Spring window cleaning checklist — Flathead Valley homeowners

Wait for the right week

Don't start the day after snowmelt. Wait until daytime highs are consistently above 45°F and overnight lows above freezing for at least 3 days. In Kalispell that's usually mid-April.

Cottonwood pollen first

If your property has cottonwoods nearby, hose down the exterior glass before any cleaning. Pollen rehydrates with morning dew and smears.

Vacuum tracks dry

Wet sand makes mud. Vacuum every track before water touches it.

Hand-wash screens

Pop them out, lay flat, gentle scrub with soft brush, rinse, air-dry standing up.

Squeegee top-to-bottom

Wet thoroughly with soapy water, single passes top-to-bottom, wipe blade between every pass.

Detail sills + check rot

Wipe down sills and look for soft spots. Montana freeze-thaw cycles drive water into hairline cracks.

Re-caulk failed seals

Spring is when you catch failed seals before summer thunderstorms find them.

Address hard-water staining

Lakefront and sprinkler-spotted glass needs specialty treatment. Regular cleaner won't touch it.