How to Clean Radiators, the Best Methods

If you haven't yet activated your heating system for the first time this season, you'll likely need to do so shortly. But before you do, you should thoroughly clean your radiators and the simplest method only requires a hair dryer. When your radiators are clogged with dust, it will work harder to heat your home, raising your utility bills, and will remove all of those impurities as it circulates the warm air. The issue with cleaning a radiator, though, is that if done incorrectly, you may unintentionally push the dust deeper within, worsening existing problems and making the radiator much more difficult to clean. So, here is a quick method to clean radiators before turning on the heater for the winter.

What do you need - a vacuum and a hair dryer

Use a vacuum to collect all visible, easily accessible dust and grime before doing anything else. Additionally, you can use a long duster, but take great care not to force dust farther into the radiator's gaps. So, just focus on cleaning out the dust that is stuck to the radiator's exterior. Furthermore, you'll need to think outside the box to remove the hidden dust from the radiator. For instance, try an air-blowing device in place of one that suctions air. In addition, you can use a hair dryer to direct the stream of air at the radiator's cracks and crevices to remove dust with brief airbursts. Also, instead of blowing directly into the machine's interior, tilt the dryer from below so the dust will jump up and out. Then, you can easily catch it with a duster or cloth after it is safely outside the radiator.

Other Methods

Although the hair dryer is probably the simplest solution, anything that removes the dust and doesn't force it farther inside is OK. For instance, using a large brush or a specialized brush designed just for this is another option. However, if there are none available,  wrap something long and thin—a yardstick, a shoehorn, a broom handle—in a cloth, secure it with a rubber band, or tape it in place to get the dust out of the cracks. In addition, you can try straws, a paper towel roll folded in half, chopsticks, or other tiny, rigid items you have lying about your house for smaller crevices. Moreover, to catch any stray clumps, place a towel underneath the radiator. Then, vacuum up the residue. If you have allergies or if it has been a while since you cleaned your radiator, put on a dust mask. Also, Read- 5 Unexpected Ways to Use a Hot Glue Gun

The Last Step

After removing as much inside dust as you can scrub the radiator's exterior with a wet, soapy sponge. In addition, use a moist toothbrush to clean any shallow nooks. Finally, once you have completely dried everything with a paper towel, you'll be able to breathe a little better as you approach the coldest months of the year.