For those of you in Florida - see if you can find a concentrated cleaner called "WEB" - (made in Lake Worth, FL by Southland Products Co 561-582-4814 according to the bottle) - sold in Winn-Dixie and at ACE Hardware - combines strong detergent with acid so it removes the soap scum AND hard water stains - just did my shower doors - came out looking new !! - be sure to follow directions for diluting - and rinse well with water -- would suggest a stiff brush or plastic dish scrubber rather than Brillo pad - (aluminum doesn't like steel wool)- works super on tile too - -happy cleaning - Dave

I must also thank all those who advise here. Because of ya'll and the things I've learned here over the last year or so, my HVAC guy says I'm the most informed customer he's had in quite some time. Oddly, we also ended up with the very same system he has in his own home. THANKS AGAIN!

Hey francy, I'm using EK paint in the trim formulation--the ICI Dulux Lifemaster 9200 (see link below), mixed with a tad bit of Floetrol. The paint mostly levels out (DH says it does completely--he's amazed how easy it was for me to get a good finish on melamine), in fact I'd say it's more uniform than the other surfaces I've done with a brush (it occurs to me that I hadn't used floetrol in the other trim I painted--Devine trim paint), but there is a bit of a texture, just an imperceptible bit. But it's all over, not linear. I really like the look of it, but you might not. I think Michael had said to go over it with a brush if you want to get rid of the "stipple", but I would rather leave it as it is--the risk is greater for me than the potential reward. Maybe trying Floetrol will give you greater control, longer workability and leveling than you have now? Just a possibility. When I first tried it I poured out a little paint into a yogurt container and mixed a tiny amount of floetrol into it, just to see what I thought of the different consistencies/workabilities. I much prefer life with Floetrol now. :) AND life with the Jumbo-Koter.

Oh that's true! Your fall is not my fall. Well with mine, when I do cuttings, I usually expect some semblance of roots in a month's time, hence the 1/2 strength fertilizer business. Then about 2 months in, I begin regular full strength on indoor plants because they only get watered once a month and fertilized once a month (for a total two watering sessions). I would fertilize in September and October, then for me, I will usually just water through the winter (Nov to Jan) very intermittently....like maybe once a month if it's indoors. I know some people still lightly fertilize in the winter, too, with indoor plants. I'll leave that part to you. I do not, but fertilizing is considered a real chore for me, haha. Come Feb, I mean spring...so that, too, will differ for you. But how cold is it for you in October? We are basically in Indian summer....so it's pretty hot still with spikes too 100 easily. Just as a general rule of thumb, if it's growing--fertilize. If it's not, stop. And during your coldest months, hold back on everything. What month that is for you will differ from mine though! What temps your house is and the light will also make a difference. Because yours are cuttings and just starting to grow, I think if I were you, I'd opt for lightly fertilizing through this winter, 1/4 dosage or so just to give them sustenance. But that's up to you. :)