How to Clean Velvet: The Best Way to Wash and Maintain Velvet

Velvet is one of the most elegant fabrics you can wear or own—but it’s also one of the most delicate. Its soft, plush texture gives any outfit a touch of sophistication, from a black velvet wide leg pants ensemble to a flowing velvet slip dress. However, that same lush surface requires careful cleaning to keep its rich look intact. The short answer? You can clean velvet at home in certain cases, but some pieces, like silk or high-end garments, should be dry cleaned. The key is knowing what type of velvet you have and treating it with care.

Burgundy Velvet Long Sleeve V-Neck Midi Dress

Understanding Velvet Before Cleaning

Velvet is a woven fabric with a dense pile of short fibers that create its soft, glossy texture. Unlike flat fabrics, its surface can crush or mark easily if not handled correctly. Traditional velvet is made from silk, while modern versions include cotton, viscose, and polyester blends. Mulberry silk velvet, for example, is one of the most luxurious and fragile types, prized for its incredible sheen and softness but best left to professional cleaners.

The cleaning method you use depends on the type of velvet:

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Velvet at Home

If your garment’s care label allows hand washing, here’s how to do it safely without damaging the pile:

1. Fill a basin with cool water. Add a small amount of mild detergent formulated for delicates.

2. Submerge gently. Place your velvet item in the water and move it softly. Avoid rubbing or wringing.

3. Rinse thoroughly. Drain the basin and refill with cool water to rinse out any soap.

4. Press out water carefully. Lay the fabric flat on a towel and gently press (never twist).

5. Air dry flat. Let it dry naturally away from sunlight or heat. Hanging can stretch the fibers.

6. Steam to restore pile. Once dry, use a handheld steamer to lift the nap and smooth any crushed areas.

Cleaning Specific Velvet Garments

Velvet Coats and Jackets

For structured pieces like a velvet coat, black velvet jacket, or silk velvet jacket, dry cleaning is usually best. The inner lining and interfacing make them difficult to wash at home. Between professional cleanings, you can freshen them by hanging in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes or using a steamer to revive the pile. Always brush with a soft velvet brush afterward to maintain its smoothness.

Velvet Pants and Skirts

Velvet trousers, such as black velvet wide leg pants, can be lightly spot-cleaned between washes. For oil-free stains, blot gently with a damp cloth; for oily marks, sprinkle a little cornstarch and let it sit before brushing off and steaming. If your pants are made from cotton or polyester velvet, hand washing is safe—just reshape while damp to maintain the fit.

Velvet Dresses

Velvet dresses come in many forms—flowing, fitted, or modern cuts like the velvet slip dress, black velvet dress long sleeve, or velvet midi dress. Most are safe for dry cleaning, but you can hand wash synthetic or stretch velvet versions. Avoid folding your white velvet dress for long periods; hang it on padded hangers to prevent creases and flattening.

Velvet Tops and Cardigans

Soft layers like a red velvet top, velvet cardigan, or red velvet vest can be cared for gently at home. Wash in cool water using a small amount of silk-safe detergent, and never twist or wring. Lay flat to dry, then brush the surface lightly with a velvet brush.

100% Silk Velvet Long Sleeve Ruffle Hem Blouse

How to Remove Stains from Velvet

Velvet can show marks easily, so acting quickly is essential.

• Liquid stains: Blot immediately using a clean, absorbent towel—don’t rub. Once dry, steam lightly to lift the pile.

• Oil stains: Sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area, let sit for 30 minutes, then brush off gently.

• Dust or lint: Use a velvet brush or a garment steamer to remove debris without crushing fibers.

• Wine or food stains: These should be handled by a professional to prevent permanent marks.

Reviving Crushed or Flattened Velvet

If your velvet item looks dull or crushed, don’t panic—steam and patience can usually restore it.

1. Hang the garment on a sturdy hanger.

2. Hold a steamer about an inch away and let the steam relax the fibers.

3. Use your fingers or a soft brush to lift the pile in the same direction.
   Avoid ironing directly on velvet; heat and pressure can permanently flatten the nap.

Storing Velvet the Right Way

To preserve your velvet pieces, proper storage is crucial.

• Hang structured items like jackets or coats on wide, padded hangers.

• Fold soft pieces like dresses, cardigans, or tops with tissue paper to prevent creases.

• Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture; use breathable cotton garment covers instead.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as light can fade vibrant shades like red or blue.

Mandarin Collar Silk Velvet Jacket

When to Seek Professional Cleaning

Delicate garments made from mulberry silk velvet, lined velvet coats, or heavily embellished velvet dresses should always be dry cleaned. Professional cleaners use gentle solvents that preserve the texture and sheen of the pile.
If your velvet item has embroidery, beads, or lace detailing, it’s safer not to hand wash, as friction and moisture can damage both the fabric and embellishments.

Maintaining Velvet Between Wears

Velvet benefits from a little maintenance between cleanings.

• Brush regularly: Use a soft garment brush to remove lint and restore sheen.

• Steam occasionally: This keeps the pile lifted and the surface looking fresh.

• Rotate your wardrobe: Avoid wearing the same velvet pieces repeatedly to prevent crushing.

• Protect when traveling: Roll velvet garments instead of folding to reduce creases.

Styling Clean Velvet for Every Occasion

Freshly cleaned velvet adds instant refinement to any outfit. Try pairing black velvet wide leg pants with a silk blouse and heels for evening dinners, or layer a red velvet top under a tailored blazer for a festive office look. A velvet coat or silk velvet jacket pairs beautifully with crisp trousers or flowing skirts, while a velvet cardigan brings a soft, cozy touch to casual winter outfits. For holiday events, the black velvet dress long sleeve or white velvet dress exudes effortless elegance with minimal effort.

Loose Fit Wide Leg Silk Lined Velvet Pants

Final Thoughts

Cleaning velvet might seem intimidating, but with the right approach, you can keep it looking rich and flawless for years. Always identify the type of velvet before washing, use gentle detergents, and let the fabric air dry naturally. Steaming is your best friend for reviving crushed areas and maintaining the signature plush texture. Whether you’re caring for a velvet slip dress, velvet cardigan, or red velvet vest, a little care ensures your velvet pieces remain luxurious, soft, and ready to wear season after season.