How to Clean a Velvet Cloth Sofa

Regular cleaning keeps your velvet sofa stain-free.

Whether your velvet sofa salutes Elvis kitsch or Victorian charm, keeping the velvet smooth and clean is a challenge for almost any housekeeper. Cotton or silk velvet upholstery attracts and holds dirt and pet hair. Harsh chemicals fade the dye in the cloth, and steam cleaning could shrink the fabric or mat the velvet's plush fibers. The best approach to keeping your velvet sofa clean is to maintain it regularly and treat problems as soon as they arrive. If cleaning your sofa at home doesn't work, call in the professionals.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Spray foam upholstery cleaner
• Soft brushes

Instructions

1. Vacuum the sofa, using your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment. Vacuuming removes dust and light soil and lifts the nap on the velvet so it doesn't mat down.

2. Spray any spots or stains with a foam stain remover made for upholstery. Use a soft brush to work the foam into the velvet, brushing in the direction of the fabric's nap.

3. Allow the stain cleaner to dry. Vacuum up any remaining powder. Brush the nap with a dry, soft brush to fluff it up again.

Tips & Warnings

• A baby's hairbrush is soft enough for cleaning velvet and small enough to work into tight corners on the sofa.

• Use throws to protect your velvet sofa from pet hair and dirt.

• Always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area of the sofa to avoid fading or spotting the fabric.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Good Questions — How to Clean Velvet Chesterfield Sofa
• Colorado State University Extension: Selecting Upholstered Furniture For Your Home