Bleach to clean gutters ?


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Old 07-23-15, 05:21 AM
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Bleach to clean gutters ?

Can I use bleach to clean moldy aluminum gutters?
 
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Old 07-23-15, 06:01 AM
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Yes. That said, I wouldn't use it straight, 50/50 with water should work and be less harmful to the things which tend to get splashed.
 
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Old 07-23-15, 06:03 AM
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Bleach and water I hope, not straight.
There's other products that are safer on you and any plants below that could be used.
Wet and Forget is just one of them.
 
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Old 07-23-15, 06:59 AM
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We use TSP, available in the cleaning section at your local hardware store or big box.
 
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Old 07-23-15, 07:06 AM
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Bleach helps with the mildew but adding a soap product will help it cling to the metal making it easier to get it clean. 50% bleach should be strong enough. Gutters always seem to clean better if the cleaner is hand applied/scrubbed!
 
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Old 07-23-15, 01:03 PM
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Another vote for TSP. Also works to remove algae streaks from shingles, as a house wash, and to clean decks
 
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Old 07-23-15, 02:34 PM
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TSP is a great heavy duty detergent but you really need to add bleach to take care of the mildew!
 
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Old 07-23-15, 04:04 PM
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No not straight bleach. I was figuring a mild solution with Simple Green like I would use on siding.

What's the bad rap TSP has anyway? Just the P content? Can it be used on latex paint? Some house washing instructions just say to not use it, with no reason.
 
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Old 07-23-15, 05:11 PM
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TSP is a harsh detergent so maybe some don't like it for environmental reasons. I've used TSP on latex coatings before and don't see a reason not to if needed. It does need to be rinsed well as the leftover residue can cause adhesion issues.
 
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Old 07-23-15, 05:35 PM
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I believe the environmental problem with TSP is P (phosphorus), as in years ago laundry products started eliminating phosphates because they run off and overnourish/pollute water bodies.

I just meant is there some other reason TSP use has declined like adhesion problems or damage to wood substrates.
 
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Old 07-24-15, 03:44 AM
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Too strong of a bleach solution can damage wood fibers but as far as I know TSP doesn't harm wood especially if mixed per the directions. The main thing is rinsing it well!
 
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Old 07-27-15, 04:57 AM
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Re TSP, here's an example from manufacturer labels. Under "Surface Preparation" the labels of Zinsser Cover Stain primer (oil-base) and Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer (water base) both say "Do Not Use TSP". No explanation.
 
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Old 07-27-15, 05:06 AM
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While I hear on the forums of TSP being used inside, I've never used it inside because it must be rinsed well! It's easy to rinse it well with a garden hose or pressure washer but would take a diligent effort on the inside. My guess is Zinnser is covering their butt assuming some won't rinse off the TSP well enough and then maybe blame the primer instead of the improper prep.
 
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Old 07-27-15, 07:37 AM
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It just occurred to me to Google "Do not use TSP". Sure enough the question has been asked before and the answer is people tend to skip rinsing, according to a guy who says he asked Zinsser:
Bullseye 123 & TSP - Paint Talk - Professional Painting Contractors Forum
 
 

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