Employee Spotlight: Mark Wagner Manager of Maintenance

Companies that don’t have one usually wish that they did.

And companies that do have one usually don’t recognize how indispensable they are. 

We're speaking about those rare individuals who are instinctively good at what they do even without formal training…a true autodidact.

A rare photo of Mark in a suit & tie!

At Triple S, we are lucky enough to have such a person — and his name is Mark Wagner. 

Mark has been with the company for 46 years, and considering he's only 62, well…you do the math.

It all began when his school pal, Pete Cavanagh, mentioned that a company named Triple S was looking for some part-time help...in other words, picking up wet rugs.  

But then, he started fixing things...every “thing." From rug repairs to light fixtures, to leaky roofs and to problematic machinery of every kind that we use in our business.

The man is a startling combination of instinct, experience and problem solving that makes him irreplaceable in an organization with as many moving parts as ours.

One day he's installing new counter tops in our kitchen; the next day he's remodeling an office or welding a colleague’s broken flagpole — and in between all of that, he's always on call by and for our technicians. 

While he is licensed as a boiler repair technician and as a welder, the guy has such a nose for fixin’ that there's little he won’t try…invariably with a salubrious outcome.

Mark's Porsche 914

As for Mark's hobbies — he races cars! As a long-time member of the Sports Car Club of America, Mark is often found at Lime Rock, CT racing his 914 Porsche in the company of other aficionados such as Storm Field.

But unlike many of his racing companions, Mark is able to rebuild a carburetor or balance his own wheels!

He’s a one-man pit crew at work and at play... and we’re both lucky and proud to have him on the Triple S team.

Connect with Triple S on social media!

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Why Choose Triple S: Cleaning Services in CT and NY

Are you a homeowner looking to achieve a fresher, brighter home? Do you have old rugs or draperies that need serious cleaning but you're not sure how? You might be considering a call to a professional but you're not sure who to choose. Here's a few good reasons you can count on us at Triple S!

We Have 55 Years Of Experience And Dependability

Whether it be an oriental rug, wall to wall carpet, drapery, valence or so much more, we can handle it. We emphasize green cleaning formulas that contain natural, renewable ingredients to protect human health and our environment without sacrificing quality cleaning. As a Triple S customer you achieve both a beautiful and healthy home.

We Are A Family Business

Run by 1st and 2nd generations, our textile specialists have been around since 1963, and that's not to say we are small in size! Our company, larger than most, has been dedicated to providing textile cleaning services to customers far and near for more than half a century.

We Own And Operate 3 Large Cleaning Plants

With cleaning plants in Stamford, Norwalk and Stratford we are sure to be able to accommodate your needs. With a variety of services, including pickup and deliveries, your Triple S carpet cleaning doesn't make you skip a beat.

We Have A Team Of Highly Trained, Long-Term Employees

Around 35% of our employees have been with us for over 20 years and 70% of our employees have been with us for over 10! What does that mean for you? When we send a cleaning expert to your home you can expert to receive someone with years of experience and a love for what they do.

Ready to get the Triple S clean you deserve? Contact us today at one of our locations or visit our website for more information. For cleaning tips and updates, connect with us on social media!

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Triple S Services: Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford CT

With 55 years of experience and three main Connecticut plants, Triple S is dedicated to bringing you a large suite of cleaning services for all textiles. See a brief summary of the main services we offer below:

Rug & Wall-to-Wall Carpet Cleaning

• Repairs and reweaving.
• Cleaning at one of our 3 plant locations (directions). We also offer pick-up and delivery services.
• All types of rug under padding.
• Fine rug protector.
• Pet odor removal.
• Wool treatment, which protects against insects.
• Deodorizing/Antimicrobial treatment.

Drapery & Upholstery Cleaning

• Professional take-down and re-installation service.
• On-site cleaning.
• Alterations, relining and repairs.
• In-plant cushion cleaning (even boat and patio cushions).
• On-site mattress cleaning with Microban. Microban will help kill allergy causing germs, odors, mold and mildew.

Carpet Maintenance

• Steam extraction, rotary brush, rotary steam, bonnet, dry clean systems, and low moisture encapsulation.
• Construction carpet clean up (thorough vacuuming and spot cleaning).
• Carpet service, patching, re-stretching and repairs.
• Carpet protector to guard against spots and spills.
• Antimicrobial treatment for deodorizing and controlling mold & mildew.
• Anti-static treatment for carpets.
• Training your staff to use proper, safe spotting techniques.
• Carpet saver entrance walk-off mats and anti-fatigue mats.

Grout & Tile Cleaning

• Cleaning and sealing of grout, tile, marble and similar materials.

Fabric Keeper Program

• Planned cleaning frequencies for all fabrics and leather.
• Periodic inspections and spot cleaning.
• Repairs, restoration and replacement.
• Emergency on-call service.
• Avoids  premature, costly replacements.
• 3 year budget pricing available.

Visit our website for complete details on all cleaning services, spot removal tips and information on our family owned and operated business. Schedule a service here.

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Best Ways to Clean Hardwood Floors

Installing hardwood floors can be pricey. But don’t worry, the investment is well worth it — if you keep up with dirt and spills at least. Want the secret to keeping shiny hardwood floors? Here are three of the best methods.

Vacuum Weekly.

Vacuuming at least once a week can eliminate all that food and dust you leave behind. Just use the correct nozzle on your vacuum to prevent scratching your beautiful wood floors and to efficiently pick up every dirty particle.

Dust Frequently.

It’s also key to dust your hardwood floors frequently. Although vacuuming your hardwood can suck up food and dust bunnies, you still need to dust any tiny particles left behind after you vacuum.

Eliminate Spots and Spills — Immediately.

Rather than waiting it out, be sure to wipe up spots and spills immediately after an accident occurs. If you wait too long, you can risk discoloration or your floors warping. Be especially careful if you use a humidifier in the winter, as these devices can also cause warping. Keep them away from hardwood floors and wipe up any dampness after use.

For spot removal tips on how to clean everything in your home, click here.

Triple S is your ultimate source for carpet, drapery, upholstery, and tile cleaning. If you’re looking for more expert tips on how to keep your hardwood floors looking spotless, turn to our specialists. We are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience, ready to help you maximize your home’s cleanliness and comfort.

Triple S has three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Area Rug Do's and Dont's

Want to enhance your living area’s design? Choosing the right area rug can make all the difference! But from material to color and even texture, there are plenty of area rugs to choose from. So how do you scope out the perfect selection? Before you start shopping for one, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO choose right size
You don’t want a rug that’s too small nor too large. Think of your furniture as a rule of measurement when shopping for your rug. For example, size up the area rug properly to your furniture by selecting a rug that fits just under the front legs of the sofa. However, there are many other ways to style your rug. Click here to learn about other options.

DO choose furniture before rugs
Not only will choosing your furniture first help you find the right fit, but it will also act as a canvas for the rest of your space, and that includes your rug. You want your textiles to compliment your furniture, so pick the area rug last. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to switch up the rug seasonally if you prefer.

DON'T break the bank
A beautiful rug doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it- the less money you spend on a rug, the more cash you have to spend on a possible secondary rug or other home decor items that will tie the room together.

DON'T shy away from creativity
When it comes to decorating, don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns. For instance, choose a geometric print rug and an animal print arm chair. Keep the colors complimentary, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay too close inside the lines.

Do you have an area rug at home that you love but needs a little cleaning up? Call the textile experts at Triple S! We are your source for top notch professional cleaning services. We are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience, ready to help you get rid dirt as well as accidental stains.

Triple S has three main plant locations:

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

Way to Go Norwalk Mad Bulls!

Triple S is proud of our Mad Bulls wrestling team for their newest accomplishment! On May 2nd and 3rd five Mad Bull national qualifiers traveled to the Wicomico Civic Center in Maryland to meet the best youth wrestlers in the country. Although a very tough tournament Norwalk had two wrestlers place 2nd and 8th in their respective weight class, making it the best showing for Connecticut in 48 years that the Youth Nationals have been held.These wrestlers were our third national place winners in two years and are now National All-Americans!

Between state, regional, and national championships, the Norwalk Mad Bull program is currently a top ranked Connecticut and New England team. Among the accomplishments, the crowning fifteen State Champions, two New England Champions, as well as three national place winners ALL in their five short years of existence.

Meet the team:  

Art Schad, Manager of Triple S Carpet & Drapery Cleaners Corporate Services Department and Textile Specialists is the head coach and founder of the Mad Bulls of Norwalk, Connecticut.

The Mad Bulls program is a non-profit, volunteer organization that was formed in 2010. The program believes that wrestling instills the values of commitment, discipline, sportsmanship and good overall physical fitness. The Mad Bulls also give the kids a safe, sanctioned place to exercise, socialize, and develop lifelong skills. The roster peaked at 85 members this year and added an all-girls team last year!

We are proud of Triple S’s Art Schad and his team of hardworking athletes for their huge accomplishments. For up-to-date happenings in the Norwalk area, check out our Facebook Page!

Looking for a trusted carpet cleaner in Fairfield County? Call the textile specialists at Triple S today!We are located in Connecticut with three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

                                              Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

What is an Abrash Rug?

Looking for a new rug that is sure to make your home a one-of-a-kind? Leave it to a hand-knotted rug to spruce up your favorite living space. When you walk into a store, ask for an Abrash rug - an oriental rug color with a truly authentic design.

Here’s why an Abrash rug is a unique choice:

It has different color variations. The term Abrash, from the Arabic word for mottled, is used to indicate color changes that run horizontally across the rug. So a light shade of blue may have hints of darker blue, but these hues will never be the same as another rug.

It has a unique dyeing process. Abrash results from variations of the dyeing process. it’s never a perfect match, which makes each one stands out. Because the weaver runs out of one batch and restarts with another, it results in different shades. How cool is that!

It cleans up well. The true colors of Abrash are easily obstructed by soil, causing it to lose its vibrancy. Luckily, Abrash reacts well to a professional cleaning, bringing back the rich hues. Unlike other rugs, an Abrash rug will look new for years to come!

What do you think of the Abrash oriental rug color? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page!

Need a deep clean for your oriental rug? Call the textile specialists at Triple S! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

   Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Top 4 Rug Mistakes to Avoid

Rugs are a centerpiece that can either make or break your favorite space. For many homeowners, it can be difficult to find a textile that perfectly fits the layout and design of your room. So how do you make sure you’ve made the right choice?

Here’s four big rug mistakes you don’t want to make when styling your home:

Choosing a small rug. Buying a rug that’s too small will ultimately make your room look smaller. Choose a rug to set boundaries around your furniture and help define an area. Bonus tip: It should be large enough so that front legs of your furniture are on it.

Not layering. Don’t be afraid to layer up on rugs. Try a jute rug, which cleans up nicely if you’re prone to spills and stains. Add a patterned rug over it for a unique, playful effect. You’ll be surprised how neatly your space will tie together!

Skipping the rug pad. Without a rug pad, you’re bound to slip and slide. Not to mention, it also adds a layer of cushion for your feet - especially beneath a flat woven rug.

Choosing your rug last. Rule of thumb: choose the rug first. It’s sure to grab lots of attention and balance all elements in your room. If you wait until after purchasing accent pillows, you’ll have a difficult time finding the perfect rug.

When you’ve settled on a new rug that suites your home, make sure to keep it looking beautiful! An annual deep cleaning will keep it looking fresh for a long time! Call the cleaning specialists at Triple S! We have three main plant locations:

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

The Best Time to Clean Window Treatments

Draperies and window treatments not looking as fresh as they used to? Soil, dust, and weather conditions are just a few reasons why it’s time for a spring cleaning. To keep your home looking and feeling new, look no further than our expert tips on when to clean these fabrics: 

Be wary of dust and contaminants - They cling to your window treatments and continually flow upwards behind them - like air into a chimney.

Give it the smell test - Put your face in the fabric. If you smell odors and dust, it’s time to clean.

Check the calendar - Are you due for an annual cleaning? While you can clean your draperies any time, spring is best as summer humidity bonds the soil to fabric. Sunlight and moisture can drastically change the freshness of your window treatments.

So how can you clean them? Best is to vacuum thoroughly at least once a year (especially in spring). Bonus tip: be sure to reduce the vacuum suction as not to damage the fabric.

Need a professional cleaning? Call the specialists at Triple S! Professional cleaning methods include dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and washing. Draperies are then pressed, sized, and returned to you with new pins, exact length and perfect hemlines.

Triple S has three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Evolution of Carpet Cleaning & Repair

From area rugs to wall to wall carpet and back again, find out how carpet cleaning and repair has changed over the years:

Early 1950s- Area rugs were in popular demand and the wealthy would swap those rugs out seasonally. As such, cleaning facilities had to be large enough to store these rugs regardless of the season.

Late 1950s - Wall-to-wall became popular as area rugs started fading out, but since portable equipment for cleaning rugs wasn’t developed yet - cleaners had to rip up carpet and bring it in for cleaning. The downside? This created problems with shrinkage when trying to reinstall the carpet. The solution? Equipment was developed to clean wall-to-wall in place.

1970s - Carpet fibers made a change for the better. Olefin, a synthetic fiber, replaced nylon. Then polyester came into the picture, which could be dyed in various colors. Carpet fiber makers began to warranty the product instead of the carpet mills.

1980s - With mold becoming a major health concern, it lead popularity back to hardwood floors. Consequently, area rugs became common in homes again.

For the most current cleaning tips and updates, connect with us on social media!

Whether you have area rugs or wall-to-wall carpets in your home, the textile specialists at Triple S provide professional cleaning services. We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Hurry! Our 52nd Anniversary Sale Expires Soon

Have you taken advantage of our 52nd Anniversary Sale yet? Today's your day! These offers expire Saturday, March 21st, 2015.

Famous 2 for 1 Oriental and Area Rug Cleaning Sale, when you bring your rugs to Norwalk, Stamford or Stratford plants. Pay for the largest: 2nd rug cleaned FREE! Prepayment required. Too big to bring in? We offer Pick up & Delivery including rolling and spreading. Add $79 and still get the 2 for 1 sale and we’ll do the heavy work. No rug Limit.

Save 25% Drapery & Window Treatment Cleaning, when you bring your draperies to Norwalk, Stamford or Stratford plants. Add $79 and we will remove them from your windows, clean them with the adjust-a-drape system and return and reinstall them in a week. The same for all your window treatments, blinds, shades and Hunter Douglas products.

Save 20% in-home Wall to Wall Carpet Cleaning, when you clean and protect your Wall-to-Wall Carpeting. Comes with 3 month spot & spill warranty & free bottle of spotter. Minimum charges and some restrictions may apply.

Save 20% in-home Upholstery Cleaning and ProSeal Protector, when you Clean and ProSeal your Sofas, Loveseats, Chairs, Sectionals. Minimum charges and some restrictions may apply.

FREE Winter Storage for Patio & Boat Cushions. Winter Storage till May 2015 when we clean your patio & boat cushions. Bring your cushions in to any of our 3 convenient locations. Pick-up and delivery available; call for details. *Leave the fabric on the cushions when you bring them in. Prepayment required.

$50 OFF Grout, Tile & Stone Cleaning & Sealing. Call for Estimate. Expert Cleaning & Sealing of Grout, Tile and Natural Stone.

Save 20% Hard Wood Floor Cleaning & Maintenance Coat Protector. We clean your wood floors and even get the dirt out of the crevices and then we apply our maintenance coat protector gloss or satin finish

Take a look at our official flyer here »

Ready to schedule your visit? Triple S has three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

For cleaning tips and updates, connect with us on social media!

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The Cause of Static in Your Rug or Carpet

Have you ever brushed your foot across your rug or carpet and experienced a snap or shock you weren't expecting? This static in your textiles is caused by the friction between your socks or shoes and the carpet and is made possible by the dry and cold conditions a Northeast winter can cause.

Connecticut and the surrounding states have certainly experienced quite the opposite of a mild winter this year. As a result, humidity has been extremely low making way for such static conditions.

While static charge will vary with different carpet types, overall, it is more likely to occur in harsh weather conditions like these. Electrons create a negative static charge when you touch something (such as your carpet). The electrons then transfer to your socks or shoes generating the small electric shock you experience. This can be specifically troublesome in office spaces with computers.

Some carpets have antistatic agents built into the fiber, but you can also purchase antistatic products to spray on others. The best solution, however, is to add humidity to your home or office with the help of a humidifier. Moisture in the air can carry off a static charge as it is formed.

We know that static isn't the only concern when it comes to your rug or carpet. For information on carpet cleaning services, spot removal and more, visit our website.

Triple S Carpet & Drapery Cleaners has three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Connect with us on social media for more service updates and information:

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4 Main Types of Carpet Fiber

Shopping around for a new carpet? Along with a lot of other carpet factors, you're going to have to decide on what kind of fiber will best suit your home.

Keep in mind that no one fiber is truly the "best." It's a matter of opinion and depends on what you're looking for. Use our guide below to choose.

Wool
This is actually the only natural fiber used in carpeting today! The rest are synthetic materials formulated by chemists. Since wool is scarce it can also be a bit more expensive. To offset these expenses, wool is often mixed with synthetic fibers to create a wool blend.

Advantages: Soft and luxurious; cleans well; hypo-allergenic
Disadvantages: Stains easily; heavier in weight

Nylon
Today this fiber is stain resistant and occupies the largest market share out of the man-made fibers. Plus, it is very resilient and cleans easily. Lastly, it has low levels of static.

Polyester
Most polyester carpets are created from recycled bottles, making it one of the greenest carpet alternatives available. Typically costing less than nylon, it is still stain resistant, cleans well and is static-free.

Unlike nylon, however, polyester carpets don't have a tendency to "bounce back," making furniture marks more difficult to remove.

Triexa 
Increasingly popular over recent years, triexa is very stain and fade resistant. Also priced lower than nylon, it is resilient but does not handle oil spills well.

Already an owner of a carpet you love? Show it some more love with an on-site carpet cleaning from the textile specialists at Triple S. We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Connect with us on social media for more service updates and information:

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How to Maintain a Brand New Carpet

A new carpet installation is many things. An exciting and fresh look in your home, for one. To maintain this carpet through various seasons, years, holiday parties and other activities, you'll want to establish a plan of action for your carpet care.

Here's a basic guideline.

Know what kind of action you'll want to take before spills and similar accidents occur. Spot cleaning techniques are effective if performed in a timely manner. Therefore, educating yourself at the time of installation is ideal so you don't have to worry about doing your research when an accident has already happened. Spot removal tips can be found on our website »

Vacuum regularly. For many homeowners, regularly means about once or twice or week. The truth, however, is that you should really vacuum daily. Find a few reasons why in a previous blog post.

You'll want to have your carpets professionally cleaned every year to every year and a half. While regular home maintenance is effective and should be done, you can only achieve a deep clean with professional equipment. Learn more about our on-site services here »

Remember, always treat stains as soon as they occur for a longer-lasting and beautiful carpet!

Have more carpet maintenance questions? Give us a call.

Triple S has 3 main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Connect with us on social media for more service updates and information:

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Westport Woman's Club Donation

We're so happy that we were able to contribute to a great place like the Westport Woman's Club. On Wednesday, February 4th, Triple S donated about $3,600 in services - cleaning all carpeting, upholstery and draperies.

Check out these images of our crew cleaning below: 

"The Westport Woman's Club, organized in 1907, is a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to volunteerism and the raising of funds in support of the charitable, educational, cultural and public health services in Westport and surrounding town."

Triple S has been providing the finest professional carpet & drapery cleaning services for over 50 years. Call us for your in-house carpet cleaning today. 

Winter Maintenance for Your Rug

With the winter season comes a lot of home maintenance needs. Doors and windows are sealed tight, keeping unwanted dust and allergens trapped inside, and furnaces are running at full capacity - sucking up our energy use and blowing those dust particles back through the home.

To keep one cleaning requirement under control, we're sharing a few important tips for keeping your carpets and rugs maintained this time of year:

Vacuum Regularly: As explained in a previous blog, vacuuming regularly is the most effective way to maintain indoor air quality and maintain your carpets and rugs.

Rotate Your Rugs: Rotating your rugs every month or so is a good idea when it comes to maintaining the consistent quality of your rug. Uneven exposure to sunlight and airflow can give your carpet uneven wear and tear or fade.

Try Carpet Protectant Applicants: Vacuuming can be made even more effective, especially for wool, by applying products recommended by your local carpet cleaner beforehand.

Need further help maintaining your textiles through the winter? Call the specialists at Triple S! We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

For more cleaning tips and updates, connect with us on social media!

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Oriental & Area Rug Cleaning in CT

At Triple S Carpet & Drapery Cleaners our textile specialists offer a wide array of cleaning services. One service that we are most proud of, however, is our ability to properly and carefully clean your oriental and area rugs!

When you come to us with a fragile oriental rug, we can use our highly-skilled hand-cleaning methods to restore them back to their natural beauty. Regardless of the age of your rug that needs cleaning, we individually and carefully inspect it to determine the proper cleaning method required. Plus, we only use cleaning formulas that we've developed over the years that are extremely gentle, effective and environmentally friendly!

A complete list of Oriental & Area Rug services we provide include the following:

• In-Plant Cleaning
• Repairs and Reweaving
• Cash & Carry Service
• Pick-Up & Delivery
• All Types of Rug Underpadding
• Pet Odor Removal, Deodorizing & More 

Call the textile specialists at Triple S today! We have three main plant locations: 

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Connect with us on social media for more service updates and information:

Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn - Google+ Stamford - Google+ Norwalk - Google+ Stratford