Velvet furniture needs the right care to stay in good shape. There’s no one-size-fits-all method, but knowing how to clean velvet furniture properly makes all the difference.
In this guide, we walk you through what to do—and what to avoid.
How NOT To Clean Velvet Furniture
Do Not Use A Pressure Steamer
This can damage your velvet by creating lines in the fabric and even blasting off the fine fibers that give velvet its signature look.
Don’t Put Your Velvet Furniture in Direct Sunlight
Some people do this to dry out their furniture (usually something small like a chair) after cleaning. However, this is a bad idea because sunlight can cause velvet to fade. It’s best to keep velvet furniture out of direct sunlight.
Don’t Apply Cleaning Product Before Reading the Care Label
Always check the care label first. It tells you what type of cleaning is safe for your velvet and what to avoid so you don’t accidentally damage the fabric.
Upholstery care labels typically have the following letters:
W (Wet)
S (Solvent)
WS (Wet and Solvent)
X (No cleaning or vacuuming)
D (Dry cleaning)
How To Clean Velvet Furniture Marked Dry Clean Only
If your velvet furniture is labeled “Dry Clean Only,” the safest choice is to take it to a professional dry cleaner.
If you prefer to dry clean it yourself, you’ll need to research which solvent to use, then gently blot the area of concern with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t soak the fabric or use steam, as moisture can leave marks or distort the pile.
How To Clean Other Types of Velvet Furniture Correctly
If your velvet isn’t marked D or X, you’ll need to clean it based on what the situation calls for.
Removing Spills and Stains From Velvet Furniture
Soak Up The Stain Using An Absorbent Microfiber Cloth
If something gets spilled on your velvet furniture, it’s best to soak up the liquid with a light-colored microfiber cloth. This will reduce the risk of color transfer.
Choose, Test, and Use A Velvet Cleaning Solution
After soaking up the spill (or if you find the stain already dried), choose a cleaning method based on the type of velvet you have and what’s on the care label.
Velvet fabric cleaners are generally a safe and effective choice for most velvets. For mild stains, you can also mix a small amount of gentle dish soap with warm water. For odor-related stains, mixing baking soda and lemon juice can help.
Once the product has been applied, gently work against the pile, then smooth the pile out by working toward it. Then, once the stain is lifted, use a microfiber towel to gently blot away any remaining moisture.
Removing Marks From Velvet Furniture
Wipe Your Furniture With A Velvet Sponge
Take a velvet sponge and gently wipe down the area with the mark. Start by brushing against the pile to loosen the fibers, then go back and smooth the fabric out. Working in this manner helps remove marks and restore the fabric’s natural appearance.
Use A Hairdryer or Steamer if Needed
Sometimes, marks and creases in velvet furniture are quite hard to remove. If you come across some tough areas, you’ll want to warm them up using a hairdryer. However, you don’t want to bring the hairdryer too close. Instead, hold it about a foot and a half away from the chair and gently warm the spot you need to fix while running the sponge over the spot.
If you use a hairdryer, but the marks still won’t come out, then it’s worth using a steamer. You do want to be careful and AVOID using a pressure steamer. Instead, you want to use a handheld garment steamer.
Performing A Full Clean of Velvet Furniture
1. Check The Care Label
W (Wet)
S (Solvent)
WS (Wet and Solvent)
X (No cleaning or vacuuming)
D (Dry cleaning)
As you can see, the X means you can’t vacuum it. That’s why it’s always important to check the care label.
However, let’s say you buy an old piece of velvet furniture and the care label is removed. What do you do? In this case, you’ll want to contact the manufacturer or look on the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
If you are unable to find the manufacturer’s information, then you can always perform a careful test and see how the furniture responds to your chosen cleaning solution.
2. Brush and then Vacuum The Furniture
Before you do any deep cleaning, it’s important to remove loose dirt and dust from your velvet furniture. Brushing and vacuuming help keep the fabric looking fresh and prevent debris from getting ground into the pile.
Start by brushing the velvet with an upholstery brush to lift dirt and pet hair from the surface. Once you’ve loosened the debris, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
3. Spot Clean The Furniture
After brushing and vacuuming, you can use a spot cleaner to target any remaining debris in the fabric.
Start by filling the tank with a velvet-safe cleaner and warm water, following the machine’s instructions. Next, work in small sections and move the cleaning nozzle in long, even strokes.
As you go, you’ll begin to see dirt lift from the fabric and collect in the dirty water tank. The cleaning process can take some time and may require multiple refills of clean water and solution.
4. Use A Steamer To Make The Velvet Look Fresh
As a finishing touch, you can use a steamer to give the velvet a fresher look. This works because steam helps relax the fibers and lift the pile.
The moisture from the steam also reduces minor creases or pressure marks without soaking the material.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Your Velvet Furniture?
Removing Spills and Stains From Velvet Furniture:
Spot cleaning a fresh spill usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and how quickly you catch it.
Removing Marks From Velvet Furniture:
Lifting surface marks or pressure lines can take around 15 to 30 minutes. If you’re using heat or steam, allow extra time for drying.
Performing a Full Clean of Velvet Furniture:
Cleaning a single chair typically takes a few hours, depending on how dirty it is. For larger pieces like sofas or sectionals, the process may take up to eight hours. It’s best to clean these in sections and allow time for drying between each area.
How To Clean Velvet Furniture – Conclusion
Velvet furniture looks great, but it needs the right kind of care. The purpose of this guide is to show you how to clean and maintain your velvet correctly.
If your furniture needs more than a clean, Redesign Upholstery can help. We offer upholstery and reupholstery services to bring your pieces back to life.
