How do I clean velvet?

To remove a red wine stain from velvet, you'll need dish soap, paper towels, access to cold water, and a vacuum cleaner (optional). Place a paper towel directly on the spilled wine, and gently dab a light sudsy solution onto the stain using a clean, white cloth. Continue blotting until the stain lifts and rinse the area with clean water. Finally, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining liquid and debris.

How can I prevent future stains on velvet?

To avoid future stains on velvet, set up a “no-red-wine-zone” in your home where eating and drinking is prohibited, add a protective layer such as a waterproof spray or fabric sealer, and be prepared with a stain removal kit.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Wine > Velvet

How to Easily Banish Red Wine Stains from Velvet

Red wine and velvet are often found in the same sentence—but not for reasons you might think! Even if you’ve taken every precaution to avoid spills and stains, red wine does have a way of making its way onto fabric.

Updated 14 Feb 2023

By Isabelle Trottier

But don't despair—with a few simple steps, you can easily remove stain and restore your velvet piece to its original beauty. Read on to learn our tips and tricks for cleaning red wine stains from velvet.

What You’ll Need

Dish soap
Paper towels
Access to cold water
Vacuum cleaner (optional)

Instructions for Removing the Stain

Act fast: the less time the wine has to soak into the fabric, the better. Place a paper towel directly on the spilled wine, and lightly press down to help absorb as much of the liquid as possible without pushing it further into the fiber.
Mix a couple of drops of dish soap with cold water to create a light sudsy solution. Gently dab the solution onto the wine stain using a clean, white cloth. Work from outside of stain toward the center to avoid spreading the discoloration.
Continue blotting until the stain begins to lift. Be sure to rinse area with clean water and blot again with a dry cloth.
To finish, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining liquid and debris.

Tips for Preventing Future Stains

Set up a “no-red-wine-zone” in your home where eating and drinking is prohibited. This can be an area rug or a certain chair that no one is allowed to sit in with a drink.
Add a protective layer. If velvet is going to be frequently around food and drinks, invest in a waterproof spray or fabric sealer.
Be prepared: if a spill does happen, have a stain-removal kit on hand so you’re ready to act immediately.

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