5 Appliances and Areas to Clean to Help Prevent House Fires
Like others, you may never leave an open flame unattended, but do you regularly clean your dryer vents? It’s easy to forget about tasks that involve home systems that are usually out of sight, but regular home maintenance is one of the easiest ways to prevent fires.
The Dryer
In 2010–2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. The most common culprits? The lint trap and the exhaust vent. Accumulated lint keeps the dryer from venting hot air, overheating the machine. Lint is highly flammable, and excessive heat, or even a stray spark from a malfunctioning heating element, is all it takes to catch on fire.
Clear the lint trap every time you run the machine. Examine your exhaust vent at least once a year and clean out any buildup. (Disconnecting and reconnecting the vent pipe is fairly straightforward, but you can always call an expert.) If you use your machine more than average, you should clean it more often. If you notice that your clothes aren’t drying as well as they used to or that the outside of the machine feels unusually hot, you’re probably overdue. Finally, avoid overstuffing the dryer; the bigger the load, the more heat it takes to dry it.
HVAC Systems
Similarly, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation units can become fire hazards if not kept clear. The system must work harder to push air through a filter clogged with dust or pet hair, again putting it at risk of overheating. Check the packaging on your air filter to see how often you should replace or clean it — one to every three months is typical, depending on the filter type. You should also clear leaves or other debris from outdoor units regularly. Once a year, call in some professionals to have the whole system serviced. The improved air quality and energy efficiency are good secondary motivations.
Stove and Oven
Oven upkeep is pretty simple: If something spills or splashes, wipe it up as soon as possible, and once a month, do a full clean, scrubbing the whole interior with warm soapy water (remove the racks first). It can be tempting to rely on the self-clean feature, but to incinerate all food particles, a self-cleaning oven can reach an astonishing 900 F, which can easily start an accidental fire. Firefighters recommend avoiding the self-cleaning feature altogether, but if you are going to use it, do a basic cleaning beforehand to diminish the amount of flammable material. And, of course, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Stovetops should be wiped down after every use and regularly deep cleaned. Wash gas burners by hand and clear out any crumbs or grime underneath. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before you use them next.
Kitchen Range Hood and Filters
When you cook on a stovetop, the range hood draws in the smoke, heat, and grease to cool and protect the kitchen. Over time, grease and other flammable contaminants can build up in the range hood filter. If you use your stove daily, you should clean the hood and filter about once a month. Power everything down, remove the filters and fan blades, and wipe clean with a degreaser and a sponge or soft cloth.
Electrical Panels and Outlets
Poking around in wiring can be intimidating, but it’s safe if you switch off the breaker that controls the outlet or panel you’re cleaning (and any connected circuits). Unscrew the outlet cover, clear any dust with a dry cloth or a can of compressed air, and clean the inside with a slightly damp rag and a tiny amount of dish soap. Dry thoroughly before turning the power back on. The process is similar for an electrical panel, except you should never use any kind of moisture inside.
Even if you regularly clean these appliances and minimize fire hazards, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
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