Introduction
Imagine this you've just parted with your hard earned money for a gorgeous velvet sofa, adding some much needed class to your lounge room. Living in the UAE, you quickly notice that dust accumulates faster than expected. The hot climate, occasional humidity, and use every day mean keeping your sofa at its pristine best becomes a challenge.
If you're wondering how to clean velvet without damaging it, this blog is for you. We'll cover the different types of velvet, essential tools, a step by step cleaning guide, stain removal techniques, and preventative measures to keep your velvet sofa looking fresh and new.
Why It's Important To Keep Your Sofa Clean
Keeping your sofa clean isn't just about appearance, it's also about extending its durability as well as sanitizing it. The hot and dry weather of the UAE can cause build up that not only dulls the shine of the upholstery but also diminishes indoor air quality. Regular velvet sofa cleaning keeps dust mites, allergens, and stains from setting in, allowing your beloved item to have a longer lifespan.
Understanding Your Velvet Sofa
Types of Velvet:
Not every velvet is equal. The velvet you have will determine how to clean velvet sofa fabric without damaging it.
• Cotton Velvet: Soft but easily susceptible to water and stain uptake.
• Synthetic Velvet: Stain proof and more resistant, so perfect for households with pets or kids.
• Performance Velvet: Designed for heavy use, it comes with a stain and water repelling treatment.
Why Velvet Needs Special Treatment
Velvet's soft fibres can be crushed or destroyed with aggressive cleaning techniques. In the UAE, dust build up, humidity, and food spills from Arabic coffee, dates, and food might prove especially difficult. Proper velvet stain removal techniques are therefore essential to preserve your sofa's beauty.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Cleaning your velvet sofa safely will require the following tools:
• Vacuum with Upholstery Attachment: Picks up dust without disintegrating fibres.
• Soft Bristled Brush: For picking up dirt while preserving nap.
• Microfiber Cloths: Need to be used when blotting a stain to prevent it from spreading.
• Upholstery Cleaner: Use a mild, pH free cleaner on velvet.
• Distilled Water: Won't mineral stain like tap water will.
• Steamer Optional: Revitalizes and disinfects fabric use sparingly.
• White Vinegar: Natural cleaning agent for particular stains test spot first.
• Baking Soda: Ideal for deodorising and dry cleaning velvet.
Step by Step Cleaning Guide
Step 1: Vacuuming
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
• Vacuum slowly in the nap direction of the velvet.
• Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where dust accumulates.
Step 2: Spot Cleaning
• Blot spills as soon as they happen with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Don't rub this can damage the delicate fibres.
• Test any cleaning solution first in a secret area.
• Use a minimal amount of cleaner, blot, and refinish if necessary.
Step 3: General Cleaning If Required
• Dampen a microfiber cloth lightly with an upholstery cleaner.
• Clean in small sections so as not to over saturate the fabric.
• Wipe gently, following the nap of the velvet.
Step 4: Drying
• Allow the sofa to fully air dry.
• Don't place it in direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Dry with a fan if needed.
Step 5: Fluffing the Velvet
• After drying, restore the texture of the velvet using a soft bristled brush.
• Brush in the direction of the nap to bring back its luxurious sheen.
Tackling Common Stains
Date Stains or Other Sticky Residue
• Dates are popular in UAE households, but they leave sticky stains behind. How to remove them:
• Blot using a damp microfiber cloth.
• Place a drop of mild soap solution and blot.
• Wash with distilled water and dry in the air.
Coffee and Tea Stains Arabic Coffee
• Spilt some gahwa? Don't worry
• Blot immediately with a dry cloth.
• Mix white vinegar and water 1:1 and apply sparingly.
• Blot with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.
Oil Based Stains Food Spills
• Middle Eastern cuisine often includes rich, oil based foods. If food grease gets on your velvet sofa:
• Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Vacuum up the baking soda.
• If needed, use a mild dish soap solution to blot the stain.
Dust and Sand Buildup
• To keep your velvet furniture dust free:
• Brush with a dry, soft bristled brush on a regular basis.
• Vacuum once a week to prevent accumulation.
Preventative Measures
• Vacuuming on a Regular Basis: Get into the routine of vacuuming your velvet sofa at least once a week. This does not allow the dust to penetrate the fabric too deeply.
• Use Sofa Covers: If you have kids and pets, you may want to use a trendy sofa cover to protect your investment.
• Avoid Drinking and Eating on the Sofa: Prevent spills and accidents by designating a specific eating area.
• Professional Cleaning: Have a professional sofa cleaning done every 12 to 18 months for deep cleaning.
• Fabric Protection Sprays: Apply a velvet safe fabric protection spray to resist stains and make cleaning easier.
Conclusion
Your velvet sofa is an investment that is well worth protecting. Regular cleaning of your velvet sofa will not only keep it looking plush and sophisticated but also extend its life.
Do you have any personal stain removal hacks with velvet? Share with us in the comments. Looking to buy a new Sofa in the UAE? Shop from Urban Deco AE for the trendiest collection of Sofas or contact our sales team to let our experts help you choose the perfect furniture piece for your home.