How to Clean Your Couch: A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Owners

Understanding pet messes on furniture

Pets bring joy, companionship, and, inevitably, a variety of messes to your living space. Common couch cleanup challenges include:

• Dog and cat fur that seems to multiply overnight
• Muddy paw prints after rainy walks
• Accidental urine spots from puppies or anxious pets
• Food and treat crumbs trapped in cushion crevices
• Dried drool and wet food stains
• Lingering pet odors

Prepare for couch cleaning – before you start

Like any household task, preparation is key for effective furniture maintenance. Take time to assess your couch, love seat, or comfy chair – including the upholstery type, manufacturer’s instructions, and the level of cleaning it might need.

Assess the upholstery

Fabric couches

Fabric couches are the most versatile for cleaning and can typically withstand more intensive cleaning methods. These couches are generally safe to vacuum and many fabric types can be cleaned with water-based solutions and deep cleaning machines. Fabric couches tend to be the often most forgiving when it comes to pet-related messes.

Leather and suede couches

Leather and suede require specialized care and minimal moisture. On leather, you can often use a gentle touch with your vacuum to lift dry debris then address stains with a specialized leather cleaner and conditioner. Suede is more delicate: try using a specialized suede brush to remove dry debris and a suede-specific cleaner for any stains.

Review manufacturer's instructions

Always check the manufacturer's tag on a couch for specific cleaning codes:

• W: Water-based cleaning solutions
• S: Solvent-based cleaners
• WS: Both water and solvent-based cleaners
• X: Professional cleaning only

3 Ways to clean your couch

Couches can get a surface clean, a deep clean, or a spot cleaning. The method you choose depends on your cleaning goals, tools, and level of wear.

Surface clean for everyday fur and crumb removal

Clean the surface of your couch at least once every two weeks. Regular maintenance prevents dirt from embedding deeply and keeps your couch looking fresh.

Gather necessary supplies

• Vacuum or stick vac with upholstery tool, such as the PowerClean™ FurFinder™ stick vac
• Optional: lint roller, rubber gloves, or microfiber cloth

Step 1: Attach an upholstery tool to your vacuum

Attach the upholstery tool to your vacuum or stick vac. We recommend the FurFinder™ Tool which comes with the PowerClean™ FurFinder™ stick vac. This handheld tool actually digs into upholstery to remove fur stuck to the surface of your couch as well as any fur embedded in the fabric.

Step 2: Vacuum couch exterior

Vacuum the whole couch. Start on top using long strokes whiling paying extra attention to crevices and seams. Vacuum the back and sides of the couch thoroughly. Use slow, overlapping vacuum strokes to ensure you capture maximum fur and debris. You may need to switch to a crevice tool if you find dirt and debris is stuck deep in the seams.

Step 3: Remove and vacuum cushions

Remove the couch cushions and vacuum their sides and undersides before cleaning the couch seat underneath. Again, pay extra attention to crevices and seams as you vacuum. Pet hair can accumulate between couch cushions.

Step 4: Reassemble couch

Reassemble your couch, flipping and alternating the placement of cushions for more even wear.

Step 5: Lint roll stuck-on hair (optional)

 If any pet hair remains, use a lint roller to pick up stuck-on pieces. Or, run your hands over the fabric while wearing rubber gloves or holding a slightly dampened microfiber cloth.

Deep clean for comprehensive grime and odor removal

While bi-weekly vacuuming is an effective way of removing loose dirt, dust, crumbs, and pet hair, bi-monthly deep cleaning targets the gradual buildup of oils and odors as well as set-in stains. Deep cleaners like the BISSELL® Little Green® Pet Pro portable carpet cleaner use water and formula to remove both surface level and sunk-in messes, giving your couch a full refresh. Deep cleaning is only recommended for fabric couches that can be cleaned with water-based cleaners. (The manufacturer’s tag will say “W” or “WS”.)

Gather necessary supplies

• Vacuum or stick vac with upholstery tool, such as the PowerClean™ FurFinder™ stick vac
• Portable deep cleaner, such as the Little Green® Pet Pro
• Cleaning formula, like Pet Pro Oxy Stain Destroyer with Stain Protect+

Step 1: Remove cushions and covers

Start by stripping your couch to its bones, removing all cushions and any arm covers. If your cushions have removable fabric covers, check the care tag – many can be tossed in the wash for an easy cleaning.

Step 2: Vacuum couch exterior

Grab your PowerClean™ FurFinder™ stick vac with the FurFinder™ Upholstery Tool and start vacuuming the entire couch, including the cushions. Make sure to target every crevice, nook, and cranny for a deep clean to remove fur, dust, and dander, paying extra attention to areas where your pet loves to lounge. If stubborn pet hair is clinging to your couch’s upholstery, use a lint roller to lift it away.

Step 3: Fill carpet cleaner with formula and warm water

With your couch vacuumed and free of crumbs, pet hair, and debris, the next step is to deep clean and target odors and stains. Fill your Little Green® Pet Pro deep cleaner with warm water to the water fill line. Then, add Pet Pro Oxy Stain Destroyer formula to the formula line. This all-in-one Triple Action Formula is a must-have for keeping pet homes clean and fresh. Using this or another BISSELL formula is the best way to to remove tough stains, eliminate odors, and protect against future stains.

Step 4: Clean your couch

With your Little Green® Pet Pro, start at the top of your couch. With the sprayer on,  work your way down, ensuring the first pass sprays enough solution to soak the fabric and target stains and odors. Use the bristles on the Self-Cleaning Tough Stain Tool to gently scrub the area you are cleaning, applying more solution as needed. Keep lift your finger off the sprayer to shut it off and press down gently on the tool as you pull it back along the couch, extracting all of the loosened dirt, fur, and other mysteries lurking in and below the fabric. Repeat this extraction step until the majority of the liquid has been removed. You may want to clean certain well-used areas twice, such as the arms of your couch.

Step 5: Let your couch dry

Once your couch is looking and smelling fresh, give it least 4 to 6 hours to air dry completely. To speed up the drying time, turn on a fan, open a window, or turn on your AC or heat. When everything is dry replace the cushions, sit back, and relax with your beloved pet.

Spot clean for targeted mess management

Accidents happen, especially with pets running around the house. From tracked-in mud to spilled drinks and unexpected hairballs, immediate action prevents permanent staining. Here’s how to spot clean your fabric couch like a pro. (Only deep clean fabric couches that have a “W” or “WS” on the care instructions.)

Gather necessary supplies

• Manual cleaning formula, such as PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer
• OR
• Portable deep cleaner, such as the Little Green® Pet Pro
• Cleaning formula, like Pet Pro Oxy Stain Destroyer with StainProtect® Technology
• Clean white cloths or Paper towels

Step 1: Gently blot mess

As soon as you see an area on your couch that needs attention, use a clean, white cloth to gently blot the affected area and absorb any liquid. Never scrub, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers of your couch. For solid messes, such as hairballs or mud clumps, remove them first with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Step 2: Fill your deep cleaner with formula and warm water

Prepare your Little Green® Pet Pro for precise spot treatment. Fill the tank with warm water up to the water fill line, followed by PET PRO OXY Stain Destroyer formula to the formula fill line. Depending on the type of stain you’re treating, you may want to a formula with StainProtect® Technology, which helps remove stains and odors and prevents future stains from sticking.

Step 3: Make first pass over mess

Make your first pass with the sprayer on to release solution and break down stains and neutralize odors. Then, go over the same spot with the sprayer off to extract the loosened mess, watching the dirt and grime disappear before your eyes. For stubborn pet messes, repeat this process until stains and odors are gone.

Step 4: Allow area to dry

Keep pets, kids, and guests off the stained area to allow your couch to air dry. You can open a window or turn on a fan, AC, or heating to dry the area faster.

Pet messes on couches: preventive measures

Accidents happen. But there are ways to minimize the messes pets make on your couch – and the time you must spend cleaning them up. Advance planning and prevention can help. Here are some ways you can protect your couch from everyday pet messes.

• Use machine-washable throw covers or strategically place blankets on your couch.
• Train pets to rest in pet beds.
• Keep pet cleaning supplies nearby for quick response.
• Keep pets away from furniture during potty training or right after walks.
• Brush and groom your pets regularly.
• Use pet-friendly paw wipes or towels to clean paws when coming inside.
• Use stain-protecting cleaning formulas to make cleanup easier when accidents happen.

Regular couch maintenance schedule

Vacuum your couch weekly or bi-weekly, spot clean immediately after accidents, and plan for a deep clean approximately every two months. Rotate and fluff cushions regularly to maintain even wear.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my couch if I have pets?

We recommend bi-weekly vacuuming, bi-monthly deep cleaning, and immediate spot treatment for accidents.

Can I use these cleaning methods on all furniture?

Always check manufacturer instructions when cleaning upholstered furniture. When in doubt, test a small, inconspicuous area first.

What types of messes do cats usually make on couches?

Cats typically leave behind fur and dander as well as occasional hairballs and urine stains from marking. Understanding these common issues can help you proactively protect your furniture.

What messes do dogs usually leave on couches?

Dogs commonly cause mud and dirt tracks. They may also leave behind fur from shedding, drool stains, and food or treat crumbs, in addition to occasional urine accidents. Each breed and individual dog may have unique challenges.

How often should I deep clean my couch with pets?

Vacuum weekly, spot clean as needed, and deep clean with a carpet cleaner every two months or so. Homes with multiple pets or high-shedding animals may require more frequent cleaning.

Can I prevent pet stains completely?

While 100% prevention is challenging, you can minimize issues if you keep your pets off the furniture. If you don’t want to give up your couch cuddle sessions, you can help minimize cleanup by using protective couch covers, maintaining regular grooming schedules for your pets, and promptly cleaning any accidents.

While 100% prevention is challenging, you can minimize issues if you keep your pets off the furniture. If you don’t want to give up your couch cuddle sessions, you can help minimize cleanup by using protective couch covers, maintaining regular grooming schedules for your pets, and promptly cleaning any accidents.

Conclusion

Keeping your couch clean with pets requires consistent effort and the right tools. By following proper cleaning techniques and implementing preventive measures you can maintain a fresh, comfortable couch that both you and your pets can enjoy.