Velvet has a reputation for requiring a lot of maintenance but caring for velvet upholstery really shouldn’t take too much time or effort. Here’s how to care for velvet furniture the right way.
What is Velvet?
Velvet isn’t a natural fiber like cotton or wool. It’s a soft, smooth, and man-made fabric characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut fibers that give the material its distinct look and feel.
How to Care for Velvet Furniture
Here’s how to care for velvet furniture so it keeps its luxurious look for years to come.
Keep It Out of the Sun
Many materials can fade when exposed to light, but velvet is particularly sensitive to color fade. In general, it’s best to select a layout that puts the velvet upholstery out of direct sunlight. If that doesn’t work for your space, try draping a blanket over the exposed areas for extra protection.
Vacuum Regularly
Because velvet upholstery tends to trap dust, hair, and other debris, it’s important to regularly vacuum your velvet furniture. Velvet can be delicate, so you’ll want to make sure you use the special upholstery attachment when you vacuum.
Fluff & Flip Pillows Regularly
Weight and pressure can lead to marks, dents, and creases in your velvet upholstery. That’s why frequently fluffing and flipping pillows and removable cushions can go a long way toward caring for velvet upholstery.
Steam Out Crushed Fibers
If you start to notice crushed fibers, marks, wrinkles, and dents on your velvet upholstery, you can use a handheld steamer to easily remove them. Just use the lowest heat setting and move the steamer across the fabric in the opposite direction of the pile, making sure that you never stop in one spot for more than a few seconds. For even better results, try using a stiff lint brush to brush the fibers up while you’re steaming.
How to Clean Velvet Upholstery
Because velvet can be made from several different fibers and materials, it’s important to follow the manufacturers’ cleaning instructions when cleaning velvet upholstery. That said, there are some general steps you can take. First, you’ll want to remove any excess liquid from the velvet upholstery. We recommend using a soft, lint-free cloth to soak up the liquid, as this will prevent lint from getting trapped in the upholstery. From there, many stains can be cleaned with a homemade cleaning solution made with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid soap and a cup of water. Shake the mixture until bubbles form and blot out the stain after dipping the cloth into the suds only. Then let the area air dry. Now that you know how to care for velvet upholstery, it’s time to start shopping. Browse our huge selection of living room, dining room, bedroom, and office furniture, including velvet sofas, velvet sectionals, and velvet accent chairs. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog where we cover everything from cozy living room ideas to spring cleaning tips for your home.