The time to turn on the radiators is getting closer and closer! When the temperatures begin to drop, people immediately seek shelter from the cold to conciliate sleep and to warm up in the house. In this regard, we anticipate cleaning the radiators from top to bottom, but have you ever happened to operate them and smell a strange stench? The reasons can be many, let’s find out together how not to make the radiator smell when you turn it on!
Clean thoroughly
The first thing to do to keep bad odors from your radiator is to clean it thoroughly! Although this is not exactly an easy item to wash, there are strategies you can use to keep it from being too tiring. Let’s take a detailed look at what steps to follow to properly clean the radiator!
Dust
Of course, at the top of the list is to completely remove dust, the prime enemy of proper operation as well as the main culprit of bad odors. What you will need to do is to wipe the entire surface of the radiator with an electrostatic cloth so that the dust is retained and not moved from one area to another. For tight spaces such as crevices I recommend you take a wipe and tie a knot in one of the corners. Insert the wipe into the crack so that the knot stays inside and pull the rest of the wipe all the way down. Repeat the process for all the crevices and you will have removed all the dust!
Interior
Warning. If you own modern radiators, you will most likely need the help of an expert because they will have to check temperature and pressure. The following procedure refers to radiators that still have water inside. Well, place a basin under the opening valve of the radiator so that you do not get it wet or stain the floor. With the appropriate device, unscrew the valve slowly and let out only the blackest water, then close it again immediately. It is important, in fact, that not all the water comes out because you could incur a failure of the radiator.
Exterior
Finally, we just have to see how to clean the exterior of the radiator in no time and effort! There are two main methods depending on the type of radiator you own:
For cast iron radiators:
You will need to wash by simply putting bar soap on a sponge and rubbing it over the entire surface of the radiator to remove any stains as well. Then rinse with a microfiber cloth and dry thoroughly.
Aluminum and metal radiators:
I recommend using white alcohol vinegar so as to rid the radiator of any bad smell. Always put on a sponge and then rinse with warm water.
Methods for scenting
Performing a thorough cleaning of the radiator is the first and most important step to remove all bad odors, however there are some tricks to make the scent last a long time! Let’s see together all the methods you need to know to spread a good smell in the house by serving the radiator!
Citrus infusion
Citrus infusion is a very popular remedy as well as one of the most beloved for perfuming the house in general! To prepare it, all you have to do is steep a sliced orange or lemon and a sprinkle of cinnamon (not too much, otherwise it will cover up all the other smells) in a saucepan. When it has come to a boil, leave it like this for another two minutes on low heat, then turn it off and transfer everything to a jar. Next place on the radiator so that the heat can always evaporate the scent of the infusion!
Laurel
Laurel is also a perfect plant to place on the radiator! Not only does it smell great, but it also purifies the air and its relaxing properties will impart well-being. There are multiple ways to make the most of bay leaves; you can prepare the infusion in the manner described earlier for citrus fruits, or you can put a few leaves on the radiator. For this second method you will have to remember to change them from time to time when they lose their scent.
Mint and eucalyptus
Similarly to laurel, mint and eucalyptus leaves, if placed on the radiator, will give a fresh and fragrant touch to the whole house! Depending on the intensity of smell you desire, place the leaves of one or both plants on the radiator and leave them that way for several days. As they lose their fragrance, it means it is time to change them.
Essential oils
Finally, let’s look at an immediate and easy trick for scenting the radiator! You will need to get ceramic dehumidifiers, fill them with demineralized water and put in 5 or 6 drops of your favorite essential oil. I recommend citrus or lavender oils, the latter of which has beneficial properties that are great for sprinkling around the house.
Warnings
Before putting the radiators on after a long time, remember to have them checked by an expert.
