Dust gets stuck in them, they get stained, and many times they turn yellow. THE radiators they are not only our winter “cuddle” (don’t turn them on when not necessary though!), but also a real piece of furniture that must be kept constantly clean. But keeping radiators spotless is not just a question of domestic order: it also helps prevent allergies and guarantees the efficiency of the heating system. So what is the best method for cleaning radiators?
In cast iron, aluminium, steel, rectangular, tubular, coloured. The main thing to remember is that we can only give shine to our radiators when they are completely cold. This, therefore, is the ideal time, before their winter switching on.
Get some elbow grease and go straight to get rid of the summer dust and keep one thing in mind: it’s not just the radiator that needs cleaning, but also the water tray, which must be degreased to prevent bacteria and microbes from finding an environment congenial to them. To sanitize it, a solution of water, bicarbonate and lemon will suffice.
How to remove dust from radiators
Get out the essential tools, a little patience (all those ravines are a real test…) and start cleaning! In reality, to keep them nice and clean you only need one tool: a brush that reaches everywhere!
The secret is to always clean the radiators when doing normal household chores. Then the essential “weapon” must necessarily be one brush or pipe cleaner to reach all points, including corners, supports for fixing to the wall, valves, caps and joints.
On the market (also on Amazon – it is also possible to find specific brushes that help remove dust from every single crevice. Their elongated shape and flexibility are a valid aid even for reaching the most difficult corners.
The vacuum cleaner is also one of the main allies, especially if put into action with the accessory ad hoc with spout.
The advice remains, in this case, to cover furniture and furnishing accessories near the radiator to prevent all the dust from migrating everywhere.
If it’s not a vacuum cleaner it’s a hairdryer! Try it and you won’t regret it, but remember to preserve the rest of the furniture. Protect the wall behind the radiator and the floor with an old damp towel, then turn on the hairdryer and point the air towards the radiators. The grains of dust will be pushed towards the cloth on which they will settle.
Take a jug, but before starting the actual cleaning, it is useful to place a basin under the radiator to collect the water that will flow between the elements and protect the floor with old towels to avoid getting it wet. Make sure the radiators are turned off and cold, preferably also turning off the boiler.
Next, prepare a solution with hot water and Marseille soap flakes. Pour the mixture into every crack, the water will carry away the accumulated dust. Once the dirty water has drained away, dry with a soft cloth. Repeating this cleaning monthly keeps the radiators efficient and clean.
How to remove stains from radiators
To eliminate stains on the surface of radiators, the steam It is an excellent tool, which aims above all to sanitize and clean in depth. Also a solution of water and Marseille soap to perfume and clean it can be useful for keeping radiators clean.
If, especially at the end of winter, your radiators have become yellowish use a mix of water and baking soda. And if they are very yellowed, consider giving them a coat of paint again.
Again, in a few simple steps, you can eliminate this unsightly problem with elbow grease but without much effort. The rust must be eliminated with a brush with metal bristles or sandpaper: then the entire radiator must be sprinkled with an anti-rust product and, once dry, wiped with a damp cloth.
Here you will find the most effective remedies for removing rust stains from surfaces and fabrics without using water.
Because cleaning radiators also has to do with energy efficiency
Cleaning radiators regularly is not just a question of aesthetics, but also of energy efficiency. The buildup of dust and dirt on the surfaces of the radiator reduces the system’s ability to spread heat evenly, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This additional effort increases energy consumption and, consequently, CO₂ emissions, contributing to environmental pollution. A clean radiator, on the other hand, allows for more efficient heat distribution, reducing heating costs and environmental impact.
And with allergies too
Keeping radiators clean is essential not only for aesthetic or efficiency reasons, but also for health. The dust that accumulates on radiators is often loaded with allergens such as mites, bacteria and other microorganisms which, with heat, are released into the air, increasing the risk of respiratory allergies. Scientific studies have highlighted how exposure to household allergens can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, especially in children and the elderly. Regular cleaning of radiators reduces the concentration of these irritants, thus improving air quality and contributing to a healthier and safer home environment for everyone.
And when will we turn them off again permanently?
Few people know that, at the end of the winter season, when the heating is turned off, it is a good idea to set it the valves at the maximum opening value (5). This way, you can avoid the formation of sediments which could compromise correct operation in the future. Leaving the head on 5 during the summer will therefore prevent the formation of limescale and the consequent blockage of the same. When you turn it back on, obviously the desired values will have to be reset.
Radiators: what the different valve levels indicate and how to regulate the heating in each room
