Latest news with #springcleaning
CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
You Can Recycle Your Old Computers and Printers for Free. Here's Where
Summer is almost here, but it's not too late to get that last bit of spring cleaning done. And though it can be difficult to get rid of that old laptop, desktop or printer you've got sitting around -- even when it's been over a decade since you last plugged it in or switched it on -- recycling old tech is important, and it can free up a lot of space in your home. A recent CNET survey found that 31% of US adults are still holding onto unused old devices, including laptops, because they're unsure of what to do with them. The survey also found that 19% of respondents just toss old devices in the trash -- which is actually illegal in many states and can draw hefty fines -- while 29% use a recycling service to dispose of old tech. But there are easy and sustainable ways to clear out all that ancient tech. Recycling computers and printers can be as easy as bringing them to major retailers such as Best Buy, Office Depot and Staples. Some stores will even give you credit for offloading your old devices, as hard as it might be to let go of them. Here's what you need to know about recycling your old tech. For more, learn how to recycle your old phones. What to do before recycling your old computer Wherever you choose to take or mail in your items to be recycled, you'll want to protect your data by removing it as best you can. One way to do this is to perform a factory reset on your computer. Our guide walks you through the process. Where to recycle computers and printers Some retail stores will accept computers and printers for recycling, but it's not always a free service. Policies vary by company. Apple Store You can recycle your old Apple computers, monitors and peripherals, such as printers, for free at an Apple store, but there's a costly catch. According to the Apple Free Recycling program, you must also purchase a qualifying Apple computer or monitor to receive this service. Need another option? A third-party company called Gazelle buys old MacBooks to recycle them. After accepting Gazelle's offer, you print a prepaid label or request a prepaid box and ship the machine to them. Read more: Phone and Laptop Repair Goes Mainstream With Push From iFixit Best Buy stores Best Buy generally accepts up to three household items per household per day to be recycled for free, including desktop computers and printers, as well as other items ranging from e-readers to vacuum cleaners. While three is the limit for most items, there's a higher standard for laptops -- Best Buy will take five of those per household per day. Note that rules for dropping off monitors vary by state, and it's not always free to do so. Best Buy also offers a mail-in recycling service for select items, but that's also not free. A small box that holds up to 6 pounds costs $23, while a large box (up to 15 pounds) costs $30. Office Depot stores Office Depot and OfficeMax merged in 2013. The retailers offer a tech trade-in program both in-store and online where you may be able to get a store gift card in exchange for your old computers and printers. If the device has no trade-in value, the company will recycle it for free. Office Depot also sells its own tech recycling boxes that you can fill with electronics to be recycled and then drop off at the stores, but they aren't free. The small boxes cost $8.39 and hold up to 20 pounds, the medium ones cost $18.29 and hold up to 40 pounds, and the large boxes cost $28 and hold up to 60 pounds. Staples stores You can bring your old desktop computers, laptops, printers and more to the Staples checkout counter to be recycled for free, even if they weren't purchased there. The retailer also has a free at-home battery recycling box which, according to a Staples rep, has led customers to recycle thousands of batteries per week, up from an earlier average of 50 per week. Here's a list of everything that can be recycled at Staples. Read more: How to Factory Reset a MacBook, Windows Laptop or Chromebook How to find an electronics recycling center If you don't live near a major retailer or would rather take your computers and printers to a recycling center, you can locate places near you by using search tools provided by Earth911 and the Consumer Technology Association. Earth911 recycling center Use the recycling center search function on Earth911 to find recycling centers near your ZIP code that accept laptops, desktops and printers. Note that the results may also turn up places that accept mobile phones and not computers or printers, so you may have to do a little filtering. Greener Gadgets recycling center Consult the Consumer Technology Association's Greener Gadgets Recycle Locator to find local recycling centers in your area that will take old items. The search function also allows you to filter the results to separately hunt for places that take computers versus printers.
CNET
5 days ago
- General
- CNET
15 Filthy Spots That Survived Your Spring Cleaning Rampage, According to an Expert
CNET Look outside and you'll see that flowers are blooming and pollen is flying. That means it's time to start spring cleaning -- or finish, according to a professional we spoke with. The professional in question is Angie Olive, owner of Alliance Building Services in St. Louis and she just happens to be my mom. She's been in the cleaning business for 25 years and says there are more than a dozen spots in the home that almost everyone misses. "Most things are out of sight and out of mind," said Olive, owner of . "If your outside surfaces are clean, you think everything is clean. It's no fault of your own that the stuff that slides down the side of your stove goes unnoticed until you move out." "If you maintain cleaning your house throughout the year, you should still consider hiring a professional cleaning company to come in at least twice a year for a deep clean," she added. So, if deep cleaning your home is part of your spring routine, here are 15 places in your home that you shouldn't forget. 1. Shutters Built-in shutters can accumulate a lot of dust over the years. Although it seems the only solution is regular dusting, I have found a tool that makes it slightly easier: a blind cleaner duster brush. Built-in shutters can often hide dust. Corin Cesaric/CNET (Tip: I also use this tool to clean my window AC unit, and you can also use it on blinds, too.) 2. Door frames The top of door frames is another area known for almost always being dusty. You can use a duster, microfiber cloth or vacuum to clean that area, then with warm, soapy water for the rest of the frame. 3. Baseboards Cleaning baseboards is typically on the list of least desirable chores. On Reddit, many users ask for tips on how to make this one easier on themselves -- and their backs and knees. One user suggested knee pads, while another advocates for using a vacuum with a brush attachment. If you have pets or there's a lot of foot traffic in your home, you'll want to clean your baseboards at least twice a month. FotoDuets/Getty Images Olive suggests that after deep cleaning your baseboards once, you can maintain them by using a damp mop on them when cleaning your floors. "As long as you're not using harsh chemicals, it won't damage your paint," she said. 4. Under the couch and bed For this chore, a robot vacuum may be the best -- and easiest -- option for regular upkeep. (CNET chose the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo and the iRobot Combo J7 Plus as the best robot vacuums for 2025.) 5. Ceiling fans It's good to occasionally clean the entire ceiling fan, including the bulbs, but the blades typically need the most attention. If your blades are heavily covered in dust, use a vacuum cleaner with the wand attachment on them first to minimize the amount that falls onto the ground -- or worse, in your face -- before dusting them clean with a duster or microfiber cloth. You can also clean the pull strings and bulbs with a microfiber cloth, but make sure the light switch is turned off and the bulbs have completely cooled before touching them. If you're deep cleaning your home, don't forget to look up to find the areas you may have missed. BackyardProduction/Getty Images 6. Grout When I moved into my apartment a few years ago, I could never get the tiny bathroom to feel clean — until I scrubbed the grout and unveiled its true color. I used Zep Grout Cleaner and a grout brush and was amazed at the difference, as were many on TikTok who used the same product. When I was halfway done with cleaning the grout, I was already extremely satisfied with the results. Corin Cesaric/CNET I poured the solution on the grout and let it sit for two to three minutes before using the brush to scrub the grout, then wiped the area clean. I now deep clean the grout about every six months and regularly mop. 7. Remote controls Although most people touch their TV remotes every day, it's often forgotten that we need to clean them, too. "They might not look dirty, but they're usually full of germs," Olive said. You should aim to clean and disinfect the remotes in your home about once a month.A quick way to clean your remote is to use a disinfectant wipe and then let it air dry. 8. Tops of cabinets When you cook on your stovetop, the smoke, steam and food particles travel up and often settle on top of your cabinets. This leaves a thick, sticky residue if you forget to clean the area. "Regularly clean with a degreaser on top of the cabinets," Olive said. "Once you get the build-up gone, you can maintain it." Another way to protect the top of your cabinets from the buildup is to line them with parchment or wax paper. 9. Doorknobs Doorknobs may not look dirty but most are teeming with germs. Fotosearch/Getty Images Doorknobs are another high-touch area that can be forgotten about. Use a disinfectant wipe or Lysol to clean them, especially during cold and flu season. (Tip: Clean your light switches at the same time you clean your door knobs since they're typically near each other.) 10. Stove knobs Stove knobs can get the same greasy residue buildup so it's important to deep clean them as well. Take the knobs off and soak them in warm, soapy water and scrub them if needed, then rinse, dry and replace. 11. Side of the stove As your stove knobs are soaking, you can deep clean the side of your stove, too. Pull out the appliance and use a cleaner of your choice to get rid of any food buildup that may have accumulated. "As you're cooking, you don't realize what you're spilling between the appliance and the countertop," Olive said. "Once you pull out your appliances, you'll find a lot of places that you need to clean." If you'd prefer to prevent spillage rather than clean it, you may want to invest in a stove gap cover. 12. Oven After you tackle the outside of your stove, it's time to clean the inside of the oven. You can try this chemical-free cleaning method to get your oven to look brand-new. Read more: Your Oven's Bottom Drawer Has a Secret Purpose -- Here's What It Actually Does Plan to clean your oven about four times a year. Jevtic/Getty Images 13. Walls You don't have to clean your walls every day, but they're not immune to getting dirty, especially the ones in your kitchen and bathroom, and for me, the one behind my dog's food and water bowls. You can start by dusting your walls, then using a Magic Eraser on them to get any marks, scuffs or splatters off. 14. Behind the refrigerator This area can be easily forgotten about, because most people don't routinely pull out their refrigerator. But when you do, you're almost certain to find dust and build up. You can clean the floor underneath your fridge and the wall behind it, then focus on the back of the fridge itself. First, unplug the fridge, then use a microfiber cloth or vacuum to dust the coils. Dust and hair can even find its way to the back of your fridge.15. Houseplants It may seem odd at first, but yes, you should be cleaning your houseplants, too -- even fake ones. The leaves on houseplants can collect a lot of dust. You can use a microfiber cloth or a duster to keep them dust-free. Plants with large leaves are especially likely to get dust buildup. Polina Sergeyeva/iStock/Getty Images Expert advice: Create a routine that works for you While it may seem overwhelming to keep every part of your home clean and free from dust, grease and buildup, don't overwork yourself. "Work out your own routine and do a little each time," Olive said. "Don't try to tackle everything at once."
Fox News
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Spring clean your car with these 10 cleaning supplies
Instead of spending a bunch of money on expensive car wash add-ons, take matters into your own hands and wash your car yourself. Spring cleaning season is here, and you shouldn't forget about cleaning out your car, as well as your home. From microfiber cloths to interior and exterior cleaners, you can find everything you need to clean your car on your own. And, if you want to save even more, take advantage of a major fuel-saving benefit from Amazon. Amazon can save you up to 10 cents per gallon if you're an Amazon Prime member. You can save at bp, Amoco, and participating ampm stations when you link your Amazon and earnify accounts. The earnify app will help you locate gas stations near you. For an all-purpose car cleaner that works on plastic, leather, vinyl, carpet, wood and glass, the Chemical Guys total interior cleaner is a solid option. Not only will the cleaner remove dust, dirt and stains from your car's interior, but it acts as a protectant to prevent dust and grime build-up. The formula is also dry to the touch, so there won't be any residue left behind once you wipe down all your surfaces. Original price: $39.99 Get every scrubbing option you need to wash the inside and outside of your car with this car wash brush set. You can extend the brush up to 62 inches, making it easy to reach every nook and cranny. You also get a handheld brush that's perfect for scrubbing the interior of your car, as well as a car wash mop that won't scratch your paint. Washing your windshield is a pain. There are always a few spots you just can't reach. This reusable microfiber windshield cleaner tool eliminated that problem. It's designed to easily reach corners and tight spots, so you can get a sparkling-clean windshield every time. Original price: $12.99 Keep the leather seats in your car looking brand new when you use Weiman leather cleaner. It's made with non-toxic ingredients and is designed to protect your leather seats from sun damage and cracking. Surfaces like your cupholders, air vents and under the seat can be difficult to clean, but Auto Drive's cleaning gel can pick up messes from these hard-to-reach areas. The gel cleans surfaces without leaving behind sticky residue, and it's reusable. Clean all your car's surfaces with the help of an Armor All car cleaning kit. The bucket full of cleaning products includes glass cleaning wipes, an interior detailer spray, a car wash and wax for the exterior, wheel and tire cleaner and microfiber cleaning cloths. Just throw the bucket in your trunk or back seat, and you have everything you need to clean your car regularly. Original price: $99.99 A handheld car vacuum is great for drivers with pets, kids or those who like a sparkling clean car. The cordless vacuum comes with 10 accessories that can help you clean every part of your car. You can easily charge the vacuum in a couple of hours, and the vacuum can be used for 40 minutes. Original price: $14.97 For spot cleaning, having some Armor All car cleaning wipes on hand is a good idea. These wipes are great for most of your car's surfaces and help remove stains. The wipes won't dry out or leave behind any residue. A 24-pack of microfiber cloths are gentle on your car and are great for any type of cleaning product. You can use these non-abrasive cloths on the interior and exterior of your car, and they can soak up water, dust and spills will ease. For more deals, visit Original price: $179.99 The Chemical Guys all season arsenal builder kit has everything you need to wash the interior and exterior of your car. You'll get scrub brushes, mop heads and cloths for every surface in your vehicle. You also get all the detergents, polishes and washes you'd find at a car wash. Plus, included is a giant bucket with a lid to keep all your products safe.
CNN
24-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
I've been eyeing appliances for months. Here's what's worth buying this Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day is almost here. With the long weekend quickly approaching, we're ramping up our holiday coverage here at CNN Underscored on the latest and greatest deals on grills, patio furniture and the like. Over the past few months, I've been renovating and moving into a new home — which means I've spent hours rummaging through pages of ovens, dishwashers and refrigerators to find the best deals for my new space. As I've been keeping my eye appliance prices, I've noticed some steep discounts on home furnishings big and small. Below, I've compiled 35 of my favorites from retailers like Lowe's, The Home Depot and Wayfair. Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker With Grinder The newest version of our pick for best coffee maker is on sale for even less than what we tracked during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. It has a built-in grinder and heating plate. Plus, it can also brew enough coffee for a group. NutriBullet 1200W Full-Size Blender Combo Churn out protein shakes, fruit-filled smoothies and pureed soups with NutriBullet's versatile blender. It has three speeds, comes with two to-go cups for taking to the gym or on your commute and is an additional $15 off when clipping the on-page coupon. Chovery Window Cleaner Robot Say goodbye to gunk-ridden windows with this compact robot cleaning device. It's a must-have on your spring cleaning checklist and can be used to clean apartment windows, shower doors and any other glass or streak-filled surfaces. Black+Decker Portable Compact Countertop Dishwasher Don't let minimal kitchen space prevent you from investing in a reliable dishwasher. Black+Decker's portable version can fit up to six place settings, features seven wash cycles and is $80 off for a limited time. GE Profile 30-Inch Built-in Twin Flex Convection Wall Oven Improve your kitchen setup one appliance at a time and finally upgrade to the double oven you've always dreamed of. This model from GE is a compact 30 inches and can be controlled via an app. Bella Pro Slim Espresso Machine At-home lattes will become a lot easier and more cost-effective compared to running out to the cafe with this machine. Its pro-grade steamer pumps out frothy drinks in no time and the slim machine is $50 off. LG 24-Inch QuadWash Front-Control Dishwasher in Stainless Steel Keep dishes spotless with LG's high-tech dishwasher. It features slim digital touch presets and a convenient smudge-free finish. The interior fan dries dishes in a snap, and it's an additional 10% off with SAVE10 in the dazzling stainless steel option. Bella Pro Blaze Pizza Oven+ If the Ooni is too pricey for you, consider this budget-friendly pizza oven from Bella Pro. It comes in this gorgeous bone-colored finish and can cook 12-inch pies as fast as its competitors. It's also $100 lower than its last discount during Best Buy's Spring Sale. Samsung Side-by-Side Smart Refrigerator With Touchscreen Family Hub Families will love how spacious this fridge is with its double full-length doors. The water and ice dispenser is front and center on one door for easy access, and the other has a smart screen to organize schedules. Be sure to use code SAVE10 to save $160. LG Standard-Depth Max 4-Door Refrigerator With InstaView MyColor You can score an additional 20% off of this high-end refrigerator with code SAVE20. The additional door allows for even more organization, and the transparent door is perfect for displaying your produce. KitchenAid 30-Inch Convection Oven Freestanding Natural Gas Range in Stainless Steel This $550 off range and convection oven combo has five burners, three oven racks and heavy-duty cast-iron grates that are dishwasher-safe. The stainless steel finish and matching knobs on the oven make it look high-end, and we love its auto shutoff feature for added safety while cooking. Maytag Pet Pro Top-Load Washer with Agitator & Vented Electric Dryer Set in Volcano Black Save even more when purchasing a washing machine and dryer set — $1,102 to be exact. This is one of Lowe's best Memorial Day deals so far, and it's made for pet owners who are looking for a machine with speedy stain- and hair-removal functions. Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave Snag this budget microwave that's made for installing over your oven for $190 off. It's only this deeply discounted in the smudge-free stainless version, and it has loads of presets for all your reheating needs. Frigidaire 20-Cubic-Foot Top-Freezer Refrigerator Need an additional fridge? This smudge-resistant garage-sided appliance is ready to hold all your extra beverages, meal prep for hosting and the like. Now it's $288 off until May 28. Maytag 24-Inch Dual-Power Filtration Front-Control Dishwasher This quiet dishwasher won't disrupt pets, sleeping babies or your TV time. It's a slim 24 inches, making it suitable for smaller kitchens — and it's over $300 off. Frigidaire 30-Inch Freestanding Gas Range in Stainless Steel If you're frequently hosting, you probably need a range that can handle multiple dishes at once. This Frigidaire is equipped with five burners and has plenty of room in the oven for those who love to bake. Get it in a stainless steel and gas variation for more than $300 off. LG Vented Smart Electric Dryer in Matte Black Effortlessly load and unload laundry with the dual-opening door on this dryer. The brushed black is great for those looking to stray away from white appliances, and now it's $651 off after adding it to your cart. Roborock Q8 Max+ Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cut deep cleaning time in half by introducing a robot vacuum and mop combo into your space. This model from Roborock is down to a low price, and it can handle messes and spills on all types of flooring. Zline 24-Inch Compact Dishwasher in Red Matte Add a pop of color to your kitchen with Zline's bright red dishwasher. It can hold up to 10 place settings and has adjustable racks and six wash cycles for a more tailored clean. Forno 3-Piece Electric Range, Refrigerator and Dishwasher Set When bundling your dishwasher, oven and fridge, you'll save almost $2,000. The stainless steel finish will add an industrial flair to your space, plus you won't have to hunt for individual appliances. Kenmore French Door Refrigerator Save $1,000 on this innovative fridge that comes fully loaded with an ice and water dispenser. Large families will have no problem finding space in this extra-large double-door fridge or in its deep drawer freezer. Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker This 10-in-1 oven and air fryer can make entire meals in as little as 15 minutes, according to the brand, and can replace all of the other smart devices in your kitchen. It's suitable for families with its large capacity and can even roast a 6-pound chicken. Frigidaire Retro Bullet Ice Maker in Black Iced lattes, summery beverages and the like will be more enjoyable to sip on with this heavily reduced ice maker. It pumps out almost 30 pounds of ice in 24 hours and is compact enough to fit on your countertop. Galanz Two-Door Mini Fridge Keep beverages cool in your home office with this under-$200 mini fridge. It comes in a jet-black or stainless steel-like finish and even has a can dispenser inside the door. Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven Reheat cups of tea, leftovers and more with this affordable microwave. The clear LED display is easy to use, and it even features a child lock for added safety. Miele Classic C1 Turbo Team Powerline Canister Vacuum Our best canister vacuum pick is down by 20%. It usually goes on sale for around $400, so seeing it $25 below that is a real treat for those of us who pushed off spring cleaning. Its ability to be used on a variety of surfaces impressed us, as well as its build quality. Lelit William Burr Grinder For those who take espresso making seriously, consider splurging on this $120-off coffee grinder from Lelit. You can adjust the grinding degree anywhere from 1 to 10, and the brushed stainless steel mechanics make it durable for years of uninterrupted use. Ooni Volt Indoor & Outdoor Electric Pizza Oven If you're heading to a wedding this summer, the couple may have an Ooni on their registry. Luckily, the electric pizza oven is down by almost $300 at Williams Sonoma. It's one of those appliances that you don't think you need, but once you have it, you can't get enough of it. Zwilling Enfinigy Glass Drip Coffee Maker You won't mind leaving this sleek coffee maker out on the counter. Whether you snag the shiny silver or matte black finish, you'll love how smooth the coffee is after the brewing cycle. Typhur Dome Air Fryer This elevated air fryer will take your at-home cooking to the next level. It's modeled after a pizza oven with its arched build and allows you to cook food faster with its air-circulation technology. Keurig K-Select Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker If sorting coffee beans and grinding isn't your jam, this sweet deal on a Keurig is super enticing. The machine is equipped with a large water tank, can brew four sizes of coffee and is a whopping $80 off. GE 30-Inch Smart Natural Gas Freestanding Range A classic stainless steel oven doesn't have to cost a fortune. This model from GE has four burners, a self-steam cleaning feature and a storage drawer for baking sheets and more. Save $350 for Memorial Day with this rare deal. Samsung Smart Top-Load Washer With Active WaterJet This top-load washing machine has 10 presets, a convenient app to stay on top of its cycle and a self-cleaning tub to keep the inside fresh. Both finishes are down to $599, but we think the black will look more sleek in your laundry room. Black+Decker Small 5-Cycle Portable Washer If you don't have an in-unit washer and dryer, consider getting this $40 portable washing machine. It has five cycles, takes up minimal space and is easy to move because of its two roller-wheel additions. Samsung Bespoke Stainless Steel Counter-Depth Kitchen Package This higher-end stainless steel kitchen package comes with four appliances — refrigerator, dishwasher, electric range and microwave — and is almost 40% off. If you're easily overwhelmed by the abundance of choices, this set is made for you. Many big-ticket items like appliances and even mattresses reach all-time low prices during Memorial Day. With the transition into the summer season coming in a little over a month, this is the last time ovens, microwaves and even smaller appliances like multicookers and coffee grinders will be on sale until Amazon's July Prime Day or potentially Labor Day. After scouring the web for the best pricing and discounts on editor-approved items, I came across 35 of the top appliance deals from a variety of retailers. From vigorously tested vacuums to new-low prices on high-end pizza ovens, we anticipate that many of the picks above won't last through the holiday weekend. The Underscored deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted tech essentials to pet deals, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure they're finding the best buys for our readers.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Four helpful fire prevention tips to avoid burning down your house this summer
Cleaning a few key areas in your home can help prevent fires, according to the Ohio State Fire Marshal. To help reduce the risks of summer fires, Ohioans can take time to remove clutter and debris from inside and outside their homes and properly maintain common fire-causing appliances, the state agency said in a news release. 'Keeping fire prevention and safety in mind during your spring-cleaning routine can go a long way in keeping your home and loved ones safe,' State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in the release. 'By adding some simple items to your to-do list, such as reducing clutter, clearing debris, and properly maintaining appliances, you can help prevent fires from occurring in and around your home.' Clothes dryers are a major cause of fires in the U.S. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 13,820 fires start this way each year. To prevent these fires, homeowners should ensure their dryer's exhaust pipe provides a clear path outside, the State Fire Marshal said. They should also ensure the vent flap opens properly when running the dryer. Don't store flammable items like boxes and cleaning supplies near the dryer. Clothes wet with flammable substances like gasoline should be dried outside before washing and drying in your machines. Excessive items and clutter can block exits and worsen fires, posing risks to residents and first responders alike, the State Fire Marshal said. People should assess their homes and those of their family members to ensure clutter isn't restricting their movement through the home. Hallways and doorways, especially those that lead outside, should be clear and easy to access. Items should be kept at least three feet from all heat sources, including water heaters and furnaces. About 3-5% of the population suffers from compulsive hoarding, a psychological condition in which people suffer from strong urges to keep items or distress when discarding them, potentially putting themselves and others at risk in case of a fire, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The U.S. Fire Administration has tips for speaking to loved ones about compulsive hoarding for friends and family. If embers from a bonfire, grill or other source ignite flammable materials like leaves and pine needles near a home, the home could catch fire, the State Fire Marshal said. Therefore, residents should clear them from roofs, gutters and under decks. Residents should also remove dead vegetation within five feet of their homes and dispose of branches, leaves and grass clippings appropriately. Construction materials, trash and woodpiles should be stored at least 30 feet from a residence. People should regularly inspect their grills to make sure they are free of grease and fat buildups, which could ignite, the State Fire Marshal said. People should also clean out any nests, spiderwebs and other debris from inside the grill. Before grilling with propane and natural gas, people should check the gas hose for leaks. Gasoline should only be used as motor fuel, and equipment like lawn mowers, and it should be stored in an approved container for storing gasoline, according to the news release. Storage containers should have a tight cap so they don't spill when they aren't in use. Public Safety Reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State fire Marshal: Avoid house fires with these 4 safety tips
