5 areas you should clean to prevent a house fire
By Nicki Escudero•Last updated Nov 23, 2022
Last updated Nov 23, 2022
The holiday season is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to be vigilant when it comes to fire safety. Our favorite holiday traditions introduce potential fire hazards. Placing candles near flammable objects, using a fireplace that has a dirty chimney and incorrectly hanging holiday lights on trees are all fire hazards.
There’s one simple way you can help prevent fires during the holiday season (and really, all year long): clean your home.
Too much grease, dirt and clutter throughout and around your home can be dangerous. When you don’t clean certain areas as often as the professionals recommend, you’re putting your home at risk for a fire.
1. Dryer vents
“Failure to clean the dryer (34%) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires,” according to the U.S. Fire Administration. It also says more home clothes dryer fires happen in the fall and winter months, with a peak in January.
Lint buildup in dryers can increase fire risk because the dryer's heat can ignite it. Stay on top of dryer maintenance by doing the following:
- Clean the lint filter after every load. Remove the lint by hand or with a brush, and throw it away before drying the next load.
- Clean your dryer vent at least once a year. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, and disconnect the duct from the dryer. Vacuum both the duct and dryer as much as you can reach. This is also a good time to clean behind and underneath the dryer to remove lint buildup.
- Watch for signs you’re due for a cleaning. For example, if your clothes are taking longer to dry, your vent might need to be cleaned.
- When in doubt, hire a professional. A professional can clean your dryer vent. You can also ask them to inspect the area to make sure it’s clear of obstructions, that the vent cover is working properly and more.
2. Fireplace and chimney
There’s nothing cozier than sitting by a fire, drinking hot cocoa and bonding with your loved ones. But before you light that fire, clean your chimney and fireplace.
Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires. As fireplaces and wood stoves burn wood, they release smoke that contains unburned wood particles. When those particles rise into the chimney, creosote is created.
Creosote is a brown or black, tar-like residue. It’s highly flammable and combustible, and the Chimney Safety Institute of America says even ⅛ inch of creosote buildup can be dangerous. If the temperature in your flue is high enough (451°F), you could experience a chimney fire that spreads throughout your home.
That’s why cleaning a chimney and fireplace is so important. Hire a professional chimney cleaning service to inspect and clean your chimney and/or wood stove pipe at least once a year. Once a month, you can also check for obstructions and damage.
A good time to clean your fireplace is before you start using it in the fall or early winter. But it’s better late than never. If you’ve already started using your fireplace, it’s not too late to have a professional clean it.
3. Kitchen appliances
Before you cook your big holiday meal, make sure your kitchen is clean — especially your range hood, oven, stovetop and other kitchen appliances.
Food scraps and crumbs can be a fire risk when left inside your oven and toaster. Fires can also happen in kitchens with too much fat and grease buildup on appliances. That’s why it’s important to deep clean your oven and degrease your range hood filters every couple of months or so.
Range hoods help prevent fires by catching grease, but they can also be a fire risk if they're not cleaned regularly. To clean your range hood, you’ll need to:
- Make a cleaning solution in the sink. Mix ¼-½ cup of baking soda with 1-2 teaspoons of dishwashing soap in boiling hot water.
- Remove the filter from the hood. Soak the filter in the solution for 15-30 minutes, then use a brush to lightly scrub off the grease.
- Wipe down the range hood. Spray a degreaser — either a store-bought cleaner or a vinegar-and-water solution — on the exterior. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
If you’re too busy to stay on top of maintenance, you can also hire a cleaning service to deep clean your entire kitchen and the rest of your home.
4. Barbecue grill
You might not be using the grill during this time of year. But if you decide to light it up for your holiday meal, remember to clean it first.
Just like the range hood and oven mentioned earlier, barbecue grills can become grease traps that can cause backyard fires. Grease can build up on both the grill surface and the drip pan. That’s why cleaning the grill before and after each use is important to help prevent fires.
If you’re using the grill again after it’s been sitting for a while, clean it first. Here’s how:
- Remove the grates and burner covers. Scrape off any buildup.
- Apply a degreaser to the grill and grate. You can use dishwashing detergent or a commercial product. Use a wire brush to scrape off any remaining grease and fat buildup.
- Soak grill grates. If scrubbing doesn’t work, soak the grates in a solution made of water, baking soda and vinegar for 20 minutes.
- Rinse it away with a hose. Repeat until the buildup is completely removed.
5. Clutter
Clutter itself may not always cause a fire, but it can help a fire spread and create obstacles when you’re trying to put it out and exit your home. Clutter can block entryways and cause fires to spread faster. A neat, tidy house with less clutter can help protect you and your household from extra fire hazards.
During the holidays, be mindful of where you’re piling up presents, discarding cardboard boxes and storing wrapping paper and decorations. Some clutter-related fire hazards to keep in mind are:
- Don’t let clutter accumulate near heat sources. For example, keep clutter on the floor away from space heaters, and keep clutter on kitchen counters away from your stovetop.
- Paper products catch fire easily. Flammable materials like wrapping paper, gift boxes, newspapers, magazines, mail and office supplies should be discarded or recycled when they’re no longer in use.
- Keep a clear path. Clutter like unopened gifts, toys, clothing and shoes on the ground can obstruct fire escape routes.
With busy schedules, it can be hard to keep homes clutter-free all the time. Add small children, teenagers or pets, and clutter can build up quickly. Create a cleaning routine with your family to help keep your home clutter-free. Designate a “home” for your items, like a box for toys or a shoe rack for shoes. Tidy up throughout the day, or schedule 10 minutes of light cleaning each evening. Get everyone at home to help tidy up.
If clutter overwhelms you, routine house cleaning services can help you manage it. You can also hire a home organizing service to help you create a better system for your clothes, kitchen items and much more.
Enjoy a clean and safe home during the holidays
When you want a thorough clean that tackles grease and buildup from every nook, cranny and crevice in your home, book a professional house cleaner on Thumbtack. You can also use Thumbtack to hire pros who can clean your fireplace, chimney, dryer vent and more. Find a pro who can help keep your home clean and reduce as many fire risks as possible.
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