand for occasional use! I don`t have hard water, and Dr Bronners liquid saop, and Dr Bronners Sal Suds is what I have been using for laundry, and seems to work just fine, so far. Thanks again to everyone. Stan

 

[sudsman]

STTP

is not just for hard water, It will help whites be the whitest possible. It will also help bleach work better and give loads a nice finish when dried.. I use it in almost every load here. I have soft water but sttp helps cut down more on detergent useage and for a hospital laundry using using well over 1ooo lbs of detegent per mo. that is quite important,. A very little of it goes a long way too. I only have to use 1/2 teaspoon on the home machines and only 2 oz in the 150 lb machines.

 

[sudsmaster]

FWIW,

I wrote that article over on That Home Site...

Not much has changed since then, except for my handle...

;-)

 

[stan]

STPP or Borax?

Thank you sudsmaster for your article, and thanks laboy for posting it. Now I have a new question! I would like to hear what you boys have to say about Borax? I forgot to mention in my first question about STPP, that I`am using a Maytag Model E2L with aluminum tub. Is STPP, or Borax, going to react to the metal?

 

[sudsmaster]

I can't guarantee anything, mind you, but my Maytag Neptune has an aluminum alloy drum support spider, and I've been using STPP regularly in it for 10 years with no ill effects.

Phosphates are used in most American automotive antifreeze to help protect aluminum engine components from corrosion.

That said, there are many different aluminum alloys, and some are more corrosion resistant than others. I haven't been able to find anything specific on aluminum washer tubs and STPP, but my general guess is that it will be fine.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[whirlcool]

We have 4 dog bowls for our dogs. 3 are stainless steel & 1 is aluminum. If we use a DW detergent that is phosphate free, the aluminum dog bowl turns orange colored. If we use Cascade with Bleach (6.6% phosphate) it still turns orange. If you use Cascade with 8.0% phosphate it comes clean with no orange tint to it. So it seems that 8.0% is the "sweet spot" for phosphate protection in the DW.

We have been using 2 tbls of STPP in our TL washer. I think we were using too much as the rinse water, while clear still felt slimy. I have reduced the amount of STPP down to 1 tsp and still get great results.