Dryer Fire Safety

 

One of the tasks we managed to complete during lockdown

was cleaning out the dryer vent.

It's suggested to do this at least once a year,

depending on how much laundry you do.

Not only is this important for the life of the dryer,

it could save your life.

Along with making it easier for the dryer to do its job,

keeping the lint filter and vents free and clear of sediment

helps your dryer work more efficiently and quickly.

 

The lint that builds up in the vent is highly flammable,

and if the vent gets clogged, it can start a fire.  

It can also prevent CO gases from exiting the system outside

and keep it circulating within the laundry area.

 

This brush, with the extended handle,

is a tool that makes the job a breeze.

It can be used with a power drill, to make the task even easier.

The brush can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores.

 

Our laundry space is in a hallway closet,

we don't have a separate laundry room (yet).

Now, you know I wouldn't show this to anyone unless I thought it could help.

This is what the floor underneath the dryer looked like.

Ugh.

I doubt it's ever been cleaned under,

but since the dryer had to be moved to get to the vent,

we took the opportunity to tidy up while we were there.

 

 

The hose connecting from the dryer to the vent hole in the floor (on the rear right),

was removed and we could get to work.

With the Shop Vac and my usual floor cleaner of hot water and vinegar,

the grunge was sent down the bathroom sink.

We placed the brush into the hole and got out a mess of debris.

The second part of this task was to locate the vent on the outside of the house,

and clean it out as well.

You may be surprised at all the junk that makes its way out.

All of this debris can be composted,

or if you don't use dryer sheets (I use dryer balls),

it can actually be left outside for the birds to use in nest making.

I even know someone who puts it in her worm bin.

The back of the washer and dryer were thoroughly cleaned.

The side where the washing machine sat was no better.

For some reason, this side was sticky and I found a stack of newspapers

wadded up behind it, along with a few stray kids' socks.

This tile will be replaced when we redo the bathroom floors,

but at least it's cleaner until we tackle that job.

We will be moving the laundry to another part of the house,

and this closet will become our pantry and storage area.

Looking forward to making this spot more efficient!

Every time I opened the doors of the laundry closet,

the area in front of the washer and dryer really bothered me.

It was full of nasty grunge and gunk. 

Ahhh, that's better. 

More importantly,

our family feels a bit safer,

knowing that we have maintained this often forgotten space.

It will be an annual chore that can be accomplished in minutes.

Our safety is well worth the time and effort.