How to Clean Pet Hair and Drool Off a Sofa: A Weekly Routine

If your dog or cat is allowed on the sofa, the sofa collects hair in the seams, a layer of fur on the cushions, drool on the arm where a chin rests, and a faint pet smell over time. None of this is an emergency, but left alone it builds into dull, matted fabric and a sofa that smells of dog. A short weekly routine keeps it under control. This guide covers that routine, plus throw pillows, throws and drool marks.

It follows the upholstery care guidance of the furniture makers McGee & Co. and CR Laine. Check the care tag and instructions for your own sofa first, because the right cleaner depends on the fabric.

For urine, vomit or poop on a sofa, see our pet stains on couches and upholstery guide instead.

Check the cleaning code first

Most upholstered furniture has a cleaning code on a tag under the cushions or the frame. CR Laine’s fabric guide sets out what each one allows:

• W: spot clean with a water-based cleaning agent, such as a mild detergent or upholstery shampoo.
• S: solvent only. CR Laine warns that steam or water-based cleaners may cause excessive shrinkage and staining of these fabrics.
• WS: either a water-based cleaning agent or a mild, water-free solvent. Do not saturate.
• X: CR Laine says not to use foam or liquid cleaning agents of any type, and to clean only by vacuuming or light brushing with a nonmetallic, stiff bristle brush.

Whatever the code, CR Laine advises pre-testing a small, inconspicuous area before you clean.

The weekly routine

1. Take the cushions and pillows off and shake the throws outdoors.
2. Brush first. McGee & Co. recommends a soft, dry upholstery brush to gently loosen and remove surface dirt, followed by a thorough vacuuming. On high-pile fabrics such as velvet, brush in the direction of the pile.
3. Lift the hair. Drag a slightly damp rubber glove or a rubber pet hair brush across the fabric in one direction, which pulls hair into clumps. Pick up what is left with a lint roller.
4. Vacuum with the brush attachment. McGee & Co. says to always use the brush attachment to prevent fabric damage. Go over the seat deck under the cushions and the crevices along the arms and back, where hair collects most.
5. Fluff, flip and rotate the cushions. McGee & Co. advises occasionally fluffing cushions to restore their shape and periodically flipping and rotating them to promote even wear. If your pet always lies in one spot, this spreads the wear.

Rubber tools and lint rollers are gentle on most fabrics, but on delicate weaves, velvet or anything with a loose surface, test them on a hidden area first.

Drool and nose marks

Dogs that rest their head on the arm or back cushion leave drool and oily marks over time.

1. Blot fresh drool with a dry paper towel or cloth. Do not rub it in.
2. Let a dried mark soften under a cloth that is barely damp, if the code allows water (W or WS).
3. Clean it as the code allows. For W fabrics, CR Laine says to use only the foam from a water-based cleaning agent such as a mild detergent or non-solvent upholstery shampoo, applied with a soft brush in a circular motion, and to vacuum when dry. For S fabrics, use a water-free solvent product in a well-ventilated room. For X fabrics, brush and vacuum only.
4. Use as little liquid as possible and let the area dry fully before your pet lies there again.

Marks that keep coming back, or large areas, are a job for a professional upholstery cleaner. McGee & Co. recommends professional cleaning for spills and stains to ensure uniformity and prevent damage.

Throw pillows and cushion covers

• Follow the label. Some covers are machine washable, some are dry clean only.
• Be careful with fitted sofa cushion covers. McGee & Co. advises against removing cushion casings for laundering, because it may affect the fit and appearance once the cushion is put back. Many other makers say the same; check your own instructions.
• Get the hair off before washing so it does not end up in your machine. See pet hair and odor in the washing machine and dryer.

Brushing your pet regularly means less hair on the sofa. To keep those tools clean, see how to clean pet grooming brushes, combs and deshedding tools.

Use a washable throw

The easiest way to keep a sofa clean is a washable throw or sofa cover on your pet’s favorite spot. It catches most of the hair, drool and dirt, and goes in the washing machine every week. Shake it out outdoors first.

Leather and faux leather

Hair does not weave into leather, so a weekly vacuum with a soft brush attachment and a wipe with a slightly damp cloth usually does it. Use a cleaner and conditioner made for your leather type, following the maker’s instructions. Keep pet claws trimmed if your pet jumps on and off, since leather scratches easily.

If your pet uses steps to get onto the sofa, clean those too; see how to clean a pet stroller, dog ramp and pet stairs.

When the sofa smells

A general dog or cat smell from a sofa usually comes from hair, skin oil and drool building up in the fabric and the throws. The weekly routine and a washable throw handle most of it. A strong, sharp smell in one spot is more likely urine; a UV black light helps find it, see how to find pet urine with a black light. For the rest of the house, see how to get rid of dog smell in the house.

Hair from the sofa ends up on the floor too. See how to get pet hair out of carpet and rugs.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Our Pet Cleanup Kit has gloves, an enzyme odor product, an absorbent powder and a UV black light in one pouch for the messes that go beyond hair. Check your sofa’s cleaning code and the product label, and test it on a hidden area first.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I vacuum a sofa if I have pets?

Once a week is a good baseline, more often in shedding season or with a heavy shedder. Brush first, then vacuum with the brush attachment, as McGee & Co. recommends.

What is the best way to get pet hair off a fabric sofa?

Brush the fabric, drag a slightly damp rubber glove or rubber brush across it in one direction to gather the hair, use a lint roller for the rest, then vacuum with the brush attachment.

Can I wash my sofa cushion covers?

Only if the care label says so. Some makers, including McGee & Co., advise against removing fitted cushion casings for laundering because it can change the fit.

How do I clean an X code sofa with pet hair?

Only by vacuuming or light brushing. CR Laine says not to use foam or liquid cleaners of any type on X code fabric.

Sources

• McGee & Co.: Fabric care guide
• CR Laine: Cleanables and fabric care (cleaning codes)

This guide is general cleaning information. Follow your furniture maker’s care instructions and the product label, and test cleaners and tools on a hidden area first.