Spring is peeking around the corner, and the March issue of Jensen’s Healthy Home News is packed with timely tips and local fun. Learn how your furry friends may be affecting your carpets—and how to treat some common spots before they stain—plus smart advice on spring cleaning and pest-proofing. You’ll also find a healthy shamrock smoothie recipe, affordable spring break ideas close to home, Joel’s Carpet Tip, details on our featured local event for March: the Maple Syrup 5K, our March special offer, and a chance to win a gift card to Culver’s. Click Jensen’s Healthy Home News to download the complete newsletter. Here are some highlights:
Could your best friend be your carpet’s worst enemy? How to easily remove spots…before they turn into stains!
Hello friends and clients! Many of our clients have beloved pets that have accidents, and it’s very important that these are cleaned up properly to prevent odors and stains, but even if you don’t have any pets, unless your home is draped in plastic, you get spots and spills…“Oops! He did it again…”
Three common spills and spots and how to properly remove them:
- Spot #1 Food Spills: From greasy pizza to cherry cobbler… how to remove food spills. If you have a fresh spill make sure all of the food is off the carpet, and if it’s an older spill, gently scrape all the dried food off of the carpet. Next, put a bit of mild detergent into a spray bottle filled with HOT tap water. (Dish soap will do, just make sure it does NOT contain bleaching agents. And go easy with the detergent; a ratio of 2 drops of detergent to 2 cups of water is all you need.) Then spray the area, without soaking it, and begin to blot, while being very careful not to rub or scrub the carpet. (NOTE: Damage and/or fraying of the carpet fibers can occur if you rub the carpet.) Try to use a clean, white towel when cleaning the spot; a colored or printed towel could transfer unwanted color to the area. Continue this action of spraying and blotting until your desired results are reached and the carpet feels almost dry to your touch.
- Spot #2 “Natural” Drinks: Coffee, tea, or red wine? For natural drink spills that have the ability to dye your carpet follow these steps. (All other drink spills simply follow Spot #1’s directions). First, firmly blot and absorb up as much of the spill as you can. Next, get your detergent solution (2 drops detergent to 2 cups HOT water, no bleaching agents!) and mix 1 part of this solution to 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Spray the spill (without over wetting) then place a piece of plastic wrap over the area so the hydrogen peroxide solution can have a chance to do its job. Let it sit like that for approximately 2 hours. Next, remove the plastic and go through the rinse/blot (outlined above) until the spot is gone.
- Spot #3 Pet Accidents (Urine): This is probably the #1 problem area for pet owners with carpet. If the spot is fresh, cover the area with baking soda (synthetic fibers only) and let the area dry completely. Then vacuum it up. The baking soda pulls the stain out and works amazingly. If the spot is older and already dry, use the same method described for “Spot #2, removing the drinks.”
Please note: treat your carpet gently, like a delicate fabric. When you clean it by hand, always be moderate with your cleaning agents and apply gentle but firm blotting so you don’t break down the fibers. And remember, you can always call us to come over and clean it up for you, especially because for 90 days after your next cleaning we will do it for free.
And here is a bonus way to keep your carpets looking like new: call Jensen’s Carpet Care & Restoration at (920) 393-4062 or email: info@jensenscarpetcare.com before March 31, 2025, and you get: $20 OFF Carpet Cleaning.*
*Not valid with other offers. Minimum charge always applies.
Spring cleaning meets spring pest-proofing
As the days get longer and Wisconsin finally starts to thaw, many homeowners feel the pull of spring cleaning. But there’s another important job that should go hand in hand with carpet cleaning and decluttering your closets: pest-proofing your home.
Warmer temperatures act like an alarm clock for insects and other unwanted guests. In early spring, common invaders include ants (especially carpenter, pavement and odorous house ants), termites, spiders, springtails and cockroaches. Mild or wet winters — something we’ve seen more often in recent years — can mean pests show up earlier and in greater numbers because moisture and warmth create ideal living conditions indoors.
The good news? A few simple habits added to your spring cleaning routine can help keep them out.
Remove shelter
- Keep soil at least one inch below wood siding.
- Pull mulch back at least 15 inches from your foundation.
- Seal cracks and gaps along the base of your home.
- Trim tree branches and shrubs away from siding and rooflines.
- Repair torn window and door screens.
Remove food
- Keep trash cans clean and tightly sealed.
- Don’t let dirty dishes sit overnight.
- Wipe counters and vacuum floors regularly.
- Pick up pet food once your furry friend is done eating.
Remove water
- Fix dripping faucets and check for puddles under sinks.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp basements or crawl spaces.
A cleaner, drier, well-sealed home is less inviting to pests — and healthier for your family, too. Make pest-proofing part of your March cleaning checklist and enjoy a fresher, bug-free start to spring.
“May you have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, and a warm cup of tea by the fire. Laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all that your heart might desire. May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you ever more.”
— An Irish Blessing