Owning a pet brings immense joy and companionship, but it also comes with challenges-especially when it comes to keeping your upholstered furniture clean. From shedding fur and muddy paw prints to accidents and odours, pet owners know that maintaining clean and fresh upholstery can feel like a never-ending battle.
But don’t worry! With the right techniques and a little effort, you can keep your sofas, chairs, and lounges looking and smelling fresh while still enjoying cuddle time with your furry friend. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to remove pet fur, stains, and odours from upholstery, ensuring a clean and hygienic home.
1. How to Remove Pet Fur from Upholstery
Pet hair is one of the most common issues for pet owners. It clings to upholstery and can be difficult to remove, especially from fabric-covered furniture.
Best Methods for Fur Removal
Vacuuming Regularly
A high-powered vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment is your best friend when dealing with fur.
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Use a brush or upholstery attachment to lift and trap loose hair.
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Vacuum at least twice a week to prevent buildup.
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Don’t forget to vacuum under the cushions and along seams, where hair tends to accumulate.
Using a Lint Roller or Sticky Tape
For quick fur removal, a lint roller is a handy tool. Simply roll it over your upholstery to pick up pet hair. If you don’t have a lint roller, wrap sticky tape around your hand (sticky side out) and press it against the fabric to lift fur.
Rubber Gloves or a Damp Sponge
Wearing rubber gloves and running your hands over the upholstery helps collect pet hair into clumps for easy removal. Alternatively, a damp sponge works in the same way—just lightly wipe the fabric to attract fur.
Fabric Softener Trick
Mix water and fabric softener in a spray bottle and lightly mist over your upholstery. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it with a microfibre cloth. The softener helps loosen pet hair, making it easier to vacuum.
If your furniture is covered in excessive pet fur, professional couch cleaning in Port Southport can help restore your upholstery to a fur-free state.
2. How to Remove Pet Stains from Upholstery
From muddy paws to accidents and vomit, pet stains can be stubborn and challenging to remove. The key is acting quickly before the stain sets.
Common Pet Stains and How to Remove Them
Urine Stains
Pet accidents happen, and urine stains can leave behind an unpleasant odour if not cleaned properly.
Steps to remove urine stains:
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Blot up as much urine as possible with a dry towel or paper towels.
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Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray onto the stain.
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Blot the area again with a clean cloth.
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Sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let it sit for 15–30 minutes to absorb moisture and odour.
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Vacuum the area thoroughly.
Mud and Dirt Stains
Pets love running around outdoors, but they often track dirt inside.
Steps to remove mud stains:
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Let the mud dry completely before attempting to clean it.
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Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove loose dirt.
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Mix mild dish soap with warm water, dip a cloth in the solution, and blot (not rub!) the stain.
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Allow the area to dry completely.
Vomit Stains
Vomit stains are tricky because they contain acid and bacteria, which can damage upholstery.
Steps to remove vomit stains:
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Remove solid particles with a spoon or paper towel.
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Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and dab it on the stain.
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Blot with a clean, damp cloth.
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Sprinkle baking soda to neutralise odours, then vacuum after 15 minutes.
If stains persist or your furniture needs a deep clean, consider professional couch cleaning in Surfers Paradise for a thorough and sanitised treatment.
3. How to Remove Pet Odours from Upholstery
Even if your couch looks clean, lingering pet odours can make your home feel uninviting. Eliminating these odours requires more than just masking them with air fresheners.
Best Methods for Odour Removal
Baking Soda Treatment
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and works wonders for pet-related smells.
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Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over your upholstery.
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Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for strong odours).
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Vacuum thoroughly to remove all residue.
White Vinegar Spray
Vinegar neutralises pet odours without leaving harmful chemical residues.
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Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
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Lightly mist your upholstery (don’t soak it!).
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Let it air dry. The vinegar smell will fade, taking pet odours with it.
Activated Charcoal
Placing activated charcoal pouches near your furniture can help absorb stubborn odours over time.
Professional Steam Cleaning
If pet odours persist, steam cleaning is an effective solution. It removes deep-seated odours trapped in fabric fibres. Professional couch cleaning in Port Southport provides steam cleaning services designed to eliminate odours and sanitise upholstery.
4. Preventative Tips for Keeping Upholstery Clean
While cleaning up after your pets is important, prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how to keep your upholstery cleaner for longer:
Use Washable Covers
Invest in removable, machine-washable slipcovers for your couch and chairs. This makes cleaning much easier.
Regular Grooming for Pets
Brushing your pets regularly reduces shedding and prevents excess fur from accumulating on furniture.
Designate a Pet Area
Train your pets to sit or sleep in a designated area with their own bed or blanket. This limits their contact with the furniture.
Apply Fabric Protectors
Using a fabric protector spray helps repel stains and prevents liquids from seeping into upholstery.
Final Thoughts
Being a pet owner doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a clean and fresh home. By following these upholstery cleaning tips, you can effectively remove fur, stains, and odours, ensuring your furniture stays in top condition.
For tougher stains, deep-seated odours, or a professional refresh, couch cleaning in Surfers Paradise and couch cleaning in Port Southport offer expert upholstery cleaning services tailored for pet owners.
Need professional help? Contact us today for pet-friendly upholstery cleaning solutions that keep your home fresh and spotless!