Knowing how to clean a skylight is crucial to keep natural light streaming in. From my experience, cleaning a skylight is not as easy as cleaning your front window because of its location, but it’s still pretty simple. Just remove dust and debris; clean the glass with mild dish soap, water and a cloth; rinse and dry the glass; and clean the frame.
Step 1: Prepare the Materials
Here is a list of cleaning materials and supplies you need to gather before you clean your skylight:
- Soft-bristle brush, dry rag, or microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap for acrylic skylights or glass cleaner for glass skylights (white vinegar can work on any of the two types)
- Warm water
- Sponges or non-abrasive cloths
- Spray bottle or bucket
- Ladder or step stool
- Soft broom or brush
- Lint-free cloth, dry rag, or squeegee
- Wood cleaner or polish (if applicable)
- Tarps or towels
My Tip: Never use alcohol, petroleum, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage common skylight materials like acrylic and polycarbonate.
Step 2: Take Safety Precautions
Before you begin cleaning, don’t forget to take these necessary safety precautions:
- Use a sturdy and stable stool or ladder to reach the skylight safely.
- Have someone assist you or hold the ladder for added stability.
- Set up a plastic tarp directly below the skylight to help catch debris.
My Tip: You also can clean a skylight without using a ladder, but you’ll need a long-handled mop or broom. Attach a microfiber cloth to the end to allow you to reach the skylight from the inside and wipe it clean.
If your skylight is positioned in a hard-to-reach area, consider hiring a professional. Remember, safety should always come first.
Step 3: Remove Dust and Debris
Gently dust the surface of the skylight with a soft-bristle brush, microfiber cloth, or dry rag. Be thorough in removing loose dirt or cobwebs but also be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.
Step 4: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Next, prepare a mixture of warm water with mild dish soap or skylight cleaner. Mix them well until they become soapy. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners so as not to damage the glass or framing.
My Tip: If you’re going to deal with tough stains, a vinegar solution of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water can work wonders.
Step 5: Clean the Glass
Dip a soft sponge or a non-abrasive cloth into the cleaning solution, then gently wipe the skylight’s glass. Wipe down in a circular motion starting from the top. If there’s any stubborn stain or spot, scrub it well until removed.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Glass
After cleaning the glass, rinse it with clean water using either a damp cloth or a spray bottle. Remember to remove all the soap residue to prevent streaks. Then, you can dry the glass using a lint-free soft cloth or a squeegee.
Step 7: Clean the Frame
With a damp cloth, wipe down the frame to remove dust or dirt. If the skylight frame is made of wood, use a wood polish or cleaner to restore its natural beauty.
FAQ About Cleaning Skylights
How Do I Clean the Exterior of My Skylights?
Cleaning the exterior of your skylights is best left to professionals. They have the equipment and skill to do this safely and thoroughly. Here’s a video of how pros clean the outside of skylights:
Can I Pressure Wash a Skylight?
No. Pressure washing is not advisable because skylights are typically made of glass and are sensitive to high-pressure water streams. The glass may weaken and become susceptible to hail damage. They also can end up penetrating the seals around the skylight, and lead to more significant damage and costly skylight repairs.
How Often Should Skylights Be Cleaned?
While there’s no schedule to clean skylights, it’s often recommended to do it twice a year to prevent dust, dirt, and cobwebs from accumulating. However, special circumstances like heavy rainfall, high pollution, or a lot of pollen may call for more frequent cleaning.
Pro Tip: For an almost maintenance-free skylight, Scotty Ford-Jones of Central Florida Skylight recommends installing impact glass skylights instead of plastic ones. Plus, glass will not oxidize and discolor unlike plastic.
Keep Your Skylights Clean
Cleaning your skylight not only helps maintain the bright and open atmosphere in the room but also helps maximize its lifespan. While you can easily clean the interior of your skylight, it’s still better to hire a pro for the job. Plus, they can safely handle exterior cleaning, so you won’t have to call another roofing contractor.
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Main Image Credit: Barillo_Images / Adobe Stock / License
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