Cleaning devils save energy and costs

Cleaning is not only worthwhile for your own well-being: even a thin layer of dust, for example, can reduce the performance of a heating system by up to ten percent. Consumer advice centres therefore advise using cleaning rags and rags – this not only saves energy, but also money and CO₂.

1. Furniture backing for more warmth

Before cleaning, it makes sense to move the furniture to the side so that the vacuum cleaner and mop can easily reach everywhere. And if you're at it, you can check that the sofa, armchair, bed or cupboard are not too close to the radiator when you move back. Each radiator should be clearly visible in the room so that the heat does not accumulate behind it, but can be released evenly into the room. It is also worth taking another look at the curtains – these should end at windows above the radiators below and not be floor-length. According to the Federal Ministry of Economics, up to twelve percent of energy costs can be saved by clearing the radiators.

Tip: The distance between furniture and radiators should not be less than 30 centimetres so that the air can circulate well and spread throughout the room.

A woman rolls up a carpet in a living room — Heating costs can be reduced by up to twelve percent if the radiators are free-standing and not blocked by furniture.

2. Dust plants for higher humidity

On the big cleaning day, the houseplants should not be forgotten, because the plants release a large part of the irrigation water back into the environment via their leaves. What many people don't know is that humid air feels warmer to us humans than dry air. So it's worth having a green thumb, because this way the heating can be turned down a little further compared to a room without greenery - without losing any of the subjective sensation of warmth. In addition, plants improve the Climate, as they contain CO₂ and release oxygen. Attention to all super bargain hunters: The room temperature should not drop to less than 16 degrees, because then there is a risk of mold forming due to the too high humidity.

Tip: Since humid air feels warmer to us humans than cold air, it is a good idea to remove dust from the houseplants in order to achieve the optimal humidity. It is between 40 and 60 percent.

Close-up of two woman's hands dusting a houseplant with a cloth — Houseplants should be dusted regularly so that they can release more moisture. Because humid air feels warmer to us humans than dry air - this also helps to save heating costs.

3. Wipe down the radiator for more heating power

Twice a year, the cold radiators should be cleaned of dust and dirt with a damp cloth. The consumer advice centre emphasises that old dust and dirt can burn into the surface and thus reduce the performance of the radiators by ten to 30 percent, depending on the degree of soiling. If you're already at it, you can also try the Venting radiators – because when there is air in the system, the heating system consumes more energy. Before using the bleed key, please don't forget to place the cleaning bucket underneath, because in addition to air, water sometimes escapes, which can then be collected immediately.

Tip: Clean the radiators regularly so that dust and dirt reduce the heating output.

4. Clean seals for good energy efficiency

If you want to reduce your electricity bill, you can start cleaning the seals of your refrigerator and oven right away. Because if they are very dirty, the doors no longer close properly. The consequence: cold air escapes from the refrigerator, warm air from the oven. Both devices have to use more energy to get to the set temperature. Please be careful when cleaning with a damp cloth and switch off the electrical appliances. In the refrigerator, the grille on the back wall should also not be forgotten. This can also save electricity.

Tip: Energy losses can be significantly reduced if the seals of windows and electrical appliances are cleaned regularly.

A woman sucks her living room floor with a baby in her arms — The purchase of a new vacuum cleaner is worthwhile: Newer devices have much better suction power and are more effective overall.

5. Clean the filter for economical vacuuming

In most households, vacuums are vacuumed several times a week. Admittedly, you can't save nearly as much here as with our cleaning tips for heating, but after all, small animals also make crap. According to Ökotest, it is good if the vacuum cleaner is not older than six years. It is also often sufficient to vacuum at the lower level to achieve the same cleaning performance. Important for the to-do list on cleaning day: Clean the filter regularly and change the bag before it is jam-packed. Anyone who fails to do so must expect that the performance will decrease, while the costs will remain the same or even increase. Last but not least: Clear the suction surface beforehand so that the vacuum cleaner does not run unnecessarily while it is not in use.

Tip: If a device is older than six years, it is probably much more expensive to use. The reason: In the years before 2017, the power limit was still 1600 watts according to EU law, before 2024 even 2000 watts. Newer devices have a much better suction power despite the lower wattage and are more effective overall.