7 Pawsitively Pet-Friendly Fabrics for Your Home
Febuary 4, 2025 - Michelle Murphy
Got furry friends? Then you know that pets and furniture don’t always mix. Fur, scratches, and stains can make things messy really fast. Keeping your home looking nice while living with pets calls for some smart choices—starting with your fabrics.
If you’re tired of going to battle with the lint roller, keep scrolling for our seven favourite pet-friendly fabrics (and bonus cleaning tips).
Not factoring pets into your design? Blunder alert! Check out our Home Blunder Series to avoid common design mistakes!
What Makes a Fabric Pet-Friendly?
Not all fabrics are made for life with pets. Some snag easily, some trap fur like a magnet, and some stain if you even dare look at them the wrong way. A good pet-friendly fabric should check at least a couple of these boxes:
- Durable: It can handle claws, paws, and general wear without falling apart.
- Stain-resistant: Spills, dirt, and pet accidents are easier to clean.
- Tightly woven: The tighter the weave, the less likely claws will catch or fur will stick.
- Low allergen retention: Some fabrics hold onto pet dander more than others. If allergies are a concern, go for smoother, washable materials.

7 Great Pet-Friendly Fabrics
No fabric is completely pet-proof, but these will hold up much better than delicate materials like silk or velvet.
1. Microfiber
One of the top choices for furniture. It’s tightly woven, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Fur doesn’t stick, and most messes wipe right off.
Microfiber cloths are also a great way to clean up your furry friends.
2. Real & Faux Leather
Great for couches, chairs, and ottomans. Spills and fur wipe off easily and neither material holds onto odour.
3. Canvas & Denim
These tough, tight weaves are perfect for furniture slipcovers, dog beds, and casual seating.
4. Performance & Outdoor Fabrics
Crypton, Sunbrella, etc. Ideal for couches, chairs, and curtains. Performance fabrics are specially designed to repel stains, moisture, and bacteria. Some are even antimicrobial.
5. Cotton Percale & Linen
Amazing for bedding. Both are breathable and really durable fabrics for pets. They are also easy to throw in the wash. Linen softens over time and resists bacteria naturally.
6. Velour
A good option for upholstered furniture. Unlike natural velvet, synthetic versions don’t trap fur, and claws don’t catch as easily.
Check out this cute and soft dog bed with velour like feel!
7. Low-Pile
Low-pile fabrics are tightly woven and tend to trap less fur and dirt. Rugs and carpets can be a nightmare with pets, but loop pile carpets are a great option.

Allergies at Home? These Fabrics Are a No-No
If you or someone in your home has allergies, the type of fabric you choose really matters. Cotton, linen, microfiber, and leather are usually the best options for allergy sufferers because they tend not to trap as much hair, fur, and dander.
If allergy control is the goal, you’ll want to steer clear of these fabrics:
- Wool and chenille: Wool is cozy but traps dander easily. Chenille is soft but holds onto fur and doesn’t always withstand heavy wear and tear.
- Natural velvet: Looks great but acts like a magnet for pet hair and dust. If you love the look, opt for velour instead.
- Thick, plush carpets and rugs: Anything high-pile or shag-style is a bad idea if allergies are a concern.
Safe Cleaning Products for Pet-Friendly Fabrics
If you have a pet, frequent cleaning is part of the equation. The problem is that a lot of common fabric cleaners contain chemicals that aren’t safe for animals.
What to Look for in a Pet-Safe Cleaner
- Non-toxic ingredients: Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or formaldehyde.
- Enzyme-based formulas: These break down stains and odours without harmful residues.
- Fragrance-free or naturally scented: Some artificial fragrances can irritate pets’ skin and lungs.
As an animal lover and pet owner herself, Michelle Murphy, owner of MMID, has a few tried and true pet-safe fabric cleaners:
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner: US EPA Safer Choice Certified, non-abrasive, non-caustic, and phosphate-free. Great for daily cleaning or heavy messes.
- Vinegar & baking soda solution: A simple and effective DIY natural cleaner for spot treatments.
- Unscented baby wipes: Great for quick wipe-downs of leather, faux leather, and other smooth surfaces.

Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners
- Vacuum regularly, especially if you have fabric furniture, rugs, or curtains.
- Wash bedding and slipcovers often and look for removable machine-washable fabrics to make life easier.
- Spot-clean stains ASAP. The faster you do, the easier it is to remove.
Explore what makes sustainable interior design so great in our latest style highlight.
A Clean Home Fur Real
Dog may be man’s best friend, but pet-safe fabrics are your best bet for keeping your furry friend home looking and feeling fresh.
With smart fabric choices and simple maintenance, you can keep your home clean and make the battle against fur and stains a little less frightening!
Need a pet-friendly redesign? We’d love to help! Contact MMID today.
*Affiliate links may be included.