Surprising Cleaning Jobs That Can Help Save Energy This Winter

When we think about saving money on our energy bills during winter, we often focus on turning down the thermostat, switching off lights and being more mindful about how much energy we use. But there are also some surprising cleaning jobs around the home that can help us make the most of the energy we’re already using.

Keeping your home clean and well maintained isn’t just about appearances; it can also help appliances work efficiently, prevent heat from escaping and make the most of the warmth and light in your home.

Here are some of the cleaning tasks I recommend adding to your winter routine.

Give your radiators a thorough clean

Radiators are often forgotten when it comes to cleaning, but dust can quickly accumulate between the panels and behind them. I recommend using a radiator brush to get into those hard-to-reach areas and remove the build-up. you can also give them a blast with your hair dryer or a steam cleaner with an old towel underneath to push out the dust and debris.

Keeping radiators clear of dust and avoiding covering them with clothes or furniture helps warm air circulate freely around the room. If you rely on your radiators drying your laundry then invest in radiator dryer racks that still allow the air to circulate.

Although cleaning alone won't dramatically reduce your heating bills, making sure radiators are unobstructed helps you get the best from your heating system.

Clean your window frames and seals

Window frames and seals can collect dirt, dust and grime throughout the year, so give them a thorough clean before the really cold weather sets in. This is also a great opportunity to inspect the seals for damage, gaps or signs of wear that could allow cold air to enter your home.

Cleaning won't fix a draught, but it helps you spot where attention may be needed. If you do find gaps, suitable draught-proofing can help prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from creeping in or invest in some draft excluders

Don't forget your extractor fans

Extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms can become clogged with dust and grease, which can restrict airflow and make ventilation less effective. Regularly cleaning the covers and accessible filters according to the manufacturer's instructions helps keep them working as they should. I like to soak mine either in a solution of warm water and white vinegar or warm water and bicarbonate of soda

Good ventilation is particularly important during winter, when condensation and excess moisture can become a problem. Just remember that ventilation is still essential, so don't block vents in an attempt to keep warm air inside.

Keep your hob clean

It's easy for grease and food residue to build up on your hob, particularly if you cook regularly. Keeping it clean helps you spot any issues and maintain the cooking surface, while ensuring gas burner ports are clear where applicable can help the flame burn correctly. If you have a build up of sticky food and grim a hob cleaning kit can help get your hob back to sparkling clean.

For more efficient cooking, I also recommend matching your pan size to the cooking zone and using a lid wherever possible. This helps retain heat and can reduce the amount of energy needed to cook your meals.

Clean your oven door so you can see inside

This is one of those little jobs that can make a surprising difference to your everyday routine. When the oven door is covered in grease and baked-on food, it's difficult to see how your dinner is cooking, which often means opening the door to have a peek. A glass oven scrapper can be a quick fix for this.

Keeping the glass clean allows you to check on your food without repeatedly opening the oven. Every time you open the door, heat escapes and the oven has to work to bring the temperature back up, so being able to see through the glass helps you avoid unnecessary heat loss.

Dust your light bulbs and lampshades

Dusty light bulbs and lampshades can make a room feel dimmer, particularly during the darker winter months. Giving them a regular dust can help maximise the light available and make your rooms feel brighter and more welcoming. A quick tip is to use a recycled makeup or paint brush for they are delicate and won’t cause any damage.

It may seem like a small thing, but making the most of your existing lighting can help you avoid switching on additional lights unnecessarily. For an extra energy-saving step, consider switching to LED bulbs if you haven't already, as they use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Always switch off the lights and allow bulbs to cool before cleaning them.

Keep your oven and appliances in good condition

Grease and food residue can build up inside ovens and around appliance components over time. Following the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance guidance helps keep appliances in good working order and can make it easier to spot potential problems.

When cooking, try to plan ahead so you can cook several items together when appropriate, rather than repeatedly heating the oven. Small changes to how we use our appliances can make a difference to energy consumption over time.

Small jobs can make a difference

Saving energy this winter doesn't always mean making big changes. Sometimes, it's about looking after the things we already have, spotting problems before they become bigger issues and building better habits into our daily routines.

From cleaning your radiators and checking window seals to keeping your oven glass sparkling and your light bulbs dust-free, these simple tasks can help make your home more comfortable and energy-conscious throughout the colder months.

My advice is to use your winter cleaning routine as an opportunity to check how your home is performing, too. A little maintenance now can help you stay comfortable, make better use of the energy you pay for and enjoy a cleaner, cosier home all winter long.