How To Clean Velvet

Velvet is known for being a high-maintenance type of fabric, the type you only see in your grandmother's living room covered in a sheet and seemingly never used. While it looks high status and chic, it really isn't much more difficult than other furniture fabrics. In addition to pillow fluffing and occasional flipping, here are a few ways you can clean your velvet upholstery depending on the scenario. Spilling flaky food like bread crumbs or cookie crumbles, a simple vacuum with a soft brush attachment is enough to rectify the situation. This same technique can be used to clean up any accumulated dust as a result of little to no use. Just be sure to use the soft brush attachment otherwise you risk nicking/scratching.

STEAMING

Velvet is an impressionable material and can easily crease if, for example, you put a heavy object on the sofa for a long period of time. Not to worry though, these creases and what appear to look like stains, are easily fixable.

Handheld steamers, or the steam setting on an iron, is a handy appliance to have in your arsenal. Once it's hot, start in one corner and move the steamer across the fabric in the opposite direction of the fabric pile. Use the lowest heating and don't hold the steamer in one spot for more than a few seconds.

COLOUR FADING

Fading is an unfortunate yet natural result of the passage of time for anything exposed to light, whether the sun or indoor bulbs. Velvet is particularly sensitive to colour fading under direct sunlight. Some like the used, vintage faded look. But if you're looking to keep it as new looking as possible, avoid placing your piece in a sunny spot. If this is not possible, use a blanket to cover the sun exposed section. Trust us!

SPOT CLEANING

A nightmare come to life, someone accidentally made a greasy, cheesy or sugary spill on your precious couch. Normally, one panics and franticly tries to wipe the mess off the fabric. That is an unfortunate rookie mistake. The key is to make sure the spill doesn't settle into the fibers.

Grab a lint-free (very important) linen cloth and soak it in a solution of 1 to 2 drops of dishwasher liquid (the kind that washes oil off sea creatures) to 1 cup of water. Dab the wet cloth on the couch over and over until you can remove as much of the stain as possible.

It would also be helpful to double check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

HOME-MADE CLEANING SOLUTION

If you want to take it one step further, you can create a chemical-free cleaning solvent using items found in your home: lemon juice and baking soda!

We recommend you testing this solution in an inconspicuous area on your upholstery first to ensure there isn't a surprise reaction.

For a spot clean, you only need 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl. Fill the bowl with lemon juice until there's quite a bit of foam to use.

Using a lint-free cloth, scoop foam and lightly skim it across the couch without dabbing or rubbing in the solution. Let the couch dry for a few hours (3-5) before using it again. Be aware that it may look dry before it actually is.

Stress-filled velvet is a past issue. Velvet furniture today can handle children's sticky fingers, making it kid-resistant; scratching cat nails as it is difficult for cats to comfortably dig their claws into the fibres; and all unexpected surprises and spill accidents in between. Knowing this, you can enjoy the chicness, comfort and look of luxe velvet, stress-free.