This year, home décor and fashion styles are expected to be more luxurious than ever.
Plush materials like velvet will be featured on everything from clothing to armchairs to headboards and more.
Velvet is a great-looking material, but one drawback is that it can get dusty.
And when dust accumulates on velvet, it can be hard to remove. However, there are ways to clean velvet.
The methods for cleaning velvet differ slightly according to what type of item you are cleaning, but a combination of vacuuming and cleaning with soap and water will typically do the trick.
Read on to find out more about how you can keep the velvet items in your home looking their best.
In this post we'll cover:
How To Dust a Velvet Headboard
A velvet headboard can make your bedroom look like it’s fit for a king, but dust build-up can be a royal pain.
Here are some tips for giving it a fresh look.
- Use a vacuum to suck up dirt and dust.
- Put a small amount of detergent on a cloth and gently rub it into small stains.
- For larger stains, you may have to use a fabric cleaner. Test the cleaner on a small section of the headboard before proceeding.
- Leave to air dry or use a hairdryer to speed up the process.
- Come back with the vacuum to get rid of any residue.
Handheld vacuums are best for these types of tasks. I’ve reviewed the best handheld vacuum cleaners for your home here.
How to Dust Velvet Furniture
The process for cleaning velvet furniture is very similar to the process used on a velvet headboard.
The best way to eliminate dust on hard to reach places like velvet furniture is by using a vacuum. Clean well by removing cushions so you can get into all the cracks and crevices.
You can also use a soft-bristled brush to clean your sofa. Run it over the sections two to three times to make sure it is truly clean.
Even though dust in crevices may not be visible, once you move furniture around, it can get onto visible surfaces producing a shabby look.
That’s why it’s best to get into those hard to reach spots and make sure your furnishings are as dust-free as possible.
If you find any stains on the furniture, follow up with a damp rag and gentle soap. Leave to air dry, then vacuum up any residue.
How to Keep Velvet Furniture Dust Free
Of course, it’s best not to let dust accumulate on furniture in the first place.
Here are some steps you can take in keeping furniture dust free.
- Vacuum Hard Wood Floors: If you have hardwood floors in your home, vacuum them instead of sweeping them. Sweeping them will just move dust around so it ends up getting on your furniture. Vacuuming is a better option.
- Use a Damp Cloth to Clean Wood Furniture: A dry cloth or feather duster will move dust around so it ends up on your other pieces. A damp cloth will attract the dust and get rid of it for good. A fabric softener cloth will also do the trick.
- Keep Pets off the Furniture: Pet dander will cause dust build-up. Keep your pets off the furniture to keep it as dust-free as possible.
- Clean Air and Heating Vents Once a Year: The dust that builds up in your air and heating vents can also get on your velvet furniture. Clean them once a year from keeping the dust from getting into the air and settling on your pieces.
- Change Heating and Air Filters Often: When filters become clogged with dust, particles can get in the air and settle on your furniture. Changing filters often will keep this from happening.
Find the 14 best air purifiers for allergies, smoke, pets & more reviewed here.
How to Get Dust Off Velvet Clothing
Dust can also accumulate on clothing items.
If your clothing is looking dusty, it’s best to clean it with a lint brush, roller, or cloth.
If you are using a roller or brush, roll it over the garment to remove any buildup.
If you are using a cloth, use a dabbing motion to get rid of dust. You may have to wet the cloth as well.
A lint brush roller or cloth may also be effective in eliminating stains when used in combination with a stain treatment or fabric wash.
Make sure the treatment you are using is safe for velvet. Test a small section of the fabric (preferably one not visible when worn) to determine whether it will do any damage.
After dusting, you may want to follow up with a thorough cleaning. It is best to clean velvet clothing by hand.
Here’s how you will want to carry out the process.
- Fill your sink with water and a few cups of a gentle fabric detergent.
- Move the item around to make sure the soap is evenly distributed over the material.
- Let soak for 30 minutes.
- Leave the item to air dry. Do not wring it out. If it’s very wet, gently squeeze out the liquid without crumpling the fabric.
If your item says it’s machine washable, you can go this route instead.
Turn the item inside out before washing and put it in on a gentle cycle. Allow it to air dry.
Another option is to get the item dry cleaned. This is the most expensive method, but it’s likely to be the safest and most effective.
How to Keep Your Velvet Clothing Dust Free
To keep velvet clothing dust-free, use methods similar to those in the previous section to keep the areas near your closet clean.
If your closet has a carpeted floor, vacuum it often.
For best results, keep clothing stored in a plastic case.
Velvet Questions Answered
Now that we know how various velvet objects can be cleaned, let’s look at some other relevant FAQ’s.
Can velvet collect dust?
Yes. Due to the way velvet is crafted, it is prone to collect dust and other particles.
What happens if velvet gets wet?
Nothing will happen if velvet gets wet.
However, if you crease the fabric when it’s wet, it can become ruined. That’s why it’s always best to let it air dry.
Is velvet expensive?
Keeping your velvet in good shape is important because velvet items are not cheap.
However, the price you actually pay for your velvet will depend on what the velvet is made from.
Velvet can be made from cotton, rayon, linen, or silk.
Velvet that is made from silk is the most expensive you can buy.
That being said, any type of velvet can come with a high price tag due to the material’s luxury look and soft feel. That’s why it’s advisable to keep it in the best shape possible.
If you have velvet items in your house, you will want to do all you can to keep them looking great and free from dust.
The tips in this article will help your velvet items stay in terrific condition. What methods do you use to keep dust at bay?
Read next: How to Dust Drapes | Deep, Dry and Steam Cleaning Tips.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
