The short answer: It depends on the fiber. Polyester velvet can usually be machine-washed on gentle with cold water, while cotton, silk, or rayon velvet should be spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned. Always check the care label first — and when in doubt, test on a hidden scrap.
Know your velvet
Most modern upholstery velvets are polyester or poly-blends, which makes them far more washable than traditional silk velvet. Our furniture fabric collection lists the exact fiber content on every product page, so you always know what you are working with before you buy.
Machine-washing polyester velvet
Turn the item inside out or place it in a mesh laundry bag, wash cold on gentle with a mild detergent, and skip bleach and fabric softener. Tumble dry low or air dry, then steam lightly to refresh the pile — never press a hot iron directly onto velvet, which crushes the fibers permanently.
Spot-cleaning delicate velvets
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth — never rub, which grinds stains deeper. For cotton or rayon velvet, a professional upholstery cleaner is the safest choice for anything beyond light dusting with a soft brush.
Want the full routine? Read our complete velvet care guide. And if you are shopping for your next project, velvet upholstery fabric starts at just $27.99 per yard.
