What is trisodium phosphate?
TSP or trisodium phosphate (NaPO) is an ingredient used in few cleaning products today. Trisodium phosphate is a water softening agent that makes water more basic in pH and precipitates calcium and magnesium in hard water. Other ingredients are common substitutes today, because phosphates are banned in many locations. Sodium tripolyphosate (Na5P3O10) was a widely used detergent builder that is now banned or restricted in many states because of concern that phosphates contribute to eutrophication of lakes.
