HOW TO CLEAN VELVET, CRUSHED VELVET & POLYESTER VELVET

Certain fabrics need extra care when it comes to washing and drying, and velvet is one of them. Velvet is a common fabric found in clothes, shoes, curtains, bags and upholstery. Pure velvet is delicate and can become damaged if it’s washed improperly. Crushed and polyester velvet is less delicate, however, there are still some precautions you should take while washing them.

Use the guide below to learn how to wash pure, crushed and polyester velvets to help keep your garments looking their best.

Person selecting a cycle on a Maytag® dryer

IS VELVET HARD TO CLEAN?

Pure velvet is made from woven silk, which is notoriously challenging to clean–though not impossible. Crushed and polyester velvet is made from a blend of synthetic fibers and silk, and is easier to clean than the pure variety.

The challenge of cleaning velvet also varies depending on the spots and stains you’re trying to get out. Water, paint and grass stains all have varying levels of difficulty in their removal from velvet, but with the right tools and cleaning technique, you may be able to get the job done.

Clothes inside a white Maytag® top load washer

CAN YOU WASH VELVET IN THE WASHING MACHINE?

It is recommended that you hand wash or dry-clean pure velvet to avoid any damage to the fabric. Crushed and polyester velvet may be machine-washed depending on the instructions listed on the laundry care label.

Person taking laundry out of a Maytag® front load washer

HOW TO WASH VELVET IN THE WASHING MACHINE

Most crushed or polyester velvet tops, pants, couch cushion covers, pillowcases and duvets can be washed in the washing machine, as long as you take some slight precautions. Always consult the laundry care label before placing any items in your washing machine to avoid damaging the fabric.

SUPPLIES

Gentle detergent
Mesh garment bag (optional)

TOOLS

Washing machine, like the Maytag^® Front Load Washer with Extra Power

STEP 1: CHECK THE CARE INSTRUCTIONS AND PREP FOR WASH

Before you spot treat any stains or place items in the washing machine, consult the symbols on the laundry care label for specific cleaning instructions. Button any buttons, zip any zippers and empty any pockets of loose items. Spot treat any stains and remove excess lint.

STEP 2: CHOOSE A DETERGENT MEANT FOR DELICATE FABRICS

When washing polyester or crushed velvets, it’s important to choose a mild detergent as the fabric is very delicate. Place your velvet items in a garment bag before adding them to your washing machine with other delicate laundry items and add detergent to the detergent dispenser following package instructions. Avoid using fabric softener or too much detergent as any residue left on velvet can impact its texture.

Swash^® detergent can help care for delicate items as it is formulated with zero phosphates.¹

STEP 3: USE A GENTLE OR DELICATE CYCLE

Close the washer door and select your wash cycle. Crushed and polyester velvets should typically be washed with cool or cold water on a gentle or delicate wash cycle. Check the item’s care label, select the water temperature and cycle setting on your washing machine and press start.

Person placing laundry in a laundry basket

CAN YOU PUT VELVET IN THE DRYER?

Whether or not you can machine dry velvet depends on the type of velvet it is and the instructions on the item’s laundry label. For example, some velvet items can be placed in a tumble dry cycle on low heat. Generally, air drying on low or no heat is the recommended method for drying velvet.