By Terry Sovil from the May 2017 Edition
Those beautiful beaches in Manzanillo can have a few draw- backs. We’re going to focus on trying to 
protect your stuff from the oxidation and rust that our ocean seems to share.
These are common worries for those fortunate enough to live right on the beach.
- “I worry about my computer, stereo equipment, TV, outdoor furniture, outdoor “
- “My friend’s house is less than 100 meters/yards from the beach. His windows are open most of the time with a fan- tastic breeze coming through. After 2 years many of the screws in a very expensive oven were rusted! A/C condenser coils didn’t last much ”
“I lived on the beach for 3 years. Appliances and electronics were not affected. The house was close to the beach but I didn’t keep the windows open much.”
Protecting your stuff is complicated due to the huge variety of appliances and electronics. They have 
different electrical prop- erties and needs, so they all need different types of protection.
Here are some basic tips for phones, tablets, laptops, cam- eras etc.:
- Keep them out of the sun. Direct sunlight is never your friend. Keep your devices in cool, shady
- Cover any open ports. USB ports, headphone jacks, mem- ory chips
- Keep the exhaust vents open! It is good to cover ports but keep the vents open!
Heat is a major enemy of a laptop
- Know where the intakes are and keep them free of dust.
- Be aware that pillows, blankets or your legs may be blocking these
- If you can, put your laptop on a hard, flat
- Look for a stand such as Steklo – X-Stand such as the one
- Clean with compressed air. Dust is not your friend. Pur- chase a can of compressed air at Office Depot. Use short bursts only. If your laptop overheats or is running slow, take it to ARHO for a cleaning!
-
- Use silica gel or a product such as “Damp Rid” in smaller spaces
- Keep your devices inside an airtightAvoid wide temperature swings! Fast changes in tempera- ture causes condensation. Wait a few minutes for your de- vice to “acclimate” when moving from an air conditioned space to outside or vice Keep the humidity low!
- I store my laptop in my backpack and keep a few packets of silica gel inside.
- The beach isn’t for your laptop. You may look cool, but you are getting tiny bits of sand in your vents, in your ports and between your
For Stereo Systems and TVs
You could buy a really nice marine stereo system. They come with radios, CD/DVD players and input jacks to pump your mu- sic from another external device. These units are sealed. You can buy really good speakers designed to be in boats. They are DC so you may have to wire and adjust powering.
Keep the unit out of the sun. Keep it in a protected area. Cover it when not in use.
The problem with any stereo or TV system is corrosion on the wires connecting the device to your speakers or to an external antenna, etc. Once you have them connected, you can coat them with a simple silicone sealant which will protect them for a long time.
Windows
Consider fiberglass framed doors and windows! Vinyl and aluminum are good choices but they would not 
be as anti- corrosive as fiberglass. Use hot-dipped metal galvanized or stainless steel fasteners when you have to use metal. For sliding glass doors and screens, the rollers are best replaced with stainless steel. They will still rust but it is the best option.
Keep the windows and frames, all of your exterior surfaces, clean. Rinse with fresh water. The longer something stays damp, the higher the possibility of corrosion. For metal window fasteners and hinges, spray with WD-40 (Water Displacement- 40), or silicone spray, to help slow corrosion.
Bathrooms / Kitchens
Mold loves damp spots and can grow on just about anything. Inspect all areas of your home where water spray may leak in- side. Stop the leak. Promote air circulation with fans or fresh air. If you find mold or mildew in shower corners, scrub the surface with some mild detergent, dry, and then apply a mix- ture of 1/4 cup bleach to one quart of water. Use anti-fungal cleaners regularly. Inspect and repair bathroom caulking, and squeegee shower doors after use.
For kitchens, you might want to apply a protective wax to metal-front appliances to repel water and rust damage.
Outdoor Furniture
Patio furniture takes a severe beating from the ocean air and moisture. One of the best ways to protect your furniture is to cover it when not in use and overnight. Also be sure to remove salt buildup by rinsing your furniture often (weekly is recom- mended) and drying it with a soft cloth. A gentle wash with dishwashing soap is good. Further protection can be effected by applying a coat of car wax or other polishing compound every couple of months.
Handy tip:
Here is a product that is supposed to help… https://www.nocorrosion.com/
Download the full edition or view it online
—
Terry is a founding partner and scuba instructor for Aquatic Sports and Adventures (Deportes y Aventuras Acuáticas) in Manzanillo. A PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) Master Instructor in his 36th year as a PADI Professional. He also holds 15 Specialty Instructor Course ratings. Terry held a US Coast Guard 50-Ton Masters (Captain’s) License. In his past corporate life, he worked in computers from 1973 to 2005 from a computer operator to a project manager for companies including GE Capital Fleet Services and Target. From 2005 to 2008, he developed and oversaw delivery of training to Target’s Loss Prevention (Asset Protection) employees on the West Coast, USA. He led a network of 80+ instructors, evaluated training, performed needs assessments and gathered feedback on the delivery of training, conducted training in Crisis Leadership and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention to Target executives. Independently, he has taught hundreds of hours of skills-based training in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, SCUBA and sailing and managed a staff of Project Managers at LogicBay in the production of multi-media training and web sites in a fast-paced environment of artists, instructional designers, writers and developers, creating a variety of interactive training and support products for Fortune 1000 companies.
