How to care for your velvet sofa

The velvet sofa is a powerful piece. Elegant and soft to the touch, it embodies a certain idea of warm, refined design. But as desirable as it is, velvet remains a delicate fabric. And to keep it looking its best year after year, it's best to know how to care for it.

In this guide, we share all the essential tips you need to keep your sofa looking impeccable, without complicating your life.

Why does velvet deserve special attention?

Velvet, whether smooth or ribbed, is a noble fabric. Its unique texture, composed of upright fibers, creates that shiny, deep effect that makes it so seductive... but also a little more fragile than other upholstery fabrics.

The risks?

  • Marks or shiny areas if rubbed incorrectly.
  • Incrusted stains if left untreated.
  • Premature wear without preventive measures.

Fortunately, proper care is all it takes to keep it beautiful, soft and clean.

Airing and brushing: weekly gestures

Good maintenance starts with simple gestures, repeated regularly.

Air the room to prevent the accumulation of moisture and dust.

Gently brush velvet with a soft bristle brush (or velvet glove) to straighten fibers and remove fine particles.

Vacuum once a week with a special textile brush, without pressing too hard.

This little ritual is enough to preserve the fabric's shine and limit soiling.

What to do in the event of a fresh stain on velvet?

First rule of thumb: act quickly.

If a drink, sauce or make-up gets on the fabric, don't wait. Velvet absorbs quickly, and the longer you leave it, the more the stain will set in.

Here's the protocol:

  • Dab gently with a dry cloth (above all, don't rub).
  • Use a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm, slightly soapy water.
  • Rinse with another cloth moistened with clean water.
  • Leave to dry in the open air, without direct heat.

Tip: to lift fibers after drying, lightly steam an iron (without direct contact) or use a soft brush.

Can I wash a velvet sofa in water?

It all depends on the type of velvet and its construction. Some removable covers can be machine-washed on a cold setting, while others need to be dry-cleaned or spot-treated.

If you're not sure, check the manufacturer's instructions or opt for professional cleaning once a year.

When in doubt, avoid wetting the entire surface: stagnant humidity can alter fibers, create halos or loosen cushions.

Deep cleaning: how to do it without damaging it?

For a thorough cleaning, you can proceed in two stages:

  • Complete vacuuming with a textile nozzle to remove dust.
  • Application of a special cleaner for delicate fabrics, using a slightly dampened microfiber cloth.

What to avoid:

  • Alcohol- or bleach-based products.
  • Abrasive sponges.
  • Excessive water.

If the sofa is very dirty or yellowed, call in a professional cleaner specializing in high-end furniture.

Raising crushed fibers: a simple trick

A velvet sofa will eventually show a few duller or crushed areas, especially where you often sit.

Here's a gentle way to bring them back to life:

  • Use a light steam jet (with a steamer or iron at distance).
  • Then brush against the grain with a soft brush.

This is often enough to revive the fabric without damaging it.

Do I need to protect my velvet sofa on a daily basis?

Yes, especially if your sofa is exposed to :

  • Direct sunlight
  • pets
  • Young children

In this case, a few simple gestures can really extend the fabric's lifespan:

  • Install blinds or curtains to limit UV rays.
  • Use waterproofing fabric protection (special velvet spray).
  • Put a plaid or decorative cover over the areas you use most.

This helps prevent discoloration and deep stains.

Maintaining a velvet sofa through the seasons

Each season can bring its own little inconveniences: humidity in winter, perspiration in summer, dust in spring...

Adapt your routine:

  • In winter, remember to air more often and use a dry damp-proof cloth.
  • In summer, brush more often to remove fine particles (pollen, sand).
  • In autumn, a short, thorough cleaning is ideal for restoring the shine.

Mistakes to avoid

To properly care for a velvet sofa, certain practices should be avoided:

  • Rubbing a stain vigorously: this crushes the fibers.
  • Leaving a stain to dry without doing anything about it: it can set in permanently.
  • Use any household product: some are too aggressive for velvet.
  • Wet the fabric abundantly: this encourages stains or deforms seats.

Be gentle, precise and regular. That's all it takes.

When to call in a professional cleaner?

If your sofa :

  • has suffered a stubborn stain
  • has lost its overall shine
  • has crushed or shiny areas all over the surface

... then expert low-pressure steam cleaning is often the best solution. This is also recommended once a year for intensive use.

To sum up: gentle but regular care

The secret of an impeccable velvet sofa is regularity. There's no need for miracle products or technical gestures: a little attention every week, quick reflexes in the event of a stain, and a good clean from time to time are enough to preserve the beauty of your furniture.

Choosing a velvet sofa means making a strong aesthetic choice. Keeping it in perfect condition means prolonging this visual and tactile pleasure on a daily basis.