These Cleaning Techniques Will Keep Your Stylish Velvet Pillows Looking Brand New

Some fabrics just scream luxury, and velvet is one of them. You can sprinkle this material throughout your home to instantly upgrade any space. Adding velvet pillows to benches, couches, and beds is one way to transform your room with stylish cushions. However, your velvet beauties are destined to collect dust, crumbs, dirt, and other debris in the line of duty. Fortunately, depending on the pillow, you can hand or machine wash the tufted fabric to clean the soft material and bring it back to life. However, when cleaning delicate fabrics like velvet, you'll want to check the care label for instructions.

If it's dry-clean only, you don't want to risk doing this job yourself and exposing the material to too much water. If the cushion is machine washable, then it can handle a gentle cycle. If not, be prepared to get your hands wet. It's okay if you've already tossed the care tag: You can send the velvet cushion to the dry cleaners and let the professionals take care of it or simply hand wash it yourself at home to be extra safe (just make sure to do a spot test to ensure hand washing is safe). You definitely don't want to throw the pillows in the washing machine and risk damage if you're not certain.

For machine-washable pillows, you can clean them on a gentle or delicate cycle. Use cool water and mild detergent to get the job done. If your cushions have removable covers, detach them from the stuffing and only wash the velvet shell. Turn the covers inside out before adding them to the drum to help protect the delicate material and any embroidered designs. You can wash the cushions with other velvet items, but don't launder them with other fabrics; this can flood your pillow with lint. Then, let the machine do its thing.

To hand-wash the pillows, you'll need a mild detergent, warm water, and a clean white cloth. Use the white cloth to avoid dye transfer, and note that paper towels aren't an approved substitute because the paper fibers can stick to the velvet. First, dissolve a small amount of mild detergent in warm water. Ensure the water is not hot, as high temperatures can shrink the velvet. Once the water is cool, dip the cloth in the solution and wring it until damp. Next, gently dab (don't rub) the damp cloth across the velvet, paying close attention to any stains. Then, rinse the pillow with cool water until the soap is washed out. You may need to repeat the soap-and-rinse process depending on how dirty the cushion is. Finally, gently press the pillow to remove excess water. Once the cushion is clean, it's time to dry.

A velvet pillow is one item you should never dry in your dryer unless you want matted velvet. You can air dry the cushions inside in a well-ventilated room or outside in indirect sunlight. Avoid clipping the cushion or covers to a clothing line; the clothes pins can claw into the pillow and leave an indent in the fabric. It's best to lay the decor flat on a white towel or standard drying rack to air dry.

Once the pillows are dry, you can use a streamer to revive strands and release any wrinkles. It will help make your velvet cushions look brand new. If you don't have a steamer, bring the pillows inside the bathroom while you take a hot bath or shower. The residual steam will refresh the velvet strands — just make sure you don't get them wet, or you'll be starting from scratch. Now, your velvet cushions will be clean, pristine, and ready to keep your home fabulous. And if you've got a full couch to worry about, check out our guide on the best ways to clear your velvet furniture.