How to Clean Velvet Furniture Like a Pro?

Velvet furniture adds a touch of elegance to any room with its soft texture and rich appearance.

But there's a catch - this delicate fabric is a magnet for dust and stains. It can be stressful when you accidentally spill something or notice dust collecting on your velvet chairs or sofas.

Don't let these concerns stop you from enjoying your velvet furniture. With proper care techniques and regular maintenance, you can keep your pieces looking fresh.

This guide will walk you through proven methods to clean and protect your velvet furniture, from basic daily care to handling tough stains.

Understanding Velvet

Velvet is known for its short, dense pile, which gives it a soft, shiny look. This unique texture makes velvet feel luxurious but also makes it prone to collecting dust, pet hair, and stains.

The fabric's pile can trap dirt and debris between its fibers. You'll need to brush gently along the pile to remove buildup and maintain the fabric's natural shine.

Velvet comes in several types, including cotton velvet with its soft touch, durable synthetic velvet, and crushed velvet with its distinctive wrinkled look.

Each type needs specific care based on its composition, especially when it comes to using cleaning solutions.

Before cleaning your velvet furniture, always check the manufacturer's care label. This label gives you specific instructions for your piece and helps prevent damage from incorrect cleaning methods.

Materials Needed

Having the right tools on hand makes velvet maintenance much easier. Here's what you'll need:

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Soft-bristle brush or specialized velvet brush
• White microfiber cloths (avoid colored cloths that might transfer dye)
• Mild dish soap
• Distilled water
• White vinegar
• Non-abrasive sponge
• Upholstery cleaner (check manufacturer recommendations)
• Handheld clothes steamer
• Medium bowl for mixing cleaning solutions
• Whisk (for creating suds)
• Paper towels for blotting spills

Daily Cleaning Steps for Velvet Furniture

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping velvet furniture looking its best. Follow these steps for daily cleaning:

Vacuum Regularly

Using your vacuum's upholstery attachment, gently glide the nozzle in the direction of the pile to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from your velvet furniture.

Work carefully from top to bottom in a grid pattern to ensure thorough cleaning. The brush attachment effectively loosens particles for better removal. 

Don't forget to use the crevice tool to clean between and beneath cushions, along seams, and in the gaps between cushions and armrests. For complete cleanliness, vacuum both the exterior and underside of the furniture.

This Valencia Accent Chair is full of mid-century charm, with button-tufted details and bright yellow fabric to add interest to any space.

Brush the Pile

After vacuuming, gently brush the velvet fabric in the direction of the nap using a soft brush or specialized velvet brush.

This essential step helps restore the fabric's natural fluffiness and removes any remaining dust or pet hair that may have escaped the vacuum.

How to Steam Velvet Furniture?

Steam is a gentle way to refresh velvet and remove wrinkles without causing damage. You can use a handheld steam iron, set it to the lowest temperature setting. Hold the steamer about 3 inches from the fabric and move it in a crisscross pattern over wrinkled areas.

Don't keep the steamer in one spot too long, as this can harm the fabric. After steaming, let your furniture dry completely at room temperature.

Once dry, use a soft brush to gently stroke the velvet against its natural direction. This helps restore the fabric's plush appearance.

How to Remove Spills and Fresh Stains on Velvet Furniture?

The longer stains remain on velvet furniture, the more difficult they are to remove. Different stains require specific methods to prevent them from setting. Here is a detailed classification:

Water-Soluble (Juice, Coffee, Tea)

When liquid spills on your velvet furniture, grab paper towels or a clean cloth right away. Blot the spill to soak up as much liquid as you can. Never rub, as this can damage the fabric.

Create a cleaning solution by mixing mild dish soap with water until you see foam. Take a clean white cloth and dip it only in the foam, not the water, and gently blot the stain. For coffee stains, spray a mix of white vinegar and water, then blot.

Afterward, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap left behind. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth. Once the spot is completely dry, brush the velvet with soft bristles to restore its texture.

Greasy/Oily (Food, Makeup)

For greasy or oily stains, like food or makeup, sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the grease. Then use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda.

If you still see the stain, try cleaning it with a mild soap and water solution. Work the solution into the stain with light, circular motions.

Red Wine

When red wine spills on your velvet furniture, grab clean paper towels right away to blot up as much liquid as possible. Mix baking soda or hydrogen peroxide with water, then dab the spot gently with a clean white cloth.

For stubborn stains, you might need a specialized upholstery cleaner made for red wine. Test it on a hidden area first. After cleaning, use a damp cloth with plain water to blot the area, then dry it quickly to avoid water marks.

Ink

Ink stains on velvet can be tough to remove completely. You can try wiping the stain gently with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, starting from the edges.

Test it in a hidden spot first. For the best results, contact a professional cleaning service rather than risking damage to your velvet furniture.

Pet Accidents

Start by blotting pet stains with a clean white cloth or paper towel to remove excess liquid. Use an enzyme-based cleaner made for pet stains, as these cleaners break down organic compounds that cause odors and discoloration.

Always check the product instructions before using the enzyme cleaner on your velvet furniture. After cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the area to absorb any remaining odors.

Pictured is the Kinsley Accent Chair. The classic wingback silhouette provides excellent support and offers hours of comfortable seating.

How to Dry and Care for Velvet to Keep It Soft and Smooth?

After cleaning your velvet furniture, drying it right is just as important. Never wring out velvet fabric, as this can damage the pile and distort its shape. Instead, let your furniture air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent fiber damage and discoloration.

You can speed up drying with a fan, but avoid high-heat sources like powerful hair dryers that might harm the fabric. Keep in mind that using damp furniture can lead to new stains and weaken the fibers, so wait until it's completely dry.

Once dry, restore the velvet's natural look by gently brushing the fabric in the direction of the nap with a soft brush. For extra care, you can lightly iron the fabric to fluff up the fibers and smooth out any creases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Velvet

Even with the best intentions, some cleaning mistakes can inadvertently damage your velvet furniture.

Not Vacuuming Regularly

Dust particles act like countless tiny abrasive surfaces and gradually wear down the velvet pile. Regular vacuuming helps remove these particles before they can wear down your furniture's surface.

Using Too Much Water

Excess water can leave stains and damage the fabric underneath. Use minimal moisture when cleaning velvet to prevent shrinkage and water marks.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Strong detergents and bleach can ruin velvet's color and texture. Stick to gentle, velvet-approved cleaning solutions to protect your furniture.

Scrubbing Too Hard

Aggressive scrubbing distorts velvet fibers and changes their texture. Use gentle, circular motions when treating stains.

Drying Incorrectly

High heat and direct sunlight can harm velvet. Let your furniture air dry naturally at room temperature to maintain its quality.

Not Testing Cleaning Solutions

Never skip testing any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous place. This way, you can see how the fabric reacts and prevent accidental discoloration or damage to visible parts of the furniture.

Ignoring the Care Label

Ignoring the manufacturer's care label is another common mistake. The care label provides specific instructions for your furniture fabric, so be sure to follow these guidelines.

When to Call a Professional?

While basic velvet cleaning can be done at home, some situations require expert help. Dark or large stains that resist DIY cleaning methods often need professional attention. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and solutions to tackle tough stains without harming the fabric.

For antique or delicate velvet pieces, professional cleaning helps preserve their value and condition. If you're unsure about cleaning methods, a professional can assess your furniture and recommend the right approach.

Professional cleaners can also address stubborn odors with specialized treatments. Their expertise reduces the risk of damage and can save you money in the long run by preventing costly cleaning mistakes.

How to Keep Your Velvet Furniture Looking New?

To keep your velvet furniture looking new, vacuum it regularly to stop dust from building up. When spills happen, blot them immediately to avoid stains. Protect your furniture from direct sunlight, which can cause fading, by using curtains or blinds.

Brush the velvet surface weekly to maintain its texture and appearance. Light steam cleaning once a month helps refresh frequently used pieces. Plan for deep cleaning every 6-12 months, more often if you have pets or children.

Consider using furniture covers for extra protection against daily wear and tear, especially in homes with kids or pets. For pieces with cushions, rotate them regularly to prevent uneven wear and maintain their shape.

Final Thoughts

Caring for velvet furniture doesn't have to be complicated. The key is understanding the basics: gentle cleaning, proper tools, and quick action when spills happen.

Regular maintenance, like vacuuming and brushing, keeps your velvet looking fresh. When stains occur, treating them promptly with the right cleaning solution makes a big difference. Remember to let your furniture dry completely after cleaning to prevent water marks.

While most velvet cleaning can be done at home, don't hesitate to call a professional for tough stains or antique pieces. Taking good care of your velvet furniture now means you'll enjoy its beauty and comfort for years to come.