HOW TO CLEAN A CONSERVATORY ROOF: INSIDE AND OUT

However, if you want to make this job as quick and simple as possible, it’s recommended you use the following gear:

• Conservatory ladder – specially designed to let you step higher and reach those tricky nooks and corners. A ladder like this is essential for easy roof access.
• Telescopic brush – ideal if your conservatory is particularly tall, a telescopic brush with a hose attachment allows you to clean the centre of your conservatory without leaning on the glass.
• Hose – to rinse your windows of soap suds when you’ve finished.
• Sponge – perfect for showering your windows in soapy water.
• Bucket – for your preferred cleaning solution.
• Squeegee – designed for glass cleaning in general, a squeegee can seamlessly remove stains when used properly. We recommend getting one with an extended handle for wiping your conservatory’s roof.
• Microfibre cloth – for buffing your windows to a shine when finished.

Once you have these tools to hand, you’re ready to get started.

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN CLEANING CONSERVATORIES

Now, before you begin cleaning your glass extension, there are a couple of things you need to know about maintaining safety and protecting your windows from permanent damage.

First, and most importantly, you want to avoid climbing on your conservatory roof. Conservatories are not made to be load-bearing, and there’s a very real chance their glass or struts could break when leant on, even when using crawl-boards. So, for a safe clean, stick to using your ladder and brush.

Second, while all conservatories can be cleaned in a similar manner, you should be extra careful if your extension is equipped with self-cleaning glass. Using aggressive and overly harsh chemicals on this type of glazing will damage the glass’ cleaning ability and leave behind permanent streaks.

Finally, avoid cleaning your conservatory on especially warm days. Hot days in particular will dry any water left behind very quickly, resulting in stains and streaks.

HOW TO CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF A CONSERVATORY ROOF

With the preliminaries out of the way, it’s time to learn how to clean a glass conservatory roof.

1. To start, you’ll want to prepare some warm, soapy water in your bucket. You can use specialised glass cleaning solutions if you prefer, but these are only necessary if your extension is exceptionally grimy.
2. Next, place your ladder on stable ground – ask someone to hold it steady if needed – and dip your telescopic brush in your water. Then, tapping off the excess water, methodically clean each glass frame and support strut in turn. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come clean on the first swipe, be persistent and remember to rinse your brush regularly to avoid simply spreading the dirt around.
3. Once you cleaned one section, rinse it down with your hose pipe, use your squeegee to clear off excess water, and then move your ladder to the next area, repeating the process until the entirety of your conservatory roof is clear of dirt.

And that’s it, it’s really that simple. Keep repeating the process until you’ve cleaned the roof and then dismount from your ladder and do the same for your conservatory’s sides, using your sponge instead of your brush and buffing your windows dry with your microfibre cloth.

Lastly, as a brief side note, be careful not to apply too much water when washing the ridge of your extension’s roof. This tends to be where the ventilation slits sit, and too much water may result in some leaking through to the inside that’ll you have to clean up later.

HOW TO REMOVE ALGAE AND MOSS FROM A CONSERVATORY

One of the most common and stubborn problems associated with conservatory cleaning; algae and moss can appear from nowhere and build up quickly, especially when shielded from direct sunlight or after heavy rainfall. Fortunately, with a bit of effort, it can be wiped away before you get down to the main task of your cleaning.

First, you’ll want to soak the moss using your hose. This will wet the moss, making it easier to dislodge. Then, simply use your telescopic brush to wipe it off into the gutters, making sure to clear your gutters once you’re done to prevent blockages.

As for algae, a warm water and detergent mix should do the trick once the moss is gone, though a toothbrush, warm water, and vinegar combination can work wonders on particularly persistent areas, such as pane corners.

Once done, rinse your windows and wipe them with the squeegee before getting on with the rest of your cleaning.

CLEANING YOUR CONSERVATORY’S GUTTERS

Although not directly part of your extension’s roof, keeping your conservatory’s gutters clean is just as important to ensure excess dirt doesn’t build up.

Using your ladder, clear all organic matter from your conservatory’s gutters and then wash them out with a sponge and warm, soapy water. This will get them shining and has the added benefit of revealing whether or not your gutter’s downpipe is blocked.

If its downpipe is blocked, get your hands on a waste pipe cleaner and use it to break up and remove the blockage. Though if this doesn’t work, you may need to dismantle the pipe and remove the blockage by hand.

HOW TO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF A CONSERVATORY ROOF

Now that we’ve covered cleaning the exterior, what about how to clean a conservatory roof from the inside?

Well, you’ll initially want to start by clearing away any furniture so you can clean the full space properly, and then proceed to repeat what you did for the outside – though, you’ll want to swap your sponge and soapy water mix out for washing up liquid and a cloth, so you don’t splash water everywhere.

You’ll likely need to use your telescopic brush for the roof panes, but once everything has been wiped down you can use your microfibre cloth to buff your windows to a shine.

And there you have it, now you know exactly how to clean a glass conservatory roof and walls. Cleaning your extension regularly will go a long way towards maximising how much light is let in throughout the year, but you can always hire a window cleaner if you don’t have the time.

Alternatively, if you want glazed extensions or glass roof systems that are much easier to take care of, you might want to think about installing a set of aluminium frame windows or doors. Coated in powder paint, these frames are long-lasting and very easy to clean.

To find out more, why not get in touch with the team at Express? Our experts will walk you through our products, or you can even visit us at one of our showrooms to see our whole range. And in the meantime, don’t forget to browse the rest of our blog for more useful articles like this one, including how to clean skylights.