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How to clean a polycarbonate roof?

I have recently moved into a house with a mimosa gazebo in the garden. Twice I have tried cleaning the polycarbonate roof using soap and water with a soft microfiber window washer but the sheeting is still dirty. I sprayed one sheet with Glitz spray and go but that has stained it white. Would appreciate any advice on how to get the polycarbonate looking good. Thanks 🙏

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Fuzzy7. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about cleaning polycarbonate.

To clean polycarbonate roofing, the general recommendation is to stick with a mild detergent solution and rinse well with clean, cold water. It’s important not to use acetone, abrasive cleaners, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage or permanently mark the panels.

That said, how successful cleaning will be really depends on what the staining or dirt actually is. Mild detergent and water are usually enough to shift dust, sediment, light moss or algal growth. If the panels are coated with something more stubborn, such as tree sap, or a build-up that’s had time to bake on in the sun, that may not be enough to cut through it.

From your photo, it’s a little difficult to tell whether you’re dealing with surface grime or if the panels themselves have started to age or discolour. If you can get some close-up photos of the areas you’re struggling with, it will help narrow down whether you’re dealing with removable dirt or permanent surface damage. If it does turn out to be a stubborn contaminant, you might consider contacting a professional roof cleaning service that has safe, polycarbonate-friendly solutions stronger than what’s available off the shelf.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Fuzzy7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57731#Comment_57731

Hi Mitchell, many thanks for your reply. The sheeting on the side that gets less sun seems to be okay (photo attached) so it could be the sun has baked on a contaminant on the other sheets? As I don't have a ladder I'm unable to get any close-up images. If it's sun damage I guess there is probably nothing I can do?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91216#Comment_91216

Thanks for the extra photo @Fuzzy7, that’s really helpful. You’re right in thinking the difference may come down to sun exposure. On polycarbonate, prolonged UV can either bake contaminants on so they’re almost impossible to remove, or it can cause the sheet itself to start breaking down on the surface. This often shows up as a cloudy, frosted look or fine white marks, which unfortunately can’t be cleaned away as they’re within the material.

If the less-exposed side still looks clear, it suggests the other panels have either baked-on grime or, more likely, early surface damage. Without being able to get up close, it’s tricky to say for certain, but if detergent and gentle washing haven’t shifted it, there’s probably a permanent element involved. Unfortunately, there is no restorative cleaner that can reverse UV damage to polycarbonate. Replacement is the only option once the surface has deteriorated.

Mitchell

Fuzzy7

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111571#Comment_111571

Many thanks Mitchell. I may go into Bunnings and get a cost to replace some of the sheets.

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