I've just got given a not particularly dog-friendly company car (saloon and velour seats - eek!) and I have two Labradors! How can I keep the car in reasonable condition while allowing my Labs to enjoy their walks in all weather? I really do need fitted car seat covers and something to cover almost every interior surface as I'll end up getting in serious trouble if I have so much as a hair out of place when I hand this car back. Be great to be able to whip off the covers off quickly if I ever do need to use the car to transport a client, too!
Geoff Wilson, Woking
I got something called a "car seat hammock" for about a tenner off ebay - it's essentially a big square of waterproof material with two straps at oppsite ends. Hook one set over the back seat headreasts, one set over the front seat headrests and voila, your back seat & footwells are protected. For extra protection put towels underneath.
ReplyDeleteIt won't stop the dogs slobbering on the windows though, so I'd spend some time checking out local car valeters.... and clean the interior every week so nothing quite has the chance to stain.
Also, keep baby wipes in the car for wiping things up quickly :)
Short answer is you can't really!! Seriously though, i have a lab myself, i also run a dog walking business and have various breeds in my estate car everyday. I've tried everything, those fitted car seat covers, don't stay on easily, the ones that wrap around the head rests don't handle the weight and the straps break. My business partner covered the upholstery in sticky back plastic, which does make the hairs easier to get up but looks unsightly!
ReplyDeleteI bought an Amaze brush at crufts last year which is brilliant, but still requires at least once a weeks brushing to keep it looking ok http://www.amazebrush.com
In all honestly, labs+clean car+walks = one big mess!!
Give in to the mess and make a friend of your local mobile valet, and have it done regularly. Steam cleaners can do wonders for car interiors!
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought a new Vauxhall Astra last year, I paid extra to have the interior treated with a product (Surelook?) which prevents dirt, dog hair etc penetrating the upholstery, thus making it much easier to clean. My local village garage only charges £35 for a really thorough valet, which I have done a couple of times a year - when I can't bear the condition of the car interior any longer!
ReplyDeleteI have a great custom fit cover made by Over The Top Textiles for my Vauxhall Corsa and it is a godsend. It is 100% waterproof with a fabric top layer (so its like sitting on your normal seats) and keeps all the mud and hairs off my seats.You can also machine wash the covers so no more doggy smells in the car!. They manufacture custom made covers to fit all kinds of different makes and models of cars so they should be able to make a cover that suits you!
ReplyDeleteFor complete wipe clean boot protection check out Boot Buddy Ltd, They custom make for 1000's of cars. Their website is www.boot-buddy.com. They had a stand at Crufts again this year.
ReplyDeleteA Pet Tube is a practical solution to keeping your dogs safe and your car seats clean.
ReplyDeleteIt is made from the same lightweight but super strong fabric as the Award winning Dog Bag. However, it comes in a useful tube shape especially designed for use on the rear seats of cars. It straps securely to the back of the seat, allowing good ventilation and visibility while keeping your dogs safely on the back seats. The large Pet Tube can even be altered in length to provide more or less room for passengers. The best thing – most of the mud and hairs stay inside the tube! Two sizes are available. Take look at www.pet-tube.co.uk for full details.
Try a Paw Plunger! A very easy and simple way of cleaning your dogs paws before you get back in the car. Big plastic jug with soft brushes inside, fill with water and replace the lid to take in the car. After your walk just plunge each paw a few times in the Paw Plunger and your dogs paws will be sparkly clean. Dry with a towel and in a few minutes you are ready to go.
ReplyDeleteSee www.pawplunger.co.uk
Cleans all mud, sand grit and debris from paws and legs so nothing gets into your car at all.