TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Clean a Conservatory Roof Safely (and When to Call a Professional)
A conservatory should be the brightest room in the house. Over time, though, the roof collects leaves, bird droppings, moss and green algae, and the room starts to feel darker. Cleaning the roof makes a big difference, but it needs to be done safely: conservatory roofs are not designed to be walked or leaned on.
This guide explains how to clean a glass or polycarbonate conservatory roof from the ground, what to avoid, and when it makes sense to call a professional. If you would like us to do it, our conservatory cleaning service covers glass, frames and roofs.
Safety first: never climb on a conservatory roof
Glass and polycarbonate panels can crack or give way under a person’s weight, and the frames are not built to take a ladder. Never stand, kneel or lean on the roof, and never rest a ladder against it. All the methods below can be done from the ground or from a stable step stool beside the conservatory.
What you will need
- A long, extendable pole with a soft brush head
- A bucket of warm water with a little mild washing-up liquid
- A garden hose with a gentle spray setting
- A soft cloth or sponge for the frames
- Gloves and eye protection
Avoid pressure washers. High pressure can force water through seals, damage polycarbonate and strip the coating on frames.
Step-by-step: how to clean a conservatory roof
1. Clear leaves and debris
Use the soft brush to gently push leaves, twigs and moss off the roof and out of the gutters. Removing loose debris first stops it turning into sludge when you add water.
2. Rinse the roof
Spray the roof gently with the hose to loosen dirt. Work from the top of the roof down towards the gutter.
3. Wash with mild soapy water
Dip the brush in warm soapy water and scrub the panels with light pressure, again working from top to bottom. Pay attention to the edges and the glazing bars, where algae builds up.
4. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the roof well to remove all the soap. Any detergent left on the panels will attract dirt and leave marks when it dries.
5. Clean the frames and gutters
Wipe the frames with a soft cloth and clear the conservatory gutter so that water can drain properly.
6. Let it dry
Leave the roof to dry naturally. If you have used tap water and soap, you may see some spotting; a final rinse with purified water, as professionals use, avoids this.
Glass vs polycarbonate roofs
Glass roofs
Glass is durable and can be scrubbed with a soft brush. Many modern glass roofs have a self-cleaning coating, which should only be cleaned with water and a soft brush; check the manufacturer’s guidance before using any products.
Polycarbonate roofs
Polycarbonate scratches more easily. Use only soft brushes and mild soap, never abrasive pads or solvent-based cleaners, which can cloud the panels.
How to deal with green algae and moss
Green algae is common on conservatories under trees or on shady sides of the house. Regular gentle scrubbing usually removes it. For heavy growth, a product designed for conservatory roofs can help, but always check that it is suitable for your roof material and rinse it away thoroughly. Clearing overhanging branches reduces how quickly it comes back.
How often should a conservatory roof be cleaned?
Most conservatory roofs need cleaning once or twice a year: once in spring to remove winter grime and once in autumn after the leaves have fallen. Roofs under trees may need it more often. The sides and windows can be cleaned on the same schedule as the rest of the house, usually every four to eight weeks. Our guide on how often you should clean your windows has more detail.
When to call a professional
- The roof is too high or too wide to reach safely from the ground.
- There is heavy algae or moss that will not come off with gentle scrubbing.
- You have a self-cleaning or specialist coating and are unsure which products are safe.
- You would like the frames, gutters and windows cleaned at the same time.
Professional window cleaners use long water fed poles and purified water to clean conservatory roofs from the ground. The pure water rinses away dirt and dries without spots, and no one needs to climb on the structure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a pressure washer on my conservatory roof?
It is not recommended. High pressure can damage seals, force water inside and scratch polycarbonate.
What should I avoid using on a conservatory roof?
Avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive pads and harsh chemicals, which can damage panels, seals and frames, and harm plants below.
Why does my conservatory roof go green?
Algae grows in damp, shady spots, especially under trees. Regular cleaning and trimming nearby branches help keep it under control.
Do you clean conservatory roofs in south east London?
Yes. We clean conservatories across areas including Bromley, Catford and Greenwich, where reaching the roof safely from the ground is possible.
Let us take care of it
If your conservatory roof is too high, too green or simply not something you want to tackle, we can clean the roof, frames and windows in one visit. Send us a photo and your address for a quote.