A velvet couch is opulent and gives any space a dash of refinement along with rich colour. Velvet upholstery, formerly exclusive to the wealthy, is now affordable for everyone. When purchasing velvet furniture, research the material's fibre content by reading the care label. Synthetic-fibre woven velvet is considerably more stain- and colour-resistant than cotton velvet. Luckily, maintaining a velvet couch doesn't require any specialised tools or supplies. Here's how to maintain the fresh, opulent appearance of a velvet couch.

How to Clean a Velvet Couch

Keeping your velvet couch clean requires regular upkeep, including vacuuming and spot-cleaning. If a stain or spill occurs, resist the urge to rub it; instead, blot the affected area with an absorbent cloth or paper towel.

For general stains, mix soap and water to create a sudsy solution; test this on a hidden part of your couch first to ensure that it won’t ruin the fabric. A simple baking soda and lemon juice mixture can also be effective for dry stains.

Vacuum

A velvet sofa’s soft sheen attracts dust and other particles. Regular (weekly is ideal) vacuuming with an upholstery brush removes the debris and keeps your couch looking fresh. If you have a crevice attachment, this tool is especially useful for removing debris in the seams and along cushions.

If you spot a spill, blot it immediately with an absorbent white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, which can push it deeper into the fabric.

For stains that are not set in, use an upholstery cleaner such as Woolite or a homemade solution of mild detergent and water. Always test your cleaning product on a small area of the couch and follow the instructions on the label for application. If you can’t remove the stain, bringing it to a professional may be your best option. Having your velvet sofa professionally cleaned can help ensure the fabric stays lustrous and intact. Professional handling of the fabric also hastens its drying time.

It is impossible to keep a couch completely stain-free, especially if you have children or pets. But a little preventative maintenance goes a long way to keeping your velvet couch in pristine condition. Regular vacuuming will keep the dirt, dust mites, and pet hair from settling in the nap of the velvet and remove stale smells. Weekly cleanings will also eliminate any stains that have already set in.

“Cleaning procedure is more important than any specific cleaning product,” says Patrice George, associate professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

When a spill or stain does occur, take action immediately. Blot the mess gently with white cloths or paper towels to soak up as much of the liquid as possible without spreading it further. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the velvet fabric.

If a stain persists, mix a mild solution of soap and water and test the fabric in a hidden area to make sure it does not change colour or damage the velvet. Soak a clean white cloth in the soap suds and use it to blot the stain, working in a circular motion. Rinse the cloth and wring out the excess moisture.

Test Cleaning Products

Velvet is a delicate fabric that should be handled with care. If you are not sure which cleaning methods are safe for your velvet sofa, consult the care tag on the seat or do a spot test in an inconspicuous area before proceeding with any cleaning technique. Excessive scrubbing can cause the pile of fabric to thin by up to 5% and increase its vulnerability to tearing.

For spills and stains, begin by blotting the affected area with a clean white cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Do not rub, as this will push the stain deeper into the velvet's pile.

If the stain remains, make a simple soap and water solution by combining a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm water. Dip a lint-free cloth into this solution and blot the stained area until it is fully dry. Repeat this process as needed.

Drying

When spilling or staining a velvet couch, do not rub the fabric, as this will only push the dirt deeper into the pile. Instead, blot the area with a clean cloth or paper towel.

For dry stains, try mixing a solution made of one cup of lukewarm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap, or lemon juice and baking soda. Test this solution in a hidden area to ensure that it won’t affect the sofa’s colour before applying it to the stain.

Make sure the sofa is completely dry before using it again to avoid damage. A fan or hair dryer can speed up the drying process.

By following these tips, you can help your velvet couch look its best for years to come. However, if the fabric does start to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time to call a professional upholstery cleaner. They will have the equipment and experience needed to get your velvet couch looking as good as new again.

Maximize the Lifespan of Your Velvet Couch with Expert Cleaning Tips:

• Every week, hoover the upholstery.
• Pets should not sit on the couch.
• As soon as spills and stains occur, treat them.
• Make sure the commercial cleaning agents don't alter the velvet's colour by first testing them in a discreet location.
• By shielding the couch from direct sunlight over extended periods of time, you might lessen fading.