Credit:
Reviewed / Getty Images / BakiBG
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.
The importance of having a well-functioning heating unit in your home is crucial during the winter months, especially during arctic blasts that hit the Northeast regularly in the winter months. If you lose heat in your home, you're going to be cold.
For those of us with radiator units in our homes or apartments—you know the ones, those classic cast iron or aluminum steam heaters that hiss and clang to signal that the heat is on—it’s essential that you make sure your heating unit is optimized for winter. That means it's time to learn how to clean a radiator.
Cleaning and maintaining your radiator on a regular basis is one way to ensure it remains as efficient as possible without skyrocketing your heating bills.
Gareth Gill, a brand manager for home heating specialist Hudson Reed USA, says, “Keeping your radiator clean and dust-free can improve its efficiency, as a build-up of dust in between convector fins can stop heat from escaping, which forces your radiators to work harder to warm your room.”
For maximum warmth this winter, here’s how to clean a radiator.
What you’ll need
It's imperative to optimize your radiator for winter — and that includes making sure it's clean.
- Vacuum cleaner (preferably one with a wand-style crevice attachment)
- Radiator cleaning brush
- Dust rag and/or non-abrasive sponges
- Warm, soapy water
- Towel
How to clean a radiator heater
Maximize your warmth by eliminating dust bunnies.
1. Turn off the radiator
Turn the radiator off to ensure that it’s not hot while you’re working on it. Turning it off will also prevent the warm air from the convection current from pulling dust in while you clean.
2. Vacuum
Start by vacuuming in and around the heating system, paying close attention to the area between the fins, as well as the floor beneath it. If your radiator has a top grill, then vacuum it and remove it now before your attempt to clean inside.
3. Clean radiator fins (Get in the crevices)
To clean the fins, start by pushing your radiator brush into the space between each fin, skirting boards, and being careful that you don’t risk bending the fins with too much force. Use the brush to loosen and remove any additional dust and dirt. (In a pinch, a yardstick with a small dust rag affixed to the end with masking tape will also work.)
Be sure to run the brush down the front and back of the fins, especially if your radiator abuts a wall where unseen radiator dust can accumulate. When you’ve finished using your brush, it’s always a good idea to shake off the dust outdoors and/or wash it with warm soapy water so it’s clean and ready to use next time.
4. Clean up leftover dust and debris
Using a damp, non-abrasive sponge or rag, and possibly a spray bottle, wipe down the surface of the radiator, as well as the wall behind it to remove any dust or debris that remains, and use a clean cloth to dry it to prevent rust. After you’re done, let the grill air dry.
If all else fails, bleed your radiator
How to clean inside radiators
Eliminate air pockets by bleeding your radiator.
If you’ve cleaned your radiator and you’re still noticing heat loss or cold spots on your unit, the last thing you can try is bleeding your radiator.
When you bleed a radiator, it simply means removing any air that might be trapped inside it. These air pockets don’t allow the water inside to travel freely and make your boiler (and thus, your wallet) work harder in cold weather.
Gill says, “If your radiators contain trapped air, this reduces their efficiency considerably. A cold spot higher up on the radiator is a tell-tale sign you’ve got this issue. Simply bleed your radiator to alleviate this issue, and you’ll have your radiators primed for optimal performance in the colder months.”
To bleed a radiator, first determine if it has noticeably cool spots. You shouldn’t have to bleed a radiator that’s warm all over. Turn off your heat to allow the unit to cool off, and locate the bleed valve.
Using a bleed key (in some cases a flathead screwdriver may also work), turn the valve counter-clockwise to release the air. You’ll hear a hiss. When the hissing stops, turn the key clockwise to tighten the valve.
Performing an annual deep clean, as we’ve described, along with regular dusting and the occasional bleed, should keep your radiator unit cranking out heat and keeping your home toasty warm all winter long.
Related content
feature
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.