Cleaning Skylights

Step 1: Get The Proper Materials

Before diving into the cleaning, you must make sure you are properly equipped with the right supplies for the task. Gather the following materials:

• Long mop/broom (must be able to reach the skylight)
• Bucket
• Rags/cloths
• Towel or microfiber cloth for drying
• Duct tape
• String
• Mild dish soap
• Distilled white vinegar
• Plastic tarp

Step 2: Prep The Area

Now that you have all the right materials for the job, it’s time to fully prepare the area. Make sure to move and/or cover all furniture nearby. Place your plastic tarp on the floor directly under the skylight. This can be used to catch any fallen debris from the area. Fill your bucket with one gallon of water, mixing in a small amount of dish soap and swish. Put a dry rag around the end of the mop handle. Use this dry rag to gently sweep back and forth, ridding the area of any excess dust or debris.

Step 3: Wash Gently

Remove the cloth from the pole and replace it with a new one. Then, dip the cloth-covered end of the pole into the bucket. Wring the excess water, and start washing at the top left corner of the pane. It is suggested to work horizontally, back and forth, then attack the light vertically. Use a circular motion to collect dirt until the entire skylight has been wiped.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Empty and rinse the bucket, replacing it with fresh water once the pane is clean. Remove the rag from the pole. Dip a new, clean rag in the fresh water and wipe the entire skylight surface pane. Go over the area a second time, if desired.

Step 5: Minimize Streaking

Put a new dry towel or cloth on the pole after removing the rag you used to rinse the area. Using side-to-side motions, both vertically and horizontally, remove any any excess water.