How to clean a Conservatory

Learn the safest way to clean your conservatory roof, gutters, and self-cleaning glass without causing permanent damage.

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Using professional telescopic water-fed tools is the only safe way to clean difficult roof areas.

A conservatory is a beautiful, light-filled addition to any home, perfectly bridging the gap between your garden and your internal living space. However, its exposed position means the roof takes the absolute brunt of the British weather—accumulating algae, moss, bird droppings, and autumn leaves.

Cleaning it incorrectly can be incredibly costly. A slipped polycarbonate panel or a blown rubber seal turns a cheap Sunday DIY job into a highly expensive professional repair. Here is the KJM expert guide to cleaning your conservatory safely, effectively, and without voiding your warranties.

1. The “Don’t Walk” Rule (Crucial Safety)

2. Tools You Actually Need

You don’t need expensive chemical equipment. In fact, when cleaning delicate conservatory seals, simpler is always safer.

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The essential kit: An extending telescopic brush, a soft non-abrasive sponge, and a bucket of warm soapy water.

• Telescopic Water-Fed Brush: The absolute best investment for safely reaching the high roof finial and cresting from the ground.
• Warm Soapy Water: Basic, mild washing-up liquid is perfectly fine for standard glass and uPVC frames.
• Garden Hose: For gentle rinsing (NOT a high-pressure jet washer).
• Soft Sponge / Microfibre Cloth: For safely wiping down the uPVC window frames without scratching the gloss finish.
• Vacuum Cleaner / Hand Scoop: Essential for safely clearing the gutters and the hidden box gutter.

3. Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Always work systematically from the top down to avoid dirty water streaking your newly cleaned lower windows.

1. The Finial & Cresting: Start at the very top ridge. These decorative plastic or aluminium spikes frequently catch airborne debris and leaves. Gently brush them free using your extending pole.
2. The Roof Panels: Soak the entire roof with the garden hose first. This allows the water time to naturally soften dry bird droppings or baked-on moss. Use your telescopic brush to scrub gently in downward motions. Rinse thoroughly.
3. The Gutters: Wait for the roof water to drain, then clear the gutters (See section 5).
4. The Frames: Wash the vertical uPVC window and door frames with warm soapy water. Dry them immediately with a soft microfibre cloth to prevent chalky hard-water spots.
5. The Windows: Clean the vertical side glass last using standard glass cleaner sprayed directly onto your cloth.

4. Warning: Self-Cleaning Glass & Official Resources

Many modern KJM conservatories (and high-end roof lanterns) are fitted with premium Self-Cleaning Glass, such as Pilkington Activ™. This advanced glass features a microscopic titanium dioxide coating that actively breaks down organic dirt using UV sunlight, and then uses rainwater to wash it away in a flat sheet.

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Self-cleaning glass is chemically delicate. Using abrasive cleaners or sharp squeegees will permanently strip the Activ™ coating.

5. Hampshire Advice: Don’t Forget the Gutters!

Conservatory gutters are physically much smaller and shallower than standard house gutters, meaning they block incredibly easily. A blocked box gutter (the wide gutter where a conservatory roof physically joins the wall of the house) is the absolute #1 cause of internal water leaks.

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A blocked box gutter is the primary cause of water spilling inside a conservatory during heavy rain.

6. Frequently Asked Questions