The best way to clean velvet
Nov 27, 2023
You may have noticed that velvet, a plush material, has been having a moment in popularity over the past few years, adding a soft feel to furniture and fabrics. But what happens when it’s time to deal with a stain or spill or tidy up your couch? This is the best way to clean velvet.
How to wash velvet
Here's how to keep velvet upholstery and fabrics clean and stain-free:
1. Vacuum velvet
One of the disadvantages of velvet is that it tends to attract dust, dirt and debris, which often accumulates in seams and between the cushions of a chair or sofa. For this reason, you may notice that your velvet furniture gets dirty (or at least looks like it) more easily than other types of furniture.
Fortunately, using the upholstery attachment on a handheld vacuum or a full-size vacuum can solve this problem. That said, if you can't get all the dust and other debris off the fabric, first use a clean, soft-bristled brush to loosen it, then vacuum it away.
2. Provide on-site treatment when necessary
Regularly vacuuming your velvet furniture should keep it looking its best, but if you're dealing with spills or stains, you'll need to take more steps.
The trick to cleaning stains from velvet is to wipe it gently with a clean, dry absorbent cloth as soon as possible and then let it air dry. If it leaves a stain—or you see old stains on your furniture—there are more steps to take.
First, mix one of two cleaning solutions:
Baking soda + lemon juice: Place 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a small dish and add the lemon juice until it starts to bubble.
Dish soap + water: Fill a bucket or container with warm water and add a drop or two of mild dish soap. Shake it around a bit until it becomes foamy.
Then, make a small test patch on an inconspicuous part of the velvet furniture to make sure the solution you choose won't damage the fabric.
If you're happy with the results, soak a clean, soft, dry cloth in the foam or soapy water and use it to blot (not wipe) the stain until it's gone. Once it's dry, check the area to make sure the stain is gone and to see if the velvet is now tangled. If it is, use a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush to loosen it.
