Importance of Dryer Vent Hood Replacement

Dryer vent hoods are the exit point for hot air, lint, and moisture from your dryer to the outdoors. Over time, these hoods can deteriorate due to weather exposure, clogging, or general wear and tear. A faulty or outdated vent hood can lead to various issues, including:

Reduced Efficiency: A damaged or clogged vent hood restricts airflow, causing your dryer to work harder and longer to dry clothes, which can increase energy consumption and utility bills.

Fire Hazard: Lint buildup in the vent system is highly flammable. A damaged vent hood increases the risk of lint accumulation, potentially leading to a dangerous dryer fire.

Poor Indoor Air Quality: A malfunctioning vent hood may not properly expel moisture and lint outdoors, leading to indoor air pollution, mold growth, and musty odors.

Given these potential hazards, it’s crucial to inspect your dryer vent hood regularly and replace it when necessary.

How to Determine the Right Dryer Vent Hood

Choosing the right dryer vent hood involves considering several factors to ensure optimal performance and safety: 

Ventilation Requirements: Determine the type of venting system your dryer uses—either through the wall, through the roof, or the floor venting. Each setup requires a specific vent hood design to facilitate proper airflow. 

Material and Durability: Opt for vent hoods made of durable materials such as galvanized steel or heavy-duty plastic to withstand outdoor elements and frequent use. Stainless steel models offer superior corrosion resistance, making them ideal for coastal areas or regions with high humidity.

Size and Compatibility: Measure the diameter of your existing vent pipe to select a compatible vent hood size. Most dryer vent hoods come in standard sizes ranging from 4 to 6 inches in diameter. 

Features and Design: Consider additional features such as bird and pest guards, anti-gust hoods, and weather-resistant louvers to prevent pests and debris from entering your vent system. Choose a design that complements your home’s exterior aesthetic for a cohesive look. Plastic hoods are typically white, black, or brown but can also be painted to match the exterior. 

Installation and Maintenance: Prioritize vent hoods that are easy to install and maintain, with accessible components for cleaning and inspection. Follow manufacturer guidelines and check your local building codes to ensure proper installation and compliance.

Replacing your dryer vent hood may seem like a minor home improvement task, but it can have a significant impact on your dryer’s efficiency, safety, and indoor air quality. By selecting the right vent hood for your home and conducting regular maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your dryer, reduce energy costs, and safeguard your property against potential hazards. Invest in your home’s safety and performance by upgrading to a high-quality dryer vent hood today.

The post Upgrade Your Home: A Guide to Replacing Your Dryer Vent Hood appeared first on Deflecto.

Each set of Tilt Bins comes individually wrapped and includes extra accessories. There are mounting accessories for hanging the bins, as well as custom-cut sheets to label the bins. 

These multi-bin storage organizers are great for storing and organizing things of many different sizes. Offered in 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer, 6-drawer, and 9-drawer options that all interlock and stack securely to create a modular solution for different needs. Its dovetail design ensures a strong and sturdy connection between stacked bins.

The 3-drawer option is perfect for storing small tools and accessories.  Each drawer accommodates tools like staple guns, power tool batteries, and sanding supplies.

Occasionally, simply tilting the bin and accessing what’s needed suffices without having to remove the entire unit. This feature is particularly handy for storing items like nails, rubber bands, nuts, bolts, and screws. Thanks to its remarkable design, the smaller five-bin Tilt Bin snugly sits atop the three-bin configuration. Tilt Bins can be stacked to varying heights, offering versatile vertical storage solutions. This is especially crucial in the garage, where floor space is reserved for larger items and equipment.

Garage storage is critical for organization and maximizing space. It helps keep tools, equipment, and items easily accessible, promoting efficiency and reducing clutter. Proper storage also protects belongings from damage, ensuring they remain in good condition over time. Additionally, an organized garage enhances safety by allowing for better navigation within the space.

Utilize the clear bins for smaller items, and label everything for easy identification. Creating designated bins for specific tool categories can further enhance organization, especially if you have a lot.

I am excited to try a few more sizes to mix, match, and stack, which will allow me to add a few larger items to my storage solution.

Share your projects and ideas with us using #DeflectoAtHome on social media.

The post Garage Organization with Interlocking Tilt Bin® Storage appeared first on Deflecto.

Desk drawers can be like pits of lost items. The clear nature of the Stackable Cube Organizer pieces makes it easy to find exactly what you need without any hassle. There are cubes with open shelves, cubes with drawers of different sizes, and open cubes. The two-drawer cube perfectly fits a desk-size calculator which certainly comes in handy. The cube drawers are easy to remove and replace making them perfect for use around the office and replacing when done.

The 4 Drawer Cube is the perfect answer for little items like paper clips, rubber bands, and staples. The clear nature of the drawers allows items to be seen quickly so there isn’t any wasted time searching. The Deflecto organization system saves time when adding tax planning and preparation to an already busy schedule.

One of my favorite Stackable Cubes is the Divided Shelf Cube. These shelves are wide and deep enough to hold a stack of sticky notes and small containers of supplies. Sticky Notes are so important for labeling documents during tax season. Like all of the cubes, these also are see-through, which are so perfect for finding things immediately. I love the size of these because they also hold self-inking stamps and postcards.

Organizing home offices for small business owners includes making a place for larger items like staplers, tape dispensers, and memo pads. Both the Cube and Double Cube allow for these larger items to have a designated place. When the single cube is turned upright, it makes a great catch-all for receipt storage.

For home office organization ideas, the Stackable Cube Organizer pieces from Deflecto have a solution for things of all shapes and sizes. There are many different modular organization cubes to choose from when deciding what should go where to best create a space that flows efficiently. The beautiful thing about the Stackable Cubes is that they allow for a multitude of design layouts to fit any space. 

Organized home offices and workspaces reduce clutter and as a result, reduce stress. Having a space with purpose facilitates creativity and at the same time causes a feeling of empowerment and structure. Great products that support small business owners with home office organization ideas make life so much easier and better.

Tax season and all of the necessary preparation require organization and structure. There have been times when it feels like hours have been spent trying to find something needed amongst the chaos of the home studio and office spaces – things as simple as extra staples or large clips. If you are experiencing a mirage of supplies and materials all mixed up in one space, the Stackable Cube Organizer is the best of the home office organization ideas, during tax season and all year round.

Share your projects and ideas with us using #DeflectoAtHome on social media.

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As we bid farewell to another eventful year, it is essential to reflect on our achievements and the impact we have made as a company. In 2023, through hard work, focus, and a commitment to adding value to our customers, co-workers, and communities, we were able to create meaningful change. In this blog post, we celebrate our accomplishments and highlight our dedication to supporting the City of Hope, a charitable organization that plays a vital role in improving lives.

Delivering Value to Customers:
One of our key achievements in 2023 was our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional value to our customers. By listening to their feedback and understanding their evolving needs, we were able to enhance our products and services, ensuring customer satisfaction. Our on-time delivery rate consistently exceeded 95% to our customers. We developed innovative solutions and maintained a proactive approach in meeting and exceeding expectations, solidifying our reputation as a long-time trusted partner.

Taking Care of Our Co-Workers:
At the heart of our success lies our talented and dedicated workforce. In 2023, we prioritized employee well-being. Through comprehensive training programs, we empowered our co-workers to take care and work safely resulting in improving our safety Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) year over year.

Supporting the City of Hope:
Our commitment to making a difference extended beyond the confines of our organization. In 2023, we partnered with the City of Hope, a renowned charity that provides medical research, patient care, and support to those facing life-threatening diseases. Through various fundraising activities and volunteering efforts, including Ride for Hope, we contributed to the invaluable work of this organization, helping them bring hope and healing to countless individuals and families in need.

As we reflect on the achievements of 2023, we take pride in the hard work, focus, and dedication demonstrated by our entire company. Our passion for delivering value to our customers, taking care of our co-workers, and making a positive impact in our communities has been at the forefront of our efforts. As we move into 2024, and challenges of interest rates, continued war in Ukraine and the Middle East, and a U.S. presidential election, we look to build upon these achievements, continuing to add value, and make a meaningful difference in the lives we touch with our life-essential products.

The post Reflecting on 2023: Achievements Through Hard Work, Focus, and Community Impact appeared first on Deflecto.

The Tilt Bin Multi-Bin storage solution is great for things of many different sizes. There are 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer, and 6-drawer options that all interlock and stack securely to create the exact formation required for different needs. The integrated dovetail design makes it easy to stack and connect multiple units together.

Because I have a lot of small things, the 6-drawer is used most often here. The bins are so easy to take out and be moved around the workspace.

Sometimes just tilting the bin and grabbing what is needed is perfect and the entire bin doesn’t have to be removed.

Let’s talk about the infamous “junk drawer organization”. Check out this drawer of things that are regularly used in the home office. It is a mess and even after straightening it, it is hard to find what you’re looking for.

Once the items are removed from the junk drawer and placed in the clear tilt bins, everything is simply so much better. Clearing away clutter and creating structure is not only good for managing time but also for lowering stress. It is the best junk drawer organization solution!

While there are oodles of small and important items to organize across so many types of small businesses being run in home offices, stickers are most important here. The six-drawer Tilt-Bin is PERFECT for organizing the hundreds of designs that are stocked. The clear bins make it quick and easy to find what is needed to pick and pack outgoing orders.

Home Office Organization in a Small Space is empowering when it works. Deflecto’s Tilt Bin Interlocking Multi-Bin system is such a great answer to messy supplies and drawers. They come in two color options – black and white.

I am excited to try a few more sizes to mix and match which will allow me to add a few larger items to my storage solution.

Creating a space with purpose and structure causes a more efficient workflow that ultimately makes life in the home office running a small business better.

Share your projects and ideas with us using #DeflectoAtHome on social media.

The post Home Office Organization in a Small Space appeared first on Deflecto.

Properly maintaining your dryer not only helps extend its lifespan but also helps ensure the safety of your home. One crucial maintenance task is cleaning the dryer vent regularly. Over time, lint and debris can accumulate in the vent, leading to longer drying times, reduced dryer performance and even potential fire hazards. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of cleaning a dryer vent, ensuring optimal dryer performance and safety for your dryer.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Supplies

To begin, gather the following tools and supplies:

• Screwdriver or drill
• Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment (or leaf blower)
• Dryer vent cleaning brush (Kit)
• Duct Tape
• Safety goggles
• Protective gloves

Step 2: Disconnect the Dryer

Start by unplugging the dryer from the power source. If it is a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply valve. Slide the dryer away from the wall to create enough space to access the vent.

Step 3: Disconnect the Dryer Vent Duct from the Dryer

Locate the dryer vent attachment point on the back of the dryer. It is typically secured with a clamp or screw. Loosen the clamp or remove the screw to disconnect the vent from the dryer. Gently pull the vent off the dryer

Step 4: Remove the Dryer Vent Hood / Cover

Locate the vent cover on the exterior wall of your home. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws securing the cover. Set the screws aside for reinstallation later. Carefully remove the vent cover and set it aside.

Step 5: Clean the Dryer Vent

Utililze your Deflecto Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit. Attach the dryer vent cleaning brush to the end of an extension rod. Secure the connections between the rods with duct tape. Insert the brush into the vent opening and push it gently through the vent, working your way toward the exterior of the house. Move the brush back and forth to dislodge lint and debris. Continue until the brush has reached as far as possible.

Step 6: Vacuum the Dryer Vent

Insert the vacuum hose into the vent opening and use the vacuum cleaner to suction out any loosened debris. Move the hose in a sweeping motion to cover the entire area of the vent. Repeat this step until no more debris is being removed. In addition you can use a leaf blower to push out any loose lint by  blowing it from inside the house to outside the house.

Step 7: Reconnect the Dryer Vent Duct

Carefully reconnect the dryer vent duct to the back of the dryer, ensuring it is secure and not crushed inhibiting air flow. Use a clamp to fasten it in place as necessary.

Step 8: Reinstall the Vent Cover

Take the vent cover and position it over the vent opening on the exterior wall. Align it properly and use the screws to secure it back into place.

Step 9: Perform a Test Run

Plug in the dryer and turn on the power. Run a test cycle to ensure proper airflow. Monitor the dryer to ensure there are no signs of overheating or restricted airflow.

Conclusion:

Regularly cleaning your dryer vent is essential for maintaining its efficiency and preventing potential fire hazards. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your dryer operates optimally while keeping your home safe. Remember to clean the dryer vent at least once a year or more frequently if you notice reduced drying performance. Stay diligent in your maintenance routine and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained dryer.

The post The Ultimate Guide: Step-by-Step Process on How to Clean a Dryer Vent appeared first on Deflecto.

This is the packaging station where products get packaged and shipped out. It is also where office supplies are stored so it gets a little overwhelming at times. Before the Stackable Cubes, items were in containers and jars that were constantly getting moved around.

The Stackable Cubes were a complete solution for organizing a small business space. From drawers to shelves and dividers, everything ended up in a perfect place.

The 2 Drawer Cube is the perfect answer for little items like pins and buttons that get added into packages for promotional purposes. The clear nature of the drawers allows items to be seen quickly so there isn’t any wasted time searching. Small business owners wear lots of hats so time saving makes a big difference.

The X Divider Cube is the perfect one for writing instruments of all kinds. For this workspace, markers, pencils and crayons are all important. They won’t get mixed up thanks to the four sections in the cube.

One of my favorite Stackable Cubes is the 4 Drawer Cube. These drawers are also see-through so perfect for finding things immediately. They hold all the small things like staples, paperclips, rubber band and erasers.

Organizing home offices for small business owners includes making a place for larger items like memo pads and catalogs too. Both the Cube and Double Cube allow for these larger items to have a designated place.

There is even a Stackable Cube with a shelf in it to make TWO places to stack important things like post cards, envelopes and sticker sheets. It would work great for sticky notes and stamps too.

For home office organization ideas, the Stackable Cube organizer pieces have a solution for things of all shapes and sizes. There are many different modular organization cubes to choose from when deciding what should go where to best create a space that flows efficiently. The beautiful thing about the Stackable Cubes is that they allow for a multitude of design layouts to fit any space. 

Organized home offices and workspaces reduce clutter and as a result reduce stress. Having a space with purpose facilitates creativity and at the same time causes a feeling of empowerment and structure. Great products that support small business owners with home office organization ideas make life so much easier and better.

Share your projects and ideas with us using #DeflectoAtHome on social media.

The post Home Office Organization Ideas with Stackable Cubes appeared first on Deflecto.

In February, the United States celebrates Black History Month. Officially recognized in 1976, Black History Month has been an important month of acknowledgment every year since. This month celebrates the achievements of Black Americans in the past and present of our country, and the ongoing successes they continue to have. At Deflecto, we are honored to observe the month, while of course remembering that this celebration and acknowledgment must go beyond just one span of time.

To honor Black History Month and the continuing story of Black history and excellence,  Deflecto would like to highlight some of our own employees.

In today’s post, we’re spotlighting Jacqueline Anderson. She has been an employee of Deflecto for 23 years, here’s a little bit more about her in her own words:

What has been your biggest inspiration? My family has been and remains my biggest inspiration. I come from a large family (3 boys and 4 girls). Our parents pushed us to be the best at all that we set out to accomplish with an emphasis on education. They moved to Indiana from the Mississippi delta, in 1955, after the birth of my oldest sister. My father grew up as an only child. He wanted a large family but didn’t want to raise his children in the deep south, to be faced with the same prejudices he encountered while in Mississippi.

What does Black History Month mean to you? It is important to me, since prior to 1976 when President Gerald Ford extended Black History Week to be observed during the entire month of February, it was primarily recognized only in the black communities. Throughout middle school and high school, I learned so much about men and women who looked like my parents. To this day, it has inspired me to make it a point, to pass this knowledge on to my 5 grandchildren. One of the greatest experiences was having my father’s 44 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren come together to listen to his first-hand experiences of growing up black in Mississippi from 1933 to 1955.

What do you wish people would know? Black History is not a trend nor a fad, only to be explored each year during the month of February. It should be explored and talked about, as students are taught and learn about world history. I say world history because the US is not the only country to observe Black History Month. It is also observed in Canada, Ireland, and the UK. History should be inclusive of all of the many positive contributions that have been made by people of color. Our history should serve as a learning tool, year-round, that represents the accomplishments and accolades of everyone who have contributed to making our lives better.

The post Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Jacqueline Anderson appeared first on Deflecto.

Morning Time: (Learning)

1. After a healthy breakfast, my daughter is energized, happy, and very busy. If your little one needs something to do to keep their little hands out of trouble, start the day off with some structured learning time. Since my daughter is a visual learner, I used decorative tape to divide The Finger Paint Tray into three separate parts for visual math. Not only does this idea turn math into a game in order to keep her busy, but it also keeps the playroom organized.

Late Morning (Creativity)

2. Once my daughter’s attention span with math games is slowing down, I quickly move to a new, more creative activity: clay animal play! I love how Round Storage Tray is able to hold all the animals and model clay for a simple, mess-free solution for keeping little ones busy. Not only does this activity promote fine motor skills, but also promotes imagination and play. Bonus tip: ask your child what sounds each animal makes!

Lunch Time (Meal)

3. Time for a lunch break! Set up your little one with the Lap Tray. There are plenty of pockets to hold juice and snacks as well. Take this time to spend some quality time with.

Early Afternoon (Play)

4. After lunch, it’s playtime! Using the Finger Paint Tray I created a no-mess paint station for my daughter to paint lovely pictures. Ask your child if they can paint you a picture of a tree. By asking for a specific object, you will be able to test their ability to follow directions.

Late Afternoon (Meal)

5. Around 3:00, my daughter has an afternoon snack to re-energize and hold her over for dinner. I like to place healthy snack bars on the Lap Tray because it is easily accessible for her small hands.

Now you’ve got a jumping point for scheduling your child’s structured day. Think about how you can incorporate learning, creativity, and play into your daily routine with the Deflecto Antimicrobial Kids Storage.

Share your projects and ideas with us using #DeflectoAtHome on social media.

The post Home School – Planning Your Child’s Day appeared first on Deflecto.

Morning Time: (Learning)

1. After a healthy breakfast, my daughter is energized, happy, and very busy. If your little one needs something to do to keep their little hands out of trouble, start the day off with some structured learning time. Since my daughter is a visual learner, I used decorative tape to divide The Finger Paint Tray into three separate parts for visual math. Not only does this idea turn math into a game in order to keep her busy, but it also keeps the playroom organized.

Late Morning (Creativity)

2. Once my daughter’s attention span with math games is slowing down, I quickly move to a new, more creative activity: clay animal play! I love how Round Storage Tray is able to hold all the animals and model clay for a simple, mess-free solution for keeping little ones busy. Not only does this activity promote fine motor skills, but also promotes imagination and play. Bonus tip: ask your child what sounds each animal makes!

Lunch Time (Meal)

3. Time for a lunch break! Set up your little one with the Lap Tray. There are plenty of pockets to hold juice and snacks as well. Take this time to spend some quality time with.

Early Afternoon (Play)

4. After lunch, it’s playtime! Using the Finger Paint Tray I created a no-mess paint station for my daughter to paint lovely pictures. Ask your child if they can paint you a picture of a tree. By asking for a specific object, you will be able to test their ability to follow directions.

Late Afternoon (Meal)

5. Around 3:00, my daughter has an afternoon snack to re-energize and hold her over for dinner. I like to place healthy snack bars on the Lap Tray because it is easily accessible for her small hands.

Now you’ve got a jumping point for scheduling your child’s structured day. Think about how you can incorporate learning, creativity, and play into your daily routine with the Deflecto Antimicrobial Kids Storage.

Share your projects and ideas with us using #DeflectoAtHome on social media.

The post Plan your Child’s Day appeared first on Deflecto.