Caring for Velvet Furniture
Caring for Velvet Furniture
Velvet furniture can add a gorgeous, glamorous touch to your home. But it’s one of the trickier fabrics to look after. To keep your velvet sofas and armchairs looking fabulous, or to refresh a neglected piece, follow my tips below. If you aren’t sure about doing this yourself, just take it to get cleaned from a professional. Do not risk a priceless or treasured item by following the advice of a stranger on the internet.
Vacuum
Dirt, dust and pet hair is practically magnetised to velvet furniture, so regular vacuuming is a must, at least once a week if you have pets. Use a brush attachment to get beneath the nap of the velvet. If you’re trying to get dust out of an older piece, you can use a fabric or upholstery brush to get to the deeper layers of dirt. Just make sure you don’t attack the chair too aggressively, or you’ll start losing the velvet fibres. You can keep on top of dust and hair by using a velvet brush.
Fresh stains
With fresh stains, you need to remove the staining substance quickly but carefully. Use an absorbent cloth or kitchen towel to soak up as much of the liquid as possible, pressing gently over the area. Do not rub or dab as this can push the stain deeper into the velvet. Be careful if adding water or cleaning solution to a fresh stain, as this can make the stain run, spreading it further.
Dried, crusted on stains
If there’s a crusted stain on the velvet, gently scrape the stain with a butter knife. Again, you don’t want to attack it vigorously or you’ll lose velvet fibres and end up with a patchy area. It’s best to remove stains and dirt while dry, as wet stains are more likely to spread and make a bigger stain.
Old or remaining stains
Whether it’s a new stain that you’ve soaked up as much as possible, or an old stain, this solution can work magic. Mix 500ml of warm water with two tablespoons of rubbing/isopropyl alcohol and one quarter of a teaspoon of dish soap (no more than this, or you risk leaving a residue which will attract more dirt). Put the solution in a spray bottle, and spray on a clean, white cloth, and gently dab at the stain. This may take some time depending on the size and intensity of the stain, but I’ve yet to find a stain it hasn’t worked on.
Additonal advice:
Position your velvet furniture out of direct sunlight as it will lighten the fabric.
Fluff cushions regularly.
Dents or imprints in the velvet can be removed using a handheld steamer and a fabric brush. Hold the steamer 10cm away from the velvet for a few seconds and then use the brush to smooth the nap in the right direction.
Always read wash labels and care instructions if you have them.
A note on upholstery cleaning machines: These can work on some types of velvet but not all, and I do not recommend using them without professional guidance.
If in doubt, contact a professional upholstery cleaner.