Claws, teeth, and hair: How to protect furniture from pets

How to choose furniture for a home with animals

If you have an active pet at home, you should choose your furniture carefully. It's enough to know a few criteria that will help you avoid damage and simplify maintenance.

There are special types of upholstery that are highly durable and do not attract the attention of animals. You should also pay attention to the design of the furniture: minimalist models without unnecessary decorative elements are better suited for a home with a dog or cat.

It is worth avoiding furniture with wooden inserts, as they become an ideal biting toy for four-legged animals. Metal legs are a great solution that will make the sofa less attractive to animals.

Additionally, it is recommended to use special covers or protective covers that can be easily removed and washed. It's also important to pay attention to educating your pet so that they understand that furniture is not a toy.

Some of the best materials for furniture in a house with animals are velour, faux suede, flock, and cotton.

• Velour looks elegant, creates a cozy atmosphere, and is durable and practical at the same time. Wool can be easily removed with a special brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Artificial suede is also highly scratch-resistant and does not absorb moisture, making it durable.
• Flock is another great choice because it has no loops for claws to catch on, and its durability helps to avoid damage.
• Cotton has a dense texture that makes it resistant to claws and teeth.

Not all furniture can withstand active pets (photo: Freepik)

How to care for furniture with pets in mind

Proper care of your furniture will help keep it looking good and extend its life.

First of all, if you have a pet, you should use an antistatic for furniture. It won't reduce the amount of hair, but it will prevent it from accumulating, making cleaning easier.

Be sure to have a sticky roller on hand to quickly remove hair from surfaces. Some upholstery requires a special approach to cleaning to avoid damage and preserve its texture.

Artificial suede should be cleaned only with a special brush, as rough tools can damage the structure of the material. It is better to wipe velour and flock with a microfiber cloth dipped in soapy water, moving in the direction of the pile.

The mat can be cleaned with a sponge with soap suds and then blotted with a dry cloth. It is important to remove dust before cleaning any fabric so that dirt does not rub into the surface.

One of the most convenient ways to protect your furniture is to use removable slipcovers. They are easy to wash, which helps to keep your home clean even with the shaggiest pets.

If the cover gets damaged, you can easily replace it, which is much cheaper than reupholstering the entire sofa. In addition, changing covers is a great opportunity to update the interior and add new color accents. So, even if you have a pet in your home, this is not a reason to give up beautiful and comfortable furniture.

Sources: DIY Joy, Southern Living, Good Housekeeping.