How to Care for Velvet Cushions

Velvet is one of the most luxurious fabrics in interior design — rich, tactile, and beautifully light-responsive. But it has a reputation for being high-maintenance that it doesn't entirely deserve. With a little know-how, velvet cushions are surprisingly easy to keep looking their best.

Understanding the Pile

Velvet's distinctive sheen comes from its pile — thousands of tiny upright fibres that catch and reflect light. When the pile is disturbed or flattened, the fabric can look dull or marked. Most velvet care is simply about protecting and restoring that pile.

Daily Care: Brush, Don't Rub

For everyday maintenance, use a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry velvet brush to gently stroke the pile back into alignment. Always brush in one direction — with the pile, not against it. This takes seconds and keeps the fabric looking fresh between deeper cleans.

Dealing with Crush Marks

Crush marks — those lighter patches where the pile has been flattened — are the most common velvet complaint. The fix is simple: hold a clothes steamer or the steam setting of an iron 10–15cm above the fabric (never touching it) and gently brush the pile back into place as the steam relaxes the fibres. This works on almost all velvet types and is remarkably effective.

If you don't have a steamer, hang the cushion cover in a steamy bathroom for 15–20 minutes and then brush.

Spot Cleaning Spills

Act quickly. Blot — never rub — any liquid spill with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing will mat the pile and spread the stain. Once you've absorbed as much liquid as possible, allow the area to dry naturally, then steam and brush to restore the pile.

For stubborn marks, use a small amount of mild upholstery cleaner diluted in water, applied with a soft cloth in gentle dabbing motions. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Washing Velvet Cushion Covers

Check the care label first — this is non-negotiable. Many velvet covers are dry clean only, particularly those with a high silk or acetate content. Cotton velvet is more forgiving and can often be machine washed on a delicate cycle at 30°C. Always wash inside out, use a gentle detergent, and reshape while damp. Never tumble dry — air dry flat or on a hanger, then steam to restore the pile.

What to Avoid

• Direct sunlight for prolonged periods — it fades the colour and weakens the fibres
• Sitting or pressing heavily on velvet cushions repeatedly in the same spot
• Rubbing stains — always blot
• Harsh chemical cleaners or bleach
• Tumble drying

Long-Term Storage

If storing velvet cushions seasonally, keep them in a breathable cotton bag away from direct light. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause mildew. Store flat or loosely stuffed to maintain their shape.

Velvet cushions are an investment worth protecting. Explore our Rockett St George Cushion collection and The Luxury Edit to find velvet pieces that will reward years of careful keeping.