Cleaning a conservatory

Cleaning a conservatory comes down to doing the roof first, from the least risky position, then the glass, the frames and the gutters. Use warm water with a little washing-up liquid and a soft brush or cloth, rinse well, and avoid abrasive pads and high-pressure washers near seals. The right method depends on whether the roof is glass or polycarbonate and whether it has a self-cleaning coating.

Start cleaning a conservatory from the top

Algae, pollen and bird droppings build up on the roof, so clean it first and let the dirty water run down. Work from a stable position. Where you can reach from inside, use a long-handled soft brush or a purpose-made pole. Never walk on a conservatory roof: glass and polycarbonate are not designed to carry your weight, and a fall through one can be serious. If you can’t reach it safely, pay a roof cleaning company that has the right access equipment.

Cleaning a conservatory: roof, glass and frames

• Glass roofs. Use a soft brush and warm soapy water, then rinse. If the glass has a self-cleaning coating, check the maker’s advice first. These coatings work with rain and daylight, as Pilkington explains, and abrasive cleaners can damage them.
• Polycarbonate roofs. Use a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid solvents and abrasive pads, which scratch the surface and speed up clouding.
• uPVC frames. Wipe with warm soapy water. A uPVC cleaner can lift stubborn marks. Don’t use bleach or scouring powder on the frame.
• Aluminium frames. Warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid anything acidic.
• Wooden frames. Wipe with a damp cloth and check the paint or stain for flaking. Our guide to a wooden conservatory covers upkeep.

Cleaning a conservatory’s gutters, seals and details

Leaves and moss block gutters and drain onto the roof, which causes stains and leaks. Clear them twice a year. Check the seals around the glass and the roof bars while you are cleaning, because a failed seal lets water into the unit and leaves a misty patch you cannot wipe off. If you find one, ask the installer or a glazier about a replacement unit. Condensation inside the room is a different problem, which our guide to conservatory condensation covers.

How often

Wipe the glass and frames when they look dirty, usually a few times a year. Clean the roof at least once a year, in spring, and clear the gutters in spring and autumn. Cleaning a conservatory under trees, near the coast or by a busy road is a more frequent job.

When to call someone

Call a professional if you cannot reach the roof safely, if the roof is stained or clouded in a way a wipe does not shift, or if you see signs of a leak. Our guide to choosing a conservatory installer explains how to pick one. If the roof is past its best, a replacement conservatory roof costs a fraction of a new conservatory.