If You Don’t Clean These Items, They Become a Fire Hazard!
We all try to keep the living room tidy and
the countertop clean, but it’s easy to forget about the nooks and
crannies that are usually out of our sight. Cleaning these hidden spots
is extremely important - not only for hygiene’s sake but also for your
safety. If left untouched for too long, the dirt accumulating in these
areas can become a real fire hazard. We rounded up 10 spots you must add
to your regular cleaning routine to keep your home and family safe.
1. Air conditioners
Summer is fast approaching, and that means
that air conditioner use will soon rise significantly. Even though an
air conditioner is meant to cool down a home, neglecting to clean it
could potentially lead to a fire.
When cleaning your air conditioner, you want to make sure that the
filters don’t accumulate too much dust and that the wiring is fully
intact. Broken wires can easily happen as a result of wear and tear. If
the wire is totally broken, the risk is low, but if it’s only partially
broken or frayed, power continues to flow with increased resistance.
This causes overheating and can potentially start an electrical fire. To
prevent that, experts recommend cleaning your air conditioner unit
thoroughly every three months.
2. Toasters
The toaster is one of the most commonly
used appliances in many homes, and as such, it needs to be cleaned
regularly. Otherwise, it can become a fire hazard. Crumbs easily
accumulate at the bottom of the toaster. When the appliance is used
again, those crumbs can be reheated and start giving off smoke. Cheese
and other ingredients can also melt onto the heating panel, which is
even more dangerous.
To stay safe, it’s best to clean the crumbs after every use and make
sure that nothing is left on the heat source.
3. Pests and rodents 
When pests invade your home, the first
thing to come to mind is the potential health hazards they bring. What
many people tend to forget is that rodents can also increase the risk of
a fire. Rodents and birds both like to nest in and on buildings. They
seek out small voids like chimneys, vents, and nooks in the walls, and
usually make their nests out of flammable materials like lint, bits of
fabric, dead grass, and paper. Rodents are also known for their love of
gnawing on things, including electrical wires and cables.
If you are not taking measures to ensure these critters stay out of your
home, like setting traps and keeping the kitchen clean, you could find
yourself ending up in a "volatile" situation.
4. Bathroom exhaust fans
The bathroom exhaust fan is one of the most
overlooked fire hazards in the home. Newer models usually have
thermally protected motors that shut off automatically when the motor is
overheated. However, older bathroom fans do not have this safety
feature.
So, when dust and debris are choking the motor and the fan cover is
clogged by dust, the motor can easily overheat and start a fire. If you
have an old exhaust fan in your bathroom, it’s vital that you clean the
fan cover at least once a year and the motor itself every few years.
5. Outdoor grills
Cooking outside can be a great summer
experience, but unfortunately, grill fire accidents are all too common
during the warmer months. We’re not saying that you should let go of
your beloved barbecues, but be sure to properly clean up and store your
grill after each use. Grease build-up is a common cause for fires, so
don't underestimate the importance of scrubbing or wiping down your
grill after each use.
When cooking on a charcoal grill, always make sure that the coals are
fully extinguished when you’re finished. When you no longer see any red
glow on the coals, hose it down with water, and stir up the coals until
they turn into an almost liquid mixture.
6. Dryer vents
According to the National Fire Protection
Association, nearly 17,000 clothes dryer fires are reported each year.
To lower that risk, it’s important to clean the lint from your dryer and
the dryer vent on a regular basis. Otherwise, lint can gradually build
up and catch fire in the heating element or exhaust duct.
7. Unwashed rags and cloths
An item as simple as an oily rag used for
staining left in the garage or basement can start a house fire. That’s
because a chemical reaction between cotton and certain oil-based stains
can cause spontaneous combustion.
After using a cotton rag for oil staining, it should be placed in a
metal can with a tight-fitting lid and soaked in a solution of water and
laundry detergent for three days. Only then it can be disposed of
safely.
8. Hairdryers
If a hairdryer is used every day, hair and
dust start to build up inside the appliance. Not only is it unhygienic,
but it can also be downright hazardous. If the appliance smells like
burned hair or occasionally shocks you, these are clear signs that it
needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Cleaning the hairdryer is simple and shouldn’t take more than a few
minutes. Firstly, make sure it’s unplugged. Next, remove the filter
located at the back of the dryer. Some filters will twist right off,
while others will require a screwdriver. Once the filter is removed,
place it under running water for a few seconds until all the dirt comes
off, and dry it with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Make sure the
filter is completely dry before reattaching it.
9. Lawnmowers
Most of us tend to push the lawnmower into
the shed after using it and forget about it until the next time we need
it. Unfortunately, that is not a safe habit. When a lawnmower isn’t
maintained and cleaned properly, debris or dry grass can get stuck in
the mower deck and start a fire. That is especially common during the
warmer months. Try and make it a habit to clean your lawnmower after
each use.
10. Range hoods
Cleaning the range hood is key, too. A
dirty hood can easily be ignited by old grease or cooking oil splatters
stuck in the hood. Additionally, the buildup could clog the filter and
destroy your ceiling, with bubbles and residue forming in the places
where the air isn’t able to be filtered out properly. To clean the range
hood, experts recommend using a little hot water, baking soda, and
degreasing soap once a month.