How to Clean Radiators

Radiators are constructed in such a way that dust and dirt can become trapped and takes some time to clean it all out. Luckily, the process is simple. With a little time and effort, your radiators will be looking great and ready to provide heat all winter long.

• Extra long bottle brush or
• a DIY extra long brush:
  • Dust cloth
  • Measuring stick or other long stick
  • Wide tape
• Towel
• Soft cloths
• Water
• Soap
• Bucket
• Sponges

1. Start by vacuuming as much dust and dirt from around, in and underneath the radiator as possible.
2. If you have to clean a radiator often or have multiple to clean, consider investing in an extra long bottle brush. These products fit well into the gaps of the radiator and some can even be bent into various shapes if needed. There are many kinds available online, or you may be able to find one in a supermarket. Baby bottle brushes are similar and almost always available in the baby section of supermarkets, though they are not as long.
3. If you don’t want to invest in a specific product, simply wrap a dust cloth around the end of a measuring stick, or other long stick.
4. Secure it with a piece of tape around one end. Be careful when taping not to cover up too much of the cloth.
5. Spread a towel out and lay it underneath the radiator.
6. Push the dust cloth on the stick from the top of the radiator to the bottom, pushing the dust and dirt down to the bottom.
7. Repeat this for each section of the radiator. The towel at the bottom, on the floor, will collect the dust as it comes loose and falls down.
8. Next, fill a bucket with warm water.
9. Add a small amount of soap and agitate until suds begin to form.
10. Moisten a soft cloth with the soapy water and squeeze it out so it is slightly damp.
11. Wipe down the exterior of the radiator.
12. Dry with a soft cloth to avoid rusting.
13. Finally, look at the wall above the radiator. The heat from the radiator can cause dust and dirt to stick to the walls.
14. Wash these areas with the warm, soapy water.

• Vacuum the radiators frequently to keep dirt and dust from building up.
• It is best to clean radiators in the summer, when they are not in use.
• If cleaning them in the winter, ensure they are turned off and have cooled down completely before cleaning.
• For radiators that are too condensed to push a dust cloth through, compressed air can be used to blow it out.
• Long circular brushes, similar to those used to clean dryer vents, are useful for cleaning between the grates on radiators.
• Radiators can be removed for thorough cleanings outdoors, but this is often avoided. Draining, disconnecting and moving the radiator often causes more problems than it’s worth. Often it’s easier to clean it right where it is.