How to Clean a Skylight Window? 

Skylight windows are becoming ever more popular. With the ability to add them into pre-existing extensions as well as on new constructions they are the best way to allow more light into a dark space. But they get dirty, they might as well not even be there. Even a thin layer or grime can reduce the light levels by more than 50%. So, How to clean a skylight window? 

Items needed: 

If you want to do this the quickest way you should think about investing into a water fed pole system with a backpack trolly to clean your windows. You’ll need: 

– Water Fed Pole set up including, hose, brush, gooseneck and connectors

– A backpack of some description

– Some purified water (not just filtered) 

• A window scraper or bronze wire wool for any stubborn stains or bird muck. 
• Ladders

If you’re going to do this job by hand, or the traditional method of window cleaning you’ll need: 

• Bucket 
• Suitable window cleaning solution
• Applicator 
• Squeege (small size)
• Clean Cloth 
• Ladders 

Bare in mind if this is already sounding difficult we can clean your skylight as a one off or they do get included as part of our regular window cleaning service. (Plus it’ll be cheaper than you buying all the equipment!) 

By Hand: 

1. Start by setting your ladders up on a sturdy part of the ground, somewhere were they wont slip and ideally have a second person to foot them whilst you climb up and down. 

2. Take you bucket up there, with the cleaning solution already made up and use your applicator to apply the soapy solution to the windows. Be sure to scrub any particularly grimy bits and go over it until it feels smooth. Its important you don’t let the soap dry on the glass. If you are doing this in summer, you’ll be shocked at how quickly it will dry out. 

3. Once you’ve given it a good scrub, proceed too remove the soap with your squeegee, and using your clean cloth wipe the edges of the glass as trapped water will run from those areas and ruin your hard work if not dealt with! 

4. Once complete, safely remove yourself from the flat roof and job is done! This same process can be used to clean a skylight on the inside and we recommend you do that at least once a year. 

Using Water Fed Pole: 

1. Start by finding a suitable and safe place to pop your ladder, giving you access to the flat roof where the skylight or sky lantern is situated. You can leave your backpack on the ground as you should have enough hose on your water fed pole to easily reach the skylight. This makes this method much safer, allowing you to focus on climbing the ladder and holding on with both hands. 

2. Ensure your backpack is switched on before you go up the ladder to avoid having to do two trips! (This is a tip learned from previous experience!) once you are up on the roof, using your water fed pole with the water on, give the glass and surrounds a good scrub paying special attention to the corners. You can use your window scraper or bronze wire to remove any stubborn stains. 

3. Thoroughly rinse everything down and leave to dry. If you have used the correct purified water and rinsed properly your windows will dry streak free! 

Top Tips for How to Clean a Skylight Window:

Regularly cleaning your skylight window is recommended. It most cases you only look through a skylight window from the inside and in true out of sight, out of mind fashion, you forget about the UPVC and surround of the glass which can very quickly grime up and cause a layer of grime on your windows. 

Skylights can add huge value to your home, but not if they are disgusting to look at and barley letting any light through. Cleaning you skylights, particularly if you are looking to put your property on the market can potentially get you more money when you find a buyer.

If you aren’t confident on a ladder, its recommended that you pay a professional to carry out this clean for you. Due to the way skylight windows sit and the angle they face its extremely unlikely you’ll be able to clean these from the ground. If you’re looking for someone to carry our a regular window clean, or even a one off, get in touch. 

Cleaning your skylight windows once they haven’t been cleaned for a long time can be difficult and in some rare cases lead to staining that can be extremely difficult to remove and in rare cases be permanent. 

If you have any questions regarding how to clean a skylight window please don’t hesitate to get in touch using our contact form.