Can You Wash Velvet Fabric? A Complete Guide

Let’s discuss how to wash velvet without destroying its gorgeous plushness or lightening its color.

Because of its plush texture and sheen, velvet is a priceless fabric. High-end accessories, upholstery, and clothing frequently use it. Velvet is a delicate fabric that can easily be harmed if improper care is not taken, so cleaning it can seem difficult. But it is not as hard as you think to care for velvet fabric.

So, can you wash velvet fabric? Real velvet, crushed velvet, and stretch velvet can all be washed, but other varieties require dry cleaning. The same material is cleaned in various ways for different variations.

To learn how to wash velvet, including the tools and methods required to help you preserve its delicate texture and beauty, read this comprehensive guide.

Can You Wash Velvet Fabric?

In order to prevent damage, velvet needs special handling. You might be able to wash it yourself at home depending on the type of velvet. You should first read the care label on your velvet item to find out the best cleaning technique.

Follow the instructions carefully when washing velvet; generally, they advise dry cleaning first, then using a mild detergent, hand washing if necessary, steaming the fabric to refresh it, and never wringing or twisting the velvet.

Can You Wash Velvet in the Machine?

You can safely wash crushed velvet, stretch velvet, and polyester in your washing machine. Except as specified on the cleaning label, all other types of velvet should not be washed.

Despite the fact that some people have had success with dry cleaning only velvet clothing, they might not be washing the exact same item as you are. That means you should not take their words of support at face value. Not all velvet items meant for dry cleaning can be washed in their place.

Can You Wash Velvet in Cold Water?

It is best to use this temperature when washing velvet if it is permitted. To prevent shrinkage and other issues, the fabric must be washed by hand or in a machine at the coolest possible temperature. Also, be cautious with the laundry soap you use.

To protect velvet fabrics, blazers, and suits from damage, it is best to only spot-treat the material. The type of fibers your velvet is made of must then be taken into consideration.

You will need to follow different washing instructions for each type of fiber since velvet is made of silk, cotton, rayon, linen, polyester, synthetic fibers, and so on. Make sure by reading the label.

How to Wash Velvet Fabric?

Use a small, hand-held vacuum or brush to get the velvet clean before washing it to get rid of any loose dirt or debris.

If the garment only requires freshening and not washing, place the hung velvet item inside the room and shut the door. Alternatively, you can run the shower or fill a bathtub with hot water. Without laundering, the warm steam moisture will revive the pile. (For a light fragrance boost, add your favorite essential oil!)

Now, as I mentioned earlier, depending on the provided care instructions or the characteristics of your fabric, there are three main ways to wash velvet fabric: dry cleaning, hand washing, and machine washing.

Dry Cleaning Velvet

Are you unsure of how to properly clean your velvet fabric and concerned that you will ruin it? Or, does the tag say “Dry Clean Only?”

The best thing to do is take the velvet to a reputable dry cleaner and rely on their expertise. They have the necessary training, and dry cleaning is much less expensive than buying a new item.

Alternatively, you could try doing your own dry cleaning at home, but unless you have experience doing it, I would advise against it.

Hand Washing and Spot Cleaning

If your velvet does not specify dry cleaning only, you can try hand washing.

• Spot Cleaning First

Use a wet cloth and a tiny drop of mild detergents, such as Woolite, to dab out stains if you only need to clean a small area of the velvet. While there are other options for spot cleaning, I suggest turning to your neighborhood dry cleaner rather than using strict solutions that might only make matters worse.

• Hand Washing

Turn any garments or projects inside out if you can before hand-washing velvet fabric. Then, put some gentle dishwashing liquid and cold water in a sink. (Measurements should be made according to the instructions on the back of your detergent bottle.) Next, gently move the velvet around the sudsy basin with your hands until it is completely clean.

After that, drain the soapy water and add fresh, chilly water to the basin. Once the soap has been removed from the velvet fabric, gently move it around once more.

Replace the fresh water in the basin if necessary. Wash consistently until the water is clear. Finally, take the velvet out of the water, being careful not to twist, wring, or scrunch it.

Machine Washing Velvet

Do you have sturdy velvet and are you feeling a little adventurous? Play around with the dryer and washer settings!

To be safe, cut a small test swatch of fabric and put it through the washer and dryer before using a large yardage. Use pinking shears or a serger first to prevent unraveling or fraying at the edges.

Start with cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle for the best results. In order to protect the velvet pile and reduce shedding, wash clothing inside out. To reduce bleeding stains on other fabrics, only wash new fabrics with other fabrics of a similar color.

How Do You Wash Velvet Items?

Like velvet clothing, the care instructions on other velvet items and whether they are made of pure velvet or synthetic velvet will determine how to wash them. Read on for more information on how to clean velvet curtains, upholstery, and blankets.

Velvet Clothes

You should wash any velvet clothing inside out without adding any other fabrics that produce lint because velvet has a tendency to attract lint. Avoid using hot water and keep the agitation or cycle on gently when doing your laundry by hand or in a machine.

After that, spot cleaning can be used to get rid of any stains. You can use natural or synthetic spot removers depending on the type of velvet you own. Additionally, if you want to give some velvet materials a little zing, try steaming them.

Or, you could just send them to the dry cleaners for first-rate cleaning to avoid the issue.

Velvet Blankets

Your velvet blanket might be machine washable if it’s made of polyester velvet or another plush fabric. To avoid damage, it might be best to dry clean the blanket if it has a down fill or delicate embellishments. For detailed instructions, look at the care tag on your blanket.

If your velvet blanket has no care instructions, it is best to be cautious and use spot cleaning to get rid of any stains or spots.

Velvet Curtains

It is recommended that you complete this task once a year. once every calendar year, to be exact. Prior to doing anything else, you must first vacuum the curtains. Next, make an effort to only use water to wash away small stains. Use gentle pressure with warm water.

Third, combine dishwashing liquid and warm water in a bowl. Spot-clean those stains with a fresh cloth. Once more, don’t exert a lot of pressure. When you’re finished, dab the wet area to dry the curtains with a dry, clean towel. Utilize a soft-bristled brush to lastly clean the curtains.

Tips for Washing Velvet

• Before washing your velvet, it is crucial to know whether it is pure or synthetic.
• If you want to go longer between washes, think about refreshing your velvet. Steam: An excellent way to get rid of wrinkles and revive crushed piles is with a handheld steamer. Avoid ironing as it could harm the nap permanently. Brush: Use a soft-bristled clothes brush to gently clean the pile while lifting it to help get rid of dirt, lint, and pet hair.
• Velvet should be indoors air dried and kept out of direct sunlight.
• Never rub stains; instead, dab or blot them.

Final Words: Washing Velvet

When washing velvet, being cautious and patient are the keywords. Although it is a beautiful fabric, it does have some peculiarities. To ensure you complete the task properly, abide by any cleaning instructions attached to the fabric.

However, always err on the side of caution and take it to your neighborhood dry cleaners if you’re uncomfortable with the procedure!

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