First, washable slipcovers are your best friend—super easy to toss in the laundry. Stick to darker or patterned fabrics that hide little messes better. Area rugs over high-traffic spots help too, and corner guards are a must for furniture. But even with all that, you’ll need a solid cleaning game. I used Chicago Couch Cleaning https://chicago-couchcleaning.com/ and their upholstery & carpet cleaning services in Chicago were a total game-changer. They deep cleaned my furniture and got out stains I thought were permanent—definitely made my living room feel kid-safe and fresh again!