How to Clean Roof Lantern windows and blinds
Roof lanterns are a stunning architectural feature that floods interior spaces with natural light. However, to keep them looking their best and functioning optimally, regular cleaning is essential. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of cleaning both roof lantern windows and the blinds that often accompany them, with a focus on honeycomb and zip roller blinds.
Cleaning Roof Lantern Windows
Cleaning roof lantern windows can be a bit challenging due to their height and position, but with the right approach, you can achieve sparkling results.Materials Needed:
Extendable ladder
Soft-bristled brush or duster Microfiber cloths
Squeegee
Bucket
Mild soap or specialised glass cleaner
Warm water
Safety First:
Ensure your ladder is stable and secure.
If working at considerable heights, use a safety harness.
It's always best to have someone assist you by holding the ladder.
Clear the Area: Remove any furniture or objects beneath the roof lantern to protect them from drips.
Dust Removal: Use a soft-bristled brush or duster attached to an extension pole to remove loose dust and cobwebs from both the glass and frame.
Prepare Cleaning Solution: In a bucket, mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap or use a specialized glass cleaner.
Wash the Glass: Using a microfiber cloth or sponge attached to an extension pole, apply the cleaning solution to the glass.
Work in sections to prevent the solution from drying before you can rinse it off.
Squeegee: Use a squeegee to remove the soapy water, working from top to bottom in a straight, overlapping pattern.
Dry and Polish: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water droplets and polish the glass to a streak-free shine.
Clean the Frames: Wipe down the frames with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime.
For stubborn stains, use a mild all-purpose cleaner, but be careful not to let it drip onto the clean glass.
Final Inspection: Once you've finished, step back and look at the roof lantern from different angles to ensure you haven't missed any spots.
Cleaning Roof Lantern Blinds
Cleaning roof lantern blinds requires a gentler touch, especially for delicate materials like honeycomb fabrics.
How To Clean Honeycomb Blinds
Materials Needed:- Vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Compressed air canister (optional)
Process:-
Dust Removal: Gently vacuum the blinds using the soft brush attachment. Work from top to bottom, being careful not to collapse the honeycomb cells.
Spot Cleaning: For small stains, create a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently dab at the stain. Be careful not to saturate the fabric. Drying: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to blot away any excess moisture.
Deep Cleaning (if necessary): For more thorough cleaning, you can use a bathtub or large sink. Fill it with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Submerge the blinds and gently agitate them. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and hang to dry completely before rehanging.
Compressed Air: For hard-to-reach dust in the honeycomb cells, you can use a can of compressed air to blow it out gently.
How To Clean Zip Blinds
Materials needed:-- Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Dust Removal: With the blind fully extended, use the vacuum's soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Pay special attention to the cassette and side channels.
- Wipe Down: Dampen a microfiber cloth with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Wring it out well so it's just slightly damp.
- Wipe down the fabric of the blind, working from top to bottom.
- Clean Hardware: Use the damp cloth to clean the cassette, side channels, and bottom bar.
- For stubborn grime, you may need to use a slightly more concentrated soap solution.
- Rinse: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue from both the fabric and hardware.
- Dry: Allow the blind to air dry completely before rolling it up.
- Lubrication: Once clean and dry, consider applying a small amount of silicone spray to the side channels to ensure smooth operation.
- Maintenance Tips: Regular dusting (weekly or bi-weekly) can prevent the need for deep cleaning.