Quick Tip

When washing dishes, silverware, pots and pans, it’s best to use hot water and plenty of detergent. But wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Sprinkle talcum powder into the gloves before putting them on; that will make the gloves easier to put on and take off (it also will keep your hands from smelling like rubber).

Fly Away

Our home is menaced by mosquitoes, Andy. Bug spray is not working well, and it’s only a temporary and smelly fix. I’m thinking of buying one of those black-light bug killers, but I’m not sure that they aren’t just a gimmick. I await your always helpful input.

Charlie

Quality ultraviolet insect killers are effective and environmentally friendly (except to some insects). But stop thinking of them as “bug” killers, Charlie. They are designed to kill flying insects only; they won’t help rid your home of spiders, ants, roaches or the like. The ultraviolet rays attract mosquitoes, gnats, moths and other flying insects within a range of 3 to 6 meters, then the electrically-charged metal grids quickly electrocute them on contact. Dead insects are collected in the tray at the base of the unit. Cheaper, less powerful models generally are less effective. In any event, the unit—which works day and night–should be placed
about two meters off the
floor in an area where the flying insects are most active. Expect to replace
the ultraviolet tube in about one year.

Land Mind

I am looking for somebody to help landscape around our house, Andy. We have a new home with large but barren areas of nothing but dirt front and rear. What I have in mind is putting in a lawn out front, as well as some plants in both areas. Maybe a small pond, trees, rocks. Can you suggest someone or somewhere I could go for expert advice as well as help with the actual labor?

Jeff

There are many garden shops in and around Pattaya that are more than qualified to fill your landscaping needs, Jeff. Check with several to determine whom you can best work with (think communication and compatibility), their expertise as it relates to your vision,
and their prices. Most will provide you with ideas and suggest specific plant varieties that conform to your budget. Some will help create landscape designs and even do the work. Before committing, get references, check out their previous projects, and ask those homeowners if they are happy with the outcomes.

Scratch Out

Loved your recent advice for cleaning stainless steel, Andy. Now can you tell me how or if I can remove scratches and stains from my stainless steel appliances? Any homemade formulas?

Mandy

Sorry to say, Mandy, there are no homemade solutions for getting rid of stains or scratches on stainless steel. However, there are commercial products available to that end and they are a good option. Some of these cleaners and polishes can help minimize scratching and remove stains. They also can polish stainless steel surfaces nicely. Read the directions carefully and test in an inconspicuous spot. Be sure to follow up by rinsing thoroughly and drying with a towel.

Spike Heal

For some reason my condo is plagued by electrical surges which usually shut down my computer. Why do I get these surges and what can I do to heal the problem?

Arthur

Electrical surges and spikes occur for a number of reasons, Arthur. The most common is the sudden jump in voltage that occurs when motors kick in—such as in high-power appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. They use a lot of electricity to activate compressors, and that sudden and sharp increase in flow through the lines will affect your electronics. Your computer not only is likely to shut down, it also is susceptible to damage from such surges. Because it is one of the most expensive and sensitive of all the electronics you own, it would be wise to invest in a surge protector. Surge protectors are available with telephone and cable jacks plus eight protected outlets—all in one central unit. That makes it easy and smart to safeguard not only the computer but also your printer, fax, external modem and other home-office components. Surge protector performance is rated three ways: clamping voltage, energy absorption, and response time (how long it takes for the surge protector to respond to the surge). Look for a unit that will respond in one nanosecond or less.

Dog Breath

Not sure you can help with this one, Andy, but I hope you can tell me why my dog’s teeth are discolored and why she has horrible breath. Do I need to brush her teeth daily?

Ian

Not daily, Ian, but it is a good idea to brush every few days using a mild toothpaste or baking soda. It also might help to provide your pooch with chew toys, dry food or biscuits—all of which can help keep her teeth clean. Give her a crunchy treat daily. As to bad breath, it may be caused by bacteria and that, in turn, could cause gum disease. A dental rinse or chew with an enzyme action will help kill the bacteria at the gum line, where dry food or toys alone will not reach. For chronic gum disease, your vet can prescribe a dry food formulated to maintain dental hygiene. Left untreated, gum disease causes tooth decay. In extreme cases, teeth may need to be professionally cleaned or removed. Remember, your dog’s vet is a trained dog dentist. See him or her regularly.

Spray Pray

I’ve been searching for effective household spray cleaners since I got here, Andy, but so far I am not satisfied with any of the many brands I’ve tried. I’d like to use products I know are effective that I used in America—things like Mr. Clean, Lysol, and others. But such imports are difficult to find and, when I do find them, they are just too expensive to use on a regular basis. Can you provide any guidance or suggest alternatives to commercial products?

Rose

You don’t have to buy expensive commercial cleaners, Rose. You can make your own spray cleaners for as little as 10 baht a liter; compare that to the cost of imported products selling for 300 or 400 baht. Make up your batches of all-purpose cleaners and pour each into it’s own spray bottle (don’t forget to label each bottle). For a basic all-purpose cleaner-grease cutter, mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent, and 2 cups of hot water and pour into a spray bottle. For more heavy-duty cleaning, combine in a bowl: 1 tablespoon ammonia, 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent, and 2 cups of water. Once thoroughly mixed, pour the formula into a spray bottle. Again, label each bottle and shake before each use.

–Handy Andy