Bad Dog! How to Get Rid of Pet Stains from Your Sofa and Upholstery

Have you ever had to get creative when it comes to hiding a pet stain on your upholstery? You might love the four-legged member of your family, but they don't seem to realise that your sofa is not a place to shed all their hair, slobber over everything, or even to urinate. Perhaps you've had to strategically place a cushion on your sofa to cover the evidence. You might have even reconfigured your modular lounge so that the stain is not quite so prominent.

Of course there are a range of methods for cleaning pet mess off your upholstery (short of banning your pet from your sofa altogether). Some of these methods are more effective than others, although each has their drawbacks. So what are some of the key ways to remove pet stains from your sofa?

Under the Surface

Before examining your options for removing pet stains from the surface of your sofa, it's a good time to remember not to overlook the stuffing of the sofa. This is only pertinent when it comes to urine stains, since these can create an unpleasant odour that lingers even when the stain has been removed.

If the urine stain has occurred on a cushion or detachable seating section, you need to remove the cover from the cushion or section in question. Remove the stuffing unit and check to see if the urine has soaked through. Wash it by hand with an enzyme cleaner (to ensure that the odour is destroyed) and allow it to dry thoroughly while you treat the cover to remove the actual stain. Do not put the stuffing unit into your washing machine as even the gentlest cycle might cause it to disintegrate. 

On the Surface

Professional Cleaning

This is probably the most effective option, and most carpet cleaning companies can also take care of your upholstery. It is not, however, the most cost-effective option. If your pooch or cat regularly make themselves at home on your sofa, it's not practical to call in the professionals each time you find an unsightly stain.

Wet Dry Handheld Vacuum

If urine and slobber are a regular occurrence on your sofa or other upholstery, why not invest in a wet dry handheld vacuum? They are not expensive and will remove the moisture without the need for chemicals. This method is only truly effective when the mess is recent and hasn't had a chance to soak in yet.

Specialist Cleaning Products

There are numerous spray-on cleaners that will remove pet stains from your upholstery. Always perform a spot test on an inconspicuous part of the furniture (such as on the back of a cushion) before applying it to the stain.

Homemade Cleaning Products

You also have the option of making a cleaner yourself, using products you probably already have at home. The effectiveness of these products depends on the size of the stain and how long it has been present. You might need to experiment with a few different methods before you find the best one to get rid of the problem. Again, a spot test is advisable.

So instead of rearranging your modular lounge or covering the stain with a cushion or throw blanket, you're better off trying one of the numerous options for getting rid of the stain altogether. It's either that or banning your pet from cuddle time on the couch...