How to clean a conservatory roof

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If you haven’t attempted this task before, cleaning a conservatory roof might appear quite tricky at first.

The thing is:

It involves working at height, meaning safety is paramount.

Additionally, most conservatory roof panels aren’t designed to support your full weight, so you have to be extra careful not to break or damage them.

You’re probably wondering:

How can I clean my conservatory roof?

You’ve come to the right place! Read on to find out how to clean a conservatory roof like a pro, regardless of the type of material it’s constructed from.

Table of contents:

• How to clean a conservatory roof
• How to clean a glass conservatory roof
• How to clean a self-cleaning glass conservatory roof
• How to clean a polycarbonate roof
• How do you clean moss off a conservatory roof?
• How to clean the inside of a conservatory roof
• Wrapping it up

How to clean a conservatory roof

Your conservatory roof is pretty much like any other part of your home exposed to the elements. Sooner or later, it’s going to get dirty, especially during extended periods of wet weather.

And if you leave it unattended for a long time, one day you’re going to wake up to serious leaks and damage.

What’s worse:

They’re likely to be expensive to fix and might even force you to hire a professional conservatory roof cleaner.

On the other hand, if you clean the roof often, the roofing sheets are going to remain in pristine condition for much longer.

Key takeaway:

A clean conservatory roof is a happy conservatory roof.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the best way to clean a conservatory roof.

What is the best thing to clean a conservatory roof with?

The best method and cleaning solution depends on the type of material your conservatory roof is made of. We’ll examine each type a bit later in this guide.

In the meantime, here are some general guidelines:

Water and mild detergent

For most conservatory roofs, a mixture of warm water and mild detergent (such as dishwashing liquid) is a simple, safe and effective cleaning solution.

Vinegar and water

A solution of equal parts water and white vinegar can be effective at removing streaks and stains on glass conservatory roofs.

Commercial conservatory cleaners

There are commercial conservatory cleaning kit options specifically designed for conservatory roofs. These products may be suitable for your needs and can be found at hardware stores. Keep in mind that they can be quite expensive, though.

If you decide to go down that route, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Soft telescopic brush for cleaning a conservatory roof or a cleaning pole

For hard-to-reach areas or delicate roofs, you can use a soft bristle brush attached to a telescopic brush or a window cleaning pole. This will allow you to clean without putting too much pressure on the roof.

Alternatively, you can hire a professional window cleaner to do it for you. The average price is around £4.50 per panel, depending on the panel sizes and how dirty they are.

Roofing Superstore top tip: Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool, scouring pads or strong chemical cleaners, as they can scratch or damage the roof’s surface.

Is it OK to pressure wash a conservatory roof?

If your conservatory roof is made of sturdy materials like polycarbonate or glass, you can use a pressure washer with a low-pressure setting to remove dirt and debris.

However, use caution to avoid damaging the roof or causing leaks.

Here’s the scoop:

When using the pressure washer, always maintain a safe distance and angle. Avoid aiming the jet directly at the seals, joints or any areas where water could penetrate. In addition, keep the nozzle at a slight angle to the roof surface to prevent water from getting underneath.

Now that we’ve covered the preliminary considerations, it’s time to zoom in on the specific details of conservatory roof cleaning.

How to clean a glass conservatory roof

Aim to clean your glass conservatory roof at least once or twice a year – ideally, more often if you live in an area of the UK with heavy pollution or tree debris. It goes without saying that you should do this on a mild, sunny day and not when it’s windy or raining.

Conservatory roof cleaning tools & materials you’ll need

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap or glass cleaner
• Soft sponge or microfibre cloth
• Squeegee with a long handle (telescopic if necessary)
• Conservatory roof ladder or scaffolding (if required for access)
• Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses and non-slip footwear)
• Bucket
• Soft towels or rags
• A dry, sunny day (if possible)

Once you’ve gathered everything, here’s the actual process you should follow:

Step 1: Clear any debris

Before you begin cleaning the conservatory roof, use a soft brush or broom to gently remove loose debris such as leaves, dust or cobwebs from the surface.

Step 2: Prepare the cleaning solution

Fill a bucket with warm water. Then, add a small amount of mild dish soap or a specialised glass cleaner.

Step 3: Wet the roof and scrub

Using a sponge or a soft cloth, dip it into the soapy water and gently wet the entire glass roof.

Next:

Starting from one end of the roof, use the soapy sponge or cloth to scrub the glass. Work in small sections, applying gentle pressure to remove dirt, dust and grime. Pay special attention to any stubborn stains or spots.

Step 4: Squeegee off

After scrubbing a section, use a squeegee to remove the soapy water and dirt. Start at the top and pull the squeegee down in a straight line. Wipe the blade with a towel or rag after each pass. Continue this process until you have squeegeed the entire roof.

Step 5: For best results, rinse and repeat

Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently in the bucket of clean water to prevent transferring dirt back onto the glass. If necessary, repeat the scrubbing and squeegeeing process until the glass is clean to your satisfaction.

Step 6: Dry and polish

Use a clean, dry, lint-free cloth or towel to dry and polish the glass. This will help remove any streaks or remaining water spots, leaving the glass crystal clear.

Voila! You’re now ready to enjoy the plentiful natural light your glass conservatory roof can offer.

How to clean a self-cleaning glass conservatory roof

Self-cleaning glass conservatory roofs are designed to have a special coating that helps break down dust, dirt and grime when exposed to sunlight, which is then washed away in the rain.

While these roofs require less maintenance than traditional glass roofs, they may still need occasional cleaning to maintain their effectiveness and appearance.

With that in mind, here’s how to clean a self-cleaning glass conservatory roof:

Step 1: Rinse with water

Start by rinsing the self-cleaning glass roof thoroughly with a hose. This helps remove loose debris, dust and any initial dirt buildup.

Step 2: Wait for a warm, sunny day

The self-cleaning coating works best when activated by sunlight. So, it’s a good idea to clean the roof on a warm, sunny day so that the coating can continue its self-cleaning action after the manual cleaning process.

Step 3: Brush or clean with a mop

Use a soft-bristle brush or a mop with an extension pole to gently scrub the glass roof. Chances are you won’t need any cleaning solution because the self-cleaning coating should do most of the work.

Now:

Start at one end and work your way across the roof, applying gentle pressure to remove dirt and dust. Pay extra attention to any areas with stubborn stains or spots.

Step 4: Rinse, dry and polish

As with a regular conservatory glass roof, finish the job by rinsing the self-cleaning glass thoroughly. Then, dry and polish it to your liking.

Nice and easy!

Roofing Superstore top tip: Self-cleaning glass roofs benefit from regular rinsing with water to maintain their self-cleaning capabilities. This can help keep your conservatory roof cleaner for longer periods, especially when experiencing a prolonged dry period.

How to clean a polycarbonate roof

Polycarbonate conservatory roofs are durable and lightweight, but they can accumulate dirt, dust and algae over time.

The overall process of cleaning them is pretty similar to that of cleaning a glass roof. Here’s what you need to do to clean a polycarbonate roof:

Start by rinsing the roof with water to remove any dust and debris. Once you’ve prepared your typical cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid (specialist polycarbonate cleaners are also available), use a soft-bristle brush with an extension pole to gently scrub the polycarbonate roof.

Finally, rinse thoroughly the roof and proceed to dry and polish. That’s all it takes!

How do you clean moss off a conservatory roof?

If you have algae or moss growth on your polycarbonate roof, consider using a specialised algae and moss remover designed for polycarbonate surfaces.

Start by examining the conservatory roof to identify the areas where moss is growing. Take note of any particularly stubborn or extensive growth.

Next:

Use a soft-bristle brush with an extension pole to gently brush away loose moss and debris from the roof’s surface. Start at one end and carefully work your way across. Alternatively, you can use a plastic or rubber scraper to gently lift off any stubborn patches of moss.

Once you’ve done that, mix the algae cleaner with warm water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, scrub, rinse, dry and polish as you would with any other type of surface.

If you can’t get a hold of a specialised algae cleaner, you can substitute it with a 50:50 mixture of bleach and water. Just be careful not to use bleach on glass!

How to clean the inside of a conservatory roof

Cleaning the inside of your conservatory roof involves the exact same process you would follow when cleaning the outside.

If anything, it’s even easier, as the inside part is not exposed to the elements and is likely to require less rigorous scrubbing and rinsing.

As a matter of fact, the only extra step comes at the very beginning:

Don’t forget to remove any window blinds and nearby furniture before you start cleaning. We also recommend pouring your cleaning mixture into a spray bottle just as you would when cleaning, say, your shower door in the bathroom. This way, you’ll stop the cleaning solution from dripping onto your conservatory floor.

Once, you’ve taken care of the preliminaries, proceed as usual, all the while keeping your standard safety precautions.

Wrapping it up

Cleaning a conservatory roof on a regular basis will ensure it stays in mint condition for many years to come. Among other things, it will allow you to enjoy your conservatory for a long time and with fewer expensive repairs.

The good news is:

Whether your conservatory roof is made from standard glass, self-cleaning glass or polycarbonate, the process is quite similar.

And now that you know exactly how to clean a conservatory roof, you’re well prepared to take on this necessary task.

Bottom line:

Always put safety first, choose a suitable day and work methodically through each step of the process without rushing.

And that’s it – you’ve got this covered!