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Skylights are an excellent way to bring natural light into your home, but when they get dirty, it reduces light and causes your space to feel smaller. Dust, pollen, rain spots, and even mildew can block your view and reduce indoor light. Cleaning your skylight may seem daunting—especially if you're not keen on climbing a ladder—but the good news is you don’t have to risk your safety to keep them looking brand new.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a skylight from the ground safely and efficiently, using tools you likely already have or can easily find. Whether your skylight is in the living room, kitchen, or hallway, we’ll help you restore its shine and keep your feet on the ground.
Why regular Skylight cleaning matters
Keeping your skylight clean does more than improve your home’s aesthetics:
- Maximises natural light — Dirty glass can severely reduce light in the room
- Extends skylight lifespan — Dirt and debris can cause long-term damage to seals and glass.
- Improves the skylight’s energy efficiency — A clean skylight enables a greater amount of light into the property meaning more heat can be stored during the winter months reducing the need for the heating to be on.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Skylight Without a Ladder
1. Prep the Area and get all equipment needed
Lay down your floor covering or towel underneath the skylight to catch any drips and over furniture if necessary. Get together all equipment including; extension rod or long mop/broom handle which reaches skylight, one to two cleaning heads, bucket, four or more microfibre cloths and a floor covering or a couple old towels/blankets.
2. Remove dust first
Attach a microfibre duster or brush to your extension rod or end of your broom and sweep away any cobwebs and dust. Work from the top left down, moving side-to-side without applying too much pressure to the window.
3. Dip the cleaning head in water or apply the cleaning solution
Change the dirty cloth on the head with afresh one. Once changed, fill your bucket with warm water (about a gallon) and mix with a small amount of washing-up liquid. Dip the pole/mop head into your bucket and then rinse the excess water out. Or if you are using window cleaner, spray or apply it onto the cloth on the pole/mop head.
4. Wipe or scrub gently
Using your microfibre pad or brush, gently clean the skylight surface. Work from one corner to the opposite side using anS-shaped motion. This ensures you’re not just pushing dirt around. For stubborn dirt, use a circular motion to ensure a cleaner window, but do not use unnecessary force as you may damage the pane.
5. Rinse or squeegee
If your cleaning head has a squeegee edge, use it to remove excess liquid. Otherwise, change the dirty cloth to a clean, dry microfibre cloth, and go over the surface again. Avoid streaking by working quickly and drying thoroughly. Move the head in horizontal and vertical strokes to ensure all moisture is picked up.
6. Clean the frame
Don’t forget the frame! Use a smaller brush head or a soft cloth wrapped around the pole to gently clean the edges and corners where grime often hides.
Bonus Tips for Better Results
- Clean on a cloudy day or early morning — Sunlight dries the cleaner too fast, leaving streaks.
- Use distilled water if you live in a hard water area to avoid mineral spots.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives — they can damage skylight coatings and seals.
What About Exterior Skylights?
If your skylight is accessible from the roof and you’re comfortable with heights, you can follow similar steps outdoors—but only if it's safe. Otherwise, it’s best to hire a professional.
When to Call a Professional
If your skylight is extremely dirty, leaking, or located in a hard-to-reach area, it’s safer and more effective to hire a certified technician. They can not only clean but also inspect the skylight for:
- Cracks or glass damage
- Seal failure or leaks
- Mould or mildew around the frame
- Insulation issues
Thinking of improving your space with a skylight? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation quote!
