Clean radiators can complete your home aesthetic and make you happier about your surroundings – but it’s also a necessity to keep them working correctly as well
As everyone starts to do their spring cleaning – one place you should always remember to clean is your radiators.
It can be a fiddly job, but before you get out the cleaning supplies, an expert has said to avoid certain cleaning products and be selective with what you use – as certain products could make your radiators “explode”.
Not only do they make a home look clean and tidy, but it’s also a necessity to keep them in working order as reported by The Express. Jess Steele, a radiator specialist at BestHeating, said: “Cleaning the radiators should be a regular job to help cleanliness, allergies, and heating bills.”
The expert said that when cleaning the outside of your radiator it’s important to be careful when using abrasive materials like Brillo pads which can cause scratches or remove paint. The expert says instead of scrubbing if you notice a stain on your radiator you should leave a spray solution on for a little longer than you normally would and then use a standard sponge and cloth to remove the excess.
It’s important to be conscious of the types of products being used on radiators and the expert recommends avoiding any antibacterial products especially those in aerosols, as these can be a “fire risk.” Jess recommended to practice safety when cleaning your radiators. She said before cleaning the radiator you should make sure they have been turned off for at least two hours.
She added: “Then use a hair dryer to remove any dust build-up and to push any remaining dirt trapped inside place a towel underneath your radiator and use a long thin cleaning brush to get between the fins.” While cleaning your radiators, you should check that the products you are using for any corrosive chemicals that could damage the radiator. Bleach can be extremely harmful when used on a radiator and could even shorten the lifespan of the radiator in your home.
Jess said: “I would suggest avoiding using bleach at all costs as the harsh chemicals can deteriorate the quality of the metal over time and for those with coloured radiators using full-strength bleach could permanently damage the paint and fade the colour.” The expert suggested using a combination of white vinegar diluted in water and buffing that onto the radiator for the cleaning process for a streak-free finish.
The best cleaning method for your radiators according to BestHeating requires you to have a hairdryer and a basic mix of warm water and liquid mixture. After your radiators have been off for a little while, you can use the hairdryer to blow away any excess dust and then use the soapy solution to wipe everything down.
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