Why radiators attract dust
Let the radiator cool, dry-dust accessible fins and vacuum the recess. Damp-wipe only where permitted, without working on valves or fittings.
Radiators create a rising current of air. It draws dust from the room, which then sticks between the fins, panels and in the alcove behind. In winter you often see this as grey streaks on the wall above the radiator. Fluff, hair and small objects that fall behind the radiator also collect there.
Regular cleaning makes the room look better cared for and stirs up less dust. It can be done with simple tools, as long as you stick to visible, easily reachable surfaces and change nothing on the heating system.
Preparation: let it cool and protect the floor
Only clean radiators when they are cold or at most lukewarm. Turn the thermostat valve down and wait until the surface has cooled. Hot surfaces can burn your skin, and cleaning water dries too quickly on them and leaves streaks.
Place an old cloth or newspaper under the radiator to catch falling dust. Move furniture aside briefly so that you can work comfortably without straining.
- Turn the thermostat down
- Let the radiator cool
- Lay a cloth underneath
- Move furniture slightly away
Radiator and recess: clean accessible areas
Always start dry. Use a long, slim radiator brush and work from top to bottom between the fins and panels. The loosened dust falls onto the cloth below. A vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool picks up the rest from the gaps and from the top cover.
For tubular radiators, a slim, soft duster or a microfibre cloth wrapped around a stick helps. Work without pressure so that paint and fins do not bend. Only use moisture afterwards, otherwise the dust smears into a paste.
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| Front and top | Let cool and dust dry; if allowed, lightly damp-wipe and dry. |
| Fins | Use a soft narrow brush without pressure, collect dust below and do not bend parts. |
| Recess or hidden area | Vacuum only if freely accessible; no dismantling, liquid or valve work. |
Further reading
Wipe with a little water
Then wipe the front, top and valves with a well-wrung cloth and warm water. A drop of mild washing-up liquid is enough. Scouring products and harsh cleaners can dull or damage the paint and are not necessary.
Make sure no water runs into thermostat heads or electronic controls. Dry the surfaces with a clean cloth. Only turn the heating back on once everything is dry.
Further reading
Alcove, wall and electric heaters
You can often reach the alcove behind the radiator with the crevice tool or a long brush. Clean only what you can reach without force and without removing the radiator. Radiators must not be dismantled, valves must not be adjusted, and covers may only be removed if the manufacturer explicitly intends it for cleaning.
With electric heaters, unplug them or switch them off as described in the manual before cleaning, and let them cool completely. Use only a dry or barely damp cloth and follow the operating instructions. Never let liquid into the vents.
- Do not unscrew or dismantle anything
- Do not adjust valves
- Disconnect electric heaters
- No liquid in vents
When the property management is responsible
Dripping valves, gurgling noises, unevenly warm radiators or rust spots are not cleaning matters. In rented apartments, bleeding and servicing the heating is usually the responsibility of the property management or a heating company. Report such observations instead of intervening yourself.
For the ongoing care of your apartment in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona, you can book regular apartment cleaning with PUTZIO for CHF 40 per hour. Easily reachable radiator surfaces are dusted as part of normal cleaning; servicing, bleeding or repairs are not included.
Further reading