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Cleaning a Yurt Roof?

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Wintergreen282

New member
Yesterday I washed my yurt with water and a bit of dish soap - prior to a nice rain (final rinse) and before the hordes of spring bugs arrive. It was very easy and looks fantastic! But higher up on the roof could use a scrub too - even more so.

The step ladder only allows a certain amount of reach. And there are steps and a walkway around a 1/3 of the yurt that makes step ladders not feasible.

I have an extension ladder too, but not sure if I can carefully lean it against the edge wo/hurting the canvas. Maybe some sort of homemade ladder attachment that distributes the weight and protects the vinyl with a soft, cushy layer?

Unless discouraged to best just live with a dirty roof, I'll probably make some sort of long handled tool with a scrub brush attached and perhaps weighted a bit and gently clean what I can. But figured I'd see if anyone else has thoughts, ideas, or experience with cleaning yurt roofs. Thanks!
 
My advice is to find an old pool cleaner. You can usually dig one up at a yard sale or craigslist.
 
In order to access the ring on my 16'er I simply lean extend my 24' extension ladder and lay it on top the rafters, parallel with them. Never had an issue with that.
 
I have not tried to buy one, but I have used a friend's loooong handled brush that he borrowed from another friend who worked at a truck stop, washing over the road trucks. If there is a truck stop near you that offers such a service, you might ask to borrow, or rent it for an afternoon.


Rod
rod::email::yurtlocker.com
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It’s a cool, overcast spring morning here in NH 2025. I’ve been enjoying rereading posts and updating the ones I have commented on. Or have ideas/inputs about. I did finally use a ladder against the yurt to reach higher up. Did use some long handled, slightly weighted, scrubby thing to reach up to the dome. (This is all outside.)

I may have used a bit of bleach or just dish soap. Can’t remember now. But I was able to clean it nicely. Around the same time, I had multiple trees taken down (with storms getting worse), so the roof gets more sun. It has stayed clean. Great in the winter for solar heating, less great in the summer.
 
Wintergreen282 said:
It’s a cool, overcast spring morning here in NH 2025. I’ve been enjoying rereading posts and updating the ones I have commented on. Or have ideas/inputs about. I did finally use a ladder against the yurt to reach higher up. Did use some long handled, slightly weighted, scrubby thing to reach up to the dome. (This is all outside.)

I may have used a bit of bleach or just dish soap. Can’t remember now. But I was able to clean it nicely. Around the same time, I had multiple trees taken down (with storms getting worse), so the roof gets more sun. It has stayed clean. Great in the winter for solar heating, less great in the summer.
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I bought a home and there is a yurt on site. I haven't done much with it but lately I have been sleeping in it. I love it. Actually bought the home 6 years ago. The yurt is at least 10 years old. Wondering how long it will last. Nothing is torn or leaking. Snow from tress overhead have broken two ceiling boards, not seriously. I had them repaired. Wondering how much time, effort, and money I should invest in this yurt.
I suppose I could try to rent it, although it has no bathroom or kitchen.
 
Hi Jeremy123,

Congrats! A yurt in good condition that just fell into your lap. Yay! Fun! It’s hard to say how long your yurt will last. The outer covering (replaceable) is the thing most likely to degrade first. Mine is going on 15 years with no sign of issues. I think 15 years is the warranty. Like most things, could last way longer - or I could start having problems this year. lol. And, I believe, that is for the longest warranty vinyl. So much depends on your conditions there and what you have. How well built your platform is. Heating with a wood stove is waaay easier than attempting to cool a yurt with AC. (Expensive for the electricity) Any moisture/bug/mouse issues you have.

I could see having fun “upgrading” it just for your own enjoyment. Better bed, fun rug, whatever. Use as an office, guest space, or even a rental. Simple (especially at first) is smart. Too much and you lose, as Jafo says, it’s yurtiness.

As far as a kitchen and bathroom, you can go super low tech and get a very functional kitchen and bathroom. A Humanure 5 gallon bucket, via the Joe Jenkins system (tons of info here and online). And a simple kitchen of some flat surface along with yard sale pots, plates, utensils/camping stove set up is cheap. (Don’t forget lots of air tight, mouse-proof “food” storage. Can be as simple as recycled jars.) A small solar system adds a lot of convenience and doesn’t have to be expensive or intensive. I’ve lived at my yurt full time for 12 years with just a 100 watt solar panel, 2 Walmart Martine batteries, a cheap controller, and basic DC wiring. There are now so many USB rechargeable items your system could be even more basic. Though anyone renting would need training on how not to run through available power.

Just how functional and attractive you make your yurt would be up to you. Someone would probably be up to rent it. Especially if there are things to do in your area. Or just as an off the grid, decompression getaway. (Hey, people still camp for fun and also live in their cars. This would be an upgrade.)

All these things would probably add to your enjoyment too. I use DC (auto) “lights” and DC fans for warmer weather. Though lots of USB options now.

There isn’t much privacy in yurts so a bathroom (even one as basic as a bucket) would probably be better set up outside of the yurt in a small out building if renting to more than one person or it’s a very small yurt. But hey, I’ve been to people’s super rustic cabins where they set up the “bathroom” under some trees with a bucket, small tarp, and the TP in an old coffee can with snap on plastic lid. Yurts are mostly glamping. How elaborate you get, is up to you. Good luck and have fun! You may end up living there and renting your house!!
 
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