12-06-2025
Mum's warning about 'overlooked' home cleaning task that could lead to fire
A professional home organiser and mum of five has warned how not cleaning a certain part of the home can be a fire hazard
A mum with 823,000 followers on her home organisation Instagram account has emphasised the necessity of cleaning a frequently overlooked part of the house to prevent fire hazards. Jen Watson, a professional home organiser and mum-of-five, amassed her large following on social media by sharing a plethora of clever tips and tricks to assist others.
The organisational guru provides advice on a variety of subjects, from the "best way to roll a towel" to a video that has sparked considerable interest. In the viral clip, Jen underscores the importance of regularly cleaning tumble dryer filters and air vents to avoid potential house fires.
Not all UK homes have dryer vents. Condenser or heat pump models are generally more common, possibly because they don't require external venting. These models collect moisture from clothes internally and then drain it or store it in a tank which can be manually emptied.
However, if you do own a vented tumble dryer, Jen cautions about the risks associated with allowing dust and lint to accumulate.
In the video, the mum is seen meticulously cleaning a dryer vent, removing an alarming amount of lint. She captioned the footage: "I don't know who needs to hear this but if you go years without cleaning those dryer vents, your house could go up in flames."
She further detailed in the post's caption that she had neglected her own vents for years, as it seemed like a non-urgent task that was constantly postponed. Concerned about the risk of a house fire, she promptly purchased a dryer vent cleaning kit online and set about clearing the blockage.
She warned: "Not cleaning your dryer vent for years can lead to serious and dangerous consequences.
"Lint is highly flammable. Over time, it accumulates in the vent and dryer duct, creating a perfect fuel source. A clogged dryer vent is one of the leading causes of house fires related to dryers."
Moreover, a blocked vent can cause increased energy bills and waste, as it forces the dryer to operate longer and harder to dry clothes.
This issue may also harm both the dryer and the garments, as "overheating caused by poor airflow can shorten the life of your dryer. Clothes may also be damaged from excessive heat".
Jen also highlighted the danger of moisture becoming trapped in a clogged vent, which can create a "damp environment" conducive to mould and mildew growth.
Additionally, neglecting to clear your dryer vent could breach insurance policies, potentially complicating claims in the event of a fire caused by this oversight.
The message has resonated with online audiences, amassing over 1,600 likes, with numerous individuals expressing appreciation for Jen's guidance. One user responded: "I just cleaned mine today. It's needed it."
