A Terrace tip

As Terrace residents contribute them, we'll post do-it-yourself tips here. Check back from time to time to see what's new.

• Dryer Vent Safety -- Accumulated lint in clothes dryer vent pipes poses three problems: (1.) It reduces the efficiency of the dryer, which means the appliance has to work harder and wears out sooner; (2.) Drying longer takes more power, which costs you money, and (3.) it poses a fire hazard because the lint is flammable.

Rich Polsinello suggests looking into an extendable cleaning brush (he got his through Brookstone) that can be used both from the dryer end and from the exterior vent end to thoroughly clean the pipe.

For more information on dryer safety and efficiency, just click here. You'll be linked with the Web site for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., the organization that does the major testing of appliances and devices found in homes and offices. There is a wide range of safety test notes on other products included on the site.