If you find yourself looking up at a cloudy-looking skylight, it is about time you should clean it. Although rainfall may help to wash some dirt off the slopes of your skylights, it is still advisable to clean them once or twice every year. This may sound rather simple, but there are certain points to take note of when cleaning your skylights because they are more susceptible to scratches than your normal windows.

The proper safety precautions

As skylights are installed on roofs and ceilings, safety should be your utmost priority. Never try to reach your skylights by standing on chairs or other furniture. No matter how stable they seem to be, they are nevertheless not made for climbing and will not be safe enough for this chore. Be sure to prepare a ladder and preferably have someone support you from the ground. Set aside some space to place your cleaning equipment so that you can avoid repeated climbs just to retrieve them.

On top of that, make sure you are in a comfortable position when you are cleaning the exterior of your skylights. Having an awkward position will only increase your chances of slipping. It is also recommended for you to put on safety goggles and gloves when handling cleaning solution.

The proper time

Yes, there is a proper time to clean your skylights. It is best to do it on a cloudy day (but not when it is raining or cracking with thunder of course). Do not embark on the chore on a sunny day as the sunlight that hits the surface of your skylights will eventually form streaks. These streaks are difficult to remove and are definitely only going to make your chore even more tedious.

The proper cleaning solution

Some people use normal window cleaning solution on their skylights without knowing that they are not going to work. In fact, they will result in streaks on the surface of your skylights rather than actually making them cleaner. Strong and abrasive cleaning solutions will not do the job as well.

There are a few options you can consider, one of which is a mixture of water and mild dishwashing soap, while the other is a mixture of water and weak household ammonia. These solutions are mild enough to be used on your skylights without damaging them. Some people replace the use of ammonia with that of vinegar. There are also others who opt for distilled water as compared to normal tap water as they believe that the former helps to get rid of mineral deposits. For hard-to-remove stains, you may purchase a cleaning solution that is specifically made for the material of your skylight.

In instances where you are mixing your own solution, test it out by wiping it at a small corner of your skylight first. Continue applying the mixture on the rest of the skylight only when you have confirmed that it leaves no streaks or marks.

Alternatively, you may ask the manufacturer for recommendations on the appropriate cleaning solution or look out for those that are specially made for cleaning skylights. Although they may be more costly, getting your hands on the right cleaning solution will never be a bad thing.

The proper cleaning equipment

Avoid using gritty sponges or metal objects such as knives or blades on your skylights because they will only lead to more scratches. If you want to use a sharp object to remove tough stains such as sap or droppings, it is advisable to use a tiny blade (preferably only an inch long) to do so. Moreover, scrape them off very gently in one direction. Doing so in several directions will only cause more trouble to your skylights.

Prepare a stash of cloth to be made wet afterwards and a separate stash to be kept dry. There is no need for microfiber cloth or other more elaborate fabric – cotton-based towels are good enough for this task. Furthermore, take along a few thick and soft sponges with you to blot your skylight dry. It would be helpful to also prepare a squeegee. Where it is a handheld one, attach it to an extension pole so that it can reach higher places. With a wet cloth, wipe your squeegee before using it as it will help to remove any dirt or grease that have accumulated during its storage period. If you do not have a squeegee, a cloth that is taped onto a broom may suffice.

These cleaning equipment are actually quite basic and can be bought from any mart or janitorial store. It is recommended that you be armed with the fundamental cleaning equipment, even if it means buying new ones, as having the right equipment will surely make your job easier. It will also be worth investing in because you will not only be using them once.

The proper follow-up care

Check that the surface of your skylight has been blotted dry. You may apply a thin and even layer of wax on it to make it cleaner. Using wax will allow the raindrops to roll off your skylights as beads while making it look more transparent. It also renders your skylight less prone to lines and scratches. If your skylights still appear dull, you may choose to polish them too.

Even though the cleaning and maintenance of skylights might seem easy on the surface, it is no doubt a chore that involves a lot of effort and time. With the proper measures put in place, the chore will undeniably be less of a hassle. At least, a clean skylight can make you smile while admiring the stars at night.