Velux — Window Cleaning Guide

Quick Facts

Brand at a Glance

Product Range

Why This System

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Glass

• ✓Clean water is usually sufficient - in hard-water areas add a small amount of detergent.
• ✓Approved tools: soft lint-free cloth, chamois leather, non-abrasive sponge, or a clean non-metal window squeegee.
• ✕Never attempt to clean off dirt without first applying water - dry cleaning drags abrasive particles across the glass.
• ✓No cleaning products containing abrasive particles.
• ✓No chemical products on the pane.
• ✓No sharp or abrasive objects near the glass - including jewellery.
• ✓Avoid silicone contact with the pane.
• ✓If construction works are nearby, protect the glass with a clean plastic sheet.

Frames

• ✓GGU (polyurethane-coated): clean with ordinary household cleaners.
• ✓GGL (timber, painted finish): the finish is not permanent and may need periodic inspection and repainting.
• ✕Do not allow varnish or paint to contact the gaskets or glass.

Hardware and Hinges

• ✓Lubricate hinges at least once per year to prevent friction wear.
• ✓VELUX sells a maintenance kit (ZZZ 220) with the appropriate lubricant.

Drainage and Gaskets

• ✓Drain holes in the corners of the bottom sash glazing gasket should be cleaned periodically to allow water to flow freely.
• ✓Clean the air filter at the same time as the glass - remove and wash with ordinary household cleaners.
• ✓Clean the flashing (metal roof surround) once per year - remove leaves and debris so rainwater drains freely.
• ✕Scratches from metal scrapers or blades are not covered under any VELUX warranty.

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 Velux 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 VELUX 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 VELUX 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 VELUX 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

• ★ Remove all jewellery, watches, and rings before you start. VELUX names this specifically - a single ring drag across a Low-E coating is a warranty-voiding scratch.
• ★ The barrel bolt is non-negotiable. Engage it before you start. Both hands free is the difference between a clean job and an accident overhead.
• ★ Self-cleaning glazing still needs cleaning. The titanium dioxide coating reduces frequency, not necessity.

What NOT To Do

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency

Glass: 2× per year (Spring (after pollen) and autumn (after leaves). Windows under trees or near chimneys: more frequent.). Air filter: With each glass clean (Remove and wash with ordinary household cleaners.). Flashing: 1× per year (Clear leaves and debris from the metal roof surround so rainwater drains freely.). Hinges: 1× per year (Lubricate with VELUX ZZZ 220 kit or acid-free equivalent.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Notes

“Glass twice per year minimum - once in spring after pollen, once in autumn after leaves. Windows under trees or near chimneys: more frequent - assess every season. Self-cleaning glazing performs best when the glass receives regular rainfall; periodic cleaning still required for stubborn residue. Air filter: clean at the same time as the glass - wash with ordinary household cleaners. Flashing (metal roof surround): once per year - clear leaves and debris so rainwater drains freely. Hinges: lubricate at least once per year with the VELUX ZZZ 220 kit.”

Justin Orloff