Velvet shoes are having a major moment right now. The plush, luxurious fabric adds texture and sophistication to any outfit. But velvet also requires special care – it’s delicate and can easily become stained, crushed, or matted. Don’t panic if your velvet kicks get dirty – there are techniques you can use to clean velvet shoes and restore their plushness.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn simple methods for keeping your velvet footwear looking pristine. We cover how to prevent stains and damage, how to clean velvet shoes by hand or machine wash, using steam, and more. With these velvet cleaning tips, you can keep your shoes stylish and plush for seasons to come.
An Introduction to Caring for Velvet Shoes
Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s helpful to understand what makes velvet unique. Velvet consists of tightly-woven short fibers that give it that signature soft, plush feel. However, the delicate fibres are easily disturbed. When crushed or matted, they lose that lush texture. Velvet also shows every spot, scuff and stain. So while velvet offers elegance, it requires gentle care and cleaning to maintain its beauty.
Follow these basic guidelines for protecting your velvet shoes:
- Avoid moisture and liquid spills which can leave permanent stains
- Don’t wear in rain, snow or damp conditions
- Store with shoe trees to prevent crushing
- Use a shoe bag when traveling
- Act quickly on stains to prevent setting
- Test cleaning methods on inconspicuous area first
- Allow to fully dry after cleaning to prevent mildew
It’s also smart to treat velvet shoes with a protective spray, which forms an invisible barrier against dirt and moisture.
10 Simple Ways to Clean Velvet Shoes
From mild scuffs to food spills, it’s inevitable your velvet shoes will need freshening up now and then. Here are 10 easy, effective methods for cleaning velvet footwear at home.
Soft Velvet Cleaning Methods
When velvet shoes just need a light refresh, there are a few simple cleaning techniques to try before pulling out the heavy machinery:
Gentle Hand-Brushing
For surface dirt or debris, use a soft brush to gently whisk it away. A clean toothbrush is perfect for this task. Simply use light, quick strokes in the direction of the nap. This lifts dust without disturbing the pile.
Steaming
Wrinkles and crushed spots are velvet’s worst enemies. Luckily, steaming is an easy fix. Hold a steaming iron just above the affected area without making direct contact, allowing the steam to relax the fibres. The heat reactivates the pile, smoothing out dents. For deeper creases, hover longer. Just be cautious not to press the iron directly on the velvet.
Fabric Shaver
Over time, velvet can become worn and the pile flattened. Rejuvenate the plush texture with a fabric shaver. This handy tool gently “shaves” away pilled fibres without damaging the material underneath. Run it over areas that look matted for renewed softness.
Wet Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Stains
When velvet gets soiled, you’ll need to break out the wet cleaning techniques. But avoid soaking the shoes – concentrated stain removal is key. Here are the best methods for tackling messes:
Dish Soap & Water
For basic dirt or food/drink stains, a little dish soap and cold water can do the trick. Dribble a few drops of mild liquid dish soap like Dawn directly on the stain. Using a sponge or soft cloth, gently blot the spot. As the stain lifts, rinse with a damp cloth and dab dry.
Vinegar Rinse
Vinegar is a natural stain remover for all kinds of fabrics. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply to stained velvet. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. Then dab (don’t rub) the stain with a sponge or cloth. Rinse with a vinegar-dampened cloth and let fully dry.
Bleach Pen
For tough organic stains like food, mud or blood, a bleach pen lets you target the spot without harming the surrounding fabric. Test first on an inconspicuous area since bleach can discolor some velvet. Gently dab and blot the stain, then rinse.
Alcohol Wipes
Alcohol can lift stains like ink, grease or makeup. Use disinfectant wipes or swabs dampened with rubbing alcohol to gently dab the spot until it fades. Avoid rubbing, which can damage the velvet.
Baking Soda Paste
For scuffs and ground-in dirt, baking soda works like an abrasive cleaner. Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Gently rub it onto the soiled area using a toothbrush or soft cloth. Let sit 5 minutes before wiping away residue and rinsing.
How to Machine Wash Velvet Shoes
If velvet shoes are very dirty or stained, a gentle cycle in the washing machine may be needed. Take these precautions:
- Turn the shoes inside out first to protect the velvet exterior in the wash.
- Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag, which prevents damage.
- Wash on delicate cycle in cold water with a mild detergent.
- You can add white vinegar to the rinse which helps lift stains.
- Allow shoes to fully air dry after washing to prevent mildew.
- Use shoe trees to help retain the shape as they dry.
- Be prepared for some pile loss with machine washing. The mechanical action can flatten the nap.
Stubborn stains may require pre-treating before washing. Spot clean heavily soiled areas according to the techniques above. For seriously damaged velvet that looks beyond hope, professional dry cleaning is also an option.
Easy Home Cleaning Recipes for Velvet Shoes
You can also mix up homemade cleaners that are highly effective on velvet stains:
Gentle Velvet Detergent
In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups warm water, 1/2 tsp mild laundry or dish soap, and 1 tbsp white vinegar. Shake gently to blend. Spritz over stains, allow to sit 5 minutes, then dab away residue and rinse. The soap in the solution helps lift dirt while the vinegar tackles stains.
Diy Velvet Cleaner
Make an all-purpose vinegar-alcohol cleaner by combining 1 cup warm water, 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Mist stained velvet shoes and blot stains gently with a soft cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth.
Baking Soda Carpet Cleaner
This recipe mimics rug cleaner for ground-in dirt on shoes. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with enough warm water to form a creamy paste. Spread over soiled areas and let sit 5 minutes before wiping clean. The baking soda scrubs away grime.
Protecting Velvet Shoes From Future Stains and Damage
An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to velvet shoes. Follow these pro tips to maintain your velvet shoes against stains and damage:
- Spray with protector – Treat new velvet shoes with a fabric protector spray, which creates an invisible barrier against moisture and dirt.
- Weatherproof – Avoid wearing velvet footwear in the rain or snow. But if caught in a storm, spray shoes with a waterproofer to prevent staining.
- Stuff with tissues – Place tissue paper inside velvet shoes when storing to absorb moisture and maintain the shape.
- Use shoe trees – Insert shoe trees after each wear to prevent sagging and creasing of the velvet fabric.
- Keep covered – Store velvet shoes in breathable dust bags. A pillowcase also works. This prevents crushing and keeps dust off.
- Spot clean after use – Treat any spills, scuffs or dirt right away so they don’t have time to set. A quick wipe with a damp cloth prevents stains.
- Rotate shoes – Don’t wear the same velvet pair two days in a row. Rotate so they have time to fully dry out between wears, preventing mildew.
With a little TLC, your velvet shoes will maintain their luxurious look and plush texture for many seasons of chic style. Follow these cleaning tips and tricks, and you can confidently wear velvet without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Velvet Shoes
Does water ruin velvet?
Water itself won’t ruin velvet shoes instantly. However, you want to avoid getting velvet wet because it can leave permanent water stains. If velvet does get wet, blot immediately with an absorbent cloth to soak up moisture before it has time to set in and stain.
Can you put velvet shoes in the washing machine?
It’s best to stay away from the washing machine for velvet shoes if possible, but you can machine wash in a pinch. Turn them inside out, use cold water delicate cycle, and air dry completely. The agitation can damage the delicate velvet fibers so only wash if really dirty.
How do you get wrinkles out of velvet shoes?
Velvet is prone to crushing and wrinkling. For light creases, use the steam from an iron hovered above the fabric (don’t press down). For deeper wrinkles, try steaming while gently stretching and smoothing the velvet. If that fails, you may need to wet the fabric and reshaping while drying.
How can you restore the crushed pile on velvet shoes?
If the plush pile on your velvet shoes gets flattened, a fabric shaver is your best bet for renewing the texture. This handy tool gently shaves away the matted surface fibers revealing the plush ones underneath. Focus on heavily crushed or worn areas.
How do you clean scuff marks off velvet?
For surface scuffs, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to gently whisk away the debris. For deeper marks, try rubbing gently with a pencil eraser. Avoid heavy scrubbing which can damage the fibers. If needed, apply a little dish soap and dab gently with a damp cloth or sponge.
What’s the best way to prevent stains on velvet shoes?
Treating with a fabric protector spray before wearing will help repel moisture and dirt. Avoid wearing in wet conditions. Immediately blot any spills or wipe dirt with a damp cloth. Store with shoe trees and tissue inside to prevent sagging and soak up moisture.
How can you make velvet shoes water resistant?
Look for waterproofing sprays made specifically for use on velvet and suede. Apply a light, even coating to create an invisible barrier that will bead up moisture. Reapply after a few wears for ongoing protection.
What is the best material for cleaning velvet?
For wiping stains, use a soft cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth, which won’t catch on the velvet nap. Sponges can also be used to gently dab and lift dirt. Avoid abrasive materials like paper towels or terrycloth which can pull the delicate fibers.
Conclusion
Velvet shoes instantly elevate any outfit with their opulent texture. But keeping the plush fabric pristine requires diligence. Stains, creases and flattened nap can quickly ruin velvet’s luxurious look. Protect your investment by mastering proper storage methods along with the specialized techniques for cleaning velvet shoes.
Follow these dos and don’ts: do treat stains immediately, do use steam and fabric shavers to revive pile, and do protect against dirt and moisture. And just as important – don’t get velvet wet, don’t rub harshly at stains, and don’t wear in harsh weather conditions.
With the proper care, your velvet shoes will maintain their beauty and softness for many years of stylish wear. So break out those luxurious velvet heels and loafers, and walk with confidence knowing these tips will keep them in flawless condition. Your feet will thank you!
