I found out today that many breakfast cereals  (including Cheerio’s) contain Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) as an additive.  I believe this addition is like adding baking soda.

What is interesting about this is there is a popular cleaning agent branded TSP which also contain trisodium phosphate and some other stuff.  This product is really good for cleaning painted walls as it generally does not affect the paint but is good at dissolving greasy fingermarks and the like.

The Funny Story

The funny story for today’s post is not that TSP is used in breakfast cereal manufacture (that’s more sad than funny.)

In the 1980’s when my children were all under 10 they all desired we acquire a dog.  I was strongly against this and asked my wife not to get a dog.

So, my oldest daughter, unbeknownst to me,  saved up her allowances, gifts and other sundry funds, found a breeder and bought a pure bred Sheltie (Shetland Sheep Dog).   When my wife and daughter brought the dog home I of course protested and my wife clarified that she did not get a dog, as I had requested of her, rather my daughter got the dog.  Bazinga on me.   The dog had been named by the breeder and was called Tia, which was Spanish for Aunt.

I will continue with my funny story but would like to note that Tia was a wonderful dog and the whole family (including me) came to love her very much, kudos to my daughter and sneaky wife.

Once day I bought some TSP to use as a solvent to clean the walls of our home.  As I dipped the sponge in the bucket and began to wash the walls my children (all three) appeared and asked what I was doing.  “Just washing the walls with TSP” I said.  At once they were all concerned and disgusted,  ” Dad” they yelled ” How can you wash the walls with Tia’s pee,  that’s disgusting”

Of course I had to clarify for them and soon all was understood, but I still chuckle over this story.  If you say”TSP” out loud you will see it does sound very much like Tia’s pee.

Enjoy your cheerio’s!