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How to clean a Conservatory
How to clean a Conservatory
Category: Maintenance & Care
Reading Time: 6 Minutes
📌 The Golden Rules of Conservatory Cleaning
- Safety First: Never stand on a conservatory roof. It is not designed to support human weight.
- No Pressure: High-pressure washers can blow the seals on your glazing, causing permanent leaks.
- Self-Cleaning Glass: Requires special care. Abrasive cleaners will strip the coating.
A conservatory is a beautiful addition to any home, bridging the gap between your garden and your living space. However, its position means it takes the brunt of British weather—algae, moss, bird droppings, and autumn leaves.
Cleaning it incorrectly can be costly. A slipped panel or a blown seal turns a cheap DIY job into an expensive repair. Here is the KJM expert guide to cleaning your conservatory safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
1. The “Don’t Walk” Rule (Safety)
⛔ DANGER: Do Not Walk on the Roof
Conservatory roofs (whether glass or polycarbonate) are not load-bearing structures for people. Walking on them is extremely dangerous. You risk falling through the glazing or causing the frame to buckle.
The Solution: Use a secure step ladder and a telescopic extending brush. If you cannot reach the centre, call a professional cleaning company with cherry-picker access.
2. Tools You Actually Need
You don’t need expensive equipment. In fact, simpler is safer.
- Telescopic Water-Fed Brush: The best investment for reaching the roof finial.
- Warm Soapy Water: Basic washing-up liquid is fine for standard glass and uPVC.
- Garden Hose: For rinsing (NOT a pressure washer).
- Soft Sponge/Cloth: For the uPVC frames.
- Vacuum Cleaner: For clearing the gutters and box gutter.
3. Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Work from the top down to avoid dirty water streaking your clean windows.
- The Finial & Cresting: Start at the very top. These decorative spikes catch leaves. Gently brush them free.
- The Roof Panels: Soak the roof with the hose first to soften dry bird droppings or moss. Use your telescopic brush to scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly.
- The Gutters: (See section 5).
- The Frames: Wash the uPVC frames with warm soapy water. Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
- The Windows: Clean the vertical glass last.
4. Warning: Self-Cleaning Glass
Many modern KJM conservatories are fitted with Self-Cleaning Glass (e.g., Pilkington Activ). This glass has a microscopic coating that breaks down dirt using sunlight.
5. Don’t Forget the Gutters!
Conservatory gutters are often smaller than house gutters and block easily. A blocked box gutter (where the conservatory joins the house) is the #1 cause of internal leaks.
The Fix: Use a gloved hand or a vacuum cleaner to remove dry leaves. Check the downpipe is clear by pouring a jug of water down it.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
No. High-pressure jets can force water through the weather seals and damage the glazing tape. Always use a standard garden hose.
For polycarbonate roofs, insects often get trapped inside the flutes. Unfortunately, this usually means the sealing tape has failed. The panel may need replacing. For general cleaning, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
We recommend a deep clean twice a year: once in Spring to remove winter grime, and once in Autumn to clear falling leaves from the gutters.
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Mark Pearce is a highly experienced specialist in the double glazing industry, having built his knowledge from the ground up through hands-on experience in installation, manufacturing, sales, and business management. Beyond his role at KJM, Mark is a keen blogger, writer, and traveller, often sharing insights on the latest innovations in the home improvement industry.
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