Experts reveal how to remove muddy paw prints from soft furnishings

When you have a pup, accidents can happen, especially after a long muddy walk in the rain. Unfortunately, soft furnishings including sofas, cushions, rugs and blankets can often be the casualties of these accidents with our fluffy friends.

The team at tails.com have revealed the best ways to remove those pesky mud stains from your soft furnishings when the inevitable happens, as well as how to stop muddy paw prints from destroying your home.

Let mud dry before cleaning stains

If your pup has left muddy paw prints all over your sofa, carpet or other soft furnishings then one of the best things you can do is let the mud dry before attempting to clean it away.  Not only will mud be easier to deal with when it is dried out, but it will also create less mess when you are trying to treat the stain.

Vacuum to remove as much of the dried mud as possible

Once the muddy stains have dried out, take a hose attachment on your hoover (to avoid snagging any delicate materials) and clear up any dried mud before applying any kind of solution to the stain.

Use a spoon to scrape off any mud stuck to the material

Sometimes dirt can get right into the fibres of your soft furnishings, even after vacuuming. To get those pesky bits of mud that just won’t come out, use a spoon or dull utensil to loosen the fibres, being careful not to cause any damage. Once the soil is loosened, use a vacuum once again to clean it up.

Grab an old toothbrush and bleach-free laundry detergent

If your pup has jumped right onto your clean sofa after a walk, the chances are there will be a stain left behind, even after the excess mud has been removed. To get to work on the stain, grab an old toothbrush and run it under some warm water, before dipping it in bleach-free liquid laundry detergent and working it into the stain. Then, leave it to sit for 10-15 minutes.

Blot the stain with white vinegar and water

To make sure your soft furnishings look good as new, mix a solution of white vinegar and water. Dip a cloth into it, and use it to blot the stained area to help rinse away the soap and mud that’s left. Not only is this good for removing mud stains but a mix of white vinegar and water can also help remove doggy smells and urine from your soft furnishings.

Top Tip: Make sure to dilute the solution before applying it to your couch in order to avoid any damage to your soft furnishings. When using vinegar for cleaning, keep your dog in a separate room to avoid accidental ingestion.

How to prevent muddy paw prints:

• If you have an outside tap, use it to swill your dog’s paws before they step inside.
• Try teaching your pup some basic training including “sit” and “stay” so when you get home from a muddy walk, they won’t run through the living room with dirty paws.
• Visit the groomers to keep on top of your pooch’s nails. This will reduce the chances of built-up dirt underneath them and stop your fluffy friend from traipsing mud through the house.
• Buy a doggy doormat. They are specifically designed to trap water and dirt from your puppy’s feet, and though it might take a bit of training, it can be a great way to prevent them from bringing mud into the house.
• If you’re travelling and want a simple solution to ensure you won’t damage the accommodation you are staying in, make sure to bring some paw wipes along with you.
• If you find your fluffy friend is bringing in mud from the garden after playing outside, try eliminating the problem by replacing your grass with astroturf.
• Keep a towel by the porch or door so you can wipe off your pup’s dirty paws before they go into the house.