You love your pets, but you probably don’t love the messes they can make on your upholstery. Dogs and cats may enjoy cuddling on the couch, but some simple training techniques and alternatives will keep everyone happy. Professional upholstery cleaning is always an option for eliminating messes that have already occurred, but you should then use these tactics to prevent future ones.

How to Keep Pets From Getting Your Furniture Dirty

1. Train Early

It’s easier to train animals to stop a particular behavior if they haven’t already made a habit of it. If your pets are already used to hopping on the furniture, you still have options. However, if you’re bringing home a new animal, avoid letting them on the furniture at all. Saying no or giving them a treat when they lay on the floor or in their own bed a few times may be all they need to understand that the couch isn’t for them.

2. Provide Alternatives

Of course, your animals still want soft places to lay and play. Give them comfy dog beds and cat condos where they can spend time without ruining your upholstery.

If your pets are already in love with a particular chair or ottoman, consider letting them have that piece and keeping them off the rest. You still may want occasional upholstery cleaning for the item, but it's a good compromise if it'll keep them off your brand new sofa.

3. Make Furniture Less Attractive

Your pets will naturally want to hop on the couch if you're constantly eating there or there are crumbs from previous meals on the cushions. Breaking this habit for your family may mean less temptation for your animals when you're not around.

If they need some extra discouragement, stick double-sided tape or aluminum foil over the cushions when you're not around. Dogs and cats don't like the feeling of these materials, but they won't cause harm. As such, this might be enough for them to associate your furniture with discomfort.

If you need upholstery cleaning for pesky pet messes, contact The Steam Police in Rochester, NY. This trained team has access to quality equipment and is known for providing thorough carpet and upholstery cleaning services. To request an estimate or learn more about their offerings today, reach out on their website or call (585) 563-8008.