This week I received several calls requesting help with small household projects. Because of the nature of the calls I thought I would share them with you.

Mary called requesting assistance in removing gum from the interior of her dryer. She said her grandson left gum in his pant pockets and it smeared it on the side drum. She wanted to know if she should use steel wool to clean it off. To be honest removing gum can be a real pain to get off if you do it wrong.

I told Mary to use ice to freeze the gum. Place four ice cubs in a baggie and place it directly on the gum. Once the gum is frozen, it should peel off easily. After it has been removed, lightly dampen a rag with ammonia and wipe off the remainder of the adhesive residual from the gum. It may take several applications. Do not use any combustibles inside a dryer, it could cause a fire.

Samantha called and said her clothes dryer would start then stop after a few minutes and then restart again. She said she misplaced her manuals and couldn’t remember what it meant.

I told her that her exhaust duct may be clogged with lint. If the lint filter is not cleaned or the exhaust duct is clogged with debris it reduces the air flow and the in-line sensors will pickup the air flow reduction. I told Sahara to check her filter in the dryer and then go out side of her home and find the exhaust duct and clean the screen or grate at the bottom of the duct. Sometimes, the exhaust line will become bent or will have too many elbows in it which will cause the same problem. Elimina-tion of the elbows will also assist in solving the problem. I further suggested that if that does not work she should consider calling a repairman because the dryer sensor may be faulty.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. Always check the chemical makeup of a product to make sure you will not have an allergic reaction to the product.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.