Name: Love Your Carpet
Telephone: (702) 898-6070

Table of Contents

Easy Ways to Remove Pet Hair, Stains, and Odors from Upholstery

If you share your Las Vegas home with pets, you know that hair, stains, and odors can quickly take over your furniture. Between desert dust, shedding season, and the occasional accident, keeping the upholstery clean can feel like a full-time job. It’s frustrating when your couch starts to smell faintly of “wet dog” a few days after cleaning, or when pet fur refuses to come off, no matter how much you vacuum. For over 25 years, Love Your Carpet has helped pet owners across the Las Vegas Valley restore their furniture to a like-new condition with professional upholstery cleaning designed to remove hair, stains, and deep odors, safely and effectively.

Step 1: Start by Removing Pet Hair

Pet hair is often the first and most visible issue on upholstered furniture. What makes it tricky is that hair clings to fabric fibers through static electricity and body oils, especially in drier climates like Las Vegas. Regular vacuuming alone isn’t always enough.

Vacuum Thoroughly and Strategically

Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to lift loose fur, dust, and dander. Start with cushions, then move into the corners, creases, and under pillow seams where fur loves to hide. Work slowly and in different directions. This agitates the fibers and helps release embedded hair. If you have a pet-specific vacuum or a brush roll designed for upholstery, that’s even better.

Use a Rubber Glove or Squeegee for Stubborn Areas

For hair that resists the vacuum, lightly dampen a rubber glove or use a rubber-edged squeegee. Rub it over the fabric in sweeping motions. The static charge pulls hair from deep within the fibers and gathers it into small clumps you can easily pick up. This trick works wonders on sofas and car seats alike, especially for short-haired breeds that shed fine, needle-like fur.

Finish With a Lint Roller or Tape

Once most of the hair is gone, use a lint roller or a strip of packing tape to collect stray strands. It’s quick, gentle, and effective for touch-ups between deeper cleanings.

Pro Tip: Run a dryer sheet lightly across the upholstery before vacuuming. It helps reduce static, making it harder for hair to cling in the future.

Step 2: Tackle Pet Stains Before They Set In

Accidents happen. Muddy paws, drool, spills, or worse. In the Las Vegas heat, stains can dry and set faster, making quick action essential.

1. Blot – don’t Rub

When you notice a stain, gently blot the area using a clean white cloth. Combine two cups of warm water with one tablespoon of mild dish soap and dab carefully. Rubbing spreads the mess and drives it deeper into the fabric. Always start from the outer edge and work inward to contain the stain.

2. Rinse and Repeat if Needed

Once you’ve lifted most of the residue, dampen another cloth with plain water to remove leftover soap. Detergent residue can attract dirt later, so make sure the area feels clean and not sticky.

3. Use Enzymatic Cleaners for Organic Stains

For tougher issues like urine or vomit, use an enzymatic cleaner (widely available at pet stores). These cleaners contain natural enzymes that break down the proteins and bacteria responsible for both the stain and the odor. Let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes before blotting again with a clean cloth.

4. Vinegar for Lingering Odors and Discoloration

If a faint smell remains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the area and allow it to air dry. Vinegar neutralizes odor molecules naturally and won’t damage most fabrics, just always test a small hidden spot first.

Pro Tip: For delicate upholstery such as velvet or silk, skip DIY methods and call a professional to avoid discoloration or damage.

Step 3: Eliminate Odors Once and for All

Even when the stain is gone, odors can stick around — especially if they’ve soaked into the padding beneath your furniture. Desert humidity (or lack thereof) can trap these smells, making your couch feel perpetually stale.

1. Deodorize with Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda generously across the entire surface of your furniture, including under cushions. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for strong pet smells. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor molecules trapped within the fabric.

2. Vacuum it up Completely

When time’s up, use your upholstery attachment to vacuum the baking soda thoroughly. Move slowly and cover every area: seams, corners, and cracks. If your vacuum includes a HEPA filter, it will also help remove allergens and fine dust, improving air quality while you clean. You’ll often notice an immediate difference in freshness once the powder is gone.

3. Refresh with Vinegar Spray

For an extra boost, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the upholstery. The vinegar smell disappears as it dries, leaving the fabric refreshed and deodorized. Add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil if you prefer a light scent. This helps balance fabric pH, preventing future odor buildup.

Step 4: Deep Clean for Lasting Results

If your furniture has seen years of pet love (and mess), surface cleaning might not be enough. Deep cleaning removes grime that’s built up inside the fibers, something that’s especially needed in dusty Las Vegas homes.

Steam Cleaning

A steam cleaner uses heat and moisture to loosen dirt and sanitize fabric fibers. Always check the furniture tag for cleaning codes (“W,” “S,” or “WS”). Most synthetic materials handle steam well, but natural fabrics like cotton or silk may shrink. Use distilled water to avoid mineral spots and allow at least 12 hours for the furniture to dry completely before using it again.

Professional Upholstery Cleaning

If your upholstery is heavily soiled, delicate, or expensive, professional help is worth it. Love Your Carpet uses advanced hot-water extraction and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that lift pet hair, remove stains, and eliminate deep odors, without harsh chemicals or sticky residues. The process is designed for the Las Vegas climate, ensuring quick drying times and lasting results.

Our technicians pay attention to fabric type, condition, and soil level, tailoring each treatment so your furniture gets the care it deserves.

eco-friendly upholstery cleaner to eliminate pet odors in Las Vegas home

When to Call a Professional Upholstery Cleaner in Las Vegas

If you’ve tried every home method and your furniture still smells faintly of pets, or if your upholstery is delicate, high-end, or antique, it’s time to call the experts. Love Your Carpet has been helping Las Vegas homeowners since 1996 with professional upholstery cleaning services that are safe, fast, and incredibly effective.

Our process removes allergens, pet dander, and tough odors from even the deepest layers of fabric. With advanced, residue-free cleaning technology, your furniture stays cleaner longer. There will be no sticky aftermath, no recurring smells, just fresh, renewed upholstery that feels and looks brand new.

Ready for Fresh, Clean Upholstery Again?

Your pets deserve the couch, but you deserve it clean. Let Love Your Carpet bring your furniture back to life with professional upholstery cleaning tailored to the Las Vegas environment.

Call (702) 898-6070 to schedule your cleaning today or visit our website to learn more.