How to Protect Your Sofa from Pets
Our beloved dogs and cats can sometimes have accidents, shed fur, scratch the upholstery, or even decide that the sofa is the perfect place for a grooming session. While these little habits are part of sharing your home with pets, they can make keeping your sofa clean and looking its best a challenge.
If you want to enjoy plenty of relaxing time on the sofa with your four-legged friends, here are some simple ways to protect it from stains, odours, fur and damage.
How to Keep Your Sofa Clean When You Have Pets
Nobody wants unpleasant smells or stains in their living room, particularly on the sofa. If your pet has an accident, acting quickly can help prevent stains and lingering odours.
- Remove throws, blankets and scatter cushions and wash them according to the manufacturer's care instructions.
- Use a colourfast cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible before it penetrates deeper into the upholstery.
- Gently dab the affected area, working towards the centre of the stain. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and push it further into the fabric.
- For fabric sofas, use a suitable fabric cleaner followed by an organic stain cleaner and deodoriser to help tackle bacteria and unpleasant smells.
- For leather sofas, use a soft leather cleaner to remove marks and odours. If a stain or smell remains, repeat the cleaning process as necessary.
Regular vacuuming is also important. It helps remove pet hair, dirt and odours before they build up.
Avoid ammonia-based cleaners when dealing with cat accidents. The smell can encourage cats to return to the same spot. Always follow your sofa manufacturer's care instructions and use cleaning products that are suitable for your upholstery.
For more advice, explore our guides to caring for fabric and leather sofas and learn how to keep your sofa looking its best.
How to Remove Dog and Cat Hair from Your Sofa
Regular cleaning can help prevent pet hair from building up on both fabric and leather sofas. A simple routine can make a big difference:
- Use an adhesive lint roller to lift pet hair from the sofa. It may take a little patience, particularly if your pet is a heavy shedder.
- Follow up with a thorough vacuum to pick up any remaining hair and debris.
- On leather sofas, vacuum first and then wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Work from seam to seam to help the leather dry evenly.
Protective accessories such as throws and blankets are also worth considering. They can provide an extra layer of protection against fur, stains, accidents and everyday wear.
How to Stop Your Dog Chewing the Sofa
Dogs may chew furniture for a variety of reasons, including boredom, excess energy or anxiety. A pet-safe scented repellent may help discourage chewing, but avoid applying it directly to your fabric or leather sofa. Instead, spray it onto a washable throw, blanket or cushion where appropriate.
The most effective approach is to redirect your dog's attention. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consider whether an underlying issue, such as separation anxiety, could be contributing to the behaviour.
Then give your dog an appropriate alternative, such as a chew toy, whenever they feel the urge to gnaw.
How to Stop Your Dog Licking the Sofa
Dogs can lick sofas because the texture feels comforting or resembles familiar surfaces such as fur or skin. Food crumbs and spills can also make your sofa particularly tempting.
To discourage sofa licking:
- Clean up food, crumbs and spills as soon as possible. If you can, avoid eating on the sofa altogether.
- Use a throw or blanket to protect the seat and back cushions.
- Consider a suitable bitter-tasting lick deterrent, but avoid spraying it directly onto the upholstery.
- If your dog's licking becomes excessive or doesn't improve, speak to your vet to rule out any underlying health concerns.
How to Prevent Cats from Scratching Your Sofa
Understanding why cats scratch can make it easier to protect your furniture. Scratching is a natural behaviour rather than an attempt to damage your sofa. Cats scratch to stretch, maintain their claws, mark territory and exercise their natural instincts.
Unfortunately, those instincts can sometimes result in scratched or torn upholstery. You can help redirect your cat's behaviour by:
- Placing a scratching post or scratching pad close to the sofa.
- Using colourfast throws or blankets to provide an additional layer of protection, particularly when you have a curious kitten.
- Using a cat-safe citrus repellent on throws, blankets or cushions if appropriate. Avoid applying repellent directly to your sofa.
The key is to give your cat an appealing alternative while protecting the areas of your sofa that are most vulnerable to scratching.
Choose Our Pet-Friendly Fabric
If you love curling up on the sofa with your four-legged friends, our easy-clean pet-friendly fabric is designed with you in mind.
Part of our lifestyle fabric collection, it combines style, comfort and durability with increased resistance to pet claws and stains. Its smooth surface also makes it easier to remove pet hair, helping you keep your sofa looking fresh.
The fabric is also hypoallergenic, helping to create a more comfortable environment for the whole family.
Find out more about our pet-friendly fabric
