QUICK TIP

When you take down your Christmas tree trimmings and other seasonal decorations, store them in egg cartons. The partitions separate fragile items and help keep everything neat until next December.

All That Glitters
Since my husband and I moved to Pattaya nearly one year ago, we have not gone to any glitzy parties or even fancy dinners. However, we were invited to a lovely function on New Year’s eve calling for evening wear. After doing my hair and make-up and donning a new dress, I reached into our safe for my gold jewelry only to fined that after having been stored and ignored for more than a year, it had all become dull or discolored. It was too late to seek out a jeweler for help, but maybe you have some advice for the next time I and others might have a similar problem.
Dina

Yes, Dina, no need to rely on a jeweler. To clean jewelry yourself, soak it in warm, soapy water, then brush each piece gently using a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft brush (a soft tooth brush will do nicely). In an emergency, you can skip the cleanser and use just soapy water. When done, rinse thoroughly in cold water and allow to air dry. Finally, because isopropyl alcohol is perhaps the most effective cleanser of gold and silver, wipe gently with isopropyl alcohol to return the luster. In the future, prevent your jewelry from exposure to cosmetics, and always remove gold ornaments when you are cleaning your skin with chemicals or while taking bath. When applying moisturizer at bedtime, remove jewelry to prevent the effects of chemicals. Remember too that body oils and dirt can also discolor and detract from your jewelry.

Olive Oil Isn’t Always
As a health fanatic, I have long made it a habit to include at least some olive oil in my daily diet. But recently it has come to my attention that just because the store label says “olive oil,” that doesn’t mean it is. How can I be certain what I am getting, particularly in a country that is so lax about food safety and faux products of all kinds?
Ted

Yes, Ted, problems with olive oil are huge and the public is basically unaware of being ripped off. However, it must be pointed out that the problem is not limited to Thailand and that little fault can be pinned on the Thai government. That said, there is much oil out on the market that is pure rubbish. In some cases it is old, in other cases it is marked “extra virgin” when it isn’t, and in still other cases it is not even olive oil. To answer your question we turned to a book devoted to the topic: Extra Virginity: the Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil. Written by Tom Mueller, an American who lives in Italy, the book advises, in part, that when you buy olive oil you should:
• Favour bottles or containers that protect against light (not in clear glass bottles, for example).
•Buy a quantity that you’ll use up quickly.
• Don’t worry about colour. Good oils come in all shades, from green to gold to pale straw, but avoid flavours such as mouldy, cooked, greasy, meaty, metallic and cardboard.
• Ensure that your oil is labelled “extra virgin,” since other categories—”pure” or “light” oil, “olive oil” and “olive pomace oil” – have undergone chemical refinement.
• Try to buy oils only from this year’s harvest – look for bottles with a date of harvest. Failing that, look at the “best by” or “expiration” date which should be no more than two years after an oil was bottled.
• Though not always a guarantee of quality, PDO (protected designation of origin) and PGI (protected geographical indication) status should inspire some confidence.
• Some terms commonly used on olive oil labels are anachronistic, such as “first pressed” and “cold pressed”. Since most extra virgin oil nowadays is made with centrifuges, it isn’t “pressed” at all, and true extra virgin oil comes exclusively from the first processing of the olive paste. For further information, see extravirginity.com.

If Men Had Maids
This isn’t really a household problem, Andy, except to the extent that I am in a household of three and this morning my wife asked me a question I was unable to answer. So I turn it over to you: Why do men’s clothes have buttons on the right while women’s clothes have buttons on the left?
Ray

When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push buttons on the right through holes on the left. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid’s right, and that’s where women’s buttons have remained since.

Counter Intelligence
I just transferred to Pattaya in my work and find myself in a lovely condo with lots of pristine marble or alabaster or whatever this stone-like substance is on my kitchen counters and sideboards. I asked several old hands here how to best care for it, and two of them advised me to contact you, saying you had written about it once or twice in your column. So, Andy, can you tell me the best way to clean it and avoid stains?
Charlie

First of all, Charlie, odds are your stonework is more likely granite than marble or alabaster. Granite is used in places like the kitchen because it is a harder stone and its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and such. Also it’s unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans, or spilled liquid; nevertheless, it’s a good idea to use hot pads and coasters, and to clean up any spills immediately. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. If it is important to maintain the beauty of your countertops, have the granite professionally sealed periodically. Beyond that, it’s a relatively easy surface to care for. To keep granite countertops clean, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface. Wipe down the granite countertop daily with a sponge and plain water. Do not use soap, vinegar or any household cleansers. Once a week wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. No harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface of the stone. For oily stains, try a poultice made of a cup of flour or baking soda and 5 tablespoons of dish soap. Add water to make it the consistency of sour cream or yogurt. Place the solution directly on the stain and cover with plastic wrap overnight, before washing away the poultice.

Closing Line
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

–Handy Andy

QUICK TIP
Bananas too ripe for your taste? Don’t toss them. Instead, peel them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or in a baggie, and store them in your freezer. They will be ready next time you want to make a banana smoothie or shake, or when a recipe calls for bananas.

Drinking Buddies
Dear Andy, How do I remove alcohol stains from wood furniture? I don’t want to imply that my expat friends are big drinkers (they are, but I don’t want to imply it), yet at least one drink is spilled by some slobbering drunk every time they visit, adding one more stain to another piece of furniture. Help.
Betty in Banglamung

With friends like that, Betty…you need to be ready to wipe up spills at a moment’s notice. Alcohol can dissolve wood finishes, so speed is important. Quickly wipe up the spill with an absorbent cloth, then rub the spot with the palm of your hand or with a clean cloth dipped in furniture polish. That’s for future spills. For sins of the past (existing stains) make a paste of baking soda or cigarette ashes mixed with mineral oil, linseed oil, or lemon oil. Rub lightly in the direction of the grain, then wipe with plain linseed oil. Rub briskly–again with the grain of the wood–using a clean soft cloth. Wipe frequently to compare and match gloss of the repaired area with the original finish.

Blasting Option
Andy, I have a large piece of property 1/2 rai surrounded by 6 ft wall which is in bad need of repair paint-wise. Thinking about sandblasting it before repainting if I can find a sandblaster. Other options? Type and name of paint?
Harry

Well, Harry, it seems you intentionally kept your missive brief in the interest of time or space. But that also means you provided scant information. What type of wall is it? Concrete? Aluminum? Brick? Wood? Cement block? What’s its condition? And why does it need repair? Crucial information before providing you with definitive answers. As a general response, I would suggest that instead of sandblasting you might be able to do a high-pressure (power) wash. And/or, depending on the composition and condition of the wall, you might consider using a large wire brush to hand-scrape it and remove whatever it is you want to sandblast. As an option, use coarse steel wool dipped in lacquer thinner; wear heavy rubber gloves, and don’t breathe in too deeply or risk a high. If that doesn’t do it, sandblasting might be your answer. Try contacting Castop Matrix Co, Ban Bung, Chonburi (038 192-588). On the question of paint, I’m going to assume your wall is some sort of masonry, so I’d suggest you apply two coats of any masonry paint, that is, exterior latex paint made with acrylic resins. Acrylic resins are especially good for concrete coatings because they have good water-vapor transmission rates, good adhesion characteristics, and can be pigmented.

Shoot the House
We just purchased a house that is being built even as I write this, Andy. Is it a good idea to ask the builder to provide plans or something so we can later pinpoint exactly where studs are positioned?
Stan

You’re assuming your new home will be built precisely to plans, Stan, which is questionable at best. The original plans  or “something” ultimately may not accurately reflect the exact location of everything once the house is complete. Sure, obtain a set of plans but as insurance–or as an alternative–it might be a good idea to make a small investment in a digital camera. Then, as your future home is being built take a series of shots. Most pointedly, before the drywall is put up, shoot all the walls and ceilings, paying particular attention to those areas where there is electrical wiring, plumbing and mechanical equipment. You’ll thank yourself the first time you want to attach something heavy to a wall and you need to find a stud or avoid wiring, pipes, concrete, etc.

Clear the Air
You cautioned, in an earlier column, against the dangers of toxic fumes when removing adhesive from floor tiles. (I’m happy someone in Pattaya expresses such concerns; keep your warnings coming). How about some “Handy” suggestions for safe alternatives to commercial air fresheners?
Ian

Good inquiry, Ian, inasmuch as most commercial air fresheners do not freshen the air anyway, they simply mask one odor with another. To make matters worse—and address your concern—some products coat your nasal passages with an undetectable oil film; others can diminish your sense of smell with a nerve-deadening agent. For a safer way to eliminate household odors, try one of the following:
*Ventilation. Open windows or doors in the house for at least a short period every day. This helps also to reduce toxic fumes that may build up indoors.
*Vinegar. Distribute partially-filled saucers of vinegar around the room, or boil 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.
*Cinnamon and cloves. Boil these spices for a fragrant smell. For ease of cleaning, make a cheesecloth bag to contain these spices, and boil the cheesecloth bag. An excellent alternative when entertaining is to steep spiced tea or cider.
*Potpourri. Buy or make your own potpourri from your favorite herbs, spices, and flower petals. Place the potpourri in a small basket, open jar, or in small sachet bags.
*Perfume. Spray a bit of perfume or cologne on a light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent when the light is turned on.

Fee Fie Faux Fun
Thinking of repainting a couple rooms in my house, Andy, and a couple friends suggested that I should give some thought to a faux finish or color wash. But I have no idea what that is. Are they the same thing or what?
George

Not the same thing, George. Faux finishing is a popular painting technique that can make a remarkable change in the appearance of a room–or just a piece of furniture, for that matter. The actual process involves covering a base coat of colored paint with a second light coat containing a mixture of another color and glaze. This second coat allows the base coat to show through, but the glaze mixture on the surface softens it. Like the faux finishing process, color washing also is a two step process. First you apply the base coat. When dry, you apply a glaze mixture, randomly wiping it on or applying it in a circular motion (as if washing the wall). One benefit of color washing is you can create various visual effects depending on what you use to apply the glaze. Commonly brushes, sponges, cotton cloth, cheese cloth or paint mitts;  you can even use old panty hose if you want. It sounds complicated, but in reality it’s easy to do, inexpensive and an enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer can achieve great results in a weekend.

Closing Line
The Asian U professor discovered that her theory of earthquakes was on shaky ground.

–Handy Andy

QUICK TIP

Overwhelmed by the stench of sweaty sneakers and other smelly shoes? Stuff the reeking footwear with old socks or pantyhose into which you’ve poured a mixture of kitty litter and baby powder. Let sit overnight or longer. It makes a wonderful odor remover that absorbs, dries and freshens all at the same time.

Keep It Cool
Is it my imagination, Andy, or do rubber bands tend to disintegrate more quickly here than in the west? And would it be because of inferior quality or what?
Charlie

Or what, Charlie. No reason for quality to be inferior inasmuch as Thailand is one of the few countries in the world that produces rubber. The material just naturally disintegrates over time, and probably faster in Pattaya’s warm climate than in cooler areas of the world. If you want to stretch the lifespan of your rubber bands, keep them in the fridge. As to the whys and wherefores…with time, ultraviolet light and oxygen in the air create reactive radicals that harden the rubber; eventually it turns brittle. Heat and light speed up the reactions. For example, an 18°F rise in temperature will roughly double reaction rates, and the presence of strong oxidizers such as ozone creates even more radicals. The eventual fate of your rubber band depends on the temperature in the room, and on whether it sits on a desk by a window or near a machine such as a photocopier that creates ozone. Obviously, the chemical reactions run slowly if the rubber is stored in a refrigerator; more quickly if left on a sunny desktop.

Not Mellow with Yellow
When we come from Belarus to Thailand we buy condominium after six month. Before somebody have everything green–light green wall, dark green trim, green tile. I want to change so paint everything white. Three time I paint. Very beautiful I think. But after six month white paint color become yellow. I paint two more coat, this time use oil paint call Deluxe White Gloss, but now yellow again. I do not know problem. What you think?
Dmitri

Interesting puzzler, Dmitri, which I put to the Rohn and Haas Paint Quality Institute of North America. The Institute’s technical director said that oil-based (alkyd) paints and enamels may tend to yellow, especially if the wall is away from sunlight or if there’s ammonia in the air from clears used on trim, windows, etc. But quality water-based enamels do not yellow. Apply a coat of latex enamel over the current paint after giving it a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper. For a smooth finish, use a foam applicator.

Fish Story
We got our first aquarium two months ago, Andy, and despite having a water filter, the water is getting cloudy and is beginning to smell. What can we do?
Donna and Gaeo

Act quickly to make sure your fish don’t die. Filter or not, you must clean the aquarium properly. That means starting at the top where the gunk is. Remove the top layer of gunk, then siphon some of the water into a secondary tank. Remove your fish to the secondary tank. Now siphon about half the water from the fishless tank into buckets and dump it into the sink or toilet. Scrub inside the aquarium with an algae scrubber, then remove all decorative items. Rinse them well and scrub off any algae. Siphon off as much water as possible from the tank. When you siphon at the gravel level, you will be sucking dirt and bacteria with the water. Now add clean water to the cleaned tank, along with decorations and necessary chemicals. Without cleaning or changing the filter, turn it on and allow it to run for a few minutes. Then test the water condition. When it registers healthy, return the fish to the tank (with some of the dirty water from the secondary tank). Keep the light turned off to reduce stress levels. Check water conditions every few hours to make sure all is well. Two weeks later, change or clean the filter. Ideally, you should scrape the tank algae and change about 20 percent of the water every week or two. That will make future cleanings much easier and help keep your fish healthy.

Getting Antsy
I know you’ve tackled the topic of ants several times, Andy, but your tips have not worked for me. Or they’ve been successful for only a short time, then the little buggers are back. Do you have any long-term solutions to getting rid of ants?
Simon

If you’re prepared for all out war against these innocent creatures, Simon, then get battle ready: First eliminate ants’ scent trails. When you see scouts, kill them and wipe down the area. This important step will prevent major scent trails from being formed and will prevent the scout from reporting back to the colony about any found food. Once a trail has already been established, start from the food source and wipe backwards to the trail entrance. Use a sponge with soapy water. Plain water will not completely eliminate the trail. If you cannot get the trail all the way to the entrance to your home, block the trail at the point you can get to. They will seek a way around, but if you act quickly and are persistent, the ants will likely give up after anywhere from a day to a week. Second, you must seal any ant entrances to your home. A variety of things will discourage ants. They will not cross Vaseline or various sticky substances. Chili powder, cinnamon and boric acid are also avoided by ants. Block a trail entrance with any of these substances. For a more permanent blockade, seal cracks, holes and gaps with flexible caulk. Ants send out scouts to search for food, the scouts will wander endlessly and there seems to be an endless supply of scouts. Given time, ants will nearly always find any food in your home. Ants may seem disinterested in some foods, but it really depends on what the colony needs. Something ignored this time of month may be their food of choice in January. Which brings us to three, cut off their supply of food. Put open food in tightly sealed containers or store them in your refrigerator. Wipe down counters and sweep floors nightly. Clean cabinets, drawers and shelves to remove crumbs and stains. Ants also need water, so keep sinks and counters dry to discourage them. If ants are eating pet food from your pet’s bowl, create a moat around the bowl. To do this, place the food bowl into a pie tin or similar low pan and add soapy water to create a barrier around the bowl. Finally, if you can identify their colonies, destroy them using natural and low-toxicity compounds.

Closing Line
If you take a laptop computer for a run you could jog your memory.

–Handy Andy

QUICK TIP

Got a zipper that’s constantly sticking? Rub the zipper teeth with the edge of a bar of soap.

Dear Andy, you’ve given us solutions for removing crayon marks and other stains from furniture, walls and things. But my kids have gone nuts with permanent markers. Are they really permanent? Is there an easy way to remove them from the fridge and counter tops (the marks, not the kids)?

Madge

No problem, Madge. Just pour a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rub out those marks.

Can you tell us anything about caring for coffeemakers? We’ve gone through three since moving to Thailand two years ago. Are we doing something wrong or is it the quality of workmanship?

Patricia

You may be doing something wrong, Patricia. Not knowing what you’re doing, let’s just review a few items: Coffeemakers should be cleaned after each use to remove coffee oils and residue which will cause poor flavor in the next pot of coffee. Wash with warm sudsy water, rinse and dry. On aluminum percolators, remove hard water deposits with either a soap­filled steel wool pad, or by perking with 1 to 2 tablespoons cream of tartar dissolved in water; rinse thoroughly. Do not use alkalis such as baking soda, or chlorine bleach on aluminum. To remove stubborn stains from chrome­plated and stainless steel pots, clean with commercial coffeepot cleaners; do not use them on aluminum unless the product label recommends it.

For electric drip coffeemakers, if you have mineral and scale build up from hard water, periodically run a solution of half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of water through it to dissolve the scale. Thoroughly rinse all parts of the unit. Finish by running a full pot of plain cold water through a cycle. Finally, when the warming plate is hot, don’t allow it to become wet. Once the coffee is made and you are ready to remove the carafe, replace it simultaneously with a wash cloth or paper towel to catch any latent drips.

What are the pros and cons of salt water versus chlorine swimming pools? I am advised that most of the new pools being installed here are saltwater, but a pool adviser in the Philippines said saltwater pools are good in Australia but in Thailand and the Philippines it doesn’t get cold enough at night to maximise the benefit of the saltwater system.

Tony

I honestly have no opinion and even less knowledge on the topic, Tony. I have heard arguments on both sides related to higher initial costs, questionably higher operating costs, more rapid degradation of parts, etc., etc. Based on all I’ve heard over the years, I lean toward fresh water­­but not strongly.

Your suggestion for cleaning windows with vinegar worked very well, Andy. However, it didn’t seem to be as effective on mirrors and, worse yet, the room was left with that pungent vinegar odor. Can you recommend a less offensive method for cleaning mirrors?

Tom

Breath easy, Tom, here’s an alternative that kills two birds with one stone: Use air freshener on your mirrors. It not only does a good job cleaning the mirrors, it also leaves the room smelling lovely. And if you want to polish mirrors—windows too­­to a sparkling shine, wipe them with a natural linen towel, a clean, damp chamois cloth, or crumpled newspaper. But a word of warning about newspaper: while it leaves glass lint­free with a dirt­resistant film, some people are sensitive to fumes from newsprint.

Great work you do, Andy. Thanks. I have a big problem with my tomato plants. They are in pots on the balcony and since they were 6 inches high, they have been infested with leaf miner bugs.

They are killing the plants. We have gone to several flower and plant shops to try to find something that will kill them, however its just like going to the doctor here. They give you 10 things to do the job and don’t have a clue that nothing will kill them unless its the right product. Do you know a chemical that will kill these bugs and most important where in Pattaya can I buy it. Also where can I buy epson salts, it contains magnesium to stop tomato end rot. Thanks Andy, keep up the good work, we enjoy reading your stuff.

Kevin

Thank you for the kind words, Kevin. Last question first, Epsom salts, as you probably know, is magnesium sulphate which may help to prevent–though not cure–end rot. In any event, Epsom salts will also relieve magnesium deficiency often found in tomato plants. Beyond which, it is one of the most perfect nutrients for gardens and plants. I don’t know specifically which stores carry it, but if you print out it out in Thai (แมกนีเซียมซัลเฟต) and ask at garden shops, you may have some success.

As to leaf miner bugs, they are difficult to control using contact insecticides as they are pretty much out of reach, protected by the leaf membrane.

For readers unfamiliar with leaf miners, they are small larvae which burrow between the layers of leaves, usually revealing their presence with the appearance of white wiggle lines­­the first sign of damage. If the mining and stripping are too severe, the leaf may be unable to photosynthesize. The bugs can be controlled by a systemic insecticide but that may not be safe for tomatoes that you plan to eat. From my perspective, it may be best to just pick off and destroy the worst affected parts of the plant. In fact, even if most of the leaves on your plants are infested, you still can harvest edible tomatoes. In the future, if you pull leaves as soon as you see any signs of leaf miners, you can greatly limit infestation. If you’re determined to spray your plants, you can try making an oil­based formula that may be effective. In a blender, combine 2 cups of vegetable oil with ½ cup of dishwashing liquid. Blend until it’s well mixed. Store in a jar. When ready to use, dilute 1 tablespoon of the formula in a litre of water. Mix it well and spray both sides of the foliage thoroughly and spray the soil as well. Apply to leaves in the evening or early morning to avoid the heat.

Closing Line

Pattaya  Police were called to the day care where a three­year­old was resisting a rest.

­­Handy Andy

QUICK TIP
Set up a dedicated file folder so that you can keep in one place all instructions, receipts, warranty cards, etc., for appliances, equipment, electrical devices and so forth.

Going Bananas
Instead of buying three bananas for 30 baht or more at a supermarket, Andy, I would rather buy an entire hand (10 or 12 bananas) for 35 baht at an outdoor market. But then they all seem to ripen at the same time and after two or three days I have to throw most of them out. Or is there some way to keep them longer?
Arthur

Most people prefer to eat bananas when the peel is yellow or yellow with brown flecks–at which point it is creamier, tastes sweeter and is at its optimal nutritional level. But how to keep them that way? First, separate several bananas from the hand and from one another when you get them home; that will alter the ripening time. Once they are as ripe as you like, put them in the refrigerator; that will slow the ripening process for several days. The skin may turn brown, but the fruit will be fine. If you need to store them any longer–or if they are already too ripe before you can eat them, do not throw them out. Instead, peel them, put them in a baggie, then store them in your freezer. You can later defrost them for use in smoothies or in baking recipes that call for bananas.

Going Nuts
Hi, Andy, how do I keep the plastic nuts tight on a toilet seat?
Tony
The toilet seat should have thin plastic pads that go between the seat hinges and the bowl. The main reason for these pads is to keep the seat hinges from sliding around on the slick ceramic of the bowl, which will loosen the nuts. If your seat does not have these pads, you can make them from a sheet of self-adhesive plastic or something similar. The bolts for the hinges are usually plastic; if yours are not, get a pair that are plastic. Most plastic nuts on these seats have a wing on one side that will not turn in the space under the toilet bowl rim. If these are not what you have, you can probably get a set at HomeWorks or other home center. As an option, you can install a second nut tightened against the first nut or install a lock washer between two flat washers. In any event, do not over-tighten the nuts as the plastic bolts strip easily.

Kitty Porn
Khun Andy, for treat my husband feed raisin to our three kittys and they love them too much, but somebody tell to me raisin not good for cat. Is true or not?
Porn

Is true, Porn. Both grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Even just a few can make a cat ill. Keep a close eye on your cats for repeated vomiting and hyperactivity, which might be early indications of kidney failure.

Gnat-ural Remedy
I’m almost beside myself, Andy, getting really upset with all the fruit flies we have in our kitchen and frustrated because we can’t seem to get rid of them. We’ve tried bug sprays and even traps that a friend made for us consisting of jars with a little vinegar or a banana slice and holes poked in the jar lid. The gnats are supposed to be attracted to the cider vinegar then get stuck in the jar. But the gnats didn’t know they were supposed to be attracted to the trap. It didn’t work. Got any other ideas?
Martina

First of all, Martina, don’t get too upset over fruit flies; save your irritation for something else… like mosquitoes. Gnats are attracted to the smell of rotten food. That’s why they’re around drains, trash cans and, of course, fruit. Some of their favorites are tomatoes, melons, squash, grapes, overripe bananas, potatoes, onions and other unrefrigerated produce. To get rid of gnats you must first get rid of their food supply. Put all fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or in containers that the bugs can’t penetrate. Keep houseplants damp but not wet (gnats love standing water). Empty trashcans often; toss rotting food immediately; clean all trash receptacles and sink drains thoroughly, and do not leave dirty dishes in the sink. Once all produce is stored and all areas are cleaned, you can expedite eradication by using insecticides, virtually any spray meant to kill flying insects will work on gnats. (Make certain it isn’t harmful to pets.) If your problem is really severe you may need to look into a fogging product.

Why Weak Wifi
I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, Andy, but the wifi signal is weak on my laptop in some parts of the house and on my daughter’s tablet. Are there any tweaks or gadgets that I could use to boost wireless signal strength and distance without spending more baht?
Allen

Sure, Allen. Because wifi is a type of radio signal, it’s simply a matter of boosting that signal to extend to suit your needs while maintaining the same level of power. First be aware that the location of your router matters. If your wireless laptop or your daughter’s tablet is in another room, the signal has to go through walls and other interference before it reaches a device. Change the positioning to give everyone equal access. For example, for optimal wireless coverage in various parts of your home, position the router in the middle of the house. Moving it up off the floor, to a bookcase or shelf, should also help; in an open room setting, instead of placing the router in a corner, try putting it in the middle of the room, where the signal should extend out more evenly. You also should steer clear of signals that cause interference and signal degradation. These include microwave ovens, cordless phones, fluorescent lights, bluetooth devices, wireless game controllers, and even poorly-wired electrical connections. You can also consider extending the atenna. There are some decent wireless antenna boosters available that you can purchase as addons. Just plug them into the router base. Have you read your owner’s manual? Assuming it’s written in English, check to determine how you can tweak your router settings; there may be ways to boost signals or to optimize the signals it is sending. For example, try switching channels. Finally, make sure your router is secured and that your neighbor isn’t stealing vital juice from you. Secure your network so only you are using the signal. Tap into your router’s security features and make sure you use secure passwords.

Closing Line
Speaking of wifi, the Local Area Network in Australia is the LAN down under.

–Handy Andy

QUICK TIP

Rotate your car tires every six months or every 12,000 km. Transfer the right front wheel to the right rear, and the right rear wheel to the right front. Do NOT switch tires from one side of the car to the other. This will ensure even tire wear and will extend the overall life of tires.

High and Dry

Hi Andy, I really enjoy your Pattaya Today column, great stuff. A friend of mine has leaks in his concrete tile roof where heavy rain drives the water under the tiles or between the tile and the roofline capping. He has been advised to spray the underside with foam insulation. Is this a good idea or wouldn’t the water build up under the tiles?

Tony Robbins

Spray foam is an excellent idea, Tony; your friend received good advice. And no, to answer your question, spray foam does not allow water to accumulate under the tiles. Just the opposite. The foam adheres directly to the tiles and eliminates all spaces, so there are no pockets where water could build up. A Wikipedia citation lauds spray foam, particularly in the tropics, because it not only protects against “leaks but helps also as insulation against the enormous heat the roofs constantly face.” So this new green technology, which actually has been around more than 50 years, can also reduce energy bills. Marc Goedvolk, general manager of one of the country’s leading spray­foam providers, SprayFoam Thailand, says your friend need not be concerned. “Even in the unusually heavy rains Thailand has been having in the past few months, we have not received a single complaint­­not even one phone call­­about leaks or the need for repairs,” Goedvolk reports. “Spray foam is the best waterproof sealant available, and that’s why we give every customer a 10­year guarantee.” For more information, including descriptive photos, go to www.sprayfoamthailand.com

Chrome Drone

Andy, you once provided some helpful tips for using aluminum foil and Coca Cola to treat chrome that’s rusted and pitted. I’ve used that method several times since and it works, but what about just normal cleaning of chrome furniture? Should I be doing something special?

Victoria

Yes, Victoria, you should be cleaning it frequently because chrome quickly and easily gets dirty and dull when neglected. Don’t let that happen. The moment you notice a dulling of the chrome, wash it with soapy water and a soft cloth. That’s all you need if it’s not too dirty. If detergent and water don’t get your chrome thoroughly clean, wet a cloth with vinegar and rub. Still not clean? Sprinkle a little baking soda on the vinegar­dampened rag. When you’re satisfied that it’s clean, dry the surface with a soft, dry towel to prevent water spots. (Dryer sheets work great too!)

Window Pains

I live in a 5 year old condo in Jomtien, Andy. The problem is with the double glazed patio doors leading out onto the balcony. Some of them have condensation inside and recently hand prints and numbers have appeared inside also. I know how to remove the trim and glass units, but can I strip and clean inside myself or do I need to take to a specialist for cleaning.

John

Sorry to say, John, that if condensation forms between thermal window panes, there is unfortunately no cost­effective way to remove it; the glazing must be replaced. Your best bet is to buy quality thermal windows that are backed by a strong warrantee (at least 10 years). That said, there are those who claim they can cure a broken down unit that doesn’t involve taking it apart and replacing the seal and the desiccant. They reportedly just drill a hole in the glass and use some kind of thermal pump. Maybe. But I don’t buy it. The unit needs new desiccant and a new seal, plus a method of removing those water marks. I suggest that you call a few glaziers in and around Pattaya and get a quote for a new DG unit. You only have to replace the unit (not the frame). You could do the work yourself if you are handy, but for a glazier it’s even easier and should not be too expensive. Demand a guarantee of at least five years (10 would be better).

On the Hole

I want to install a dead bolt lock on my front door, Andy, and I bought the kit already. Before I get started, can you tell me if I should drill the hole through the door first (from inside to outside), or should I drill a hole on the side of the door first?

Norman

Up to you, Norman. I normally drill the large hole through the door first, then the side hole, but it really makes little difference either way. What is important­­whether you have a wood door or a metal door­­is that you drill the large hole just deep enough so that the pilot bit comes through the other side, then go to the other side and drill the rest of the hole out from there. Otherwise you risk chipping the wood or bending the metal.

The Wicker Man

I can’t think of anyone else to ask, Andy (no one I would understand, at least), so I turn to you for any advice you might have on wicker furniture. We just bought some lovely and expensive patio furniture that I hope will last for a long time, but should we expect any problems?

Ronaldo

Good choice, Ronaldo, for when it comes to outdoor furniture, few material furnishings can hold a candle to wicker. It’s exceptionally light and easy to maintain, it’s durable, and it looks and feels casual and comfortable. And yes, it is valuable and you undoubtedly want to keep it looking great and functioning well for years to come. The most common problem with wicker patio furniture is warping. This happens when sections become over saturated and expand, leaving you with random strips of wicker cane that overlap or otherwise fall out of place in the weave. If faced with that problem soak a hand towel or washcloth in water and wrap it around the warped area. This will soften the wicker so that you can reposition it. Once it is in place, secure it using a vise or other such tool to help retain its shape until it is thoroughly dry. Another common fault with wicker is that individual strips of cane may crack or develop small surface fissures. Apply tung oil or linseed oil to the affected area with a soft brush, making sure to completely fill the crack. When the oil has been fully absorbed, apply more oil and repeat again until no more oil gets absorbed. At this point, wipe off excess oil with a paper towel and let it dry for a day. By then the crack will be completely repaired.

Closing Line

The man who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.

­­Handy Andy

QUICK TIP
Save that old vinyl shower curtain to use as a drop cloth for your next painting project.

In the Pink
Dear Andy, I have a lot of pink shirts that should be white as a colored shirt was put into the wash by mistake. Is there any way to remove the colour as pink is not my choice of colour to wear.
Ian

Assuming you’ve already dried your new pink shirts (something you should NOT do next time a garment is discolored in the wash), you now have a problem. Dye stains are difficult to remove, especially after they have set in; they should be treated immediately. That said, try this: mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach and warm water and put all of the discolored shirts in the solution. Soak for 24 hours. If the shirts have returned to white, wash as usual. If some pink color remains, prepare a fresh bleach solution and soak for an additional 24 hours, then wash. It is possible that even after all that, you still will not have removed all of the undesirable color. But you will have very clean pink shirts.

Fan Fan
The Quick Tip in your last column was great, Andy. I never knew we should turn off fans when no one’s in a room; saves power too. Coincidentally, my question is related to fans. My condo has an overhead fan in the center of the room, but it doesn’t cool the perimeter of the room, and most of the time I am not in the center of the room so I must use the air conditioner more often than I like. I think I need to buy a fan I can aim at other areas. Any thoughts or advice on what kind of fan?
John

Fans can be an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to cool your condo, John. Even running on high speed a fan uses less than 10 percent as much electricity as a room air conditioner. They vary in price from a few hundred baht (for a desk-top) to thousands of baht for many other styles. Your best choice would probably be a portable fan–which offer a variety of styles and configurations. While small portables are the least expensive, they are more focused, therefore limited in areas covered–like if you need a fan to cool you at your desk, for example, or while you’re at your kitchen work station. These are designed to rest on a tabletop. They don’t provide enough power to circulate air throughout a room. Floor fans are the most powerful type and can circulate air in a large space, but they’re bulky and can be a safety hazard, particularly if you have small children. Pedestal and tower fans have a smaller footprint and are best for medium-sized rooms; most oscillate to improve circulation. Finally, there are window fans which can be used to draw cool air into a room or blow warm air out. Some models can perform both functions at once. Be advised, however, that rain and bugs can get inside when an uncovered window fan is not in use.

Bolt Jolt
My wife takes three showers a day and I take two, so I’m worried about something we heard recently. That is: you can be struck by lightening while taking a shower. With all the rain and thunderstorms we’ve been having, I’m concerned for our safety. So, is it true, Andy, that showering during a storm is risky?
Adam

While most victims are caught outdoors, Adam, lightening has injured and even killed people indoors as well, and not only while they were showering. People have been jolted while washing dishes, brushing their teeth, taking a bath, talking on landline telephones, and even just standing at a window. Don’t do any of those things during thunderstorms, and stay clear of concrete walls and floors, plumbing, running water and electrical equipment–including stove, fridge, etc.

Nuke-Safe Vessels
Dear Andy, is it safe to microwave plastic containers and wrappers? For years I’ve heard that nuking anything plastic releases harmful, cancer-causing substances into food. But lately I’ve seen some products in plastic vessels that direct consumers to zap them in the microwave. What’s the real story?
Staci

In the past, Staci, food on or in anything plastic could not be safely cooked in microwave ovens, as you point out. Products not intended for use in the microwave could melt and potentially leak chemicals into your food. In recent years, however, microwave-safe plastic containers and wrappers have been developed that are totally safe to use in the microwave. Bottom line: avoid microwaving containers that were never intended for the microwave, such as margarine tubs, take-out containers, and most packages in which food is purchased at local markets. If the package label does not indicate that it is microwave-safe, transfer the food to another receptacle.

Brighter Idea
Why do so many lighting fixtures warn against using brighter bulbs, usually saying something like ‘do not use greater than 60 watt’? That’s not bright enough for most of my needs. I need more light for reading and seeing what I’m doing when cooking.
Bob

If hotter, oversized bulbs are used, heat can build up and cause a fire; thus, the warning. This is especially true for recessed lighting since there is no way for the air to circulate around the fixture. If you need more light in a room, add another fixture or replace the existing one.

My Aching Back
After years of suffering with back pain, Andy, I was advised by a chiropractor to buy a firm, good quality mattress. He said my soft mattress contributed to my aches. Anyway, quality translates into expensive, so I am looking for some advice on how to care for my new expensive mattress–like keeping it clean and prolonging its life. Thanks.
Sean

The first thing you should do, Sean, is buy a mattress cover that completely envelops the mattress; one that zips up all around to keep anything from getting inside. That not only preserves the mattress it also seals out dust mites and allergens that will otherwise make their home in the mattress material. A less costly option is a mattress pad. It helps keep the mattress clean, but it must be laundered often. Also, when the mattress cover or pad is not on the bed, use that opportunity to vacuum the mattress and dust all the crevices in the frame to remove bugs and anything else there. Also vital is flipping the mattress to avoid uneven wear and indentations. About every six months turn the mattress over; at the next interval, switch the head of the mattress to the foot of the bed. (Keep a written record of each change so that all four positions are used). While the mattress is being repositioned, clean and vacuum both the bottom side of the mattress as well as the box springs.

Closing Line
When you’ve seen one shopping center you’ve seen a mall.

–Handy Andy

QUICK TIP

Don’t leave fans running in an empty room. Fans don’t cool rooms; they cool people by creating a wind-chill effect. A fan left running could actually make a room warmer because of the heat produced by its motor.

Light Minded
Khun Andy maybe you can tell me something? Is better to buy halogen light for my home or use old light okay not so expensive?
Supaporn

Halogen lights emit a whiter, brighter and more easily focused beam of light than the conventional incandescent bulbs you call “old light”, Supaporn. Halogen lights help reduce eyestrain when reading, sewing, and doing other close work. While the initial cost is greater, the bulbs tend to last much longer, are 10 to 20 percent more energy efficient and tend to burn brighter longer. Because they need to be changed less frequently, halogen lights are great for using outdoors in hard to get to light fixtures.

Egg Headed
Will you settle an egg dispute between me and my wife, Andy? She sees no need to store eggs in the fridge; I think they must be refrigerated. If eggs needed to be kept cold, she argues, stores would keep them in coolers. But major supermarkets as well as neighborhood venders just keep their eggs out on shelves at room temperature or outdoor heat, she says. Before coming to Thailand I never saw anyone, including markets, keep eggs anywhere other than in refrigerators. And when I point to the built-in egg tray in our fridge door and ask my wife what she thinks it’s for, she says, “Put lime.” She’s exasperating!
Bryan

Keep your cool, Bryan, and keep your eggs cool as well. Your wife is right about sellers not keeping their eggs in coolers–even major retailers who should know better, but you win this argument. Raw eggs in the shell need to be refrigerated at 5 – 7 degrees (41 – 45 Fahrenheit), preferably near the back of the refrigerator (not in that door-mounted egg rack, Bryan). Eggs stored in the fridge are safe for 3 to 5 weeks. Once chilled, they need to stay cold.  Refrigerated eggs should not be left out at room temperature more than 2 hours.

Toilet Toils
My toilet has a leak or a drip or something, Andy. Actually, it’s like a subtle stream of water along the inner wall of the bowl. At first I thought it was an illusion because all I saw was slight movement in the water that sits in the bowl. But my last water bill was nearly twice normal, so I took a closer look at the toilet and saw water trickling down the side of the bowl. Do I need to call a plumber or is it a simple fix that I might do myself?
Harlan

It’s probably something you can fix yourself, Harlan. The symptoms you describe usually occur when the flapper valve (see image of the valve, which also is called stopper, tank-ball, seal or disk; it’s the rubbery plug attached to the lift chain) becomes worn or distorted and doesn’t seal the tank. Or it may be that the gasket or rubber washer surrounding the valve has worn down or become congested with grime. Either problem is an easy fix. Remove the tank cover and check the rubber gasket first. Wipe with an old rag, being certain to remove any rust and/or grunge. If the water stream ceases, you’ve solved your problem (until the next time the gasket needs cleaning). If water is still falling along the sides of your toilet bowl, examine the gasket for deterioration. If it is crumbling or frayed, replace it. If that is not the problem, you will have to empty the tank, remove the flapper, and replace it with a new one. The part is inexpensive and easy to install.

Knobby Question
We recently moved into a house in which one of the bathroom doors has what I think is called a “reversed lock set.” The latch normally stays recessed inside the door. When you turn the doorknob, the latch comes out. Also, you cannot lock the door using the button. I want to fix the latch, so it operates normally–like all the other doors in the house.
Jason

If I understand your problem, Jason, I believe all you need to do is take off the two knobs. One should have an Allen screw then other will be attached to the shaft that runs through the door. Once apart, look at the mechanism and turn it 90 degrees so that the latch is now out. Then reattach the knobs.

Cool Tips
We expected the weather to be cooler by now, Andy, and that our power bills would be lower. But, in fact, we are using our AC more lately than we did around Songkran–which I thought was the hot season. Anyway, we need to pinch pennies (or satang) and we’re hoping you can make some money-saving suggestions for beating the heat cheaply.
Carly and Tik

Many of us share your views about the lingering heat in and around Pattaya this year, Carly and Tik. I assume you’re already operating your air conditioner efficiently–setting it a degree or two higher than you feel is ideal, turning it up another couple degrees while you’re out and about, keeping it properly maintained, etc. Beyond that, you can save money and energy if you buy an automatic, programmable thermostat to change temperature settings to match your schedules throughout the day and night. Other changes that will help cool your home include painting walls a light color, applying a reflective coating to the roof to reduce the amount of heat inside, and installing energy efficient windows. New windows offer a high return on investment through reducing power bills and increasing your home’s value. You also can use curtains, blinds, drapes and natural landscaping to shut out the sun’s rays, and remember to operate your clothes washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven and other heat-producing appliances in the morning or at night.

Dirty DVDs
andy, can you please repeat your advice on cleaning cd’s, dvd discs, that you gave several months ago.
Paul

I don’t remember what I said several months ago, Paul, but for a routine cleaning of discs your best bet is wiping them gently with a microfiber cloth–the same kind of cloth you might use to clean eyeglasses, monitors, laptops or LCD monitors. If you have a dirty DVD that hasn’t been cleaned for a while or it’s sticky or greasy, put some alcohol or window cleaner on a clean, soft cotton cloth and wipe the disc from the center to the outside edge in straight lines. Allow the disc to dry thoroughly–sitting in a veriticle position–before returning it to its case. You can treat minor scratches with a dab of toothpaste mixed with water, buffing gently using your finger. Rinse and let dry.

Closing Line
The thief who stole the Pattaya Today calendar got 12 months.

–Handy Andy

Quick Tip
To keep butter from sliding around on the butter dish, submerge the dish in hot water for a minute or so, then quickly dry it off, put the butter stick on the dish and place in the refrigerator. When cooled, the butter will not slide around on the dish. That’sbecause the bottom layer of the butter softens when placed on the hot dish, then hardens and adheres to the dish when chilled in the fridge.

Clean Screen
I just got my first computer, Andy, and the owner’s manual is written in Thai (which I cannot read). So I need to ask you: what is the best way to clean the screen? Do I need special cleaning products or what?
Lisa

No, Lisa, you don’t have to spend your money on expensive cleaners specially formulated for computer screens. If your monitor is LCD, you can use plane rubbing alcohol. Just remember that LCD screens are fragile; never use any type of rough cloth or paper towel that could scratch it. Instead, choose a clean microfiber cloth. And don’t use a lot of pressure when wiping it down. Just place a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the cloth and wipe gently, then dry (gently) with a clean cloth. If your computer screen is glass, clean it using a microfiber cloth moistened with plain water.

Wind Screen
Hi Andy. The windscreen on my car, when it rains, comes up all smeary and greasy, but perfectly clear when dry. I have tried all sorts of glass cleaners to try and get it grease free but to no avail. What are your suggestions. Many thanks for your great section in the Pattaya Today.
Graham

Thanks for your kind comment, Graham. As to your windscreen, you might solve your problem with a thorough cleaning of your windscreen and the application of a protectant such as Wizard Anti-Rain, Karshine Rainoff, a similar Turtle Wax product, or any such protectant. While shopping, pick up a microfiber cloth, white vinegar, distilled water, and a spray bottle. When you’re ready to clean your windscreen, mix a 50-50 solution of clear distilled vinegar with the distilled water. With your car out of the sun, spray one side of the microfiber cloth with the vinegar solution, then climb into the passenger side of your car and wipe down the interior of the windscreen. When you’ve cleaned it thoroughly, turn the cloth over and use that dry side to wipe up any wet spots and remove any smudges. Now spray the 50-50 formula liberally onto the exterior of the windscreen. Let it sit for about 15 seconds before using the cloth to clean the entire surface. Then turn the cloth over and wipe it all again–making certain to remove any smudges, bugs, grease, etc. When the entire surface is dry, shake the protectant container vigorously and pour some onto a clean towel (or any soft cloth). Rub the liquid onto half of the exterior windscreen using a pattern of small circular motions. Use more as needed. Momentarily, you should see a haze. With a clean cloth, buff until the haze is gone. Repeat the process on the other half of the windscreen. Then, with another clean cloth, polish the entire window to thoroughly remove all haze and any swirls. Windshield protectants, available at HomeWorks, Big C, and other retail outlets, will almost certainly improve your ability to see through your windshield when it’s raining and especially at night. Remember, too, to clean and treat your wipers regularly and replace them when cracked.

Grilling Question
Khun Andy, now it rain not too much here so we use barbeque outside more for our meal and also when have family and friends. My wife tell to me I must to clean grill, so maybe you know about easy way to do. Also, some friend say must to clean grill after use but my wife say wait to clean before next time make BBQ. Who is right.
Banchaa

My preference is cleaning the grill right after using it, Banchaa. That makes it easier to clean, reduces bacteria build-up on the grill, and keeps it ready to use at a moment’s notice. The best way to tackle the task is to use a good wire brush to remove any food residue. Do this while the grate is still warm. If brushing doesn’t remove all the grease, grime and leftover food, soak the grate in hot, soapy water. That will moisten stubborn grunge and help clean parts of the grate that are unreachable when it’s still on the grill. For a particularly nasty grill, use an oven cleaner to thoroughly sanitize all the nooks and crannies. For ‘greener’ cleaner, instead of using commercial cleaning products you can spray the grill with vinegar and let it soak for a few minutes, then scrub off the residue. Whatever cleaning method you use, rinse the grill thoroughly and completely before barbecuing food on it.

Growing Concerns
My wife and I are thinking about starting a garden, Andy. Maybe some veggies. Any tips?
Alfred and Rai

Starting out is the most difficult step in gardening, requiring time, energy, and money. You’ll need the right gardening tools, a lesson on the basics, and a clear idea of what you want to grow. Begin with fertile soil. Composts can provide all the nutrients that plants require in order to thrive, but it takes considerable time for composts to break down to the consistency of soil. A quicker remedy for your garden plot could be the composted manure available from a plant nursery or home center. If you know of a livestock farm in the area, you may be able to acquire some well-aged manure cheap. This will provide much of the same plant-sustaining foods, like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, as fertilizers do. The ideal fertilizers for vegetable gardens will contain an equal balance of these three. (Avoid lawn fertilizers because they contain a high percentage of nitrogen, which your veggies will not appreciate.) Now for the real work: using your garden hoe, break up the ground of your intended planting area, and create some evenly spaced rows about a meter apart. Mix your compost, manure and/or fertilizer in thoroughly with the dirt that comprises the mounds. Now you’re ready to plant. Some vegetables that are easier for beginners to grow include greens (like lettuce and spinach), acorn squash, carrots, radishes and corn. After selecting your seed packets, follow the directions on the back of each one carefully, especially when spacing the seeds out in the ground. Even if your garden is free of weeds it will still have a hard time if plants start choking each other. So give everything ample room to grow.

Closing Line
A katoey is a guy who likes to eat, drink and be Mary…or Muu.

–Handy Andy

Before you wear a new garment, put a little clear nail polish on the front and back of each button. Buttons will stay on longer when their threads are sealed.

Dream Weaver

Can you help me please, i have 4 outside metal table chairs that are very comfortable but the plastic wicker has gone and need recovering ,do you or any of your readers know anyone that does this, it doesn’t have to be the same materials

Gary Davis

Dream on, Gary­­no one in Pattaya does that kind of work, as far as I know. Readers who know of anyone locally who does furniture reweaving may contact me at AndyPattayaToday@gmail.com. As an option, Gary, you might consider buying new patio furniture (2,000 baht for a set at HomePro), or just new chairs; the price would probably be comparable to repair costs.

Case Chase

Dear Andy, I have an enormous DVD collection which takes up a huge amount of space in my bedroom. I am looking for special DVD cases or containers that allows me to store large numbers of discs and covers in a substantially reduced space. Do you know anywhere that sells such containers?

Alan

If by ‘enormous’ you mean thousands of DVDs, Alan, I have been unable to identify any such containers locally. That said, Office Depot (next to Home Works on Sukhumvit at South Pattaya Road) sells a convenient case that holds up to 120 DVDs; the price is 395 baht. If you need more storage, Super Media Store (on line) offers a wide variety of cases with capacities ranging from 60 DVDs (about 200 baht) to 1,000 DVDs (about 1,600 baht). Ordering, however, gets somewhat complicated because the US­based company will ship to Thailand only if you make arrangements with a third party mail­forwarding service. Contact Super Media Store at http://www.supermediastore.com/category/u/cd­dvd­blu­ray­storage­case­cases

Tank Attack

Andy, i have two 800 litres blue pvc water tanks on my roof, the problem is the inside walls of the tanks get a black fungus growing on them, when the water level drops sometimes i can peel bits of it off, it looks like a sheet of thin latex. Is there anything i can add to the water to prevent this.

Trevor

Sorry to hear that your water tank problem continues, Trevor, having received that identical question from you several years ago. I am even more sorry to say that I still do not have a fully satisfactory answer for you. However, I understand that there is a product available that may (I stress the word “may”) help. It is called Sprayguard. It is a spray that safely cleans and sanitises rainwater containers, the company claims, using an antimicrobial agent that works for up to a year to prohibit the growth of bacteria and rainwater discolouring algae on the internal surfaces of water tanks (both above ground and under ground). One final “sorry to say,” Sprayguard is not yet available here. The British company is actively seeking an agent in Asia. Interested parties may contact Al Tunnington, managing director, at info@sprayguard.co.uk.

Anti­Septic Aversion

Thanks for an always interesting questions and answers spread in Pattaya Today. I have moved to a house and have become very aware of things not to do to upset the dreaded septic tank system. How do I keep the toilets and urinals in pristine white condition without using any of the harsh toilet cleaning products on offer?

Rick

As a reader of Ask Andy, you no doubt know that I am a big fan of vinegar for all kinds of things. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and economical. White distilled vinegar is a safe household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity, yet it is safe for septic tanks. I can’t promise that it will get everything in your bathroom ‘pristine white’ but if your toilet, shower, etc., are now pristine white, then vinegar will help keep them that way. For difficult stains, you can make a safe scouring cleanser mixing about 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon liquid detergent and enough vinegar to make a creamy paste.

Here are some other uses for white distilled vinegar in your bathroom:

*Shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup. Use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon vinegar.

*Clean and deodorize drains. Pour in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.

*Remove calcium deposits on faucets. Soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and wrap the area tightly. Let sit a couple of hours or overnight.

*Remove soap buildup from faucets. Scrub them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts vinegar.

*Rid faucets of lime deposits. Tie a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of vinegar around it and leave it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrub with an old toothbrush.

*Kill germs all around the bathroom. Spray full­strength vinegar and wipe clean with damp cloth.

*Remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door. Wipe with undiluted vinegar. Rinse with water.

*Spray shower doors with full­strength vinegar after you’ve wiped down the glass or plastic (preferably with a squeegee), or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the door.

*Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a four litres of warm water.

*Remove stubborn bathtub film. Wipe with vinegar and then scour with baking soda.

*Clean shower door tracks. Fill them with vinegar and let sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

*Clean scummy showerhead. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

*Deodorize the toilet bowl. Allow 3 cups vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

*Make the toilet bowl sparkle. Pour in a cup or more of vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Closing Line

Writing with a broken pencil is pointless.

­­Handy Andy