This week is the second set of products that I like to call “My Survival Kit”.  Its products that are so helpful around the house – which you need them just to survive.  Like last week, let me tell you that these items are available at most hardware stores, but I will put in the website address if they have one.
 
Drain Flow: use to unstop clogs in sinks, tubs and shower.  This product dissolves hair and other “goo” that gets trapped in drains and causes them to drain slowly (www.roebic.com).
M-1 Wallpaper Remover:  Use to easily remove old wallpaper.  Apply with a brush, roller or sponge.  www.jomaps.com
Paper Tiger:  This tool will help you remove wallpaper because it perforates the wallpaper and then the remover can get behind the paper.  But it doesn’t harm the drywall.  
Stick-EZ:  This product is for sticking back down the edges of wallpaper.  If the paper has become hard, dampen the edge and then use the Stick EZ to anchor the paper back down.
Fusion:  This was the 1st spray paint that worked on plastic, made by Krylon.  I think it is the best.  www.krylon.com
Feed and Wax:  Use to clean and polish wood cabinets and furniture.  
Goof Off:  Use to remove dried latex paint, lipstick, crayons marks, gum tar grease, oil and wax from most household surfaces.  This includes doors, floors, cabinets, furniture carpets, brick, glass and most metals and some fabrics.  
Grip On:  Makes bathtubs, terrazzo, marble and tile slip resistant.  www.safetysealproducts.com
Grip & Seal:  This primer made by Coronado paint can let you paint on shiny surfaces with out sanding.  Also seals water marks and stains.  Allows paint to bond to laminate, paneling and priming for wallpaper.  
Jomax:  Use to clean mildew on roofs and siding.  Combine one pint of Jomax with 3 pts. of bleach and 2 ½ gal. of water in a pump up sprayer.  Spray it on the roof or siding, scrub any stubborn stains with an old brush or broom then rinse.
 
Now to the e-mail….. 
 
Question:  I hope you can help me.  I have a spill on my driveway that I’ve been trying to get up for a while now.  During Ike, we spilled some hot citronella wax on the driveway.  It’s turned black and I can’t get it up.  Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:  Wax will come up with paint thinner and a brush and rag.  If that doesn’t do it use the Drive Up, it removes all kinds of oil stains.  
 
Question:  We just put in a new deck with special treated wood.  We were told to wait a year before putting on a weather sealer.  It is on the lake and weathers quickly.  Can we put the sealer down now?  
Answer:  In Texas, all you have to wait is 3 months!  Go ahead and do your project.
 
Question:  I always look forward to your articles.  So much good information.  I’m starting a scrapbook of handyman ideas.  My problem is a loud squealing noise from the toilet every time I flush.  Can you tell me how to stop it with out calling in a plumber?
Answer:  It’s time to change out the ballcock.  That is the tall valve that fills the tanks.  The one to replace it with is called the “Fluidmaster” cost less than $10.  No plumber needed.  First, turn off the water to the toilet (under the tank) and flush.  Take the water left in the tank out with a small towel or sponge.  Under the tank there is a nut holding the valve to the tank, loosen the nut and out will come the valve, insert the new one.  Bingo, it’s a 5 minute job.  Adjust the float to the height of the old one.  
 
Question:  We have both ceramic tile and wood laminate floors in our home.  It doesn’t matter how much I sweep, vacuum or mop, they just don’t stay clean.  My baby’s hands, knees, and tops of his feet are filthy, any advice?
Answer:  Make sure you have a good clean pleated filter in your return air and just put central unit on “blower” only.  It will take out all the dust and dirt out of the air and then put the product “Quick Shine” on the floors.  Make sure that your filter is rated a Merv 7 or 8 and replace it every 3 months.  Now that 1st one will probably only last a couple of weeks.

Got a question for Johnnie? Tune in to Johnnie's radio show Saturday mornings on KKYX from 11-12 or call (21) 341-1573. Reach him on the web at www.AcmeLumber.com.