Here Is How To Clean a Radiator In Just 5 Simple Steps

Von John Griffith / January 13 2023

The radiator works hard to keep the home nice and warm, especially in the thick of winter. However, like most appliances, it also needs a good cleaning routine and maintenance from time to time to ensure that it will work efficiently and safely for years to come. We often forget to clean such appliances, however giving them a good scrub should be an essential practice. Cleaning the radiator will make sure it stays running smoothly and can even save you money over time. When too much dust builds up on the appliance it needs to work even harder to keep the home warm, which means your energy bills will be higher. So, in order to save money on bills and repairs, let’s see how to clean a radiator in just 5 simple steps.

The radiator works hard to keep the home nice and warm

Cleaning the radiator will make sure it stays running smoothly

Contents

How To Clean a Radiator
- What You’ll Need:
- Method:
Can I Pour Water Down My Radiator To Clean It?
How Often Should I Clean My Radiator?
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How To Clean a Radiator

Cleaning a radiator is much easier than you may think. It’s an easy process that needs to be done around every two weeks or when you do a full house deep clean really. You won’t need any fancy cleaning materials, as most things can be easily found in your utility closet. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to clean a radiator.

Cleaning a radiator is much easier than you may think

What You’ll Need:

Vacuum
Towels
Cleaning Brush
Warm Soapy Water
Bowl
Sponge
Toothbrush (optional)
Hairdryer (optional)

You won’t need any fancy cleaning materials

Method:

First and foremost turn off the heating and let the radiator cool before starting. This makes the process safer, and it helps to prevent the radiator from drawing up more dust.
Now it’s time to grab the vacuum cleaner. Start vacuuming in and around the radiator to get rid of as much dust and debris as you possibly can. Use the smaller vacuum pipes to get in between the radiator fins. And don’t forget to vacuum underneath the appliance as well.
Once you’ve removed all the possible dust, take some towels and place them underneath the radiator. Take your cleaning brush and push out any remaining dirt that may be trapped inside. Simply insert the brush in the radiator and clean. If there are any smaller pieces that get caught on the radiator fixings, you can use a hairdryer (on a cold setting) to blow them out and onto the towel underneath.
Next, take a bowl (or bucket) and fill it up with warm soapy water (made with mild soap). Then take a sponge and start to wipe down the outside of the radiator. Make sure you use a soft sponge, as anything too abrasive can scratch the surface. It’s also important to make sure the sponge is damp, and not dripping. If there are any spots and stains you can leave a spray solution and wipe it away.
Finally, dry the radiator. After that, all that’s left is to give some attention to the surrounding skirting boards and walls. Give them a good wipe down and a wash with the sponge and soapy water if needed.

Take a sponge or cloth and start to wipe down the outside of the radiator

Can I Pour Water Down My Radiator To Clean It?

Despite what TikTok may have led you to believe, it’s not a great idea to pour water down the back of your radiator to clean it. Not only does this method create a mess, it can also damage your paint, and can be dangerous if there are sockets near the radiator. So, it’s best to stick to a damp cloth.

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How Often Should I Clean My Radiator?

According to home experts, such as Mallory Micetich, it’s best to clean your radiator, both inside and out, at least once every year. It’s best to give it a good clean before you turn it one for the first time each year. When it comes to the seasons when the radiator is on more and running regularly, it’s recommended to increase the cleanings. It’s best to give the radiator a clean bi-weekly, so you can reduce airborne dust and allergy particles, and ensure it’s not working overtime.

It’s best to give the radiator a clean bi-weekly

This was how to clean a radiator in just 5 simple steps. We hope you found this article useful. Now you know how to properly clean your radiator easily and start doing it more frequently.

This was how to clean a radiator in just 5 simple steps