Although they have been in use for many years, radiators are still a popular option when it comes to heating because of the way they work. Some homeowners still prefer them to the modern heating techniques. It is because no matter how old they may be, radiators are still effective when it comes to heating homes and offices.
Cast iron radiators are one of the most popular types, and you can find them in many homes regardless of where you go. One thing that is important to discuss is how to take care of these items. You need to understand that unless you take proper care of them, they will not be efficient, and they will not last long. In addition to that, they will develop several faults, and this means that you will have to spend money on repairs. Always do the following tasks.
Vacuuming the radiator
As you use the radiator, dust particles pile up on its surface. They may not be seen immediately, but they eventually will form a huge pile. There will also be other dirt elements brought by the water that you use to heat the house. The best option is to detach the radiator and vacuum it. Vacuuming ensures that the dirt that is hidden in various parts is flashed out. In addition to that, it will remove dirt particles that other cleaning procedures would not remove. When vacuuming the radiator, be careful to avoid chipping its paint. You can do this by using a brush attachment.
Cleaning with detergent
Vacuuming is effective, but it does not remove all the dirt. There are some dirt elements that stick tightly to the surfaces, and therefore, they will not be removed by blowing alone. Such dirt will be removed by using hot water and detergent. Take a piece of cloth and use the detergent mixture to clean the interior part of the radiator. At this point, you will notice that there is more dirt than you imagined. When cleaning, make sure that the piece of cloth that you use does not cause too much abrasion on the surface of the radiator.
Preventing rust
Considering that this radiator has parts made from iron, it is always prone to rusting when exposed to moisture. You should not leave it wet after cleaning because water aggravates the rusting process. Instead of that, you should look for a way of drying it. Since the interiors cannot dry by exposing them to the sun, and you do not have too much to wait, you can use a soft dry piece of cloth to dry. Make sure that you pat all the corners and other surfaces that do not dry fast. After that, you will be ready to install back the radiator and use it.
As you can see, routine maintenance of a radiator is not a difficult task. However, if you do not have time to do it, you do not have to fret. There are many skilled contractors that can clean these items and ensure that they function optimally. In addition to that, they will give you tips on how to take care of them so that they do not get worn out too easily.
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