How Should I Clean the Outside of My Sunroom?
The landscape outside your home should be the only thing you notice when you look out your sunroom windows. But sooner or later, something will come between you and the view: dirt. It’s inevitable. With so much glass, sunrooms are particularly susceptible to spots, streaks, splats, and splatters. To keep your vistas from vanishing behind a layer of grime, it’s important to give your sunroom a periodic cleaning. How often will depend on regional variables such as weather (sunrooms in rainier climates usually require more frequent cleanings) and the tree canopy around your house (birds, leaves, and branches will assuredly leave their marks), but on average, once every six to 12 months should be sufficient.
First, a few safety tips. Sunroom roofs are not designed to support a person’s weight. And leaning a ladder against the side of a sunroom is also a bad idea, as it has the potential to damage frames, crack glass, and break seals. If you have a glass roof and would like to clean it, the best option is to rent scaffolding. Secondly, follow all cleaning recommendation from your sunroom’s manufacturer. While most glass and frames can be washed using the methods below, some features may require special cleansers or cleaning techniques to prevent damage. Acrylic and vinyl weatherization panels, for example, should not be cleaned using products such as Windex that contain ammonia, which can break down the material and cause cracking.
To clean the outside of your sunroom, first rinse it with a garden hose to wash away dust and break up bird droppings. Be sure to only use a jet of moderately pressured water, as high-pressure jets could force moisture through the window seals. Next, using a soft-bristled brush and a mixture of water and mild dishwashing soap, scrub the windows and frames using circular motions. For more stubborn stains, a splash of ammonia or distilled white vinegar can be added to your cleaning solution.
To prevent spotting on the glass, use a squeegee to wipe away excess moisture, and if you can, choose an overcast day for your project. Sun-heated glass can cause the cleaning solution to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks.
At Pacific Patio, we are the sunroom specialists in Southern California. From solariums to studios, patio rooms to screen-in porches, we have been constructing gorgeous additions for homeowners in San Diego, CA, and the surrounding area since 1989. If you would like to learn more about our outstanding sunrooms, contact us today and schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly representatives.
