Velvety pieces of furniture are soft and inviting, and make the whole room instantly feel more luxurious. Yet a splash of coffee or wine can quickly ruin them if you do not act quickly and in the right way.
We’ve gathered the definitive do’s and don’ts when it comes to velvet upholstery staining, so you’ll confidently clean velvet upholstery without too much hassle.
Do: Act Quickly
The first and most important rule is that when it comes to velvet, speed is your best friend. Those dense, plush fibres don’t just look luxurious. They’re like tiny straws, absorbing whatever liquid lands on them.
The longer a spill sits, the deeper it travels, making it harder to remove and more likely to leave a permanent shadow. So, acting fast keeps the liquid problem at the surface level, where you can actually blot it up instead of letting it sink into the pile.
Having a small “just-in-case” kit nearby can save you stress. Add soft cloths, a gentle brush, and even a small whisk for loosening dry debris before it grinds into the fabric.
Don’t: Panic or Scrub
Spills on velvet feel like a heart-stopping moment, but the calmer you are, the better the outcome.
Velvet reacts best to a gentle hand, and a rushed, frantic response can do more harm than good. Scrubbing or pressing too hard forces the liquid deeper into the fibres, spreads the stain wider, and can even crush the nap, making it look permanently worn.
Instead, take a breath, grab a clean cloth, and work slowly. Light, repeated blotting lifts the spill without pushing it further in, and keeping your movements small helps contain the mess.
Think of it less like “scrubbing a stain out” and more like “coaxing it up” from the surface. A calm approach gives you a much better chance of preserving the fabric’s plush texture and rich colour.
Do: Test Before You Clean
Before you go all in with the cleaning, test the solution on a hidden corner of the fabric to make sure it won’t damage it. Give it a moment to see how the material reacts.
If everything looks fine, gently lay a soft, dry cloth over the spill. Dab lightly to soak up as much as you can without pushing the liquid deeper into the fibres.
Use a soft-bristled brush and work gently in the same direction as the nap (that subtle texture you feel when you run your hand over the fabric).
Applying the cleaner with a light touch is quite important. Too much liquid or pressure can push stains deeper or damage the padding underneath.
Don’t: Go for Harsh Cleaners
Stick to mild cleaners when you tackle velvet, especially formulas designed for delicate fabrics, so you can lift the stains without roughing up the fibres.
Strong products like bleach or other harsh formulas can strip away colour, flatten the pile, and ruin that beautiful sheen. Water-based solutions work well, too, but go easy. Velvet doesn’t like too much liquid.
Don’t forget to check the label on any cleaner before you use it—pH-balanced options are a smart choice for keeping the fabric safe.
Don’t: Use Heat
If you’re trying to keep velvet looking its best, skip the quick fixes like hairdryers, heaters, or any other hot-air gadgets. High heat can warp the fibres, flatten the pile, and dull that signature sheen.
Let the fabric air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated space instead. It may take a little longer, but it keeps the texture soft and even.
Also, keep your furniture out of direct sunlight while it dries, as prolonged exposure can fade the colour over time.
Do: Refresh the Nap After Cleaning
Even if you’ve treated a spill perfectly, velvet can sometimes look a little crushed or uneven after it dries.
That’s because cleaning disrupts the direction and lift of the fibres that give velvet its signature sheen. Refreshing it helps the fabric bounce back to its original plushness.
Once the spot is fully dry, take a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry cloth and gently sweep it in the same direction as the nap. Small, light strokes are all you need to lift the fibres and restore that uniform look.
For stubborn areas, hovering a handheld steamer a few inches above the fabric can help loosen and revive the pile without soaking it. However, make sure not to press the steamer directly on the surface.
A quick touch-up like this after cleaning keeps your velvet looking smooth, rich, and as inviting as the day you brought it home.
Do: Vacuum Regularly
Velvet may look like it just sits there, but its plush surface is a magnet for dust, pet hair, and tiny debris. Left alone, these particles settle into the fibres, dulling the colour and making the fabric look tired long before its time.
A regular, gentle vacuuming routine helps keep that build-up at bay and preserves the fabric’s natural sheen.
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment and low suction to avoid pulling or snagging the fibres. Work slowly and always in the same direction as the nap to lift debris without flattening the pile.
Even a quick once-over every week makes a noticeable difference, keeping your velvet looking crisp, vibrant, and fresh between deeper cleanings.
Do: Consider Hiring Professionals
Some spills or stains are simply too big for a DIY fix. In those cases, bringing in an expert is the smartest move.
Upholstery cleaners understand velvet’s unique structure and know exactly which cleaning methods work best, from couch steam cleaning to specialised solvents designed for delicate fabrics.
They also have the right tools and training to revive your velvet without risking its texture, sheen, or colour. Specialised cleaners can lift deep-set stains, refresh the nap, and even remove embedded odours that normal household cleaners can’t touch.
For heirloom pieces or expensive furniture, this level of care can make the difference between a quick rescue and permanent damage.
Contacting them once or twice a year (even without a spill) will help maintain velvet’s softness and vibrant look.
Conclusion
When you care for velvet properly, it does what it does best: it catches light beautifully, holds colour like nothing else, and instantly changes the mood of a room.
Now you know the do’s and don’ts of cleaning and maintaining it properly, all that’s left is to incorporate them into your cleaning routine. The results will be totally worth it, as your velvet upholstery will thank you by always looking amazing.