How to Clean a Space Heater in 8 Easy Steps
Space heaters come in all shapes and sizes. They can be used to supplement heating costs around the house, or can also be used in spaces that don’t get the type of heat or temperature you desire. Whatever the reason is that you’re using a space heater this fall and winter — you have to make sure you know how to clean a space heater. Space heater maintenance is extremely important for your safety, especially if you’re using them day in and day out. They build up dirt, dust, and more — and no one wants a fire hazard lurking in their own home!
So let’s get down to it. Here’s how to clean a space heater…
1. Protective Gear
It’s incredibly important to wear a dust mask while cleaning your space heater — especially if you suffer from dust allergies. If you don’t want this dust in your space heater, you most definitely don’t want it inside your lungs!
2. Unplug Your Space Heater
Always proceed on the side of caution when dealing with electrical appliances. You’re going to want to turn your space heater off before attempting to clean it. After you’ve unplugged it, just make sure that it’s not hot to the touch. If it is, give it a few minutes to cool off before proceeding.
3. Dampen, Don’t Spray Directly!
When it comes to cleaning the outside (and inside) of your space heater — never spray water or cleaning chemicals directly onto the heater! Always, always, always spray your cloth, towel, or whatever you’re using instead of the appliance directly.
4. Give The Outside A Wipe Down
When it comes to the order of operations, let’s start with the outside of the space heater. Using a damp cloth, rag, or even a paper towel — all you need to do is wipe down the surface of your space heater. Once you’re done with that, make sure you air dry your space heater so there’s no trace moisture left before you plug it back in.
5. Carefully Disassemble Your Space Heater
If you have the manual laying around for your space heater, this is where that’s going to come in handy. Follow the directions and carefully disassemble your heater. Don’t forget to remember where all of those screws and components came from! The last thing we want is missing parts when you go to put your space heater back together.
6. Clean The Inside Of Your Space Heater
Now that you’ve wiped down the outside and disassembled the space heater, it’s time to give those insides a good cleaning! In all reality, this step is the main and most important step of all. All the months you’ve had that space heater running inside the home — there’s going to be plenty of dust, dirt, and debris hanging out in there.
If you have a compressed air duster, that’s going to be key to this step — but if not, a towel or cloth will work just fine. Just try not to use any soapy liquids on the inside of your space heater. The last thing you want is excess moisture or cleaning chemicals damaging the insides of your heater.
Now that you’re in there, gently wipe or blow off any spots of dust that you see clinging to the inside of your space heater.
7. Reassemble Your Space Heater
Once you’re all set and have the insides of your space heater cleaned out, you’re going to need to put it all back together now. Before doing so, make sure that it’s properly dried out and no excess moisture is left on the inside.
And once you’ve done that, you are ready for one final step.
8. Give Your Space Heater One Final Wipe Down
Once you’re sure everything is back in place, all that’s left to do is one final wipe down with a paper towel or cloth — and you’re good to go.
Plug it in, turn it back on, and feel that warmth once again!
Just One More Thing…
It’s highly recommended that you do this at least once every couple months, especially if you’re frequently using your space heater. A dirty space heater is not only an eyesore, but could potentially be a fire hazard inside your home.
If you get to cleaning your space heater a few times and realize that maybe it’s just time for a new one, check out our guide of Best Space Heaters For 2021.
