Blocking ceiling stains and preventing mildew

Blocking ceiling stainsand preventing mildew
Zinsser has come up with a new stain-blocking primer for ceilings that comes in an aerosol can.
It's called Covers Up. Zinsser says one coat permanently blocks most common ceiling stains, among them water, nicotine, smoke and graffiti.
It has a flat white finish that matches acoustic ceiling tiles and many white ceiling paints, so it can be used for touching up.
The company says Covers Up doesn't yellow, dries in 30 minutes and can be topcoated in two hours. It can be applied under or over any oil-base or water-base topcoat.
The cost is $3.99.
Also from Zinsser, here are some tips on how to deter mildew in humid spaces:
UInstall exhaust fans and replace solid doors with louvered doors to improve ventilation.
UWipe down shower walls with a dry towel after each use, to reduce moisture in the air and retard mildew growth.
UKill mildew by cleaning surfaces thoroughly with a solution of two cups bleach to one gallon of water, followed by a clean-water rinse.
Taking tools anywherewith portable workshop
Everyone seems to be producing a mobile workshop, so let's take a look at one from Black & amp; Decker. It's a seven-piece cordless power-tool system with a portable Workmate Workbench and a Power Pak tool bag.
The workbench now comes with two wheels.
The Power Pak tool bag has a power strip with six outlets and a 15-foot power cord, and connects to the Workmate.
The bag stores cordless power tools, as well as extra hand tools and the like.
The workshop includes a FireStorm 18-volt drill, an 18-volt circular saw, an 18-volt cut saw, an 18-volt vacuum and an 18-volt work light, a laser level and stud finder, two 18-volt batteries and a charger.
The cost is $299.
The workbench is available at home centers.
Device lets users viewhow the rain measures up
Precipitation totals are calculated from data at the airport, which means nothing unless your house is on the runway.
If you really want to know how much rain has fallen in your neighborhood, you might want to pick up the Acu-Rite wireless rain gauge, manufactured by Chaney Instrument Co.
The gauge has a self-emptying collector that can be set on the ground or mounted on a fence or post.
The receiver can go anywhere in the house up to 300 feet from the collector.
The display on the receiver shows whether it is raining heavily, lightly or not at all.
Cost is $34.99.
For more information, visit www.chaneyinstrument.com on the Web or call (800) 777-0565.
Here are several uses for versatile baking soda
One of the safest and most versatile household cleaning products is probably in your kitchen pantry.
It's no secret that baking soda is great for curing indigestion, brushing one's teeth and even for removing unwanted odors in the refrigerator, but that's only part of its usefulness.
Copper-bottom pots are easily cleaned with a paste of baking soda and lemon juice.
Here's another good one: flush 1 cup of baking soda down the toilet once a week to keep the septic tank clear.
Got a clogged drain? Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a with 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture into the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water.
Having trouble getting rubber gloves onto your hands? Sprinkle a little baking soda inside the gloves; they'll slip right on.
Combined dispatches