Never forget to clean one part of home – it’s a fire risk

A mum has shared the importance of cleaning a commonly missed area of the home to avoid the risk of a fire. Keeping on top of household chores and tasks is an arduous balancing act, especially when work is added to the mix.

Many of us crave a decent work-life balance, where we’re able to enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation time around getting through our ‘to do’ lists and, in some instances, this can lead to some jobs at home being put off or forgotten entirely.

Jen Watson, a professional home organiser and mother of five, has built a loyal following of hundreds of thousands on social media where she shares a string of savvy hacks and tips to try and help others.

The organising whizz offers insight on a medley of topics, from the “best way to roll a towel” to one video that’s caused a stir.

In the popular clip, Jen stresses how vital it is to clean out tumble dryer filters and air vents to prevent a potential house fire.

In the UK, not all homes have dryer vents. Condenser or heat pump models tend to be more popular and it could be because they don’t need external venting.

Instead, they’re able to collect the moisture from fabrics internally and then drain it or store it in a tank which can be emptied by hand.

If you do have a vented tumble dryer, then Jen has warned of the potential dangers with allowing dust and lint to build up.

In a popular video shared on her Instagram page, the mum can be seen thoroughly cleaning out a dryer vent and removing a large build-up of debris. Over the top of the footage, she wrote: “I don’t know who needs to hear this but if you go years without cleaning those dryer vents, your house could go up in flames.”

In the caption accompanying the clip, she elaborated and explained it had been years since she’d cleaned out her own vents because it’s a task that “doesn’t seem immediate or highly important so it just keeps getting pushed back”.

In a panic about a potential house fire, she ordered a dryer vent cleaning kit online and got to work to clear it out. She continued: “Not cleaning your dryer vent for years can lead to serious and dangerous consequences.

“Lint is highly flammable. Over time, it accumulates in the vent and dryer duct, creating a perfect fuel source. A clogged dryer vent is one of the leading causes of house fires related to dryers.”

It can also lead to other issues like higher utility bills and energy waste as a clogged up vent can make your dryer work harder and longer to get your clothes dry.

This can, in turn damage your dryer and clothing as “overheating caused by poor airflow can shorten the life of your dryer. Clothes may also be damaged from excessive heat”.

Jen added there’s a risk of trapped moisture in a blocked vent creating a “damp environment” where mold and mildew could grow and thrive.

Finally, Jen warned not keeping your dryer vent clear could be a potential insurance violation, leading to issues making a claim if it were to lead to a house fire.

The post has garnered more than 1,600 likes and many were grateful for Jen’s advice.

One commenter said: “I just cleaned mine today. It’s needed it.”