If you’re unsure what sofa fabric is best for dogs, we have created a four-factor list to address all your pet-related concerns. You don’t need to worry about odor, stains, fur, and scratches on the furniture because these are the best materials. Consider them for upholstery or slipcovers to extend the lifespan of the couch.
We also recommend learning how to protect the sofa from dogs. This article introduces long-term solutions that will also keep your dog happy. With that being said, let’s get started.
What Is The Best Sofa Fabric For Dogs?
For stains
Leather fabric is undoubtedly one of the best materials for the couch if you have dogs. This is because you can wipe it clean if stains or dirt occur from our messy pooches. In addition, it’s even relatively easy to get urine out of the leather sofa if your dog accidentally peed on the furniture.
The disadvantage of leather, however, is it’s a pricey upholstery material for the sofa. Of course, you want to get the best quality leather and not those made from synthetic materials that can peel easily. You also want to avoid scratches on the surface as they will be noticeable, so keep your pets’ nails trimmed if you have a leather sofa.
For odor
You can always deodorize the sofa at home, but some fabrics get stinky faster and are trickier to freshen. Those who own dogs know the struggle of getting their scent off the furniture. If this is one of your issues on the couch, you can opt for microfiber fabric.
Using low-pile materials like microfiber won’t trap odors as quickly, and they are also easy to clean. And because the sofa remains odor-free, your dog is less likely to hang around it. Remember that one reason dogs lick the couch is because it might have an enticing smell.
For fur
Is your furry pal’s breed prone to shedding a lot? Those who own huskies, malamutes, bulldogs, collies, or dachshunds can benefit from woven materials for their sofa fabric. It might seem counterintuitive to use fabrics like chenille if you have a dog that sheds a lot, but the texture on the sofa will help hide the fur.
Woven fabrics are also more forgiving for damages, but always familiarize yourself with the ideal cleaning practices for your sofa. For example, learn how to clean a chenille sofa properly to help extend its lifespan. And if your dog sheds a lot, it’s always handy to have a vacuum cleaner and lint remover nearby.
For scratches
Who says cats are the only pets that can scratch the sofa? Unfortunately, the upholstery can still catch your dog’s claws which can cause marks and other damages on the surface. It’s a great idea to use tightly woven sofa fabrics like canvas if your dog is especially prone to scratching.
However, a more long-term solution for this destructive behavior is training your dog. He might be bored and need stimulation, which is why he destroys furniture. Dogs are also prone to digging the sofa and scratching it if he can smell food leftovers on the crevices.
What Is The Most Durable Fabric For A Couch With Dogs?
If you want a durable sofa fabric in a household with dogs, your top two considerations are leather and microfiber. Remember that these upholstery materials don’t get damaged easily, and both of them are also low-maintenance. However, the emphasis is necessary on checking the specific material type because they also vary in quality.
Leather
The most durable leather type is full-grain leather because it utilizes the hide completely. However, you can also opt for other leather types that are coated for added protection. An example is top-grain semi-aniline leather that is also easier to clean because of the coat.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a synthetic fabric that is stable and can withstand the usage of owners and pets alike. If you allow your dog on the couch, he will also feel comfortable because of its breathability. Cleaning a microfiber sofa is also comfortable because it is stain-resistant.
What Is The Easiest Couch Fabric To Clean?
Leather and microfiber sofas are the easiest to clean and maintain if you are a dog owner. You can also consider vinyl if you are on a budget but still want the wipe-clean advantage of a leather couch. And if you wish versatility with different cleaning products and materials, cotton or polyester upholstery fabrics are worth mentioning.
Is A Leather Or Fabric Sofa Better For Dogs?
A leather sofa easily wins the battle against a fabric sofa if you have dogs at home. Depending on the leather type and how you maintain it, the couch can even look better as the years pass. Just remember to address dirt and messes as soon as possible and use slipcovers as backup protection.
Conclusion
Dogs and sofa doesn’t always have to be a daunting combination. In this article, you have learned what sofa fabric is best for dogs, leather. However, other materials like microfiber, cotton, polyester, and woven fabrics are also worth considering for the sofa upholstery.
Overall, you want something durable, easy to clean, and won’t get stinky and scratched easily. But, of course, we still recommend learning how to keep dogs off the sofa or even just training your dog to avoid damages and messes on the furniture in the long run.