Here are some simple tips on detecting dirt, which, if it's not eliminated immediately, will only increase in strength day by day, resulting in health risks and posing a danger to the stability and competitiveness of the Kingdom.

Dirt camouflages well, since not all types are muddy brown. It tends to blend in with the surrounding environment, and so on the surface you haven't a clue it's there. At times, you might even blame your own senses for playing tricks on you. Or even worse, think that maybe you're paranoid.

As more dirt gathers, you'll start noticing the stain that begins to form, but the build-up might be so subtle that you think it can't do any harm. In fact, you won't feel a difference, even though now it's all round you. So at this stage, you might just be too lazy even to care. After all, life goes on.

But don't worry if you're one of these people. It's quite common. There are more important things to do each day than care about a little dirt that's just starting to form a visible but light stain.

The dirt at this point is very happy, of course, because it feels it can do as it pleases. More of it gathers and begins to destroy its environment. If you look closely, you might even detect the dirt molecules giggling wildly, because they are not being held responsible for their own actions. Some will even declare they will not back down for any reason whatsoever.

Funny thing, though, but dirt tends to attract more dirt, and so in the end it all clods together, forming a strong network that permeates the very fabric of its environment. One clump of dirt takes charge here, another starts to form a stain there, and others create a horrible stench.

Light stains turn into darker ones, and now no one can ignore it any longer. The sight alone is unbearable, but at this point the dirt is usually coupled with a bad odour. It's in the air; you can smell it. A strong, piercing smell, and any sane mind would realise that something fishy - Oops! Something really dirty is going on.

Cleaning helps, but now that the dirt has formed such a strong grip, it's not easy to wash away. There are several ways of cleaning it, but whatever the method, you must make sure it doesn't resurface any time soon.

If not cleaned properly, it will surely pop up again in no time, especially if its network remains alive and well. See, dirt is pretty clever - it learns to wait until when we're not looking to strike again.

The worst-case scenario is leaving the dirt alone for so long that it radiates both a dark stain and a strong smell. That's a signal that says, "We rule the place and legitimately so, because no one objects to our presence."

And some types of dirt just refuse to leave no matter how hard you try to get rid of them. They simply clings on for dear life, even with curses hurled at them from all sides.

The good news, though, is that all types of dirt can actually be totally washed away. You just need the right detergent and the proper equipment to clean them up. Some bacteria and germs can resist the cleaning process better than others, but sooner or later they, too, will get washed down the drain.

Oh, by the way, this is all about keeping your toilets clean! In case you didn't know, yesterday was designated "Big Cleaning Day", and so if you haven't done your part in killing all the germs and making your toilet environment pleasant and inviting, please do so now.

The Public Health Ministry warns of contracting illnesses like diarrhoea, hepatitis and cholera that are related to dirty toilets. This is no laughing matter, because toilets in around 10 per cent of the 30,000 schools nationwide have been found below the desired hygienic standard, and so all schools are being urged to teach their students proper toilet use. Temples and government offices around the country are also cleaning up their act, in a bid to create a friendlier toiler-user environment.

Well, maybe it's time the ministry also considered campaigning for a "Mouth Washing Day", because some people have such terribly bad breath that their words stink for miles and miles.

Don't you agree?

Veenarat Laohapakakul