How to Keep Your Furniture Clean and Fresh
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love to our lives. However, their presence in our homes can sometimes take a toll on our furniture, particularly upholstery. Shedding fur, muddy paws, and occasional accidents can leave stains, odors, and wear and tear on your beloved couch or chair. Let’s explore the impact of pets on upholstery.
Choose Pet-Friendly Upholstery
When selecting upholstery for your furniture, it’s important to consider fabrics that are pet-friendly. Look for materials that are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Synthetic fabrics like microfiber and leather are excellent choices as they are resistant to pet hair and spills. Avoid delicate fabrics such as silk or velvet, as they can be easily damaged by claws or accidents.
Establish Pet-Free Zones
Creating designated pet-free zones in your home can help minimize the impact of pets on your furniture. Designate certain areas, such as bedrooms or living rooms, where pets are not allowed. This way, you can enjoy a clean and fur-free space to relax. This will also minimize the exposure certain furniture has to your pets, making it last much longer. This is our number one tip for a clean and odor-free area of the home.
Use Protective Covers
Protective covers or slipcovers are an effective way to safeguard your furniture from pet-related mishaps. These covers act as a barrier, shielding your upholstery from pet hair, dirt, and stains. Opt for machine-washable covers that can be easily removed and cleaned when necessary. You can find a variety of stylish and functional covers that complement your decor while keeping your furniture protected. Of course, as professional pet stain removal specialists, we are happy to help should your pet get a stain on your upholstery or carpeting.
Regular Vacuuming
Consistent vacuuming is paramount for maintaining clean upholstery in homes with pets. Employing a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment proves instrumental in effectively lifting pet hair and dander from upholstery fabrics. It’s imperative to meticulously navigate the brush attachment over all surfaces, paying particular attention to crevices, corners, and seams where pet fur tends to accumulate. This routine not only preserves the cleanliness of your furniture but also mitigates the presence of allergens that may be harbored within pet hair, promoting a healthier indoor environment for both you and your furry companions.
Spot Cleaning and Stain Removal
Despite best efforts, pet accidents are inevitable. In such instances, swift and strategic action is crucial to prevent stains from permeating your upholstery. For liquid spills, immediate blotting with a paper towel or clean cloth is essential to absorb as much liquid as possible, mitigating the risk of saturation. It’s imperative to refrain from rubbing the affected area, as this may exacerbate the stain by spreading it further. Utilizing pet-friendly stain removers or concocting a gentle solution of mild detergent and water proves effective in gently cleansing the affected upholstery. Prior to application, it’s advisable to conduct a patch test on a discreet area of the fabric to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended discoloration or damage.
Odor Control
In addition to visible stains, pets may leave behind lingering odors on upholstery. To combat this olfactory nuisance, employing baking soda as a natural deodorizer proves highly effective. Sprinkling a generous layer of baking soda onto the upholstery and allowing it to sit for several hours facilitates the absorption of odors. Subsequently, vacuuming the upholstery thoroughly eradicates the residual baking soda along with the absorbed odors, leaving the fabric smelling fresh and revitalized. Alternatively, specialized pet-specific odor neutralizers or fabric refreshers offer convenient solutions for maintaining a pleasantly scented environment and combating persistent pet odors on upholstery.
By adhering to a diligent regimen of regular vacuuming, prompt spot cleaning, and strategic odor control measures, pet owners can effectively preserve the cleanliness, appearance, and freshness of their upholstery, ensuring a harmonious living space for both pets and their human companions.
Professional Cleaning
While regular maintenance can go a long way, it’s beneficial to schedule professional upholstery cleaning to deep clean your furniture. Our professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to remove stubborn stains, eliminate odors, and revitalize your upholstery. Consider having your furniture professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year or more frequently if needed.
Contact Citrus Bright
Pets and furniture can coexist harmoniously with a little extra care and attention. By selecting pet-friendly upholstery, establishing pet-free zones, using protective covers, regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, controlling odors, and occasionally seeking professional cleaning, you can ensure that your furniture remains clean, fresh, and beautiful, even in the presence of your furry friends. Enjoy the company of your pets while keeping your upholstery looking its best by calling Citrus Bright today at 480-689-3509. We would be happy to help.
