How to clean your radiator exterior

You may have read our comprehensive guide to removing dust from around your home, but radiators sometimes fly under the radar of places to clean. However, they gather as much dust and grime as anywhere and still need cleaning! Knowing how to clean radiator fins and how to clean the areas behind the radiator, which can be a little awkward to clean and dust, can be a little daunting. But the good news is, this guide is here to help. So, if you’re not sure about the best way to clean radiators - exteriors, interiors, and between the fins, read on for our top tips for getting the dust and grime out of all their awkward crannies.

Why cleaning radiators' exterior is important

While dirt on your radiator might be unsightly, that’s not the only reason to get rid of it. Dust between the fins of a normal radiator essentially acts as an insulator on its surface trapping the heat in, making it much less efficient when it comes to warming up your room. So if you want to save some pennies on your heating bill, it’s worth knowing how to clean radiator exteriors, including the best way to clean radiators and how you can get into every area to ensure they’re completely dust-free inside and out.

How to clean behind radiators: A 3-step guide to cleaning behind radiators and how to clean radiator fins

Cleaning behind radiators can be tricky depending on how close they are to your wall. There are a few good techniques to know when it comes to this, and you can apply the same methods to work out how to clean dust from inside radiators. Try one of these methods and see how you get on:

1. Use a specialist radiator cleaning brush. These are perfect for cleaning behind radiators, as they’re designed to get right into narrow spaces to remove dust and dirt.

2. Small vacuum-cleaner attachments that fit down behind the radiator. These aren't just great for cleaning a radiator's exterior dust away but can be perfect for getting down behind the radiator too.

3. Make your own DIY radiator cleaner. Simply take a long piece of wood and wrap a cloth around one end (use tape to keep it in place). Push it down the back of the radiator to dislodge any nasties and get a nice clean finish.

If you’re also wondering how to clean dust from inside radiators and around the fins while you’re giving your radiator a wash, these techniques should be handy for these too.

You will need:

• Radiator cleaning brush
• Cloth
• Duster
• Vacuum
• Cleaning spray

How to Clean Radiator Exteriors: 3 Simple Steps to get you Started

1. Turn the heating off.

   The last thing you want when cleaning a radiator's exterior is to burn yourself. It’s much safer to clean them when they aren’t hot to touch.

2. Remove superficial dust.

   Use a duster and a vacuum to remove superficial dirt and dust from the easier-to-reach areas.

3. Use a cleaning spray.

   Give your radiator a once over with a germ-killing spray.

   Don't forget to let it fully dry before turning the heating back on.

How easy is that? For the best way to clean a radiator in house interiors, just follow these top tips to have every part of your radiator shimmering. To stop dirt from building up, give your radiator a wash every few months, leaving you to relax in the knowledge that none of that precious radiator heat is going to waste.

Now you have tips for how to clean radiators in home spaces, it's time to make the most of them. Check out our hacks for how to dry clothes in winter, including how to put your radiators to good use. It's not just the radiators in your home which need cleaning, so we have a comprehensive guide of what order to clean the rest of your house too.