A skylight is one of the best features you can have in the home when it comes to lighting and aesthetics. Not only do they flood any room with natural light, but they also serve as a great focal point and can add value to a property as well.
As awesome and practical as skylights are, like anything around the home, they do require a fair amount of care and maintenance to keep them functional and eye-catching. Skylights are essentially glass windows attached to the ceiling. As with other windows, they will need to be cleaned regularly to keep them looking their best. That includes both inside and out.
When cleaning your windows, as well as removing dirt, grime, and other debris, you also want to ensure an even finish. There’s nothing worse than scratched, streaky, water-stained glass when you’re looking for an even, crystal clear finish.
To help you have your skylight glass looking brand-new, here are a few useful tips to follow.
Gather the Right Tools and Equipment
To begin with, before you even think about applying any water or cleaning solutions to your skylight glass windows, the first thing you should do is gather the correct tools and equipment.
As skylights are attached to the ceiling, you’re probably going to need a safety ladder to get up there safely. You may also wish to invest in a safety harness just to be on the safe side. On top of that, you’ll need cleaning solutions, clean water, cloths, squeegees, soft brushes, a telescopic pole, and anything else you might deem useful.
Invest in the Correct Cleaning Products
If you’re looking for a smooth, streak-free result, it’s important to invest in the correct cleaning products.
Rather than just using an old dish cloth or sponge hiding under the sink, go ahead and purchase specially designed microfiber cloths, non-abrasive sponges, soft brushes, and streak-free cleaning solutions.
To guarantee an even more aesthetic and professional finish, deionized water should also be used. Deionized water is purified to remove minerals found in drinking water such as calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are good for the human body, they’re not good for people looking for smooth, streak-free skylight glass. This is because, as the water dries, the minerals also dry and leave a chalky residue behind.
Deionized water may cost a little more than regular water, but it makes a huge difference as it essentially dries crystal clear, leaving behind no streaks, waterlines, or residue.
Another option is a mixture of water and white vinegar, as the vinegar cuts through dirt, dust, and grease and dries clear.
Remove Dirt, Dust, and Debris First
Before you even consider applying any water or cleaning solutions onto the glass, the first thing you should do is carefully and thoroughly remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the skylight frame and the glass itself. Failing to do so will cause the grime to mix with the water and make the skylight even dirtier.
Using a clean and dry microfiber cloth and/or soft brush, carefully wipe away any dust, cobwebs, or other forms of debris. If you’re not using a ladder or are cleaning from the inside, make sure you use a telescopic pole to make life easier.
Rinse with Deionized Water
Here’s where you’re going to be glad you invested in deionized water, because it’s time to rinse down your skylights when cleaning the exterior.
Be generous with the water here as you want to remove as much debris as possible.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
Next, it’s time to apply your cleaning solution to the glass.
Spray a small amount of streak-free cleaning solution, or water and vinegar, or any other suitable cleaning solution onto the glass and leave for a few seconds to work its magic.
If cleaning the exterior, the glass will of course be dirtier so you may need to use warm soapy water, or a commercial grade cleaning solution to cut through the dirt. When doing so, gently scrub, being careful not to apply excess pressure.
Be wary of harsh chemical cleaners however, as they will contain ingredients such as ammonia, which can dissolve the seals of the skylights over time. This is the last thing you want as this will result in a leaking skylight.
Wipe Away the Cleaning Solution
After you’ve applied your cleaning solution and have left it to cut through the dirt and grime, you’re going to want to wipe it away.
Using a damp microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge, gently wipe away the cleaning solution. Don’t rub as this could cause scratches, and don’t apply too much pressure. You don’t want to leave any marks or streaks behind. Leave the cloth to do the work for you.
Rinse the Skylight
Again, when cleaning the outside of the skylight, you’re going to want to rinse the skylight to ensure you’ve removed all of the cleaning solution. Ideally, you’re going to once again use deionized water to do so.
If you’re cleaning the inside, this step won’t be necessary as you won’t have needed to apply anywhere near as much cleaning solution because the interior glass will be cleaner. At least, it should be.
Dry the Glass
Finally, using a squeegee or clean and dry microfiber cloth, carefully wipe down your skylight glass to remove any excess water and prevent watermarks or staining.
Always work from top to bottom and try to do it in one fluid motion. Wipe up the excess water at the base of the skylight using your microfiber cloth.
Check Your Work
Finally, gather your equipment, carefully take a step back, and admire your handiwork. It’s also a good idea to check the seals and check for any signs of leaks, condensation, or broken seals.
Hire a Professional
Cleaning a skylight, especially from the outside, can be a time-consuming, slightly dangerous job.
If you’re not confident you can do so, or just don’t have the time, why not hire a professional and have them take care of it for you instead? Sure, it’ll cost a little more, but it will save you time and you should get a professional finish, assuming you hire the correct person for the job.