Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Inside & Outside of Skylight Windows

We all love that cosy feeling when sunlight comes in through a skylight and brightens up our home. Sadly, over time, this feeling slowly fades as dust, dirt, and pollution build up on the glass. That’s when you realise it’s time to clean your skylight window and catch both morning and evening rays once again.

We understand that, at first, cleaning it can feel like a difficult task. But once you know what to do and how, you can keep it clear and shining from both inside and outside.

How to Clean Skylights in 5 Easy Steps?

Step 1: Remove Loose Dust

First of all, start with dry cleaning; don’t use water yet. Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently remove dust, loose debris and cobwebs from the skylight.

Step 2: Prepare and Apply the Cleaning Solution

Then mix warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid or a suitable glass-cleaning solution and apply it carefully to the glass. One more thing: don’t use strong chemicals; they can damage the surface or seals.

Step 3: Gently Scrub the Glass

Use a non-abrasive scrubber or soft sponge to wipe over the glass. Don’t scrub too hard or use anything sharp that could scratch the surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Use the Squeegee

Once the glass is clean, rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water to remove the remaining cleaning solution. Then run a squeegee from top to bottom to remove extra water and reduce streaks.

Step 5: Check and Dry the Skylight

Last, but not least, get a clean microfibre cloth and take one final look over the skylight. Wipe away any streaks, missed spots or leftover moisture. Once it dries, you’ll have clear and spotless glass. And that’s it. Easy, right?

Cleaning Skylight Windows From the Inside

Cleaning a skylight is pretty similar to cleaning a normal window. But the main thing is its accessibility. If you can safely reach it from inside your home without stretching or climbing into an unsafe position, this is usually the easiest way to clean it. Safety always comes first, so don’t take a risk just to reach the glass.

Dry clean first → Apply the cleaning solution → Gently scrub the glass → Rinse and use a squeegee → Final check and dry the skylight

Cleaning Skylight Windows From The Outside

After cleaning the interior, it’s time to clean the rooftop. But it can be a little more difficult because of accessibility. Before you start, check how you can safely reach the glass. If it’s within your reach from the ground, an extendable cleaning pole can make things much easier. However, if you need a ladder, place it on firm, level ground. Don’t put yourself in an unstable position just to reach a small area.

If your skylight pivots in the middle, you can open it and turn it around so you can reach the outside glass from inside your home. Lock it in place, then follow the same cleaning steps mentioned above. This way, you won’t need to climb onto the roof.

What You Need to Clean a Skylight Window: Equipment and Tools

You don’t need expensive equipment or special cleaning products to thoroughly clean your skylight. The things you need most are probably already at home. Just gather everything before you start. After all, you might not want to stop to look for a missing tool or cloth when you’re almost done.

• Bucket of warm water with a few drops of mild washing-up liquid or glass-cleaning solution
• Soft sponge or soft-bristled brush to loosen dust and dirt
• Squeegee to remove water and prevent streaks
• Microfibre cloth for drying the glass and wiping the edges
• Telescopic cleaning pole for skylights that are difficult to reach
• Stable ladder if needed and safe to use
• Old towels or a sheet to protect the floor from drips
• Rubber gloves to keep your hands clean and protected

A Few Things That You Might Need For Cleaning (Optional)

Some skylights need a little more effort than the basics, especially if they have stubborn grime, moss or hard-to-reach areas. These extras aren’t essential for every clean, but they can make the job easier.

• Spray bottle for applying cleaning solution
• Safety goggles when working overhead
• Hose for rinsing suitable exterior skylights
• Plastic scraper for gently loosening stubborn moss or grime
• Glass cleaner for a final shine
• Phone or small camera to check areas that are difficult to see from your position

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Clean a Skylight

Every home is different, and so is every skylight. How often you need to clean it depends on what it deals with every day. If it’s surrounded by trees, exposed to bad weather or affected by many everyday factors, you need to clean it more frequently. 

Weather conditions

Rain, wind and storms can leave dirt, water marks and debris on your skylight. If the weather in your area has been rough lately, you need to clean it sooner. So after a storm or a few wet days, check it out.

Surrounding trees

Trees can be lovely around your home, but leaves, pollen and branches build up faster. You’ll probably notice this more during autumn or when pollen levels are high.

Birds

Do birds often hang around your roof? If yes, their droppings can leave stubborn marks on the glass. A quick clean when you notice them can save you from dealing with dried-on mess later.

Dust and pollution

Homes in busy cities may need more frequent cleaning due to pollution and traffic residue. Dust, traffic pollution and general grime can settle on its surface and make it look less clear. If you live in London or Manchester, you may notice this sooner than someone in a quieter area.

Skylight location

Some spots get messier than others. If your skylight is fully exposed to the outdoors, you need to check it more often.

Type of skylight

Its design can also play a part. A large or oddly shaped skylight may need more care, while its position can also affect how easy it is to reach and maintain.

Visible dirt or reduced light

And sometimes, your skylight will tell you when it needs a clean-up. Take a look from inside. If the glass looks dull, marked or cloudy, or the room seems darker than normal days, grab your cleaning supplies and give it some attention.

Issues You Need to Check Before Cleaning Skylights

Give your skylight a quick check. If you notice any damage, it’s better to deal with it before cleaning.

• Broken or failed seals: Moisture or fogging between double-glazed panes can indicate a failed seal. Cleaning the outside won’t fix it.
• Cracks or damaged glass: Small cracks can become worse, so don’t put pressure on damaged glass.
• Leaks or water damage: Check for damp patches, water marks or signs of leaking around the frame.
• Damaged frames: Look for cracks, gaps or areas that appear loose or worn.
• Blocked drainage: Dirt, leaves, or other debris can stop water from draining properly around the skylight.
• Tint or coating damage: Some skylights have special coatings that can be damaged by harsh products or rough cleaning.

How to Remove Moss When Cleaning Skylights?

Moss can appear or grow quickly on and around skylights, especially after heavy rainfall or moisture. If you spot it during cleaning, don’t worry. You can remove it without harsh cleaning products.

1. Start by soaking the moss with warm water to loosen it and make it easier to remove.
2. Once it has loosened, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub it off. Take your time and avoid sharp tools that could scratch the skylight or damage the seals.
3. If some moss is still stuck, try a mild vinegar and water solution instead of a strong chemical cleaner. It’s a simple and more eco-friendly option that reduces the use of harsh products around your home.
4. After removing the moss, rinse the area well with clean water and wipe away any remaining moisture with a microfibre cloth.
5. If the moss keeps coming back, check for excess moisture, standing water or blocked drainage around the skylight.

Reasons to Keep Your Skylights Always Clean

Ever noticed how much brighter a room feels when the skylight is clear? Dirt, dust and bird marks can build up over time and block some of that natural light. If you keep the skylight clean, more light comes through and the room feels fresh.

There’s another benefit too. While you’re cleaning, you can spot small problems such as cracks, leaks or damaged seals. It’s much easier to deal with these early than leave them until they become a bigger problem. Plus, when you clean regularly, there’s less stubborn dirt to deal with next time.

When to Use Professional Cleaning Services for Skylights

Cleaning a skylight yourself is fine when it’s easy and safe to reach. Before you start cleaning, ask yourself one simple question: Can I reach this skylight safely? If the answer is no, don’t put yourself at risk. In this situation, it’s better to call in the professionals.

Need help with your skylights? Let Cleaning Services London take care of difficult-to-reach areas for you. We can handle high, awkward or difficult skylights using the right equipment and experience gained from working across different types of properties.

Get in touch with our team today for a quote.