How To Clean Your Electric Radiator
Keeping your electric radiator clean might not be at the top of your daily (or even weekly… monthly?) to-do list – there are plenty of other things that have to be done, and your radiator isn’t generally going to be a priority. It’s just one of those things that sits in your home and does its job and, for the most part, you don’t think about it, so when it comes to housework, is it any wonder it doesn’t often make the list?
And that’s the problem… it really should. Make the list, that is. It really should be on your radar when it comes to cleaning your home, not just because it can collect a lot of dust and dirt (even if you literally don’t notice it), but because it’s just not going to work all that well – certainly not as efficiently as it could – when it’s all mucky and clogged up. It could even become dangerous. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to clean your electric radiator so it gets added to your to-do list and you get the benefits of a nice, clean heating appliance. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to clean your electric radiator so you can get started.
Different Methods for Different Radiators
The first thing to be aware of when it comes to how to clean electric heaters is that different types and models of electric radiators will generally need to be cleaned in different ways, both for safety reasons and for a good outcome.
By cleaning your radiator in the right way, you’ll be able to ensure you keep it protected and avoid damage, and that you clean it in a way that’s going to give you optimal performance, which is what’s really going to make a difference when the colder weather starts to arrive. Here are some of the most common types of electric radiator and a guide on exactly how to clean them for the best results.
Electric Panel Heaters
Electric panel heaters are always a popular choice – they’re sleek and stylish and they’re highly efficient too, making them the full package for home heating. If you’re wondering how to clean electric heaters, this is a great place to start.
The first thing to do is to turn off and – crucially – unplug the heater. It’s vital to always ensure the heater is completely disconnected from the power source if you want to stay safe, prevent the radiator from being damaged, and protect your home at the same time. Next, you’ll want to focus on dust removal and believe us, there’s going to be a lot of dust in and on your radiator – it’s inevitable, it’s normal, and, as long as you have a regular cleaning schedule that includes removing it, it’s nothing to worry about. To remove the dust, use a clean, dry cloth or something like a microfibre duster to get rid of the dust from the surface.
For a more thorough cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, but don’t get any of the electric components wet. A damp cloth is great at removing not just dust but any other muck and grime that might have ended up on your radiator, but if you’re using this method, make sure you dry everything off thoroughly when you’re finished and only plug the electric radiator back in if you’re sure there’s no water left on it.
Wall Mounted Electric Radiators
Wall mounted electric radiators are popular in modern homes because they’re compact, and saving space can often be paramount. If you’re looking for the best way to clean radiators, here are some pointers.
Once again, the first thing to do is to switch the power off and disconnect the radiator from the power supply. Then, use your vacuum cleaner – with the brush attachment on the end – to suck out any dust that might be in the vents and on the surface (even if you can’t see it, it could still be lingering). Once that’s done, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to clean the exterior, and be careful because you don’t want any water to enter the vents. Finally, check the filters if there are any – they’ll need to be replaced (or at least cleaned) on a regular basis, and if you’re in any doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions for more information.
Vetro Soap Electric Radiators
Vetro Soap electric radiators are unique, and that means cleaning them properly is unique as well, and it’s something the requires special care and attention.
One thing that Vetro Soap electric radiators have in common with all the others is that they need to be switched off and unplugged before you start the cleaning process. Once that’s done, it’s time to dust using a microfibre cloth to gently remove the dust from the glass surface. Cleaning comes next, and you’ll need to make sure you’re using the appropriate solution – standard glass cleaner is ideal for the front panel, but always spray the solution on the cloth, not the radiator itself (that stops any liquid dripping into the electrical components). Once you’re finished, dry the radiator thoroughly and make sure the glass is completely dry before turning the radiator back on.
Safety Precautions When Cleaning Electric Radiators
When you’re cleaning any kind of electric radiator, safety has to be your top priority, but don’t worry – it’s easy to remember what to do, and there are only a few rules to follow.
- Turn off and unplug
As you’ve seen from the above cleaning methods, the first thing you should always do when you want to learn how to clean electric radiators is to turn them off and unplug them – there’ll be no chance of any accidental electric shocks that way.
- Avoid water contact
It’s vital never to let water come into contact with any electrical components. What about the damp cloths we’ve highlighted should be used? They’re fine – they’re damp, not wet, and there’s a big difference. Wring out the cloth so it doesn’t drip and you should be safe.
- Use the right cleaning products
It’s also wise to avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that could damage the radiator’s surface or components – it’s no good having a radiator that looks good but doesn’t work, and neither is it useful to have one that works but looks bad. Keep everything clean and use the right products to get the best results.
- Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
If you’re ever in any doubt, always check the manufacturer’s instructions as you’ll often find specific cleaning advice there.
- Make sure they’re dry
Before you plug anything back in, make sure everything’s completely dry – it’s well worth waiting a few more minutes if the alternative is a shock and/or a damaged radiator.
Final Thoughts
It doesn't matter if you've got small or large, white or black radiators it's never too late to consider adding them to your regular cleaning schedule, it’s better late than never, and now you’ve got the know-how, you can do it safely and with great results.
If you found this post useful, you may also like – A Step By Step Guide On How to Remove a Radiator Cover, How to Clean Black Bathroom Fixtures, Are Electric Radiators Expensive to Run?
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