How to Clean Velvet Sofa

Choosing velvet furniture is choosing to make a bold style statement in your space—there’s no ignoring its soft sheen, rich color, and innate elegance. But velvet’s commanding presence also means that any discoloration or stains are that much more visible.

The first thing you should think about your velvet Sofa is actually completely unrelated to the furniture. If you’ve opted for a bright, richly pigmented color, like navy or chartreuse, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade. Consider window coverings substantial enough to protect your piece but lovely enough to catch the eye. The technology for window films, which block the sun’s rays without blocking your view, has improved and maybe another avenue to explore.

if you do find yourself buying a velvet sofa, no matter the kind first things first, check the label of your velvet sofa and check:

• Materials it is made from;
• Care instructions;
• Cleaning instructions.

Natural fiber velvet is going to be far more delicate than synthetic velvet. If your velvet sofa is made from synthetic materials, you can steam clean it with no problem at home, as synthetic velvet is more durable and less prone to creasing, fading, and damage than natural fiber velvet. If the velvet is made from natural materials, we advise you to call in professional upholstery cleaners to get the job done.

Here are more velvet cleaning tips:

Materials:

• Vacuum
• Steam Cleaner
• Absorbent cloth
• Soap and water or an upholstery cleaner
• Soft brush

Vacuum the fabric

In terms of regular maintenance, all you need to do to the item itself is give it a good dusting. We recommend regular vacuuming. A soft brush can also loosen surface dirt and brush it away.

Brush the fabric

Once the velvet is dry, use a soft, dry brush for your sofa. you must first figure out which way the velvet fibers are woven. Brush your couch following that direction. This will give the velvet that brand-new, never-been-touched look.

Test cleaning products

If a dried stain is staring you in the face and you just can’t help but do something about it, test any cleaning product (even basic soap and water) on a hidden spot to ensure it doesn’t ruin the fabric. Mix soap and water to create a sudsy solution. Use a soft cloth to blot the stain with the suds, then let the fabric dry completely.

Stain Removal

t is practically impossible to go through life without staining something you should not have. If you have pets, kids, or just a messy member in the family, it is going to happen sooner rather than later. So, when the inevitable comes to pass, you need to be prepared.

The number 1 rule when it comes to stains – catch them on time. If they have time to dry and set into the velvet fabric, it can become near impossible to remove them. Here are our tips on how to tackle a fresh stain:

1. The first thing to get done when a fresh spill has landed on your couch is to grab a few paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Place it on the stain delicately. Do not rub or dab, as this could further push it deeper into the fibres of your settee. Leave it for 5-10 minutes to soak up as much as possible.
2. Now you should prepare a solution for your velvet sofa. We suggest you get a nice deep bowl ready. Pour 100ml of lemon juice into the bowl and add a tablespoon of soda bicarbonate. The mixture will fizz, creating foam and bubbles on the top. Dip a cloth into the foam part of the solution and apply to the stain.
3. The other option for creating a solution is to pour 50ml of water into a cup or bowl and add a few drops of washing up liquid. Stir with fast motions to make a foam and use only the bubbly foam to clean the velvet upholstery.
4. Whichever mixture you decide to use, blot the stain gently using a white cleaning cloth. Keep blotting until it is no longer visible.
5. Now leave the upholstery to air and dry. After it has dried out completely, use a vacuum to clean the surface to make it look smooth and make sure the spot blends in with the rest of the velvet sofa.

Use Steam Cleaner

While you are completing brushing and vacuuming your Sofa, you may come across creases, unnatural lines, or even old stains that you have missed. This is the occasion when you should get out your upholstery steam cleaner. However, if you are unsure of the fibers that make up your velvet settee, or you know they are made from natural materials, you may want to consider hiring professional cleaners. They will clean your sofa using a dry cleaning method that won’t cause any damage to your beautiful furniture.

Turn to a professional

When in doubt, ask for help. It’s best to professionally clean the entire piece to ensure the color remains uniform. To ensure your velvet furniture remains in optimal condition, you should have it professionally cleaned with pure, water-free solvents. Next up? Sit back, relax, and enjoy your good-as-new upholstery.

Few tips from Professionals

1. When placing your velvet sofa in your living space, choose a spot where direct sunlight can not reach it.
2. If you have children or pets, it may be worth considering placing a protective cover over your velvet settee to avoid damage and scuffing.
3. Your velvet sofa may or may not have cushions. If it does, fluff them regularly.
4. Always read the wash labels before attempting any cleaning process on your velvet couch.
5. In the event that you discover an old stain on your sofa, either deal with it using a steam cleaner, or contact professional cleaners.
6. If ever in doubt, contact professional upholstery cleaners. You don’t want to cause unnecessary damage to your luxurious furniture.

Source: architecturaldigest.com, cleanercleaner.co.uk