If you’re thinking about spring cleaning already, don’t forget the outside of your home as well as the inside particularly when it comes to your conservatory. More sunshine may highlight smudges on the glass or pesky moss and algae on your conservatory roof. Here are some tips to keep it in tip-top condition.

Where Do I Start?

The first step is to clean off any moss or algae that has collected on the roof, which is common in winter. You can do this manually with warm water and use a pressure washer for particularly tricky areas. If you notice moss or algae on the inside of your conservatory it’s worth checking for any leaks and repairing them to prevent this in the future.

Do I Need Any Special Cleaning Equipment?

Getting high enough to clean the roof of your conservatory can be tricky and you must make sure to do so safely.  Equipment you will need:

  • a sturdy ladder (as well as asking a helper to keep it steady)
  • a telescopic brush – one that you can connect to a hose-pipe – for hard to reach areas
  • warm soapy water to clean the frame
  • oil to treat the frame
  • a squeegee and a good quality micro-fibre cloth

Never set foot on the glass on the roof as it is not load-bearing. You could use crawl boards over the glazing bars but this is a practice best avoided.

You don’t need any special cleaning solutions as it’s best to avoid using any harsh chemicals which might damage the surface. Soap in warm water or half a cup of white vinegar should be sufficient.

Cleaning The Gutters

You should aim to clean the gutters twice a year as a minimum. Start by checking the downpipes as they might be blocked with plant debris and other materials. Dismantle the downpipes and clean using a long piece of wire, a stick or a powerful hose to dislodge the material.

Next, move onto the guttering along the roofline. Using a handheld tool, such as a trowel, you can gently move any debris out of the guttering and finish off with a damp cloth to clean the area.

Cleaning Frames And Windows

uPVC needs cleaning regularly to keep it in good condition. Start by cleaning the inside, opening the conservatory windows wide and removing any dust with a soft cloth. Use warm soapy water and to wash down the frames and window panes.

For sparkling windows, you could use a squeegee with a soft blade to wipe from side to side and top to bottom. A specific window cleaning sprayed on a soft cloth will bring them up well, finished with a rub down with some kitchen roll but don’t spray this type of solution on the frames. There are more tips on cleaning uPVC windows and frames here.