Almost every family has a pet. In fact, as of 2024, about 86.9 million homes in the US have pets. That’s just how vital pets are in our lives. But while we love our little friends, the situation isn’t always roses. These animals can be destructive, particularly to our furniture. Even if they don’t make a big mess at once, with time, you’ll notice your seats are worn out because of your pets. This necessitates getting furniture with pet-friendly fabric.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Upholstery Fabrics If You Own Pet
There are certain things you need to look at when choosing upholstery fabrics. They include the following:
Durability
It’s essential to choose a durable fabric. Pets, especially cats and dogs, can be rough on furniture with their claws, playful nature, and frequent jumping or scratching. Go with a durable fabric that can withstand wear and tear to prolong the life of your furniture.
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Ease of Cleaning
Your pets will create messes from time to time. Sometimes, they will come into the house with their muddy paws and jump on the sofa without a care in the world. Other times, they will drool on the couch while taking a nap. An easy-to-clean fabric makes your work easier and allows you to maintain the furniture’s appearance. Additionally, fabrics that repel pet hair or allow easy vacuuming or brushing make cleaning a breeze.
Stain Resistance
Your pet will spill water or bring dirt into the house, staining your furniture. Consider stain-resistant fabrics to maintain the look of your furniture. Fabrics treated with stain-protective finishes and performance fabrics are designed to resist spills and stains, allowing you to clean up messes before they set in. This ensures your furniture stays looking fresh despite daily use.
Scratch Resistance
If you have pets with sharp claws, scratch-resistant fabrics are crucial as they can handle scratches. Scratch-resistant materials help prevent unsightly marks and extend the life of your upholstery.
Pet Hair Management
Certain fabrics attract and hold onto pet hair more than others. If your pets shed a lot, you’ll want to choose fabrics that don’t cling to fur or that can easily be vacuumed or brushed off.
Comfort and Feel
Finally, consider fabric that is comfortable for you and your pet. Balancing comfort with functionality ensures that your furniture remains a cozy spot for pets and humans to relax.
Types of Fabrics to Consider
Even though no fabric is 100% pet-proof, certain fabrics are more resilient than others, making them pet-friendly. In addition, you may want to talk to upholstery experts like those at CLS Custom Upholsterers & Refinishing for further assistance. This ensures you pick a fabric that suits your needs and preferences. Here are the fabrics to consider.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a great upholstery fabric for pet owners because it’s durable and resistant to pet hair and stains. It can withstand clawing and scratching without getting damaged easily. That said, note that if your furry friend is determined, it will leave a mark. Microfiber fabric has tightly woven fibers that prevent spills and stains from seeping into the fabric quickly. This makes cleaning easy. In addition, it has a smooth texture that repels pet hair and dust mites. Despite all these benefits, you must practice regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the furniture looking great.
Synthetic Blends
Synthetic blends are also pet-friendly fabrics. They can resist scratching, jumping, or rough play without getting damaged easily. In addition, you can get blends treated with stain-resistant finishes. This ensures spills and other pet-related messes aren’t absorbed into the fabric quickly. Just like microfiber, certain synthetics have a tight weave or smooth texture, which repels pet hair, making it easier to clean.
Leather
Pet owners may also want to consider leather fabric. It’s easy to clean, resistant to scratches and tears, and durable. If your pet makes a mess or sheds easily, you can simply wipe the surface. Another benefit of leather is that it doesn’t retain a pet odor. This will keep the furniture smelling fresh.
Tightly Woven Fabrics
Tightly woven fabrics (think: denim) are durable and can withstand clawing, scratching, and general wear and tear from pets. They aren’t delicate, and the tight weave makes it hard for pet hair to become stuck on the fabric. These fabrics can be treated, enhancing their stain-resistance properties. However, be aware that tightly woven fabrics aren’t as comfortable as microfiber or leather.
Fabrics to Avoid
Certain fabrics aren’t ideal when you live with a pet. They often absorb stains and easily wear out. These fabrics include the following;
- Silk: Although it’s known for its luxurious feel, silk gets damaged easily by pet claws.
- Wool: It’s not easy to clean and maintain wool. It also retains pet odors, making it a less ideal choice for pet owners.
- Velvet: Velvet has a plush texture that attracts pets. It also holds onto pet hair, making cleaning difficult, and claws can easily damage the fabric.
- Tweed: Tweed attracts pet hair, making it difficult to clean.
- Linen: This material is comfortable and breathable but also prone to stains. Pet claws can easily catch on the loose weave of linen, and it isn’t very resistant to pet-related stains.
In most cases, you’ll have to limit your pet’s access to the furniture. For instance, get your pet their own bed and train them to stay away from the seats. With time they will learn. You can also cut off your pet’s access to the room when you aren’t there to monitor it.
Final Thoughts
Having a pet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or style. By choosing the right upholstery fabric, you can create a pet-friendly home that balances style, comfort, and practicality. At CLS Custom Upholsterers & Refinishing, we have a variety of fabrics for pet owners. Contact our team and let us help make your home pet-friendly.
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