9 grimy household items that may be increasing your energy costs — and how to fix them

Cleaning these overlooked household items could make a noticeable difference to rising energy costs

As the seasons shift, there are plenty of pleasures to enjoy — from falling leaves to cosy knitwear and pumpkin spice lattes. But one thing that can quickly spoil the mood is an expensive energy bill. With colder, darker days putting extra strain on heating, lighting and power use, many people are looking for easy ways to cut costs. One solution you may not have considered is cleaning.

Dust and dirt do more than make a home look untidy; they can also reduce the efficiency of appliances and heating systems. The upside is that the fix is simple.

So before you swear off the thermostat or start layering jumpers indoors, pick up a duster and work through this list to help reduce household energy waste.

9 dirty household items driving up your energy bills

Simple cleaning habits can help improve how efficiently your home runs. “A little maintenance goes a long way,” says Queen of Clean Lynsey Crombie.

“The small jobs we're suggesting take just a few minutes each, but together they’ll help your home stay clean, warm, and energy-efficient all season long.”

1. Radiator grills

Radiators are easy to forget when it comes to cleaning, especially since they’re often hidden behind furniture and only become noticeable when the weather turns colder.

“Dust acts like insulation, trapping heat inside the radiator instead of allowing it to circulate into the room. That means your heating has to work harder to reach the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat,” says Catherine Green, cleaning expert for eco-friendly detergent brand Smol. “A quick vacuum before heating season and a light clean once a month while they’re in use will keep everything working more efficiently.”

“Even a thin layer of dust can cut a radiator’s heat output by a quarter, which means the boiler has to work harder for longer to warm the room,” says Isabella Forgione, small appliances expert at AO.com.

To clean radiators, switch the heating off and let them cool completely. Then use a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment to clear loose dust from the front grill. A radiator brush or long-handled duster can be slipped between the fins to remove trapped fluff.

After that, wipe the visible grill and back with a damp cloth. If grease is present, add a little mild detergent such as washing-up liquid. Dry everything with a clean cloth before turning the heating back on.

If you don’t have a radiator brush, Lynsey suggests a simple alternative. “Use the cool setting on your hairdryer to blow the dust out — just place a towel underneath to catch it,” she says. “You can also use a handheld steam cleaner for a deeper clean. A dust-free radiator doesn’t just look better; it gives off heat more efficiently, keeping you warm for less.”

Radiator brush

Aieve

Radiator Cleaner Brush

If you want to give the inside of your radiator a thorough clean, this flexible brush is the best way to do it. Its nylon bristles make it easy to use, and it can also be used on dryer lint and washing machines.

2. Air vents and extractor fan covers

“When vents become blocked, air can’t move freely, so your extractor, heating or cooling systems have to work harder and use more energy just to keep up,” says Catherine, who also points out that this build-up can shorten their lifespan. “Like radiators, vents and extractors often blend into walls or ceilings, so they’re easy to overlook until airflow drops or smells linger.”

Begin by switching the appliance off at the wall. If you’re unsure, use the fuse box to shut off the circuit for extra peace of mind. Then unscrew or pop off the vent or fan cover.

“Use a duster or vacuum brush regularly to keep things clear,” says Lynsey. “If grime builds up, a recycled make-up brush can get into the grooves and corners.”

“Wash the cover in warm soapy water, using a toothbrush for slats and crevices, then rinse and dry it fully,” adds Catherine. “Just don’t direct water toward the fan motor.”

If the motor is especially dirty or noisy, Catherine recommends getting a professional to inspect it.

MR.SIGA

Detail Cleaning Brush Set

This useful brush set is made for cleaning crevices, especially around grout, but the small brush heads are ideal for all kinds of tight spaces around the home.

Catherine has worked to change the way people approach chores since the launch of smol. With more than a decade of hands-on experience in sustainable cleaning solutions, she has tested hundreds of tricks to make chores easier, safer and better for the planet.

3. Fridge and freezer door seals and coils

Another job worth doing is cleaning the fridge. “Your fridge freezer is one of the appliances that runs continuously, yet if its coils are covered in dust or dirt, energy use can rise by 20%,” says Isabella. “Cleaning the coils should be a priority — first, switch the fridge off.”

“Give them a gentle clean with a soft brush or the nozzle attachment on your vacuum,” suggests Lynsey. “It only takes a minute, but it helps your appliances run cooler and last longer.”

“You should also check the fridge door seals for grime, because if the seal isn’t tight, cold air escapes and efficiency drops even further,” adds Isabella.

“It’s also sensible to defrost the freezer regularly so it runs smoothly and uses less energy.” Use the same approach you would use to clean the rubber seal on a washing machine.

“Because the seals are tucked into the folds of the door, they’re easy to ignore,” agrees Catherine. “A quick monthly check helps them stay effective and stops your fridge from overworking. Mix warm water with a little washing-up liquid or baking soda, then use a cloth or brush to work the solution into the gasket folds and lift away grime and mould. For stubborn mould, use a vinegar spray.”

To test whether the seal is still even, Catherine recommends running a sheet of paper around the edge. If it slides out easily, the seal may need replacing.

4. Light bulbs and fixtures

When did you last clean your light fittings? “Dusty bulbs and fittings can make rooms look dimmer and duller,” says Lynsey. That can lead you to switch on extra lamps or turn the dimmer higher than necessary, which wastes energy.

“Wipe lampshades and ceiling fittings with a dry microfibre cloth, or use a mixture of vinegar and water if they’re grubby. For delicate areas, a recycled make-up brush is ideal for dusting bulbs and awkward corners.”

5. Smart thermostats and sensors

“Even these clever devices can waste energy if they’re covered in dust,” says Isabella at AO.com. “Dirty sensors can give false readings, which may lead to unnecessary central heating use.”

Dust the sensors gently and keep the area around your thermostat as clear as possible. In short, a clean, unobstructed thermostat helps keep heating accurate and bills under control.

6. Kettle

It’s easy to underestimate limescale, but even a thin layer can insulate the heating element, making it less efficient and forcing it to work harder to heat water. That means descaling your kettle more often may help save energy.

“Over time, that means higher electricity use for every cuppa,” says Catherine. “It’s easy to forget because the kettle still works, but regular descaling keeps it running efficiently and helps stop those crunchy limescale flakes from ruining your tea.”

To descale a kettle, fill it halfway with equal parts water and white vinegar, or use one to two tablespoons of citric acid in a full kettle of water.

Boil the mixture, then switch it off and leave it for 30 to 60 minutes, or longer if the scale is heavy. Pour it out and remove any loosened deposits. Rinse well, then boil fresh water and discard it to remove any vinegar taste. Repeat if needed.

7. Ovens and hobs

As salads and sandwiches give way to warmer meals, ovens and hobs are used much more often. A hob — especially ceramic or induction — heats up more slowly if a film of dirt is sitting on top, while elements coated in grime take longer to reach the right temperature. That makes cleaning the oven or induction hob more important in colder months.

“Make sure your oven and hob are clean and ready to work their magic,” says Lynsey. “Wipe down your cooktop and cooled oven cavity after each use with a warm soapy cloth, and for a deeper clean, mix bicarbonate of soda with washing-up liquid to make a paste. Let it sit for a while, then scrub away grease and burnt-on food. Your oven will heat evenly, smell fresher and work more efficiently.”

Of course, one of the best air fryers can also help reduce cooking times.

8. Washing machines and tumble dryers

Washing machines and tumble dryers can be major energy users if they aren’t cleaned properly, and one of the most commonly forgotten tasks is cleaning the filters.

“Clogged lint filters in both can add up to half an hour of extra usage, which becomes a lot of wasted power over the year,” says Isabella at AO.com. “You should remove and clean your lint filters after every couple of uses and vacuum the vent area to reach the harder-to-clean spots.”

“If the lint filter feels waxy, which can happen because of detergent or fabric softener residue, wash it in warm soapy water and let it dry before putting it back,” says Catherine. “Smol washing-up liquid is a perfect grease remover in this case!”

“It’s also a good idea to run a hot empty wash once a month with white vinegar to keep limescale under control,” says Isabella. “The longer the heating element works efficiently, the quicker the cycle will be.”

9. Window seals

Not an appliance, but still a major part of the home, window seals create the same kind of problem as the seals on other household essentials.

“We often focus on making the glass sparkle, but the less glamorous parts of a window can be just as important before winter,” says Alexandra Alguel, smart home cleaning expert at Ecovacs. “Clean the window tracks, frames and seals properly to remove built-up dirt and debris, especially around corners and drainage channels.”

“Once everything is clean, you can see the condition of the seals much more clearly. Look for cracks, damage and obvious gaps where cold air could be coming in.

If you do find a draught, fix the source instead of simply turning up the heat. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that draught-proofing windows, doors and floors could save a typical British household around £55 a year.”

Do I need to be careful when cleaning appliances?

Yes. When cleaning any electrical appliance, make sure it is switched off at the wall first. If you’re not sure whether power is still running to it, unplug it. If that isn’t possible, switch off the relevant circuit at the fuse box.

It is also wise to find the instructions, or check the manufacturer’s website if you no longer have them. Following the care guidance will help you avoid accidentally voiding warranties by using the wrong cleaning products.