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hitchikerman's avatar
hitchikerman
Explorer
Apr 24, 2016

skylight cleaning

My skylight is getting a little sun faded and I was wondering if anyone has every tried to clean it. Well I going to try using that liquid that you can use to clean the dullness of automotive headlight leans. Has anyone tried this with good results?
  • Well I clean it and at first when I look at the skylight it was yellow in color and not transparent. But to my surprise it came clean. Very happy with the results. I know that someday I'll have to replace it but I can get a little more life out of it.
  • Had to replace both of mine. During the ordering process from the skylight manufacture I asked same question from their "tech" department. (I was directed to a web site that I can't remember).

    But I did make a word copy and print it out and put in RV owners manual for future use. Here is what I copied and pasted.
    .....................................................................

    General Polycarbonate Cleaning Guidelines

    • Never use abrasive or high alkaline cleaners on any polycarbonate products
    • Do not leave cleaners on polycarbonate for extended periods of time. Rinse immediately with cold, clean water.
    • Do not apply cleaners in direct sunlight.
    • Never use sharp objects, squeegees or razors on polycarbonate.
    • Do not clean with gasoline.
    • Always practice safety first and never step directly on a polycarbonate panel.
    • Always test cleaners in a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning entire panel to insure against adverse results.
    • Avoid allowing the pressure washer spray tip to come too close to the panel. Pressure washers often have enough pressure at the spray tip to penetrate or tear mounting material.
    • Avoid dry cleaning, as sand and dust particles clinging to the exterior of the panels may scratch the surface.


    All of the polycarbonate products can be easily cleaned utilizing a soft sponge or cloth made from 100% cotton using lukewarm water and a mild dishwashing detergent. All surfaces should then be rinsed with cold water and dried with soft cotton cloth to reduce water spotting. In some instances this procedure may be inadequate and will require the use of additional cleaning agents.

    The agents listed below have all been approved for use at room temperature:
    • Methyl alcohol • Ethyl alcohol • Butyl alcohol
    Isopropyl alcohol • Heptane • Hexane
    • Petroleum ether (BP 65°) • VM&P Naphtha
    (disposable alcohol pads should be fine)

    As is the case with all thermoplastic materials, certain chemicals can cause structural as well as surface damage and precautions need to be taken to avoid any aggressive cleaning agents.

    ..................................................................

    Op stated..."My skylight is getting a little sun faded"...

    Try a couple alcohol pads and see if that doesn't work.

    I also pull the "interdome" (plastic thing on inside) also to inspect up underneath skylight with a flashlight every now and then. With mine, one had a small crack and had small water leak. The other one looked like a 2 year old installed it, so I replaced it also.

    Hope this helps.
  • after cleaning, rub in wd-40 to keep it from coming brittle. we apply about every 2 months.