How to Care for Velvet
From the office to the after-party—and straight into the wash. Laundry tips for keeping your velvet looking great, this holiday season and beyond.
Few things say luxury like velvet. The fabric of royalty, red carpets and holiday parties, velvet is beloved for its luster, rich color and plush feel. Traditionally, it was woven from fine silk and required special care to protect the delicate nap. These days, however, most velvet is made from a mix of synthetic fibers or cotton (velveteen) and can be safely washed at home.
It may come as a surprise, but velvet is easy to care for and surprisingly versatile. So go ahead, wear that velvet dress. All it takes is a little bit of know-how to keep it in great condition, ready for another big night out.
1. KNOW YOUR FABRIC
Velvet made from cotton or synthetic fibers is generally safe to wash at home (though it’s always a good idea to check the care label and fabric composition first).
Some exceptions: Garments that are embellished or include facing or lining must be professionally cleaned. So take that velvet suit straight to the dry cleaner.
2. TREAT STAINS
Stains happen. Don’t panic, but do act quickly—fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones, so the faster you treat that ketchup splatter, the more successful you’ll be.
3. BANISH ODORS
When your favorite velvet blouse is smelling less than fresh (think sweat, campfire smoke or mildew), the solution is sitting right in your pantry: distilled white vinegar.
Fill a basin with cold water and one cup of white vinegar. Soak for an hour, then wash as usual (don’t worry, any lingering vinegar smell will evaporate when dry).
4. WASH COLD
Most velvet can be safely hand washed. Fill a basin with cold water and add a few drops of natural soap. Submerge garment and gently swish, then let it soak for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
An even easier alternative: Shop our washable velvet, designed to go straight into the washing machine. It doesn’t get any simpler.
5. AIR DRY
Gently squeeze any excess water and hang indoors to dry (velvet is sensitive to color fading).
6. REFRESH BETWEEN WEARS
Before you wash, ask yourself—is it really necessary? Washing your clothes degrades fibers over time, so the longer you wait between washes, the longer your velvet will last.
Here are three ways to revive your clothes between wears:
Steam
A handheld steamer will remove wrinkles, restore crushed pile and help kill odor-causing bacteria. Never use an iron, which can permanently damage the nap.
Brush
Gently clean with a soft bristled clothes brush to lift the pile and remove dirt, lint and pet hair.
Spritz
Lightly mist with a fabric-safe spray to remove odors and refresh.
7. STORE OFF SEASON
We recommend hanging velvet clothes on padded hangers, as folding can cause the fabric to permanently crease over time. Cover with a breathable cotton dust bag before storing.
If you must store flat, try rolling up garments and placing them in canvas bags. Never store your clothing in plastic bins, which can trap moisture and cause mildew to grow.
