How to Clean a Sunroom

Cleaning your sunroom to keep it beautiful requires a little elbow grease and common sense. Sunroom cleaning professional, Robert Lamb, recommends the following dos and don'ts:

1. Don't walk on your sunroom roof
2. Don't lean ladders against your sunroom
3. Do consider using scaffolding when cleaning the roof
4. Do wear non-slip rubber boots

Because sunrooms are made of different materials, they may require specialized cleaning methods. Manufacturer cleaning suggestions for your sunroom should always take precedence but the following cleaning instructions represent a consensus from a number of different manufacturers.

Cleaning your sunroom frame

Use a garden hose to spray down your metal or vinyl sunroom frame several times a year. Don't spray with the highest setting or use a power washer because it can force water through the seals. Mild soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub and a soft bristle brush works well for tougher dirt. For hard to reach spots, use an extension pole/brush combo that works with your garden hose.

Cleaning your sunroom windows and screens

Wait for an overcast day. Remove jewelry that could inadvertently scratch window surfaces. Use non-abrasive cleaners for all window types. Forego expensive cleaners and use mild dishwashing detergent and water. Never use harsh solvents or scrape any type of window with a razor blade.

1. Glass. Use a squeegee, overlapping your swipes and wipe it clean with soft rags or paper towels between each stroke and the job can go a lot quicker. For tougher dirt, add a little distilled white vinegar or ammonia to your cleaning solution.
2. Vinyl and acrylic. Use a soft sponge, chamois or cloth and rinse frequently to get rid of grit that could scratch the window. Do not use cleaners that contain bleach, ammonia or chlorine. Do not use Windex.
3. Screens. Remove screens, place on a flat clean surface and wash, using a soft brush. Rinse well and dry completely before reinstalling.

Cleaning your sunroom roof and gutters

Every few months, remove debris from your gutters and make sure down spouts are not clogged. For the roof, remove debris using an extension pole with a brush attachment, being careful not to scratch the surface. If simple spraying doesn't do the trick, attach your garden hose to the brush attachment, scrub with a mild soap solution and then rinse. Finish up with a squeegee on an extension pole, using overlapping strokes. If any spots or streaks remain, buff with a microfiber cloth attached to your extension pole.

Keep up with routine cleaning and maintenance and your sunroom will continue to provide years of "outdoor" access with the comfort of "indoor" living.