Why Hosing Down Your Skylights Isn't Enough (And What You Can Do Instead)

When your skylights start looking dirty, giving them a quick spray with the garden hose might seem like the easiest solution. But once the water dries, you may notice that the glass still looks streaky or cloudy, with some stubborn marks refusing to budge.

Your skylights collect more than just loose dust. Rain, pollen, bird droppings and other outdoor debris can build up over time, and a quick rinse won't always get rid of it. Apart from that, there's also the challenge of reaching the glass safely, especially when your skylights are positioned so high up on a roof or above a conservatory.

So, why doesn't hosing them down do the trick, and what's a better way to keep them clean? Read on to learn more.

Why Isn't Hosing Down Your Skylights Enough?

A quick rinse with your hose can remove some surface dirt, but there are several reasons why it might not leave your skylights looking as clean as you'd hoped.

• Tap water can leave streaks and spots. Hard tap water in London contains substantial amounts of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can remain on the glass when the water dries, often leaving marks behind. So even if you manage to wash away some of the dirt on your skylights, you may still find them looking cloudy once they dry.

• A rinse won't shift every type of dirt. Skylights are exposed to the elements throughout the year, so pollen, bird droppings and general grime can gradually settle on the glass. Water may wash away loose dust, but more stubborn deposits can cling to the surface and need a more thorough clean.

• Getting to the glass isn't always easy. Skylights are often positioned on roofs or above extensions and conservatories, making them awkward to reach. Climbing a ladder or walking onto a roof to clean them can put you at risk of falling, and skylight glass should never be assumed to support your weight.

• High-pressure washing can cause problems. If hosing down isn’t strong enough to remove dirt, you might think using a powerful jet of water would be a better solution. However, please remember that using too much pressure in the wrong place can damage vulnerable seals or surrounding roof materials. This could lead to problems that go beyond the appearance of the glass.

Ultimately, hosing down your skylights can make a small difference, but it won't always give you the clear finish you're after. And while you can certainly try to get a better result yourself, you must bear in mind that it can come with unnecessary risks.

What's a Better Way to Clean Skylights?

Rather than relying on tap water alone, a more effective approach is to use suitable equipment that helps loosen dirt and rinse it away without leaving the same mineral residue.

Pure water window cleaning uses water that has been filtered to remove most dissolved minerals. When used with an appropriate cleaning brush, it helps remove dirt from the glass while reducing the likelihood of mineral spots being left behind as the water dries.

A reach and wash system uses a long, extendable pole to clean suitable glazing from the ground. This can be particularly useful for skylights that are difficult to reach by hand, without the need to climb onto the roof.

Of course, not every skylight is easy to clean this way. Its height, angle and position can all affect whether a water-fed pole can reach the glass properly. A professional window cleaner in London can assess the access and determine whether this approach is suitable or a traditional method would be a better choice.

If you're unsure how to clean skylights safely, getting a professional to handle the job can save you the hassle of reaching awkward areas yourself while helping you achieve a better result.

Let the Professionals Take Care of Your Skylights

A quick hose-down might shift loose dirt, but it won't necessarily remove stubborn grime or prevent streaks from tap water. And when skylights are difficult to reach, trying to clean them yourself isn't always worth the risk.

At The Riviera Group, we use high-reach water-fed pole systems to clean suitable skylights and other hard-to-reach glazing from the ground. We'll consider your property's layout and the accessibility of the glass to help determine the right approach.

Want your skylights looking clearer without the hassle of cleaning them yourself? Get a quote using our quote calculator and let our team at The Riviera Group take care of the job!