Asia-Pacific · Window Manufacturer
Aneeta Window Systems — Window Cleaning Guide
🇦🇺 Australia · Last reviewed by Justin Orloff
Quick Facts
founded
1994
hq
Melbourne, VIC
primaryMaterials
Glass panels with minimal aluminium outer frame - no internal sash frame
glazingPartner
In-house - Aneeta manufactures and glazes sashless systems
marketTier
Mid-Range to Premium - modern residential and apartment
Brand at a Glance
- Country: Australia
- Founded: 1994
- HQ: Melbourne, VIC
- Parent group: Ventora Group (formerly JELD-WEN Australasia)
- Product type: Frameless sashless window systems
- Market: Apartments, modern residential, architect-designed builds
- Climate context: Victoria - hot dry summers, UV index 12+ in January, coastal exposure in Melbourne bay area
Product Range
- Sashless double-hung windows
- Sashless sliding windows
- Single-pane sashless fixed windows
Why This System
The absence of an internal sash frame means the glass panel runs almost to the outer frame edges. Squeegee work starts closer to the frame edge than on conventional windows - the rubber must track accurately to avoid missing glass and leaving water trails on the minimal frame. On sashless double-hung windows, the glass panels overlap in the middle. The overlap zone accumulates grime on the faces that are touching - these cannot be cleaned without separating the panels. Sliding the panels past each other during cleaning gives access to the overlap zone. Melbourne's combination of hot dry summers and coastal bay exposure means Aneeta windows near Port Phillip Bay accumulate salt film faster than their inland equivalents.
Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations
Official Care Guidance
Source: ORLOFFS PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE - BASED ON 25 YEARS FIELD EXPERIENCE ON AUSTRALIAN SASHLESS AND FRAMELESS WINDOW SYSTEMS
Glass Panels
- Pre-rinse glass with clean water before applying cleaning solution - coastal Melbourne properties carry salt film.
- Apply pH-neutral cleaning solution. Use a window washer sized to cover the full glass area in as few passes as possible.
- Squeegee from top to bottom. Start the rubber flush against the outer frame. Complete each pull fully to the opposite frame edge. Overlap each stroke by 2cm. Wipe rubber after each pull.
- On double-hung sashless windows: clean the outer faces first, then slide panels apart to access and clean the overlap zone glass faces.
- Detail all frame-to-glass junctions with a clean dry cloth after squeegeeing.
Outer Frame
- Wipe the minimal outer aluminium frame with pH-neutral dampened soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
- Do not use abrasive pads on the outer frame.
- On dark or black outer frames, detail with a dry microfibre buff after wiping - residue is visible on dark minimal frames.
Seals and Hardware
- Inspect outer frame glazing seals at every service. Aneeta sashless seals are under greater stress than conventional window seals - the glass panel weight is carried by the seal and the frame channel.
- Check panel slide operation after cleaning. If panels feel stiff, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the outer frame channel. Do not force stiff panels.
Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol
The Orloffs Protocol
Since 1999 I've cleaned hundreds, if not thousands, of different window brands and systems. The physics of clean glass don't change from one brand to the next. Follow the steps below and you'll clean your Aneeta Window Systems windows to a professional standard — guaranteed.
Pro Tools
My daily tool list. This is what I carry to every job.
Follow these steps in order. Each one builds on the last. This is the same sequence I use on every Aneeta Window Systems installation.
- 1
Preparation -- before any water touches the glass
Fill the bucket with at least 10 litres of water. Add soap for cleaning power -- enough to cut through environmental deposits, not so much you are fighting foam.
Before touching the glass, brush down the surface to remove loose dust, spiderwebs, and debris. Any grit left on the glass during the wash phase risks scratching during agitation.
Check the aluminium frame condition before you start. Confirm which cleaning product is safe for that surface before opening any bottle.
Cover anything below the windows that cannot be moved.
- 2
Agitation -- apply and work the solution
Dip the microfiber T-bar completely into the soap water, both sides. Remove excess water with your hand so it does not drip. Apply the solution across the entire glass surface with overlapping passes.
The goal is to fully dissolve and release every deposit from the glass surface. Anything not released during agitation gets transported across the glass by the squeegee as a smear.
For stubborn spots -- insect marks, salt residue, environmental deposits -- re-apply soap water and allow it to soak for a full minute before agitating again. Use more soap water, not more pressure.
For panels above arm reach: attach the T-bar to an extension pole. Work in sections -- top first, then middle, then bottom -- keeping each section wet until you squeegee it.
Rinse the T-bar cover regularly during the job. A dirty applicator causes microscopic scratches that accumulate over time.
- 3
Detail the frame edge before squeegeeing
Use your 100% cotton towelling rag, finger pressed into the fabric, to work into every junction and remove pooled soap water before the squeegee pass.
This prevents drips running down onto already-cleaned areas during squeegeeing and keeps soap water out of drainage channels.
On Aneeta aluminium frames, pay particular attention to the bottom edge where glass meets the frame sill -- water pooled here runs into drainage openings and leaves residue over time.
- 4
The squeegee
Tilt the squeegee at a slight angle so soap water spills from one side of the channel only -- not both. If the rubber is jumping or squeaking, either the rubber is not lubricated enough or the glass surface has warmed.
Cutting in: start with the rubber blade making first contact on a dry edge of the glass.
Side to side: horizontal passes across the panel. Works well on wide sections. Top to bottom: vertical passes down the panel. Works well on tall narrow sections.
The J tune: one smooth unbroken motion top to bottom, wrist rotating at each end to reverse without lifting the rubber. The most efficient method on larger panels -- but it requires training before applying it to premium glass.
Wipe the rubber dry after every pass. Overlap each stroke by 2-3 cm.
- 5
Final edge detailing
After squeegeeing, there is always a residual line of water along the bottom edge and at the panel sides. Take a dry cotton rag, fold to a clean corner, and detail these edges in one smooth pass.
On Aneeta frames, the bottom edge where glass meets the sill requires the most careful attention. Water left here runs into drainage and leaves residue that affects the next clean.
Rotate the rag to a clean section after every pass. If the rag picks up grit at any point, replace it immediately.
- 6
Frame wipe and hardware check
On Aneeta powder-coated aluminium frames: use pH-neutral cleaner only, never abrasive pads or steel wool. Dry immediately after wiping.
Check that all drainage openings are clear and unobstructed. Water must be able to flow freely -- a blocked channel leads to accumulation that affects seal performance over time.
Operate every opening window through its full range. Stiff handles or resistance at locking points indicate hardware that needs lubrication. Flag it to the owner rather than forcing it.
Pro Tips
- On Aneeta windows with dark outer frames, the first squeegee pull sets the standard - if there is any residue on the rubber from a previous window, it will leave a visible line on the dark minimal frame. Start each window with a freshly wiped rubber
What NOT To Do
- Do not leave incomplete squeegee pulls on Aneeta glass - the minimal frame leaves no margin to hide water trails
- Do not skip the overlap zone clean on double-hung sashless windows - it is invisible when panels are in position but visibly dirty when panels are separated
- Do not use abrasive pads on glass or outer frame
- Do not force stiff sliding panels - note the issue and advise the property manager
Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations
Bundle Kit
Cleaning Frequency
Melbourne bayside apartments: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt air from Port Phillip Bay). Melbourne urban residential: Every 8 to 10 weeks (Standard Melbourne interval)
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Notes
“Aneeta sashless windows in apartment buildings are often on balconies where the outer frame is exposed to coastal salt. The glass panel area-to-frame ratio is high - salt film on the glass is more visually prominent than on a conventionally framed window. First visits to Aneeta windows that have not been cleaned recently often reveal significant organic film in the overlap zone of double-hung panels - this zone is never cleaned by residents and the film can be significant.”
Justin Orloff
What's next for you?
The Skill
New to window cleaning?
Start with the core techniques before tackling premium systems.
Start Learning →The Standard
Upskill your team
Covers every system, product type, and tricky scenario.
View The Standard →Manufacturer
Partner with Orloffs
Are you Aneeta Window Systems or a similar manufacturer? Let's create official cleaning guidance together.
Get in Touch →