Why You Should Clean Your Dryer & Vents

Keith is here today to talk to us about cleaning your dryer and vents. You might not think that cleaning your dryer is a very big deal, but is actually very important and can even save you from having a fire start.

Cleaning out your vent trap after every dry is a great habit to have an keep. If you don't already, start cleaning it every time! This is important because build up lint can actually get under the cabinet of the dryer and ruin the machine.  

Even when you clean your lint catcher every time, lint can still pass through and carry to the back of your machine and into the vents that lead to the outside of your home. A ton of buildup in these areas can be very bad. Lint is a cluster of small fibers, dust, and debris which is very easy to ignite. If the lint builds up with the 150 degree or so hot air flowing through can actually cause it to catch on fire. Many of us have heard of dryers catching fire. The lint is actually what starts it. This can be avoided by checking and cleaning your dryers.

It is very important to check and clean the back of your dryer and vents once a year. If it's not too clogged, you can clean it yourself. If it's really bad or if you don't want to deal with it, we recommend to have a company come out and professionally clean it for your safety. A local Colorado company that we would recommend is Brand Source Appliance Service & Repair.

We hope that you have learned why it is so important to clean out link in your dryer and vents. Go check and clean them today!

6 Camping Tips for a Fun-Filled Summer Adventure!

Summer is here- time to plan your family vacation! This year, why not skip the expensive resorts and overblown theme parks and head back to nature? A camping trip can be fun for all ages without breaking the bank. Here are some helpful tips so you can get the most out of your camping trip, whether it’s your first time in the wilderness or you are a seasoned outdoorsman (or outdoorswoman!)

Reserve a campsite

 You may think you can just load your gear into the SUV and head to the nearest campground to begin your outdoor adventure, but you’d be in for a rude awakening. Popular campsites can book up months in advance, especially during holiday weekends, so it is a must to call ahead and make a reservation.

Tent size matters

Do you want to share a large tent with your whole family, or would you prefer to have the kids in one tent and you and your spouse in another? These are things to consider before you head to the camping supply store. While you may enjoy the value of purchasing only one tent, keep in mind that this limits your privacy and also can be harder to put up and break down than a smaller tent.

Don’t cheap out on sleeping bags

 The quality of your sleeping bag largely determines the quality of sleep you’ll be getting on your trip, so it’s not a good time to skimp. Consider that this bag will need to fit your body and keep you comfortable in the outdoor conditions, so be sure to read reviews ahead of time to determine what’s right for you.

Follow woodburning restrictions

 Sure, there’s nothing quite like a roaring campfire, but if you live in an area that is in the midst of a drought, or if you have a naturally dry climate, you must check to make sure there are no woodburning restrictions prior to building a fire. Park rangers will not hesitate to fine you for an illegal burn, so be sure to check ahead of time.

Start a fire the first time!

When it comes to building a campfire, the actual process of getting it started can be tedious. Bring cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly to ensure an easy start to your fire every time. Dryer lint also works as a great fire starter, if you want to have a use for all the lint you pull out of the trap.

One-pot meals for the win

 Cooking over a campfire or a portable camp stove can be great fun, but can also lead to frustrating cleanup. Keep it simple with one-pot meals that can be easily prepared and enjoyed with minimal cleanup afterwards. This blog has a bunch of great campfire recipe ideas that can be prepped at home ahead of time!

Does your family have a special tradition or pro tip for surviving the great outdoors? Let us know in the comments section.