sugar soap

[jacob]

I've been using the stuff for years for cleaning paint, old floor boards and other woodwork, etc. Does anybody know exactly what it is?

Jacob

[Rob Morley]

In the USA they seem to use trisodium phosphate for the same purpose (in those states where it hasn't been banned) so I reckon there's a good chance that that's a major active ingredient.

[Stuart Noble]

Reminds me that washing up liquid and sugar is an excellent hand cleaner

[biff]

?ts=25717&id=17736

[Pete C]

Have a look for an MSDS:

eg:

Looks pretty similar ingredients to dishwasher detergent, which is also excellent at dissolving grease.

cheers, Pete.

[Chris McBrien]

Washing-up liquid and Sugar !!!

You've just jogged my memory. Back in 1961 when I was taking GCE's, I took Geometric Drawing. The day before, my Mum said try this. A big blop of butter or margarine and a palm full of sugar all rubbed together on the back and front of my hands. Man did they feel great afterwards.

Must try it with Fairy Liquid now.

Chris.

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[Leslie Eaton]

I'm sure that man years ago I (and my father-in-law) used to use Sugar Soap as a paint stripper.

I have bought some recently, and it doesn't mention paint stripping on the label and it definitely isn't up to the job.

Do I have to get a recognised paint stripper these days.

Regards,

Les Eaton

[Weatherlawyer]

LOL

Michael McNeil (More eaten.)

[meow2222]

its a soap, not a stripper :)

NT

[Giggler]

as a paint stripper<

Probably was in connection with paint preparation not stripping. It is a great degreaser. I usually use it to wash down surfaces before painting.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It's a cleaner you use on sound paint before re-painting etc. Strippers are different.

[The Medway Handyman]

Don't recall Sugar Soap ever being used or described as a paint stripper. Excellent paint work cleaner prior to repainting, wouldn't be any good for that if it did strip paint.

[meow2222]

I've just realised he might be right. Sugar soap, like any other soap or detergent, is an effective stripper and cleaner for distemper finished walls, and distemper was once common.

Washing up liquid is much cheaper, and more importantly, ready to hand.

NT

[Stuart Noble]

Bicarbonate of soda is a good alternative, being not very soluble but highly abrasive.