If you ’re dealing with dirty carpets , scratched floors , and other sputter all pet owners understand , the meatball test should be your new go to .

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If you ’re a pet parent , you ’re in all likelihood already familiar with the conflict of designing a home thatlooks fashionable and at the same time survives pet price . From article of furniture clawing to make for in dirt and other messes , you might feel like it ’s unacceptable to have overnice things . But there ’s an unexpected way you could make it work : the meatball tryout .

Dog on area rug with meatballs

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The meatball test is … sort of exactly what it sounds like . interior decorator Cate Dunning first created the meatball trial run to help pet possessor choose rugs and carpets that they can put in their space without worrying about furred friend - related clothing and bust .

The run is wide-eyed : would you be able to tell if meatball dropped onto your carpeting ? If you would n’t be able-bodied to see it at all , the carpet you choose would also be capable tohide stains and messesfrom pet ( not to cite grime and favorite hair ) .

Think about the material , too . Fluffier carpeting help disguise usually - seeable pet hair , and hazy or pelt rugs naturally match the texture .

preferent parentswho are frequently subject to filth and messes ( shoutout to those with new puppy ) also benefit from the meatball test — dirt wo n’t be as visible as it typically light in - between case-by-case rug tufts , which also prevents it from being tracked around .

The meatball test can also be utilitarian when you call back about how to create more or less of an optical illusion and distract from any mess — go for a dark - colored orstatement rug , especially if it ’s a shorter - tufted rug . More maximalist patterns make stains less noticeable , while dark colors hide dirt that inevitably pile up over time .

The meatball test also assist you findrugs and carpetsthat can stand firm scrape and playing . Small tears and scratches wo n’t be as noticeable on carpet with long tuft .

If you ’re quick to give the meatball test a endeavour , know that you do n’t need to literally send away a meatball on your carpet ( unless you just want to be truly consecrated ) . If you ’re give trouble visualizing how well a certain carpet would hide a meatball , stick your hand into the tuft of the carpeting instead to get a better sense of how long they are . Rugs made with long , wooden-headed materials holds up to pet damage , and if your hand is importantly covered by the rug ’s material , you ’re in all likelihood meatball approved .