Dogs bring plenty of joy to your home, but they can also bring muddy paws, loose hair and the occasional unpleasant smell to your sofa. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, keeping it clean can feel like a constant battle.
The good news is that you don't have to choose between a clean home and cuddling up with your dog. A combination of regular cleaning, good habits and a washable pet sofa cover can make a big difference.
Here's how to keep your sofa cleaner for longer, protect it from everyday dog mess and make clean-ups much easier.
How Can I Keep My Sofa Clean When I Have Dogs?
The easiest way to keep your sofa clean with dogs is to prevent as much dirt and hair from reaching the upholstery as possible.
A washable sofa cover creates a barrier between your dog and the furniture, helping to catch muddy paws, loose hair and everyday mess. It also means you can remove the cover and wash it rather than having to clean the entire sofa every time your dog comes in from a muddy walk.
Brushing your dog can also reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up around the house, while wiping muddy or wet paws before your dog gets on the sofa can prevent dirt from being transferred to the fabric.
It's also worth vacuuming your sofa regularly, particularly around cushions, seams and other areas where dog hair tends to collect. With a cover protecting the main seating areas, keeping everything clean becomes much more manageable.
How Often Should I Clean My Sofa If I Have a Dog?
For most homes, vacuuming once a week is a good starting point. You can increase this if your dog sheds heavily or spends a lot of time on the sofa.
Sofa covers and throws should be washed whenever they become dirty, particularly after muddy walks or accidents. Having a washable cover means you can deal with the mess quickly without waiting for the entire sofa to need cleaning.
A dog that regularly comes in from muddy walks will create more mess than one that spends most of its time indoors, so you should adjust your cleaning routine accordingly.
How Do I Remove Dog Hair From My Sofa?
Regular vacuuming is one of the easiest ways to remove dog hair from your sofa. Use an upholstery attachment and work across the cushions, backrest, sides and gaps where hair tends to collect.
For stubborn hair that's stuck to the fabric, a rubber glove or specialist pet hair remover can help lift it before you vacuum.
A sofa cover can also make this job considerably easier. Instead of trying to remove every strand from the upholstery, you can take the cover off and clean it separately.
If your dog sheds heavily, brushing them regularly can reduce the amount of loose hair that reaches the sofa in the first place. It's much easier to deal with loose hair during grooming than after it has worked its way into your furniture.
How Do I Stop My Dog Making the Sofa Smell?
Dog odours can build up on upholstery over time, particularly when your pet regularly spends time on the sofa with wet fur or dirty paws.
Keeping the sofa cover clean is one of the simplest ways to stay on top of smells. Wash it regularly according to the manufacturer's care instructions, particularly after muddy or wet walks.
Vacuuming the sofa also helps remove hair, dirt and other debris that can contribute to lingering smells. If your dog has an accident, clean the affected area as soon as possible using a product that's suitable for your sofa's material.
Good ventilation can help too. When possible, let fresh air circulate through the room rather than allowing moisture and odours to linger.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has an Accident on the Sofa?
Deal with accidents as quickly as possible. Blot up as much liquid as you can rather than rubbing it further into the fabric, then use a cleaner that's suitable for your sofa's material.
If the accident happens on a removable sofa cover, take it off and wash it according to the care instructions. This is one of the biggest advantages of using a washable cover, as you can remove the affected layer rather than trying to clean the whole sofa.
Avoid using a cleaning product without checking that it's suitable for your upholstery first. If you're unsure, test it on a small, hidden area.
What Is the Best Sofa Protection for Dog Owners?
A washable sofa cover is one of the most practical ways to protect your furniture when you have dogs.
It creates a removable barrier between your dog and the sofa, helping protect against muddy paws, hair, spills and everyday wear. When the cover gets dirty, you can simply remove it and wash it rather than tackling the sofa itself.
Look for a cover that's durable, easy to clean and designed to stay in place. A non-slip design can be particularly useful if your dog likes to jump on and off the sofa or move around while settling down.
Our range of sofa covers, dog bowl mats and pet rugs are designed to help protect your home from mess while keeping your living space comfortable and stylish. Browse our selection today and choose designs or colours that suit your home.
