Speaking of “green chemistry,” I recently bought a jug of mineral spirits for cleaning up around the wood shop and found that Home Depot only sells this new “green” product. I figured I’d give it a try. It’s advertised as odor free, cleaner for the environment, etc.
I dumped some it into a bucket and tossed some stain brushes and tools into. I came back and hour later, and the brush bristles were still sticky, and the tools were no cleaner than when I put them in. I took it back for a refund and asked them if they sold REGULAR mineral spirits. The reply was no they did not. So I simply said, “Well, until you do, I’ll be shopping for my stain products at Lowe’s.”
Screw the green crap. I’m cautious with the use and disposal of volatile chemicals. This reminds me of the removal of phosphates from dishwashing detergent. The “green” crap never works as well as the regular counterparts.
“This reminds me of the removal of phosphates from dishwashing detergent”
Somewhat ironically, that same paint aisle in Home Depot sells boxes of TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate), as a paint de-glosser. A few tablespoons of that added to the dishwasher with each load, and presto - the dishes get clean again (just make sure you don’t get the TSP substitute that they also sell).
I’m all for green. I prefer good old natural vinegar to other cleaners for many things around the house. But sometimes you just need the nasty stuff. I’d have been screwed a while back if they didn’t still sell acetone.