Velvet furniture adds an element of sophistication and elegance to any living space. Its luxurious texture and rich colors make it a sought-after choice for those who appreciate fine aesthetics. Its popularity has been increasing recently.
Although velvet furniture used to be exclusive to kings, queens, and rich individuals in the past, it is accessible to everyone nowadays. You can now easily mix and match velvet furniture in the bedroom and bring a touch of elegance to your home decor.
One challenge is still there—cleaning the delicate velvet fabric. But don’t worry! I am gonna teach youhow to get stains out of velvet furniture. Whether you have spilled red wine or olive oil on your couch, this guide will help you clean!
Key Takeaways
- Blot stains immediately with an absorbent cloth, avoiding rubbing.
- Vacuum velvet furniture using an upholstery attachment, covering all areas and using a crevice tool for hard-to-reach spots.
- Choose a suitable cleaning solution: soap and water for “W” or “S-W” coded fabrics, or a dry cleaning solvent for “S” coded fabrics. As an alternative, use a paste of baking soda and lemon juice.
- Gently apply the chosen cleaning solution, blotting or rubbing as needed, and remove residue with a damp cloth.
- Once dry, restore the pile’s direction using a soft brush designed for delicate fabrics.
What Tools and Materials You’ll Need?
When you find stains on your couch, you might try to act quickly by picking anything near you and cleaning the spot. However, this is not how you should proceed with the process.
First, you should know what tools and materials are safe to use on velvet furniture to get the stain out of velvet furniture. Simply put, act quickly but with the right tools and materials.
But what safe supplies can I use to get the stains out of my furniture? Where to get them? Well, the following are the supplies you’ll need for the following cleaning procedure.
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Paper towels/ Absorbent cloth
- Dish soap and Water/ An upholstery cleaner
- A bowl
- Velvet upholstery brush/ Soft-bristle brush
- Clothes steamer
Once you have gathered all these supplies, you are ready to start your journey and learn how to get stains out of velvet furniture. Below is the detailed, step-by-step cleaning procedure.
How To Get Stains Out Of Velvet Furniture?
In summary, act promptly by blotting (not rubbing) the spilled liquid with an absorbent cloth or paper towel until all the visible stains disappear. Then, utilize a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to clean a velvet couch quickly.
For most stains, prepare a cleaning solution of soap and water or baking soda and lemon juice and gently rub on the stained area with a damp cloth. After applying the solution, rinse it properly and let the furniture air dry naturally.
Once the velvet upholstery dries, vacuum again and use a soft- or medium-bristled brush to shape the fabric, remove lint or pet hair, and/or refresh the texture after cleaning or steaming. Ensure the brush bristles are not too stiff.
The summary ends here! Nobody wants to dispose of their furniture since clean is always affordable. Below is the detailed process of cleaning the stains out of the velvet furniture.
1. Blot (Or Pick Up) Stains Immediately Using Absorbent Cloth.
As I told you when I was cleaning my heavily soiled microfiber couch, acting quickly is a rule of thumb whenever you are cleaning your couch or removing dried slime from your fabric sofa. The same applies to a stained velvet furniture piece.
- Act quickly and grab some paper towels or an absorbent cloth when you notice a spill.
- Place the paper towels or clothon the affected area lightly without rubbing.
- Dab the stain gently using the absorbent cloth. DO NOT rub, as it can expand the stain.
- Allow the absorbent cloth to soak up the spilled liquid for up to 10 minutes.
2. Vacuum Velvet Furniture With An Upholstery Attachment.
I believe a dusting brush and crevice tool are the best vacuum attachments for cleaning velvet upholstery to loosen dust and dirt from the fabric. You can use these to vacuum your velvet furniture piece the following way.
- Connect the upholstery brush to your vacuum cleaner.
- Begin at the top of the velvet sofa or chair and perform systematically in a grid-like pattern, covering every spot.
- Utilize the crevice tool to wipe between and beneath cushions, as well as between the arms and cushions of the furniture.
- Vacuum the outside surfaces of the furniture, including the arms and backrest.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: Do NOT overlook vacuuming outside surfaces and underneath the furniture, as dirt can accumulate there as well.[/su_note]
3. Apply A Suitable Cleaning Solution On the Stains.
Whether you haven’t blotted the stain in the beginning and now it’s dried, or some wet stains are still staring at you, a suitable cleaning solution can help you eliminate them.
But what is a suitable cleaning solution? I have two alternatives for you.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]TIP: If your velvet furniture has a “W” or “S-W” code on the tag, you can opt for a wet or water-based cleaning solution (e.g., soap and water).[/su_note]
On the other hand, for the “S” code, use a dedicated dry cleaning solvent or go for my suggestive solution—baking soda and lemon juice.
Method 1: Soap and Water.
- Blend a few drops of soap and 1-2 cups of warm water to make a sudsy solution. Ensure the soap is mild and appropriate for delicate velvet fabrics.
- Take a soft, dry piece of cloth and soak it into the sudsy solution. Gently blot the stained spot, applying light pressure. DO NOT rub, as it can damage the velvet fabric.
- Repeat the blotting process with the cleaning solution if the stain remains. Be patient and gentle while working on the stain.
- Allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before using or sitting on the furniture. Place the furniture in a well-ventilated area to aid in drying.
Method 2: Baking Soda and Lemon Juice.
- Mix baking soda and lemon juice together to create a paste-like consistency.
- Apply the mixture you prepared onto the affected area of the velvet couch. Focus on areas that may have an odor or particularly stubborn stains.
- Gently rub the stained spot circularly with a soft cloth. The lemon juice and baking soda mixture will work to lift and remove the stain.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: DO NOT apply too much pressure or rub vigorously, as it may damage the velvet fabric.[/su_note]
- Dampen a clean cloth with clean water once the stain has been treated. Dab the processed area to remove any residue or excessive cleaning solution.
- Finally, allow the velvet couch to air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated spot.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Whatever the cleaning solution you choose, make sure to test it on an invisible spot on the furniture. Apply the solution and see any color changes or structural alterations. If there aren’t any, proceed with the process.[/su_note]
4. Restore The Pile’s Directions Using A Dry Brush.
I personally restore the directions of the pile whenever I complete cleaning my velvet couch, and I suggest you do the same to give the final touches. But before starting, ensure the velvet upholstery is thoroughly dry from the cleaning procedure.
To restore the direction of the pile, select a soft brush specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Gently brush the velvet in the direction of the pile (the direction in which the fabric fibers naturally lie) to give it a fresh, untouched appearance.
How Often to Clean Velvet Furniture?
Generally, a velvet furniture piece should be vacuumedweekly with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt that can build up and cause stains. After a whole year has passed, it should be deep cleaned with an expert cleaner.
However, if your child has smudged slime on your couch or you have spilled coffee on the couch, it requires immediate cleaning. Spot clean any spills or stains as soon as they occur. Use a gentle cleaning solution and blot, don’t rub.
Tips & Precautions To Clean Velvet Fabric
- Read the cleaning instructions – Always check the label or manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning guidelines before cleaning velvet fabric.
- Avoid smushing or ruining the pile – Be cautious not to press down or flatten the velvet pile, as it can cause permanent damage.
- Consider the fabric composition – Consider the materials used in the velvet fabric, as certain cleaning methods may not be suitable for all types. Avoid heavy pressure, excessive abrasion, suction, or high heat that can harm the fabric.
- Dry clean velvet fabric – Velvet is generally a dry-clean-only textile. DO NOT wet wash it, especially in a machine, as it can loosen the pile and cause shedding.
- Avoid machine washing – Do not attempt to machine wash velvet fabric, as it can lead to an aged appearance, pilling, or loss of pile.
FAQS
Is A Velvet Couch Hard To Clean?
In one word, NO. Velvet furniture is not as hard to clean as you might think. With a few easy steps, you can save your velvet couch looking its best for years to come.
- Vacuum your velvet couch with a soft brush attachment.
- Blot up any spills promptly with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not rub, as this can harm the fabric.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water and apply it on the spot and blot the area using a clean cloth.
- Once cleaned, let our couch dry thoroughly prior to using it again.
How Do You Get Old Stains Out Of Velvet Furniture?
Old stains might seem impossible to remove, but they are not. You can implement various different ways and supplies to get the old stains out of velvet furniture.
- Baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to be there for 30 minutes. Then, vacuum up the baking soda and blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth.
- White vinegar. Blend equal volume warm water and white vinegar. Blot the affected area with a clean cloth moistened in the solution.
- Rubbing alcohol. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and blot the stain. DO NOT rub, as this can damage the fabric.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Ensure to see the code on the tag with the couch. Only use water or a water-based cleaning solution if the furniture piece has “W” or “W-S” code on the tag.[/su_note]
How Do You Clean Velvet Couch Material?
- Vacuum the couch with a soft brush attachment.
- Spot clean any spills promptly with a clean, moistened cloth. Dab but not rub.
- Blend a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water. Blot the area with a clean cloth moistened in the solution. Doing this essential for dried stains or if not removed properly
- Let the couch dry thoroughly prior to using it again.
Can You Professionally Clean A Velvet Sofa?
Yes, you can professionally clean a velvet sofa. Professional cleaners have spent time so have the experience to get rid of even the most tough stains. They can also help to restore the nap of the fabric and make your sofa look like new again.
How Do You Get Stains Out Of Velvet Cushions?
Velvet cushions can be cleaned with the same steps as velvet couch material. Vacuum with a soft brush, spot clean spills immediately, use a mild soap solution for tougher stains, and ensure the couch is fully dry before use.