Roto Frank — Window Cleaning Guide

Quick Facts

Brand at a Glance

Product Range

Why This System

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Hardware Cleaning

• ✓Clean all hardware components with a soft cloth and mild, pH-neutral cleaning agent in diluted form only.
• ✕Never use aggressive, acid-containing cleaners on hardware.
• ✓Never use abrasive cleaning agents on hardware surfaces.
• ✓Wipe hardware dry after cleaning. Do not leave moisture on metal components.

Lubrication - Tilt/Turn Systems (Roto NX, Roto NT)

• ✓Grease or oil all operation-relevant components at least once per year with acid-free, resin-free lubricants.
• ✓Use grease spray for general lubrication of moving parts.
• ✓Lubricate all eccentric locking cams and strikers with clean, non-resinous oil.
• ✕Steel security strikers need continuous greasing - not just annual treatment.
• ✓Lubricate scissor stays and scissor-slider springs.

Lubrication - Sliding Systems (Patio Inowa, Patio Lift, Patio Alversa)

• ✓Lubricate slider and scissor-slider springs.
• ✓Grease the top guide track.
• ✓Lubricate the pin guiding slot on the leading bogie and the guide block point of entry.
• ✓Lubricate all strikers and locking cams.

Roof Windows (Designo Series)

• ✓Use the cleaning position for exterior glass access. The sash rotates and locks automatically in cleaning position.
• ✓All functions are operated using a single handle on the underside of the window.
• ✓Lubricate the pivot mechanism annually to maintain smooth rotation into cleaning position.

Screws and Fixings

• ✓Check all screws regularly. Tighten any that have loosened.
• ✕Do not over-tighten. Stripped screw holes require professional repair.

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 Roto Frank 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 Roto Frank 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 Roto Frank 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 Roto Frank 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

• ★ Operate the window before cleaning - stiffness in the handle means the locking cams need lubrication first.
• ★ Clean the closing area where the sash meets the frame - dirt there prevents proper seal compression.
• ★ Steel security strikers need continuous greasing, not just annual treatment.
• ★ On Designo roof windows, lubricate the pivot mechanism annually or you lose cleaning position access.
• ★ Do not use WD-40 - it evaporates and leaves hardware dry within weeks. Use acid-free, resin-free lubricants.

What NOT To Do

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency

Glass and frames: 2x per year minimum (Near industrial areas, railways, or busy roads: increase to quarterly.). Hardware lubrication: 1x per year minimum (Acid-free, resin-free grease for locking cams, oil for strikers.). Steel security strikers: Continuous greasing (Check at every cleaning visit - these need heavier treatment than standard strikers.). Sliding door guide tracks: Every cleaning visit (Clear debris at every visit, full lubrication annually.). Screw check: 1x per year (Check all visible hardware fixings. A loose striker changes seal compression on the entire window.). Roof window pivot: 1x per year (Lubricate before you lose cleaning position access.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Notes

“Glass and frames: 2x per year minimum, quarterly near industrial areas or busy roads. Hardware lubrication: annual with acid-free, resin-free grease and oil - do not use WD-40. Steel security strikers: continuous greasing, checked at every cleaning visit. Sliding door guide tracks: clear debris every visit, full lubrication annually. Roof window pivot mechanism: annual lubrication or you lose cleaning position access.”

Justin Orloff