If there are pets in the house, the choice of furniture upholstery falls on the most wear-resistant materials - fabrics with an anti-vandal effect. Anti-claw fabric - what is it, how does it differ from other materials? Let's figure it out!
Anti-claw fabrics are a category of fabrics that have a common feature - they are resistant to tearing and thread pulling. Such fabrics do not form snags, do not wear out or fade over time, making them suitable for upholstery if there are animals in the house. As a rule, “anti-claw” fabrics, or anti-vandal fabrics, have a special coating - Teflon or Scotchgard - that does not allow moisture and grease to pass through. These impregnations reliably protect furniture upholstery while allowing air to pass through perfectly. In addition, such coatings create a sliding effect, which increases the resistance of the fabric to the sharp claws of pets.
Peculiarities
What properties does this material have? According to reviews, the anti-vandal fabric for the sofa is wear-resistant. It is difficult to damage such upholstery with anything. The fabric does not wear out over time. There will be no fingerprints left on the sofa in the places where people most often sit.
Even the sharp claws of cats cannot damage the material. You don’t have to be afraid of ruining expensive furniture. This fabric is stain resistant. It repels dirt, grease, and has a water-repellent effect. These properties are ensured by Teflon impregnation.
Anti-claw materials on a non-woven basis
The most popular anti-vandal upholstery materials are non-woven fabrics.
Flock
Flock is an upholstery material consisting of non-woven fabric (cotton + polyester), an adhesive base and a layer of small fibers made of nylon, polyamide or polyester. Pets' claws glide through the dense pile - and the upholstery remains unharmed.
The fabric has the following advantages:
- pleasant to the touch;
- easy to clean, you can simply wipe with a brush or sponge with soapy water or vacuum;
- It lasts a long time, does not fade and does not wear out.
However, this fabric also has disadvantages.
- The structure of the material may be damaged if it is cleaned with an alcohol-containing product or if a strong alcoholic drink is spilled.
- The fabric is electrified and attracts dust, so it needs regular care with a vacuum cleaner or a damp sponge.
- Over time, the fabric can stretch and form waves on the furniture.
Relax
The relaxation is also based on a cotton-polyamide backing and pile. However, this anti-vandal fabric is coated with a thin layer of isoprene, which makes the fabric elastic. In addition, relaxation features a unique Antistain protective coating. It contains carbon fibers, which ensure the safety of furniture for many years.
There are different types of relaxation:
- relax classic with short pile, the cut can be straight and textured, imitating suede;
- relax joy has a long pile, similar to flock;
- relax lakshmi imitates skin, looks expensive and noble;
- Eureka relaxation is like velvet.
The Antistain coating provides all types of relax fabric with excellent characteristics:
- they have very high anti-vandal properties;
- easy to clean with a simple sponge and soap solution;
- have a stretch effect due to the isoprene content - the fabric can stretch and return to its previous shape;
- look elegant and expensive;
Relax fabric fully lives up to its name - furniture upholstered in this material is very comfortable and does not bring much trouble.
Faux suede
Faux suede consists of polyamide and cotton, an adhesive layer and polyester pile. This upholstery material has a number of advantages.
- Faux suede is comfortable, breathable and looks very stylish.
- It is not electrified.
- Does not deform and does not fade.
However, judging by the reviews, the vandal-proof performance of this material is not very high. Artificial suede has an “anti-claw effect” and does not form snags, but it will not withstand the active pressure of pets - persistent pets will still tear it. In addition, even with a Teflon coating, suede is not easy to keep clean; only dry cleaning is recommended. This fabric cannot be rubbed, and only fresh stains can be removed at home.
Kinds
Anti-vandal fabric for a sofa can be any dense and smooth material, as long as a cat’s claw cannot catch on it. Popular ones include:
- "Relax." This is an artificial material with a polymer base. It can be washed and is durable.
- Faux suede is a durable, dense fabric for a sofa. She looks elegant and luxurious. Suede furniture will make any room cozy.
- Flock has Teflon impregnation. This fabric is also called “anti-claw”. Now it is in demand because of its unique characteristics. Teflon flock, along with its anti-vandal effect, is a soft and cozy material.
- Furniture corduroy. It is almost not deformed. This option is suitable in cases where you do not want to buy material based on artificial impregnation.
- Chenille is an affordable anti-vandal fabric for a sofa. In addition to density and resistance to damage, it has other advantages. It has a long service life, abrasion resistance, and repels dirt, grease and dust.
Anti-vandal fabrics can be ordinary lint-free materials, characterized by density and rigidity. For example, a tapestry. This dense, smooth material can withstand cat claws. It is important that the surface is smooth so that the animal cannot cling, and the fibers must adhere tightly to each other.
How to care for anti-vandal upholstery
- It is not recommended to place sofas and armchairs with anti-vandal upholstery closer than 50-60 cm from radiators and other heat sources, since the dirt-repellent impregnation is destroyed due to high temperature.
- The main method of cleaning is using a vacuum cleaner with a special furniture attachment in the form of a soft brush.
- Fresh stains can be carefully removed with a soft cloth slightly moistened with water and a mild detergent added.
- To remove old stains that do not disappear after cleaning with a special shampoo, you need to contact a dry cleaner.
- Under no circumstances should you wipe the anti-vandal fabric with alcohol or alcohol solutions, solvents, or other types of aggressive cleaning agents.
- When choosing a cleaning method, you should consider the manufacturer's recommendations.
Anti-claw
This material is durable and wear-resistant. The name “anti-claw” can be used for Teflon flock, microfiber impregnated with Teflon, artificial suede and Scotch guard. Why is matter not damaged? This is due to the fact that the pet’s claws, when trying to scratch, slide off without leaving marks. After several attempts, the animal’s interest in such furniture disappears.
The properties of matter include:
- Density, thanks to which the furniture does not wear out and lasts a long time.
- The fibers have a frequent weave, which is why the material is dense and durable and does not deform.
- Although the material has anti-vandal artificial impregnation, it is “breathable”.
- The surface is comfortable to the touch, it is comfortable to sit on such a sofa.
- An assortment of colors will help you choose a coating for different types of interior.
Advantages of anti-vandal fabrics
Consumers positively assessed anti-claw fabrics almost immediately after they appeared on the market. They are in high demand among animal owners and parents of small children; they are used for upholstery of furniture in cafes and restaurants, making covers for car seats, etc. Among the advantages of modern anti-vandal fabrics, the following should be mentioned:
- A variety of colors and textures - each buyer can easily select an upholstery option that is in harmony with the decor of the room.
- Increased strength, resistance to mechanical damage - the fabric is not damaged by the claws and fangs of animals, it is extremely difficult to damage it with scissors or other sharp objects, which is confirmed by a specific test - the Martindale test.
- dirt-repellent properties imparted by special impregnations that are used to treat the top decorative layer of the pile.
- increased wear resistance, so that scuffs or bald spots do not appear on the sofa or armchairs even after many years of active use.
- no shedding of the pile, which is securely attached to the base using a strong adhesive connection.
Although the cost of anti-cotton fabrics is higher compared to materials of regular quality, the extended service life of the furniture more than pays for the costs incurred.
What other fabrics are there?
Anti-claw flock is a durable anti-vandal fabric for a cat-proof sofa. Reviews about it confirm its effectiveness. The structure of the material is dense, it is smooth on the inside, and there is a pile on the outside. Pets' claws will not harm the pile, and they will slide off a smooth surface. You won't be able to make a snag or tear the fabric.
There is flock of the “anti-claw” category, created not by weaving, but by gluing and applying pile using static electricity. The method is very complex, but provides reliable protection of matter from the sharp claws of animals. It is washed and dry cleaned.
This anti-vandal sofa fabric consists of cotton (35%), polyester (65%). The pile is nylon. The material is “breathable” and breathable. The surface has water-repellent properties. Even if you spill something on the furniture, the water will be collected in a drop; it will not be quickly absorbed into the upholstery.
The material retains the brightness of the shade during its service life. It is not capable of fading, fading in the sun, or losing its decorative properties. At the same time, colors can be different - from delicate to rich.
Reviews
Reviews of Scotchgard fabric will help you see how practical and easy to use the textiles in question are.
Valentina Kalinina, technologist
Scotchgard is a popular material for upholstering upholstered furniture of any configuration. This is explained by the fact that the fabric does not wear out for a long time, retains its shape and color, does not stretch, and does not form wrinkles. The most environmentally friendly material is considered to be one that consists of 90% cotton and 10% polyester. This scotch guard would be suitable for a sofa in a nursery or bedroom. If you care for textiles correctly: vacuum regularly, do not use abrasive cleaners, and wipe with a damp cloth, then the upholstery will not lose its attractive appearance for a long time.
Zhanna Mingazova, seamstress
I work at a furniture factory, sewing covers for sofas and armchairs. For several years now, our production has been using Scotch guard, which does not require special skills in operation, crumbles little when cutting, and is easy to sew. It is important to stitch the fabric once, not to rip it apart, since the punctures from the needle remain on the textile. Another plus is that the width of the material is 2.8 meters. This saves fabric consumption when cutting. If you want to sew pillowcases, bedspreads or curtains from this fabric, you need to wash the fabric before cutting it, as shrinkage is possible.
Manufacturers
Various anti-vandal fabrics for cat sofas are now sold. The most popular include:
- Galaxy. This is microfiber based on Teflon impregnation. The colors are usually neutral. Vintage shades are ideal for classic interiors. The material is pleasant to the touch. Price for 1 meter is about 1100 rubles.
- Anti-claw. This is a flock material that is very pleasant to the touch. The colors are soft, pastel and classic. It is impregnated with a Teflon compound, due to which it has excellent performance properties. The cost is 790 rubles per meter.
- Verona. Teflon material is resistant to damage. Sold in rich shades. The price for 1 meter is approximately 890 rubles.
- Panda. This anti-vandal velor has beautiful shades. The cost is approximately 740 rubles per 1 meter.
Table 1: Best upholstery for sofas
| Upholstery type | Description | Nomination |
| Flock | Furniture fabric with velvet surface | Optimal price/quality ratio. Universal material |
| Chenille | Soft, slightly fluffy upholstery fabric | The best upholstery for children's furniture |
| Jacquard | Durable, rigid upholstery fabric with complex patterned weaves | The best upholstery for sophisticated interiors |
| Velours | Knitted upholstery fabric with pile | The best upholstery for furniture with a cover |
| Tapestry | Durable upholstery material with a wide variety of patterns | The best upholstery for country style living rooms |
| Leather | Natural upholstery material | The best upholstery for luxury furniture, for business interiors |
| Artificial leather (leatherette) | Substitute for genuine leather | The best upholstery for kitchen sofas, office and children's furniture |
The best universal upholstery for sofas is flock
Furniture flock
Sofa, upholstery - flock
Flock is the most common material for upholstering sofas. You will find furniture with flock in different price categories (both budget and luxury options).
Flock is produced by applying nylon pile to a base under the influence of an electrostatic field (this process is called flocking). Base composition: cotton and polyester. Flock imitates other upholstery materials - in appearance it can look like velor, suede, or chenille. This effect is achieved through the use of different piles. Flock is difficult to tear, so it is almost not afraid of cat claws . Stains are easily removed with soap and water. Flock is often treated with protective impregnations.
When cleaning a flock sofa, you should not use alcohol or strong solvents (the surface will become bald).
A sofa with flock upholstery is well suited for almost any situation - for families with small children, for a home with animals, for living rooms, children's rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms. Suitable even for furniture that will stand on a loggia or veranda (it will not “stiffen” when cooled). Flock is not suitable except for kitchen sofas and rooms where people smoke (it easily absorbs odors). If you have a choice, it is better not to take flock for transformable furniture (it is wiped off at the joints of parts).
From reviews of sofas with flock upholstery:
“When I needed a sofa, they advised me to take it from flock. Now he is over 3 years old. What are the conclusions? No need for bedding or capes, abrasion resistant. The cat really doesn’t bother him (tried it, didn’t like it, stopped). But I don’t recommend taking pillows from flock, it’s a bit harsh.”
Advantages of flock:
- lasting;
- waterproof;
- pleasant to the touch;
- easy to clean, does not get greasy;
- difficult to tear, does not cling;
- resistant to temperature changes;
- dust and wool stick little;
- large palette of colors and patterns
Disadvantages of flock:
- absorbs odors;
- the surface wears off over time.
The best upholstery for children's furniture is chenille
Furniture chenille
Sofa, upholstery - chenille
Chenille is a very practical upholstery. It feels like corduroy, but softer and more pleasant to the touch. Often used for children's furniture. Not suitable for pet owners.
From reviews of sofas upholstered in chenille:
“Our little daughter doesn’t care. She managed to draw on the new sofa with a green felt-tip pen. Of course, I was very upset. But I wiped it with regular dishwashing detergent and was pleasantly surprised - everything washed off without a trace. Conclusion: the quality of the upholstery material is good.”
Pros of chenille:
- lasting;
- wear-resistant;
- pleasant to the touch;
- does not cause allergies;
- does not absorb odors;
- the color is well preserved and fades little;
- not subject to deformation, does not stretch.
Cons of chenille:
- high price;
- absorbs moisture;
- Cat claw marks will be clearly visible.
The best upholstery for sophisticated interiors is jacquard
Furniture jacquard
Sofa, upholstery - jacquard
Very dense (even stiff) upholstery fabric with a wide variety of patterns. It does not fade in the sun, is wear-resistant, lasts a long time, so it is ideal for a sofa in the living room. Absolutely not suitable for a house where there is a cat (claws will leave puffs).
From reviews of sofas upholstered in jacquard:
“We spent a long time choosing a sofa. I wanted classics, jacquard upholstery and good quality. And then we found the Ashley Isabel Silver Leaf sofa. The color and pattern of the upholstery completely matched the photo on the website. The quality of the upholstery material is also beyond praise. The fabric is jacquard polyester, very dense, does not leave any snags or any other troubles. All pillows have zippers and, if desired, the pillowcases are easy to wash.”
Advantages of jacquard:
- strength;
- rigidity;
- wear resistance;
- resistance to sunlight (does not fade);
- long service life;
- pleasant to the touch;
- a wide range of patterns and colors;
Disadvantages of jacquard:
- sensitive to moisture;
- Difficult maintenance (only dry cleaning is acceptable);
- Everyone likes the slippery surface.
The best material for furniture with a cover is velor
Furniture velor
Sofa, upholstery - velor
Velor furniture has a beautiful velvety sheen. Looks very impressive in the living room. Wet cleaning of such furniture is acceptable. You should also regularly clean the surface with a vacuum cleaner (furniture attachment with soft bristles). The disadvantage of velor is its tendency to abrasion. This problem can be solved by covering the sofa with a special cover, from under which individual areas that are not subject to heavy load will be visible. Velor is suitable for upholstering a sofa in the living room or bedroom. It's hard to imagine a home where there are children and there are never stains or spilled tea. Therefore, a velor sofa is not suitable for families with children.
From reviews of sofas with velor upholstery:
“Yesterday we received a Cormac sofa, beige and white. Finishes: combination, white leather and beige velor. The combination is very unusual and whimsical. However, if you have a washing vacuum cleaner at home, this will be a matter of 5 minutes. The velor fabric is of normal strength, it is clear that it will not wear off into dust over time, like on Chinese chairs.”
Advantages of velor:
- spectacular appearance;
- soft;
- pleasant to the touch;
- allows air to pass through (“breathes”);
- does not stretch
Disadvantages of velor:
- short-lived;
- very capricious, demanding care;
- stains are very difficult to remove;
- the pile wears out over time.
The best upholstery for country-style living rooms is tapestry
Furniture tapestry
Sofa, upholstery - tapestry
Tapestry is a natural material with the addition of synthetic threads. Tapestry fabric has a high cotton content (up to 100%). But naturalness also has a downside. The higher the proportion of cotton in the tapestry fabric, the more the surface of the sofa will be subject to abrasion. Suitable for rooms decorated in a rustic, homey style. Not suitable for families with pets (as with jacquard, it is very easy to pull threads out of the tapestry surface).
From reviews of sofas with tapestry upholstery:
"Very pleased. The tapestry sofa gave the living room a luxurious look.”
Pros of tapestry:
- expensive appearance (“wealth effect”);
- naturalness (high percentage of cotton);
- strength;
- durability;
- resistant to wet cleaning;
- a large assortment of patterns and colors.
Disadvantages of tapestry:
- the surface may wear out.
The best upholstery for luxury furniture is genuine leather
Furniture leather
Sofa, upholstery - leather
The price of sofas upholstered in genuine leather is high. And not without reason. A leather sofa will serve you for a long time. This is partly why leather is chosen for office spaces, executive offices, expensive hotels and conference rooms, and home libraries. The second reason for this choice is prestige. A leather sofa immediately denotes the high status of the owner.
Caring for a leather sofa is easy: just wipe the surface with a damp cloth. There are special care products for leather furniture that will help you maintain the appearance of your sofa.
Remember - a good leather sofa should not be cheap ! A low price also indicates low quality leather or paint. If you are on a limited budget, it is better to buy leatherette.
Tip: choose a leather sofa with individual pillows. If the surface does wear off and lose its appearance, you can start by simply replacing the pillows.
From reviews of sofas upholstered in genuine leather:
“I wanted to relax on pillows covered with soft leather, and not “oak” leatherette. We chose Marseille 2. The sofa is great! Ergonomics are perfect. Everything is very well thought out to ensure comfort. Fine natural leather of white-cream color is warm and very soft. It’s easy to wash!”
Advantages of genuine leather:
- luxurious, expensive appearance;
- natural;
- durable;
- durable;
- moisture resistant;
- easy to care for.
Disadvantages of natural leather:
- high price;
- afraid of fire (including cigarettes);
- the range of colors is much smaller than that of woven materials;
- may feel cold to the touch;
- “sticks” to unprotected human skin;
- may crack over time (especially if not properly cared for).
The best material for a kitchen sofa is artificial leather (leatherette)
Furniture artificial leather
Sofa, upholstery - artificial leather
Leatherette is an ideal option for those who need a leather surface (or just really want it!), but don’t have enough money. Faux leather is excellent for kitchen furniture and children's sofas , as it does not absorb odors and is easy to clean. Yes, the pattern of artificial leather is not as varied as, for example, tapestries. But if you don’t like simple colors and classic interiors, you can throw a few colored pillows on a plain sofa and the problem will go away.
From reviews of sofas with faux leather upholstery:
“We gave ourselves a gift for the New Year and bought an Atlanta sofa. The material was leatherette, leather was 2 times more expensive. The cat first tried to pull his claws on the sofa, the holes from the claws remained, but they “explained” to him and he stopped. Now I wiped the sofa with a damp cloth and it’s as good as new! And if they had taken a fabric one, as they initially thought, then within a month it would have been stained. A child draws - the colors fly. Either the juice will spill, or the cat will begin to shed its fur. For us personally, this is salvation.”
Pros of artificial leather:
- cheaper than genuine leather;
- soft, pleasant to the touch;
- moisture resistant;
- very resistant to abrasion;
- easy to care for;
- No animals were harmed during its production.
Cons of artificial leather:
- the surface is prone to scratches and may crack over time;
- “sticks” to unprotected human skin;
- afraid of fire.
Recommendations
Any material requires special care. Instructions for use, washing and cleaning are indicated on the tag. You should pay attention to this when purchasing. Velor upholstery is usually washed at 60 degrees. If the cover cannot be removed, clean it with a vacuum cleaner. Flock upholstery requires careful handling, since the adhesive base suffers from moisture.
Periodically you need to clean the upholstery with a vacuum cleaner. This will eliminate accumulated dust and freshen the room. If there is no scratching post at home, then you should not rely on the properties of anti-vandal material. All the same, the animal will come to the sofa for a claw point. And this gradually leads to damage to the upholstery. Therefore, it is better to buy a special device with which the cat can sharpen its claws.
