There is something that I will always remember, and that is the time when I came home and smelled something burning. I felt a sudden thrill in my chest and bolted through the rooms to try and find out where it was coming from. Could it have been a pot left on the stove, perhaps? A candle that had burned down to the middle? After what felt like an eternity, I found the culprit: the dryer. The filter was full to the brim, and the heat could not get out; another cycle and we would have had a fire.
To be honest, I am not much of a housekeeper when it comes to cleaning the house (who is?), but that day I had to change my perception towards cleaning. Before, I thought of it as something that had to be done so things didn’t look messy. But after my experience with the dryer, I understood that there are certain things that, if not attended to, can lead to severe consequences.
For instance, there is that one part of your house that you rarely bother to check on—for example, a particular drawer or corner of the house. For me, it was the laundry area where the washer and dryer are, which I think is something that can be easily overlooked in most homes. I would throw my clothes into the washing machine, ignore the lint filter, and continue with other chores. But after that incident, I began to take note of it, as it was very strange to me. I found out that there are so many things that we use in our day-to-day lives that, if not cleaned properly, can cause fires. Some of them I did not anticipate at all!
1. Dryer Lint Trap
We discussed this earlier, but it’s important to mention again. The lint trap is something that is very easy to neglect since it doesn’t seem very important. But that soft and fluffy lint is highly combustible, and if it gathers, it can clog the venting system, causing the dryer to overheat. It is recommended to clean the lint trap after every use and the vents of the dryer every few months.
2. Oven and Stove
I tend to leave spills on the stove longer than I should. However, those small accidents can be extremely dangerous and may cause serious problems if I don’t wipe them up promptly. Foods such as grease, crumbs, or any other debris can burn when exposed to heat. It’s not only the stovetop; the oven can also cause this problem. Once, I accidentally left a fragment of pizza in the oven, and believe me—nothing spoils the aroma of fresh cookies like the smell of burning cheese. Wipe up all stains and spills as they happen, and make sure to clean the oven thoroughly at least every three months.
3. Toaster Crumb Tray
Here’s a fun little fact: your toaster has a crumb tray, and if you do not clean it, then the crumbs can lead to a fire. I wouldn’t have known about this tray at all if it weren’t for my friend explaining it to me. I was shocked when I pulled it out and found enough crumbs to make another slice of toast. You see those little shavings? They can burn if they get too near the heating coil. Sometimes, I clean out the tray every week to be on the safe side.
4. Range Hood and Filters
Cooking involves the production of grease, which, if accumulated in the range hood and its filters, can be overwhelming. If it gets thick enough, it can ignite from the heat of your stove. I used to think of the greasy film as just something that is hard to clean, but it’s actually a significant fire hazard. I usually clean the filters every month; I simply remove the filters and wash them. It’s quite an inconvenience, but I’d much rather do this than have a fire in the kitchen. To feel truly safe while you cook, it’s worth knowing all the potential risks. This complete guide shows you how to prevent a kitchen fire.
5. Space Heaters
Space heaters are very helpful during winter to warm up a particular area, but they are a hazard if they are not cleaned. Dust and debris collect in the heater, and if they get into the heating element, they can cause a fire. Also, space heaters can overheat if they are covered with dust. I usually clean mine often and never place it near the fire source or any other source of heat. I no longer use it as a blanket to warm up my clothes (lesson learned!).
6. Chimney and Fireplace
A chimney is one of the most important parts of our homes; not only does it add beauty, but it also helps in keeping us warm during cold nights. However, if not well maintained, creosote, which is the product of burning wood, may accumulate in the interior of the chimney and catch fire. I’m not saying you have to transform into the next Judy Hopps, but cleaning your chimney as often as once a year is very important, especially if you frequently use the fireplace. It’s one of those things that, when you don’t see it, you don’t think about it—and that’s when it becomes a problem.
7. Microwave
Microwaves are among the most convenient appliances for reheating food, but if you don’t clean them regularly, they can pose a fire risk. Some spills on the walls of the microwave can dry up and become flammable. Also, if you mistakenly leave a metallic object such as a spoon, fork, or aluminum foil inside, you will have a lot of sparks to deal with. There have been a few times when I almost burned the house down, so I now clean the inside of the microwave regularly and check for any metallic objects before starting the microwave.
8. Electric Blanket
An electric blanket is one of the most useful inventions for staying warm during the cold season. However, if you don’t clean it properly, it can become dangerous. Dirt and dust can trap themselves in the wires and fabric, causing the blanket to overheat or even start a fire. Also, if the blanket is old or damaged, the chances of a fire are high. I am fond of using electric blankets during winter, but I have come to realize that one has to check the fabric frequently for any signs of damage and adhere to the washing instructions provided by the manufacturer for the product’s optimal performance.
9. Clothes Dryer Vent
I’ve already mentioned the lint trap, but the dryer vent is just as important. If lint fills the vent, it can cause your dryer to overheat and even start a fire. I learned this the hard way when I noticed my clothes were taking a very long time to dry and discovered that the vent was almost completely blocked. I now make sure to clean the vent at least once a year, or even more frequently depending on the performance of the dryer.
Bonus: Pests and Critters
Here’s something you probably never thought of: pests and animals can contribute to fire hazards in your house. I once had a mice infestation (I won’t go into details about how that happened), and I found out that these creatures love to gnaw on electrical cables. If they get through the insulation, it can cause sparks and possibly fires. Nests made of dry materials such as leaves, paper, or fabrics are also very vulnerable to catching fire if they’re near heat sources.
You should be careful of things like wasps or ants, which may decide to make their home in electrical outlets or other appliances. This is also dangerous as it may lead to a fire breakout. A friend of mine confirmed this with a real-life incident—she found a wasp nest in her outdoor light fixture, and it could have been terrible!
Fire safety in your home doesn’t have to be stressful. It doesn’t mean that you have to turn into a cleaning freak, but spending some time to address these possible issues is quite beneficial. Ever since I had my own close calls, I’ve realized that prevention is not such a bad idea after all.
