How to Wash and Care for Velvet Bedding

Velvet bedding can add a luxurious, elegant touch to any bedroom. The rich, plush fabric looks and feels decadent. But velvet requires special care to keep it looking its best. Follow these tips to properly wash and care for your velvet bedding.

Why Choose Velvet Bedding

Velvet bedding offers some wonderful benefits:

Luxurious look and feel – The lush, soft texture looks and feels expensive and indulgent. Velvet adds drama and elegance to a bedroom.
Stays smooth – The woven texture of velvet means it doesn’t wrinkle easily. Velvet maintains its smooth, silky appearance even after sleep.
Warmth – The dense pile of velvet traps heat. Velvet bedding is perfect for cold weather and making a bed feel cozy.
Lightweight – Despite its plush appearance, velvet is lightweight enough for comfortable sleep.
Stylish – From solid colors to floral patterns, velvet comes in many attractive styles that complement contemporary and classic decor.

Velvet bedding brings opulence and comfort to a bedroom. Handle it with care so it retains its beauty.

How to Wash Velvet Bedding

Washing velvet bedding takes a gentle touch to avoid damage. Here are some tips:

Check the Care Label

Always check the care label on your velvet bedding first. Follow the recommended washing method, water temperature, and any special instructions.
The care label supersedes any general washing guidelines for velvet. Instructions may differ depending on the fabric blend and construction.

Wash Separately

Wash velvet items separately from other laundry. The delicate fabric can snag on hardware like zippers and hooks on clothing items.
Velvet also produces a lot of lint. Washing alone prevents lint from clinging to other fabrics.

Use a Gentle Cycle

Only use the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to clean velvet. The agitation on regular cycles is too harsh and can damage the pile.
A gentle cycle cleans effectively with minimal agitation to preserve the fabric.

Cool Water

Wash velvet in cool or cold water, around 30°C or lower. Hot water can damage the fibers and cause the fabric to shrink.
Check the care label temperature guidelines. Some velvet may specify only cold water.

Mild Detergent

Use a mild liquid laundry detergent, not powder detergent. Liquid soap dissolution and rinses out cleanly.
Steer clear of detergent with strong perfumes or dyes that could cling to the velvet fibers.
Consider a gentle soap made specifically for washing delicate fabrics.

No Fabric Softener

Do not use liquid fabric softener when washing velvet. The waxy coating left behind can attract dirt and dull the lush finish.
Fabric softener sheets are okay if recommended on the care label. But natural softness is best for velvet.

Gentle Dry

Tumble dry velvet on low heat only. High heat ruins the pile and causes shrinkage.
Or allow velvet to air dry, which is gentlest. Lay flat and smooth to prevent creases.

Hand-Washing Velvet Bedding

For delicate velvet items, hand-washing allows the most control. Follow these steps:

Fill Sink/Tub with Cool Water

Hand-wash velvet bedding in a sink, bathtub, or large bucket filled with cool water. Avoid hot water.
The vessel should be large enough to allow the item to soak freely without bunching.

Add Mild Detergent

Mix in a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent, or soap formulated for delicates and silk.
Swirl gently to dissolve the soap without agitation.

Immerse and Soak

Fully immerse the velvet item in the soapy water. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes so the soap penetrates the fabric.
For stubborn stains or heavily soiled bedding, extend the soak time as needed.

Agitate Very Gently

Once soaked, move the velvet back and forth very gently in the water to clean. Do not twist, scrub, or wring.
The goal is to lift dirt without disturbing the delicate velvet pile.

Rinse Thoroughly

Drain the soapy water and fill again with clean, cool water for rinsing. Rinse 2-3 times if needed to remove all soap.
Poor rinsing leaves detergent residue that can yellow over time.

Lay Flat to Dry

Press out excess water gently. Do not wring out velvet forcefully.
Lay the item flat on a towel and reshape to original dimensions. Allow to air dry fully.

How to Dry Velvet Bedding

Proper drying keeps velvet soft and fluffy. Here are some dos and don’ts:

Do:

Dry on a low tumble dry setting if the care label allows machine drying. Use air fluff or no heat.
Reshape while still slightly damp and lay flat to dry. This prevents creases from forming.
Hang to dry over rust-proof shower rods, towel racks, or clothing racks. Use wide, padded hangers.
Dry velvet outside on a clothesline on a low humidity day. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Don’t:

Use high heat in the dryer, which damages fibers and causes shrinking.
Overload the dryer, which prevents proper tumbling. Velvet needs room to loft up.
Let velvet dry crumpled up, which crushes the pile and causes wrinkles.
Hang velvet pinned on a clothesline. The clips can snag the fabric.
Dry clean velvet bedding, unless the label specifically says dry clean only. The chemicals damage fibers.

How to Iron Velvet

Ironing velvet requires extra caution not to flatten the lovely pile texture:

Low Heat

Set the iron to the lowest heat possible, or the “silk” setting if your iron has one.
High heat crushes and shines the velvet’s surface. Start cool and increase temperature as needed in small increments.

Inside Out

Iron velvet pieces inside out. This protects the delicate raised fibers from direct contact with the iron plate.
The iron will rest on the flat backside of the fabric instead.

Light Pressure

Avoid pressing down firmly with the iron. Use very light pressure.
The velvet should “steam” and release wrinkles without flattening completely flat.

Steam Setting

Use the steam setting on your iron to help relax wrinkles.
Avoid dry ironing velvet which can crush the pile. Steam helps restore the loft.

Iron Slowly

Iron velvet slowly and carefully. Don’t move too quickly over the fabric.
Take extra time and care ironing creases, collars, cuffs and any embroidered accents.

Reshape Afterward

When finished, reshape the velvet by gently shaking and lofting the pile back up.
Hang or lay flat again to finish drying and cooling.

Stain Removal Tips for Velvet

Velvet attracts lint and pet hair easily. Follow these tips for cleaning up stains and fuzz:

Lint Roller

For surface lint, use a lint roller designed for delicate fabrics.
Work in one direction with light pressure to lift fuzz and debris off the velvet.

Fabric Shaver

A fabric shaver has small razors to gently “shave” off pilling or built up lint on fabric.
Work carefully and test in an inconspicuous spot first to avoid snagging the velvet.

Clear Soda Water or Club Soda

For dirt or makeup stains, blot the spot with clear soda water or club soda. The carbonation helps lift stains without harsh scrubbing.

Vinegar or Lemon Juice

For tough stains, make a solution of 1 part white vinegar or lemon juice and 2 parts water. Dip a cloth in the solution and dab the stain until it lifts.

Baby Wipes

For mud or dirt stains, try using unscented hypoallergenic baby wipes. Wipe gently at the stain.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use carpet stain removers or harsh stain pre-treatment sprays on velvet. The chemicals and fragrances sink into the fibers and ruin the texture.

How to Protect and Store Velvet Bedding

Use these tips to keep velvet bedding in the best shape when storing for later use:

Store Folded or Hanging

Avoid storing velvet compressed in a chest or bin. Fold or hang neatly.
Gravity and circulation help maintain the texture instead of flattening.

Cover with Cotton Sheet

Cover velvet bedding with a clean white cotton sheet when packed away to protect from dust and moths getting in the pile.

Acid-Free Tissue Paper

To fill out creases or folds for storage, use acid-free tissue paper instead of regular tissue which can discolor over time.

Empty Drawers

Store velvet bedding in dresser drawers or closet shelves that are cleaned out and empty. The velvet can catch on other items.

Cedar Chest

For storing off-season velvet bedding long term, use an airtight cedar chest. The cedar wood deters moths naturally.

Garment Bag

For drapes and upholstery velvet, store in breathable canvas garment bags with plastic window to repel dust and pests.

Control Light Exposure

Avoid storing velvet in direct sunlight which can fade colors. Indirect natural light is ideal.

With proper care, velvet bedding will retain its luxurious appearance and last for years. Treat it gently, wash infrequently, and store neatly in between uses. Enjoy the plush softness and elegant drape that only velvet can provide in a bedroom setting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Velvet Bedding

How often should you wash velvet bedding?

Velvet bedding does not need frequent washing like cotton or linen. Wash only 2-3 times per year or when visibly dirty. Frequent washing destroys the pile and shortens the lifespan. Spot clean stains when needed instead.

Can you put velvet in the washing machine?

Yes, velvet can go in the washing machine but only using the delicate cycle and cold water. Make sure to wash it separately from other items that could snag the fabric. Check care labels for specific instructions.

Should you wash velvet before first use?

It’s a good idea to wash new velvet bedding one time before first use to remove any residual dye or sizing from manufacturing. After initial wash, clean infrequently as velvet is delicate.

How do you get wrinkles out of velvet?

Lightly steam velvet with an iron on low heat to relax wrinkles. Avoid pressing down too firmly. Or, hang in the bathroom while showering to let the steam release wrinkles naturally.

How do you fix crushed velvet?

For lightly crushed areas, hold a steam iron just above the fabric or use a garment steamer. The heat and moisture will help the fibers spring back up. For severely crushed velvet, the pile may be permanently flattened.

What happens if you wash velvet too much?

Frequent washing destroys the fibers that give velvet its plush texture. Washing too often causes pilling, fading, thinning, and loss of softness. Stick to only occasional, gentle washing according to care instructions.

Can you put velvet in the dryer?

It depends. Some velvet may be dried on low heat if the label indicates. But air drying is best to play it safe. Tumble drying risks heat damage unless on a delicate setting. Lay flat or hang to maintain the luxurious pile.

How do you get dog hair off velvet?

Use a lint roller or fabric shaver specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Very lightly brush the velvet fabric in one direction to lift pet hair. Avoid sticky rollers or masking tape which can snag the velvet.

How do you clean velvet naturally?

Spot clean stains on velvet using a mixture of 2 parts water and 1 part white vinegar or lemon juice. For lint or hair, use a soft brush and vacuum hose on low suction. Let velvet air dry naturally instead of machine drying.

Can you steam velvet curtains?

Yes, you can use a handheld garment steamer to gently steam velvet curtains and upholstery. Avoid ironing drapery velvet which flattens the plush texture. Steaming helps relax wrinkles without crushing the pile.

Conclusion

With its indulgently soft texture and elegant drape, velvet instantly elevates any bedroom. Choosing velvet bedding or accent decor infuses a room with luxury. But this delicate fabric requires gentle care. Velvet can’t simply be tossed in the wash and dryer like sturdy cottons. Follow these expert tips for washing, drying, storing, and stain removal to keep velvet looking its absolute best for years to come. With proper maintenance, velvet bedding will retain its beautiful appearance and wonderful silky-soft feel.