Velvet furniture is trendy because these pieces give an interior space a bold aesthetic and can make a statement. However, velvet sofa require proper and regular cleaning. Failing to do that can cause their soft sheen, rich colour and elegance to dull. Besides that, discolouration and stains are visible on this type of material.
Cleaning a velvet sofa requires a delicate approach to prevent damage to the fabric. To do it properly, the cleaning procedure itself is more important than the products you decide to use.
So, keep on reading if:
- You are wondering how to clean a velvet sofa;
- You want to prevent your sofa from being damaged;
- You’re not sure how to perform the cleaning task;
Step 1: Vacuum the Sofa
With a soft brush on your vacuum cleaner, gently remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the velvet surface. Make sure to vacuum all the crevices, seams, and cushions.
Step 2: Test for Colour Fastness
Before proceeding with any cleaning method, it’s essential to test a small, not clearly visible area of the sofa for colour fastness. Use a damp, white cloth to wipe the area that should be tested. If there’s no colour transfer onto the fabric, you can move on to the next cleaning step. If there is colour transfer, it’s best to consult a professional upholstery cleaner.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
For regular cleaning, you can make a homemade solution by mixing a small amount of mild liquid dish soap with lukewarm water. You can also opt for a natural cleaning solution with baking soda and lemon juice to tackle a stain, precisely one that smells bad. Alternatively, you can use a specialised upholstery cleaner that’s safe for velvet and follow the instructions on the product label for dilution ratios.
Step 4: Spot Clean Stains
Put some of the mixture on a clean cloth or sponge. You should squeeze out if there is any excess moisture. Gently blot the stained area without rubbing because it can damage the velvet fibres and spread the stain further. Continue blotting until the colour starts to lift. For more challenging cases, repeat this step a few times or seek professional help.
Step 5: Clean the Entire Sofa
Wipe the velvet surface gently back and forth with a clean cloth sprayed with the cleaning solution. When doing that, avoid oversaturating the fabric because excessive moisture can leave watermarks or damage the sofa. Always work from top to bottom to prevent any drips or streaks.
Step 6: Remove Excess Moisture
After cleaning the entire sofa:
- Go over the velvet surface with a clean, dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
- Before using the couch again, let it air dry thoroughly.
- During the drying process, avoid using heat sources, such as hairdryers or heaters, because they can cause the velvet to shrink or become distorted.
Step 7: Revive the Velvet Fibres
Once the sofa is completely dry, use a soft brush or a velvet brush to fluff and revive its fibres gently. Brush in the direction of the nap to maintain its luxurious appearance.
Step 8: Prevent Future Stains
To protect your velvet sofa from future stubborn stains, consider applying a fabric protector spray designed for velvet upholstery. This step will create a barrier against spills and make cleaning more effortless in the future.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Cleaning a Velvet Sofa
There are some helpful cleaning tips and hacks that can help make maintaining a velvet sofa easier and safer for the fabric.
- Regular maintenance. In order to keep your velvet sofa looking its best, it’s vital to incorporate regular maintenance into your cleaning routine. Use a soft brush or a velvet brush to brush the fabric in the direction of the nap gently. In this way, you will remove surface dust and prevent it from embedding into the fibres.
- Avoid water-based cleaning methods. Although water can be used to clean spots on velvet fabric, excessive moisture can cause watermarks or flatten the material. Consider dry cleaning or using minimal amounts of water instead.
- Deal with spills promptly. If a liquid spill occurs on your velvet sofa, act quickly. Use an absorbent cloth to remove it gently, beginning at the outer edges and then moving inward. Remember to avoid rubbing because it can spread the liquid and damage the fabric. Once most of the liquid is absorbed, follow the rest of the steps for spot cleaning.
- Steam cleaning. A very effective method for cleaning velvet upholstery is steam cleaning. However, it’s essential to use a steam cleaner specifically designed for delicate fabrics and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Also, keep in mind that not all velvet sofas are suitable for steam cleaning, so it’s best to first check with the manufacturer or seek professional advice.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Velvet is susceptible to fading when exposed to direct sunlight over time. To preserve your sofa’s colour and quality, position it away from windows or use curtains, blinds, or UV protection film to protect it from excessive sunlight.
- Pet hair removal. If you have pets, you’re likely familiar with the challenge of removing pet hair from velvet upholstery. To remove pet hair from fabrics, use a lint roller or wrap some adhesive tape around your hand with the sticky side facing out and gently press it against the material. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a special brush for pet hair.
- Prevention. In order to minimise the risk of stains and damage, it’s recommended to establish rules for using the velvet sofa. Avoid eating or drinking on the couch, and discourage children and pets from jumping or scratching on it. Using throw blankets or furniture covers can also provide an extra layer of protection.
When to Hire a Professional
There are many techniques you can use to protect your favourite velvet furniture from potential damage or tips for removing stains with home remedies. But if the upholstery has persistent stains, allergens build-up or odours that can’t be removed with gentle cleaning methods, you should search for sofa cleaning services near you. Experts have the right skills and tools to restore the healthy look of any velvet sofa.
Takeaways
- Although velvet sofas are elegant and eye-catching, they may not be the best choice for families with young children or pets.
- Regular maintenance is needed for any velvet sofas, such as brushing and vacuuming.
- Stains shouldn’t be left on the fabric for too long, as they can become harder to get rid of. You should clean spills or stains immediately.
- Vacuum your velvet sofa at least once a month or more often if you have pets or allergy symptoms.
- Old stains are tough to get out of velvety upholstery, and that is why professional help is needed in some cases.
