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Winter is just around the corner, and with it, people are soon going to start cranking up the heating. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where the winter weather hasn’t set foot yet, you definitely need to think about your heating system maintenance.
If you live in an older home where radiators are used as the primary heating source, you probably know that taking care of them requires a lot of work. Additionally, some modern heating systems also use radiators, only slightly more modern versions. Radiators tend to collect a lot of dust and grime, and their shape and position make them extremely difficult to clean.
In this article, the experts at No More Chores of Toronto Cleaners are going to share a few professional tips on how to thoroughly clean the radiators and vents in your home.
First Things First
When cleaning radiators and vents, there’s a large chance that the dust gathered on the radiators is going to spread all around the room and your home. And since it’s cold outside and you rarely open the windows, this can be a bad thing.
Not only does the dust look bad, but it can also affect the performance of the heating system. This will result in a much larger heating bill, as the dust buildup prevents the heat from being properly distributed.
How to Clean an Old Radiator
These radiators are often found in older homes, shaped roughly like an accordion. Given their shape and position, they require a bit more maintenance and a special set of tools, including:
- A brush
- A vacuum with a hose
- A bucket of warm water
- A microfiber cloth
- An old shirt or towel
Make sure the vent is closed and the radiator is not in use when cleaning it. They can get really hot and you could risk getting mild burns.
Use the brush to get the dust buildup from the coils and the gaps loose. Wipe down the radiator with a dry cloth to make sure you gather the remaining dast.
Use the vacuum to clean get the remaining dust off the radiator and the surrounding area, as it is bound to disperse. Mix the warm water and dishwasher liquid and place the old towel or shirt underneath to collect the dripping solution.
Use the dishwasher solution on the microfiber cloth (just get it damp, not wet) and wipe the radiator inside and out. After that use a clean, dry towel to wipe the radiator in order to prevent rust from forming.
How to Clean a Baseboard Radiator
Baseboard radiators are newer and slightly more complicated to clean. They are very delicate due to the metal fins they hide under the cover.
The tools you need to clean a baseboard radiator are:
- A vacuum with a brush extension
- A paintbrush
- Dishwashing product
- Warm Water
- Microfiber cloth
- Old shirts or towels
The procedure is fairly similar: make sure you’re not using the radiator when cleaning. Remove the outer cover to show the fins. Some radiators might require a screwdriver, but in the majority of cases, the cover can be removed without it.
Gather the dust with a vacuum, using the brush extension to prevent damaging the delicate fins. As they bend easily, make sure not to apply too much pressure and be extra careful.
Use the paintbrush to get rid of the dust from under and between the fins. Vacuum the remaining dust from the floor. Mix the dishwasher with warm water and dampen the microfiber cloth. Wipe the radiator cover then place it on an old shirt or towel to dry. Don’t put the cover back on before it dries completely.
