How to Clean a Velvet Cloth Sofa

Whether your velvet sofa salutes Elvis kitsch or Victorian charm, keeping the velvet smooth and clean is a challenge for almost any housekeeper. Cotton or silk velvet upholstery attracts and holds dirt and pet hair. Harsh chemicals fade the dye in the cloth, and steam cleaning could shrink the fabric or mat the velvet's plush fibers. The best approach to keeping your velvet sofa clean is to maintain it regularly and treat problems as soon as they arrive. If cleaning your sofa at home doesn't work, call in the professionals.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
• Spray foam upholstery cleaner
• Soft brushes

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Vacuum the sofa, using your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment. Vacuuming removes dust and light soil and lifts the nap on the velvet so it doesn't mat down.

   • 2

     Spray any spots or stains with a foam stain remover made for upholstery. Use a soft brush to work the foam into the velvet, brushing in the direction of the fabric's nap.

   • 3

     Allow the stain cleaner to dry. Vacuum up any remaining powder. Brush the nap with a dry, soft brush to fluff it up again.