How to Clean Baseboard Heaters
Time:An hour or less
Complexity:Beginner
Cost:Free
Lower the Heat
mechanical thermostat
Remove the Cover
- Remove the front cover of the baseboard heater by lifting it up from the bottom and pulling it out toward you (see photo). Sometimes, the edges of the covers may be a little sharp. It doesn’t hurt to grab a good pair of work gloves to make sure you don’t get cut.
Clean the Fins
- Vacuum the fins with a brush nozzle, removing any dirt and dust gathered on and in between the fins. This step is similar to vacuuming out your furnace — it helps keep your system efficient.
Straighten Fins
- Straighten any fins that are bent using needle-nose pliers.
Re-install the Cover
- Re-install the front cover by aligning the top of the cover with metal tabs protruding from the front of the baseboard. Push in on the front of the cover near the bottom to lock it in place.
Baseboard heaters, a.k.a. fin tube radiators, are an efficient way to heat your home. They transfer heat by convection. Cold air flows from the bottom of the radiator and up through the fins, heating the room. Fins can get clogged with dust and dirt. so it’s a good practice to clean your baseboard heaters yearly. Here’s how.
