Velux

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

   Rotate and secure the window

   Centre-pivot: pull the handle at the top of the sash and rotate 180° until the outer pane faces you. Slide the barrel bolt at the top into the bushing at the bottom to lock the window in the cleaning position.

   Top-hung: release the bottom handle without opening, pull down the top bar to unlock the pivot, rotate into position, and secure with the barrel bolt.

   Both hands free, outer pane facing you. Remove all jewellery, watches, and rings before you start.

2. 2

   Agitation

   Dip the microfibre T-bar completely on both sides. Apply across the entire glass surface with overlapping passes. The goal is to fully dissolve the dirt and release it from the surface.

   For heavy buildup from pollen, bird droppings, or tree sap - common on roof glass - let the soap water sit for a full minute before agitating again. Use more soap water, not more pressure. VELUX prohibits abrasive scrubbing.

3. 3

   Detail the frame edge before squeegeeing

   Run a dry corner of your cotton rag along the top edge and both side edges. Use your finger into the rag to reach the gap where glass meets the rubber seal. Remove any pooled soap water sitting there.

   Skip this and a streak appears along the edge every time.

4. 4

   The squeegee turn

   With the window rotated, the glass is roughly vertical. Use the side-to-side turn. Start at the top corner with a dry rubber. Work across in a straight horizontal line. Tilt slightly so water spills from one side. Wipe the rubber dry after each line. Overlap into the next line down. Apply extra pressure at the frame edge to close out cleanly.

   The J tune (advanced): one continuous motion from top to bottom with no stops. Rotate the wrist at each end to reverse direction without lifting the rubber from the glass. The AR Training Tool builds this exact motion.

5. 5

   Final edge detailing

   Take a dry cotton rag, fold to a clean corner, and detail the bottom edge and corners in one smooth pass. Get your finger into the edge where glass meets the frame seal.

   Pay attention to the drain holes in the corners of the bottom sash gasket. Clear pooled water and debris - VELUX notes they must remain clear for water to flow freely.

6. 6

   Frames and hardware

   GGU (polyurethane): wipe with a soft cloth and ordinary household cleaner.

   GGL (timber): inspect the painted finish. Keep cleaning product off the gaskets and glass.

   Hinges: lubricate at least once per year with the VELUX ZZZ 220 kit or an equivalent acid-free lubricant.

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