There are several important tasks that come with the basic care and maintenance of a skylight area in your home, and periodic cleaning is definitely on this list. Skylight windows are exposed to a variety of natural elements and may become dirty in various ways over time, and ensuring they stay clean is a key task to maintain.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re here to offer a wide range of skylight installations to clients around Utah, this in addition to our door replacements, window installation services and more. We’re also here to provide expertise and basic assistance on proper care for your skylights, including cleaning tips and recommendations. Here are some basics on why cleaning skylights is important, the materials you’ll need, and how to clean both the interior and exterior of skylights.
Why Skylight Window Cleaning is Important
There are a few key reasons why periodic cleaning of your skylights is important, including:
- Variety of elements: Because of their common locations, skylights are exposed to a variety of natural elements including rain, dust, and dirt. If left uncleaned over time, these elements can build up and cause damage to the window frame or glass itself.
- Aesthetics: Skylights are often installed for aesthetic purposes, allowing more natural light into your home. However, if they’re dirty and grimy, this defeats the purpose and can make your home look less appealing.
- Clear view: If you have a skylight in a room with a beautiful view, keeping it clean is necessary to fully enjoy the scenery.
- Damage prevention: Regular cleaning allows for detection of any potential issues or damage that may need to be addressed before becoming more serious problems.
Materials Needed
If you’re planning to clean both the interior and exterior of your skylight, there are a few basic materials you’ll need. These include:
- Ladder: For taller ceilings and hard-to-reach areas, a ladder is necessary to safely access the skylight.
- Rope harness or other safety items: For added safety, consider using a rope harness or other safety equipment when cleaning skylights.
- Bucket of mild soapy or dish soap water: This will be used for cleaning the glass and frame.
- Sponge or soft cloth: To apply the soapy water and gently scrub away any dirt or grime.
- Squeegee: For a streak-free finish on the glass, use a squeegee to remove excess water after washing.
- Vacuum with attachment: To clean any debris or dust from the interior of the skylight.
- Glass cleaner product: For a more thorough cleaning, you may choose to use a glass cleaner product.
- Microfiber cloth: To dry and polish the glass after cleaning.
Cleaning the Interior
To clean the interior of your skylight, first make sure to remove any furniture or other items from below. Then, follow these steps:
- If necessary, set up a ladder and/or safety equipment. In any such case, it’s generally prudent to have a spotter with you for safety purposes.
- Use a vacuum with an attachment to remove any dirt or debris from the interior of the skylight.
- Mix dish soap or mild soapy water in a bucket and use a sponge or soft cloth to gently clean the glass and frame, making sure to reach all corners.
- Rinse off the soap with clean water and wipe away excess water with a squeegee.
- If desired, use a glass cleaner product and microfiber cloth to give the glass a more thorough cleaning and streak-free finish.
- Make sure the interior is completely dry before replacing any furniture or decor beneath the skylight.
Cleaning the Exterior
To clean the exterior of your skylight, follow these steps:
- Set up a ladder and/or safety equipment as needed, including a spotter if necessary.
- Use a hose or bucket of water to wet the glass and frame.
- Mix dish soap or mild soapy water in a bucket and use a sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub away any dirt or grime from the glass and frame.
- Rinse off the soap with clean water and wipe away excess water with a squeegee.
- If desired, use a glass cleaner product and microfiber cloth to give the glass a more thorough cleaning and streak-free finish.
- Make sure the exterior is completely dry before moving on to other maintenance tasks.
Safety is of paramount importance when cleaning skylights, and it’s always a good idea to have at least one other person present for added security. If you’re not comfortable with heights or using ladders, consider hiring a professional window cleaner for the job.
Removing Moss From Skylights
As we noted above, one of the unique challenges of skylight maintenance is the variety of natural elements they’re exposed to. One common issue that may arise over time is moss growth on the exterior of your skylights.
Moss is problematic for a few reasons: Firstly, it’s unsightly and can damage the aesthetic appeal of your skylight. Secondly, it can trap moisture and cause additional issues over time if left unaddressed.
To remove this, simply follow these steps:
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- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture directly onto the moss.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub the area with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse with water and wipe away any excess with a cloth or squeegee.
- Repeat if necessary until all moss is removed.
In some cases, you may need to use a specific moss removal compound for stubborn moss growth. It’s important to regularly check your skylights for any signs of moss and address it promptly to prevent further issues.
Proper care and maintenance of your skylight windows is essential in not only preserving their appearance, but also ensuring their longevity. By following these tips on why cleaning is important, the necessary materials, and step-by-step instructions for both interior and exterior cleaning, you can keep your skylights looking their best. Remember to always prioritize safety and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we offer high-quality skylights and other window and door solutions for your Utah home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!