AWS Architectural Window Systems — Window Cleaning Guide

Quick Facts

Brand at a Glance

Product Range

Why This System

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Glass

• ✓Pre-rinse all glass before applying cleaning solution. Coastal properties and dusty inland areas require this step to prevent abrasive scrubbing.
• ✓pH-neutral glass cleaning solution. Squeegee top to bottom, overlapping strokes, wipe rubber after each pull.
• ✓Check glazing seals on ThermalHEART units specifically - the thermal break junction is a stress point for seal failure.

Aluminium Frames

• ✓Wipe all powder-coated frames with pH-neutral dampened soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
• ✓On ThermalHEART frames, pay attention to the polyamide thermal break junction - clean this junction with a narrow cloth or soft brush to remove accumulated grime.
• ✓Do not use abrasive pads on any AWS powder-coated frame.

Tracks and Hardware

• ✓Brush and clear all sliding track channels before water cleaning.
• ✓Clear weep holes at every service. AWS sliding systems have weep holes at the outer sill - check these are not blocked by debris.
• ✓Apply silicone lubricant to sliding track surfaces after cleaning.

Step 2 of 2: The Orloffs Protocol

The Orloffs Protocol

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 AWS Architectural Window Systems installation.

1. 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. 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. 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 AWS Architectural 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. 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. 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 AWS Architectural 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. 6

   Frame wipe and hardware check

   On AWS Architectural 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 ThermalHEART windows, the polyamide thermal break is visible as a lighter-coloured band across the frame mid-section - clean this band separately with a narrow damp cloth
• ★ When servicing new builds with AWS windows, check that all glazing beads are fully seated - fabricator installation errors show up during first cleaning visits

What NOT To Do

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency

Coastal residential: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt air on aluminium powder coat). Standard residential: Every 8 to 12 weeks (Australian residential norm). ThermalHEART in southern states: Every 8 to 10 weeks (Condensation residue at thermal break needs regular attention)

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Notes

“ThermalHEART windows in Melbourne, Canberra, and alpine areas accumulate condensation at the thermal break junction in cold months - this leaves mineral deposits that require extra attention during cleaning. AWS Vantage is the most common system in Australian housing - familiarity with Vantage sliding and casement windows covers a large proportion of residential work in every state.”

Justin Orloff