How to clean a velvet sofa
Learn how to clean your velvet sofa with our easy-to-follow guide. Rid it of unsightly stains, as well as keep the fabric looking fresh and new.
A velvet sofa adds a sophisticated designer touch with its plush or crushed velvet upholstery. However, its soft and tactile fabric makes stains easily noticeable and hard to hide. To keep your velvet couch in top condition, it’s important to have a weekly cleaning routine in order to prevent lasting damage to the sofa. Read on to find out how to clean a velvet sofa and keep it in pristine condition.
Equipment
- vacuum
- clothes steamer
- absorbent cloth
- soap and water or cleaning solution
- soft brush
1. Brush away any dirt
If your velvet sofa is starting to lose its sheen, brush in the direction of the pile to restore its appearance.
To keep dirt at bay, choose a soft double-sided brush. Brush in the direction of the fibres and don’t brush too aggressively to prevent from damaging the velvet texture.
Use the flat side of the brush to remove lint, dirt or pet hair.
2. Vacuum the velvet fabric
A velvet sofa’s soft sheen gives it a bold appearance but also makes it easy to spot dust particles. Vacuuming regularly (weekly should suffice) using an upholstery brush will help maintain its appearance.
Choose a soft bristle attachment when vacuuming as a regular vacuum head may damage the soft velvet upholstery. Start vacuuming at the top of the sofa and slowly move in a grid to cover the whole area. It’s also important to vacuum in the direction of the fibres. Make sure to vacuum between the cushions and under the arms. If your velvet sofa or cushions have removable covers, use a clothes steamer to remove creases.
3. Prepare your cleaning solution
Removing stains from a velvet sofa can feel tricky at first, but the important thing is to be prepared. If it’s a fresh spill, blot the moisture away with a paper towel or a dry, absorbent cloth.
4. Apply your cleaning solution to the velvet sofa
Rinse the cloth with water, then wring it. Next, dip the cloth into the soap suds and start blotting around the stained area. Keep blotting until the stain is gone. Dab or blot the stain gently instead of rubbing aggressively as this will make the stain worse.
5. Let your velvet sofa dry
After cleaning the velvet sofa, let the damp area dry naturally. Once dry, brush any fibres that are matted.
What if I can’t clean my velvet sofa?
If the stain is too serious to be dealt with on your own, it’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaner. Here are a few tips for choosing the right professional cleaner:
- Call an expert who specialises in velvet or fabric upholstery
- Ask what cleaning products or chemicals that they use
- Find out what equipment they use
How do you clean a crushed velvet sofa?
The tactile texture of crushed velvet makes it feel sophisticated but hard to clean.
Thankfully, brushing and vacuuming are the same as with a normal velvet sofa. When brushing the sofa, always use a soft-bristled brush to prevent spoiling the fabric.
For spills, make sure not to use too much liquid, as this can damage the fabric. When it comes to the cleaning solution, dip your cloth into the top of the suds mixture only. This prevents too much liquid from getting on the fabric. Similar to regular velvet, dab the stain lightly to avoid damaging the fabric.
Velvet sofa cleaning & maintenance tips
Regular care and maintenance will keep your velvet sofa looking as good as new for a long time. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Keep your velvet sofa out of direct sunlight to prevent discolouration
- Vacuum your sofa weekly to maintain its plush appearance and sheen
- Use a steamer to prevent long-term creases (check your sofa’s cleaning instructions before trying this)
- Tackle spills as soon as possible to remove stains with the steps above
- Test any cleaning solution on a hidden section of the sofa in case of any issues or discolouration. Remember: Dab, don’t rub!
- Seek professional advice if your velvet sofa requires a deep clean
- If you have young children or pets, consider using throws or covers to protect the upholstery
- Rotate and plump up your sofa cushions to even out the wear and tear
FAQs
Can you steam clean a velvet sofa?
Yes, you can steam clean a velvet sofa at low heat. However, it is important to check your sofa’s cleaning instructions first before trying to do it to prevent spoiling the fabric.
Is a velvet sofa hard to keep clean?
No, a velvet sofa isn't hard to clean. It requires regular maintenance like brushing to prevent dust from piling up and to keep it looking nice and uniform.
What is the lifespan of a velvet sofa?
Depending on the type of velvet, a velvet sofa typically lasts about 5 to 7 years.
Is it better to dry or wet clean velvet?
Please check your sofa’s cleaning instructions before proceeding with cleaning. If the sofa has a stain that is hard to remove, it’s a good idea to consider dry cleaning or a professional cleaning service.
We hope these care and maintenance tips will make it easier for you to look after your velvet sofa. Looking for more tips like this? Check out our guide to cleaning a faux leather sofa.
