Increased natural light and a larger sense of space are just two of the reasons many of us love skylights. In fact, one of the few disadvantages of skylights is that cleaning them can be labor-intensive. Fortunately, our tips for how to clean skylight windows simplify the job with step-by-step instructions for indoor and outdoor cleaning.
Tips and Tricks for How to Clean Skylight Windows With Ease
Skylights are made of laminated safety glass that will not shatter when broken. While this is a crucial safety asset in the event of breakage, laminated glass does require specific cleaning techniques. Luckily, these techniques for how to clean skylight windows are easy to implement and require only basic household supplies.
Skylight Cleaning Materials
Knowing how to clean hard to reach skylights starts with the right supplies. Our tips include the following cleaning materials to make the job easier:
- Clean rags or dishcloths
- Twine or rope
- Long handled mop or skylight cleaning pole
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- 1 gallon bucket
- White vinegar
- Sponge
- Hose
How to Clean Skylight Windows from Inside
Before you begin cleaning skylights from the inside relocate any furniture that’s under them to protect it from falling dust or debris. We also suggest placing a plastic tarp below the skylights to catch any falling soap or water. Once this is done, follow these steps for how to clean skylight windows from the inside:
- If you’re using a skylight cleaning pole, tie a rag to the end of the pole, securing it with twine or rope. If you’re using a mop, there’s no need to add a rag but make sure the mop is clean.
- Use the pole and rag to wipe away any dust and debris that’s accumulated on the skylights.
- Fill a 1 gallon bucket with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
- Soak the pole and rag in the water and wring it out.
- Use the pole to gently drag the soapy rag across the skylight in side-to-side and circular motions
- Apply a 1:2 solution of white vinegar and water for tougher stains. Refrain from using any other cleaning solution to avoid damaging the laminated glass.
- Dry the skylight with a dry mop or attach a dry rag to the pole.
How to Clean Skylights On the Outside
To access your skylights from the outside, you’ll need a sturdy ladder that can safely reach the roof. Before climbing the ladder, soak a sponge in the bucket of soapy water and place a clean, dry rag over your shoulder. This eliminates the need to bring anything else up the ladder with you. Here’s how to clean skylight windows from the outside safely and easily:
- Climb the ladder and wipe away any dust and debris on the skylight with the dry rag.
- Use the soapy sponge to remove dirt and grime from the skylight. Wipe side-to-side and then top-to-bottom.
- Treat tough stains like tree sap or animal droppings with a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 gallon water. Keep this solution on the ground, soaking and wringing a clean rag in it before ascending the ladder again.
- If the vinegar solution is used, wipe down the window with the soapy water and sponge again to remove any vinegar residue.
- Descend the ladder to access a hose and spray down the windows from the ground or from as low on the ladder as possible.
- Allow the skylights to air dry.
With these skylight window cleaning tips you should be able to enjoy all their benefits for years to come. However, should you have the need for a skylight window repair and replacement, call Glass West for fast and professional service!
