How To Care For Velvet Fabric

01. Know your Velvet

Velvet is often made from various fabrics, including silk, nylon, cotton, wool, or mohair. Before trying any laundering method, check the label to know the material content.

Silk velvet is high-end and should be taken to professional cleaners. Velveteen, made of cotton and polyester or rayon, can be hand washed. Some velvets are machine washable, but always read the care label first.

02. Be Gentle & Use Natural Cleansers

Whether it’s velvet linen or clothing, use natural cleaning solutions. You can use delicate fabric detergents or homemade mixes like baking soda and lemon. If machine washing is suitable, use a gentle cycle with cold water and never use a dryer.

Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they can damage velvet’s delicate nap. Don’t wash it with rough fabrics like denim.

Important Note: When machine washing velvet, flip it inside out to protect the pile.

03. Use Steaming to Remove Mild Creases

Velvet has a high pile and can get compressed, creating creases or white marks. While most creases fade naturally, you can use a handheld steamer for stubborn ones. Keep these tips in mind:

• Move the steamer across the velvet in the opposite direction of the pile.
• If using a steam iron, use the lowest heat setting.
• Don’t hold the iron/steamer in one spot for more than 2-3 seconds. Keep it at least 1/2 inch away from the fabric.
• For severe creases, hold the velvet over boiling water, but make sure it doesn’t get wet.

Important Note: Never apply iron directly on velvet. Heat and pressure can crush the pile and leave an imprint.

04. Stain Removal

• Step 1: Gently brush the fabric around the stain with a soft cloth brush.
• Step 2: Use a damp, lint-free cloth to dab the stain gently.
• Step 3: For stubborn stains, mix mild washing-up liquid with lukewarm water and create suds.
• Step 4: Apply the suds to the stained area and dab until the stain disappears.
• Step 5: Dab with a dry lint-free cloth to remove residue. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
• Step 6: Remove excess water by blotting with a clean dry cloth and brush the pile back.

If the stain persists, take it to a professional dry cleaner.

05. Color Fading

Once velvet loses its color, it is difficult to restore. Prevent fading with these steps:

• Keep velvet away from direct sunlight.
• Fluff and flip velvet pillows regularly.
• Vacuum with a soft-bristle brush.

06. How to Store Velvet Fabric?

Folding velvet can leave lines and flatten the pile. Store it in the original packaging. Do not reverse the pile direction.

Alternatively, roll the fabric with the pile inside. For hanging garments, use padded hangers. Stuff velvet throws or pillows with tissue paper to retain shape.

With proper care, you can maintain the softness, sheen, and charm of velvet.