How to Clean Roof Windows
If you’ve recently installed some beautiful roof windows into your home, you’re sure to be amazed at the staggering amount of natural light that now washes over your living space. If you’d like to enjoy these views all year round, it’s vital to keep your windows clean and well-maintained. This won’t just maximise your enjoyment, but also the lifespan of your new roof window.
Many modern roof window manufacturers such as the VELUX window or FAKRO window boast self-cleaning glazing. This innovative design feature uses self-cleaning coatings, which minimise dirt build-up to keep your roof window or skylight crystal clear. However, while these coatings may deal well with minor dirt, to keep your roof windows looking truly beautiful year-round, you’ll want to give them a proper clean.
How to Clean Roof Windows
What You’ll Need
- Clean, lint-free cloth or soft sponge
- Non-metal squeegee
- Warm water
- Gentle household cleaner
Things to Remember:
- Do not use any harsh or abrasive chemicals
- Always wet any dirt or debris before washing it off
- Remove any jewellery before beginning to avoid scratching your window
- Avoid any silicone from coming into contact with the pane
Cleaning the Internal Window Pane
Before you clean the outside, you should thoroughly wash the inside of your roof window. Using a soft sponge or clean, lint-free cloth and some warm water, wipe around the internal pane. If you live in an area with hard water, consider adding a small amount of gentle household cleaner or glass cleaner to soften the water and help with cleaning. Then, use your squeegee to remove any excess water, being careful to not let any metal touch your window pane.
Cleaning the External Window Pane
Most modern pitched roofing windows can be rotated a full 180 degrees, making cleaning the outside pane just as easy as the inside. So it’s perfectly easy to clean a roof window from the inside! Once your window has been rotated, fix it into position using the sliding bolts on the frame and you’re ready to begin. Then, simply follow the same steps you used above to clean the inside of your roof window.
Cleaning a Roof Window Frame
It’s simple to clean the frame around your roof window, no matter which finish you’ve chosen. Using a dry cloth, gently wipe away any dust from around the frame. If you’re dealing with any dirt or smudges, dab the cloth in some warm water. Then, rotate your window 180 degrees as above to clean the outside of the window frame.
How to Clean the Air Filter in Your Roof Window
It’s important to clean more than just the window pane! The air filter is a thin, foam-like strip which lines the internal railing around your roof window. This is designed to prevent particulates from making their way into your home, so it’s vital to keep this clean to maintain good internal air quality.
To clean the air filter, you’ll need to remove it first. Rotate your window 180 degrees, then gently pull the filter out. You can clean the filter by gently washing it in warm soapy water, then leaving it somewhere cool to dry. Then, once clean and dry, simply put the filter back into the window.
How to Clean Roof Window Flashing
As one of your strongest lines of defence against dirt or water ingress, keeping your roof window flashing clean is vital. We’d recommend doing this once or twice a year, ideally during or after Spring and Autumn. To clean your roof window flashing, open your roof as wide as possible, and then run a stiff-bristled brush around the outside to clear away any dirt or debris. It’s important to prevent issues such as blockages early, as if left unchecked they could lead to roof leaks.
In Closing
Now you know how to clean your roof windows! There’s no better way to enjoy your windows more, and for longer, than regular upkeep. If your roof windows are looking a little tired, why not take a look at our selection? We’ve got high-quality roof windows from leading brands such as VELUX, FAKRO, Mardome, and more!
If you need any help choosing your roof windows, or with anything else, get in touch with our award-winning customer service team. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have. Call them on 01295 565 565, email [email protected], or use the livechat below.
