Skylights bring unparalleled natural light into your home. Yet, knowing how to clean a skylight inside and outside is essential for maintaining that luminous glow. Whether your skylight is easily reachable or demands a ladder for access, this comprehensive guide on how to clean skylights effectively.

How to Clean Glass Skylights

Cleaning glass skylights involves a bit of planning. First, you need to assess if you can reach the skylight from the inside or if you’ll have to climb onto the roof. Either way, you’ll want to gather your essential tools, such as a ladder, mop, sponge, and soapy water. We recommend a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.

Start with the interior. If your skylight is within arm’s reach, a simple step stool may suffice. Otherwise, a ladder will be your go-to. Dampen the sponge in your soapy water, wring it out, and gently scrub the glass focusing on removing grime and any cloudy spots. Wipe the surface with a dry towel to remove streaks.

Now, for the outside. If the skylight is low, you may be able to clean the skylight without a ladder. Otherwise, climb up and place a plastic tarp underneath the area. Pre-rinse the skylight window using a hose to remove surface dirt. Then, use your mop or sponge dipped in the soapy water to scrub. For stubborn stains, a ½ cup of white vinegar mixed with water does the trick. Finish off by wiping with a dry rag, ensuring that you leave no streaks behind.

How to Clean Plastic Skylights

Plastic skylights, often made from acrylic, offer durability but also require specific cleaning methods. For this task, gather a soft sponge, a microfiber or lint-free cloth, and a cleaning solution of soapy water. Avoid ammonia or other abrasive cleaning products, as these can damage the skylight pane.

Start by cleaning the inside of the plastic skylight. Using your lint-free cloth, gently wipe away any dust or cobwebs. Next, dip your sponge into the soapy water and scrub the surface lightly to remove dirt and grime. Once done, wipe it down with a dry towel.

For the outside, you’ll follow similar steps as you would with a glass skylight. If it’s possible to reach the skylight without a ladder, fantastic. Otherwise, it’s ladder time. Lay down a plastic tarp and hose down the surface to pre-clean. Then, take your soapy sponge to remove any grime or tree sap. A microfiber cloth is excellent for drying and reducing streaks on the plastic surface.

How to Clean a Cloudy Skylight

Cloudiness on your skylight can drastically cut down the amount of natural light coming through. Thankfully, you can often fix this issue without resorting to a professional cleaning service. You’ll need warm water, a sponge, and white vinegar. A vinegar solution of ½ cup white vinegar to one gallon of water works well for this.

For the inside, soak the sponge in the vinegar solution and apply it generously to the cloudy areas. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently. Use a dry rag to wipe off the vinegar solution thoroughly.

For the exterior, follow the same procedure. Lay down a tarp, climb onto the roof if needed, and use your vinegar solution to tackle the cloudy areas. Your sponge is your best friend here, so m