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- Published: 25 November 2017 25 November 2017
Trendy as of the past few years, velvet has found its home in our interiors. Sofas, armchairs, chairs, headboards... furniture is wrapped in this textile which is both soft and resistant. Whether flat or ribbed, velvet can be paired with all interior décor styles, it reconciles the old and the modern and brings a bright, warm touch.
Velours plat, AM.PM / Velours côtelé, Maisons du Monde
However, to retain its beauty it must be well maintained. For this, it’s important to know the velvet’s quality. For example, some velvet can’t handle water and require special treatment. To help you restore your velvet seats to their original splendour, and remove any ugly stains, here are some simple yet effective cleaning tips…
Maintaining velvet
Velvet gathers dust easily. As far as regular maintenance on a sofa or a seat for example, it is recommended to regularly use a specialized textile brush over the velvet. You can also use a slightly damp chamois or microfiber cloth.
Removing stains from velvet
To remove ugly spots on velvet, there are a few old tricks that are time-proven. However, before you start, test the chosen cleaning technique on an inconspicuous corner of the seat to make sure that the velvet doesn’t fade. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is often best to clean the entire seat to avoid halos (faded rings). Finally, know that steam cleaning is never recommended. Here are four methods for stain removal…
Talcum
Sprinkle the armchair or sofa with talcum and let the powder work its magic through the night. The following day, lightly vacuum and brush gently with a velvet brush. This form of dry cleaning is particularly suitable for silk velvet which doesn’t handle water.
Terre de Sommières (China Clay)
An excellent absorbent, terre of Sommières is effective at removing grease stains. Put on a pair of rubber household gloves and sprinkle the terre on the seat. Help the product penetrate using small circular motions. Let sit overnight and then remove excess powder with a vacuum cleaner.
White vinegar
In a quart of soapy water, add two teaspoons of white vinegar. Moisten a sponge with this mixture and gently rub the stain until it disappears. To rinse, use a damp cloth or towel. Dry with a hair dryer set on cold. Once the velvet is dry, apply talcum and let it sit for several hours. Finally use a vacuum to get rid of any excess powder.
Ammonia
If a stain is very persistent, or the velvet is very dirty, it might be necessary to bring out the strong stuff. In a container, mix 1 litre of warm water, a few drops of dishwashing liquid and a cup of ammonia. Remember to use gloves. Soak a cloth with this liquid and scrub the dirt. Rinse with a damp cloth. Dry with a hair dryer on cold, and then sprinkle with talcum and let sit for a few hours. Finish with a vacuum cleaner. The velvet should have recovered its allure.