If you're one of the many pet parents that like to share their bed with their furry friends, you likely find yourself struggling with a common dilemma. You love to snuggle up with your fur baby at night, but you dread dealing with the hair they leave behind. Not to mention anything else they might track into your bed like dirt, litter, and allergens.
Plus, your pets likely do a number on your sheets with their paws as they knead and paw their way to ultimate comfort. Sheets can only take so many washes before they start to wear thin, so finding durable, high-quality linens is a must if you plan to share your bed with Fifi and Fido.
Of course, the obvious solution is to deny your pet access to your bed, but you'd probably be just as upset by this solution as your pal. In fact, many people find having their pets with them while they sleep is helpful. Of course, you could also consider a low-shedding cat or dog breed, but what if you already have the perfect pet and they shed like crazy?
So, you can resign yourself to constantly lint-rolling or replacing your sheets, blankets, and comforters, but that's no fun either. Instead, check out some pet-friendly bedding options that will have you and your pet drifting off together into dreamland.
Pet-Friendly Bedding Ideas
Did you know you don’t have to keep struggling with bedsheets covered in pet hair or threadbare, faded sheets because you’ve washed them too many times to count? There are options out there that make keeping your bedsheets in tip-top shape much more manageable, despite the damage your pets inflict on them. Here are a few suggestions, so you can rest easy with your furry friend no matter how much they shed, dig, or scratch (or how many drool-covered toys they try to bring into the bed)
Bedsheets: Look for a Higher Thread Count (But Not Too High)
Typically, the higher the thread count, the tighter the weave in the fabric. This translates to making it more difficult for pet hairs to become embedded in the material, making the sheets easier to clean. However, when you start to see sheets that boast a 1,600 thread count or more, tread lightly and choose wisely.
You might be looking at a little trickery on the manufacturer’s part, as some get creative in how they can pump up this number to raise the price. In other words, if a set of 1,600 thread count sheets comes with a $500 price tag, you would do just as well with a 400 to 800 thread count; plus, you won’t break the bank.
Check out some of these options for pet-friendly bedsheets:
- Mellanni 1800 Collection Brushed Microfiber Sheet Set — These super soft sheets keep you comfortable and cool all night long, plus they’re stain and wrinkle-resistant, fade-resistant, and hold up well after multiple washings. They’re also available in a ton of colors, making it easy to choose a set that works with both your room’s design and your pet’s fur.
- Chateau Home Collection 800 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set — The tight weave of these sheets helps keep them resistant to embedded pet hair and makes them durable and comfy.
- Brooklinen Linen Core Sheet Set — These soft and lightweight sheets consist of long-fiber linen, which creates an incredibly comfortable sleeping experience. Linen sheets are also breathable and moisture-wicking, making them the perfect pet-friendly sheets for summertime.
Choose a Pet-Proof Blanket
You don’t have to compromise style for your pet’s comfort. Consider getting a protective blanket cover for your bed so your pet can lie on it without messing up your comforter. Of course, this option only works if your pet likes to lie on top of the covers. If they prefer to get underneath the sheets with you, then concentrate more on pet-friendly bedsheets.
- SILLY LEGACY Reversible, Waterproof Cover — You and your pal can rest easy knowing your bed will stay clean and protected while you sleep when you use this waterproof cover. It also features a tight weave, so cleaning up pet hair is a breeze, and it’s machine-washable.
- Best Friends by Sheri Throw Shag Dog & Cat Blanket — This super soft shaggy blanket is water and dirt resistant and is made from non-toxic materials. You can keep your bed protected while your pet enjoys a super snuggly experience.
Extra Considerations When Choosing Pet-Friendly Bedding
When you’re shopping for your bedding, keep an eye out for items that are stain-resistant, durable, and hypoallergenic. Also, opt for materials that will help keep you and your pet cool and are easy to care for. It’s also wise to pay attention to the color of your bedding. Finding a color that suits your pet’s fur can help make pet hair less noticeable between cleanings.
If you have lots of throw pillows on your bed, consider getting covers for them that are easy to clean. For example, canvas covers are excellent when it comes to pet-friendly material. In addition, you can often find them in various colors and sizes to work with your room décor and bedding style.
Instead of opting for oversized, bulky comforters that can get hot and be a pain to clean, go for a duvet with a linen, microfiber, or cotton duvet cover. Duvets come in multiple thicknesses so you don’t have to get stuck with a heavy, hot comforter, plus you can easily wash the cover, as opposed to toting your comforter to the dry cleaners.
The Perfect Bed for Your Pet
Now, as much as you love having your fur baby cuddled up under the covers with you, sometimes everyone, pets included, need their own space. So, make sure to also get your kitty or pup a bed of their very own. Of course, you also want your pet’s bed to be easy to clean and hold up well over time. Therefore, ensure you choose a high-quality bed for your pet that can withstand everything your pet can dish out. Also, when your pet’s bed becomes torn, ragged, or starts coming apart, then it’s time to replace your pet’s bed.
When choosing a great pet-friendly bed for your cat or dog, look for the following qualities:
- Ensure the size of the bed is suitable for your pet. They should be able to lie down in their bed comfortably without having lots of excess space.
- Find a bed that is either washable or features a removable, washable cover. Alternatively, choose a heavy-duty fabric that you can easily spot clean.
- Choose a bed that features a durable, wear-and-tear resistant, and waterproof fabric. Some good choices are ripstop nylon, polyester, microfiber, or duck canvas.
Tips for Cleaning Bedding Covered in Pet Hair
Of course, even sheets that are better-suited for pets will collect some hair. Plus, you have to wash your sheets no matter what, ideally every two weeks. If you have any allergies, it's wise to wash your sheets weekly. Here are a few bonus tips for taking care of your sheets when they have pet hair on them.
- Before throwing the sheets in the washing machine, take them outside and give them a good shake.
- Next, toss them in the dryer on no heat for about ten minutes. This helps loosen up the embedded hairs.
- Now, shake out the sheets again.
- Finally, toss the sheets in the wash on warm (not hot), then tumble dry on low heat. Make sure to clean out your dryer’s lint filler before running another load.
Another great tool to remove stubborn pet hair is the FurDozer X3 MEGA! The MEGA is 10" long so it is the perfect hair remover to use on large surfaces like your sheets. This tool has 3 features: a small six ridge side, a larger three ridge side, and a offset squeegee. Make sure to keep the material taught as you apply pressure and pull towards you. The FurDozer will pull hair you never knew was there!
Taking the time to swap out your linens for some pet-friendly bedding is well worth it when it comes to the lifespan of your sheets. You and your pet can enjoy a pleasant night’s sleep, and you won’t have to worry about buying new sheets for a while. Want more helpful tips like these? Check out the rest of our blog for valuable resources, interesting info, and more pointers on how to be a top-notch pet parent.