Anti-claw fabric for upholstery of sofas and sewing protective covers

Characteristics and Features

Anti-claw fabric is a material characterized by increased density and strength . It is resistant to abrasion, scratches and cuts. Easily repels the main causes of stains - fat, liquids. Over time, scuffs and puffs do not appear on it. All this is explained by the second name - anti-vandal fabric.

Distinctive features of the material:

• the threads are intertwined often, tightly;
• the villi are short in length.

All this prevents the cat or dog's claws from clinging to the fabric. Accordingly, there are no puffs left.

The anti-vandal effect can be achieved not only due to the special weave of threads. Additionally, the surface of the fabrics is impregnated with Teflon. Due to this, it becomes slightly slippery, making it impossible for cat claws to catch on.

A sofa cover made of Anti-claw fabric with the addition of Teflon repels moisture and almost any dirt.

What does the category “anti-claw” mean?

Anti-vandal upholstery is called upholstery that is resistant to various types of dirt, abrasion, cuts and scratches. These properties can be achieved in various ways, but the most common is Teflon impregnation. Partially, such materials include anti-claw fabric, the main requirements for which are resistance to cuts and scratches, as well as to the pulling of fibers from the structure of the fabric. These properties are primarily possessed by fabrics impregnated with Teflon, but the same effect can be achieved using other technological methods, for example, a dense fabric structure. Therefore, several dissimilar materials are classified as “anti-claw” materials. The most common among them are:

1. Flock with a Teflon layer.
2. Relax fabrics.
3. Microfiber.
4. Faux suede.
5. Scotchgard et al.

They all have different structures and characteristics, but are reliable in operation and easy to care for.

Varieties

Almost any sliding fabric with a dense weave of fibers can be called anti-vandal. Materials with such characteristics are divided into two groups, depending on the base.

On a non-woven basis

The most popular anti-vandal fabrics for furniture upholstery in this group are flock, relax, and artificial suede. Flock consists of cotton and polyester, an adhesive base, and a layer of nylon or polyamide fibers. The fabric turns out to be quite dense. This prevents furry pets from catching on the surface and damaging it. This fabric with protection against cat claws has the following advantages:

1. It is tactilely pleasant; sofas with such upholstery are comfortable to use at any time of the year.
2. The material is easy to care for. To remove dirt, simply wipe the surface of the sofa with a damp sponge or vacuum it.
3. Long service life. According to the Martindale test, flock goes through about 50 thousand abrasion cycles.

At the same time, there are several significant disadvantages:

1. When the fabric comes into contact with drinks and other substances containing alcohol, the structure can be significantly damaged.
2. The flock is highly electrified, attracting dust.
3. The material stretches after some time. As a result, the anti-vandal fabric loses its shape, forming unsightly waves on the sofa.

Relax is also based on pile and a cotton-polyamide backing. But it has the main difference from flock - a thin layer of isoprene, which gives the surface elasticity. In addition, there is also a special protective layer Antistain, consisting of carbon fiber. Based on the listed properties, the best answer to the question of what upholstery to choose for a sofa if there is a cat in the house is, of course, relaxation. There are several options for the described fabric on the market:

• classic - has small fibers, an excellent copy of suede;
• joy – very similar in appearance to flock;
• Lakshmi is a good choice for those who love leather;
• Eureka - cannot be distinguished from velvet, but does not have the disadvantages of this material.

Faux suede is the third contender for the best pet-proof sofa cover. It has the following composition: cotton, polyamide, polyester pile, adhesive layer. This anti-vandal material for sofa upholstery has its advantages:

• allows air to pass through;
• retains an attractive appearance for a long time.

But according to users, it will not be possible to get a reliable anti-vandal sofa with artificial suede. If there are several cats in the house that like to actively sharpen their claws on furniture, then the material will not last long. Another disadvantage is that even a Teflon-coated surface is difficult to keep clean. Do not use wet cleaning products. Old stains can only be removed by dry cleaning.

Flock upholstery

Sofa made of classic relax fabric

Fabric relax joy

Relax lakshmi

Relax eureka

Faux suede

On a woven basis

Anti-vandal covering for sofas can have a fabric backing. Animal claws can pass right through, but due to the tight weave, they do not leave puffs. A few examples: chenille, microfiber, jacquard, tapestry. The first fabric on the list is formed by intertwining chenille threads in a spiral pattern. The fabric is distinguished not only by the Anti-claw effect, but also by other positive qualities:

• pleasant to the touch;
• has a long service life;
• hypoallergenic.

It is important to remember that chenille easily absorbs moisture, and it takes a lot of time to dry completely. Therefore, the best cleaning method is dry. Although the material is positioned as anti-vandal, its softness and fluffiness are very attractive to cats. Because of this, the service life is significantly reduced.

The next representative is microfiber. Such a fabric is nothing more than an interweaving of high-density synthetic threads. Due to this, no snags are formed on it, although outwardly the fabric looks thin. Practicality and additional density are provided by the Teflon layer. Externally, microfiber is similar to suede, so sofas with anti-vandal coating made from this material are not only durable, but also attractive. Surfaces can be easily cleaned with a sponge dipped in soapy water. The fabric allows air to pass through well, so even in summer it will be comfortable to sit and sleep on such a sofa.

An equally popular pet-resistant upholstery is jacquard. Often when asked what Anti-Claw fabric is , this material is given as an example. But not ordinary, but impregnated with Scotchgard. The interweaving of the threads in it is much denser. Jacquard is very easy to care for: just wipe with a sponge dipped in soapy water to remove dirt. It does not electrify and looks like expensive fabric.

Tapestry is a fabric that is formed by interlacing jacquard threads. Their thickness, unlike the jacquard itself, is much greater, due to which the fabric is quite dense. The tapestry attracts attention with its variety of patterns and designs.

Any anti-vandal fabrics for furniture upholstery will not reliably and for a long time protect it from damage if the owner does not provide the pet with an alternative. For example, he will install scratching posts in several places.

Chenille upholstery

Microfiber lining

Jacquard covers

Tapestry sofa

Scratch resistant flock

Flock is a material that is a base with fibers glued to it.
The most common is fabric, which is a backing made of cotton and polyester threads in a ratio of 1:2, equipped with a special impregnation that makes the material not only very durable, but also water-repellent. For the fibers, nylon of various colors is used, which is distinguished by its color fastness and does not fade in the sun. It is almost impossible to damage such fabric, since the cat's claw will slide off the bottom layer and will not be able to pull out the glued lint. This material is resistant to stains; to refresh its appearance, a sponge soaked in soapy water is enough. Removable covers made from this flock can be machine washed. But contact with bleaches and organic solvents should be avoided.

The best manufacturers

Not all materials marked “Anti-claw” are of high quality. Below are examples of the most popular manufacturers of canvases with these characteristics.

1. Galaxy offers good quality anti-vandal microfiber, supplemented with Teflon impregnation. All colors are neutral. An ideal solution for interiors decorated in a traditional style. The material is pleasant to the touch.
2. "Antikogot" produces anti-vandal flock fabric. The colors offered belong to the light pastel palette. Covers in these shades are ideal for children's rooms and bedrooms. There is a place in the classic interior of the living room. Performance is improved by impregnation with Teflon.
3. The canvases are quite durable in themselves, but are also coated with Teflon, which makes them even more resistant to damage. Bright, cheerful colors are perfect for children's rooms.
4. "Panda" produces anti-vandal velor of the highest category. The palette of shades is varied - from delicate, almost pastel, to flashy.

The listed companies can be trusted; they offer quality products with good protective characteristics.

Verona brand fabrics

Brand Galaxy

Upholstery material "Panda"

Microfiber

Microfiber is a material consisting of very thin (about 0.06 microns), tightly intertwined polyester or polyamide fibers.

For furniture upholstery, woven microfiber is used, the structure of which resembles natural suede . Thanks to the dense weave of the threads, this material is very durable and does not form pills or snags. The Teflon layer applied to it gives the microfiber additional strength, as well as resistance to getting wet and dirty. Despite its thinness, anti-vandal upholstery based on microfibers is very strong and durable, and in terms of price/quality ratio it is considered one of the leaders in anti-claw upholstery. Like flock, this material is easy to clean with soapy water and the removable covers are washable. To restore the “suede” surface after drying, clean it with a soft brush.

Care Tips

Like other materials, anti-vandal cat fabrics used for upholstery or slipcovers require maintenance. All features of operation, cleaning and washing are traditionally indicated on the tag. The manufacturer's recommendations regarding the care of the material must be carefully studied before making a purchase .

Mandatory rules for Anti-claw fabrics and anti-vandal materials:

1. Sun protection. All manufacturers pay attention to the fact that covers or casings with Teflon and other impregnations must be protected from direct rays of the sun. If it is not possible to place the furniture in a more protected place, it is necessary to draw the curtains. Therefore, anti-vandal covers are not suitable for outdoor furniture.
2. Pollution, dust. Fabrics with adhesive backing should not be washed in a washing machine. The wet method of removing stains is also excluded. If they occur, it is better to use dry cleaning services (but only if we are talking about a cover). Fabric-based linens can be washed at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. The recommended mode is “delicate wash”. Under no circumstances should you spin it in the drum of a dryer or washing machine. To remove dust and crumbs on any fabric, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Before starting work, make sure that the wet cleaning mode, if provided, is turned off.
3. It is forbidden to iron any anti-vandal fabrics.

When choosing a material for a sofa with protection from pet claws, it is important to carefully consider the accompanying documents. Reviews from other users will also be useful.

Faux suede

Artificial suede is a material that is a fabric base with polyester pile. Modern technologies make it possible to create very beautiful and durable varieties of artificial suede. To give this material anti-vandal properties, Teflon impregnation is used, which gives furniture suede a high level of resistance to cuts and scratches, prevents contamination and increases its durability. Such suede must be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Photo

Scotchgard

Scotgard is a material that belongs to a type of jacquard or tapestry, and is distinguished by its brightness and variety of patterns. Its difference from traditional varieties of these fabrics is the use of a special transparent water-based protector. The main purpose of this foam is to protect against dirt and spilled liquids, but its presence makes the surface smooth and resistant to scratches and fiber pulling. For all types of tape, you can use a soap solution or dry clean. In addition, such upholstery can also be cleaned with ethylene chloride and monofluorotrichloromethane.