How to clean the inside of a radiator? Effective methods and practical tips

Did you know that a dirty radiator can reduce heating efficiency by up to 20%? Regular cleaning not only improves the look of your interior, but also helps maintain the right temperature at home while using less energy. In this article, you’ll find practical tips on how to clean the inside of your radiator and remove dust, depending on the model you have. Find out which tools and products to use to remove stubborn grime and prevent it from building up again!

The radiator as an important element of the home heating system

Radiators play a fundamental role in keeping your home pleasantly warm. How quickly and evenly a room heats up depends on their efficiency. Dust and dirt accumulating on them, as well as contamination inside, can be a serious problem that disrupts heat transfer and puts strain on the system. Knowing how to clean a radiator of dust is therefore crucial to keep your radiators working smoothly and without issues. How should you go about it?

How to prepare for cleaning a radiator?

It’s worth cleaning radiators before the heating season starts, but don’t forget to wash them regularly during it as well. How should you prepare?

1. Switch off the heating. Make sure the heating system is off and the radiator is cool so you don’t burn yourself.
2. Prepare the right tools and materials. You’ll need:
   • a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool
   • a radiator brush or a long brush with a flexible handle
   • compressed air (optional)
   • a bowl of warm water with a mild detergent
   • cloths or paper towels
   • an old towel or newspaper to protect the floor
   • tools for undoing the radiator connections
3. Protect the work area. Lay an old towel, newspaper or plastic sheeting under the radiator to protect the floor from dirt, dust and any water that may escape from an opened radiator.
4. Get yourself ready. Put on gloves to protect your hands from dirt and detergents. Make sure you’re wearing clothes that are easy to wash or that you don’t mind getting dirty.
5. Make access to the radiator easier. Remove any items around the radiator to give yourself convenient access to its interior. Move furniture away if it’s too close.
6. Ensure ventilation. Open a window or ensure good ventilation in the room, especially if you plan to use compressed air or detergents.
7. Prepare water and detergents. Bring a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild detergent or soap to wash the inside of the radiator. Use only a little to avoid over-wetting.
8. Check lighting. Make sure you have good lighting that lets you see inside the radiator. If necessary, use a torch or a portable lamp.

How to clean a radiator on the inside?

Cleaning a radiator from the inside is important to ensure it works efficiently and thereby reduce the high heating bills generated by an inefficient unit. How to do it?

1. Switch off the heating. Before you start cleaning, make sure the heating is off and the radiator is cool.
2. Protect the floor. Place a bowl beneath the radiator and an old towel or newspaper to catch any water, dust and dirt that may come out during cleaning.
3. Shut the water supply and drain the radiator. Locate the bleed valve at the top of the radiator. Use a radiator bleed key or a screwdriver to open it slowly. This will release air and allow the water to drain more quickly. If the radiator has a drain screw (located at the bottom), undo it slowly with a spanner or pliers. Water will begin to flow from the radiator, so make sure the container is positioned correctly.
4. Vacuuming. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or a special radiator brush to remove dust from inside the radiator fins. Slide the nozzle between the fins and move it up and down.
5. Compressed air. If the vacuum isn’t enough, use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from hard-to-reach places. Compressed air helps dislodge fine dust particles.
6. Using a brush. You can use a long radiator-cleaning brush (available in homeware shops) to reach the nooks and crannies inside the radiator. For narrow spaces, a brush with a long, flexible handle works well.
7. Washing with water and detergent. Prepare a solution of water with a little mild detergent. Dip the brush or cloth into the solution, wring it out well and wipe the inside of the radiator. Avoid over-wetting to prevent soaking the internal parts.
8. Closing the valves. After you’ve finished cleaning, tighten the connections thoroughly. Check the valves to make sure there are no leaks. If everything is in order, turn the water supply to the radiator back on.

These steps will help you effectively clean your radiator from the inside and keep it tidy, which will translate into better heating efficiency and cleaner air in the room. Good luck! And if this is just one step in your bathroom care routine, be sure to check our effective methods for cleaning bathroom fittings: see the guide.