Skip the nonsense and learn how to clean velvet furniture, including chairs, couches, and beanbags, properly with these proven methods. This guide also covers cleaning velvet couches and other furniture pieces made from velvet, ensuring your velvet couch or any velvet piece stays looking its best.
Cleaning velvet is a little different from most other types of fabric. Velvet fibres protrude from the backing material in a short, dense pile, making them more prone to flattening. Cleaning, therefore, must be gentle. Today, we’ll show you how to clean velvet furniture. This guide explores how to clean velvet beanbags, chairs, and couches effectively and get rid of stains for good, including tips for maintaining fire retardant bean bag chairs found in many homes and commercial spaces. As you read through these instructions, you’ll notice they differ quite a bit from typical upholstery cleaning methods. Each velvet piece, such as a velvet couch or chair, may require slightly different care. When caring for a velvet chair, never rely on generic cleaning advice – doing so could damage the fabric and cause it to lose its signature softness and luxurious feel. These instructions apply to velvet couches and other velvet furniture.
Introduction to Velvet Cleaning
Velvet furniture brings a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space, but its beautiful appearance comes with the need for special care and maintenance. The dense pile of velvet fabric is not only soft and inviting, but it also tends to attract dust, pet hair, and stains more easily than other materials. Because of this, cleaning velvet furniture requires a gentle approach and a solid understanding of the right techniques. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep your velvet upholstery looking fresh and prevent dirt and debris from settling deeply into the fabric. In this step-by-step process, we’ll guide you through the best ways to clean velvet furniture, from choosing the right cleaning products to knowing when to seek professional cleaning. With the right care, your velvet pieces will maintain their stunning appearance and luxurious feel for years to come.
How To Clean Velvet Furniture, Chairs, Couches And Beanbags
Velvet seating options offer a higher level of comfort than most other materials. The material is delicate and soft, so sitting on it is always a pleasure. However, this softness comes at a price. Velvet is much more challenging to maintain than other materials. The structure of the nap means that you can’t scrub as you would regular pieces of fabric. Different velvets, such as cotton velvet or synthetic velvets like polyester velvet, may have unique cleaning requirements due to their specific fibre content and construction. Instead, cleaning it requires time, care, and the right tools. If you don’t clean it properly, you could damage the fabric and need to have your seating recovered from scratch.
Step 1: Collect Your Materials
Before you begin cleaning your velvet upholstery, gather the following materials:
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A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
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A spray bottle for cleaning solutions
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A soft-bristle brush
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A dull knife for removing solid residues
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Mild detergent
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Mild shampoo
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Upholstery cleaning fluid
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Soap and water
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Clean, absorbent cloth
Step 2: Vacuum The Velvet
Tiny dust particles accumulate in velvet over time. They settle on the surface and, with body movement, get embedded deeper into the pile. Over time, these particles act like abrasive sandpaper, damaging the velvet. To prevent this, vacuum your velvet furniture weekly. Always vacuum the velvet surface with an upholstery or brush attachment to remove dirt and debris without damaging the fabric. Routine cleaning should be done weekly, while deep cleaning may happen every six to 12 months, depending on usage. Use a hand-held vacuum with a brush attachment and gently move it along the fabric’s nap. This is especially important for plush items like fire retardant bean bag chairs, which are often used in high-traffic areas.
If your velvet contains synthetic fibres, check for any special vacuuming or cleaning recommendations.
Step 3: Tackle Spills
Velvet furniture is susceptible to spills. When accidents happen, blot up as much liquid as possible immediately with a clean, dry cloth to prevent staining. Different techniques may be needed for specific stains, such as ink or wine, to ensure effective removal. Avoid rubbing the fabric as it can flatten the pile and embed the stain deeper. After blotting, use a damp cloth to gently clean the area, being careful not to saturate the delicate fabric.
Step 4: Blot With Cleaning Products
For persistent stains, spot cleaning is recommended using a mild soap and water solution or a specialist upholstery cleaner. Before starting, ensure you understand the cleaning process and always refer to the furniture's cleaning instructions for proper care. Always spot-test in an inconspicuous area first. Blot gently—never scrub—and use a minimal amount of liquid to avoid saturation. This is particularly important for high-quality velvet fabrics used in designer bean bags and fire-retardant bean bag chairs. Wet cleaning should be avoided unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 5: Brush The Fabric
Once dry, restore the velvet’s texture by brushing it in the direction of the nap with a soft-bristled brush. If the fabric appears flattened, gently brushing in the opposite direction of the nap can help restore the velvet's texture. This will help maintain the elegant look and luxurious feel of your seating.
Photo by Coco Tafoya – Unsplash (CC0)
Cleaning Products and Manufacturers’ Instructions
When cleaning velvet furniture, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific piece. Velvet upholstery can be made from various types of fabric, including cotton velvet and synthetic velvet, and each may require a distinct cleaning approach. Look for cleaning products that are specifically formulated for velvet fabric, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the delicate pile. A gentle cleaning solution, like a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water, is often effective for most velvet upholstery. Before applying any cleaning product, test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t harm the fabric. For regular maintenance, use a velvet upholstery brush or a soft upholstery brush to gently remove surface dirt and keep your velvet looking its best. By following these guidelines, you can safely clean velvet fabric and preserve its elegant appearance.
The Dry Cleaning Method
Photo by Coco Tafoya – Unsplash (CC0)
If you prefer not to use liquid cleaners, try the dry cleaning method. Blot wet stains with paper towels, then apply dry cleaning detergent using a sponge. Allow the fabric to dry completely, then vacuum and brush to restore the pile.
For difficult stains or delicate fabrics, it may be necessary to have the item professionally cleaned. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective cleaning.
Photo by Inside Weather – Unsplash (CC0)
The Natural Method
Prefer a chemical-free approach? Use lemon juice and baking soda for a natural clean. Mix into a foamy solution, skim with a cloth, and gently blot along the nap. Allow to dry for several hours before use.
However, be cautious when cleaning delicate fabrics like silk velvet, as these require extra care and natural cleaning methods may not be suitable for preserving their softness and luxurious texture.
Drying and Restoring Velvet
After cleaning velvet furniture, it’s important to dry and restore the fabric properly to maintain its plush texture. Never use direct sunlight or high heat to dry velvet, as this can cause fading or damage to the fabric. Instead, gently blot the cleaned area with a soft cloth or paper towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Allow the velvet to air dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Once dry, use a soft-bristle brush or a velvet brush to gently brush the fabric in the direction of the nap. This helps restore the velvet’s signature softness and prevents matting. For stubborn stains, use a cleaning solution designed for velvet and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. With careful drying and gentle brushing, your velvet furniture will retain its luxurious appearance and soft texture.
Professional Cleaning
While regular cleaning can keep your velvet furniture looking beautiful, there are times when professional cleaning is the best option. If you encounter a stain that won’t budge, or if your velvet upholstery is heavily soiled, it’s wise to seek professional help. A professional upholstery cleaner has the expertise and equipment to deep clean velvet, removing embedded dirt and restoring the fabric’s original lustre. Professional cleaning not only tackles tough stains but also helps extend the life of your velvet furniture by preventing long-term damage. When selecting a professional, ensure they have experience with velvet upholstery and employ suitable cleaning methods. Regular professional cleaning, combined with routine maintenance, will keep your velvet pieces looking their best for years to come.
Additional Tips For Cleaning Velvet
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Velvet fades easily under UV light. Protect it by keeping it out of direct sunlight, using curtains, or placing throw blankets over the most exposed areas.
Make Your Own Cleaning Solution
Mix dish soap and water for a simple and effective solution. Apply the suds gently with a clean cloth to lift stubborn stains without damaging the fabric.
Steam Your Velvet Regularly
Velvet tends to compress. When steaming velvet, it's important to use the steam setting and a low heat setting on your garment steamer or steam iron to avoid damage. Steaming velvet helps remove creases and maintain its plush texture. Always brush with the nap to avoid flattening.
Spot Clean Immediately
Address stains as soon as they occur. Use a spray bottle to apply your chosen cleaning solution directly to the stain for targeted spot cleaning. Place a clean, absorbent cloth over the stain to draw out moisture without rubbing it deeper into the pile.
Get A Velvet Brush
Use a velvet upholstery brush regularly to maintain softness and remove debris. It also helps in keeping fire retardant bean bag chairs looking plush and clean year-round.
Additional Considerations
To keep your velvet furniture in top condition, consider the following additional tips. Always protect your velvet upholstery from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the fabric to fade. Use curtains or blinds to filter sunlight, or cover exposed areas with a throw. When cleaning, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fabric, as this can damage the pile and cause matting. Instead, gently blot stains with a clean cloth or paper towel. Regularly vacuum your velvet furniture using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris without harming the fabric. By following these simple steps and seeking professional help when needed, you can ensure your velvet furniture remains a stunning focal point in your home, maintaining its beauty and luxurious feel for years to come.
The Bottom Line
Your success in maintaining velvet furniture—whether it's sofas, lounge chairs, or fire-retardant bean bag chairs—depends on regular care and the use of appropriate cleaning methods. Thanks to innovations in fabric and design, modern velvet options are much easier to clean than traditional ones. For those seeking safe and elegant seating, fire-retardant bean bag chairs provide both peace of mind and a stylish aesthetic.
If in doubt, contact a professional upholstery cleaner. Professional cleaning is recommended every few years to maintain the integrity of velvet furniture. For everyday tips, read our guide on how to clean a bean bag
