Skylight windows add natural light and a modern touch to homes and commercial buildings, but they can be tricky to maintain—especially when out of reach. If you’re wondering how to clean skylight windows without a ladder, you’re not alone.
With the right tools and techniques, you can clean your skylights and achieve streak-free clarity without the risks of climbing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical methods for cleaning skylight windows safely from the ground.
Whether you’re dealing with dust, grime, or water stains, these techniques will help keep your skylights spotless.
Why Is Cleaning Skylight Windows Important?
Over time, skylights accumulate dust, dirt, and watermarks, which block their ability to let in light. A clean skylight can allow more natural light to brighten your indoor space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving the view through your roof window.
Removing the dirt and debris from skylights helps protect window coatings and extend their lifespan, and maintaining clean windows boosts the overall appearance of a home or commercial space.
Plus, clear skylights improve energy efficiency by allowing more heat and light to enter, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. Maintaining your skylights ensures they remain valuable to your home or business.
Tools For Cleaning Skylight Windows From The Inside
Cleaning high-up windows is manageable with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Using a microfibre cloth or pad is ideal for cleaning skylights from the inside to brighten indoor spaces. It reduces the reliance on artificial lighting while cleaning your skylights—telescopic window cleaning pole to extend your reach without needing a ladder. A cloth or pad ensures streak-free cleaning and prevents scratches on the glass.
- A squeegee with an extension handle helps remove water and clean the solution efficiently, leaving a spotless finish.
- A soft-bristle brush attachment is ideal for loosening stubborn dirt and debris before wiping the window.
- Fill a bucket with soapy water or a window cleaning solution, using a mix of warm water and mild detergent for effective cleaning.
- If your skylight is accessible from the outside, use a hose with a spray attachment to rinse away dirt and cleaning residue.
Investing in these tools makes cleaning easier, safer, and more effective.

What Is The Right Cleaning Solution for Your Skylight Windows?
Not all skylight windows are made from the same materials, and choosing the right cleaning solution is essential to prevent damage. Tempered glass skylights are durable but can still develop scratches if abrasive materials are used, so a mixture of washing up liquid and warm water is ideal.
Acrylic or plastic skylights are more prone to clouding and discolouration, meaning ammonia-based cleaners should be avoided—mild, soapy water or a dedicated plastic-safe cleaner works best.
For tinted skylights, harsh chemicals can break down the tinting film over time, so using a vinegar-and-water solution or a manufacturer-recommended cleaner helps preserve their appearance.
Understanding the material of your skylight and selecting the appropriate cleaning solution ensures a longer lifespan and a consistently clear view.
Step-by-Step to Cleaning Skylight Windows From the Ground
1. Remove Any Dirt & Dust
To prevent streaking, place a dry microfibre cloth or a soft-bristle brush on a telescopic pole and wipe to remove any dust and cobwebs.
2. Apply a Cleaning Solution
Prepare a cleaning mixture and choose one of the following based on the type of skylight window, how effective you want the solution or whether you would prefer a homemade, eco-friendly method:
- A mixture of vinegar and water provides a natural, streak-free clean when combined at a ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water.
- Pre-made window cleaning solutions are formulated to tackle tough stains and grime on Velux skylights.
- Dish soap mixed with warm water effectively breaks down grease and removes residue from skylights, making it easier to clean a skylight.
Dip the microfibre pad or sponge into the solution and gently wipe the glass, making sure it’s completely covered.
3. Use a Squeegee for a Streak-Free Finish
Attach the squeegee to your telescopic pole and start from the top, working downward in a straight motion. Wipe the squeegee blade with a rag between strokes to prevent streaks.
4. Rinse with Clean Water
If your skylight is accessible from an outdoor hose, spray it lightly to remove any leftover cleaner. If not, use a clean, damp microfibre pad to remove residue.
5. Dry with a Microfibre Cloth
A final pass with a dry cloth will ensure a polished, streak-free finish.

Alternatives For Hard-to-Reach Skylights
If manual cleaning isn’t feasible, several alternative methods can be considered. Magnetic window cleaners are a practical option for double-glazed skylights, using two magnetic pads—one inside and one outside—to clean both sides simultaneously.
Automated window cleaning robots attach to the glass and move independently, making them ideal for large or commercial skylights. While these methods can be useful, they may not always be able to get rid of tougher stains or buildup.
Professional window cleaning is the best option for a more thorough solution. Specialised teams use industry-grade equipment and techniques to clean skylights effectively.
For commercial buildings, high-rise properties, or hard-to-reach residential windows, professionals ensure a streak-free finish without any risk to personal safety.
Hiring professionals saves time, eliminates needing specialised tools, and guarantees long-lasting cleanliness. With experienced technicians handling the job, you can rest assured that your skylights will remain in pristine condition year-round.
How Often Should Skylight Windows Be Cleaned?
Keeping skylights clean is essential to maintain their clarity and functionality. The ideal cleaning schedule for skylight windows from the inside depends on factors such as location, weather conditions, and environmental exposure.
For general maintenance, skylights should be cleaned every 3-6 months to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and causing stubborn stains. In areas prone to seasonal changes—such as storms, pollen-heavy months, or winter weather—cleaning seasonally helps remove buildup before it becomes difficult to remove.
Additionally, skylights should be cleaned as needed if visible dirt, streaks, or water spots appear, especially after heavy rainfall or exposure to tree sap. Regular cleaning not only ensures a clearer view but also extends the lifespan of the glass by preventing long-term damage from dirt and contaminants.
Remember To Be Mindful Of
Certain actions can lead to streaks or damage to your skylights from the inside. Scrubbing with rough sponges or harsh brushes can scratch skylight glass, especially if it has coatings or tinting, so stick to microfibre cloths or soft-bristle brushes.
Also, avoid cleaning during peak sunlight hours, as this can cause liquid to dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks or water spots. Opt for early morning or late afternoon for the best results.
Using too much cleaning product can leave a residue that attracts more dirt over time, so apply only what’s needed and rinse thoroughly. Plus, letting water air dry can cause mineral deposits and streaks, so always finish with a squeegee or dry microfibre cloth to remove excess moisture.
Ignoring the surrounding area allows dust from vents, ceiling fans, or air conditioning units to settle on skylights, so keeping nearby surfaces clean helps maintain clearer windows for longer.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get a longer-lasting, streak-free finish while preserving the integrity of your skylights.

How To Prevent Buildup on Skylight Windows
Reducing dirt accumulation helps extend the time between cleanings. Applying a protective hydrophobic coating can repel water and prevent streaking, keeping your skylight cleaner for longer.
Ensuring proper ventilation helps to reduce condensation, preventing water spots from forming. Regularly dusting with a dry microfibre mop attached to an extension pole can remove surface dirt before it builds up.
Keeping Your Skylights Clean
Skylight windows enhance natural lighting and aesthetics but require proper maintenance to stay clean and functional. By sticking to the right tools and techniques, you can keep them spotless without the need for a ladder.
Professional window cleaning services like All Clean London provide expert solutions for hard-to-reach skylights, ensuring a pristine and polished look year-round for commercial buildings, apartment complexes, or office spaces.