Breezway — Window Cleaning Guide

Quick Facts

Brand at a Glance

Product Range

Why This System

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Glass Blades - Standard Process

• ✓Set all blades to approximately 45 degrees - this gives access to both faces without removing blades from the frame.
• ✓Start at the top blade and work down. Wipe the upper face of each blade with a damp microfibre cloth dampened in pH-neutral solution. Wipe from one end to the other in a single pass.
• ✓Wipe the lower face of each blade with a fresh damp microfibre cloth. Work from one end to the other.
• ✓Squeegee each blade individually along its length. Use a small squeegee - 10 or 12 inch - that fits within the blade span. Pull from one end to the other in a single stroke.
• ✓Detail each end of the blade with a dry cloth or small detailing tool to remove squeegee residue.
• ✓Repeat for every blade from top to bottom of the louvre window.

Blade Clips and Frame

• ✓After cleaning all blades, brush the blade clip channels at each end of the louvre frame with a narrow brush. Remove all grime and debris from the clip recesses.
• ✓Wipe the outer aluminium frame with pH-neutral dampened cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
• ✓Inspect blade clips for corrosion - particularly on Queensland coastal properties.
• ✓Do not apply lubricant to blade clips or the louvre mechanism without confirming the correct product - incorrect lubricants attract dust and gum up the mechanism.

Blade Removal (Deep Clean)

• ✓Blades can be removed from the blade clips for a thorough clean. This is appropriate for first cleans on neglected louvre windows or properties where blades are significantly stained.
• ✓Support each blade as you remove it - glass blades without the frame are fragile. Lay blades flat on a clean surface for cleaning.
• ✓Clean removed blades with pH-neutral solution on both faces. Squeegee both faces. Dry blade ends before reinsertion.
• ✓Reinsert blades carefully - blade clips are retention points, not clamping mechanisms. Do not force blades.

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 Breezway 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 Breezway 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 Breezway 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 Breezway 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

• ★ Use two separate microfibre cloths - one for the upper blade face and one for the lower face. Cross-contamination between the grimy lower face and the upper face is the most common cause of needing to re-clean blades
• ★ On a first clean of neglected louvre windows, do a dry dust pass of all blades with a dry microfibre before introducing any liquid - this removes the loose dust and insect matter that would otherwise turn into mud when wet
• ★ When blades are at 45 degrees, work the squeegee from the hinge end toward the open end of each blade - this prevents solution from running back onto already-cleaned blades

What NOT To Do

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency

QLD coastal and tropical north: Every 4 to 6 weeks (Salt, UV, and organic matter accumulate fast on louvre blades in tropical conditions). Southern Australian residential: Every 8 to 10 weeks (Lower UV and salt exposure extends the interval). First clean on neglected louvres: Allow double time (Blade removal deep clean may be required)

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Notes

“Queensland properties with louvre windows in outdoor living areas accumulate insect matter, pollen, and salt film at a rate that requires service every 4 to 6 weeks in tropical conditions. The blade-by-blade cleaning time on these properties adds up significantly - price accordingly. Breezway Altair louvre windows in older Queensland homes often have aluminium blade clips that are showing oxidation. White powdery residue on the blade clips is aluminium oxide - clean with a damp cloth and note the condition. Severe oxidation warrants a replacement recommendation. Louvre windows near QLD coastal areas should be inspected at every service for salt crystallisation between the blade and the clip - salt crystals in the clip channel can prevent blade operation if left to accumulate.”

Justin Orloff