How to Clean Skylights Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

Skylights are a common feature of Australian homes, bringing natural light into living spaces and enhancing the aesthetics. In maintaining light levels, and preserving the aesthetics and longevity of skylights, proper maintenance and upkeep is essential. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps for keeping your skylights clean and well-maintained to ensure they continue to brighten your home effortlessly.

Why Clean Your Skylights?

A well-kept skylight is going to maintain performance and continue to bring natural light into your home.  Regular cleaning and inspections are key to maintaining their functionality and longevity.

However, not all skylights require the same amount of maintenance. Solatube skylights’ dome shape, for example, naturally prevents debris and build-up. This makes a hassle-free skylight for homeowners seeking long-term performance. 

If you have a traditional skylight, here are three key reasons why you should clean them regularly: 

Impact on Natural Light:

Dirt, dust, foliage and grime can build up on traditional skylights over time, dulling the amount of light let into a home. A clean skylight brings the maximum amount of daylight into a home, creating a more inviting and brighter space.

Extended Lifespan of Skylights:

Neglected skylights can develop stubborn stains, buildup, water spots or even damage over time. It is important to regularly clean and remove debris to reduce wear and tear and ensure a long-lasting skylight.

Improved Energy Efficiency:

To improve energy efficiency, skylights must be kept clean to maximise natural light and energy efficiency in the home. This helps reduce the reliance on artificial lighting.

 

Safety First – Preparing for Skylight Cleaning

Before beginning maintenance, it is important to properly prepare and assess whether professional help is needed to complete the task. Here are the key preparation steps you should take: 

Assess Access and Safety Precautions:

The first step is evaluating the accessibility of the skylight and determining whether the skylight is reachable with a ladder or if you will need specialised tools such as a long-handled mop or cleaning pole. If they are accessible, pick a day that is dry and without wind to avoid slipping hazards. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional for skylights positioned in difficult locations. 

Necessary Safety Equipment: 

For difficult access skylights, use a sturdy ladder with a floor mat stabiliser or wear a safety harness to ensure there is no slippage. It is always best practice to work with a partner for added safety.

Protecting the Roof Surface:

Adding padded boards or non-slip mats can help distribute your weight evenly and prevent roof damage. Avoid stepping on the roof unevenly to reduce wear.

Essential Tools and Materials for Cleaning Skylights

Recommended Cleaning Tools:

• Long-handled mops or long cleaning poles 
• Soft sponges 
• Microfibre cloths or lint-free cloths

Cleaning Solutions:

• Mild Soapy water is effective for most cleaning needs. 
• Commercial glass cleaners help keep your skylight streak-free.

Eco-Friendly Options:

• Using white vinegar and water mixture or baking soda for tough stains is a great eco-friendly alternative.

 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Skylights

• Step 1: Dust Removal: When starting to clean a skylight, it is important to begin by removing dust first before introducing water or a cleaning solution. With a microfiber cloth, begin by dedusting the skylight. 
• Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution: Next apply a gentle cleaning solution such as white vinegar and dish soap with warm water to the surface. It is best to avoid harsh chemicals as this can damage the glass and wear out the finishers. 
• Step 3: Gently Scrub the Surface: Use a non-abrasive scrubber or soft sponge to wipe down the surface and get the tough stains or residue out. It is important to work in circular motions and avoid sharp or abrasive objects to reduce the risk of streaks or scratches. 
• Step 4: Rinse and Squeegee: Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue or soap. Then using a squeegee wipe away any remaining water, starting from the top and moving downward. 
• Step 5: Final Touch-Up: With a lint-free cloth, check for streaks or missed spots and ensure the surface is dry to prevent water markings. 

Additional Maintenance Tips for Skylights

Regular Inspection for Damage

As with all exterior elements of a home, it is important to conduct regular inspections for external damage. Checking your skylights every six months for cracks, leaks or worn-out seals can help you address minor issues promptly and avoid costly repairs.

 Cleaning Skylight Frames and Flashing

When cleaning your skylight, ensuring you thoroughly inspect and clean the frames and flashing will ensure a watertight seal is maintained.

Long-Term Care

If your home is located near trees or dusty environments, factoring in regular cleans for your skylight extends its lifecycle. Adding a protective coating for the glass can also reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

When to Call in Professionals

Difficult-to-Reach Skylights

If your roof is difficult to access, we recommend hiring a professional for your safety. This includes slanted roofs or difficult-to-access without a ladder, cleaning poles or long-handled mop. If you are also inexperienced it is always best to seek professional help rather than putting your life at risk. 

Professional-Grade Cleaning

If you have a large property or home with multiple skylights, hiring a professional for a deep clean could deem you well. This is particularly helpful if you live in rural where regular storms and debris pile up around your skylight.

Choosing Low-Maintenance Skylights

When selecting a skylight for your home, choosing a low-maintenance skylight is going to be the best choice for reducing upcare. Traditional skylights, which sit flush with the roof, can easily accumulate debris, dust, and foliage.

Solatube skylights’ dome technology is designed to minimise debris buildup, keeping your skylight clear and maintenance requirements low while maximising natural light in your home. Designed with a dome shape and tubular structure, Solatube skylights provide a watertight and pest-proof system that’s virtually maintenance-free. This worry-free solution not only brings more natural light into your home but also offers the added assurance of a no-leak guarantee.

Get in touch with our team today to explore the best natural lighting and roof ventilation solutions for your home.