Despite its thickness, velvet can be one of the trickier materials to care for. As a three-dimensional textile, the pile is more easily disrupted than other fabrics, so extra care must be taken. While storing, velvet should be kept horizontally to prevent slipping, as this can cause creases that are tricky to lift. (But a gentle steam on the reverse should do the trick). It’s also important to consider the composition of your chosen velvet before putting it to use. For example, a silk mix is more delicate, so should not be used for high-traffic areas in the home that are likely to see heavy wear and tear.
Depending on their composition, we always recommend dry cleaning velvets or spot-cleaning very small areas.
Silk:
If you're dressing a room with silk, think about the positioning. You should keep silk out of direct sunlight to prevent discolouration - as such, it’s not ideal for curtains or blinds.
You should never soak, boil, bleach or wring silk; instead, roll it in a towel and hang to dry. Even better, get it dry-cleaned.
Linen:
As fabrics go, linen is one of the easiest to look after - even more so than cotton, so it is a versatile choice that can be used anywhere in the house. It also uses fewer resources during production and, therefore a more environmentally-friendly option.
We recommend dry cleaning linens to ensure the process is as delicate as possible.
General fabric care:
- Giving your upholstery a regular, gentle hoover will remove any surface dust and dirt and prevent it from embedding itself into fabrics.
- If you have any spillages on your upholstery, it's best to blot the liquid with a folded towel. If using a stain remover, test it in an inconspicuous space first before spot cleaning.
- For cushions and sofa covers that are removable, turning them over every few weeks will make sure the fabric gets an even amount of use, and the cushion pad stays plump!
