A little bit glam, a little bit boho and a little bit mid-century: Velvet is one of the most universally stylish furniture options on the market. The problem? Erm, have you ever seen it after a dog takes a nap on it? Or after a spilled cup of coffee? With its high-pile fibers and lustrous texture, it isn’t the easiest upholstery choice to keep in mint condition. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. We checked in with Zoe Garred, director of product development at the furniture company Article, for four care tips that’ll make living with velvet a breeze.
For General Dirt and Debris
“Simply vacuum the furniture with a fabric attachment to clean up any crumbs or lint left behind.”
For Spills
“Soak up spills immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel, but be careful not to dab or rub as this will push the liquid deeper into the fibers. Leave the cloth on the spill until all the liquid has been absorbed and let it air-dry.”
For Crushed Fibers
“Since velvet has a higher pile (taller strands of fabric on its surface), it has the tendency to compress when under pressure for long periods of time—like during shipping. Most times, velvet compression will look like a crease or a white stain. Not to worry, it can be easily fixed. To remove compression, simply steam the creases out with a steamer or the steam setting on your iron and gently brush in the opposite direction of the pile to release the wrinkles. Be sure your steamer is set on low to avoid damaging the fabric.”
