7 Best Conservatory Roof Cleaners (liquid & non-liquid)
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For those that have owned a conservatory for a considerable number of years, the roof will naturally accumulate dirt over time. A reliable conservatory roof cleaner is a necessity to fully enjoy the benefits of the bright outdoors. Below is our guide to the 7 best conservatory roof cleaners, liquid and non-liquid. If you’re looking for something to battle the moss in your garden or roof panels, then we reviewed the best moss killers in this guide which may be more suited. Without a clean roof, any sunlight that does make its way through will give a bleak and warped effect, dampening the ambiance that you’ve spent so many years creating. It gives a deflated feeling and edges you towards giving it the neglect you promised yourself you’d avoid. Additionally, an unloved and dirty roof can actually cause a leak. The dirt in the roof may inadvertently cause the panels to slip in the gap sealing and cause damage. Though unlikely, is it really worth the risk?
We’ve included both liquid and non-liquid roof cleaners in the guide, necessary because lichens, moss, algae and mildew are living microscopic entities that need to be killed off with the chemical compounds in the cleaning agents. Another thing we looked at while considering the product is the environmental factors involved. We’ve ensured that all our products are ozone and eco friendly, ethically sourced, will not cause significant damage to the environment and that they are biodegradable.The guide also includes cleaning equipment. This list gives you the telescopic conservatory roof cleaners that are sort of brushes and brooms mounted on extendable poles that can be used to reach roofs without requiring a conservatory ladder. We also ensure that you can use them for other things that you find useful. We also wrote a guide on how to clean a conservatory roof, though below we investigate the 7 best conservatory roof cleaners on the web.
Dirtbusters Conservatory Cleaner for Roofs & Panels
The Dirtbusters Conservatory Cleaner for Roofs & Panels cuts through grime and mould with ease easily, leaving a squeaky clean roof. It is entirely biodegradable and suitable for use as a block of wood, aluminium, glass and polycarbonate conservatory cleaner.
This highly effective cleaner works well for both roofs and gutters. It is also key to ensure that the dirt hasn’t caused any damage to your conservatory gutter brackets whilst cleaning.
All you need to do is add to water and dip a sponge into the solution. It makes for an amazing conservatory algae cleaner, cutting through any bird excretion, moss and lichen too.
A little drop goes a long way, which is a big plus and ensures that it lasts long. A handy trick for measurement is to put a cover of the cleaner in half a bucket. It can be used in other parts of their house.
For the reason that it is easy to use, it is a great cleaner for those that are not experienced at cleaning conservatories.
Key Features:
Made for both glass, UPVC and plastic
Makes up to 500 litres of cleaning solution
Solvent free and non-caustic
Specification:
Brand
Dirtbusters
Volume
5 litres
Weight
5.62 kg
Pros
Works well with gutters
Represents excellent value for money
Biodegradable
Cons
May require hard scrubbing on tough substances
Wet & Forget - Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover
Wet & Forget are a reliable brand that will give you an easier cleaning job, a well-tested, biodegradable product that shows visible results. There is little or no need to use other special cleaning equipment. This product does all the job for you.
Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover is great for various other surfaces such as concrete, driveways, asphalt, wood, tennis courts, aluminium cladding and so on . However, we would advise you not to use it on polycarbonate materials and self-cleaning glass.
It works great on tough stains such as algae, lichen, moss and mould just as the name implies. It is also non-acidic, non-caustic and it doesn’t bleach the surfaces you are cleaning. In addition, some of the cleaning residue is left on the surface helping to protect it from future dirt and mould.
We’d advise using a face mask while using this to avoid irritation.
Key Features:
No special equipment required to use it
Residual protective effect
Biodegradable
Specification:
Brand
Wet & Forget
Volume
5 litres
Weight
5 kg
Pros
Ready to go - no additional equipment required to use it
It won't bleach the surface that it is applied on
Able to be used across a variety of surfaces
Cons
Not good for use on polycarbonate materials
Maxblast 30ft Window Cleaning Pole with Telescopic Brush
Sometimes the height of your roof dictates that you either don’t want, or don’t fancy, jumping up a ladder to clean it and prefer the safety of the ground with a more practical solution.
The Maxblast 30ft Window Cleaning Pole comes with a telescopic brush, ideal for those hard to reach places like your roof, solar panels, and top-floor windows. It reaches up to 30 feet when fully extended, is water-fed, comes with a valve to control the water flow and can be attached to a pressure backpack.
It is lightweight does get wobbly when extended, so it best to avoid using on a windy day. To give you a firm grip, the handle is made of a soft ergonomic sponge.
The functional design means that it has two water jets to attach brushes to, of which you can attach brushes to the two jets at the same time. The squeegee attachment on the Maxbast telescopic equipment also makes it easy to clean surfaces such as fogged mirrors, tiles and shower screens.
Key Features:
Interchangeable head
Water-fed
3-way connector and squeegee
Specification:
Brand
Maxblast
Collapsed Length
8 ft
Extended Length
30 ft
Weight 3.1 kg
3.1 kg
Pros
Easy to change the head
Great for tall buildings
Dual attachable stumps
Cons
Requires more strength than most to handle
Hi-Tech Water Fed Telescopic Window Cleaning Pole Kit
The Hi-Tech Water Fed Telescopic Window Cleaning Pole Kit is a lightweight dual-use telescopic cleaning pole comes with a built in squeegee brush and represents excellent value for money as a roof and window cleaner.
The pole is light, yet durable and the brush is soft with no risk of scratching your conservatory or any of the windows above it. The water-fed function allows you to connect it to a tap or, a pressure container, and it comes with a switch that turns the water supply on and off.
It comes with an interchangeable head that lets you change the attachment, replacing an old brush or adding a squeegee to the pole, allowing you to clean gutters if you wish . Use a diluted screen wash mix for best results.The detachable brush can also double up as a garden hose.
This product is not flashy but it packs a punch with its effectiveness. It cleans dust, bird excretion, algae and more with ease. It is a tough product made of aluminium and plastic, with a maximum reach of 16 ft. Yet its 2 kg weight makes it suitable for elderly users as well.
Key Features:
Water-fed
Telescopic cleaning pole
Interchangeable head
Specification:
Brand
Hi-Tech
Collapsed Length
4.6 ft
Extended Length
16 ft
Weight
2 kg
Pros
Lightweight and sturdy
No risk of scratching surfaces
Cons
Can be expensive
Rhino Goo. UPVC Cleaner.
This industrial-grade roof cleaner from Rhino Goo is just the ticket if you have stubborn instances of algae, lichen, moss or mold that simply won’t budge. It is a biodegradable, trade strength and cost-effective non-solvent solution that works wonders at cleaning and restoring roof surfaces.
Ideal for roof panels, double glazing, window frames, fascia boards, guttering and more, Rhino Goo revives neglected surfaces and brightens up the entire outdoor look of the conservatory. The 5 litres of liquid that creates 50 litres of solution provides excellent value for money, battling long-lasting stains.
Its water resistant property prevents pooling on the surface you are cleaning, discouraging mould, algae and moss as these thrive best in moist surfaces. It also has active ingredients which removes and further inhibit the growth of algae on your surfaces.
Key Features:
Industrial strength gets rid of most stubborn stains
Water-resistant wax finish
Algae growth inhibitor
Specification:
Brand
Rhino Goo
Volume
5 litres
Weight
4.4 kg
Pros
Works fast and effectively over a long period of time
Prevents growth of algae later down the line
Cons
Requires protective equipment before use
Trade Chemicals Conservatory Cleaner
The Tade Chem Conservatory Cleaner is a simple yet robust solution, specialised in not only cleaning but also reviving surfaces back to their former glory.
It’s a plug-and-play style solution that only requires you to mix it with water and then apply directly to the stain that’s been making your solution an eyesore. For tougher, more stubborn stains apply the solution directly on to it and wipe away with a clean cloth.
This solution is a fine conservatory algae cleaner that also cuts through the moss, grime, mould and pretty much most natural dirt. It is a great no frills cleaning product that doesn’t just work well on your conservatory roof, but also on any antique wood, self-cleaning glass, polycarbonate, UPVC, and aluminium products as well.
Key Features:
Made to revive surfaces
Solution is biodegradable
Specification:
Brand
Trade Chemicals
Volume
5 litres
Weight
5 kg
Pros
Works on tough common stains, such as moss, algae and mould
Cons
Not soap saving
Kärcher Telescopic Jet Pipe
If you have a larger conservatory with more difficult to reach areas, then a telescopic conservatory roof cleaner is what you need to get the work done. This is where Kärcher’s Telescopic Jet Pipe excels.
With a lance that can be extended between 1.2 to 4 meters, you no longer have to see high places as insurmountable obstacles. This works perfectly for those that want to avoid getting the ladder out and rather clean from the ground.
It comes with an ergonomic trigger and a shoulder strap helping to reduce the wobbling, as well as any potential kickbacks. You can replace the head with brushes and sponges, though it does need an adaptor for this. The ease of use and light weight makes this ideal for older users and its multi-purpose function means it doubles up effectively as a gutter cleaner.
Key Features:
Shoulder straps for ease of use
Ergonomic adjustable trigger
Compatible with additional products to make it multi-purpose
Specification:
Brand
Kärcher
Collapsed Length
1.2 m
Extended Length
4 m
Weight
2.3 kg
Pros
Long 4 metre lance ensures that it can get to hard to reach areas
Easy to use and lightweight
Cons
One of the more expensive models we've listed
How to clean a conservatory roof
Therefore, it’s likely you will be interested in ensuring that your investment reaps the best returns. One way to make sure of that is by cleaning your conservatory properly. While it may be fine cleaning the flooring, the windows and other parts of your conservatory, the one section you may be apprehensive about and need help with is how to clean your conservatory roof.
First and foremost, if you are going to attempt to clean the roof of your conservatory on your own and are not going to hire a professional company, you need to exercise safety. Even if the conservatory is not as high as your main property, cleaning the roof still involves working at heights and deserves care and attention. It’s also worth cleaning out the guttering for old leaves and debris that finds its way in there over the years. You may notice one of your conservatory gutter brackets has broken causing a leak as well.
The second issue with knowing how to clean a conservatory roof properly is the fact that there are different materials used in different conservatory roofs. For instance, the most common conservatory roofs, like the rest of the extension, are made from either glass, uPVC or polycarbonate.
Figuring out the right method for the type of roof your lean-to has can help you determine approximately how much to clean a conservatory roof.
To help tackle the subject of how to clean a conservatory roof outside and inside most fully, therefore, we are going to break down our guide into four main parts
- How to Clean Your Polycarbonate Roof
- How to Clean Your Plastic Conservatory Roof
- How to Clean Your Glass Conservatory Roof
- How to Clean Your Conservatory Roof Inside
Further to this we will also look at how to clean using both manual methods and water-fed pole techniques.
How to Clean Your Polycarbonate Roof
If you have a polycarbonate conservatory roof, you will know that they are extremely affordable, high quality and highly durable.
They are designed to cope with the most extreme and contrasting temperatures and weather conditions. Their durability and how long they last though is very dependent on how well maintained they are. One of the main parts of maintaining a conservatory, including the roof, is by cleaning it.
We realise though, if you are new to cleaning a conservatory, you might be wondering ‘how can I clean my polycarbonate conservatory roof?’ Just as we will cover how to clean alternative conservatory roofs, in this section of our post we offer a guide covering how to clean conservatory polycarbonate roof.
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Equip Yourself With the Right Tools
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When it comes to any form of cleaning or maintenance, doing a great job always starts with making sure you have access to the best tools and right equipment.
As you’ll want to look after the roof and its special coating that provides a barrier against UV rays from the sunlight beaming in, you should avoid using hard-bristle brushes and any toxic and abrasive cleaners, especially petroleum-based products. Instead, opt for soft-bristle brushes, soft sponges and even soft cloths and aim to use a gentle and mild detergent, rather than anything too powerful.
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Make the Cleaning Solution/Soap
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The best cleaning solution to use on polycarbonate roof sheets of your conservatory, rather than something too abrasive, is a mixture consisting of soap powder and hot water.
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Spray Polycarbonate Panels with Cleaning Solution
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It is best to spray the cleaning solution on initially, and then let it sit for a few minutes, this gives it adequate time to work on the dirt, to break it down. Use a cloth, sponge or soft-bristled brush where necessary to work into the harder to shift dirt, grime and debris. The aim is to use the soapy solution to loosen all the dirt as much as possible.
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Rinse The Soap Off
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Once you are finished gently rubbing and working at the dirt, grime, stains and anything else on the conservatory window, you then need to rinse off the conservatory roof. Use plenty of fresh, clean and hot water to do this. If you have a hose, this is ideal as it will be easier and less time consuming than needing to fill up numerous buckets of water.
Conversely, if you have access to a pressure washer, this could be used to rinse it off too, but you should exercise caution as the powered jet spray of water may cause damage to the roof or other parts of your conservatory.
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Repeat Steps 3 and 4 as required
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Do this until you have removed all the dirt and the roof is looking sparkly clean.
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Allow it to Dry
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Once you have removed all the dirt and the roof is looking nice and clean, let it dry. You should avoid washing the conservatory roof on too warm a day, as it could dry too quickly and leave streaks and soapy marks before you’ve had a chance to rinse the cleaning solution off.
How to Clean Conservatory Roof Glass
Glass is one of the most popular materials used for conservatories, especially their roofs. This is because they let a greater amount of natural light in, which can make the whole structure feel brighter and more open.
However, one of the main problems with options for a glass conservatory roof is that it is not the easiest to keep clean. This is made more difficult if you are not used to cleaning glass, especially lots of it. As with any material, it’s vital you understand how to clean it properly.
There are two different ways you can clean a glass conservatory, through a water-fed pole system or a more manual approach.
Cleaning Your Glass Conservatory Roof with a Water-Fed Pole System
The safest of both options open to you is the water-fed pole system, because it means you do not have to try cleaning it from high up on a ladder.
You can simply do it from the ground. This kind of system pumps water in and up the telescopic pole through to the attachment at the end, which is normally a soft-bristle brush.
This means you can scrub easily at the build-up of dirt on the glass, then rinse it off at the same time.
When it’s time for it to dry, you can just let it air dry.
Cleaning Your Glass Conservatory Manually
As an alternative to the above, you could manual scrub at the glass using a telescopic pole and brush without the pumping system.
Although you will still have a good amount of reach, you may have to use a ladder to have a better view of the top of the roof to see any bits you could miss from just scrubbing from the bottom.
As you are not relying on the water pump option to rinse the windows and help clean them, you will most likely need to use the more traditional method of dipping the brush in some fresh, clean water regularly to work at it.
This also means you need to be vigilant when it comes to replacing the water whenever it becomes too dirty or you will just be working hard to add more or the same dirt where you’ve been trying to remove it.
After you’ve finished cleaning with the brush and water and it’s clear of all debris, you will need to use a squeegee in place of the soft-bristle brush to help clear the foam.
The best way to do this for professional results is to slowly move it across the glass from one side to the other. Do this repeatedly until there are no stubborn stains, dirty marks or spots and the foam has cleared completely.
Afterwards, to give it a nice finish, you may wish to use a soft microfibre cloth. Where possible, polish the windows and clear them of any streaky water and soapy marks that are left.
How to Clean Your uPVC Conservatory Roof
There is no difference really to cleaning a uPVC or glass conservatory. So, really, if you choose cleaning solutions that won’t damage the uPVC, you can either use the manual method or a water-fed pole method to clean it.
How to Clean Your Conservatory Roof Inside
Until now, we’ve covered the methods for how to clean different conservatory roofs on the outside. The outside is only one side of the structure though, and if you are keen to have your conservatory looking as good as possible and want it to last for as long as possible too, you need to tackle cleaning the inside of the roof as well. This obviously has its own issues, compared to the issues of the exterior.
For one, the interior of your conservatory is where you have furniture like conservatory chairs and other decorative and practical pieces like conservatory plants too. You can’t just go in all guns blazing and start cleaning without taking necessary measures to protect them from damage caused by the cleaning solution. You may also need to move them out of the way even, if you are going to use a ladder.
As well as the furniture and plants, you also need to take care of the conservatory floors. Obviously, if you have wipe-downable surfaces in your conservatory like tiling or laminated flooring, the water dripping from the roof is less of a problem.
However, if you have carpets or other soft furnishings covering the flooring, you need to take extra measures to protect them from any excess cleaning solution and water.
So, before you start cleaning, you either need to move the smaller items out of the way or even out of the conservatory. Failing that, if it’s not an available option due to space constraints or because the things in your conservatory are not easy to move, you will need to cover over everything to protect it until you are finished.
Follow the steps outlined above for the cleaning either a polycarbonate conservatory roof, glass conservatory roof or uPVC conservatory roof as necessary.
Important Notes and Tips for How to Clean Your Conservatory Roof Safely
As you may be using ladders and hot water when cleaning your conservatory roof, whether on the inside or outside, you need to exercise caution.
If you have pets and children, it is best to keep them out of the way while you are working with a water-fed pole system or working on ladders.
Always use ladders on a stable and flat surface – don’t try to be clever and use them in a different way to the way they were intended and ensure the ground you place them on is not unstable, slippery or otherwise wet.
Avoid using equipment and tools that are not working properly or damaged – whether it’s an unstable bucket, damaged or broken extension pole or ladder, replace and only tools and equipment that are in good working condition.
Avoid using chemical cleaning solutions – although cleaning chemicals will remove dirt easier than just water and soap, it can be incredibly caustic and toxic. As well as ruining the uPVC, glass or polycarbonate materials on the roof and conservatory, you run the risk of also damaging yourself. Mild detergent and hot water are much better and can produce professional results.
Summary
To summarise, if you are looking for how to clean a conservatory roof, there are various options you can use, regardless of the material. You can use a water-fed pole system or a simple bucket, sponge and brush method. It really depends on the style and size of your conservatory, as well as your own physical abilities.
If you’re wondering how to clean a roof professionally and you’d rather a visual explanation we’ve also included a video here showing you everything you need to know.
Further Reading
If you’re wanting to research further, we’ve also included some further reading here.