Terisa Tribble, 127 TCCS

Here in Thailand, we are away from the creature comforts we associate with home back in the US of A.  Maybe you do not like to use chemicals or you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint.  Whatever the reason, you are in need of some DIY relief.

I’ve created a list of  DIY household hacks/tips for those of us that can no longer get weekly manicures, find stain removers or need to get rid of insects.  I have tried most of these and found that they work.

These everyday ingredients can be found here in Thailand.

Laundry

Whiten White Clothes

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda (Hydrochloric Acid)

Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent (not available in Thailand but if you get someone to send you some…)is the best – for a cheaper solution use regular Thai liquid dish detergent (not as effective but still works!).  Mix ingredients together into a paste.  Apply to stained area.  Leave on for a few hours, then wash as usual.

Cleaning

Mopping Floors

• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent
• 1 cup of baking soda
• 2 gallons of warm water

Unclogging a Sink

• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 large pot of boiling water

Pour baking soda into the drain first, then vinegar and finally hot boiling water.  If you can plug the sink up (rag or plug), then do so for about 15-30 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with more hot water.

Spilled Nail Polish

• White sugar

Pour white sugar liberally on the spilled nail polish.  The sugar will make it clump up and it can be swept up.  (look below for tips on ants…)

Hygiene

Whiten Teeth

• Small bit of toothpate
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide
• ½ teaspoon of water

Mix all ingredients.  Brush your teeth for two minutes.  Brush with this solution once a week until you reach the results you want.  Then maintain by brushing with solution once every month or two.

Callus Remover

• ¼ cup of Listerine
• ¼ cup of vinegar
• ½ cup of warm or hot water

Let feet soak for 10-15 minutes.  I like to use a pumice stone or foot file…  when done, wipe with a cloth/towel.

Mosquito Bite Relief

The following items, used individually, are supposed to relieve the itching of a mosquito bite:

• Deodorant – (I’ve tried this one and it worked for me)
• Salt and saliva
• orajel
• Apple cider vingar
• Lemon or lime slice

Whiten Nails

• warm water
• baking soda
• hydrogen peroxide

Either make a paste and apply to nails-let the paste sit on nails for 5 minutes.  Or make a solution with very warm water and soak nails for 1 minute.

Facial scrub/Acne relief

• Baking soda with water mixed into a paste to exfoliate the skin.
• Dab of honey over a zit.  Cover with a band aid over night.
• Head & Shoulders shampoo gets rid of acne on your chest and back.
• Apple cider vinegar and water as a toner.

Ground, coarse oatmeal and honey facial mask (honey has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).

Insect Control

Ant Deterrent

• 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent
• spray bottle

Mix solution in spray bottle along with water.

Ants cannot digest cornmeal.  It’s supposed to work…