Is your skylight unable to bring in as much sunlight as it used to when you first installed it? Chances are that your skylight is damaged or has accumulated a lot of dirt. Over time, your skylights will become stained or dirty and this happens not only on the outside, but on the inside too.
This buildup not only reduces the amount of sunlight entering your space but can also lead to potential damage if left unchecked. However, with skylights located on some of the highest parts of our homes, you might be wondering how to clean one.
In this comprehensive 2024 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely and effectively clean your skylights, restoring their clarity and maximizing their light-enhancing potential. Keep reading to learn how to effectively keep your home looking new.
Skylight Cleaning: Inside & Out
Cleaning your skylights completely includes cleaning both the inside and the outside of the skylight in order to enhance its effectiveness.
Tools You’ll Need To Clean Skylights
First things first: gather your materials. You don’t need any fancy equipment, but having the right tools on hand will make the job a lot easier, and safer! Here’s a simple checklist:
- Extendable squeegee with a soft sponge
- Mild cleaning solution (like water mixed with a small amount of dish soap)
- A sturdy ladder (if necessary, especially for exterior cleaning)
- Safety gear (gloves, non-slip shoes, and possibly a harness for very high or steep roofs)
- Garden hose (for exterior cleaning, optional but helpful)
- Bucket of clean water
How To Clean Skylights From Inside
Cleaning the inside of your skylight is usually the safest and easiest part of the job, so it’s a great place to start.
Unlike other types of windows, which are easier to clean regularly, skylights are installed on top of your roof, often making them a neglected part of your home maintenance routine.
Due to this, they’re more vulnerable to dirt, and pests.
What’s good is that you can clean the inside of skylights without using a ladder too. Here’s how to clean the interior effectively, step by step.
Properly Dust The Skylight Glass
Before you start using any cleaning solutions, you’ll want to get rid of loose dust, cobwebs, and any small debris. A regular duster or a soft, dry cloth works perfectly fine for this. Gently dust the skylight’s entire surface to remove anything sitting on the glass. If your roof skylight is up high, which is often the case, you’ll need an extendable duster. These are easy to find at most hardware stores, and they make it much simpler to reach those high spots without having to balance on a stool or chair.
Wipe It Down
Now that the dust is gone, it’s time to clean the glass itself. First, you need to find a cleaner used to clean skylights. There are many options available in the market but you can also make the solution yourself. Here’s how!
- Fill a bucket with lukewarm water.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap—just enough to create a gentle cleaning solution, but not too much, as too much soap can leave behind a residue.
- Dip a soft cloth or microfiber towel into the solution and gently wipe the glass. Avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage the glass or its coatings.
If your skylight has been neglected for a while and the dirt is more stubborn, let the soapy water sit for a minute or two before wiping.
Dry With A Squeegee
Once the glass is clean, you want to dry it off quickly and effectively to avoid leaving streaks. This is where a squeegee comes in handy. Using a soft squeegee, start at the top of the skylight and work your way down in smooth, even strokes. If you go from side to side or in random directions, you might end up with streaks or water spots, so the top-down approach is best for a clean finish.
How To Clean Skylights From The Exterior
Cleaning the outside of your skylight is where things get a little trickier, especially if you’re dealing with a sloped roof. Safety is crucial here, so if you’re not comfortable working at heights, consider calling a professional.
Set Up Your Ladder
Before you start cleaning the exterior, ensure your ladder is sturdy and placed on a stable, level surface. It’s crucial to have a helper nearby to hold the ladder or spot you if needed. If your skylight is located on a significantly high or sloped roof, it’s a good idea to use a harness and safety gear. Safety should always come first—don’t risk a fall for a clean skylight! If you’re unsure about working at heights, it might be time to call in the pros.
Rinse With Water
For skylights covered in loose dirt, dust, pollen, or bird droppings, start by giving the surface a gentle rinse with a garden hose. This helps remove surface-level grime without needing to scrub too much, making the actual cleaning a lot easier and preventing you from scratching the glass with dirt. Avoid using a pressure washer, as the high force of water can damage seals and glass.
Clean With A Squeegee And Soapy Water
Like with the interior, use an extendable squeegee or soft microfiber cloth to clean the skylight’s exterior. Dip the sponge or cloth into your soapy water mixture and gently scrub the surface. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially around the edges, as this can cause damage to the seals. Let the cleaning solution do the work, as a light touch goes a long way in protecting your skylight while still getting it clean.
Rinse And Dry
Once the skylight is scrubbed, rinse it thoroughly with water to wash away all soap residue and dirt. Any leftover soap can dry into streaks, undoing all your hard work. After rinsing, use your squeegee to dry the surface, working from top to bottom in smooth strokes like mentioned before. Wipe the squeegee blade after each pass to prevent streaking and achieve a crystal-clear finish.
Inspect For Damage
As you’re cleaning, take a moment to inspect the skylight for cracks, chips, or damaged seals. Even small issues can escalate over time, leading to leaks or expensive replacements. If you notice any damage, it’s best to consult a professional immediately.
Also Read: Skylight Installation Cost (2024)
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Skylight Looking Great
Now that your skylight is sparkling clean, you’ll want to keep it that way. Regular maintenance is key, and it doesn’t have to be a huge hassle. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Regular Dusting: Once a month or so, give the interior a quick dusting with a soft cloth or duster. This helps prevent buildup and keeps your skylight looking fresh.
- Seasonal Cleaning: Plan to deep clean your skylight at least twice a year, especially once in the spring and again in the fall. This will help you stay ahead of the dirt and grime that naturally accumulate over time.
- Trim Nearby Trees: If you have trees near your skylight, consider trimming back branches to reduce the amount of debris that can land on it.
Find Top-Notch Skylight Installation Services In Oklahoma
If you are wondering how you can improve your home with a new skylight, look no further than the team of A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing. We have years of experience in installing new skylights. Our team installs skylights from some of the top manufacturers in the industry and offer repairs when you need it most. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more about how we can help you.
