How to Clean a Skylight

Skylights can infuse your home with more natural light, making rooms brighter and creating the illusion of added space. However, to get the most from these specialty windows, you need to keep them clean.

If you’re not sure how to clean your skylights, and remove all the dirt, dust, water deposits, and cobwebs that often accumulate, here are some tips for getting the job done—and getting the light back into your home.

How to Clean the Interior of Your Skylight

Properly cleaning the inside of a skylight requires the right materials and approach. To manage the job correctly, and get the best results from your efforts, be sure to:

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need the following items to clean your skylights:

· Several rags for washing and micro fiber cloths for drying

· A rod, or long broom or mop handle

· A bucket with your cleaning solution, such as a gallon of warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or vinegar

·  Rubber bands or duct tape to secure the rags and cloths to the rod or handle

When cleaning skylights, avoid products containing ammonia or alcohol. These harsh substances can cause irreparable damage to the window pane, requiring the installation of a new skylight.

Cover or Move Items Below

Cover the area below the skylight with a tarp to catch dirt and dust, as well as water splatter. If you have valuable items, like expensive furniture, under a skylight, plan to move those instead.

Avoid Ladders

If a skylight is out of reach, don’t use a ladder, which can be unstable and wobbly. Instead, stand on a large, sturdy surface, like a table or interior scaffolding, to properly clean each skylight while staying safe.

Dust Your Skylight

Secure a dry rag to the mop handle or rod and wipe each window down first. This will remove cobwebs and loosen dirt and dust on the surface and in the corners.

Wash Your Skylight

Use a rag wet with your cleaning solution and gently wipe down your skylight. The cloth should be damp, not soaked.

Start cleaning your skylight at the top, left corner and move to the right, working your way back and forth horizontally. If there are areas of stubborn grime, work on them in a circular motion.

Rinse and Dry Your Skylight

Rinse each skylight with a fresh rag that is wetted with water only. You might have to repeat this step to remove all the soap residue left behind. Dry the pane with a micro fiber cloth to minimize streaks.

How to Clean Your Skylight’s Exterior

Cleaning the exterior of your skylights is a job for a professional. Skylights are difficult to reach from the outside and easy to damage if, for instance, you use a pressure washer at the wrong setting.

In addition, a professional can assess your skylight’s condition and look for signs of damage, wear and tear, or other issues that might need attention. This can include seal failures and flashing leaks, as well as scratches on the glass or condensation between the panes.

Does Your Skylight Need to Be Replaced?

If you have a skylight that is damaged or cloudy, despite cleaning, it might be time for a replacement. Let Midland Roofing help. We can assess your skylight and identify signs of problems. If your skylight does need to be replaced, we offer a variety of styles and features to choose from, such as solar-powered batteries and automated rain sensors. Contact Midland Roofing to get a quote on your skylight replacement.