Velvet and suede furniture can bring a touch of elegance and comfort to any home, but their delicate textures also make them more susceptible to stains.
Whether you’re dealing with a velvet sofa or a suede accent chair, cleaning these materials can be a challenge. Knowing the right methods can help extend the life of your furniture and keep it looking fresh and inviting.
How to Clean Velvet Furniture
Velvet is known for its soft, luxurious feel and rich appearance. However, its fine fibers can trap dust, dirt, and stains, making routine maintenance essential.
Begin with regular vacuuming using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and surface debris from velvet upholstery. This helps prevent dirt from embedding deeper into the fabric and keeps your velvet piece looking vibrant. For day-to-day upkeep, gently brushing the velvet in the direction of the pile with a soft brush can also help maintain its appearance.
When a stain occurs, act quickly. Blot the stain with a dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the velvet fibers. For tougher stains, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water to create a sudsy cleaning solution. Dip a clean cloth into the suds (not the water) and blot the stain gently, being careful not to soak the fabric.
For wrinkles or crushed pile, use the steam setting on an iron held a few inches away from the fabric, then brush the velvet with a soft brush to restore its texture. Always let the area dry completely before using the furniture again. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading over time.
Velvet made from cotton or polyester may respond differently to cleaning, so always check manufacturer care tags. In general, polyester velvet is more forgiving and easier to maintain, while cotton velvet may require more delicate handling.
How to Clean Suede Furniture
Suede offers a warm, napped finish that feels as good as it looks. It is, however, notoriously difficult to clean and more prone to water and oil stains. Like velvet, regular maintenance can go a long way in preserving its beauty.
Start by vacuuming your suede furniture using a soft brush attachment. This removes surface dust and pet hair without damaging the delicate texture. Brushing the suede regularly with a suede brush also helps lift the nap and keep it looking fresh.
If you notice a stain, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth. For dry stains, a white eraser or suede cleaning block can often lift the residue without damaging the nap. Rub the area gently, then brush the suede to restore the texture.
For more stubborn stains, you can use a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth. Gently dab the stained area, then let it air dry before brushing the nap back into place. Avoid using water, which can leave rings or marks on suede.
You may also want to consider using a suede protector spray to guard against future stains. Be sure to test any product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t alter the color or texture of your furniture.
When to Call a Professional Cleaner
Even with the best at-home techniques, there are times when calling in a professional upholstery cleaner is the safest and most effective option. If the stain is large, deeply set, or involves substances like ink, grease, or wine, professional cleaning can help prevent permanent damage.
Similarly, if you’ve tried cleaning the stain yourself but it hasn’t lifted—or if you’ve accidentally made it worse—it’s time to reach out to an expert. Professionals have access to specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that are designed specifically for delicate fabrics like velvet and suede. They can perform deep cleaning without saturating the fabric or damaging the upholstery structure.
Another good reason to contact a professional is if your furniture has sentimental or monetary value. Attempting to DIY a complicated cleaning process might result in irreversible damage. At Revive, we offer specialized upholstery cleaning services tailored to delicate fabrics like velvet and suede. Our technicians are trained in gentle, effective methods that remove tough stains while preserving the integrity and beauty of your furniture.
Routine professional cleaning is also a smart idea if your household includes pets, children, or sees a lot of daily use. Dirt, oils, and residues can accumulate over time and cause fabric degradation. Scheduling a periodic deep clean can refresh your upholstery, extend its lifespan, and keep your home environment healthier.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, visit our Revive Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning contact page.
Tips for Everyday Maintenance of velvet and suede furniture
- Vacuum your velvet and suede furniture weekly using a soft brush attachment.
- Blot stains immediately to prevent them from setting.
- Avoid placing these fabrics in direct sunlight to reduce fading.
- Use soft brushes designed for suede and velvet to maintain the texture.
- Apply fabric protectors suited to your specific upholstery type after testing in a small area.
At Revive, Cleaning Hard To Clean Upholstery Is Our Specialty
Velvet and suede furniture add sophistication and style to any space but require a bit more care than other materials.
With the right approach to cleaning and maintenance, and the support of professional services when needed, you can keep your furniture looking beautiful for years to come.
Whether it’s a quick DIY spot treatment or a full-service professional cleaning, knowing what to do can make all the difference in preserving the quality of your upholstered pieces.
Contact us today if we can be of help!
