A velvet sofa is a great piece of beautiful furniture used to add some elegance to your decor. As lovely and attractive as velvet furniture appears, it can be difficult to maintain. To ensure your velvet furniture continues to look amazing over time, it is crucial to know how to clean a velvet couch.

Cleaning velvet is a bit different from other fabrics as the velvet fibres tend to protrude, making them more prone to flattening. This guide explores how to clean a velvet couch and get rid of any stains. However, if the manufacturer's cleaning instructions differ from our recommended tips, be sure to follow them for proper cleaning.

What is Velvet?

To properly care for a velvet sofa, you must first understand the material. In the past, it was constructed of tufted silk, which is a pricey fabric. This fabric is not a flat-woven textile, as is the case with many others. It requires more resources as it is braided in two thicknesses. This intricate procedure gives the cloth its trademark softness.

Aside from the traditional silk velvet, there are now many other synthetic or natural materials that can be utilized to manufacture velvet. Some of the more cost-effective ones include;

• Cotton
• Polyester (typically a cotton-polyester combination)
• Viscose
• Wool
• Linen
• Mohair

In recent years, pure silk velvet has grown more difficult to come by. Genuine velvet has become very pricey to purchase. Viscose, commonly known as art silk, is now more commonly used.

If you do end up purchasing a velvet sofa, regardless of the type, you will need to know how to clean it properly. So, first and foremost, you need to check the label of your velvet upholstery for instructions on how to clean the velvet couch.

Generally, velvet furniture made from natural fibers will be significantly more delicate than velvet made of synthetic fibers. This is because synthetic velvet is more resilient and less prone to creases, fading, and damage than real fiber velvet sofas.

If the velvet is composed of natural materials, we recommend seeking the help of professional upholstery cleaners. Now that you understand the different types of velvet keep reading to find out how to properly clean velvet furniture.

How Often Do You Clean Velvet Furniture

Velvet furniture should be vacuumed frequently, just like any other upholstered furniture, to remove dust that can weaken fibers and create a stale odor in the upholstery. A clothes steamer can be used to elevate the pile and prevent crushed velvet, depending on how often it is used.

Cleaning velvet furniture should be done once a week, as part of vacuuming. However, you should blot the stain and spills as soon as possible. You can use a dull knife to lift the solid spills, but never rub as it will only destroy the velvet fibres.

How to Clean a Velvet Couch

What You Need

• A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Soft brush
• Clothes steamer
• Soap and water (dishwashing liquid)
• Upholstery cleaning fluid
• Clean, absorbent cloth- microfiber cloth.
• Dull knife or spatula
• Paper towel
• A bowl
• A whisk

Procedure

1. Vacuum

The dusting or upholstery brush, as well as the crevice tool, are the best accessories for vacuuming velvet upholstery. Start at the top of the chair or sofa and work in a grid to cover every area with the upholstery brush. The brush loosens the dust and soil, allowing it to be suctioned away.

Clean between and under cushions, as well as between cushions and arms, with the crevice tool. Remember to vacuum the exterior and underneath of the furniture.

2. Steaming

Velvet upholstery, like the top on a velvet dress or slacks, can become crushed or crumpled after sitting. If the creases are not eliminated, they can become nearly permanent, exposing the velvet fabric's backing.

To remove the fluff of the velvet, use a handheld clothes steamer or one with a wand. To avoid harming the fibers, use a low heat steam setting. Move the steam head in a grid over the problematic regions while keeping it several inches away from the fabric. Keep the steam going at all times. Gently brush the nap in the other way to remove the creases.

3. Clean the Stained Area

Method 1

Blot the stain using paper towels as soon as they occur. Replace the towel as needed till all moisture is soaked. With the edge of a dull knife, scrape away any solids, then blot any wetness. Rubbing a stain will only drive the problem further into the fibers.

Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid into two glasses of warm water to spot treat any type of stain and use a whisk to make the suds. Dunk the microfiber cloth in fresh water and wring it out until it's a damp cloth.

Again, dip the damp cloth into just the suds and gently blot the sudsy cloth in the soiled area. As the stain is being transferred, keep moving to a clean region of the fabric. Allow the area to dry naturally. Lift any matted fibers with your hand or a steamer.

Method 2

Begin with plain soapy water. Wring out your damp towel after dipping it into the soapy solution. Then blot the stains several times with the cloth before immersing it in the soap solution again. Repeat this procedure until the stain disappears. The stain should fade or disappear completely after several rounds.

If you're having trouble cleaning with normal soap, you can try a specialty cleaning product. These products are good for cleaning polyester or cotton velvet.

Apply the upholstery cleaner to the velvet furniture with a soft sponge, ensuring you do not disturb the pile. Then repeat the procedure indicated above, blotting and rinsing the cloth many times to remove the stain.

Note: To verify that your cleaning solution does not damage the material, try them on an isolated spot. Wait for at least 30 minutes to be sure your cleaning solution isn't hurting the fabric.

5. Brushing

Wait patiently for the cloth to dry before brushing it. Brush in the direction of the pile to restore its original appearance. If all goes according to plan, the velvet should look brand new once more.

On velvet napped textiles, soft-bristled boffin brushes are the finest choice. The bristles are relatively long and straight and measure between 8 and 13 inches in length. They're frequently included in upholstery maintenance kits.

If the stain on your velvet upholstery still won't come out, you may need to hire an expert. To penetrate the cloth further and achieve uniform upholstery color, a professional will frequently employ water-free solvents.

Dry Cleaning Method Without Liquids

Are you looking for a liquid-free way how to clean a velvet couch? If that's the case, you should try dry cleaning. If the stain is moist, start by dabbing it with a paper towel or a dry cloth. Wait for it to suck the moisture out of the material before cleaning.

After that, you'll need to use your dry cleaning detergent. Using a soft sponge, blot it into the fabric. Wait for the cleaning solution to completely dry before proceeding.

You should observe that the stain begins to precipitate out of the cloth throughout the drying process. Finally, vacuum the area after the fabric has dried, then brush the pile if the velvet appears matted.

The Natural Method

What You Need

• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Glass bowl
• Vacuum with a brush attachment
• Clean and soft cloth

Procedure

1. Vacuum Your Velvet Upholstery

Start by vacuuming the furniture along the nap using your vacuum's brush attachment. Before you use any cleaning products, make sure you suck up all the debris.

2. Make the Cleaning Solution

Combine two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of lemon juice in a small bowl. Use lemon juice from concentrate for maximum effects, as it contains fewer non-cleaning components from the lemon.

3. Scrape the Foam Using a Cloth

Swipe your cloth across the foam in the mixture. It's ideal that your cloth ends up with a large spot of suds on it. The cleaning solution should not be rubbed into the velvet. Instead, follow the nap with straight, simple motions. It's best not to press the solution into the material.

5. Drying

After you've applied the cleaning solution to your velvet furniture, it shouldn't take long for it to dry. Before allowing anyone to sit on your velvet sofa, wait three to five hours. It can harm the nap if you use it too soon.

Tips for Keeping Your Velvet Fabric Looking Great

• Spills and stains need to be cleaned up as quickly as possible.
• Whether you are cleaning a synthetic velvet or cotton velvet sofa, get a velvet brush for easy removal of stains.
• To remove dust and crumbs from the velvet furniture, vacuum it once a week.
• Steam your velvet regularly. Steam can be used to raise matted piles and eliminate wrinkles.
• Test any cleaning agents in a hidden spot to make sure there are no color changes to the velvet.
• Avoid exposing velvet furniture to direct sunlight. If you don't have any other options, drape throws over exposed surfaces to help block the direct sunlight.
• If you can't afford velvet cleaning products, you can use a DIY solution to clean velvet furniture or a throw blanket.