Fall Cleaning

Now that fall is officially here it's time to start the fall cleanup list.

The first thing I do is yard prep. Cut back all your perennials, prune and guard trees according to their species requirements. Cut back grass and do any leftover weeding that needs to be done. Clean out the gutters and check the roof for leaks. If you do holiday lights it might be a good idea to hang the light hooks now to beat the cold wet weather.

One of the most overlooked fall cleanups is the dryer vent. If dryer vents and ductwork can't vent properly it can lead to fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. It's important to make it a habit to check and clean your dryer vent's regularly. Here are some signs your dryer vents need a cleaning: taking multiple cycles to dry, odd smell on clothing, burning smell, or the laundry room is warmer than usual while dryer is running.

Here is how to clean the dryer vents:
Disconnect the dryer, unplug the dryer first, remove clamps from vent pipe, pull the pipe away from the wall duct. If you have a gas dryer it may be wise to have an expert clean the vent system.

Clean the vent using a cleaning kit, the kit will have a brush that extends the length of the duct. Some people like to work from the outside of the home.

Reassemble the dryer and enjoy your clean and safe dryer.