QUESTION FROM Troy

What is the easiest and safest way to clean the dust from the heat louvers in baseboard heat?

ANSWER FROM POLICY-Wizard™

Dear Troy:

I wasn't sure if your question is how to clean the actual louvers that open and close above your baseboard heating radiators, or if you mean the thin fin louvers that come off of the hot water pipes or the electric element.

So let me answer both for you here.

First, regarding the louvers that open and close along the top of your baseboard radiator. You will want to move furniture, drapes, etc. away from the area so that they do not get wet. If you have an electric baseboard heater, then before you start you will need to be sure to shut off the power to your heater. Either unplug the system from the wall if it is a self-contained unit or disconnect power at the home's main power supply cabinet. If you can remove the panels on your baseboard heating radiators, then carefully disassemble them so that you can access to both sides of the panels. Mix up a bucket of water and liquid soap, and use a soft cloth to wipe down both sides of the panels and louvers. Be careful if you are wiping near the fins, as these can have sharp edges and corners.

Regarding cleaning the fins on the hot water pipes or the electric element, you will want to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Or if you only have a vacuum with a nozzle attachment, then you will want to use a separate brush to loosen the dust and debris on the fins as you are vacuuming. While you are cleaning these fins, you might want to have a needle-nosed pliers ready so that you can straighten out any bent fins, as these reduce the performance of your baseboard heater.

Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com