Pets are just as welcome on the furniture in my home as people are.
Nothing is more relaxing for me than curling up in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee and one of our purring cats on my lap. Unless it’s snuggling on the couch with my dog, Chilly, of course.
Of course, having paws and claws on your furniture will result in faster wear and tear. We therefore kept our pets in mind when we recently redecorated our family room. For instance, we chose a metal and wood coffee table rather than one made of sparkling glass or another material that would display cat paw prints.
Additionally, we made a point of selecting textiles that would be moderately scratch-resistant and simple to clean. We also used Chilly’s paw to test a leather fabric sample for our new sofa to see whether it would leave a mark. We gave it to him to play with outside to check if the dirt would come off easily to be extra certain. We were delighted and surprised to find that it held up to our tests, so we used that leather for our sofa.
The upholstered chair we got (seen below) is constructed of a fabric that is suitable for homes with young children and can be cleaned with crayon and markers. Any messes Chilly and the two kitties can make ought to fit well in there.
Before I even got a chance to remove the tag from the chair, Chilly plopped down in it! Thanks to Kristen Levine for the image
How do you safeguard your investment while maintaining your home’s pet- and family-friendliness when not everyone has a remodeling project in the works?
Here are seven of my favorite, most straightforward advices:
1. Take a thorough sweep.
Weekly vacuuming and/or wiping down of the furniture is advised if your pets are let on it. Additionally, make careful to rotate any removable cushions to prevent a pet’s preferred area from showing through dirt or wear.
2. Clean it off.
There isn’t much better for many dogs than a romp in the backyard, especially when it’s muddy! Keep an old towel close to the entrance and quickly wipe their feet before entering the home to reduce the amount of mud and grime they track in. Most dogs will quickly pick up on the pattern and pause for the required foot rub.
3. Run for cover.
Cleaning up is much simpler if you cover your furniture with a blanket or sheet. Simply throw it in the washer and the dirty paw prints will disappear! There are many slipcovers for sofas, loveseats, and chairs available if you like a more customized design. Even some products are designed to remove pet hair and filth.
4. Create a space just for your pet.
You are not required to purchase a couch specifically for your Beagle. But if you give him a plush, comfortable dog bed, you might be shocked to find that he prefers it to your couch. If he doesn’t show any interest, create a cheerful environment for him by providing him with a chew toy or bone, and give him attention when he decides to lie on the bed.
5. Turn the scratching around.
Even the most ardent cat lover can become irritated when cats stick their claws in inappropriate places. Place a favorite cat scratcher close to any furniture you don’t want your cat to use as a scratching surface to divert this natural instinct (you might need more than one). When your cat utilizes the scratcher, be sure to compliment her or give her a cat treat.
6. Present substitutes.
Our cats enjoy lounging in the guest bedroom, which results in a comforter covered with fur. NOT AT ALL GUEST FRIENDLY However, rather than excluding them, we’ve set up an enclosed cat bed for them to use in place of the bedspread. The amount of cat hair on the bed is reduced as a result. Additionally, we always wash the linen before a visitor checks in to get rid of any leftover cat or dog dander or hair.
For our cats, we maintain a cat bed—the light-blue object that resembles an igloo. Thanks to Kristen Levine for the image
7. Establish limits.
Perhaps you own a priceless item of furniture that has been handed down through the years. What if, on the other hand, you simply don’t want your pets on your couch? There are several fantastic methods to keep Fluffy or Fido away. For instance, we have applied pressurized air from a can. The whoosh sound is enough to shock the pet off the furniture even though we don’t blow it directly on them. You might use sprays with a bitter taste to prevent chewing on your furniture. Just make sure that it doesn’t hurt your friend when choosing the approach that will work best in your circumstance.
Consistency is important when it comes to pets and furnishings. It’s wonderful if you accept them wherever you are. It’s also acceptable if you’d like your cat to avoid the credenza. After you’ve established the rules, it’s crucial to avoid confusing your pet by occasionally making exceptions. They (and you) will succeed if you are straightforward and consistent.
With dogs, how do you keep fabric couches clean?
Accidents do happen when you have dogs. Sadly, this occasionally results in mishaps happening on your furniture. But there is still hope. You can maintain your sofa looking nice and feeling cozy as a favorite area for both you and your pet with a few pointers and tricks. With our advice on getting rid of pet hair, getting rid of stains, and hiding wear and tear, you may revitalize the appearance of your sofa.
Removing Stains and Odors
You just discovered a less-than-pleasant calling card on your upholstery sofa, chaise, or club chair, which you believe to be the work of your loving four-legged companion. Ugh! Even while it may seem impossible to remove these stains, you may return your couch to its prior beauty by using a few quick fixes.
1. Let it all in. First, blot up as much of the liquid from any spills as you can. Blot the spill in the beginning (don’t rub, as this could harm the fabric fibers), then spread out a towel to soak up the leftover liquid. As a result, odors will be lessened and stain removal will be simpler in the future.
2. Let the cushions breathe. After you’ve absorbed the liquid, air out all of your sofa’s removable components, including the cushion inserts. To help eliminate any remaining smells, vacuum upholstery using a HEPA vacuum.
3. Wash or clean the area. Check the manufacturer’s directions before using any cleaning products on your sofa. Apply a detergent or a cleaner made especially for upholstery if the directions say that detergents can be used. After that, gently dab at the area and rinse with water as needed. Pet-specific enzymatic cleansers and baking soda can both remove the stain successfully. Avoid using steam cleaning because the heat can make stains stick around longer.
Pre-treat any stains or spots with an upholstery detergent before laundering if your sofa has machine-washable slipcovers (again, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for further information).
4. Remove the smells. Stains and odors can be eliminated with the use of baking soda. Depending on how bad the scent is, leave this on for a few hours or over night, and then vacuum it up. A pet mess-specific enzymatic spray that is made to naturally get rid of odors could also be used. If vinegar is safe for your particular fabric, it can also aid in dissipating strong odors.
Calling a specialized upholstery cleaner may be the best course of action if you discover a stain that has already dried and set into the fabric. It is far more challenging to remove stains that have already become embedded. Sometimes attempting to clean them might harm the fabric fibers, making the problem look worse in the end. Messes can be removed by cleaning experts without damaging the fabric or cushions.
Removing Pet Hair
The fact that pets shed is a fact of life for many animal owners. Although owning certain varieties of dogs and cats entails shedding, pet hair can be easily removed from upholstery. A simple trick? Simply move your hands across the sofa while wearing rubber gloves or a sponge that has been dampened. The hair will gather into clumps, which will make it easy to remove. Traditional lint rollers and hair magnet brushes are also excellent for removing pet hair from your couch.
Hiding Wear and Tear
When you have pets at home, sometimes concerns go beyond stains and hair. Over time, your sofa may begin to exhibit signs of wear. When you have a pet at home, it’s inevitable that your sofa won’t be as comfortable as it once was, whether you have a dog that enjoys scratching and burrowing into the cushions or a cat who uses the sofa’s sides as a scratching post.
Apply a little dab of fabric glue to the tear if you see one in the upholstery to stop it from spreading. Call in a qualified upholsterer if you notice that the tear is getting worse or if you think it might do so soon. They’ll be able to expertly repair any harm and stop it from escalating.
Simply because your pet prefers to relax on your sofa, you could occasionally see wear on it. Place a blanket down or add more pillows if you notice that your dog or cat frequently occupies the same position on your sofa. This will prevent oils and grime from settling in this specific area, and it’s a simple way to upgrade and cozy up your home.
For Crate and Barrel, Sara Marie Hall writes about furniture and home goods. She earned a journalism bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. Sara, a current New York City resident, enjoys spending her leisure time with her Shih Tzu, Kanye, discovering the city.
why dogs are not appropriate for couches.
It doesn’t mean you love your dog any less if you don’t let them on the couch. There are valid arguments against allowing your dog to share your bed with you. To name a few:
Spread of Dirt and Diseases
As much as we humans adore our dogs, it doesn’t change the reality that they are still animals. It’s in their nature to bring in dirt and garbage from the outdoors. Let’s face it, a significant portion of it winds up on the furniture where we sit or sleep. Threats from zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases spread from dogs to people, are also present. There is a lengthy list of them[2] that, despite being uncommon, are significant causes why dogs can require a bed.
It Affects Sleep Quality
While it’s great to go to sleep with a cute ball of fur next to you and wake up to them, some people may discover that bedsharing disrupts their sleep cycle. Just like humans, dogs toss and turn when they sleep. So, if you have a dog who likes to lay on the furniture and you have a light sleeper, you can wake up numerous times during the night.
By letting your dog sleep in your bed or on the couch, you run the risk of having an accident that requires you to replace your mattress or sofa cushions or steam clean them.
Allergens
Your dog’s fur and paws become allergy carriers every time you take him for a walk outside and bring him inside. In this instance, dust and pollen are frequently to blame. Your dog may bring them onto your couch or bed, which could exacerbate or trigger allergy issues.
And of course, our canine pals shed naturally, which sadly causes loose hair to appear on our furniture and other areas of the house.
Negative Impact on Your Dogs Behavior
Territorial animals include dogs. If you allow your dog to sit on the couch or sleep in your bed, you run the risk of unintentionally teaching them that these spaces are a part of their domain. As a result, when they try to use the furniture, you can see them growling at you or other people.
Can dogs damage couches?
Each dog is unique, and some canines damage furniture more severely than others. And while dogs occasionally come up with novel and creative methods to ruin your couch or favorite recliner, the majority of them will do harm in a few predictable ways.
These consist of:
Scratching Wood with Their Claws
As they clamber up and down chairs, tables, ottomans, and couches, dogs (as well as cats) may scratch up the wooden components of those items. Keep in mind the doors and window sills, too! Dog scratches can be especially damaging to leather items. Even if there are a few ways to heal leather scratches caused by your dog, it would be best to stay away from leather furniture altogether.
Moving or Toppling Furniture
If your pets are extremely boisterous, you might notice that they move your furniture. While playing, they might even knock down a few chairs or small tables.
This can be especially concerning because it may not only harm your furnishings but also put your pets’ safety at risk. Moving furniture around can also harm hardwood floors.
What can I use to protect my couch for pets?
The Top 7 Dog Hair Couch Covers
- Best overall: PureFit couch sofa cover. Verify the price on Chewy.
- Best Value: Sofa Shield Pet Couch Cover.
- Premium Option: Mambe Waterproof Couch Cover.
- Link Couch Cover Shades.
- Pet furniture cover by Furhaven.
- Reversible sofa cover by Bella Kline.
- Slipcover for a Gorilla Grip couch.
How can my sofa be made pet-proof?
The greatest advice is to cover your furniture to protect it from your dog, as this requires the least amount of work. Although the sound might remind you of your grandmother covering every piece of furniture in plastic, there are plenty of contemporary alternatives. Throws, slipcovers, or washable blankets can be used to cover your furniture.
Your dog undoubtedly has a favorite place to lay, which is frequently directly on the couch. Ensure that the couch stain is neatly covered with material that can be cleaned and maintained.
In my house, I use a lot of blankets and throws. Throwing a blanket in the washing machine is far simpler than vacuuming your couch every other day. You can purchase some coverings if you prefer a more polished appearance. They are available in just about any color and design conceivable. You could even make some covers using the fabric of your choice if you are skilled.
Do you want to keep your pets off the couch? It doesn’t get much easier than that; keep it covered with a blanket or throw.
