How to clean velvet: Removing stains and more

You want to know how to clean velvet. This could be because A) the wear and tear of everyday life on your velvet furniture is getting to you or B) you're in the mood to revamp your interiors but want to know just how high maintenance your favourite fabric is. Well, we've got some good news, this velvet care guide will provide you with advice from the experts. We will talk you through how to get the best out of your velvet, from styling to cleaning.

Why choose velvet furniture?

We love velvet for its timeless sophistication. Since its birth in the Far East in the 14th Century, velvet has always been a fabric of luxury. The depth and elegance that a high quality velvet offers a room is effortless, due to its short and dense pile, which catches the light to produce a sheen aesthetic. However, this luxurious fabric isn't exclusively enjoyed by the nobility. Despite its elevated style and opulent look, velvet doesn't compromise on comfort, with a soft, plush texture that makes it a worldwide, household favourite. Add some velvet upholstery to your home, be it in the form of a statement sofa, a bed headboard, curtains or even some scatter cushions and give your space texture, depth and style.

What is velvet made from?

Years ago, velvets used to be made from viscous or cotton, meaning they would bruise really easily and absorb stains. However, newer velvets made with advanced knowledge and technology are different; at RAFT we deal with Omega polyester velvets. The iconic and expensive look of a traditional cotton velvet is upheld by polyester velvet but when it comes to cleaning this new, synthetic fabric, it's a different story, entirely. Although polyester velvet feels delicate and fine, it is actually strong, stain resistant and even fire retardant. In fact, you can take a pound coin on its edge and draw it across the surface with strength and it wont leave a single mark.

How to maintain velvet furniture

Caring for your velvet furniture as you go along is the key to success when it comes to maintaining the rich, stylish look you were going for when you purchased it. Velvet is a statement fabric that commands attention due to the way that the light catches on the dense pile. Unlike cotton and polyester which represent specific materials, velvet is named after a special loom or weave; the composition is what defines velvet. For this reason, it is unfortunately in velvet's nature to highlight any stains or marks.

1. Position your velvet sofa or velvet dining chairs away from direct sunlight, in order to minimise unnecessary discolouration and avoidable stains.
2. Regularly hoover your velvet upholstery. Gentle strokes with a soft brush, with the grain.
3. Wipe down your velvet chairs, sofa or cushions with a dry, clean cloth, with the grain.
4. Treat stains as soon as possible, as they are easier to remove when new.

How to remove stains from velvet furniture

For cotton velvets and more traditional velvets we suggest professional dry cleaning, However, polyester velvet requires nothing but a lint-free cloth and a gentle wipe. This is how we advise cleaning our Omega velvet, from experience. If you spill anything from red wine to coal, this is what we suggest:

1. For coal, take a hoover and vacuum up the surplus.
2. Next, take a lint free cloth and gently rub away the stain.
3. If the stain is more stubborn, take a drop of fairy liquid (or a light detergent), mix with water and dip the lint free cloth into the mixture.
4. Gently wipe away the excess stain,
5. For newly spilt liquid, take a square of kitchen roll and press to absorb the liquid. It should disappear entirely.
6. For wine or liquids that have dried, use a damp square of kitchen roll or a lint free cloth and gently wipe away the stain.

Tip: It's always best to tackle a stain when it's fresh but from our experience, our Omega velvet is easy to clean days after a stain has dried.