Wall heaters with louvered metal covers are common in parts of the country where winters are generally mild. Cleaning the unit entails removing the cover and inspecting it for dirt and dust. Brushing with a soft bristle brush will remove dust built up during the last season of use. Mild soapy water is all that’s needed to clean the cover and fan blades. Bathroom units may require extra cleaning because the high humidity causes dust to cling onto surfaces. With a few household tools, your wall heater will be fresh and clean in no time.
Turn off the electric wall heater. Switch the setting to the “Off” position.
Remove the front cover from the electric wall heater. Twist the knobs to loosen or use a screwdriver to remove any screws. Place screws aside so you don’t lose them.
Inspect the inside unit for dust and grime. Lightly brush the fan housing for cobwebs or dust. Brush the base to remove piled dust, dead bugs and dried lizard carcasses. Brush onto the dustpan and discard the debris in a trashcan. Wipe the base using a damp cloth to remove any remaining particles.
Prepare a bucket of diluted dish soap. Wet your cloth and wring it out. Wipe the fan blades on both sides to remove built-up dust. Work your hands behind blades to completely remove dirt on the backside. Rinse out the cloth in the bucket and wring it out when too much dirt collects on the cloth. Continue to wipe blades until they are free of dust and dirt. Use a clean dry cloth for the final wipe to avoid water streaks on the fan. Throw out the soapy water and rinse the bucket with clear water.
Prepare a fresh bucket of diluted soapy water. Wet and wring out a cloth. Wipe the front and the inside of the louvered metal cover to remove loose dust and dirt. Wipe each groove of the louvers from the top to the bottom. Rinse the cloth and wring it out when it becomes too dry. Wipe both sides of the cover using a dry cloth to avoid streaking.
Replace the cover. Position the cover in place and tighten the knobs or replace screws using the screwdriver. The unit should be ready for another season of use.