5 Best Pet-Friendly Fabrics to Safeguard Your Furniture
These materials are easy to clean and repel pet fur, stains, and dirt.
Pets are an integral part of the family, and they love to snuggle up on the sofa just like us, but letting your pet chill on your adorned furniture can spell doom for the fabric. Pet teeth, fur, drool, claws, and mishaps can taint your furniture, leaving it worn and torn.
Truthfully, the absolute way to pet-proof your apartment and furniture pieces is to abstain from them completely, but some furniture fabrics are more resistant than others. The best pet-friendly materials are easy to clean, durable, and stain-resistant.
Generally, pet-owners should stay away from loosely woven fabrics as they can get snagged by claws or nails. Nubby-textured fabrics also have a higher tendency to trap more pet fur, making it harder to get rid of allergens. Also, avoid delicate material, such as linen that thin out with prolonged use.
Whatever type of fabric you choose, a medium color (not too dark or bright) is best for hiding stains. Patterned materials are also ideal for hiding stains and scratches.
You want to select a pet-friendly fabric for your sofas, ottomans, and pillows that can provide a perch for your pet. Also, if you don’t want to buy new furniture, you can consider getting slipcovers in pet-friendly materials to protect your furniture. Check through our list for quality pet-friendly fabrics.
Leather and Artificial Leather
Leather is the most ideal material for pets. It is durable and cleanable, and since it is non-adherent, pet fur won’t stick to it. You can vacuum the surface or clean it with a damp cloth to remove hair or dander.
Just make sure to mop up mishaps or stains immediately they happen and wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth if necessary. Since leather naturally wears out over time, minor scuffs and scratches should blend right in.
Velvet
Velvet is highly resistant to wear and tear, especially from pets, because of its tight weave and low pile. It may look expensive and delicate, but it is also incredibly durable. Besides, it has short fibers that stop the absorption of odor and liquid, allowing you to effortlessly brush off fur and dirt from the surface.
Outdoor Fabric
Consider using a decorative outdoor fabric to cover your pillows and upholstery as a means of pet-proofing. Since it was designed to resist the harsh outdoor weather, this fabric repels water, bacteria, and stains, and this makes them a clever choice for pet lovers. They are available in several colors and designs, so you can enjoy being stylish while making smart choices.
Microfiber
This material is well-known for its stain resistance. Liquid doesn’t easily penetrate its surface, and you can clean most stains away with some soap and water. The material is soft and velvety with tight weaves that are snag and scratch-resistant. You can get rid of pet hair with a lint brush or vacuum cleaner.
Canvas
Canvas is a good option because it is tear-resistant and does not adhere to dirt or fur. Its tightly woven fabric is incredibly durable and cleans easily with water and some soap. You can use canvas as slipcovers for your furniture to protect them from scuffs and scratches. When dirty, remove and put in the washing machine to get rid of hair, dirt, and dander.
Even the best pet-friendly fabrics will still get some stains. For extra protection, consider products, such as Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector ($10, The Home Depot) that help to repel stains and ease up the cleaning process. If you’re still worried about furniture damage, it might be best to keep your pets away from the sofa altogether.
