With the return of the cold, most families turn on the heating to restore thermal comfort at home. But before restarting the radiator, some take the time to dust and clean it. This measure is not only aesthetic. It is especially essential to protect the health of the occupants of the house. In fact, radiators can collect dust, nicotine residue if you smoke, and dirt. In this article we reveal the best tips for cleaning your radiators before winter.

Electric, inertial radiators or even electric convectors can accumulate dust and dirt. In addition to the health hazard that these residues can cause, it seems that a dirty radiator becomes less efficient over time, according to Engie experts. Therefore, in order to save energy during the winter and clean the living space, regular cleaning of these heating devices is required.

Before cleaning the radiator

Before moving on to cleaning the radiator, you must first turn off the central heating. Wait for the device to cool down to avoid any inconvenience.

cast iron radiator 

A cast iron radiator – Source: spm

Next, be sure to dust off the radiator with a hair dryer, soft cloth, duvet, or a suitable vacuum cleaner. If you opt for a hair dryer, start by placing a towel on the floor. Then point the hair dryer at the slots on the top of the heater. Then you will be able to remove as much dust as possible this way. If you choose to dust it with a soft cloth, gently wipe all corners of the radiator to remove dirt and dust.

remove dust from the radiator 

Dusting – Source: spm

If you prefer the duvet, opt for the dust-catcher version to avoid spreading dust in the air. Lastly, if you have a good vacuum cleaner, preferably a flat or brush head, you can get a great clean out of your radiator.

Cleaning products to maintain and polish radiators

There are natural measures that will allow you to clean your radiator before turning it on for the winter.

  • baking soda and vinegar

radiator glow mix 

A mixture to make the radiator shine – Source: spm

Baking soda is known for its cleaning and disinfecting properties. Natural disinfectant, this cleaning product has multiple domestic uses. White vinegar is a mild acid that cleans and disinfects various surfaces. Here are the steps for cleaning:

  • Clean the radiator with a damp cloth to remove dust;
  • Dip a cloth in the baking soda paste (mix the white powder with a little water) and rub the surface;
  • To loosen dirt from hard-to-reach corners, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub;
  • Then pass a cloth soaked in white vinegar on the radiator and let it act for 20 minutes;
  • Clean with a soft cloth and let dry.

  • Vinegar and dish soap

effective product against dirt 

An effective product against dirt – Source: spm

There are a number of surprising uses for dish soap in home maintenance. After removing dust from the radiator, follow these steps to complete the cleaning:

  • Pour a cup of dish soap in a liter of water;
  • Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and mix until you get a kind of foam;
  • Use a sponge soaked in this preparation to clean the radiator, then wipe it with a dry cloth to dry it and prevent the appearance of rust.

Now you know the correct ways to clean a radiator. Don’t forget to bleed the radiator if you hear flow noises or if it no longer works optimally.

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