When the cold outside hits, the inside of your home becomes your sanctuary of comfort. Heating plays a major role in this, but many people don't realize that the reason for "cold feet" can lie in a simple household neglect - unclean radiators. These often only work at half capacity because their internal channels are full of dust. The result? Less heat, higher bills and significantly worse air quality.
What most homeowners ignore is the fact that radiator is not only a heating element, but also an excellent "archiver" of everything that lingers in the air. From cigarette smoke (if anyone still insists) to dog hair and everyday dust. During heating, all this rises back into the room. What's even worse: poorly cleaned radiators require more energy to reach the same temperature. Fortunately, there is a solution that is simple, fast and - best of all - almost free.
Why cleaning radiators is not just an aesthetic fix, but an energy necessity
Radiators work on the principle of convection – they heat the air, which then rises and circulates throughout the room. But if their internal channels are clogged with dust, dirt and small particles, this convection slows down. The heat is not transferred evenly, the heating efficiency is reduced, and you increase your energy consumption for the same heating effect.
#1 fact: Clogged radiators can reduce the energy efficiency of your heating by up to 15–20 %.
#2 fact: During heating, dust from radiators rises into the air and can cause respiratory irritation, coughing or allergic reactions in more sensitive individuals.
#3 fact: Most households never clean their radiators – or do so extremely rarely and inadequately.
A simple trick that anyone can do – in 2 minutes
In recent years, the internet has been captivated by a simple yet ingenious method demonstrated by a resourceful TikTok user: cleaning radiators with a hair dryer. No unscrewing, no special attachments, no searching for brushes in specialty stores. The process is ridiculously easy – and that's why it's so effective.
How to clean a radiator with a hair dryer?
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- Prepare the space: Place a wet towel or large damp cloth under the radiator. This will catch any dirt that you blow out from the inside.
- Turn on the hair dryer: Aim it at the slots on the top of the radiator. Use medium or high heat and set the blower power to the highest setting.
- Watch the “miracle” live: Dust, hair, and debris will begin to fall out from the bottom of the radiator – directly onto the prepared cloth.
- Finish with a tissue or antistatic cloth: Use it to wipe the outside of the radiator and all the edges where the last layer of dust tends to stick.
This method is fast, effective and, most importantly, it worksThe hair dryer reaches depths of the radiator that are difficult to reach with a cloth or even a vacuum cleaner, and the warm air provides a "cleaning push" in the right direction.
Expert advice: when and how often to clean radiators?
Energy efficiency experts recommend that radiators be cleaned thoroughly twice a year – before the start and after the end of the heating season. If you have pets at home or live in a dusty environment (e.g. next to a busy road), clean more often – every few months.
If you want to take your heating system to an even higher level of efficiency, also consider:
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- Regularly bleeding radiators – air in the system slows down the circulation of hot water.
- Installation of reflective foils for radiators that return heat back into the room (not into the wall).
- Thermostats and smart heating systems, which automatically regulate energy consumption.
Heat your apartment – but not the heating bill
Who would have thought that a regular hair dryer could become your latest energy advisor? But that's exactly what happens when you blow a little (not into the air) and free your radiators of their dusty burden. And in doing so, you'll ensure a warmer, healthier and - yes, cheaper - home.
You don't have to be an engineering genius to save energy. Sometimes all you need is a household appliance, a little motivation and two minutes of your time. Who says cleaning can't be fun?
