à la Minute (Orange) – made with nitrogen Afters Ice Cream (Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Tustin, Chino Hills & Long Beach) – home of the famous Milky Bun
Between the parade of cyclones that pummeled California and the record-breaking frigid temperatures in the northeastern United States, the weather this winter has challenged many homeowners. And we’re betting there’s a good chance your lawn has seen better days.
Thankfully, spring is around the corner. And while it’s not time for your lawn mower to come out of hibernation just yet, now is a great time to make a plan to revive your lawn.
In addition to the following lawn maintenance tasks you can tackle right now, there are also a few preliminary steps you can take to nurse your grass back to its former green self. Consider this your lawn fix-it game plan.
Mitigate snow mold
Snow mold can destroy your lawn. (Getty Images)
Long periods of snow cover make snow mold ripe to develop and spread. The areas most likely affected are where snow piled or accumulated for extended periods of time.
These are some signs you have snow mold:
Straw-colored circular patches ranging in size from a few inches to several feet across
Grass patches that are matted down and crusty
Grass patches with a grayish-white or whitish-pink appearance
To combat the mold, gently rake the grass to loosen it up and allow the soil to dry.
Rake and remove thatch
Raking helps dethatch your lawn. (Getty Images)
Excessive thatch is a major indicator that your lawn is struggling, says Greg Crouse, product marketing manager at Leaf Home.
“Thatch is layers of dead grass and roots that tangle together along the ground’s surface,” says Crouse. “When there are massive amounts of thatch, the soil and roots below are often cut off from the air, water, and nutrients they need to flourish.”
Thick thatch can also make an ideal home for snow mold to develop.
If you notice a half-inch of thatch or more on your lawn, rake it so that the soil below can get the air it needs.
Raking will also clear your lawn of debris that may damage your lawn mower blade when you first mow, says Craig Elworthy, founder of natural lawn care company Lawnbright. And it can stimulate new grass growth when soils begin to warm from longer daylight hours.
In cold season zones of the U.S., dethatching is best done when the snow melts and air temperatures begin to rise. In warm season and transition zones, start in February before your lawn becomes active again.
Consider aerating the soil
Lawn aerating shoes can be used to improve the quality of grass growth. (Getty Images)
Winter frost can wreak havoc on your lawn’s soil. You might need to aerate it to ensure it consumes all the water, air, and nutrients it needs to thrive.
“If you stick a screwdriver into the ground and it does not go in easily, your soil is compacted and will require an aeration,” says Elworthy.
Use aeration sandals or boots with tiny spikes on the bottom, or use a manual or electric appliance to puncture the surface.
Lower the lawn mower blades on the first run
Once it’s time to break out your lawnmower, experts recommend using a lower blade setting for a closer cut on the first run of the season.
“This will remove dead grass blades, help to improve air circulation, and stimulate new grass growth,” says Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at TruGreen.
For the cool season zone, this means mowing (after cleaning up the debris on the lawn) in March or April, after all the snow has melted. For the warm season and transition zones, mow the lawn when grass begins growing again, which is usually around March.
Fertilize at the right time
Experts say the best way to enhance your lawn after a long winter is to apply granular or water-soluble fertilizer. (Getty Images)
Lawns can take their sweet time to start growing again, and the exact date they shake off dormancy depends on your climate. Applying fertilizer while your lawn is still dormant or partly dormant won’t do much good and wastes money, Elworthy says.
The best way to enhance your lawn after a long winter is to apply granular or water-soluble fertilizer.
“Organic fertilizer should be used for a lawn in need of thicker and more natural-looking grass, because it helps stimulate the soil to better absorb nutrients,” says Crouse.
Granular fertilizers are usually in time-release formulas, while water-soluble fertilizer helps lawns that have trouble absorbing the proper amounts of water needed.
If you know the type of fertilizer your lawn needs, stock up now. Or buy a soil testing kit and use the recommendations to buy the correct fertilizer.
This infographic shows that the spring housing market could be a sweet spot for sellers. Main points:
The biggest challenge in the housing market is how few houses there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy.
The number of homes for sale is up from last year but below pre-pandemic numbers, and that means we’re still in a sellers’ market.
The housing market needs more homes for sale to meet the demand of today’s buyers. If you’ve thought about selling, now’s the time to connect with a local expert.
💭 DM us @carealestategroup and let’s chat about the best options for you!
💡 For more home maintenance tips, real estate advice, and fun family ideas, follow us at @carealestategroup — we are more than just real estate!
Winter is an exciting time to visit Southern California for its alpine region. The resorts here offer a unique ski experience and are local to those who live in the Southern California cities. Our local experts have picked the top 5 ski resorts for you.
Top-notch terrain parks make it a hit with freestyle skiers and snowboarders
Highlights
Home to Southern California’s only Superpipe!
Take on the 2 mi Geronimo trail for a double black diamond leg burner
The lift pass covers you to ski at nearby Snow Summit too
Not the best mountain for traditional downhill skiers or families
22/23 Ski Season:
Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
Closing Date: Apr 16 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Ontario Intl. Airport – 60 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport – 117 miles (2 hour drive)
Why Ski Bear Mountain
If you want to ride park, Bear Mountain is the place. There’s not a lot of steep terrain but the entire mountain is a terrain park and snowboarder-heavy. It’s also home to the only halfpipes and highest lift-served peak in Southern California. The only downside is that Bear Mountain’s terrain is not the best choice for traditional downhill skiers or families. Nevertheless, you can ski nearby Snow Summit on the same pass. It is also nearby Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City which offer an array of lodging, restaurants, and nightlife. The town of Big Bear Lake has a friendly alpine feel, with plenty of places to kick back for some low-key après ski relaxation.
A family-friendly resort with plenty of cruisey blue runs, plus regular night skiing too
Highlights
Laidback terrain perfect for honing your skills
Extensive snowmaking operation keeps trails open
Excellent mountaintop eateries
Only 10% of trails are suitable for beginners
22/23 Ski Season:
Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
Closing Date: Apr 08 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Ontario Intl. Airport – 60 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport – 119 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Snow Summit
Located in the heart of San Bernardino National Forest, Snow Summit is a short, scenic drive from the cities in Southern California. The resort is extremely family-friendly and known as a groomer cruiser heaven. There’s a dedicated beginner’s area and the terrain is best suited for intermediates. Unlike its sister resort Bear Mountain, Snow Summit is more popular amongst skiers and less focused on terrain parks. Its extensive snowmaking allows for some of the most consistent snow in Southern California and its night skiing isn’t too bad either.
Offering three distinct ski areas for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers
Highlights
Variety of terrain caters well for groups of mixed ability skiers
Plenty of accommodation options in nearby Wrightwood
Kids will love the tubing and sledding at Yeti’s Snow Parks
Lacks really steep trails for expert skiers
22/23 Ski Season:
Opening Date: Nov 12 2022
Closing Date: Apr 16 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Ontario Intl. Airport – 42 miles (45 minute drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport – 96 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mountain High
Less than 2 hours drive from Los Angeles, Mountain High is one of the most visited resorts in South California. It is the ideal resort for groups of mixed abilities with three unique ski areas. North Resort for beginners, East Resort for intermediates, and West Resort for more advanced terrain. There’s also snow play activities for kids and stunning views of the Mojave Desert. The small mountain is often compared to Bear Mountain, however is less focused on terrain parks and is much more suitable for beginners and families. The only thing that might disappoint skiers here are the variable conditions due to lower snowmaking capacity.
Huge size, long seasons, and all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end resort.
Highlights
One of the longest seasons in the US
Large area and terrain for all ability levels
Tons of snow
Far from major cities
22/23 Ski Season:
Opening Date: Nov 05 2022
Closing Date: May 29 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Mammoth Yosemite Airport – 14 miles (25 minute drive)
Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport – 171 miles (3.5 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport – 318 miles (5.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is one of California’s biggest ski areas and has one of the longest seasons in North America. The modern resort is great for families of all ability levels as well as non-skiers who can enjoy a range of activities including tubing, snowmobiling, scenic gondola rides and snowcat tours. Other than the fact that holidays and powder weekends can bring a rush of crowds, Mammoth offers everything you could possibly want including a wide array of lodging and dining choices both at the base of the mountain as well as at Mammoth Lakes.
Family-friendly with a dedicated beginner slopes and lifts
Highlights
Quiet slopes are great for learning
Family-friendly resort
Night skiing on weekends
Limited dining options on the slopes
22/23 Ski Season:
Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
Closing Date: Apr 09 2023* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Ontario Intl. Airport – 47 miles (1 hour drive)
Los Angeles Intl. Airport – 100 miles (2 hour drive)
Why Ski Snow Valley
Snow Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest, is a small family-friendly resort with a good mix of terrain. Since there is no lodging nearby, the resort doesn’t see many crowds and makes for a great day trip if you’re coming from Los Angeles. It’s perfect for those who want to level up on quieter slopes. Conditions also tend to vary as it has a lower elevation than nearby Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Nevertheless, this laid-back resort is great for those looking for a quick ski fix and even offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
Most Profitable Small Businesses
Stock prices and mergers often take center stage in business news reports, while small businesses are treated more like the ensemble cast. But maybe it should be the other way around. Small businesses account for a staggering 99.9% of American companies, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
And when they say small, they mean small. The majority of small businesses have one owner and no staff, and many have fewer than 20 employees. Still, nearly half of all jobs come from small businesses. In the past 25 years, small businesses have accounted for more than two-thirds of U.S. jobs.
With so much focus on tech giants and mega-corporations, sometimes the more subtle trends and new ideas coming from small businesses aren’t as apparent. Meaningful analysis of the U.S. economy should examine what’s happening in businesses of all sizes.
During 2022, the most profitable small businesses showed many entrepreneurs using their skills and interests to help other companies grow. Others focused on providing value by making everyday life more convenient or pleasant. Both online and in-person services have displayed solid growth and earning potential.
According to NerdWallet.com, these were last year’s most profitable types of small businesses.
Food trucks
Car wash services
Auto repair
Personal trainers
Newborn and post-pregnancy services
Enrichment activities for children
Mobile apps and entertainment for children
Shared accessories and attire
Shared home improvement equipment
Vacation rentals
Electronics repair
Academics courses
Language courses
Business or marketing courses
Personal wellness
Courses in hobbies or interests
Bookkeeping and accounting
Consulting
IT support
Graphic design
Social media management
Marketing copywriter
Virtual assistant services
Raising Money-Smart Kids
“Money doesn’t grow on trees!” Parents have said this to their children for generations, but the key is to back it up with information that shows how money does grow. Experts say teaching children the value of saving money is crucial to future financial stability. Saving also helps develop other good habits like discipline, goal setting, planning, and delayed gratification.
Start with a simple piggy bank (or any type of container) that enables young savers to see how coins and dollars add up in real time.
Check out money-saving apps that use graphics and gamification to teach kids about earning and saving money.
Establish guidelines for how much children should save from earned income and monetary gifts.
Encourage saving by creating opportunities to earn money doing household chores.
Educate children on comparison shopping, saving and using credit wisely.
Overall, it’s wise to discuss age-appropriate money matters with your family to foster healthy, lifelong relationships with household finances.
How To Get Compensated for Flight Issues
Do airlines have to compensate you if they delay or cancel your flight? Are you entitled to hotel or meal vouchers? Answers can vary, so be sure you understand your rights before you fly.
Find out what to do if your luggage is lost or you get bumped because of overbooking, mechanical problems or weather delays. You can find up-to-date information on the Department of Transportation’s new Airline Customer Service Dashboard at Transportation.gov.
Consider buying your tickets with a credit card that covers flight cancellations and service interruptions. Be aware of airline policies before purchasing tickets so you know what to expect in the event of a problem.
Pro Tip: Invest in a luggage tag with GPS tracking.
Tips To Lower Your Monthly Bills
Finding ways to reduce expenses isn’t always easy. But with some planning and creativity, you may discover surprising ways to revise your budget and lower your monthly costs. Try tracking your spending for several weeks, then prioritize needs and wants. Use this information and these tips to save on major expenditures.
Mortgage
If your mortgage payment is too high, think about moving to a more affordable home. You can also explore additional options, such as raising the deductible on your homeowner’s insurance policy or bundling your home and auto insurance.
Utilities
Ask your cable, internet and cellphone providers for their best promotions. Research other utility options and switch to low-cost alternatives whenever available.
Transportation
If it’s practical, consider using public transportation. Refinance or trade in your car for a less expensive model. Look for a better deal on car insurance, and be sure to request all available discounts.
Food
Shop weekly grocery promotions, and buy only as much produce as you can use before it spoils. Cook at home more often and prepare enough food to save for leftovers.
Entertainment
Audit your streaming, subscriptions and other memberships for redundancies or little-used entertainment services.
4 Ways To Be More Productive on Your Phone
Instead of scrolling through social media when you have time to kill, why not get something done? Try these tips and tricks to boost your productivity no matter what kind of smartphone you have.
Put thoughts, ideas and drawings in a simple journal or notes app. Keeping all stray bits of information in one place is a productivity game-changer.
Dictate thoughts, ideas and reminders using your phone’s built-in microphone.
Purge, consolidate and organize things such as notes, emails, contacts, apps, texts, files, and photos. You may be surprised by how much unnecessary data you’ve accumulated.
Add shortcuts for frequent tasks on your home screen so they’re easily accessible.
Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting to lose the low mortgage rate they have on their current house. And while today’s rates have started coming down from last year’s peak, they’re still higher than they were a couple of years ago.
Today, 93% of outstanding mortgages have a rate at or below 6%. That means a strong majority of homeowners with mortgages have a rate below what they’d get if they moved right now. But if you’re a homeowner in that position, remember that mortgage rates aren’t the only thing to consider when making a move. Your mortgage rate is important, but there are plenty of reasons you may still need or want to move. RealTrends explains:
“Sellers who don’t have to move won’t be moving. The most common sellers will be: Homeowners downsizing . . . people moving to get more space, [households] looking for better schools…etc.”
Top Reasons
So, if you’re on the fence about selling your house, consider the other reasons homeowners are choosing to make a move. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) breaks down why homeowners have decided to sell over the past year:
As the visual shows, the most commonly cited reasons for selling were the desire to move closer to loved ones, followed by moving due to retirement, and their neighborhood becoming less desirable. Additionally, the need for more space factored in, as did a change in household structure.
If you also find yourself wanting a change in location or needing space your current house just can’t provide, it may be time to sell.
What you want and need in a home can be reason enough to move. To find out what’s right for you, work with a trusted real estate professional who will offer advice and expert guidance throughout the process. They’ll be able to lay out all your options – giving you what you need to make a confident decision.
Bottom Line
When deciding whether or not to move, you have a lot to consider. There are plenty of non-financial reasons to factor in. Connect with a local real estate professional who can help you weigh the benefits of selling your house.
If you hate digging around crammed kitchen cupboards to find the right pot or pan come dinnertime, a hanging pot rack could change your life. Really.
Hanging pot racks are a major space-saver in a kitchen, freeing up cupboard room while also keeping your most-used items—your cookware—easily viewable and accessible. Just reach up, grab one, and you’re good to go!
Still, before you jump into the pot rack way of life, you should assess how much you like to cook and how often you actually do so. If your meal planning routine consists of spaghetti on Monday and then six days of takeout, you probably won’t get much use out of this kitchen feature.
You also need to allocate enough space—and the right spot—for a pot rack. Choose wrong, and it could be more of a headache than it’s worth.
So before you add to cart, here are some questions to ponder, as well as a rundown of the various pot rack styles available.
Most kitchens only sport a single window or two, so don’t block the only natural light you get by hanging your pot rack here. You’ll also want to avoid hanging a pot rack over the stovetop, because this is a recipe for all kinds of grime.
“It may seem convenient to put a pot rack over the stove, but doing so can cause grease to build up on your cookware,” says Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs Caterers.
One of the best places for a pot rack is over a kitchen island. Or if you don’t have an island, hang the rack over the portion of the countertop where you prep food.
Height is another variable you’ll want to get right. Make sure that the pots are low enough to be within easy reach, and won’t require you to climb up on a chair every time you boil eggs.
Still, the rack should also be high enough not to cause head bonks or obstruct your view.
Pot racks aren’t just a way to save cupboard space, but are also an excellent opportunity to highlight your collection.
“Use a rack to show off your more stylish cookware in an elegant, creative way that matches the rest of your kitchen decor,” says Correale.
You could match a stainless-steel rack with your stainless fixtures or appliances, or install a rack made from copper piping to match tones in your cabinets.
That said, make sure the bottoms of your pots and pans are super clean, or you really shouldn’t hang them up, says Darla DeMorrow of HeartWork Organizing. No one wants to be faced with scratched or sticky pot bottoms every time they enter the kitchen.
Correale also warns “not to overload a pot rack, since laden racks can make a kitchen look crowded, and too many pots may be too heavy for the hooks to manage.”
If you never use that 12-inch egg poacher, why is it getting prime real estate on your rack? Save this hanging device for everyday pots and pans you constantly reach for, like the little guy that holds two fried eggs, the oatmeal pot, or your trusty cast-iron skillet. Occasional-use items should be stashed in the pantry (we’re looking at you, turkey roasting pan).
Pot rack styles to consider
Rectangular, circular, metal pipes, a wooden board with simple hooks, and more—all are worthy pot rack shapes and materials. Here are some different versions, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Brushed stainless steel
Twelve hooks and a lifetime guarantee!
(Bed, Bath & Beyond)
Not only can you dangle your cookware from this attractive, brushed stainless-steel rack, but you can place cookbooks and lids on the upper shelf ($120, Bed, Bath & Beyond).
Half-circle bronze rack
This pick also comes in polished copper or stainless steel
(Amazon)
An oil-rubbed bronze option from Cuisinart looks classy and professional, so you know it can handle your old skillets. And the six hooks slide around the semicircle, making it easy to grab the pan you need ($60, Amazon).
Wooden ceiling rack
Birch wood and steel combine to create a strong rack
(Wayfair)
An open-grid rack like this one offers lots of ways to display your pots, and the top shelf is available to hold those lesser-used pans. This product also comes with extra hooks, so you can sneak in a few more ($81, Wayfair).
Wall-mount rail
Order two of these so you can also display utensils.
(Wayfair)
Saving space—and money? This easy-to-mount wall rack has room for 10 pots and supports up to 25 pounds of weight ($24, Wayfair).
Or go for the classic Julia Child style: a pegboard. Child was famous for her large board, which featured the outlines of every pot she owned, so she knew where to hang them when not in use.
“A pegboard is an underutilized hanging tool, and it makes sense in smaller kitchens or ones with empty wall space,” says DeMorrow.
Standing pot rack
It’s convenient, but it does need assembling.
(Wayfair)
Not every pot rack needs to be suspended. There are versions, like this one, that sit on the floor against a wall or tuck into corners, too ($340, Wayfair). Correale favors the standing type, since, he says, “It’s easier to reach and clean and you can move it around the kitchen as you please.”
Free-standing pot racks also seem sturdier since they have little shelves for each item, which means you don’t have to worry so much about how heavy your pots are, she adds.
It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not, chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming recession. Economic conditions are determined by a broad range of factors, so rather than explaining them each in depth, let’s lean on the experts and what history tells us to see what could lie ahead. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says:
“Two-in-three economists are forecasting a recession in 2023 . . .”
As talk about a potential recession grows, you may be wondering what a recession could mean for the housing market. Here’s a look at the historical data to show what happened in real estate during previous recessions to help prove why you shouldn’t be afraid of what a recession could mean for the housing market today.
A Recession Doesn’t Mean Falling Home Prices
To show that home prices don’t fall every time there’s a recession, it helps to turn to historical data. As the graph below illustrates, looking at recessions going all the way back to 1980, home prices appreciated in four of the last six of them. So historically, when the economy slows down, it doesn’t mean home values will always fall.
Most people remember the housing crisis in 2008 (the larger of the two red bars in the graph above) and think another recession would be a repeat of what happened to housing then. But today’s housing market isn’t about to crash because the fundamentals of the market are different than they were in 2008. According to experts, home prices will vary by market and may go up or down depending on the local area. But the average of their 2023 forecasts shows prices will net neutral nationwide, not fall drastically like they did in 2008.
A Recession Means Falling Mortgage Rates
Research also helps paint the picture of how a recession could impact the cost of financing a home. As the graph below shows, historically, each time the economy slowed down, mortgage rates decreased.
Fortuneexplains mortgage rates typically fall during an economic slowdown:
“Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough. And in many cases, they continued to fall after the fact as it takes some time to turn things around even when the recession is technically over.”
In 2023, market experts say mortgage rates will likely stabilize below the peak we saw last year. That’s because mortgage rates tend to respond to inflation. And early signs show inflation is starting to cool. If inflation continues to ease, rates may fall a bit more, but the days of 3% are likely behind us.
The big takeaway is you don’t need to fear the word recession when it comes to housing. In fact, experts say a recession would be mild and housing would play a key role in a quick economic rebound. As the 2022 CEO Outlook from KPMG, says:
“Global CEOs see a ‘mild and short’ recession, yet optimistic about global economy over 3-year horizon . . .
More than 8 out of 10 anticipate a recession over the next 12 months, with more than half expecting it to be mild and short.”
Bottom Line
While history doesn’t always repeat itself, we can learn from the past. According to historical data, in most recessions, home values have appreciated and mortgage rates have declined.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, let’s connect so you have expert advice on what’s happening in the housing market and what that means for your homeownership goals.
Despite the promise embedded in its name, a dryer doesn’t always perfectly dry your clothes each and every time. That said, if you’re finding yourself with particularly damp clothes even after a full drying cycle, or you’ve noticed that the outside of the dryer becomes very hot while doing its job, it may be time to clean out your dryer vent ducts.
Cleaning these ducts isn’t just important for your clothes and time (and sanity). Over months and years, lint can accumulate in these ducts and mix with hot air and ignite, creating a fire hazard. Every year, dryer duct fires cause $35 million in damages, hundreds of injuriesand even deaths. If you ever notice a burning stench in your laundry room, this is another indication you should get cleaning sooner rather than later.
Experts recommend you clean out your dryer ducts twice a year. Doing so on your own might sound like an intimidating prospect but there are ways to do it easily, cheaply and relatively quickly.
Table of contents
What to do first
What you’ll need to clean your dryer vent
How to clean your dryer vent in 6 easy steps
How to prevent future build-up
What to do first
Before attempting a cleaning, it’s important to figure out whether your clothes dryer runs on gas or electric power:
An electric dryer will have a grounded 240 volt electrical outlet. The plug will also be larger than your standard plug, containing either three or four prongs.
A gas-powered dryer, on the other hand, plugs into your standard 110 volt three prong outlet and will also connect to a gas valve.
If your dryer runs on gas, you’ll want to turn off the gas supply valve while cleaning and be careful not to overly disturb the flexible gas line while repositioning the unit. If at any point you’re unsure about what you’re doing, call a pro.
What you’ll need to clean your dryer vent
A dryer vent cleaning kit — you can purchase one of these at your local hardware store or online for about $24.
Power drill
Vacuum or broom and dustpan
How to clean your dryer vent in 6 easy steps
Step 1: Find your vent
Before you can clean your dryer vent, you’ll need to figure out where it actually is. Dryers are usually connected to a short, 4-inch diameter exhaust pipe that then connects to ductwork inside a wall. Hot air from your dryer is pushed through this pipe and escapes through a vent on the outside wall of your home.
Once you’ve identified your outdoor dryer exhaust vent, take a peek inside and look for any debris, including dust, lint or even dead bugs. Wash any screens and clear out any noticeable obstructions.
Step 2: Carefully disconnect your dryer
Once you’ve figured out how your ducts work, you’re ready to unplug your dryer. Once that’s done, remove any metal tape or clamps that attach your dryer vent pipe to its exhaust. Be sure to apply a gentle pressure when pulling the vent pipe from the wall duct, so as not to break the pipe.
Step 3: Vacuum the lint
By now you should be able to get a clear look inside your dryer vent from inside your laundry room (or nook). Use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to suck up any lint in or around the hole.
If you’ve got a handheld vacuum, you can repeat this process on the outside duct. Otherwise, try to clear debris manually from outside.
Step 4: Get in there with a brush
Attach the dryer brush from your vent cleaning kit to your power drill and insert the brush end of the rod into your duct. Push the brush as far back as you possibly can, bearing in mind that you might need to delicately maneuver the hose attachment depending on the route your duct takes.
If you’re unable to thread the brush through the entirety of your duct, or if your brush simply doesn’t extend that long, try inserting the brush head in the outside duct as well.
Step 5: Clean up and reconnect
At this point, you’ve likely unearthed a treasure trove of lint. You’ll want to use a vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan to sweep away your new fluffy friends.
Next, plug your dryer into the outlet and reconnect your wall duct.
One catch, though: if your dryer uses a soft foil-style vent to link to its wall duct, you’ll want to replace it with something sturdier. A 90-degree, fire-resistant aluminum elbow will suffice, while also providing superior airflow. You can buy them from Home Depot for just under $5.
Step 6: Celebrate
You did it! Cleaning out a dryer vent may not be glamorous work but you rose to the challenge and for that you deserve a victory lap. Turn on your dryer and listen as the air flows smoothly out the vent—the sweet sound of success. No more damp clothes, no more endless cycles. And you did it all on your own.
How to prevent future build-up
To ensure those pesky lint fibers don’t mess with your future drying game, be sure to take out the lint trap filter at the outer edge of your dryer door and remove the lint before every cycle. You’ll also want to vacuum the lint screen regularly, depending on how often you’re drying your clothes. Finally, it’s also a good idea to sweep and dust around your dryer.
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