Posted on: Friday, July 30, 2004

HOME HANDYMAN
Spritz that moldiness off furniture

By Glenn Haege

Q. I have had to store my belongings in commercial storage for longer than expected, and some of the furniture has gotten mold on it. How can I remove it? I am moving soon, so I have to get this project done right away.

A. Mildew Stain Away by Amazon Premium Products (www.enviro-magic.com), will solve the problem. Spray on and rinse off. You're done.

Q. I have just completed painting the inside of our garage door with Benjamin Moore flat finish wall paint. While working, I failed to see that paint had sprinkled onto the floor and steel structure of the door. What should I do to get these sprinkles off?

A. Use Goof Off by Valspar-McCloskey (www.valspar.com) available at most Home Depot and other hardware stores. Pour Goof Off on facial tissue and blot. The drips should come off easily.

Q. We are having a large party and live on a half-acre of land with wetlands behind us. Unfortunately, our property is way beyond the capability of a can of Yard Guard. We would like to "fog" the day before and morning of the party. Have you got any suggestions?

A. When you are having a party, cut the grass short and apply a mosquito repellent, such as Mosquito Beater by Bonide Products (www.bonide.com). Read the label thoroughly. You have to spread the product at just the right time to have protection for the party. For a large outdoor affair, consider having a pest control company fog the area professionally.

Q. I have an 18-year-old shingle roof, which I am planning to replace with a metal roof. Could you give me some pros and cons regarding these systems and the cost vs. a new asphalt roof?

A. The metal roof probably will cost several times as much but should last longer than the house. For more information, contact American Metal Roofs, www.americanmetalroofs.com.

Q. Is there any product strong enough to clean cedar fencing that will not kill the wildflowers I have planted at the base of the fence?

A. As you know, wildflowers are very delicate. If you have to brighten the fence, try phosphoric acid, which is used as an antioxidant in food and a flavor agent in jellies. Products based on this very gentle ingredient are Bio-Wash Simple Wash and Penofin Weatherblaster. Deluge the area with water until the plants cannot drink in a single drop more and the ground is saturated. Use either product. Rinse the fence and surrounding area thoroughly. If the fence just needs a gentle cleaning, deluge the area, then use a 40-to-1 solution of Simple Green and water.

Glenn Haege writes for the Detroit News. Write to Ask Glenn, Master Handyman Press, P.O. Box 1498, Royal Oak, MI 48068-1498 or e-mail askglenn@masterhandyman.com.