Velvet is unusually soft and difficult to make, making it a luxurious fabric choice. In addition, like many fancy things, velvet can be difficult to clean. Unfortunately spills and stains happen anyway. We have collected tips on how to clean velvet upholstery so you can keep your fanciest furniture looking gorgeous.
How to Dust
For quick cleanings, just use your vacuum. Use your upholstery attachment and don’t forget to get in between the cushions. Thoroughly vacuum every part of the upholstery to remove any settling dust.
How to Clean
We’ve discussed in another article that, when cleaning upholstery, you should check the tag on the furniture to see what is safe to clean with. Velvet furniture will most often be marked ‘S.’ This means you should avoid water and use a cleaning solvent.
To clean, apply the dry cleaning soap to the upholstery with a clean cloth. Do not wipe harshly, but instead gently blot the material with just enough pressure to remove stains and dirt (but not push them deeper into the material!). Let the upholstery air dry or use a hair dryer to speed up the process.
How to Remove Stains
Blot up as much of the liquid or staining material as quickly as possible. Then in a bowl combine a little bit of water and a mild dishwashing soap, mixing until sudsy. Use a clean cloth to grab the suds from the top of the water and blot the velvet until the stain fades. Once the stain is gone, don’t let your velvet stay wet! Speed up the drying process with a hair dryer or a fan.
Professional Cleaning
If you have concerns about cleaning your velvet upholstery, hire a professional instead. They have the equipment and expertise to competently clean this material. Hire for stains or for maintenance cleanings 2-3 times a year.
Feel Fancy with (Clean!) Velvet Upholstery
Velvet is a dramatic fabric and makes a statement in any room. Keeping your velvet clean ensures it will look stylish for years to come. Clean your velvet every six months to keep it in good condition. Use these tips or call a professional.