Key takeaways:
- Your skylight requires cleaning every 2 to 3 months
- Cleaning involves both the inside and the outside of the skylight
- Appropriate cleaning solutions include dish soap and warm water
- Do not use abrasive materials to wipe the glass
- You can use a mop or a skylight cleaning pole to reach
- If you’d rather avoid cleaning, you can invest in self-cleaning glass
If you have a skylight window in your home, you’ll understand how it’s essential to keep it clean and maintained. A skylight beckons natural light and ventilation to a room, but if it’s not kept clean, it can become a source of dirt and allergens.
In this blog post, we will discuss tips from professional skylight cleaning experts on how to clean a skylight from the inside and outside. Keep scrolling for more on keeping your skylight in good condition!
The Necessary Cleaning Supplies
Before we dive right into the cleaning process, let’s first gather the necessary materials. For this job, you’ll need:
- A ladder
- Clean rags or dishcloths
- Twine or rope
- A sponge
- A long-handled mop or skylight cleaning pole
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- A 1-gallon bucket
- A hose
Cleaning on the Inside
You’ve found your tools, and now it’s time to get cleaning! But where do you start? Not to worry! We’ve compiled a list of steps to get you going.
No. 1: Clear
Any dust or debris from the window will likely fall on the furniture or flooring beneath it. So, to avoid having to clean up twice, start clearing the area around the skylight of any obstacles. You can use a plastic tarp to catch any falling dirt or soap.
No. 2: Grab
If you’re using a pole, tie a clean rag or dishcloth to the end. You’ll need to secure it using twine or rope. However, if you’ve opted for a mop, you won’t need to attach anything else to it.
No. 3: Dust
Gently use your mop or pole to wipe any dirt off the skylight surface in a circular motion. Avoid pressing too hard on the glass if you’re using a pole—you don’t want to break it accidentally!
No. 4: Soak
Once you’ve cleared any dust or debris accumulated on your skylight, it’s time to give it a good wash. Fill your 1-gallon bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. You’ll use this solution to soak your mop or skylight cleaning pole. Ensure to wring out any excess water before moving on to the next step.
No. 5: Wipe
Now that your mop or pole-with-rag is loaded with soapy water, it’s time to wash your skylight window. Work in small sections and circular motions as you wipe away any grime or dirt. Remember to be gentle and take your time – you don’t want to scratch the glass!
No. 6: Deepen
Not all stains are that cooperative, and that’s where our white vinegar comes in. Combine the vinegar and water in a 1:2 solution, and apply this for tougher stains. Avoid using other cleaning solutions after this, as they might damage the skylight glass.
No. 7: Dry
Once you’re content with the state of your skylight, it’s time to remove all traces of water. Use a clean, dry rag or dry mop to wipe away any residual moisture.
Cleaning on the Outside
We’ve looked at how to clean the skylight from the inside, but what about the outside? Remember that this procedure requires more caution, as you’ll be dealing with heights. This might be the moment to call in professional skylight cleaning services, but if you are confident, here’s what you need to do.
- Gather materials: Grab your sponge and soak it in your 1-gallon bucket of soapy water. Find yourself a clean rag or dishcloth and place it on your shoulder.
- Find a ladder: Ensure this tool is sturdy and climb it onto your roof.
- Wipe: Using a dry rag, wipe off any dust or debris from the window. You can then reach for your soapy sponge and wipe side-to-side and top-to-bottom to remove the more stubborn dirt and grime.
- Deepen: Animal droppings, tree sap, and other hard-to-remove materials may require more elbow grease. Mix half a cup of white vinegar in a gallon of water, and leave it in a bucket at the bottom of your ladder. Soak and wring a clean rag in the solution and gently wipe the skylight window with it.
- Wash: Remove any vinegar residue with a sponge and soapy water. Climb down your ladder and spray your window with a hose from as low a vantage as possible.
- Dry: Once your window is washed and winking at you, it’s time to dry it off. There’s no particular procedure for this step: you can leave it to air dry.
How to Maintain a Skylight Window
Besides washing and wiping it every 2 to 3 months, professional skylight cleaning experts recommend the following tips to keep your skylight in excellent condition.
No. 1: Check for Leaks
There are various reasons why your skylight may be leaking. The first step is to check the sealant around your window. If it’s cracked, dried out, or otherwise damaged, you’ll need to replace it.
Another reason could be faulty flashing. Water could be seeping in through the cracks if the flashing is damaged. To inspect your flashing, you might want to call in a professional.
No. 2: Check for Cracks
A skylight on a flat roof is especially susceptible to cracks. These cracks can occur for various reasons, such as fallen branches, hail, or wear and tear.
One crack might undermine the whole structure of your skylight, so it’s essential to check regularly. You should also have a professional inspect your skylight for cracks at least once a year.
Constantly cleaning and keeping up with maintenance can be exhausting for many homeowners. For a tidy and trustworthy solution to this concern, try investing in skylights with self-cleaning glass. If you’ve never heard of that before, Pilkington offers insightful answers.
Conclusion
That was our straightforward squeaky-clean September guide to maintaining your skylight window! By following these tips, you’ll extend the lifespan of your skylight and keep your roof looking fabulous as always.
For more on maintaining and taking care of your roof, check out our article on signs that it’s time to schedule a roof inspection.
We at Roof Experts are proud to offer quality and customer-catered roofing services in Richardson, TX. We’re here for you whether you require a roof inspection, installation, or repair.
