The Right Way to Clean Velvet
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.
Turn downsizing stress into strength
Downsizing can open the door to a new stage of your life that is rich in opportunity. However, it can be a daunting prospect. If you are embarking on a new chapter of life, the thought of shedding familiar possessions can feel even more stressful. This can be true even if the life changes are a good thing, such as a move to somewhere you will love to live.
Once you understand why you have this feeling, you can reframe it as creating a new environment that will support your present life while reminding you of your best experiences.
Click read more for the full article.
Minimalist Design in Apartment Living
Ryman’s Charles Upham Retirement Village resident Di is a former fashion designer, artist and self-confessed shoe hoarder who travels, still paints and has stamped her eclectic minimalist style on her apartment.
She gives us her top 3 design tips on how she’s turned her space into a beautiful home.
Hi, what's your name?
We want to get to know our neighbours and we think you do too!
Simply share a little about yourself on the Know Thy Neighbour page and others will follow suit (you could also win one of our 10 x $50 Prezzy® cards!).
Are you the go-to person for baking advice (and a cup of sugar!) or have some computer skills that you're happy to share? We'd love to know.
Whether you're looking for others to join you on your walks, or just wanting to know more about your neighbours, go ahead and introduce yourself.
Loading…
