Once considered a luxury furniture item, velvet furniture is now commonplace in homes, from beds and chairs to cushions and throws. Velvet furniture exudes elegance and opulence and is relatively low maintenance.
Velvet fabric is made from various materials, including silk, wool, cotton, and artificial silk fibers. Each type of velvet has unique characteristics and properties, so when purchasing velvet furniture, it’s essential to understand the fiber composition, which is typically indicated on the product tag. For everyday use, especially in homes with children and pets, synthetic velvet is a more practical choice due to its ease of cleaning and superior color retention.
How to Properly Clean Velvet Furniture
For all velvet-upholstered furniture, weekly vacuuming is a must to prevent odor and discoloration. Depending on the usage, you may also use a handheld steam iron (typically used for clothing) to refresh and enhance the appearance of the velvet.
In the event of spills, immediately blot the area with a paper towel without rubbing. When your velvet furniture starts to look dull and soiled, it’s time for a deep clean.
Tools required:
– Handheld vacuum with a plastic suction nozzle
– Handheld steam iron
– Small cloth
– Dish soap
– Paper towels
– Knife or spoon
Steps to follow:
– Weekly vacuuming: Use the handheld vacuum with the plastic nozzle attachment to thoroughly vacuum your velvet furniture, such as a sofa or bed. Pay attention to crevices and gaps between different parts of the furniture.
– Remove wrinkles with the steam iron: Velvet is prone to wrinkling, and if not addressed promptly, these wrinkles can become permanent. Use the steam iron on a low-temperature setting to avoid scorching the fabric. Glide the iron gently from left to right or top to bottom, and then gently smooth the fabric with your hand in the opposite direction to release any remaining wrinkles.
– Treat stains: Blot stains immediately with a clean cloth. Keep switching to a clean section of the cloth or turn it over to ensure you’re using a dry surface. Never rub a stain vigorously, as it can damage the fabric’s surface. For stubborn stains, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and whisk until foamy. Soak a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out, and then gently blot the stained area. Allow it to air dry.
Schedule a comprehensive cleaning
Rather than spot-cleaning your velvet furniture, schedule a comprehensive cleaning session to ensure an even appearance across the entire surface.
Tips to Keep Your Velvet Furniture Looking Its Best
– Address stains immediately
– Thoroughly vacuum velvet furniture
– Use a steam iron to remove wrinkles
– Avoid direct sunlight exposure
Thuy Linh (According to Spruce)
Common Mistakes People Make When Doing Laundry
Using a washing machine has revolutionized the way we do laundry, saving both time and effort for homemakers. However, even something as simple as using a washing machine requires skill. Many people end up ruining their clothes due to basic mistakes when doing laundry. To enhance the effectiveness of washing and increase the durability of both the machine and the clothes, let’s explore some common laundry mistakes you might be making.