Aug 02, 2023
How to clean a velvet sofa: ‘Easy’ 3
Velvet sofas are made from a high-quality fabric that is soft and comfortable to the touch. Over the years, they have become increasingly popular and can be bought in a range of colours to match any
Velvet sofas are made from a high-quality fabric that is soft and comfortable to the touch.
Over the years, they have become increasingly popular and can be bought in a range of colours to match any décor.
However, to keep them looking their best and to extend their lifespan, they need to be kept in pristine condition.
With this in mind, Nigel Bearman, CEO and founder of Daily Poppins, has shared how to clean and maintain velvet sofas.
Unlike other fabrics, velvet furniture does not require any special cleaning products or equipment, but patience and time are necessary.
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It is advised to vacuum velvet sofas once a week to prevent weakening the fibres and leaving a stale aroma behind.
To elevate the pile and prevent the velvet from being crushed, use a clothes steamer. This can be added to your weekly vacuuming routine.
If there are spills, blot these with paper towels as soon as possible. If spills are solid, use a dull knife to lift them away. Never rub them.
Homeowners should deep clean their furniture when it starts to look dull or shows signs of grime or grit, particularly on the arms.
Equipment for cleaning velvet sofas:
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The best way to hoover velvet upholstery is using a crevice tool, upholstery tool and dusting brush. Starting at the top, move the upholstery brush in a grid pattern across the chair or sofa.
The suction from the hoover should “remove dust and soil” as well as other debris after the brush has loosened them.
Use the crevice tool to clean the spaces between cushions and between cushions and arms. Make sure to hoover the furniture's outside and underneath the furniture.
It is possible for velvet upholstery to become crushed or creased after sitting.
Nigel explained: “Without removal, the creases can become almost permanent, exposing the velvet fabric's backing.
“To lift the nap or pile of velvet, use a handheld clothes steamer or one with a wand. To prevent damage (melting), use a low-heat setting.
“Move the steam head in a grid over the problem areas while holding the steam head several inches from the fabric. Steam should always be kept moving. To release wrinkles, brush the nap in the opposite direction with your hand.”
Those who don't have a clothes steamer, can use a steam iron. After the iron has been filled with water, use the steam setting. However, it's crucial to keep the velvet at least six inches away from the iron face. Avoid touching the fabric with the iron to avoid leaving a mark that won't come off.
If there are solid stains on the fabric, a dull knife can be used to lift the solids away as soon as spills occur. Then, using paper towels, blot away any moisture.
Change to a new towel as soon as the old one stops absorbing moisture. Never rub a stain as doing so will cause it to penetrate the fabric more deeply.
Nigel added: “Spot treating any stain is as easy as mixing two cups of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
“You can create suds by whisking. Microfibre cloths should be dampened by dipping them in fresh water and wringing them out. Gently blot the stained area with a damp cloth dipped in just the suds. As the stain is transferred, move to a clean spot on the cloth. Air-dry the area. Any matted fibres can be lifted with your hands or with a steamer.”
The sofa will need to eventually be cleaned from top to bottom. The colours will be more evenly distributed if you thoroughly clean the upholstery as opposed to just spot-cleaning it.
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