Best Ways To Clean Your Skylight

With autumn here, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home, and skylights are a great place to start. These unique windows flood your space with natural light, capturing morning, afternoon, and evening rays, making them a cost-effective way to brighten a room without a full renovation. However, skylights can accumulate dirt, moss, and algae, especially in the damp autumn months, and their elevated position makes them trickier to clean than standard windows.

Thankfully, experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors have shared a straightforward guide to keeping your skylights spotless, both inside and out. Here’s how to do it, along with some additional tips to ensure a streak-free shine.

Why Clean Your Skylight?

Skylights are prone to dirt buildup due to their exposure to the elements. Dust, grime, moss, and algae—common in autumn’s wet weather—can obscure the glass, dimming the light they’re designed to bring in. Regular cleaning not only enhances their appearance but also prevents long-term damage like leaks or mold growth. Plus, a clean skylight can make your home feel brighter and more inviting as the days grow shorter.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these tools to make the process smooth and efficient:

• Window cleaning pole: For safely reaching exterior skylights from a ladder or the ground.
• Telescopic brush: Ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach interior surfaces.
• Ladder: For roof access (use only if you’re confident and safe).
• Sponge: For scrubbing the interior glass.
• Bucket: To hold your cleaning solution.
• Squeegee: To remove excess water and prevent streaks.
• Microfiber cloth: For buffing the glass dry.
• Glass cleaner: To add a final polish.
• Hose: For rinsing the exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Skylights

Cleaning the Interior

Start with the inside of your skylight, as this makes it easier to spot remaining dirt on the exterior later.

1. Prepare the Area: Clear furniture away from the skylight and lay down towels or newspaper to catch drips. This protects your floors and simplifies cleanup.
2. Dust First: Use a dry cloth or duster to remove loose dust and dirt from the glass and windowsill. While dusting, inspect for signs of leaks, such as mold, damp spots, or peeling wallpaper, which can worsen in autumn’s wet conditions. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.
3. Wash the Glass: Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. Soak a sponge, wring it out to avoid excess water, and clean the glass in light circular motions. Repeat as needed until the surface is clean.
4. Squeegee and Buff: Use a squeegee to remove remaining water, wiping the blade after each pass to avoid streaks. Then, buff the glass dry with a microfiber cloth and apply a glass cleaner according to the product’s instructions for a polished finish.
5. Final Touches: Dry any drips around the frame and vacuum up any loose dirt you may have missed.

Pro Tip: If your skylight is out of reach, use a telescopic brush to clean safely from the floor. Always prioritize safety and avoid overreaching.

Cleaning the Exterior

The outside of your skylight often collects leaves, dirt, and algae in autumn, but a window cleaning pole makes the job manageable.

1. Set Up Safely: Decide whether you’ll clean from the ground or a ladder. If using a ladder, ensure it’s on stable, level ground and positioned so you don’t need to stretch too far. Safety is critical—consider hiring a professional if you’re unsure about working at height, especially in slippery autumn conditions.
2. Scrub the Glass: Dip the end of your window cleaning pole into warm, soapy water. Gently scrub the glass, applying extra pressure to remove stubborn stains or leaf debris. Work systematically to cover the entire surface.
3. Check Your Work: Go back inside to inspect the skylight for any missed spots. Repeat the scrubbing process as needed until the glass is clear.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Use a hose to rinse the skylight. The roof’s angle should help water drain naturally, carrying away soap suds and preventing streaks or stains.

Pro Tip: Clean your highest skylights first to avoid dirty water dripping onto already-cleaned lower windows. While you’re up there, clear your gutters of autumn leaves to reduce moss buildup around the skylight.

Removing Moss and Algae

Skylights are especially prone to moss and algae in autumn’s wet weather. To tackle this:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bucket.
• Soak the affected areas with plain water first to loosen the growth.
• Apply the vinegar solution using your window cleaning pole or a sponge, then scrub gently as you would during regular cleaning.
• Rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove residue.

Pro Tip: Regular maintenance can prevent moss and algae buildup. Check your skylights monthly during autumn to catch growth early, especially after heavy rain.

Key Considerations for Skylight Cleaning

• Avoid Hot Weather: Don’t clean skylights on warm, sunny days, which can occur even in autumn. The heat can cause water to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and watermarks that are hard to remove.
• Work Top-Down: Always start with the highest windows to prevent dirty water from ruining your efforts on lower ones.
• Safety First: Wet or leafy surfaces can make ladders slippery in autumn. If your skylight is difficult to access or you’re uncomfortable working at height, hire a professional window cleaner. It’s worth the investment to avoid injury.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean your skylights at least twice a year—autumn and spring are ideal—to keep them in top condition and maximize light during darker months.

Additional Advice for Skylight Care

• Inspect for Damage: Each time you clean, check for cracks, loose seals, or signs of wear. Autumn’s rain can exacerbate leaks, so address issues early to prevent costly repairs.
• Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Opt for biodegradable soaps or vinegar-based solutions to minimize environmental impact, especially since runoff from exterior cleaning can affect your garden or drainage system.
• Consider Professional Help for Tough Jobs: If your skylight is part of a complex roof structure or heavily soiled with autumn debris, professional cleaners have specialized tools and expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
• Enhance Energy Efficiency: While cleaning, consider applying a UV-protective film to your skylight to reduce heat gain and protect interior furnishings from fading, especially helpful as autumn’s lower sun angles can still cause glare.

Why Skylights Are Worth the Effort

Skylights are a fantastic addition to any home, offering an affordable way to brighten dark spaces without major renovations. With regular cleaning and proper care, they can remain a stunning feature for years, enhancing both your home’s aesthetic and its energy efficiency. By following this guide and incorporating the extra tips provided, you can keep your skylights sparkling clean and fully functional, all while staying safe and efficient in the autumn season.

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About Express Bi-Folding Doors

Founded in 2007 as a father-and-son business, Express Bi-Folding Doors has grown into one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and installers of bespoke aluminium bi-folding doors, sliding doors, windows, entrance doors, glass roofs, and other specialized glazed products. Their expertise in high-quality home solutions makes them a trusted source for home improvement advice.

Find more advice from Express Bi-Folding Doors: https://www.expressbifolds.co.uk/news/how-to-clean-skylights-inside-and-out/