1139 days ago

The Right Way to Clean Velvet

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Palmerston North

Is your velvet sofa looking less than luxe? Learn how to clean velvet furniture and keep it looking as sumptuous as the day you bought it.

Choosing velvet furniture is choosing to make a bold style statement in your space—there’s no ignoring its soft sheen, rich colour, and innate elegance. But velvet’s commanding presence also means that any discoloration or stains are that much more visible. No more hiding a dusty apartment…once the sunlight hits a velvet couch, there’s no hiding those annoying, allergy-inducing particles.

If you’ve opted for a bright, richly pigmented colour, like navy or chartreuse, we recommend avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause the fabric to fade. Consider window coverings substantial enough to protect your piece but lovely enough to catch the eye. Read on to learn how to clean velvet furniture and protect it from wear and tear and those inevitable spills.

Materials:
- Vacuum
- Absorbent cloth
- Soap and water or an upholstery cleaner
- Soft brush

Vacuum the fabric: Remember those pesky dust particles we were talking about? Well, in terms of regular maintenance, all you need to do to the item itself is give it a good dusting. We recommend regular vacuuming; a soft brush can also loosen surface dirt and brush it away.

Tackle spills the right way: If a friend does happen to spill their cocktail on your couch, White suggests blotting the area immediately with a clean, dry absorbent cloth. We then recommend mandating said friend to a different spot in your home. No one likes a party foul.

Test cleaning products: If a dried stain is staring you in the face and you just can’t help but do something about it, test any cleaning product (even basic soap and water) on a hidden spot to ensure it doesn’t ruin the fabric. Mix soap and water to create a sudsy solution. Use a soft cloth to blot the stain with the suds, then let the fabric dry completely.

Brush the fabric: Once the velvet is dry, use a soft, dry brush in the direction of the pile to restore its direction and loft. This will give the velvet that brand-new, never-been-touched look.

Turn to a professional: When in doubt, ask for help. It’s best to professionally clean the entire piece to ensure the colour remains uniform. To ensure your velvet furniture remains in optimal condition, you should have it professionally cleaned. Next up? Sit back, relax, and enjoy your good-as-new upholstery.

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6 days ago

Show us your projects

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it's craft, haberdashery, woodwork or upcycling, we'd love to see what you've been working on lately.
You may even spark someone else's creativity...

Tell us about your current project or show us a picture in the comments below...

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4 hours ago

Share your favourite lime recipe and get a free copy of our June issue

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're on the hunt for all things lime! Send your family's favourite way to use up this citrus, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by April 17, 2025. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the June issue.

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1 day ago

Poll: If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It might not be too late for you, but some people look back and wish they had taken a different career path.

If you could go back in time, would you choose something different? Let us know what you would have chosen in the comments below.

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If you could rewind time, would you choose a different career?
  • 58.6% Yes
    58.6% Complete
  • 41.4% No
    41.4% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
362 votes