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How to Clean a Radiator

Nov 14, 2022

Radiators are often overlooked in regular cleaning routines, but the build-up of dust, dirt and grime can reduce the overall heat output. While they may seem difficult to clean, we've put together a simple guide on how to clean a radiator to help you clean it thoroughly at home using simple household materials. Discover how to reach those tricky spots and clean your radiator effectively below.


At MMCS Commercial Cleaning, we have two decades of experience in cleaning properties across the North East. From one-off deep cleans in Newcastle to regular holiday let cleans in Northumberland, we've got you covered. Get in touch to book your service, around your schedule, today.


Reasons to clean your radiator


If your radiator becomes clogged with dust and dirt, it can impact the overall heat output and insufficiently heat a room. As well as being expensive, this can lead to your home accumulating excess moisture. A damp problem behind your radiator can also lead to the growth of mould and lower the air quality in your property. Fortunately, cleaning a radiator is a straightforward task and doesn't require specialist equipment.


How to clean a radiator


Turn the radiator off


Before cleaning your radiator, it is  important to fully turn it off and leave it to cool. As well as reducing the risk of burns, this will also prevent more dust from accumulating as your clean your radiator.


Vacuum the radiator


Use the end of a vacuum attachment to remove as much dust from the inside and around the radiator as possible. If possible, use a smaller attachment to remove dust, focusing on areas where the radiator is connected to the wall.


Place an old cloth or towel underneath the radiator and push a feather duster through the small gaps to remove built-up dust in smaller areas. If you don't have a feather duster, you can use a wire coat hanger wrapped in a cloth.


Wipe down


Fill a container with warm soapy water and mix until suds (bubbles) are formed. Ring out a cloth until it is no longer dripping and wipe the inside and the outside of the radiator fully.  Repeat this process with a feather duster, or coat hanger and damp cloth, to remove any hidden grime.


Top tip: use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow any remaining dust onto the towel on the floor


Skirting boards


The heat of the radiator can cause dust to stick to the wall. Wipe away any dirt from your skirting boards using a soft wet cloth, taking care to avoid damaging any paintwork.


While this article focused on how to clean a radiator, we have a host of environmentally-friendly cleaning guides on our blog.



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The coastal region of Northumberland attracts thousands of locals and tourists every year. With miles of coastline and countryside to explore, we've put together some recommended valleys in Northumberland to visit any time of the year. MMCS Commercial Cleaning is a cleaning company in the north east. Using environmentally-friendly products, our regular holiday let changeover service in Northumberland involves a thorough clean after the departure of a guest as well as the top up of toiletries. We also provide fresh linen and towelling in our bedmaking service to create a clean, safe and welcoming environment for your next guest. Our carpet cleaning services removes up to 80 per cent of stains and makes your carpets look , feel and smell new again. With a quick drying time, get a hassle-free quote today. Where is Northumberland? Northumberland is a county in North East England. Bordering Scotland, the county is surrounded by land on three sides, with the fourth side bordering the North Sea with over 100 kilometres of coastline. Fun fact: With 70 castles, Northumberland is the most castled region in England Valleys in Northumberland Ingram valley Nestled within Breamish Valley, Ingram valley is the perfect beauty spot to enjoy the Northumberland countryside with views of the Cheviot Hills, formed over 480 million years ago, in the distance, The river walk is perfect for picnics and the local village of Ingram can be visited at the end of your adventure. The valley is also home to the multi award winning National Park Experience ‘The Ingram Valley Farm Safari’ , making it the perfect day out whatever the weather. Parking is available right by the river at Ingram Bridge car park NE66 4LT. Breamish valley The rolling hills of Breamish Valley make it the perfect scenic setting or a picnic after a long walk. Dotted with prehistoric hillforts, the invigorating hill walk has high, exposed hill tops that a perfect to explore on warmer days. Adventorous walkers can also access the nearby Linhope Spout waterfall, which is just a short walk beyond Hartside. Parking is available at Ingram Bridge car park NE66 4LT. with footpath access to Ingram Church, Café and Exhibition. Allen valleys Known for their biodiversity, The Allen Valleys have large areas of important habitats like upland hay meadows. Perfect for hikers, climbers and walkers, the valleys are filled with grassy hills to explore and rocky ridges to climb while enjoying gorgeous countryside views. Parking is available at the National Trust car park at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge NE47 7BP. While this article focused on valleys in Northumberland, y ou can find more Northumberland trip ideas on our blog.
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