The short answer: lift pet hair with a damp rubber glove or a squeegee, then vacuum. Remove dog smell by washing the covers if they are washable, or by leaving baking soda on the fabric for a few hours and vacuuming it up; use an enzyme cleaner on any accidents. To stop a cat from scratching the couch, put a sturdy scratching post right beside it and make the couch less appealing with double-sided tape or a cover.
How do you get dog hair off a couch?
- Damp rubber glove. Put on a rubber dish glove, dampen it slightly and sweep your hand across the fabric. The hair gathers into clumps you can pick up.
- Window squeegee or rubber brush. Drag the rubber edge along the fabric in short strokes. This works well on woven and textured fabric.
- Vacuum. Use the upholstery attachment, and go over each area in two directions. Vacuum the seams and under the cushions.
- Lint roller. Good for a quick touch-up before guests arrive.
- Dryer. If the covers are removable and the tag allows it, ten minutes on a no-heat cycle loosens hair before washing.
Brushing your dog regularly, ideally outdoors, cuts the amount of hair that reaches the couch.
How do you get dog smell out of a couch?
- Vacuum the whole couch to remove hair and dander, which hold odor.
- Wash what you can. Machine wash removable covers, throws and pillow covers if their tags allow it. Half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse helps with odor.
- Baking soda. Sprinkle it generously over the fabric, leave it for several hours or overnight, then vacuum.
- Enzyme cleaner. For urine, vomit or drool spots, use an enzymatic pet cleaner that suits your fabric’s cleaning code. It breaks down the source of the smell instead of covering it. See how to get pee out of a couch.
- Air it out. Open the windows and stand the cushions on edge for a few hours.
If the smell returns, it has soaked into the cushion filling. See how to get smell out of a couch and how to deep clean a couch.
How do you stop a cat from scratching the couch?
Scratching is normal cat behavior: it maintains the claws, stretches the body and marks territory. The aim is to move it to a better place.
- Give a better target. Place a tall, heavy scratching post next to the spot the cat scratches. It should be stable and tall enough for a full stretch. Many cats prefer sisal rope or cardboard.
- Make the couch unappealing. Cover the scratched corners with double-sided tape, a plastic guard or a tightly fitted throw. Cats dislike sticky and slippery surfaces.
- Reward the post. Praise or treat the cat when it uses the post, and try catnip on it.
- Trim the claws regularly so they do less damage.
- Don’t punish. Shouting or spraying water makes cats anxious and doesn’t teach them where to scratch.
Once the cat uses the post reliably, move it gradually to where you want it.
How do you protect a couch from pets?
- Use a washable throw or a fitted couch cover on your pet’s favorite spot, and wash it weekly.
- Give your pet its own bed near the couch.
- Wipe paws after walks and keep claws trimmed.
- Choose removable, washable covers if you are buying new: see washable and slipcovered sofas.
What couch fabric is best with pets?
Tightly woven performance fabric, microfiber and leather are the easiest to live with: hair wipes off and claws find less to catch. Loose weaves and looped fabrics such as bouclé snag more easily. Compare the options in the best couch fabric for pets, and shop pet-friendly and stain-resistant sofas.