Like my dog, some dogs will try to escape having their nails clipped, making it nearly impossible to do so. They obviously make scratches on everything, from the doors to the couch, thanks to their untrimmed nails!
One easiest and most efficient way to get dog scratches out of a fabric couch is to use a razor over the scratched part of your couch over and over again and in all directions. But before doing this, I advise you to make sure the long threads that have come out are cut off with scissors to protect your couch from additional damage.
Even though this technique is best suited exclusively for certain types of fabric, there are numerous ways to remove scratches from different kinds of fabric couches. With a little work, you can convert them into a brand-new couch.
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Stay tuned till the end of this article to know more tricks on how to get dog scratches out of your couch!
How To Remove Dog Scratches From Fabric Couch?
My couch is not just a place to relax, but also an attraction in the living room, and having scratches all over it makes it look dirty and also feels uncomfortable. I don’t mind if my couch gets a minor scratch, but I worry about how to get rid of it.
Not every fabric couch is the same. They come in a wide range of fabrics. Here are some suggestions for cleaning dog scratches off of various fabric couches.
Microfibre Couch
Microfibre is a fabric that is water and stain-resistant. Though it is a perfect match for your fabric couch if you have a pet, your dog can still scratch the couch slightly damaging it and leaving marks behind.
If you have a pet, this fabric is highly recommended. However, here are some tips to help you remove scratches from your couch if they still occur.
Using a soft, damp cloth that has had all the water squeezed out of it would be one option. This cloth needs to be rubbed against the scratched part which can remove the scratches after the water dries up. Sewing needles and couch thread in the same color as the fabric can be used to mend any little tears or gaps.
Another trick to remove scratches is to rub some vodka on the damaged part which may work after drying up. There are also a few cleaners available to clean and get rid of the scratches which leave no stains at all. I recommend you try to vacuum the scratched part as well.
Velvet Couch
Rich and delicate, velvet is a very stylish fabric. If you have a pet with claws, I do not advise using this fabric because it will be very difficult to maintain.
But don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. You can use a few techniques to remove dog scratches from your velvet couch.
If the scratches are extremely minor, they can be easily removed by simply brushing them with a soft cloth in one direction called a nap. There are numerous brushes available to remove scratches, even heavy scratches. As velvet is a fragile fabric, I encourage you to use those brushes gently to avoid ruining your entire couch.
I also use a steamer sometimes to get rid of those dog scratches, but at a low setting so that it doesn’t spoil my velvet couch. To ensure that it settles without leaving any marks, move the steamer along the fabric’s direction of flow.
The best thing about a velvet couch is that there aren’t any loose threads to wear down the fabric. The dog scratches can only cause stains to remain on your couch if not taken care of after scratch.
Leather Couch
Leather is not your dog’s best friend, so your dog can occasionally scratch your leather couch, leaving unpleasant marks behind. Although these scratches may look irrecoverable, there are many ways to recover a brand new shiny couch. So, worry not and follow these tips.
Leathers are of a different kind and the first and foremost thing to do to get the scratches out is to know the leather of your couch. Once you know what type of leather is used on your couch you can look up methods to remove scratches from them.
A common tip for scratches on all leather couches would be to rub some oil on the damaged part. This may be done using a soft cloth and wiping it off later. This trick although may not work instantly will take time to heal.
A method not suggested for all leather kinds is to use a heat source that can be iron or steamer. I usually use a hair dryer that needs to be used on a wet cloth kept over the scratch. I advise you not to use the heat for long over your leather couch as it may spoil it and make sure the heat is minimum.
You can also use alcohol or even some leather polish to get rid of the scratches on your leather couch or to hide them. Make sure the polish you use is of the same shade, not making it look like a patch job.
If you think the scratch is very deep and there’s nothing you can do, I suggest you call a professional for help. This will help you not to spoil your couch completely with one scratch.
Woven Fabric
This fabric is made of threads that can come out if scratched. You need to get the dog scratches out of your woven fabric couch before it’s too late. This is because once the thread is loose, it can keep coming out, spoiling your whole couch.
There’s a simple way to get rid of these scratches from such fabric, that is to use a cloth razor over that part. This will work well for light scratches. However, if the scratch is too deep, I suggest you use a skewer to pull the loose threads, just like any sweater.
These are some ways to remove dog scratches from your fabric couch. However, if I fail to get rid of them through any of the above ways, depending on the fabric, I just throw in a couple of pillows on my couch.
This will not only enhance the look of the couch but also be comfortable to relax along with hiding the scratches. Make sure they are matching your couch and are of the right size for your couch.
How To Prevent Dog Scratches On Your Couch?
Whatever you do, you cannot completely avoid your dog from scratching your comfy couch. However, here are some preventive measures you can take to minimize the damage that can be caused.
1. Keeping Your Dog Far From the Couch
This is perhaps the best way to avoid any dog scratches. As it is kept away from the couch, it cannot harm anything. However, the couch is my most comfortable spot and my dog is my most comforting companion.
Keeping him away from the couch will be like keeping him away from me. Hence, I do not feel this is a feasible idea, yet you can try to do so.
2. Train Your Dog
When you can’t keep your dog away from you or your couch, just train him! Dogs are very quick learners and if given proper training, will abide by it. Train them with certain commands like “stop” to stop them from scratching your couch.
With lots of practice, I’ve successfully managed to train my dog. This is one best measure to avoid your couch from getting ruined but requires some time and effort.
3. Use Dog Shoes
If you have trouble training your dog, you can always equip them with accessories to protect your couch. Like I have put on some cute shoes on my dog’s paws, you can put on some claw protectors as well.
This will not just avoid your couch from getting scratched but can protect you also from scratches. It will also keep your couch clean and save you the effort of cleaning it. They also make your dog look cuter.
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4. Use the Right Fabric
Another preventive measure is to use the right fabric couch in your house. As I mentioned earlier, microfibre is the best fabric to use on your couch if you have any pets.
Unlike velvet, this material is easy to clean and does not take much time and effort. Microfibre, being water and stain resistant, can be cleaned thoroughly, and scratches ridden easily. There is dog-proof furniture as well that can conveniently be used.
5. Trimming Dog’s Nails
The best prevention to this problem! Cutting off the problem is the best solution and in this case, it is trimming my dog’s nails. This is the best yet effort-required measure that can be taken.
Trimming my dog’s nails will eliminate the problem of getting any scratches on my fabric couch in the first place. This is good for my dog’s hygiene as well as for everyone’s safety.
6. Couch cover
Putting on a cover over your couch is also another preventive measure to avoid dog scratches. This cover will not just avoid dog scratches but also any stains that can happen from your carelessness. I recommend having a couch cover that is particularly made for pets which can prevent any kind of damage to your couch.
Final Thoughts
Having a fabric couch is all nice and comfortable until you have to clean it or get rid of the scratches of your pets. You can use any of the preventive measures to avoid scratches, but there will be at least some scratches on your couch.
However, I hope I have given you the solution to get rid of those scratches in an effortless manner for all your different kinds of fabric couches. If nothing just use fancy pillows to cover them up!
Do follow these tips to live a scratch-proof life with your playful dog!