How to Clean a Velvet Couch—Because the Glamour Upholstery Can Get Dirty

Materials

Thoroughly Vacuum the Velvet

• Begin at the top of the couch and employ a handheld vacuum equipped with an upholstery brush or use the hose and brush attachment.
• Use overlapping strokes to vacuum away dust and loose soil from the velvet.
• Remember to vacuum the back of the couch and beneath the cushions as well.

Steam Cleaning the Velvet

• Fill a handheld clothes steamer or one with a wand with water and set the heat to low.
• Hold the steamer head several inches away from the velvet surface.
• Work in a grid pattern, ensuring that the steam is continuously in motion.
• Rub a dry microfiber towel over the dampened velvet to blot away the soil. Move to a fresh section of the towel as the soil is transferred.
• To eliminate creases in the velvet that expose the fabric backing, steam the affected area and use your hand to gently brush the nap in the opposite direction of the crease.

Creating Suds for Comprehensive Cleaning

• Combine two cups of warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a large bowl.
• Use a whisk or a handheld electric mixer to generate suds.
• Dip a slightly dampened microfiber cloth into the suds (ensure it’s not dripping).
• Begin at the top of the couch and gently rub the upholstery in a circular motion using the damp cloth. Move to a fresh section of the cloth as soil is transferred.
• After cleaning each area, wipe it with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to effectively “rinse” away any soapy residue.
• Prepare multiple batches of suds if you need to clean a large sofa.
• Allow the couch to air-dry completely before using it.
• Utilize a steamer or vacuum to lift any flattened fibers.

You might need to repeat these steps multiple times, especially on heavily soiled areas such as the couch arms and headrests.

How to Spot Clean and Remove Stains From a Velvet Couch

For Oily Stains

• Apply a layer of cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain, ensuring it’s at least 1/2 inch thick.
• Allow the powder to sit in place for a minimum of eight hours, preferably 24 hours if feasible.
• Vacuum away the powder.
• Repeat these steps until the oil is completely absorbed.

For Pet Hair and Lint

• Put on a pair of rubber gloves and lightly spray them with hairspray.
• Begin at the top of the couch or along the cushion’s edge, and systematically gather the pet hair and lint using the gloves.
• Wipe off the accumulated lint and hair from the gloves using a paper towel, and lightly reapply hairspray to the gloves to continue the process.

For quick touch-ups, utilize a lint roller to swiftly remove lint and pet hair.

Tips to Keep Your Velvet Couch Looking Clean Longer

Here are some maintenance tips to keep your velvet couch in great condition:

• Vacuum the upholstery on a weekly basis.
• Prevent pets from accessing the couch.
• Address spills and stains promptly when they occur.
• Before using any commercial cleaning products, perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area to ensure they won’t alter the velvet’s color.
• Minimize fading by avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.