How To Clean Velvet Clothing
Velvet clothing in today’s time period is usually made from synthetic and natural fibers, but it was originally made from silk. Pure silk velvet is rare today, as it tends to be extremely expensive. Synthetic velvet is made from polyester, nylon, viscose, or rayon fabrics.
No matter what the fiber content is, velvet or velveteen fabrics need special care due to their texture and finish. Let’s take a closer look at how to efficient clean and care for your velvet clothing.
How To Properly Care For Velvet Clothes
When your velvet garment becomes stained or needs to undergo a cleaning due to body oils or sweat, you will receive the best results by using a professional dry cleaner.
Dry cleaning protects the velvet fabric as well as the interior of the garment. You can freshen up a velvet garment at home by using steam. Steam will help remove unwanted odors as well as unwanted creases that come from sitting while wearing your velvet garment. Always steam on the wrong side of the fabric only. Overall, never allow your velvet garment to become too wet.
Removing Odors
When removing unwanted odors from your clothing such as cigarette smoke or cooking odors, it is best to hang up your garment over a bathtub filled with hot water. A steamy bathroom will allow the unwanted odors on your velvet clothing to eventually disappear. Allow the steam to penetrate the fabric for at least ten to fifteen minutes and then allow the velvet garment to air dry at room temperature. Using a padded hanger prevents shoulder marks from being left on your garment. Read our latest blog post titled “The Best Hangers For Your Clothes” to learn more about choosing the perfect hanger for your clothing.
Removing Stains
When a spill or stain occurs on your velvet clothing, use a dull-edged knife or the edge of a credit card to lift away any solids. Then, use a plain white cloth to gently blot any any liquid residue. Do not rub or attempt to clean the stains. Instead, heading to your local dry cleaners will allow your velvet garments to receive the best results and cleaning method.
Velvet Dress
Velvet Stain Removal
How To Iron Velvet Clothing
Technically, you shouldn’t iron your velvet clothes. Steaming is the best option! Ironing tends to crush the pile of extra fibers on your velvet clothing and leaves a permanent imprint.
Needle boards are the best way to achieve professional-looking flat seams in your velvet clothing. To use, lay your velvet garment nap-side down on the stainless steel needles. This way, the toothy the velvet sinks into the needles and allows the iron to contact the backing fabric without flattening the nap. A velvet or needle board has metal needles mounted in a canvas backing perpendicular to the surface. Always hold a steam iron at least 1/2 inch above the fabric and allow the steam to penetrate the fabric.
Needle Board
How To Steam Velvet Clothing
Steaming velvet clothing removes all wrinkles. First, hang your velvet garments from a shower rod and move the steamer up and down the garment. Do this approximately 1/2 inch from the garment. Don’t hold the steamer too close to the garment or remain in one spot for a long period of time or you will end up damaging the material.
After steaming, give the fibers a light brushing with a soft bristled clothes brush to lift the pile and remove any lint on the garment. However, if your velvet clothing piece is still wrinkled, it’s best advised to bring it to your local dry cleaners.
Steamer
How To Store Velvet Clothing
Velvet clothing must always be hung up and never folded. Folding your velvet clothing will leave creases that are difficult to remove. However, if you still choose to fold your velvet clothing, pad the folds with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases. Then, use a sturdy, padded hanger to prevent shoulder marks on your garment.
To protect velvet from acquiring unwanted dust and dirt, cover the shoulders of the garment with easy-to-wash cotton fabric such as a bed sheet or a pillowcase. For long-term storage, always use a breathable, washable fabric storage bag. Never use plastic bags when storing your velvet clothing. Plastic can trap moisture that can damage fibers and cause mildew growth. Store all velvet clothing in a cool, dry area that does not have huge temperature swings.
Have questions in regards to how to properly clean and care for your velvet clothing? Contact Avon today!
Fabric Storage Bags
