Expert Homeowner Cleaning Tips

Over the years, Triple S has helped thousands of families and businesses clean their space. From carpets and rugs to tile, grout, and upholstery. Our licensed and insured cleaning experts love the opportunity to help out.

With years of experience under our belt comes an excess amount of knowledge on all things home cleaning — and we’d love to share a few tips we’ve learned along the way.

Home Cleaning Tips From Triple S

Use under-padding with your rugs.
Steven DeMarco II, CRS: “It’s important to use under-padding with your rugs because it will add comfort and extend its lifespan. Durahold Under-Padding offers the best rug protection for rugs used over hard surfaces like wood, tile, and stone.”

Store your outdoor cushions every season.
Ed Marcarelli, Upholstery Manager: “Covering or storing your cushions when they are not in use (as well as cleaning before you store them) will help prevent excess soiling and increase the life of the fabric.”

Triple S has a dry climate-controlled warehouse to clean and store your outdoor cushions, find out more here.

Use a homemade cleaner to remove skunk smell on pets.
Ron Sanders, VP: “What can you use on a dog that got sprayed by a skunk before he lays on your carpet or furniture? The formula: 1 quart 3% peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Mix completely in a pan or bucket and apply to fur wearing rubber gloves. Massage in and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry. May require a second application.”

Vacuum weekly — especially if you suffer from allergies.
Ed Marcarelli, Upholstery Manager: “The same dust that builds up on your wood furniture also collects on your upholstered items. Vacuuming on a regular basis will help keep them clean and extend the life of the textile.”

Look for solution-dyed acrylics for outdoor furniture.
Ed Marcarelli, Upholstery Manager: “When looking for outdoor fabrics, look for solution-dyed acrylics. You will get a color that is more stable, they are almost impossible to stain, and they won’t fade.”

Don’t use acid or alkaline cleaners on marble.
Kevin DeMarco, CRS: “Marble flooring is chosen for its beauty. However it’s a relativity soft stone, porous, and chemically sensitive. Clean up spills immediately, dust mop regularly and use area rugs and runners in traffic areas. Do not use acid or alkaline cleaners. Dull or scratched marble can be professionally polished and sealed."

At Triple S, we offer several cleaning services to restore your carpets, drapes, and upholstery once more! We are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience and are here to help you keep your home looking and feeling Clean, Fresh, & Bright no matter how messy your furry friends might be!

Triple S has three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

10 Easy Summer Storage Tips

If you still have winter clothing laying around, it's time to store them away! Temperatures have hit the 90's — you won't be needed that over-sized sweater anymore (trust us).

To keep your winter materials looking fresh season after season, follow these simple rules for storing your warm and wooly items:

10 Easy Summer Storage Tips

1. Since dirt and food are invitations to insects, clean or dry clean everything before storage.
2. Make all necessary repairs before cleaning and storing - sew hemlines, replace buttons, and fix split seams.
3. Store all items in a cool, well-ventilated area.
4. Store away from natural and artificial light. This means hot attics, damp basements, and garages should be avoided.
5. Store woolens in cedar chests or in other airtight containers. Second choices for storage of woolens are cloth or canvas bags and cardboard boxes. If you store in a closet, drape a cloth sheet over your clothes to protect them from dust and light. Do not store in plastic.
6. Pack airtight containers with mothballs separate from the clothes, never on them.
7. To discourage wrinkles in sweaters, fold them, and wrap in white tissue paper before storing. If you hang your sweaters, fold over the crossbar to avoid shoulder stretches.
8. Down, like all winter clothing, should be cleaned (either washed or dry cleaned according to the care label) before end of season storage. Down should be stored loosely, to allow for air circulation.
9. Furs should be stored on a well padded hanger in a cool dark place, ideally with a professional fur storage company or a dry cleaner with fur storage capacity.
10. If you do not have proper storage space, ask your drycleaner about box storage. You can get your clothes cleaned and properly stored for the season all at the same time.

At Triple S, we are dedicated to keeping your home Clean Fresh & Bright through all four seasons! Our textile experts have all the tools and experience you could need when looking for an upholstery and carpet cleaning company. 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

How To Get Rid Of Pet Dander at Home

When we're cuddling with our pets, the last thing we're thinking about is how dirty they are. But, they are, very dirty! With dander, dandruff, and dirt (allergy-sufferers worse nightmare!). Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent pet dander from affecting you.

What Is Pet Dander?
Pet dander is made up of tiny, microscopic flecks of skin shed. People with allergy sensitivities can be triggered by pet dander the same way they are affected by an animals saliva and urine.

Which Pets Should you Avoid?
Many people think cats have the most dander, but twice as many people report allergies to cats than to dogs. And unfortunately, there aren't any "non-allergenic dogs or cats," so both short-haired and long-haired animals will contribute to allergens and poor indoor air quality.

How Can I Control Pet Allergens?
Here are a few tips to help you minimize the discomfort:

• Keep your pets out of your bedroom.
• Wash your fabrics once a week (i.e., linens, pillowcases, and window treatments).
• Wipe up your tile floors once a month.
• Vacuum carpet and upholstery once a week and by a professional once a month (if you're in need of a certified cleaning company, call us!).

At Triple S, we offer several cleaning services to restore your carpets, drapes, and upholstery once more! We are a family owned business with over 50 years of experience and are here to help you keep your home looking and feeling Clean, Fresh, & Bright no matter how messy your furry friends might be!

Triple S has three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

How To Choose The Best Window Treatment

Your window treatments are just as important as the art hanging on your wall. If you pick the wrong pattern or the wrong color, it can completely change the decor of the room.

What Are The Best Textiles For Each Room?

Living Room

If you entertain often, the living room window treatments are the most important ones. If your home as large windows, Hunter Douglas sheer shades would fit perfectly.

The Silhouette® vertical sheers provide a warm and cozy feel, while still brightening up your home. This award-winning shade can also roll completely into the headrail, providing a clear view outside.

Bathroom

Just like your bedroom, your bathroom is your private space. Sheer curtains just can't provide you with the privacy you need, so installing shades is the way to go.

We love the top-down, bottom-up Hunter Douglas Vignette® Tiered™ Modern Roman Shades. They give you the privacy you need and they are easy to use, too!

Bedroom

We all need at least two things in our bedroom, privacy and comfort. That's why Hunter Douglas Prouette® window shadings are the best option in this room. They feature soft fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing so it appears to be floated when open, drawing more natural light into your room.

Let Triple S inspire your next window treatment purchase with the highest quality products products and materials. Our experts will do the work measuring dimensions, assessing your room’s lighting, and making sure your purchase is perfectly customized to your home.

To learn more about DUC interiors and Triple S, visit our website.

Get Your Backyard Ready For Summer

Cleaning Your Vacation Home: Part III

Now that you’ve successfully cleaned the interior of your home, how does the outside look? If your backyard needs a little TLC, there’s still time before summer officially (and unofficially) begins!

Keep reading for the best ways to spruce up your backyard.

Patio and Deck
Take a moment to sweep and power spray the remaining grime from your deck.

Don’t forget to wipe down your patio furniture, clean your patio cushions, and cover your furniture after each use. But, if there’s no saving your outdoor furniture and you think it’s simply time for an upgrade, read our blog: Tips For Buying Outdoor Furniture.

If you left your patio cushions with Triple S for cleaning and storing, call us and we’ll deliver them straight to your door!

Outdoor Kitchen
Give your grill a good cleaning (utensils and all!). And while you’re at it, make sure you have extra plates, cups, and other utensils for you and your guests.

Outdoor Lighting
Go around your property and check to make sure all your lights are working properly. Add a little glow to your patio so you can enjoy this space after dark — it’ll also come in handy when you want to grill at night.

Another great way to spruce up your outdoor space is by adding an outdoor rug! They can withstand the high-foot traffic that outdoor parties bring and plus, they make your space more welcoming!

Don’t worry about getting any spills or stains on your outdoor carpet either (it’s bound to happen at least once over the summer). We have all the tips you need, here: Spot Removal Tips.

To keep your backyard clean all summer long, follow our weekly cleaning checklist from part II of our blog series: Cleaning Your Vacation Home.

At Triple S, we are dedicated to keeping your home Clean Fresh & Bright through all four seasons. So if you need us this summer, please don’t hesitate to give us a call! 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

How To Keep Your Home Clean This Summer

We know the last thing on anyone's mind during the summer is cleaning. We would all much rather be lounging by the pool or the beach. However, if you want to come home to a neat and tidy place, then sticking to a daily or weekly cleaning schedule is best.

Cleaning Your Vacation Home: Part II

Monday
Monday’s we always schedule our lighter chores (we all know how hard it is to do anything after the weekend). Don’t be fooled though, these lighter chores will still have a large effect on your home.

Wipe down all of the surfaces in your bathroom and kitchen (and your office too, if you have one!), and sweep the floors quickly — there’s bound to be some sand somewhere. 

Tuesday
Tuesday is pickup day. Go to every room and pick up any excess clothes, toys, or garbage. This small task will help clear away the clutter little by little.

Wednesday
Sunday’s are typically a popular day for laundry, but not in the summertime! The weekends are usually the time we get to enjoy a little sunshine. So, once Wednesday rolls around, grab your whites and your colors, and get your laundry done just in time for some weekend fun.

Thursday
Your bathroom needs a deep cleaning at least once a week, so get out your toilet bowl brush and your shower scrub and start rubbing away.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Mini weekend vacations are a staple in the summer. This is why we’ve clumped Friday, Saturday, and Sunday chores all in one — just make sure you get to it at least one of the days. 

Use your weekend to focus on the kitchen. Plan out your weekly meals, scrub the sink and appliances, and wipe down the counter tops. We also suggest cleaning out the fridge and throwing away any expired meals.

To find our cleaning checklist, and keep up with your summer cleaning, check out part I of our blog series: Cleaning Your Vacation Home.

For help with cleaning your carpets, hardwood floors, upholstery, patio cushions, and more, call Triple S!

We have three main plant locations:

Stamford Plant | 400 West Main Street

Norwalk Plant | 337 Westport Avenue

Stratford Plant | 1800 Stratford Avenue

Cleaning Your Vacation Home

Once summer finally arrives, you should be in vacation-mode — not cleaning-mode! If your family has a home away from home for the next 3 to 4 months, it’s best to take a trip to your oasis now to start cleaning!

We know that it can be hard to find the time, but if you don’t want to be completing chores for hours on arrival, grab your cleaning supplies, a cleaning buddy, and start scrubbing! 

Indoor Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen:

• Clean ALL kitchen appliances and equipment (i.e., coffee maker, microwave, grill). Don’t forget to give your pots and pans a good rinse — they’ve been left aside for dust and debris to collect.
• Wipe down all countertops, stovetops, and glass cabinets.
• Stock your fridge and pantry with plenty of food, snacks, and drinks for your family an friends to enjoy when they arrive.
• Replenish your kitchen with dish and hand soap, garbage bags, pot holders, and dish towels.

Living Room:

• Dust off ceiling fans, lamps, blinds, TV units, and air vents.
• Clean glass windows and curtains or blinds.
• Wipe down your couches and clean any blankets or upholstery.
• Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to vacuum!

If you need a professional carpet or upholstery cleaner, call Triple S!

Bathroom:

• Clean, scrub, and sanitize your entire bathroom — toilet, sink, and shower included.
• Restock toilet paper, hand towels and shower towels, and shower supplies.
• Check for any leaks or clogs with your plumbing.

If you want to take your cleaning one step further, read our blog: 4 Ways To Green Clean Your Bathroom!

Bedroom:

• Change bedsheets, pillowcases, and comforters. It will also come in handy to have a few spare bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets for your guest bedrooms. 
• Check and change any broken light bulbs.

To find out how to clean your bedding, read: We Care For Bedspreads and Comforters.

Outdoor Cleaning Checklist

Patio

• Powerwash and sweep the deck.
• Clean your patio furniture and cushions.
• Clean your outdoor grill utensils.
• Replace any broken landscape lights.

If you left your patio cushions with Triple S for cleaning and storing, call us and we’ll deliver them straight to your door!

Yard

• Plant new flowers and pick out any weeds.
• Plan out your watering schedule for the summer.

Read, How To Give Your Backyard Personality.

Extra:

• Clean the windows, screens, and shutters.
• Powerwash your home’s siding.

At Triple S, we are dedicated to keeping your home Clean Fresh & Bright through all four seasons. So if you need us this summer, please don’t hesitate to give us a call! 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