How to Clean Baseboard Heaters Properly

Every fall, the same thing happens. You turn the heat on for the first time and the whole house smells like something is burning. It's not dangerous. It's just months of dust sitting on the heating fins, and now it's cooking off.

You can avoid that smell entirely by cleaning your baseboard heaters before heating season starts.

Why They Smell

Baseboard heaters work by pulling cool air in through the bottom and pushing warm air out the top. The metal fins inside do the heating. Over the summer, dust settles on those fins. When the heat kicks on in October, that dust burns. That's the smell. It usually fades after a day or two, but it's not pleasant, and if anyone in the house has allergies, it stirs up a lot of particles.

What You Need

• A vacuum with a brush attachment and a crevice tool
• A microfibre cloth
• A bucket of warm soapy water
• An old towel to put underneath

How to Clean Them

Step 1: Turn them off. This seems obvious but it matters. Turn the thermostat down and give the heaters at least an hour to cool completely. You don't want to be reaching inside a hot heater.

Step 2: Remove the cover. Most baseboard heater covers clip on or are held by a couple of screws. Lift the front panel off carefully. Some older ones are a bit stiff. Don't force them or you'll bend the metal.

Step 3: Vacuum the fins. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum and run it along the metal fins inside. Go gently. The fins bend easily and bent fins don't heat as well. Use the crevice tool to get into the tight spots. You'll be surprised how much dust comes out.

Step 4: Wipe down the cover. While the cover is off, wipe it down with a damp cloth and soapy water. Dry it completely before putting it back.

Step 5: Clean the wall behind the heater. Dust collects on the wall behind the unit too. Wipe it down while you have access.

Step 6: Put the cover back on. Snap or screw it back into place. Make sure nothing is blocking the airflow at the top or bottom.

How Often Should You Do This

Twice a year works well. Once before heating season, usually in late September or early October. And once in the spring when you're done using them. That way they're clean going into summer storage mode and clean when you need them again.

If you have pets, you might want to vacuum the fins once more mid-winter. Pet hair gets drawn into the heaters just like dust does.

A Note for Toronto Homeowners

About half the older housing stock in Toronto and Mississauga has baseboard heaters, especially in bungalows, townhouses, and older apartments. If your home has cast iron radiators instead, the process is different; see our guide to cleaning radiators in older Toronto homes. If your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s, chances are you've got them in at least a few rooms. They're reliable and they last a long time, but they do need this basic maintenance to work well and not smell up your house every October.

Safety Tips

• Always make sure the heaters are off and cool before you touch them.
• Don't spray any cleaning products directly onto the fins or electrical components.
• Keep furniture, curtains, and anything flammable at least a few inches away from the heater.
• If a heater is making unusual noises or not producing heat after cleaning, call an electrician. Don't try to fix the wiring yourself.

Cleaning baseboard heaters is one of those small jobs that makes a real difference. Fifteen minutes per heater and your house will smell fine when the cold weather arrives. While you are at it, give the baseboards themselves a wipe-down too, since dust collects on the trim just as much as inside the heater. It is also a smart task to add to your fall routine when you are getting your home ready for winter.

If cleaning heaters isn't your idea of a good weekend, we include them in our deep clean services. Give us a call and we'll take care of it.