Natural light provides many benefits within our homes and lives, but what happens when our light sources are covered? It’s normal to find dirt and grime on the home’s exterior, especially in Australia.
Skylights create a natural illumination to every home, providing a boost of warmth and fresh air to any room. Both sides of the window need to be cleaned regularly to avoid any grime build-up and allow the sun to flood your space with light.
Skylights are a great addition to all homes, but maintaining them is key to upholding their beauty. Contact Skylights WA today for a free consultation if you’re looking to replace an old skylight.
Cleaning The Inside
Depending on where your skylights are located, the height of your ceilings and the surrounding areas, it may be difficult for you to access when cleaning. Ensure you have to proper tools to clean your skylights and refer to the following method
Tools:
● Washcloths and sponges
○ Soft cloths
○ Absorbent towels (to mop up excess water)
● Skylight cleaning pole (A mop with a long handle or pole that will reach)
○ String or duct tape to attach cloths
● Dishwashing liquid
● Warm water in a large bucket
● White vinegar (for tough stains and grime)
● Tarp
● Ladder (or another stable platform to lift you)
Method:
- Cleaning solution – skylights are coated in a film, so using harsh chemicals can damage the finish. Opt for a dishwashing liquid and mix a few drops with warm water to create a soapy mixture.
- Find the cleaning position – depending on where your skylight is located, configure a setup that allows you to reach the window to scrub it down easily. Use a ladder (or other lift) or your cleaning pole to ensure you can reach each corner. Ensure your tarp is under the skylight to catch any solution that may drip.
- Scrubbing time – remove any dust or cobweb build-up before you begin to wash the skylight (to remove the chance of dust getting caught in your cleaning solution). Then dip your cloth into your solution, wringing out any extra moisture, and begin to wash the light down. Working from the top left, ensure the entire window has been cleaned.
a. Create a different vinegar mixture if your gentle solution isn’t tough enough to remove the build-up. A 1:2 ratio of vinegar to water can be used to buff out any tougher stains. - Fresh cloth – wet a clean cloth with plain water and remove any soap or vinegar left behind to reduce the risk of streaking.
- Dry the skylight – now that you’ve washed the window’s interior, use a dry absorbent towel or cloth to remove any excess water. This will reduce any risk of streaks or smudges on the skylight.
Exterior Cleaning: Recommendations
It is not recommended that individuals clean the exterior of their skylights or any type of roof maintenance on their own. It can be dangerous without proper safety equipment and supervision. The safest option is to hire a professional cleaner that can ensure safety and take a look at the security of the skylight.
If you decide to clean your skylight exterior on your own, you will need a certain amount of safety equipment to complete the job. Sturdy ladders or scaffolding, non-slip footwear, a harness attached to an anchor, and also be knowledgeable about the usage of a high-pressure hose if it is used.
Tools
Most of the tools needed for the exterior cleaning are the same, with a few additions:
- Hose
- Non-slip shoes with traction
- Safety harness that attaches to an anchor
Method
- Preparation – A sturdy outdoor ladder should be used to reach the roof. Ensure the safety equipment and footwear you have is secure, and you have a level area to place the needed supplies near your ladder (on the ground).
- Cleaning – Ensure the skylight is securely shut and remove debris or dust. Retrieve your sponge and dip it into your cleaning solution, return to the skylight and clean thoroughly – only use soft sponges as any abrasive tools will damage the window. Use the vinegar solution if needed here as well.
- Rinsing and drying – a hose is the best tool to dry off your skylight, even better if you have a high-pressure setting to remove tough stains and grime. Dry the window down with your absorbent cloth again.
- Assess window – once the dirt is gone, it’s important to assess the skylight for any damage, wear and tear, or seal movement. If your skylight is not fully secured, you risk leaking and causing water damage to your home.
Clearer Skies: Now That We Can See Outside
It’s important to stay on top of the cleaning and general maintenance to ensure your skylight looks brand new. At Skylights WA, we specialise in skylights for all rooms, homes and environments. Our commercial and residential clients have benefited from our skylight services since 2009.
We consider your skylight’s purpose, placement, and shape to ensure you make the most of your sun streaming in every day. If, even after your skylight has been thoroughly cleaned, you still notice scratches or a cloudy appearance – it may be time to replace it. If you’re considering a replacement for an old skylight, take a look at our skylight options and get a free consultation here.