Spring cleaning isn’t just about making your space sparkle—it’s also the perfect opportunity to make your home a safer place to live.
“You live in your home day after day, so it’s easy to get a little complacent when it comes to thinking about your home’s safety,” says Cameron Welch, the director of cleaning systems at Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning. “Spring cleaning—that once-a-year ritual so many homeowners practice—is a great reminder to tackle a few simple tasks that can have big safety benefits.”
So, before you start dusting and decluttering this season, consider addressing a few key safety-related tasks that are often overlooked. Here are the top spring cleaning safety tips that will make your home safer—not just cleaner.
1. Clean Your Dryer Vent
You probably know to clean the lint filter between loads of laundry, but you should also take some time to check the back of the dryer, where lint can build up. And Welch’s top recommendation to any client? Book a professional dryer vent cleaning. "Thousands of homes in the U.S. have dryer fires every year, and failure to keep the dryer clean is the main cause of those fires," he says.
Bonus: A quick cleaning not only helps prevent dryer fires but can also help your machines run more efficiently.
2. Inspect Heat Sources and Appliances
Spring cleaning is also a good time to check fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, boilers, dryers, and space heaters. “Make sure they’re in good working order, and get rid of any potentially flammable debris or clutter that might’ve ended up nearby over the course of the year," Welch says.
3. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Alarms
Safety devices are only helpful if they're working properly. “Take a moment to dust off your carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers, and give them a quick test to make sure they’re in good condition,” Welch says. A quick check now can prevent emergencies down the line.
4. Remove Grease and Kitchen Hazards
Kitchens are another major source of home fires, in part because grease can accumulate in stoves, exhaust fans, and behind appliances over time. "In the kitchen, get rid of any grease buildups that might cause a fire, especially in hard-to-reach areas like vents, under burners, and behind appliances," Welch says.
5. Address Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew aren’t just unpleasant—they can be harmful to your family’s health. Regularly checking bathrooms, basements, and other damp areas prevents long-term problems. "Kill any mold or mildew growing in your bathroom or any other part of the house—you don’t want your family breathing in those spores," Welch says. "For very mild, small cases, you might be able to handle this yourself. But it’s often safer to leave mold clean-up to the professionals, so I’d recommend giving someone else a call.”
Tackling these tasks during spring cleaning doesn’t just make your home look better—it makes it safer for the year ahead. Welch emphasizes that many of these chores only need to be done at least once a year:
“By tackling some of these items annually, you’re setting your home and family up for a safer, more comfortable year. Many of these tasks, like cleaning your dryer vent, only really need to happen about once a year for most normal homes. Knocking them out now means you can forget about them until next spring rolls around and enjoy more peace of mind.”
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
