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Cast Iron Radiator Essentials: Cleaning, Care & Humidity
17
items Everything I think an old-house homeowner needs to live happily with cast iron radiator heat. I love my cast iron radiators!
Sections
4
Cleaning and Maintaining cast iron radiators
Painting radiators
Insulation for cast iron radiators
Humidity Issues with cast iron radiators
Cleaning and Maintaining cast iron radiators
It’s amazing how much dust can get in all those radiator fins. Products I use to get all those dust bunnies!
I’ve had mine for many years. Stands up well, soft but strong bristles for a good clean.
Redecker Radiator Brush, Pig Bristle, Beechwood
Every winter, turn them on and bleed the radiators. Stop that weird noise…
Radiator Bleed Key
Admittedly I bought my cast iron radiator covers locally but I recommend covers in general in area where you have kids. I speak from experience that a kid can whack themselves and get hurt playing around cast iron radiators (my daughter is fine)
Cast Iron Radiator Covers For Home
I'm allergic to dust and honestly, my cast iron radiators get pretty dusty. So when it's time to clean my radiators, I pop on one of these masks to avoid the dreaded stuffy/ runny nose later in the day…
LEMENT - Safety Masks & Respirators / Personal ...
While this is advertised as an attachment for a car, this vacuum crevice tool with brush works great on some radiators. Check your vacuum to make sure this crevice attchement fits.
Shop-Vac 2PC 8011848 Car Cleaning Kit
Painting radiators
Painting radiators honestly isn’t all that fun. BUT worth the effort because they look amazing and fresh when done.
Whenever you sand and paint in an old house, always check for lead.
AssuTest Lead Test Swabs Kit - 30 PCS
Paint splatters! I’m a messy painter so I need to cover the floor and walls surrounding the radiators
Canvas Drop Cloths in Surface Protectors
I personally use the Rustoleum high heat spray paint, but others recommend meuvcol products
Radiator Paint
When painting I I’ve learned the hard way to protect my eyes. Especially with spray paint.
Safety Glasses
Insulation for cast iron radiators
A few years ago I added insulation between my cast iron radiators and wall to help kick heat back into the house versus losing it to the outside.
Cut and tape in wall behind radiator. It kicks heat back into the house versus losing it through those under-insulated old walls!
Reflectix BP24025 24in x 25ft Bubble Pack
I used this double sided tape a few years ago to stick Reflectix behind the radiators and haven’t had any problems.
Scotch Removable Mounting Squares
Humidity Issues with cast iron radiators
Winter (especially in New England where I live) gets so dry in my house. Here’s my ideas for passively adding humidity using your radiators
I have 2 of these - easy ways to passively add humidity to dry house. Just be sure to measure you radiator to make sure they fit!
Stainless Steel Radiator Humidifier
Be sure to measure to make sure they fit!! (European cast iron radiators differ from US ones!). This is an easy way to add moisture to our homes passively.
Radiator Humidifier
Another ceramic hanging radiator humidifier
4 Pieces White Ceramic Radiator Hanging Humidifier Set
Measure your radiator to be sure this fits. But placing a tray underneath the radiator filled with water can add moisture to indoor air
HUBERT® Rectangular Galvanized Metal Serving Pan
Place these cute small dishes filled with water to add moisture to your home during the winter
AVLA Set of 4 Small Ceramic Casserole Dishes
If you have a substantial radiator consider the smaller (1.5 quart) lattice steamer to moisture to air.
Wood Stove Steamers