TSP or STPP?

[wringersteve]

I'm getting ready to place an order and don't know which one to get. Which item was banned from laundry detergent? I want to make sure I order the banned product because I know it'll work!

 

[jeffg]

The one you want is sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP).

 

[sudsmaster]

Yep.

You want TSPP. The PP stands for polyphosphate, which is the energized version of phosphate.

TSP is the de-energized version, and will be little better than the washing soda that already is found in abundance in ordinary powdered detergent.

TSP is used, however, to clean and etch old paint before new paint is applied. Probably not what you want going on in your washing machine, I hope.

 

[polkanut]

What Jeff said.

 

[launderess]

I'd Place That Order Before Friday

If I were you.

Both UPS and USPS have rate increases scheduled to begin in the new year (January). S

 

[wringersteve]

Thank you

Thanks very much for everyone's advice! I'll place my order tomorrow to avoid shipping rate hikes. Once it arrives, how much should I use for a normal load with soft water?

 

[sudsmaster]

I use about 1/3 the amount of detergent powder I normally use. That is, if you normally use 3 oz of powder, then use 1 oz of STPP and 2 oz of detergent. Adjust the amounts up or down as needed.

 

[whirlcool]

 A good way to check this is to check the final rinse water. If it feels "slimy" then reduce the amount of STPP until it feels normal.

 

[dirtybuck]

Where are other establishments where STPP can be found? Hardware store, perhaps? And what are some of the websites that will take orders?

 

[jeffg]

We get ours from here:

http://www.chemistrystore.com/Chemicals_S_Z-Sodium_Tripolyphosphate.html

 

[whirlcool]

 It seems like we are getting a lot of requests for STPP lately, doesn't it?
 I wonder how many people are just using TSP and experiencing negative results?

 

[sudsmaster]

Another place to try would be a local chemical supply warehouse. Check the yellow pages. However, one will probably only sell in 50 lb sack quantities. $1/lb is about right, last time I checked.

Oh, and for laundry, technical grade is fine. Food grade not necessary.