As a pet owner, you know how much joy dogs and cats bring to your home. However, they also bring their share of fur, paw prints, and an accident or two now and then.

So if you’ve invested in a beautiful new rug, the last thing you want is for it to get ruined by your furry friends. Fortunately if you pick the right materials and with the right cleaning techniques, and a bit of regular maintenance, you can enjoy both your pets and your rugs without having to stress about anything.

Choosing the Best Pet-Friendly Rug Material.

The first step in keeping your pet friendly rug clean with pets in the house is selecting the right material. Some materials are more resistant to stains, pet hair, and wear-and-tear than others, making them a better option for a home with pets.

1. Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are a great choice for pet owners due to their durability, they have a natural stain resistance and if an accident is cleaned as soon as it happens then it will more than likely come out with ease. Wool is a soft yet incredibly strong material that can handle heavy traffic be it foot or paw traffic. The fibres are naturally resilient and bounce back after being compressed better than almost any other fibre, giving wool rugs a longevity like no other.

NOTE: To increase the protection of your wool rug I would suggest you use a quality stain protectant spray. (This will normally ad around 60% better protection than without.)

2. Polypropylene Rugs

polypropylene rugs are generally considered a budget-friendly and extremely durable option when it comes to Pet Friendly Rugs.

being fully synthetic rugs they are stain-resistant, so easy spot clean with soap and cold water, perfect for pet owners especially should you have to deal with a few spills or mishaps. Polypropylene rugs are also known for being moisture and mildew resistant, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces where pets roam freely. (If you are wanting to use your rug outdoors or in an alfresco area please ensure it is rated for outdoor use.)

3. Machine Washable Rugs

Machine Washable Rugs an extremely convenient option for pet owners. however they tend to be less durable than wool or synthetic rugs, this means there wear life is much shorter and makes them more suitable for low-traffic areas in the home like bedrooms or studies. You should also be aware that the screen printed versions tend to fade away within 8/10 washes. (This makes them often a more expensive option) 

4. Jute Rugs

Jute rugs Although a natural, earthy texture that many people and even decorators find a textural delight, these rugs are not ideal for homes with pets prone to accidents. Jute is a very absorbent fibre that stains very easily and can be difficult to clean if it gets a liquid spill or accident. However, if your pets are well-trained, jute rugs can add warmth, texture and character to the right living space.

5. Invest in a Rug Pad

A rug pad will help prevent your rug from slipping and sliding, reducing wear and tear caused by pets running around on your rugs and the possibility of someone having a fall due to slipping. It also helps to keep your rugs shape as it reduces stretching and adds a layer of protection between the rug and the floor.