| The best time for cleaning out radiators, fireplaces | | | | enclosed dustpan. Slightly dampening the dustpan |
| and furnaces is in the summer. Cleaning fireplaces | | | | will help the ash stick to it and thus help prevent it |
| can be cumbersome but the others can be done | | | | from scattering. Empty the dustbin outside; tip the |
| fairly quickly. | | | | ash into a sealable bag, which you will leave out |
| Cleaning methods for radiators, boilers, and | | | | for collection with the rest of the rubbish. |
| electric-heater fans. | | | | HEPA vacuum filters can filter out the ash dust, |
| Radiator | | | | but they shouldn't be used for that purpose since |
| Cleaning of a radiator consists of vacuuming and | | | | ash can cause clogging of the vacuum cleaner. |
| dusting. Using the crevice tool of the vacuum | | | | Using a stiff brush is always better than washing |
| cleaner, the central grooves should be frequently | | | | the hearth with water. Keep it dry to remove |
| vacuumed. For dusting, first place a cloth on the | | | | smoke and soot marks. Larger soot marks may |
| floor below the radiator. Tie a duster to | | | | require more persistence, but they can be |
| measuring stick and use the stick to push the | | | | removed..First vacuuming should be done with the |
| dust onto the cloth. If you notice that the wall | | | | soft-brush attachment and then it should be |
| near the radiator is dirty, wash it using a soapy | | | | brushed using a brush with stiff bristles. |
| sponge. The heat can cause the passing dirt to | | | | If your fireplace is used for open fires, make sure |
| attach there. | | | | to have it swept professionally at least once per |
| Boiler | | | | year. This will make it more efficient while cutting |
| The inside of a boiler should only be cleaned by a | | | | down on smoke in the home and better prevent |
| registered professional as part of its annual | | | | chimney fires. |
| service. However, anyone can safely polish the | | | | If the remaining stains are a bother, you can deal |
| outside using a soft cloth. | | | | with them by wetting the soot patch with water |
| Electric-fan | | | | and sprinkle on salt. Then let it dry, and brush off |
| As with any electrical appliance, the electric fan | | | | vigorously. |
| should never get wet. First make sure to unplug | | | | You'll want to clean the area surrounding the |
| the fan. To clean it, use the vacuum's crevice tool. | | | | fireplace once a year after you clean the fireplace |
| Hold it about 6 centimetres (2 inches) away from | | | | itself. The cleaning procedure for the surrounding |
| the fan and move in the direction of the grooves | | | | area will depends on what it's made of: |
| blades. | | | | # Brick: Clean with a specialised fireplace cleaner |
| Frequently-used fireplaces should have the grate | | | | and then apply a brick/stone sealant. |
| cleaned frequently. However you don't need to | | | | # Cast iron: First remove any rust using steel |
| worry about getting out the bottom layer of fine | | | | wool. Clean with a sponge dipped in soapy water. |
| ash each time. A single thorough cleaning to | | | | Rinse and dry promptly and thoroughly. |
| remove it once at the end of the winter season, | | | | # Ceramic tile: Really dirty tiles should be cleaned |
| when you won't be using it for a while, is usually | | | | using a mild abrasive cleanser. Care should be |
| enough. | | | | taken to avoid scratching any glaze. Then rinse |
| The fireplace should only be cleaned once you're | | | | off the abrasive and dry and polish with a cloth. |
| certain that the ash won't re-ignite, therefore give | | | | # Marble: Wash with a commercial polish for |
| it time to cool down. The morning following an | | | | marble once per year. The polishes can leave the |
| evening of a cosy fire is too early and the ash | | | | surface with either a matte or shiny finish. |
| may still be warm. One must also be careful when | | | | Abrasives or chemical cleaners should be avoided |
| disposing of the ash. If warm ash comes into | | | | as they can easily damage the marble surface. |
| contact with paper or plastic, it can re-ignite, and | | | | # Stone: For quick cleaning, use a sponge to clean |
| is therefore a fire hazard. | | | | large areas, then scrub stubborn spots with a stiff |
| Make sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect | | | | brush. If needed, you can even use a strong |
| yourself. Also be sure to close all doors and | | | | bleach solution. However, be sure to test for |
| windows in the room. The main objective while | | | | colour fade on a hidden spot first. |
| cleaning the fireplace is to prevent ash from | | | | Unused grates tend to rust over the summer |
| scattering, both over yourself and throughout the | | | | season. Apply lubricant such as WD-40 to help |
| room. Very gently brush or scoop the ash into an | | | | prevent this from occurring. |