Skylight Cleaning in 6 Easy Steps

 

Have you noticed that your skylight is looking a little dingy? If dust, dirt and cobwebs are clouding your sky view and hampering the flow of natural light into your home, it’s time to get your shine back.

Skylight Windows are fantastic for bringing natural light and a touch of the outdoors into your home.

But, unless you’re a thrill-seeking acrobat, climbing a ladder to do the job is not a good idea. According to the World Health Organization, there are 164,000 ladder-related injuries in the U.S. annually, and approximately 300 deaths.

Skylight cleaning can be particularly dangerous because it requires you to gaze upward as you work, impairing your balance. The good news is that skylight cleaning doesn’t need to be a harrowing experience or a balancing act.

Knowing how to clean skylights while keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground will keep you safe and get those panes sparkling again.

A Few Things to Know Before You Start

• Unlike typical windows, skylights may be made from acrylic or other plastics instead of glass, or they may be coated with protective film. Only use mild soap and water or a water and vinegar solution to clean, or check with manufacturer for specific guidelines. Using ammonia or alcohol-based glass cleaners may damage the surface!
• If you have hard water, use distilled water to clean skylights to avoid mineral deposits.
• If your skylight is too high to reach, even with an extension rod, choose a wide, stable surface to stand on, rather than a ladder. For a small boost, an exerciser step can double as a sturdy alternative, or consider interior scaffolding.

 

Skylight Cleaning in 6 Easy Steps

Follow these steps to clean the interior surface of your skylight(s):

1. Assemble materials. Gather the following items: extension rod or long mop/broom handle (one that will reach the skylight); bucket; several rags or cloths; soft, absorbent towel or microfiber cloth for drying, string, duct tape, or rubber bands to secure rags to handle; mild dish soap; distilled white vinegar (optional); plastic tarp.
2. Prep the area and get your supplies ready. Move or cover nearby furniture and place tarp on floor directly under the skylight to catch falling debris. Fill the bucket with approximately 1 gallon of warm water. Add a small amount of dish soap and swish to mix. Secure a dry rag to the end of a mop handle or extension rod. (For stubborn grime or grease, add ¼ to ½ cup of white vinegar to the bucket.)
3. Sweep first. Use the dry rag tool to gently sweep away cobwebs and excess dust and debris.
4. Gently wash. Remove the soiled cloth from the pole, and replace with a fresh one. Dip the cloth-covered end of the pole into the bucket, wring excess water, and begin washing at the top, left corner of the pane. Work horizontally back and forth, then vertically, covering the entire skylight. Use a circular motion for stubborn dirt.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Once the pane is clean, empty and rinse bucket and refill with fresh, clear water. Remove rag from the pole and secure a clean rag. Dip in clear water and wipe entire surface of skylight pane. You may want to go over it with clear water a second time to avoid leaving soap residue behind.
6. Dry to minimize streaking. Remove rinse rag and secure dry towel or cloth to the pole. Use side-to-side motions, vertically and horizontally, to remove excess water from the pane.
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