The Fox Valley has a distinct seasonal rhythm that directly affects how and when your windows get dirty — and when they most benefit from professional cleaning. Here's how to time your service for the best results year-round.
Spring (April–May): The Primary Cleaning Window
Spring is the most popular time to schedule window cleaning in the Fox Valley — and for good reason. By April, winter grime, road salt overspray, and condensation residue have accumulated over several months.
However, timing matters. Waiting until after peak cottonwood season (typically late May through mid-June in the Geneva/St. Charles area) means your just-cleaned windows won't immediately acquire a layer of cottony debris.
The sweet spot for spring cleaning is mid-to-late April through early May — after the worst of the pollen wave, before cottonwood season, and while you still have full spring to enjoy clean glass.
Pro Tip: If you schedule too early in spring (March or early April), you'll likely be cleaning through another pollen wave. If you wait until July, you've missed most of the spring enjoyment window.
Fox Valley seasonal cleaning calendar
Summer (June–August): Maintenance and Special Cases
Summer is the slowest window cleaning season for most Fox Valley homeowners — windows are already clean from spring service, and the primary seasonal threats (pollen, cottonwood) have passed.
However, summer is the right time if: you missed spring service entirely, you have a special event (party, real estate listing, home sale), or your irrigation system has been depositing hard water stains all summer.
Humidity in the Fox River valley also contributes to streaking and moisture-related marks during summer. If your windows are near the river or in low-lying areas, a summer cleaning may make sense.
Fall (September–October): The Second Essential Cleaning
Fall is the second major cleaning season — and arguably the more important of the two for long-term glass health.
Oak and maple tannins (from decomposing leaves) will stain glass if left sitting through winter. Leaf tannins aren't washed off by rain — they bond to the glass and, over multiple winters without cleaning, can cause permanent staining.
Schedule fall cleaning after the majority of leaves have dropped (late October through mid-November) but before hard freezes make ladder work unsafe. In the Fox Valley, this typically means scheduling in October.
Fall cleaning also removes any summer mineral buildup from irrigation systems before it has the entire winter to further bond to the glass.
Pro Tip: Fall scheduling books quickly — October is the second-busiest month after April/May. If you're on a recurring plan with Foxy's, your fall slot is held automatically. If not, schedule by mid-September to guarantee October availability.
Winter (November–February): Generally Not Recommended
Professional window cleaning is rarely done in winter in the Fox Valley for practical reasons: below-freezing temperatures cause cleaning solution to freeze on the glass, ladder safety is compromised by ice, and the cold makes squeegee rubber less effective.
Some companies offer winter cleaning on above-freezing days (above 32°F, ideally above 40°F), but it's uncommon and results are more variable.
If you missed fall cleaning and have significant leaf tannin or hard water buildup heading into winter, a mild-day cleaning before December is better than waiting until April — deposits that sit through winter are significantly harder to remove in spring.
The Twice-a-Year Standard
Most professional window cleaners in the Midwest recommend a twice-a-year schedule: spring and fall. This is the industry standard for a reason — it keeps glass in good condition year-round, prevents long-term staining from seasonal deposits, and gives homeowners clean windows for the two seasons (spring and fall) when windows matter most.
Twice-a-year cleaning is also the threshold at which pricing starts to benefit from a recurring plan. Foxy's recurring customers get a flat savings on every visit, priority spring and fall scheduling, and a dedicated technician. The more frequently you book, the more you save per year.
Foxy's Window Cleaning · Geneva, IL
Spring and fall slots fill up fast in the Fox Valley. Get on the schedule early — or better yet, lock in a recurring plan and your spots are held automatically.