In terms of functionality, the purpose of skylights (roof windows) and regular windows is similar. In addition to that, a skylight provides warmth, ventilation, and also allows in natural light to cheer up the interior of the home. The market is filled with a variety of brands and models of skylight units. Regardless of the unit you choose to install on your house, you need to clean and maintain it (the skylight) regularly so as to enjoy all its benefits.

As it is the case with the windows, accumulation of grime damages the material of the skylight and decreases light penetration. This causes the skylight to look clouded. Regular cleaning can improve the skylight’s durability. This activity doesn’t require you to have any special tools. A pole with a soft cloth tied at its tip, cleansers, mild soapy solution, dry towels and a ladder will do the job. Below are some cleaning tips for a skylight.

i. Start the Cleaning Task with the Inside Surface

This is usually not dirty, and hence you can finish it in a very short time. You should remove any furnishing that may be positioned just below the skylight.

• Lay a plastic sheet or an old cloth on the ground just below the opening of the skylight. This is for collecting spider webs, dust, and other dirty materials falling from the skylight during the cleaning the process.

• While holding the pole straight, rub the skylight’s inside with the cloth that is attached to the pole’s tip. This can also be accomplished with a long broom. After the dry cleaning, wipe the surface clean using a damp cloth.

• Finalise cleaning the inner side by drying the surface using a soft cloth.

ii. Proceed to the Skylight’s Exterior Side

Avoid accidental falls by being considerably careful. Access the skylight’s exterior surface by climbing to the top of the roof using a ladder.

• Reach the exterior of the skylight without overlooking your safety. Start with the same cleaning steps as you did when cleaning the interior surface; that is, get rid of the dirt by dry cleaning it and then rub it with a damp cloth.

• Get rid of the tough stains (plant sap and dried bird droppings) using either a commercial cleansing solution or a homemade window cleaner which is specifically formulated for that particular material. Don’t scrape the stains or scrub harshly as this will leave lines and scratches on the surface of the skylight.

• Use a dry cloth or an absorbent sponge to remove the wet marks and the loosen stains. This marks the end of the cleaning process of the skylight.

iii. Polish the Surfaces

This is recommended especially if the surface is dull. If the material type of your skylight is regular glass or Plexiglas, you are likely to find mild scratches resulting from environmental damages. Nevertheless, you can polish the surface using a wax product in case it (the skylight) don’t look clean after the cleaning. Polishing should be done after cleaning the skylight; otherwise, applying wax over dirty glass or plastic is pointless. Waxing makes the surface less prone to lines and scratches.

Safety should be your 1st and foremost priority. If by any chance, at any single point in time you think that the activity is dangerous, just stop & consider hiring a professional. Irrespective of the material of your skylights, you should clean them (or have them cleaned) at least 2 times every year so as to allow light penetrate through them fully.