Cleaning your skylight windows is essential for a clear view and to prevent damage from dirt and debris.
Dirt and debris can accumulate quickly on skylight windows, especially in areas with high tree coverage or nearby construction sites.
Skylight windows are more prone to water spots and mineral deposits due to their exposure to the elements.
Using a squeegee and a lint-free cloth can help prevent streaks and water spots.
Preparing for and Cleaning
Before you start cleaning your skylight, gather all the necessary materials. You'll need dish soap, a window cleaning pole or long-handled mop, a dry rag or microfiber cloth, a plastic tarp or sheet, warm water, a bucket, a soapy sponge, a squeegee, and a sturdy ladder for roof windows.
Safety should be your primary concern when cleaning a skylight, especially when working on roof windows. Place a plastic tarp beneath the skylight to protect your floor from drips and splashes. Be careful that you or no one else steps on it, as it will be slippery.
Here's a list of materials you'll need to get started:
- Dish soap
- Window cleaning pole or long-handled mop
- Dry rag or microfiber cloth
- Plastic tarp or sheet
- Warm water
- Bucket
- Soapy sponge
- Squeegee
- Sturdy ladder (for roof windows)
Preparing for
Before you start cleaning your skylight, it's essential to gather all the necessary cleaning materials. You'll need a few basic supplies, including dish soap, a window cleaning pole or long-handled mop, a dry rag or microfiber cloth, and a plastic tarp or sheet.
To protect your floor from drips and splashes, place a plastic tarp beneath the skylight. Be careful not to step on it, as it will be slippery.
If you're cleaning a roof window, make sure you have a sturdy ladder for safe access. This is crucial for your safety, especially when working at heights.
Here's a list of the essential cleaning materials you'll need:
- Dish soap
- Window cleaning pole or long-handled mop
- Dry rag or microfiber cloth
- Plastic tarp or sheet
- Warm water
- Bucket
- Soapy sponge
- Squeegee
- Sturdy ladder (for cleaning a roof window)
- White vinegar (for tough stains)
- Glass cleaner (optional)
6 Easy Steps
Preparing for and cleaning your skylight is a crucial part of maintaining its functionality and longevity. You should clean your skylights thoroughly at least twice a year, with occasional light cleaning in between.
To get started, you'll need to gather the right materials. The recommended list includes an extension rod or long mop/broom handle, a bucket, several rags or cloths, a soft, absorbent towel or microfiber cloth for drying, string, duct tape, or rubber bands to secure rags to the handle, mild dish soap, distilled white vinegar (optional), and a plastic tarp.
As you prep the area, move or cover nearby furniture and place a tarp on the floor directly under the skylight to catch falling debris. Fill the bucket with approximately 1 gallon of warm water and add a small amount of dish soap.
The first step is to sweep away cobwebs and excess dust and debris using a dry rag tool attached to the end of the mop handle or extension rod. This will make it easier to clean the skylight.
Next, gently wash the skylight using a fresh, soiled cloth. Dip the cloth-covered end of the pole into the bucket, wring out excess water, and begin washing at the top, left corner of the pane. Work horizontally back and forth, then vertically, covering the entire skylight.
After washing, rinse the skylight thoroughly by emptying and refilling the bucket with fresh, clear water. Remove the soiled rag and secure a clean one to the pole. Dip the clean rag in clear water and wipe the entire surface of the skylight pane.
Finally, dry the skylight to minimize streaking by securing a dry towel or cloth to the pole and using side-to-side motions to remove excess water from the pane.
Here are the 6 easy steps summarized:
- Sweep away cobwebs and excess dust and debris using a dry rag tool.
- Gently wash the skylight using a soiled cloth.
- Rinse the skylight thoroughly with fresh, clear water.
- Dry the skylight to minimize streaking.
- Check for damage and wear and tear.
- Consider replacement if the skylight surface is heavily scratched or remains cloudy.
Cleaning Techniques and Tools
Cleaning your skylight windows is a crucial part of maintaining your home's integrity and beauty. To clean the exterior surface of your skylight, it's best to hire a professional due to the risk of damage from incorrect pressure settings.
You'll need a ladder or scaffolding to reach the skylight if you choose to do it yourself, but be extremely cautious when working from high places. Alternatively, you can use an extension pole to clean the skylight from the ground.
To clean the inside of your skylight, start by removing dust and debris with a dry mop or long-handled duster. Then, mix a cleaning solution using warm distilled water and a few drops of dish soap, and dip your soapy sponge into it. Attach the sponge to a window cleaning pole and begin washing the skylight glass in a circular motion.
For outside cleaning, safely position your ladder on stable ground and use the same soapy water solution as for inside cleaning. Be gentle when washing the skylight glass and pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate.
Here are the essential tools you'll need for cleaning your skylight windows:
- Window cleaning pole
- Soapy sponge
- Dry mop or long-handled duster
- Cleaning solution (warm distilled water and dish soap)
- Damp rag
- Dry towel
For plastic dome skylights, be extra gentle when cleaning as they can scratch more easily than glass. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Cleaning Inside
Cleaning inside skylights is generally easier and safer than cleaning from the outside. This is because you have better access to the glass and can avoid the risks associated with working at heights.
To start, remove any dust and debris using a dry mop or long-handled duster. This will prevent scratching the glass when you start washing.
Mix a cleaning solution in your bucket using warm distilled water and a few drops of dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemical products that could damage the skylight frame or seals.
Dip your soapy sponge into the cleaning solution and attach it to your window cleaning pole. Begin washing the skylight glass in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
The circular motion helps to lift and remove dirt effectively. Use a clean, damp rag attached to your pole to remove the soapy water.
Finish by wiping the surface with a dry towel attached to the pole, if needed, to prevent water spots and streaks.
Here are the steps to clean inside skylights in a concise list:
- Remove dust and debris with a dry mop or long-handled duster.
- Mix a cleaning solution with warm distilled water and dish soap.
- Wash the skylight glass in a circular motion with a soapy sponge.
- Remove soapy water with a clean, damp rag.
- Wipe the surface dry to prevent water spots and streaks.
How to Clean
Cleaning your skylight is a relatively simple process, but it does require some care and attention to detail. Start by checking your skylight's manual for specific instructions, as some models may have unique cleaning requirements.
If you're looking to clean the outside of your skylight, you have a few options. You can hire a professional, which is often the safest and most effective choice. Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer from the ground, but be careful not to damage the skylight flashing or other components.
If you decide to clean the outside yourself, use a ladder or scaffolding to reach the skylight, and always exercise extreme caution when working at heights. You can also use an extension pole to avoid climbing on the roof.
To clean the outside surface, use a soapy water solution and a sponge or cloth attached to a window cleaning pole. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue, and use a squeegee or dry rag to remove excess water and prevent streaking.
If you're dealing with stubborn tree sap, try using a mixture of warm water and dish soap, or a specialized sap remover. Apply the solution gently and let it sit before wiping away.
For high-up or hard-to-reach skylights, consider using a window cleaning pole with an attached sponge or cloth. If the skylight is too high, you may need to hire a professional window cleaning service.
To clean the inside of your skylight, start by removing any dust and debris using a dry mop or long-handled duster. Then, mix a cleaning solution using warm distilled water and a few drops of dish soap, and dip your soapy sponge into the solution.
When cleaning the inside, use a circular motion to wash the skylight glass, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Once you've cleaned the entire surface, use a clean, damp rag to remove the soapy water, and finish by wiping the surface with a dry towel to prevent water spots and streaks.
Regular cleaning of your skylight is essential to maximize natural light, improve the appearance of your space, and prevent potential damage to the skylight frame and seals. By following these simple cleaning techniques, you can keep your skylight looking its best and ensure it continues to provide natural light and beauty to your home.
Here are some cleaning methods to keep in mind:
Sources
- https://vividwindowcleaning.net/blog/how-to-clean-skylight-windows/
- https://www.acutaboveexteriors.com/skylight-cleaning-tips/
- https://glassdoctor.com/blog/how-to-clean-skylights-without-a-ladder
- https://whyskylights.com/velux-skylights-blog/4-tips-for-cleaning-skylights-from-the-inside-to-the-outside
- https://www.jjroofingsupplies.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-a-skylight-window-on-your-roof
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