How To Clean Roof Lanterns & Skylights | Toughened Glass Systems

Roof lanterns and skylights are brilliant for bringing natural light into your home, but keeping them clean can be tricky. Their height and position make them harder to reach, but with the right approach, you can keep them sparkling both inside and out.

This guide will take you through step-by-step instructions for cleaning roof lanterns and skylights safely, efficiently, and without streaks.

How to Clean the Inside of a Roof Lantern: Step by Step

Clearing a Space

Before you start cleaning, you should move any furniture under the lantern out of the way, as well as any rugs or other items. Now that you’ve got a clear space, you can prepare the area under the lantern for cleaning by laying down a sheet. This will catch any droplets of water that might otherwise drip down from the lantern onto your floor.

Safety First

Now that you’ve cleared a space, you’ll need to use a ladder to climb high enough to reach the lantern. Make sure that the ladder you have is secure and does not wobble excessively. If the ladder has a locking mechanism, make sure it’s engaged before you start climbing.

You should also enlist the help of another person to hold the ladder while you’re cleaning.

Dustbusting

Now that you’re up the ladder, take a duster and use it to clean away any dust that’s accumulated in the corners and niches of your roof lantern, as well as any spiderwebs.

The First Pass

Take a sponge, without a scouring pad or any other abrasive elements, and dip it into a mixture of glass cleaning liquid and water, if using concentrate. If you are using a spray, you can instead spray the liquid onto the glass and then wipe it with a damp sponge.

Dry the Glass

Once you’ve wiped it clean and are satisfied with the level of cleanliness, use a microfibre cloth to dry the panes. Leaving the panes to air dry can cause unsightly streaks.

Cleaning the Outside of Your Roof Lantern

Now that you know how to clean the inside of a roof lantern, it’s time to look at how you can clean the outside of a roof lantern, to keep the whole lantern looking spotless.

Accessing Your Roof Lantern

It’s likely not a consideration that you’ll need to be wary of, but you should still make sure that the roof where your lantern is mounted can take your weight.

Use a sturdy ladder to access the roof, and make sure that, as when cleaning the inside of your roof lantern, someone is holding the ladder at the base.

Removing Moss and Other Growth

Over time, your roof lantern may end up developing moss, lichen or mould. If you spot any of this on your lantern, remove it before continuing with the rest of the cleaning process.

For moss, this is a simple matter of picking it off, but for lichen or mould, you may need to use specialised products. Always make sure that the products don’t contain any harsh chemicals that could damage your roof lantern.

Cleaning and Drying the Frame and Glass

Just like when you cleaned the inside of your roof lantern, you’ll need a good glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge.

Once you’ve cleaned the class, it’s time to take a microfibre cloth and dry the glass and frame down. As sunlight tends to make the panes dry faster, you should consider cleaning your lantern on an overcast day.

Cleaning the Inside of Skylights

With a ladder:

Lay a tarp or sheet on the floor below to catch drips.
Climb the ladder safely, using the same steps as for roof lanterns: dust, wash with soapy water, and dry with a microfibre cloth.
Check seals and frames for leaks or damage.

Without a ladder:

Attach a clean cloth or rag to a long broom or mop handle. The cleaning process remains the same, just at arm’s length. Use a concentrate mixed with water if you can’t spray the cleaner directly.

Cleaning the Outside of Skylights

You will almost always need a ladder. Follow the same safety and cleaning steps as indoors: wipe glass, frames, and check for moss or damage. If you can’t access safely, hire a professional window cleaner.

<Cleaning Skylight Frames

Frames can be wiped with a damp cloth or mild soapy water. This is quick but helps prevent grime buildup and keeps seals in good condition.

Now You Know How to Clean a Skylight Window

Knowing how to clean a skylight window is a key part of owning one, and something that you should keep on top of to get the maximum enjoyment from your window. Remember to stay safe when cleaning skylights, and always be aware of weight restrictions on roofs and ladders.

A Clean Roof Lantern Is Worth the Effort

We hope that you’ve found this article helpful. We understand that cleaning a roof lantern may feel like a big effort – you need to get a ladder, clean the windows and then dry them with a microfibre cloth. It’s easy to wonder whether it’s all worth the effort. We’re happy to say that it really is.

Keeping your roof lantern free from dirt and condensation allows for the maximum flow of light and allows you to enjoy your roof lantern to the fullest! Learn more about the benefits of natural light here.

What Roof Lanterns Do We Sell?

We sell a range of roof lanterns, including:

We also stock an impressive range of rooflights and skylights, including:

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Cleaning Roof Lanterns: FAQs

Now that you know how to clean a roof lantern, we want to answer some of the most common questions that people have about keeping their lanterns in top shape.

Do Roof Lanterns Get Dirty?

Roof lanterns don’t tend to get especially dirty but it’s worth considering that they are very exposed to the elements. It’s easy for debris to end up resting on a lantern due to driving wind and rain.

How Do You Keep Algae Off Glass?

The only sure-fire way to prevent algae from growing on your roof lantern is to clean it regularly.

How Often Should I Clean My Roof Lantern?

You should clean the inside of your roof lantern once every two to three months. If you notice it has got particularly dirty, don’t be afraid to clean it more often.

If you’re a customer or are interested in buying a lantern, and still have questions that we’ve not answered, please contact us.

Learn more in our helpful blog: What is Self Cleaning Glass & How Does It Work?

How to Clean Roof Lanterns & Skylights: Inside and Out