Simple Tips for Planning Your Next Outdoor Party

Labor Day is approaching soon, which means many of us will be hosting outdoor gatherings! A lot can go into planning backyard parties, especially end of the summer bashes. Here are a few tips that can help you prepare painlessly for your outdoor party.

Detailed Invites
Send out some invitations with basic information to avoid any confusion. Include important details such as the date and time, location, etc. But don’t stop there! Let them know what time they’ll be eating so they can anticipate when to eat beforehand. Including the type of attire everyone should wear will also help ease any questions people may have. No one wants to be the under-dressed or over-dressed person at a party. Lastly, set a rain date if bad weather could ruin the party. If not, add a “rain or shine” comment at the bottom of the invitation.

Let There Be LightThe party is taking place outside and it will get dark sooner than it did towards the beginning of summer. Set up strings of lights across the party on trees, across decks, and on fences. Add a few lanterns around the party for extra lighting. The key is to have just enough dim light to be able to interact and maneuver around the dancefloor.

Turn the Music Up
Music should be heard throughout the entire party, but please don’t turn the speakers to max volume. For an optimal music experience, place multiple speakers at each corner of the yard, setting them at a lower volume. More importantly, don’t be that host who has the same 10 songs playing throughout the night. Create a playlist that’s at least five hours long. That way the playlist will last almost as long as the length of the party. It’s okay to repeat a song, but not consistently throughout the night.

Fun for the Kids
Parties are meant for fun, not for constantly peering over your shoulder to worry about what the kids are doing. Set up an area for the kids to play in, like a Slip ‘n Slide, sprinkler, or a volleyball net. Let the kids have their fun while you have yours.

Take these tips and incorporate them into your big end of summer bash. While parties can be fun, the clean up never is. You may notice after a party that there may be some drink or food stains leading to the bathroom or on your new patio furniture. Don’t panic just yet! Let Triple S Carpet, Rug, Drapery & Upholstery Cleaners help you out. We’ll help you clean up the mess on your carpets and patio cushions while you focus on disposing of the punch bowl. Contact our experts today or visit our website to schedule a cleaning! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

How to Clean Up All Your Pet Messes

As much as we love our pets, we can’t help but cringe when we find clumps of fur or smell odor on the couch or carpet. But don’t panic - we’re here to help! Below is a list of easy ways you can clean up those annoying pet messes in your home:

Pick up fur. Use a damp rubber glove to grab that fur that your pet leaves behind after his nap. If you use a glove that’s damp, you can easily pick up loose hairs in just seconds. However, if the shedding is excessive, your best bet is the suck it up with a vacuum.

Clean up paw prints. Paw prints can get muddy, but try to resist the urge to wipe them up when you see them. Why? Becuase Cleaning them when they’re still wet won’t help. Instead, let these muddy spots dry and then vacuum them up - you’ll be left with clean, fresh carpets!

Get rid of urine stains. Accidents happen. If you spot one, simply mix 1 cup of water and ⅛ tsp of dish soap. Then, blot the stain with a clean cloth by blotting (avoid wiping it). Lastly, wash away the soap by dabbing it with 1 tbsp of white vinegar and 1 cup of water.

Fight stinky furniture. While vacuuming up fur can keep your upholstery clean, smells are a different story. To get rid of odors on your furniture, give Triple S a call for a professional cleaning! We will not only get rid of pet fur and dander, but we will also make sure the stink is gone for good.

If you are a pet owner looking for a certified carpet and upholstery cleaning service to help you clean your carpets and furniture, contact the experts at Triple S! We are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience. We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Indoor Herbs that Help Your House Smell Fresh

Did you know that indoor herbs can eliminate pollution and lower carbon dioxide in your home? There are many herbs out there (maybe a few you already have) that can purify air naturally and make your house smell its freshest yet. Here are just a few:

Rosemary - Like most plants, the needle-like leaves on rosemary are good air purifiers that help to absorb indoor odors. Yet they simultaneously release a calming aroma that can also improve cognitive function. With that being said, it’s no wonder many people use this herb for cooking and drinking as a herbal tea!

Basil - Growing to be about one to two feet long, this herb can easily be cultivated in many different climates. Basil is known to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide inside the home, and it makes a great spice too. Not to mention it also has a rich aroma and refreshing taste as well!

Jasmine - Not only does jasmine have a very pleasant smell, but it also acts as a magnificent air purifier and has a number of healing properties. This white plant is typically inexpensive and makes a great addition for the kitchen or the bathroom, where the air can become slightly more polluted.

Geranium - This indoor herb has a strong aroma, but makes an excellent mosquito repellent and air purifier. The best part about geraniums is that they can live without water for two weeks during cold days, which makes it a perfect option for cooler weather in the fall.

To learn about how other plants can freshen up a room, click here.

Indoor herbs in conjunction with cleaning services from Triple S can leave your home feeling it’s best yet! If you want to keep your house looking clean fresh & bright, give us a call! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Surprising Foods that Get Rid of Stains

Did you know that you can clean your home with foods you might already have the pantry or refrigerator? It’s true - before you head to the store for a bottled cleaner, consider these surprising foods that can get rid of all those greasy stains:

Lemons. Do you have a grimy microwave or stained linens? If so, use a lemon from the fridge! The citrus in lemons is strong and will clean your linens and polish your microwave with just a little less than one cup of it!

Rice. If you have a box of rice in your pantry, boil a cup and swish it around with some dish detergent. This is a great solution to clean the inside of your flower vases and other hard-to-reach spots.

Ketchup. Are you surprised? So are we! Believe it or not, this french fry dip can make your copper appliances and pots look new once again.

Lemon or orange drinks. Another effective solution to polish your appliances! The citric acid you find in these drinks can help get rid of any rust or stains you may have on your dishwasher.

Walnuts. Got scratches on your wood furniture? Don’t panic - simply remove the shell of a walnut and rub it on the wood to cover up any damage.

Vinegar. White vinegar in particular, is an extremely powerful cleaning tool. Not only can it freshen up your laundry, but it can also remove stains from your carpets and brighten up your windows!

To see which other foods can freshen up your home, click here.

If these foods don’t get the job done, give Triple S a call! We offer wall to wall carpet, tile, and drapery cleaning, and will give you a bottle of our most-trusted ProSeal fabric protector to ensure your furniture stays fresh all year round! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Which Bathroom Countertop Should I Choose?

Countertops are not only a functional surface in your bathroom - they can also be a beautiful design element as well. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose? The first step to any decision should be how you use your bathroom on a daily basis. So, below are a few questions to consider before making a purchase:

 

What kind of bathroom are you planning? 
A power room, a functional family room, a master bath? Consider this question before deciding anything. Because if you’re planning on creating a powder room, you might not experience the same mess you might if you’re building a full bathroom for a family of four. Also, think about the products you will use, from toothpaste to makeup, and even hairspray! And don’t forget about those sticky children’s medicines too. If your bathroom will be for the family, limestone is a good option, as it would stand up to yucky messes as mentioned.

How many people will be using the bathroom? 
The more people that use the bathroom, the more mess you’ll probably have, especially if you have small children or teenagers. So, choose a countertop that’s durable and will withstand a large crowd!

How long do you plan on staying in the home?
This question is perhaps one of the most important when it comes to your budget. Do you plan on staying for many years? If so, don’t be hesitant to splurge a bit - it will be worth the investment in the long run! However, if you’re looking to upgrade and sell your home shortly, go for something that looks great but is practical too.

Do you want an eco-friendly countertop?
What kind of material do you want for your bathroom countertops? If you think you’d prefer a countertop made from environmentally friendly materials, your best bet is to choose one of the recycled-content surfaces that are made from glass or paper. This is a simple way to "go green” for your bathroom design!

Once you answer these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your options. Hence, your decision will be an easier one. Whether you choose a limestone, laminate, marble, or stone countertop, make sure you keep it looking brand new! Need some assistance? Call the textile specialists at Triple S! Our tile and stone cleaning services can help you keep your bathroom surfaces clean, fresh, and bright! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

How to Play Up Your Sofa With Pillows

If you’re looking to turn your ordinary sofa into a chic seat, all you need is a decorative pillow (or a few). For an instant makeover, here are five decorating ideas on how to play up your seating area with throw pillows:

Texture - Ivory and white look beautiful in any room, but when all the shades are similar, you need to mix things up a bit. So, add texture to make your furniture more eye-catching! For example, try mixing silk and velvet together if you want to achieve a luxurious appeal.

Pairing - Want to create clean lines across your furniture? If so, the key is to make your layout symmetrical. You can make symmetry by placing patterned pillows in front of solid ones. One way to get this look is by adding a dark backdrop with a vibrant bohemian design - it will bring your sofa to life without needing to change up your furniture!

Color - Another great way to dress up your sofa is to play with color. Pillows are a fast and easy solution that allows you to explore color without a big commitment. The trick is to create contrast, so if you have a white or beige sofa, add a color combination of slate blue and plum (or other rich, complimentary colors). 

Narrative - Make your sofa one-of-a-kind by pairing custom-made throws with other textures and patterns. For example, you can buy custom-made pillows with photos of your pet and place them in front of geometrical prints - the perfect way to cuddle up!

Shapes - By changing up the shape of your pillows, you can transform your ordinary sofa into a unique arrangement! While we love the look of traditional square throws, there are plenty of other shapes out there that can make your sofa more visually appealing. With that being said try swapping your square pillows for round ones instead.

For more decorating tips, connect with Triple S on Facebook and Twitter! And don’t forget to give us a call if you need a professional cleaning for your upholstery! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Great Uses for Baking Soda in Your Home

Baking soda is great for many things, like personal hygiene. But did you know that it can also fight odors and other problems in your home? Below are just a few of the fantastic ways that you can use baking soda in the house:

Stop fires. If a fire breaks out in your home, rest assured that baking soda can help! Keep a box in your kitchen and sprinkle it over flames if they disperse.

Zap roaches. One of the last things a homeowner wants is to find pests in the home. But luckily, all you need is a little baking soda and sugar. Simply set out a small bowl containing half sugar and half baking soda. While roaches love sugar, this mixture is toxic to them.

Clean shower doors. If you’re looking for an easy way to clean your dirty, glass shower doors, pour some baking soda on a damp sponge and was the doors. Then, rinse with warm water for a shiny finish.

Remove tape residue. After a new paint job, it’s common for tape to get stick to your windows. To eliminate the residue, mix a thick paste combined with baking soda and water. Next, rub the paste onto those sticky pieces of tape and wipe the window clean.

Absorb moisture. Want to keep your house feeling fresh? It’s easy for food to go bad and leave an awful stench in your home, but keeping an open box of baking soda in your fridge or even on your bookshelves can eliminate moisture that causes bad odors.

To learn more about smart uses for baking soda, click here.

While baking soda can eliminate a number of problems in your home, it may not be ideal for cleaning greasy stains on your carpet. If you’re looking for the best way to give your textiles the ultimate cleaning,  give Triple S a call! Our carpet cleaning specialists can help you keep your favorite room clean, fresh, and bright! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Cleaning Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know

Having pets is no reason to get rid of your beautiful carpet! In fact, there are plenty of easy cleaning tips you can use when accidents occur. Here’s how you can keep your home clean and pet-friendly at the same time:

Vacuum it up. Pet hair can cling to many things in your home, especially carpets. If your furry friend sheds often, just grab a roll of masking tape and a vacuum cleaner. While lint rollers are a great solution, wrapping masking tape around an old paint roller can work even better, as it picks up larger accumulations of hair! Once you’re done collecting large clumps, make sure you vacuum. In fact, vacuuming up to at least three times a week can reduce the amount of hair that lingers in your carpet.

Blot stains. No matter how well you train your pet to use a pad or go outside, accidents are bound to happen. Cleaning up the urine stain immediately can give you optimal results and prevent stains from damaging your textile. First, stand on an old terry cloth towel to remove most of the moisture. Then, mix a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent with one cup of water and work it into the stain. Keep in mind, blotting your carpet will work much more efficiently than rubbing it!

Use powders and liquids. It’s inevitable that your pets will leave even a slight odor in your home, especially if they spend time playing outside. To keep your carpets and upholstery smelling their freshest, try using powdered odor eliminators when fabrics are dry, or even a liquid urine odor eliminator with ingredients like bio-enzymatic that kill bacteria.

Get a professional cleaning. One of the best ways you can fight stains and odors that your loving pets leave behind is to get a professional cleaning. When you get a thorough cleaning, experts will come right to your door with all the proper equipment. They will remove soil and revive colors to leave fabric clean, fresh, & bright. Can’t beat that!

If you’re a pet owner looking for a certified carpet and upholstery cleaning technician to help you freshen up your carpets and upholstery, call the experts at Triple S! We are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience. We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street
Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue
Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue