Proper pre painting prep is one of the most important steps in painting, it’s also the most commonly missed! If using natural cleaning products is important to you, there are alternatives that can be used instead of chemical filled detergents.
Looking for a gentler, more natural product to use instead of sugar soap? Our guide looks at eco friendly and non toxic options and delves into why conventional sugar soaps are not as environmentally friendly as you might think.
What Is Sugar Soap and What Is It Used For?
Don’t be fooled by the term “sugar soap” - there’s no sugar. The name comes from the granulated appearance of the liquid. Instead a mix of detergents is used, and the granular texture in standard sugar soap usually comes from Sodium Carbonate (washing soda).
Sugar soap is basically a strong detergent designed to clean walls and other surfaces before painting. Its role is to remove grease, grime, nicotine residue and general household dirt that can prevent paint from adhering properly. If these contaminants are left on walls and ceilings, paint is more likely to streak, peel, or fail prematurely.
Good preparation is vital. Paint is only as durable as the surface beneath it, and washing walls before decorating is often the difference between a long lasting finish and one that quickly deteriorates.
Is Sugar Soap Eco Friendly?
No. In most cases, sugar soap isn’t eco-friendly.
Conventional sugar soaps are usually made using a combination of highly alkaline salts and detergents. Common ingredients can include sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate and sodium silicate. These ingredients are effective at cutting through grease, but they are chemical compounds and may still cause respiratory irritation in those who are sensitive.
Traditional sugar soap is also easy to overuse. Strong concentrations are often mixed unnecessarily, increasing the risk of residue being left behind on walls and increasing environmental load when rinsed away into the grey water system.
For routine domestic painting, especially in family homes, this level of chemical strength is rarely needed.
Is Sugar Soap Toxic?
Sugar soap is not classed as acutely toxic, but that does not mean it is harmless.
Many off the shelf sugar soaps can cause skin and eye irritation, particularly because of their alkalinity. Gloves are often recommended, splashes need to be avoided, and good ventilation is advised when using them indoors. Residue left on walls can also interfere with paint adhesion if surfaces are not rinsed thoroughly.
For households with children, pets, or people sensitive to cleaning chemicals, this is often reason enough to look for a gentler alternative.
What Can I Use Instead of Sugar Soap?
There are several effective alternatives to sugar soap, depending on the level of soiling and the type of surface you are preparing. Broadly, these fall into three categories.
Natural Sugar Soap Alternatives Designed for Painting Prep
The most reliable alternative to conventional sugar soap is a purpose made, non toxic paint preparation cleaner. These are designed specifically to remove dirt and grease while rinsing cleanly, without leaving residues that affect paint performance.
Auro 435 Paint and Stain Cleaner
Auro 435 is a mild but effective cleaning concentrate based on vegetable soaps and sugar based detergents. It is designed specifically for cleaning painted or stained surfaces prior to redecorating.
It has a controlled, mildly alkaline pH of around 8.2, which is strong enough to lift grease and dirt but far gentler than traditional sugar soap. Because it is highly concentrated, only a very small amount is needed, reducing both waste and environmental impact.
The formulation is based on ingredients such as sugar surfactants, coconut and castor oil soaps and citrate, making it a good option for indoor use. Like all genuinely natural products, it is not completely emission free and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, but it avoids the harsh salts found in conventional sugar soap.
Home Strip 5-in-1 Painters Prep Cleaning Spray
Homestrip Painters Prep is designed as a sugar soap replacement rather than a traditional detergent. It is water based, pH neutral, virtually VOC free and contains no acids, alkalis or hazardous solvents.
Unlike sugar soap, it does not usually require rinsing which removes a potential paint failure point. It is sprayed onto the surface or a cloth, left briefly to work, and wiped away. This makes it particularly useful in occupied buildings such as homes, schools or hospitals, where ventilation and downtime are limited.
DIY Sugar Soap Alternatives
Some people prefer to use household ingredients as an alternative to sugar soap. These can work in certain situations, but they come with limitations.
Washing Soda (Soda Crystals)
Washing soda is a highly alkaline substance which is effective at cutting grease. However, it can irritate skin, damage some surfaces and is easy to overuse. Gloves are essential, and washing soda should never be mixed with acids such as vinegar.
This is a stronger option that should be used cautiously and only where heavy grease build-up exists.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is much milder and safer to handle. It can be mixed with water into a paste for spot cleaning stains or used in dilute form for light wall cleaning.
It is less effective at degreasing than sugar soap or plant based cleaners, but it is a safer DIY option for lightly soiled walls.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is acidic rather than alkaline. While it can help remove some residues, it is not always suitable for painted or mineral surfaces and can leave lingering odours. It should never be mixed with alkaline cleaners.
Vinegar is best reserved for specific cleaning tasks rather than general paint preparation.
Is a Natural Sugar Soap Alternative Worth Using?
Absolutely!
Natural and non toxic sugar soap alternatives provide cleaning that’s just as effective as chemical based alternatives without unnecessary chemical exposure. They are better suited to indoor environments, safer for families, and less likely to interfere with paint adhesion when used correctly.
Got questions about using natural sugar soap for pre painting prep? Drop us a line!
