A little regular care keeps a radiator or towel rail looking good and working well. This guide covers safe cleaning for different finishes, how to bleed a radiator, simple yearly checks, and when it is time to call an engineer. Always read the manufacturer's care instructions that came with your product first, as they take priority over general advice.
Before you clean
- Turn the heating off and let the radiator cool completely.
- For electric radiators and towel rails, switch off and isolate the electrical supply before cleaning.
- Use a soft cloth. Avoid anything that can scratch, such as scourers, wire wool or abrasive powders.
Cleaning by finish
Painted and powder coated radiators (white, black, anthracite and other colours)
Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry with a soft towel. Avoid solvents, bleach and harsh household cleaners, which can dull or damage the finish.
Chrome
Wipe with a soft damp cloth, then buff dry with a microfibre cloth to prevent water marks. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface.
Stainless steel
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry and buff along the grain if the surface is brushed. Avoid chlorine-based cleaners and steel wool.
Aluminium
Use a soft damp cloth with mild soap. Avoid strong acids or alkalis, which can attack the surface.
Between the panels and bars
Dust collects between sections. A long, soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment reaches most designs, including vertical radiators and horizontal radiators. Do this while the radiator is cold.
Bleeding a radiator
If a radiator is cool at the top and warm at the bottom, air may have collected in it. Bleeding releases the air so the radiator heats evenly. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your model, as designs differ.
- Turn the heating off and let the radiator cool.
- Place a cloth and a small container under the bleed valve.
- Use the correct bleed key and turn the valve slowly anticlockwise until you hear air escape.
- Close the valve as soon as water appears.
- If you have a sealed boiler system, check the pressure gauge and top up the pressure if it has dropped, following the boiler's instructions.
If a radiator keeps filling with air, or stays cold at the bottom, there may be a problem with the system that needs a heating engineer.
Yearly checks
- Look for marks of leaks around valves and joints, and for any staining or damp on the wall or floor.
- Check the valves. A thermostatic valve that sticks can be gently worked by hand, or replaced. See radiator valves.
- Check wall fixings and make sure the radiator is still secure.
- Check the finish. Small chips can be touched up with a paint recommended by the manufacturer to stop corrosion starting.
- Have the boiler serviced each year by a suitably qualified engineer (a Gas Safe registered engineer for a gas boiler).
Towel rails
Heated towel rails are used in humid rooms, so wipe off water splashes and keep an eye on the finish. Do not overload a rail with heavy items. See our towel rail buying guide if you are choosing a new one, or browse towel rail accessories.
Things to avoid
- Do not drape wet clothes or heavy fabrics over radiators that are not designed for drying. They block heat and can damage the finish.
- Do not paint a radiator unless the manufacturer says it is suitable, and use a paint recommended for radiators.
- Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners.
When to call a professional
Call a qualified heating engineer if you notice leaks, noises that do not stop after bleeding, radiators that stay cold, or a system that keeps losing pressure. For electrical issues with an electric radiator or towel rail, call a qualified electrician.
If you need help identifying a part or choosing a replacement, call us on +44 7729 799515 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00) or email info@poshrads.co.uk. See also radiator accessories.