·        Do you want the window hardware to stand out or be “invisible?”

·        Will the curtains or drapery open and close or remain stationary?

·        Are you layering window coverings (such as drapes over sheers) in a way that requires two or more rods?

·        Does the hardware enhance or detract from your décor and window treatment?

 

There are several types of curtain rods, including:

·        Tension or pressure rods – used inside of window frame and held in place by the pressure of a spring inside the rod. This rod does not use mounting brackets and screws, and therefore does not damage the woodwork.

·        Cafe rods – used for hand-drawn window treatments, usually with rings or tie-tab curtains.

·        Sash rods - use shallow mounting brackets so window

treatments hang close to the glass.

 

Other types of window hardware include:

·        Finials – decorative hardware that embellish the ends of drapery rods.

·        Brackets – support rods at each end, and also in the center of extra long rods.

·        Drapery rings – rings that are hooked or sewn onto the top of the curtain and then strung on the rod to allow the fabric panels to open and close freely.

·        Tiebacks – decorative anchors fixed to the wall that hold back the fabric panels from the door or window.

 

Making your own custom curtains allows you much more freedom when it comes to patterns and styles. You can find pattern books and templates at your local craft or fabric store, and even online. Wholesale fabrics can be found for $5-$50 per yard or more. Proper measurement and estimating is critical when purchasing fabric, and some more ornate draperies and swags can take many yards of both the decorate fabric and lining fabric. Also consider the amount of time it will take to construct your curtains. If you are contracting someone to construct your curtains for you, you will have to factor in labor costs.

 

·        Take down your curtains and inspect the backside of the fabric. If the curtains are sun-rotted, it is better to shop for new curtains than try to clean them.

·        Simple, unlined, ready-made curtains should be washed or dry-cleaned following the manufacturer's instructions.

·        Custom-made curtains that have several layers of fabric and decorate trim should be thoroughly vacuumed at least once or twice a month. Carefully vacuum both the outside and the inside using a brush attachment, working from the top down.

·        Avoid dry cleaning curtains with many layers, because you cannot predict how each layer will react to the dry cleaning.

·        Dust falls right off shiny fabrics like silk or polished cotton with a simple shake.

·        Boil rusty curtain rings in vinegar to recover their shine.

 

·        Glisten Glass Cleaner: This window cleaning solution is ammonia free and ready to use. There is no mixing or preparation involved. One gallon of this solution costs only $7.00.  

·        Parish Streakless Glass Cleaner: Why worry about streaking your windows when cleaning them. With Parish Streakless Glass Cleaner you have ammonia free cleaner that will just remove soils and films away instantly. No mixing required. It comes in quart or gallon size. The price for a quart is about $2.40 while the price for a gallon is $6.78.

·        Parish Sparkle Glass and Window Cleaner: Here is a solution that is concentrated to remove finger marks, smudges, greasy hand prints, and so much more. It comes ammonia free. Because it is concentrated, you will have to mix one of the window cleaner with four parts water. The price for a gallon is about $9.00.  

·        SSS Glass Cleaner: Here’s a real winner. It comes in a regular spray can but it can do the job. This glass cleaner produces a foaming action that works fast to clean even the toughest dirt. It even leaves a nice smell to the surface. This cleaner will remove fingerprints (look out detectives!), smudges, dust and dirt, lipstick, oil, and more. Not bad for $3.00.

·        Stoner Invisible Glass: Talking about a glass cleaner, this one will do your windows so well you think your glass is no longer there. This cleaner is also great on windshields, and other glass surfaces. It contains a powerful, but affective, non-streaking, and non-abrasive formula. It’ll remove anything that is on the glass including dust, dirt, bugs, oil, tree sap, fingerprints, etc. It sells for $6.65 a can.

 

·        Don’t forget to wash the windowsills and frames. Cleaning just the window will not suffice. If you really want that window to look clean and presentable, you need to clean around it as well. Remember that windows are not the only surfaces that get dirty. Windowsills and frames get dirty to.

·        When cleaning the window, wash it: Some people get the idea that you just spray on a cleaner and wipe it down. Not necessarily. Sometimes the dirt and grime accumulates. It may be possible to use a sponge instead of a paper towel.

·        When drying do it right: Instead of just spraying on the foam and wiping it off randomly across the window, always start at the top of the window and work your way down till you get to the bottom. This way you cover the whole window. This prevents streaks.

·        Polish your windows: You may not believe this, but old newspapers make great window polishers. Just crumple a page or two and briskly buff the window from one side to the other. This will leave a shiny, streak-free surface.

·        Use a portable vacuum cleaner: When you clean your windows, make sure to attack the panes and windowsills. It would be best to use a small paint brush and hand held vacuum cleaner to remove all loose debris that gets on the windowsill. After you do this take a wet rag, soaked with a window cleaner and wipe down the frame good. If you find the window locks don’t work right, by getting sticky, take a can of lubricant to it.

 

·        Caution: Never mix bleach and ammonia together if you don’t want to suffocate to death. A toxic gas is produced that could kill you if you are prolonged to it long enough. You may not know this, but chlorine has been around since the sixteenth century. And as you know, being you have a pool, it is the most widely used pool chemical on the market. Chlorine works by combining with water to produce hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. These chemicals work together to kill microorganisms.

·        Portable Ladders: Depending on the home and how thorough you are at cleaning the windows, you may use a portable ladder. Many people have been reported killed or serious injured by falling off a ladder when cleaning a window. Do not over-reach. Instead climb an additional ladder step to reach the spot you are trying to clean. Also, do not step onto a windowsill to clean the window. Many windowsills are narrow. They are not made for stepping onto. So be careful.

·        Using Proper Equipment: If you are planning on cleaning your windows from the outside, and you don’t have a ladder, it would be best to invest in a waterfed pole. These poles act like sponges and squeegees in that you can put water on them to clean the high-to-reach places. If you do use one of these devices, make sure no one is around you so they won’t get poked as you bring the long handle down to and behind you.

·        Use a Squeegee: When you clean your window and are ready to dry it, especially when working outside, it would be best to use a squeegee because that can get the window dryer faster than with a conventional cloth. Besides, if you are using a waterpole, you can’t very well reach up with a cloth to dry it. And even if you do you a ladder, using a cloth while on a ladder is risky because you have to extend out so far and keep using back and forth strokes to make sure you wiped up all the water and moisture you can.

 

To clean these types of windows, you need a roll of paper towels, a can of WD-40, a selection of Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers and window cleaning solution. In these cases, you will need to remove the screws that hold the locks in place. When you do this, carefully slide the window up and out so the meeting rails separate. At this time you can safely remove the upper window followed by the lower window. Then take the window cleaner and paper towels and clean both sides of the window thoroughly. Do this for both the top and bottom window. When you are done replace the windows and screw the lock. Before you finish the job, spray some WD-40 to lubricate the lock for easier use if gummed up or sticky.