Pets And Your Upholstery-A Guide To Pet Friendly Fabrics

As beloved as pets are, they can wreak havoc on your upholstery and owning a pet can make furniture care and maintenance a lot more challenging. From pet hair to scratches, pet-friendly furniture is a must for pet owners, and can make a huge difference in the effort required to keeping your furniture clean and your home looking good. 
Knowing a little about the different upholstery fabric types, factors impacting durability and cleanability, and smart design choices to minimize pet damage is important.

Annual professional upholstery cleaning, using  the modern  dry upholstery cleaning  method, is the best choice for convenience and  preserving your furniture

 Upholstery Fabric Types -Make a Difference

Common Materials Used for Upholstered Furniture

When selecting upholstery, understanding the materials is crucial. Natural fibres like wool, cotton, and linen are stylish and beautiful, but synthetic options like microfibre and polyester blends offer durability and much better stain resistance and can be equally stylish. Chenille, velvet and pure wool are difficult to keep clean when you have several pets and will require a lot more care.

Factors Impacting Durability and Cleanability

Several factors affect how well your upholstery stands up to pets. Fibre type influences strength and stain resistance, weave tightness dictates how easily pet hair sticks, and backing material plays a role in overall performance.

Selecting Pet-Friendly Fabrics

Best Upholstery Fabrics for Pets

Microfibers and tightly woven synthetics are excellent choices for pet-friendly upholstery. These fabrics shed fur and resist stains effectively, making them a practical option for households with pets. Additionally, solution-dyed acrylics are known for being colourfast, maintaining their vibrant appearance over time. Tightly woven polyester blends not only offer easy cleaning but also stand up well to the challenges posed by pets.

Upholstery Fabrics to Avoid

Certain upholstery fabrics are less forgiving when it comes to pet-related wear and tear. Silk and chenille, for example, tend to show every spot and mark, making them less suitable for homes with pets. Loose knits and weaves can attract and hold fur, adding to the cleaning challenges. Poor quality leather, although durable, is prone to scratches and may not withstand the rigors of pet activity.

Protect Your Furniture from Pet Damage

Upholstery Treatments and Finishes

Investing in the right treatments and finishes can significantly extend the life of your upholstery in a pet-friendly environment. Scotchgard and other fluoropolymers create a protective barrier, repelling liquids and preventing stains. Acrylic backings act as a shield between the fabric and padding or cushioning, enhancing overall durability. Many modern manufacturers offer stain protection as part of the purchase, adding an extra layer of defense against pet-related mishaps.

Smart Design Choices Reduce Damage

Thoughtful design choices can mitigate the impact of pet activities on your furniture. Opting for the same fabric for piping and skirts minimizes snags, maintaining a cleaner appearance over time. Tufted pieces, with their textured surface, effectively hide nail scratches, preserving the aesthetics of your furniture. Reversible cushions, doubling the usable lifespan, offer a practical solution for minimizing wear and tear.

Best Practices for Pet Owners

Establishing Pet-Friendly Rules

Establishing clear rules for your pets can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your furniture. Keeping paws trimmed not only benefits your pet but also minimizes snags and potential harm to upholstery. Discouraging rough play on furniture and redirecting scratching, digging, and chewing to designated areas help reinforce good behavior and protect your furnishings.

Managing Shedding Seasons

Pets, particularly those that shed, can pose additional challenges to upholstery. During shedding seasons, more frequent vacuuming of upholstery can help control fur buildup. Regularly washing pet bedding, especially in spring and fall, contributes to a cleaner environment. Scheduling extra furniture cleaning during peak shedding times ensures proactive maintenance.

Annual Professional Upholstery Cleaning

The Key To Lasting Cleanliness

Investing in annual professional upholstery cleaning is the key to maintaining your furniture’s longevity. The dry (low moisture) method stands out as the best choice, ensuring thorough cleaning without compromising the integrity of the fabric or structure.

Your choice of upholstery and the maintenance practices you adopt play a pivotal role in the longevity of your furniture, especially when pets are part of the picture. By making informed choices and investing in dry professional upholstery cleaning whenever needed , you can enjoy a pet-friendly home and clean furniture.

Deluxe Dry Upholstery Cleaning Service

Maintaining clean and spotless furniture is essential for a beautiful home and for keeping your furniture looking good for its entire lifetime. Hiring a professional upholstery cleaning service can ensure that your furniture remains in excellent condition and saves you replacing it before its time, and enhances your rooms and your home. So, take the first step towards cleaner and more enjoyable furniture and contact Deluxe Dry Upholstery Cleaning Service

 Contact  Deluxe Dry Upholstery Cleaning today for a free estimate and to book your appointment!
Call us at 0161 768 0208
Or email us at [email protected] 
Our modern dry furniture cleaning process is convenient and no risk. Call us today. 

We service Altrincham