ACTUAL Fenster Türen & Sonnenschutz

Quick Facts

Brand at a Glance

Product Range

Why This System

Step 1 of 2: Manufacturer Recommendations

Official Care Guidance

Glass

• ✓Clean with clear water and a soft, clean cloth.
• ✓For stubborn marks, use mild pH-neutral cleaning agents.
• ✓Remove remaining water streaks with a window cloth or microfibre cloth.
• ✓Minimum cleaning frequency: twice per year.
• ✕Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or scouring pads.
• ✓Do not use razor blades, scrapers, or sharp metal tools on glass surfaces.
• ✓Do not use high-pressure washers or steam cleaners.

Aluminium Exterior Surfaces

• ✓Clean with mild dishwasher detergent and a soft cloth.
• ✓Rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.
• ✓Conserve (treat/protect) the aluminium surfaces 1-2 times per year.
• ✓Minimum cleaning frequency: twice per year.
• ✕Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring sponges.
• ✓Do not use solvents on aluminium surfaces.

Timber Interior Surfaces (ALWOOD, CUBIC 9, CLASSIC 9)

• ✓Inspect wood surfaces twice per year for damage and weathering (cracks, dents, blisters).
• ✓For varnished timber: clean with water and a soft cloth.
• ✓For oiled timber: reapply larch oil at regular intervals.
• ✓Use ADLER Pflegeset-Plus once per year for comprehensive timber care.
• ✓ADLER Top-Cleaner for cleaning, ADLER Top-Finish for refreshing and protecting.
• ✕Do not pool water on timber surfaces - apply sparingly and dry promptly.
• ✕Do not use microfibre cloths on timber surfaces - cotton cloths only.

uPVC Surfaces (ALEVO, MATRIX 9)

• ✓Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth.
• ✕Do not use solvents or aggressive chemical cleaners.
• ✓Do not use abrasive cleaning agents or scouring pads.

Hardware (ACTUAL INSIDE Fitting System)

• ✓Oil all moving parts at least once per year.
• ✓Access concealed hinges by opening the window fully.
• ✓Lubricate mushroom pin latches and safety closing elements.
• ✓Check all fittings for smooth operation during each cleaning session.
• ✕Do not use silicone spray on hardware components.

Seals and Drainage

• ✓Inspect seals at every cleaning session for cracking, hardening, or displacement.
• ✓Keep seals clean and free from dirt build-up.
• ✓Keep drainage openings clear at all times.
• ✓Clear drainage channels of debris during every cleaning session.

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 ACTUAL Fenster Türen & Sonnenschutz installation.

1. 1

   Detail the frame first

   Before touching the glass, wipe down the window frame edges. On aluminium exterior surfaces, use a soft cloth dampened in mild soapy water. On timber interior surfaces, use a cotton cloth only.

   This removes the dust, pollen, and grime sitting on the frame. ACTUAL's flush design means there is almost no lip between frame and glass. If there is dirt on that frame edge, the squeegee picks it up and drags it across the clean glass as a visible streak.

   Clean the frame first. Every time.

2. 2

   Agitate the glass

   Dip your T-bar applicator completely into the soapy water on both sides. Apply the solution across the whole glass area using overlapping strokes. The purpose is to dissolve the dirt so the squeegee can shave it away cleanly.

   On ACTUAL's flush profiles, every smear is visible because there is no frame shadow to hide it. Take your time with this step.

   Never clean in direct sunlight. The soap water dries before you can squeegee it off, baking residue onto the surface.

3. 3

   Detail the frame again before squeegeeing

   Once the glass is agitated, run a dry corner of your cotton rag along the top edge and both side edges of the window. This removes the pooled soap water sitting on the frame.

   On ACTUAL's frameless-look profiles, this step is critical because there is barely any lip to catch water.

4. 4

   The three squeegee turns

   Side to side: start at the very top edge of the window with a dry rubber. Work across in a straight horizontal line. Tilt the squeegee so soap water spills from only one side. Wipe the rubber dry after each line. Overlap into the next line down.

   Top to bottom: same principle, vertical lines. Start in the top corner with a dry rubber. Tilt to direct water downward. Wipe dry after each line.

   The J tune (continuous motion): one smooth movement from top to bottom with no stops. Rotate the wrist at each end. The fastest and most consistent turn once it is in your muscle memory.

   ACTUAL's flush frame profiles make all three turns easier. The squeegee rubber meets the glass edge cleanly without catching on protruding frame lips. The QUADROBOND bonded glass unit is stiffer than a conventionally beaded window, so maintain consistent pressure across the full stroke.

5. 5

   Edge detailing

   After squeegeeing, there is always a thin line of water along the bottom edge and at the sides. Take a dry 100% cotton towelling rag, fold it to a clean corner, and detail these edges in one smooth pass.

   On ACTUAL's flush design, any residue left to dry shows up immediately when the sun hits the glass.

   Rotate the rag so you are only ever touching the glass with a clean, dry section. Replace the rag every few windows.

6. 6

   Hardware and drainage

   Check that the drainage openings in the frame are clear. Blocked drainage causes water to pool inside the frame.

   For the concealed ACTUAL INSIDE fitting system, open the window fully to access the hidden hinge mechanisms and mushroom pin latches. Apply hardware oil to all moving parts once per year. Never use silicone spray. Check the seal condition visually for cracking or hardening.

Pro Tips

• ★ On ACTUAL's flush cubic design, every streak and residue mark is visible - there is no frame shadow to hide imperfections.
• ★ Clean the frame first, every time. The flush glass-to-frame junction transfers dirt directly onto the glass during squeegeeing.
• ★ Use cotton cloths only on timber surfaces - microfibre damages the wood finish.
• ★ The concealed ACTUAL INSIDE hardware is easy to overlook. Open the window fully to access hidden lubrication points.
• ★ ACTUAL specifies ADLER products by name for timber care. Do not substitute with generic wood care products.

What NOT To Do

Bundle Kits and Tool Recommendations

Cleaning Frequency

Glass and frames: 2x per year minimum (Quarterly in urban Vienna environments with traffic pollution and pollen.). Aluminium exterior: 2x per year + conserve 1-2x per year (Clean twice yearly, treat/protect the surface once or twice per year.). Timber interior (ALWOOD, CUBIC 9): Inspect 2x per year, ADLER treatment 1x per year (ADLER Pflegeset-Plus annually. Inspect for damage at each cleaning.). Hardware (ACTUAL INSIDE): 1x per year minimum (Oil all concealed moving parts. Open window fully to access.). Drainage clearing: Every cleaning session (Blocked drainage causes water damage to seals and hardware.). Seal inspection: Every cleaning session (Check for cracking, hardening, or displacement.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Field Notes

“Glass and frames: minimum twice per year, quarterly in Vienna with pollution and pollen. Aluminium exterior: twice-yearly cleaning plus 1-2 conservation treatments per year. Timber interior: inspect twice yearly for damage, ADLER Pflegeset-Plus treatment once per year. Concealed ACTUAL INSIDE hardware: annual oiling - open window fully to access hidden lubrication points. Drainage: clear openings at every cleaning session to prevent water damage.”

Justin Orloff