Velvet curtains bring a soft, understated elegance that instantly deepens a room’s atmosphere. Yet that same luxurious texture is delicate, which is why proper washing and careful maintenance matter if you want them to stay beautiful over time.
Velvet Curtain Fabric: What to Know
Before you begin to clean, it's incredibly smart to understand your fabric's "personality."
One of the things that makes velvet such a unique fabric is its "pile," or that thick, fluffy layer of fibers that stands up straight. This is what makes velvet so luxurious and so shiny! The main problem with this lovely, cozy fabric is that it has a few "personality quirks" you need to be aware of:
Trouble Spots to Watch Out For
- Dust Magnets: The thick pile has an affinity with dust. Dust will inevitably cling to your curtains if you don't tidy up your home frequently.
- Hates Pressure: Velvet pile is so delicate! Pressing down heavily or bunching it up can crush it and produce terrible marks. When wet, if the velvet pile is crushed, it's much harder to repair.
- Dark Colors Need Love: If you've got a dark, luxurious velvet curtain, you've got to be extra nice to it! You wouldn't want to end up making those dark colors streak or fade!
About Liners and Fabric Composition
The awesome velvet we use now (like JOYDECO's!) is usually made from synthetic fibers, like polyester. Good news: these are way tougher and easier to clean than old-school silk or cotton velvet. You can usually wash them at home!
If you have velvet blackout curtains, remember they’re great because of that special liner in the back. That liner hates high heat and rough spinning! If you tumble dry or spin too fast, that liner can crackle or break, and then the blackout magic is gone. So, treat the liner just as gently as the velvet itself!
Tools for Velvet Curtain Cleaning
No need for fancy gadgets here. The key is just using soft tools! Having the right kit means you can be nice to that delicate pile and keep your curtains looking perfect.
Your Cleaning Crew
- Soft Brush: This is HUGE. Grab a gentle clothes brush or a soft upholstery brush. Use it to lightly brush up the nap and sweep away surface dust without flattening the fibers.
- Handheld Vacuum/Upholstery Tool: Must-have for routine dusting! Remember to always use the lowest suction setting and put the soft brush attachment on. Gently glide it across the fabric. Don't use the bare nozzle—that's a recipe for flat spots!
- Garment Steamer: Perfect for wrinkles! Steam relaxes the fibers and gets rid of creases and smells without any harsh, direct heat.
- Gentle Detergent: Find a pH-neutral liquid detergent specifically made for delicates. Seriously, never use bleach or aggressive cleaning chemicals!
- Microfiber Cloths: Use these for spot cleaning and drying. They're soft enough not to damage your lovely green velvet curtains.
How to Wash Velvet Curtains: Action Plan!
Cleaning is split into two types: simple dusting while they're hanging (routine care) and a proper full wash (deep clean).
Phase 1: Easy Routine Care (Weekly/Monthly)
This is the preventative stuff that stops you from needing a major wash later.
- Gentle Vacuuming: Use the soft brush attachment, set the vacuum to low, and move straight down the curtain, following the fiber direction. The brush should always lead the way to protect the fabric.
- Fluff the Nap: If the pile looks a little tired, use your soft brush and gently brush against the nap. This makes the fibers stand up again and restores that beautiful sheen!
- Steam Refresh: Got a few wrinkles or need to get rid of odors? Use your steamer a few inches away from the fabric. Let the steam do the work; it relaxes the fibers without getting the curtain super wet.
Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Stain Emergencies
Must-Do Before Washing
Always test your cleaning method on a hidden area (like the bottom hem) first to make sure the color is stable and the fabric holds up. This is essential for your dark velvet curtain!
Spot Cleaning Spills
If you spill something:
- Blot! Don't Rub! Grab a clean, dry microfiber cloth and immediately start blotting the spill. Press lightly to absorb the liquid. Do not rub, ever. Rubbing pushes the liquid deeper and ruins the pile!
- Dilute the Cleaner: Mix one tiny drop of mild detergent with cold water. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with this solution (don't soak it).
- Dab and Lift: Gently dab the stain, working from the outside in. The goal is to lift the mess out, not scrub it in.
- Rinse and Dry: Dab the spot with a clean, cold-water-dampened cloth to remove any soap residue. Let the area air dry completely, then gently brush the nap once it's fully dry.
To Machine Wash or Not to Wash?
Because of the fabric's nature and the sensitive liner in velvet blackout curtains, taking them to a professional dry cleaner is the safest bet, hands down. Dry cleaning chemicals are specifically designed for this delicate fabric.
If the care label says machine washing is okay (usually for 100% poly-velvet), and your curtains aren't super heavy, you can try it at home, but be incredibly careful:
- Remove Hardware: Take the curtains down and remove all the hooks, rings, and weights.
- Bag Them Up: Pop the curtains inside a big mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect them from the machine's drum.
- Washer Settings (Important!):
- Cycle: Use the most gentle setting possible, like "Hand Wash" or "Delicates."
- Water: Only use cold water! Hot water can ruin the liner of velvet blackout curtains and make dark colors fade.
- Detergent: Just a tiny bit of that mild liquid detergent is enough.
- Spin: Use the lowest possible spin speed. Fast spinning will crush the pile and set deep wrinkles.
Dry and Rehang Your Velvet Drapes
Drying Done Right
Absolutely do NOT use the dryer! Tumble drying (even on low) will permanently flatten the pile, damage the nap, and destroy any blackout or thermal lining.
- Gently Squeeze: After the wash, don't wring the curtains! Just gently squeeze out the excess water by hand. You just want the water to stop dripping.
- Hang Them ASAP: The best way to dry them is to hang them back on the rod right away. The weight of the damp fabric helps pull out wrinkles naturally and keeps the pile standing up straight.
- Keep it Airy: Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Open a window or use a fan. If you hang them outside, they must be completely out of direct sunlight! Dark color velvet curtains like green velvet curtains fade so easily in the sun.
- Pat and Smooth: While they're still a little damp, gently pat and smooth the velvet with your hands, moving downwards. Don't press hard. This helps the nap dry evenly.
Rehang and Style
Since you hung them up damp, you're almost done!
- Drape Styling: Once they're fully dry, spend a few minutes "styling" them. Arrange the folds neatly and let them hang untouched for a few hours.
- Steam Finish: If there are any stubborn wrinkles, just grab the steamer again. A gentle pass from top to bottom is the ultimate secret weapon to restoring velvet's plush, natural texture!
Keep Your Velvet Curtains Fresh: Easy Daily Maintenance
Simple, consistent care is the secret to a long life for your velvet drapes.
Focus: Say Bye-Bye to Dust
Dusting every few weeks with the soft vacuum attachment is the single most important thing you can do! Dust dulls the color and weighs down the pile. Regular dusting keeps your velvet green curtains looking bright and luxurious.
Sun Block is Key
Even with the best UV protection, direct sunlight over time will affect any fabric.
- Simple Cover: Try to block the harshest afternoon sun, or use a sheer curtain layer to filter the light.
- Liner Protection: If you have velvet blackout curtains, the liner does most of the work, but still try to avoid extreme UV exposure to keep the liner working great over time.
The Steamer Is Your Bestie
Steam beats ironing every time! If your curtains get wrinkled—say, from kids or pets—a quick blast from your steamer will instantly fluff up the pile, vanish the creases, and make them look brand new, all without the risk of crushing the fibers.
Bring Home Velvet Luxury That Lasts
Your velvet curtains are totally one of the best investments you'll make for your home—they're noise-reducing, warm, and just look so chic. Just remember our little secrets: be gentle, keep the dust vacuumed, and always hang them up to dry when they're wet. Do those few things, and you'll easily keep that luxurious look and feel!
At Joydeco, we make quality velvet curtains and custom shades that you won't be afraid to actually use (and clean!). Our "accessible good quality" promise means you get that durable, gorgeous, high-end look without paying crazy prices! Still figuring out your color? Check out our site to find the perfect curtains for your next window!
FAQs About Cleaning Velvet Curtains
Q1: Is it safe to use a lint roller on my velvet curtains?
A lint roller can pick up pet hair, but the sticky part can flatten the pile if you press too hard. A better option is a dedicated velvet brush (it works like a lint brush but uses directional fibers) or your vacuum's soft brush attachment.
Q2: How often should I deep clean my velvet curtains?
If you keep up with the dusting and spot cleaning (which is usually enough!), you only need to take them to the dry cleaner for a deep wash every 2-3 years, unless you have a major spill.
Q3: Why does the color look different where the curtains fold?
That’s not fading; it's called "nap reversal." Where the fabric folds, the pile lies the opposite way, which makes the area look lighter or darker depending on the light. Just use the steamer and a soft brush to get the pile running in one direction, and it should look normal again!
This video provides a practical look at the features of Joydeco Blackout Curtains Block Light & Noise, which can help you understand the functionality of blackout fabrics often paired with velvet.
