It’s time to prepare your office as we move from summer to autumn and beyond. Cleaning office radiators is a part of this preparation.
You read it right. Radiators. Just like any surface, they need to be cleaned. We’ll explain why office radiators should be cleaned in a moment. Let’s get started!
Why should you clean your office radiators?
You may have noticed that the smell of burning gas is almost identical to a musty odor when you turn on your heating. You can tell if you are in close proximity to a dirty radiator by the musty smell.
Hot air can cause poor indoor air quality because it releases dust that has been trapped and allows it to circulate. It can cause the airways to dry up and spread infections more quickly in an office. It’s not just about the health of your office. Dust buildup can affect how efficiently it heats.
Not by much. Over time, the savings add up. What’s not to love about this? A clean radiator will heat your office more efficiently, saving you money and energy. Regular cleaning will also prevent your radiators from tarnishing and dulling over time. This means you’ll need less paint.
Cleaning office radiators can be beneficial. It would help if you did it. How do you clean office radiators? It depends on what type of radiators you have in your office.
Radiators come in many different types.
Radiators are commonly used in offices.
Panel radiators
The rectangular, flat radiators were very popular in the 1980s and 1990s. These radiators are everywhere in homes, offices, and hotels. These radiators are efficient and versatile, making them the most popular. Due to their easily accessible surfaces, they are easy to clean. Most of the time, you can wear a duster and a piece of cloth.
Cast iron radiators
They are still used in some “trendier” offices or those that have been repurposed. Cast iron radiators are known for their classic look and durability. However, their gappy, bulbous design can make them more difficult to clean.
Convector radiators
These radiators look ultra-modern and are not as common. These radiators are effective at distributing heat, but they can be difficult to clean.
Let’s now look at the cleaning methods for each type of office radiator.
Turn off the heating and check that the radiators are cool before cleaning.
How to clean panel radiators
First, shut off the heater. Make sure the radiator is cool.
Use a microfiber cloth to remove as much dust from the outer panel as possible. Use a Radiator brush or a long duster to get into those hard-to-reach areas on the top of the heater and between the panels.
After removing all dust, you can use a damp cloth with a domestic cleaning spray and polish any dust or grime that has been baked.
How to clean cast-iron radiators
Again, turn off the heater. Cast iron will retain heat for quite a while. Please wait until it has cooled completely before you begin.
To remove all the crags, use a soft toothbrush to remove the dust. A toothbrush is ideal for intricate details. Use caution when cleaning your cast-iron radiator if it has a lot of dirt. Acids and bases (like baking soda or vinegar) can cause iron to rust. We all know water oxidizes iron.
Here’s a hint: Try GT85. It smells much better than WD40. It cleans, polishes, and protects metals without damaging the finish.
How to clean convector heaters
One last time for those in the back. Turn off the heater. Wait for the radiators to cool down before cleaning.
Dust fins with a soft bristle brush or attachment for a vacuum cleaner. Attention to the space between the fins, where dust tends to accumulate. For this, you could use a thin profile duster or a radiator scrubber.
How can you clean behind the radiator?
Long-handled dusters and radiator brushes stop being a joke and become an investment. If you’re in a hurry, a rag and a stick will do the trick – but prepare to be frustrated!
Slide the brush or the cloth between the wall and the radiator to collect dust.
If you are done cleaning the space between the radiators and the walls, a radiator reflector will prevent dust accumulation (it is not as grippy as a wall bare) and save on heating costs. Double win!
Here are the steps and reasons for cleaning office radiators. If you would rather do your job than clean, we can help.
Office Cleaning Cardiff
Air quality and morale can both drop when the weather changes and office windows are closed. Do not let this happen in your office! Call The Abbey Cleaning Service at 029 2067 9232 for professional cleaning services in Cardiff. You can have your office cleaned and ready for autumn without interrupting your day.