Top Upholstery Cleaning Hacks for Pet Parents
Living with a furry friend is an amazing adventure, but let’s be real – keeping your home clean is the real challenge here. Upholstery, in particular, is called the “pet magnet” for hair, dander, and an occasional accident. According to studies, 66% of U.S. households have a pet, which means that millions of pet owners are dealing with the same upholstery cleaning problems.
But don’t worry, we are here to help. We will be diving deep into the top upholstery cleaning hacks for pet parents. Let’s discover the ways to keep your furniture fresh and clean even with your furry friend around.
1. Regular Vacuuming
Pet hair, dander, and dirt accumulate quickly on upholstery, creating an environment that’s not only unsightly but can also exacerbate allergies. Vacuuming regularly helps you maintain cleanliness and reduces the allergens floating in your home.
The battle against pet hair is here, so investing in a powerful vacuum cleaner could be your savior. Go for a vacuum with a HEPA filter that can capture even the tiniest bits of particles, and the other attachments will help you reach spaces that are regularly hard to reach. Aim to vacuum at least once a week.
Pro Tip: For stubborn pet hair that doesn’t come off with a vacuum, use a damp rubber glove or a lint roller. Simply run your hand or roller over the fabric to lift off the hair.
2. Stain Cleaning
Accidents do and will happen as long as you have a furry friend around. The good news is that with quick action you can prevent the accident. The golden rule with stains – Blot, don’t rub! Most messes are solver with a simple mixture of vinegar and water, but there are stubborn stains also. For those, use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner to break down the nasty odors and stains.
Pro Tip: Test any cleaning solution on a small hidden area of your upholstery to ensure it will not damage the fabric.
3. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Creating a simple paste with baking soda and water tackles the stubborn stains. Firstly let it stay for a bit, then vacuum it up. If you want a deeper clean then mix water, dish soap and a little bit of vinegar – nature’s cleaning duo.
Pro Tip: Put baking soda generously over the entire upholstery and let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight if there are stubborn smells. It will soak them up and it will leave the furniture smelling really good. At the end, just vacuum it up!
4. Use Washable Slipcovers for Easy Maintenance
Looking for an excellent way for protecting your furniture from daily damage and mess? Slipcovers!
Choose slipcovers that are machine washable and made from durable, pet-friendly fabrics. The covers should fit all over the furniture and give it a clean and nice look. When your pets have had a particularly active day, simply remove the slipcover and toss it in the washing machine.
Pro Tip: Look for slipcovers with water-resistant or stain-resistant properties for added protection against pet accidents.
5. Regularly Grooming Your Pets
The less your pet sheds, the less you’ll have to clean up. If you groom your pet regularly it helps in keeping the pet healthy but also reduces the shedding.
Brush your pets regularly, especially during shedding season with a brush that’s meant for the type of coat your pet has. Regular baths also help keep your pet’s coat clean and reduce the amount of dander in your home.
Pro Tip: Consider professional grooming services for a more thorough job, especially if your pet has a thick or long coat that’s difficult to manage at home.
6. Pet Training
While we all love cuddling with our pets on the couch, training them to stay off the furniture can significantly reduce the amount of cleaning you’ll need to do.
Give your pet their own comfy bed or blanket to relax and unwind. With a little patience you can teach them to love it more than your furniture. Don’t forget how important the rewards are in the training process.
If you prefer to let your pets on the furniture, consider using designated pet-friendly blankets or throws that can be easily washed.
Pro Tip: When training your pet, make sure everyone in your family is following the rules and steps. Don’t confuse the pet!
7. Address Odors with Natural Deodorizers
Even with regular cleaning, odors can linger on your upholstery, especially in homes with pets. Natural deodorizers can help eliminate these odors without introducing harmful chemicals.
As mentioned, baking soda is a natural odor-bursting helper. Spill it all over the furniture and let it stay for a few hours. For getting an extra scent make sure to mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, lemon, etc.) with water. Give a light mist to the furniture!
Pro Tip: Essential oils can be wonderful for a fresh scent, but remember that to many pets they are toxic!
8. Professional Upholstery Cleaning: The Deep Clean Your Furniture Needs
Regular cleaning is definitely great, but sometimes the furniture needs its SPA day. By hiring a professional cleaning expert you’ll do wonders for your furniture. They will blast the dirt away, the allergens, and even the pesky pet stains. Treat your furniture with a professional clean at least once a year.
Pro Tip: After a professional cleaning, ask about protective treatments that can be applied to your upholstery to help repel stains and make future cleanups easier.
9. Pet-Friendly Fabrics
When choosing the right fabric for your furniture it’s all about function and style. If you have a pet make sure to choose one that can handle life’s little messes. Microfiber can be an option because it’s tough on stains and easy to clean, leather also!
Pro Tip: Don’t want to reupholster? Then give your furniture an extra layer of protection with a fabric protector like Scotchgard.
10. Create a Pet Cleaning Station to Minimize Mess
Having a designated area for cleaning your pets can help prevent messes from spreading to your furniture.
Setting up a cleaning station for your pet near the entrance can be really helpful. Add towels, grooming tools, and pet-safe wipes. After outdoor activities, clean your pet’s paws and coat before allowing them onto the furniture.
Pro Tip: Make the cleaning station a routine part of your pet’s day. With regular use, your pet will become accustomed to being cleaned off before entering the main areas of the house.
Living in Harmony with Your Pets
Keeping your upholstery clean as a pet parent may seem daunting, but with these hacks, you can maintain a fresh and inviting home. You will not need to sacrifice the comfort and companionship of your pets. Regular maintenance, combined with smart preventive measures, will keep your furniture looking its best.
Sometimes even if you consider yourself the most dedicated pet owner, you need to admit that you need extra help. Miracle Steam Pros offers professional cleaning of upholstery that is safe for both you and your pets. We use gentle and non-toxic products to remove stains, odors, allergens and leave your furniture in top condition. Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve – contact us today!