You've probably noticed that more dirt than usual accumulates in the bathroom, especially over the fall and winter months. However, getting dust, dirt and limescale stains out of radiators is not an easy task. However, you should still clean the bathroom radiators regularly so that their performance does not decrease. We explain how to do this correctly and what needs to be taken into account.
Cleaning bathroom radiators: step-by-step instructions
It doesn't really matter whether they are finned or flat radiators: in winter, the radiators in the house are real dust magnets. This can quickly become a problem in the bathroom if the dust particles come into contact with water and moisture. They become sticky, are difficult to remove and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Limescale stains can also occur. Not only are they unsightly, they can damage the metal surface.
In addition, the performance of the radiators quickly decreases if a lot of dust accumulates in the fins or inside. You should therefore include cleaning of the radiatorsRecord cleaning plan. It's best to clean them once a month. The bathroom should be completely dry so that the dust can be quickly removed from the radiators. So ventilate the bathroom well the day before cleaning.
Step 1: Remove grid
Finned radiators have no grille. You can then simply start cleaning. However, the new, flat models have a cover. In most cases the grille is placed loosely on the radiator. You simply need to slide up the side panels to remove the cover. As long as the manufacturer allows it, you can clean the grille with a soft brush and washing-up liquid and then rinse well with water. Line an area with newspaper and place the grid on top. Wait until it is completely dry before reattaching it.
Step 2: Remove dust with a hairdryer and vacuum cleaner
Flat radiators:After removing the grille, take a hairdryer and set it to the highest setting. Use it to blow the dust inside the radiators.
Finned radiator:The inside of the finned radiators can only be cleaned by a specialist. However, you can vacuum the hard-to-reach spaces with a vacuum cleaner. Proceed as follows: Set the device to medium level. Use a crevice tool to clean the areas between the ribs or slats. Only then can you dust the area between the radiator and the wall.
Towel dryers and other tube bodies:They have (almost) no hard-to-reach spaces and can be easily cleaned with a special brushClean heater. These brushes are mostly made of goat hair and the dust sticks to them. They come in different sizes and with handles of different lengths. This means you can easily clean otherwise hard-to-reach areas.
Clean the bathroom radiator: Wipe the outside
For now: You can only clean the radiators when they are cold. Never use hard brushes or metal sponges as they could leave scratches on the surface. Slightly to moderately dirty radiators can simply be wiped off with a damp cleaning cloth. Then let them dry overnight. Otherwise, the combination of heat and moisture can damage the paint.
Remove dirt with washing powder
You can clean heavily soiled radiators with liquid detergent or washing powder. Proceed as follows:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and dissolve half-load detergent powder in it.
- Soak a kitchen sponge in the water and use it to wipe the heaters.
- Then rinse the radiators thoroughly and wipe them dry.
- Hard-to-reach places will certainly remain wet. Therefore, let the radiators dry overnight.
Remove limescale deposits
In principle, limescale stains on towel dryers etc. can be removed in the same way as limescale stains on fittings. You can make your own solution of white wine or apple cider vinegar and water (in a ratio of 1 to 2) and moisten a cotton pad with it. Then apply the solution to the calcified areas, leave it on for about 5 minutes and then rinse off.
If there is severe calcification, it is best to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing and wiping the surface dry.
To be on the safe side, first test on an invisible area to see whether vinegar and lemon juice leave stains.
Clean and paint bathroom radiators
Scratches can cause the bathroom radiators to rust. To prevent this, you can repaint them. Special alkyd resin varnishes are best suited to protect them from moisture. Do this as follows:
- Remove the radiators and clean them thoroughly. Above all, be sure to remove dust.
- Sand the old paint with sandpaper and roughen it a little so that the alkyd resin paint adheres better.
- Apply a primer. It is an additional layer of protection that will protect the metal from rust.
- You can then either paint or spray the radiators with the paint.
- Apply several thin coats so that the paint adheres better and protects the bathroom radiators.
Need bathroom radiatorsregular care. Once a month you should really clean them thoroughly and check for limescale. Dust should also be wiped off or vacuumed regularly. Also check the radiators for cracks and scratches. If you notice any of these, you can repaint them at the end of the heating season.
