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DESIGN 101
How To Clean Velvet Furniture
With its soft sheen, rich color, and elegant look, velvet is a bold and commanding choice for your furniture upholstery. Velvet furniture makes a powerful statement and adds a touch of luxury to any space.
But as much as velvet can add depth and sophistication to your room, there's no hiding when the fabric gets stained, faded, or discolored.
To bring back your velvet's deep hue and luxurious texture, you need to know the basics of cleaning velvet. In this step-by-step guide, we'll outline the essentials of how to clean velvet, from furniture care codes to DIY cleaning procedures.
Velvet Materials List
Velvet is a silky fabric with a thick, short pile that makes it soft and plush to the touch. There are numerous types of velvet variations, each made from different materials and weaves.
Here are some of the most common types of velvet upholstery fabric:
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Cotton velvet: Known for its soft touch, natural appearance, and durability
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Polyester velvet: A lower-cost alternative that is lightweight, plush, and has more sheen than cotton velvet
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Crushed velvet: With a distinctive wrinkled texture and shiny surface, this type of velvet has an especially luxurious and regal look
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Mohair velvet: Made from 100% mohair pile, this velvet is considered the most expensive and luxurious upholstery velvet material
How Often Should Velvet Furniture Be Cleaned?
How often you clean velvet furniture depends primarily on the lifestyle or level of use, as well as other factors like having pets and children in the home. In most cases, routine cleaning like dusting and vacuuming should happen about once a week.
When spills occur, treat them as quickly as possible to avoid deep-set stains. Depending on the level of wear and the stain resistance of your velvet upholstery, a deep clean may be needed every six to 12 months.
When Is It Time To Call Professionals?
While it's possible to clean velvet furniture at home, there may be instances when professional help is needed. If your velvet upholstery has significant damage, like rips, tears, or fraying fabric, a professional upholsterer can help you repair or restore the damaged fabric.
For deep-set stains, lasting odors, or trapped allergens that remain after gentle DIY cleaning methods, a professional cleaning can help.
Some types of velvet fabric are especially delicate, which means they may require dry cleaning. Professionals use special cleaning techniques and chemicals to ensure that the color and softness remain intact.
Reading Velvet Furniture Care Codes
If you want to know how to clean velvet chairs, couches, and other furniture items, you need to first consult the furniture care codes.
Cleaning code W demands the use of water-based cleansing agents, while cleaning code S requires water-free solvent-based cleaners. A code of SW means that either one can be used. For most velvet fabrics, you'll find cleaning code S — solvent-based cleaners only.
However, some items may be tagged "dry clean only," which means they require professional care. Others may be marked with cleaning code X or "do not wash," which means you should only clean them with vacuuming or light brushing.
How To Clean Velvet Furniture
Velvet needs extra care when it comes to cleaning procedures, especially more delicate forms like pure velvet. Polyester and crushed velvet are more durable, but, you still need to take certain precautions when cleaning.
Here are the steps you can take to keep pure, crushed, and polyester velvets looking their best.
1. Gather cleaning materials
Before you get started, make sure you have the right cleaning materials on hand:
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Soft bristle brush
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Vacuum with a brush attachment
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Solvent-based cleanser
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Microfiber cloth
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Hairdryer (optional)
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Steam cleaner (optional)
2. Brush the surface of the velvet
First, take the soft-bristle brush and run it over the surface of the velvet. This removes any lint or dust from the stroke. Use gentle strokes to avoid damaging the fabric.
3. Vacuum the upholstery
To remove more dirt and debris, run a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment over the fabric. If you're cleaning a furniture piece like a couch, this is a chance to clear out crumbs and other debris in the crevices.
4. Spot-clean any stains
Once you've removed surface dust and debris, look for any spots on the velvet that need spot cleaning. Dampen a microfiber cloth with your solvent-based cleaner and gently dab the affected areas. Continue blotting until the stain starts to lift.
You'll need to wait for the fabric to dry down fully to confirm that the stain has been removed — a hairdryer can speed up this process.
5. Do a deep clean
If it's time for a deep clean, take your solvent-based cleaner with a microfiber cloth and repeat the stain removal process, blotting the cleaner across the entire surface of the upholstery. Work slowly and gently to avoid saturating the fabric in the cleansing solution.
6. Let the velvet dry
Once you've removed dirt, cleared stains, and performed a deep clean, it's time to let your velvet furniture dry. First, use your soft-bristle brush again, working in gentle circles to restore the velvet's texture.
Then, allow it to air dry naturally. Once it's fully dry, go back in with the vacuum cleaner to fluff up the fibers. If you choose to steam clean your velvet furniture, now is a good time to run your steam cleaner over the surface, removing any final creases or wrinkles.
Specialty Cleaning
If cleaning by hand isn't enough, there are other specialty cleaning methods to help you restore the look, feel, and cleanliness of your velvet furniture.
How to steam-clean velvet
Steam-cleaning velvet fabric can help you lift any compression and remove creases from the fabric. Since you should avoid harsh disinfectants on velvet, steaming is also a way to remove bacteria for a deep clean.
Remember to check your furniture's care instructions before you steam. Not all velvet upholstery fabrics will hold up to steam treatments, especially if they're labeled X or "do not wash."
If you do decide to steam your velvet furniture, use the lowest temperature setting. Move at a moderate pace to avoid steaming one spot for too long.
Machine-washing velvet
Most velvet surfaces recommend hand-washing or dry cleaning to avoid any damage to the fabric. However, some crushed or polyester velvets may be machine-washable, depending on the instructions on the care label.
If your velvet cushion covers, pillowcases, duvets, and more can be placed in the washing machine, make sure you take the appropriate precautions to avoid damage. Use a gentle detergent and place smaller items in a mesh garment bag.
Set your washing machine to delicate and make sure the water is cold. While some velvet items can be placed in a tumble dry cycle on low heat, air drying is often recommended.
Tips on Making Velvet Last
Velvet may have an elegant look, but it also comes with a need for careful attention and maintenance. Here are some key tips to make your velvet upholstery fabric keep its luxury appeal for as long as possible:
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Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading
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Dust and vacuum regularly
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Spot-clean as soon as spills happen
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Avoid ironing, which can crush the unique pile
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Always read care labels before cleaning
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Consider professional dry cleaning for significant stains or deep clean
Cleaning and Maintaining Velvet for Long-Lasting Appeal
Keeping your velvet furniture clean and luxurious doesn't have to be daunting. With the right cleaning techniques and regular maintenance, you can preserve the beauty of your best velvet pieces for years to come.
Whether you're restoring a cherished piece or considering a new addition to your home, investing in quality furniture — velvet or otherwise — ensures both style and longevity. Explore our range of furniture to find the perfect piece to elevate your living space.