Here are some of the finer points to cleaning a few or our favorite products to get the job done right.

Garbage disposals

You don't want to know what's hiding in your garbage disposal; you just want it clean.  There are several products that we think get the job done.  One is Summit Foaming Gargage Disposal Cleaner.  It is a blue foam that removes 99. +% of odor-causing grunge and has a pleasant lemon scent.

Clogged showerheads

Showerheads clogged with hard water deposits? We like CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover to get shower heads working like new again.  To clean a showerhead mix equal amounts of CLR and hot water.  Submerge the showerhead and let is soak for two minutes - longer if you have excessive buildup.  Rinse thoroughly with cold, clean water.  Repeat if necessary.

Dryer Vents

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over 15,000 dryer-related fires occur each year, causing an estimated $97 million in property loss.  Lint can build up on the heating element and in other places inside the dryer, causing it to overheat and possibly catch fire.  At the same time, clogged dryer vents cause your dryer to work harder and can greatly increase the time it takes to dry your clothes (up to 2 or 3 times for each load!) which increases your energy costs.  By keeping your dryer running cleanly and efficiently, you will be able to dry your clothes faster and save a lot of money at the same time.

To increase the efficiency of your dryer, and lower the risk of fire:

    Inside the dryer:

• Empty the lint trap after each load.
• Use a lint brush or vacuum attachment to remove any accumulated lint under the lint trip and around other accessible places frequently.
• Every one to three years, depending upon usage, have the dryer taken apart and thoroughly cleaned by a qualified service technician.

   Outside the dryer:

• Keep dryer vents/ducts as short and straight as possible.
• If you need to replace your dryer vent, don't use the flammable, filmsy plastic or foil duct.  Only metal vents should be used, which is what most manufacturers specify.
• Don't push your dryer back against the wall.  Doing so will crush the venting material, causing reduced airflow and increased lint build-up.
• Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct run on a regular basis, or hire a professional to do so.

Bottomline, keep your dryer free as much lint build-up as possible.  And whether your dryer is clean or not, never let it run while you are out of the house or when you are asleep.

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