Pets are adorable, fun, and loving additions to any family or household! They teach responsibility, provide constant entertainment, and make excellent cuddle buddies.
While it’s impossible to deny that our furry friends enrich our lives, they do make it considerably more difficult to maintain a neat, fresh home—especially when it comes to upholstery. Adopting a pet doesn’t mean you have to give up on having clean and gorgeous furniture though! All it takes is some strategic planning, a little elbow grease, and the right resources to keep your upholstery in tip top shape!
Keep your pet well-groomed.
Brushing and washing your pet regularly will help reduce the amount of hair and dander they leave in their wake. Much of your animal’s coat—and with it, their odor—ultimately gets trapped in the fabrics in your home as they move around and lounge in the space. Take them outside for routine grooming to prevent excessive shedding and to keep the dirt and debris they carry from settling in your house.
You should also keep up with trimming your pet’s nails to protect your furniture from snags, scratches, and tears. This is especially important for cat owners, as cats will sometimes sharpen their claws on available upholstery. Invest in a nice scratching post to redirect their instincts and keep your furniture unblemished!
Cover up your furniture.
A stylish accent blanket or furniture cover is the perfect way to protect your upholstery, while keeping it comfy for your pets and chic for your guests! It’ll be much easier for you to remove this type of dressing and throw it in the laundry than trying to shampoo your loveseat or wash a couch cushion.
If you train your pet to curl up on a designated blanket or cover on your furniture, it’ll also help keep the hair and dander concentrated to one area. You can even have covers made to match your upholstery, to maintain a refined and cohesive look.
Furnish your home with the right materials.
Making pet-friendly choices when investing in furniture for your home is a smart way to prevent upholstery maintenance from becoming overwhelming. Opt for durable, easy-to-maintain materials for your most used pieces. Choose patterns and colors strategically that will help any damage caused by your pet or fur they leave behind blend in with the fabric.
A lively pattern can be a great distraction from a superficial tear your dog made playing on the couch! Upholstery that matches the color of your pet’s hair will also cut down on the number of times you have to pull out the vacuum.
Don’t forget about regular cleanings!
Taking these steps to protect your upholstery from pet damage is an effective way to help your furniture maintain its quality over time! Unfortunately, it’s unavoidable that many of your pieces will accumulate fur and odor, simply as a byproduct of time. That’s why it’s still important to have your upholstery professionally cleaned on a routine basis!
At Horizon Carpet, Upholstery, Tile & Grout Cleaners Inc., our experienced team will leave your furniture spotless. Contact us today to learn more about our methods and take advantage of our expert services!