5 DIY Home Cleaning Tips to Avoid Home Damage

When you think of spending the day cleaning your home, your to-do list may include mopping the floor, doing the dishes, vacuuming dog hair, and dusting the furniture. But what happens when items in your home haven’t seen a cleaning product in months? 

Here at DRYmedic Restoration Services, we have put together this handy guide to help you identify items in your home that can become a threat if they are not cleaned regularly. Help us help you avoid house fires and unnecessary mold growth by adding these appliances to your house cleaning checklist. Keep your home safe while reducing the chances of a disaster occurring by cleaning the following items on a regular basis. 

Avoid Fire Damage: Clean the Dryer

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home dryer fires occur yearly, and 34% are caused by failure to clean the dryer. Cleaning the lint trap inside your dryer before every load of laundry, as well as removing trapped lint and dust from the vent and ductwork, is essential to reduce the risk of fire. 

Additionally, we recommend not running the dryer during times when no one will be home. A majority of house fires caused by dryers have occurred when residents were out of the house, leaving their homes unprotected and pets left to fend for themselves.

Say No To Mold Problems: Deep Clean the A/C

Cleaning your air conditioner’s filter and air ducts regularly is crucial to keep it operating efficiently and safely. When not cared for properly, your A/C system can break down, costing you a lot of money over time. From window A/C inserts to central heating and cooling systems, it’s important to clean the filter, condenser unit, and fins.

By not cleaning these important pieces, your A/C can begin to collect moisture and excessive dust. If moisture builds up in the unit, mold can develop and be dispersed through the air and into your home. Mold spores can cause allergies and respiratory problems, so it is vital to ensure they are not present in your air conditioner. We recommend cleaning your A/C unit every month and having an HVAC technician do a thorough inspection every three months.

Forget the Fire Department: Dust The Exhaust Fan

Bathroom exhaust fan covers can become clogged up with dust, causing the motor to overheat, which increases the chances of it catching fire. Cleaning the cover as part of your regular home maintenance helps reduce this fire risk. ​​

Stop Fire Hazards: Vacuum Ceiling Tiles

A majority of ceiling tiles, or drop ceilings, are made of a porous fiberboard—ideal for collecting dust and a prime location to grow mold and mildew. When ceiling tiles get wet, they collect and hold onto that water, eventually sagging or falling to the ground when the capacity becomes too much to hold. 

Due to the porous nature of these tiles, your ceiling is prone to mold growth, especially if you’ve had a recent pipe leak. Additionally, an overabundance of dust can quickly become a fire hazard. Dust can be a fuel source when a fire breaks out, causing the embers to spread more quickly throughout the home.

To prevent mold growth and potential fire hazards, we recommend cleaning your drop ceiling every month or so while also inspecting it for water stains. Simply take a vacuum cleaner attachment designed for cleaning upholstery or walls and run it over each ceiling tile to eliminate dust and grime.

Prevent Mold Growth: Scrub Fan Blades

Fan blades can be a magnet for dust, but they are often overlooked as the dust is not always visible. However, the dust, mold, and debris on your fan blades are circulated each time you use them. Cleaning fan blades regularly will help remove mold spores and dust particles that are potentially harmful to your health. To clean a ceiling fan, dampen a paper towel with hot water and soap and carefully wipe the blades.

Protect Your Home with Professional Restoration Services

When your home needs mold remediation or has fire or flood damage, it is essential to act fast and look for restoration services nearest you. If these issues are not dealt with right away, they can severely impact the safety and integrity of your home, as well as the health of your family. 

Whether you’ve suffered from a fire, flood, or mold infestation, the professionals at DryMedic are here to help get your life back on track as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact us for a free quote today!