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Short answer
To clean a velvet sofa, check the cleaning code, vacuum weekly with a soft brush along the pile, and blot spills straight away with a dry cloth, never rubbing. Use as little water as possible. Lift crushed pile by holding a steamer just off the surface and brushing gently with the pile. Never iron or soak velvet; call a professional for large stains or water marks.
Check the cleaning code
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaners are fine |
| S | Solvent (dry-cleaning) cleaners only; no water |
| W/S or SW | Either water-based or solvent cleaners |
| X | Vacuum or brush only; professional cleaning |
Watch out
Test any cleaner on a hidden area first and let it dry fully. Velvet can show a ring or a change in sheen that only appears once dry.
Routine care
- Vacuum weekly with a soft upholstery brush, along the pile, not against it.
- Brush lightly with a soft clothes brush to keep the pile even.
- Rotate and plump cushions so the pile wears evenly.
- Keep it out of direct afternoon sun, which fades all fabrics over time.
- Pet hair: a rubber glove or a lint roller lifts hair from velvet's short pile easily.
How do you get a stain out of a velvet sofa?
- Act fast: blot with a clean, dry, white cloth. Do not rub; it pushes liquid into the pile and flattens it.
- Use as little water as possible (code W or W/S only): a cloth barely dampened with water and a drop of mild detergent, blotting from the outside in.
- Blot dry, then brush the pile gently in its natural direction while it dries.
- Dry evenly: let it air-dry with a fan, not a hairdryer, to avoid water rings.
See How to Remove Stains from a Fabric Sofa for stain-by-stain advice.
How do you fix crushed velvet?
Velvet pile flattens where people sit and where cushions press. It is not damage; it is how pile behaves. To lift it, hold a steamer a few centimetres off the surface, or steam from the back on a loose cover, then brush gently in the pile's direction. Never iron the face of velvet.
Good to know
Velvet also looks lighter or darker depending on the direction you look along the pile. This is shading, not a stain. See What Is Velvet Fabric?
Choosing an easier velvet
Polyester velvets resist moisture and fading better than cotton or viscose velvets, and dense, short piles shrug off pet hair. In the JOTEX range, the YarnGuard PURIFY and REPEL velvets are about 450 gsm and rated at 40,000 Martindale rubs. See Pet-Friendly Sofa Fabric.
When to call a professional
- Code S or X fabrics.
- Large stains, red wine, ink or oil.
- Water rings or marks that have already dried.
- A whole-sofa clean every year or two.
JOTEX velvet collections
Polyester velvets in the JOTEX range, updated from the catalogue. See the velvet fabric page.
Browse velvet fabric →
Frequently asked questions
Can you use water on a velvet sofa?
Only if the cleaning code is W or W/S, and then as little as possible, blotting rather than rubbing. Code S and X velvets need solvent or professional cleaning.
How do I fix crushed velvet?
Hold a steamer just off the surface and brush the pile gently in its natural direction. Never iron the face.
How do I remove water marks from velvet?
Water rings are best handled by a professional upholstery cleaner. To prevent them, use very little water and dry the area evenly with a fan.
Is a velvet sofa hard to keep clean?
Polyester velvet is easier than it looks: it resists moisture, and its short pile has no loops to snag. Weekly vacuuming and quick blotting cover most needs.
How do I get pet hair off velvet?
Wipe with a damp rubber glove or use a lint roller; then vacuum with a soft brush.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.