How to Clean a VELUX Skylight or Roof Window

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Find the product ID and choose the access branch

Locate the VELUX serial or product code using the company's Product ID guide. Determine whether the unit is a center-pivot or CABRIO roof window designed to rotate, a top-hinged window, a manual or powered venting skylight, a fixed skylight, or a sun tunnel. Do not copy a rotating-sash procedure onto fixed glass or powered hardware.

Step 2: Make the indoor area safe

Choose a dry calm day, close powered shades, turn off powered operation according to the manual, and place towels below. Use only a stable indoor platform on a level floor. Never stand on furniture, climb onto the roof, lean body weight through an opening, or step on skylight glass. Out-of-reach exterior work belongs to a properly equipped professional.

Step 3: Remove loose interior dust

Dust the interior pane, frame, sash, control bar, and sill with a soft dry cloth or brush. Work from top to bottom so debris does not cross cleaned glass. Keep grit out of hinges, motors, rain sensors, and weep or drainage paths. Vacuum only with a soft attachment held off the finish, and never pull on wires, blind cords, or insect-screen mesh.

Step 4: Wash the accessible interior pane

Use clean water with a small amount of mild soap on a soft nonabrasive sponge or cloth. Wipe gently, then remove residue with clean water and dry with lint-free cloth. Avoid razor blades, abrasive powder, ammonia-heavy cleaner, pressure steam, and adhesive tools that can scratch glass or damage coatings, seals, wood finish, and plastic trim.

Step 5: Rotate only a compatible roof-window sash

If the exact VELUX instructions show a cleaning position, rotate the sash 180 degrees and secure it with the barrel bolt at the bottom of the frame before touching the outer pane. VELUX documents this feature for CABRIO and compatible roof windows. Keep hands clear of pivots and never rely on friction alone. Do not force a top-hinged, powered, or fixed unit to imitate this motion.

Step 6: Clean the exterior pane by the approved route

For a safely locked rotating sash, wash the now-accessible outer glass with mild soapy water and a soft tool, rinse in a controlled way, and dry. VELUX also permits water and soap solution with a nonabrasive cleaner and soft brush on tubular-skylight glass. For fixed or roof-only access, hire a professional rather than reaching from a ladder or walking on roofing.

Step 7: Clean screens and ventilation filters separately

Remove an insect screen or air filter only if the exact guide shows how. VELUX says the filter in compatible roof windows can be removed from its rail and washed with ordinary household cleaner. Rinse away residue and let it dry completely before reinstalling. Use gentler hand cleaning on screen mesh; replace torn, brittle, or misshapen parts.

Step 8: Restore, inspect, and address condensation causes

Return a rotating sash to normal position, release and lock hardware exactly as directed, restore power, and test operation from the floor. Check seals, flashing-visible areas, frame finish, drainage, shades, and sensors without dismantling them. Moisture between panes, recurring leaks, cracked glass, failed motors, or damaged flashing cannot be cleaned away and requires VELUX or qualified installer service.