Velvet shoes look strikingly lovely on anyone’s feet. But what if you accidentally stain them?
You might find yourself wondering, “How to clean velvet shoes without ruining their soft texture?” Don’t worry, Cabuks has you covered!
This blog outlines how to keep velvet shoes clean, maintain their shine, and protect them from future stains.
How To Clean Velvet Shoes?
Cleaning velvet shoes isn’t as complicated as it seems. For starters, opt for dry cleaning. Use the following techniques:
Dry Cleaning for Light Dust and Dirt
Technique 1: Use a Soft Brush on your velvet shoes. Move the brush in one direction to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.
Technique 2: Blot with a Microfiber Cloth. This helps lift the dirt without pushing it deeper into the velvet.
Technique 3: If some dirt remains, use a velvet cleaning block to rub the affected area gently.
Wet Cleaning for Tough Stains
Sometimes, dry cleaning might not be enough, especially if you have tougher stains. Many people don’t believe in using water on velvet. But, according to Whirpool, one can use water for cleaning velvet shoes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your velvet shoes using a wet cleaning method:
Step 1: Prepare a Gentle Solution: Mix some cold water with a mild soap liquid. Avoid harsh chemicals with alcohol concentrate as they can damage the velvet fabric.
Step 2: Dampen a Cloth: Now dip a clean, non-abrasive cloth into soapy water. Then, wring it out so it’s damp but not soaked.
Step 3: Spot Clean Gently: Blot the stained area with the same damp cloth. Avoid rubbing the velvet, as this can worsen the stain or damage the material.
Step 4: Blot Dry: After wet cleaning, use a dry cloth to blot the wet area.
Step 5: Air Dry: Lastly, leave the shoes in a cool area and let them dry naturally. P.S. Avoid direct sunlight as it can shrink the material.
How To Keep Velvet Shoes Clean At Home Using Vinegar?
For a quick fix at home, you can use vinegar to clean your velvet shoes.
For that, you need the following materials that can be easily available at your home:
- White Vinegar
- Water
- Soft Cloth for cleaning
- soft bristle brush
Step 1: Clean the shoes on a surface level with a soft bristle or toothbrush. Simply run the brush and avoid rubbing it hard on shoes.
Step 2: Take a small bowl and mix white vinegar and water in equal parts, i.e., 1:1 ratio.
Step 3: Dip the clean cloth in the solution you made and gently clean the stained area of the shoe.
Step 4: Now, let the shoe air dry naturally, or you can use a roller and rub it on the stain in one direction. This is to absorb the moisture quickly.
How To Clean Black Velvet Shoes Vs. White Velvet Shoes?
Cleaning black velvet shoes and white velvet shoes requires slightly different techniques because of the contrast in colour and dirt visibility.
Here’s how to clean black velvet shoes:
- Brush Regularly: Keep your black velvet shoes looking fresh by regularly brushing them with a soft brush. This prevents dust and dirt from embedding into the fabric.
- Spot Clean with Vinegar: For stains, blot the area with vinegar and water solution (as mentioned above). This will help remove the stain without fading the dark color.
- Use a Lint Roller: A lint roller can be a great way to remove small particles like dust or pet hair from black velvet shoes.
Here’s how to clean white velvet shoes:
- Use a Gentle Cleaner: White velvet shoes are more prone to showing dirt. Use a mild soap solution or vinegar and water to lift stains gently.
- Avoid Harsh Scrubbing: White velvet can easily get damaged if scrubbed too hard, so be gentle and blot stains instead of rubbing.
- Baking Soda for Odors: For white velvet shoes, you can sprinkle a little baking soda inside to absorb any unpleasant odors.
Tips For Keeping Velvet Shoes Clean And Stylish
Here are some valuable tips to keep velvet shoes clean and stylish:
- Clean the spots as you notice them. Don’t wait to clean up spills or stains—address them immediately to prevent permanent damage.
- Always brush your velvet shoes after each wear to prevent dirt buildup.
- Air-dry your velvet shoes to keep them fresh and clean. You can also use a fiber cloth to blot excessive moisture, if any, from the shoes.
- Give your shoes time to breathe between wears. This will help the material retain its shape and last longer.
- Follow cleaning routines from time to time. You should invest in a fabric protector spray made for velvet. This will shield your shoes from moisture and stains.
How To Maintain Velvet Shoes To Keep Them Looking New?
To keep your shoes clean and new for all seasons, store them properly, brush them after every use, and use protectants. Velvet is sensitive to dust, so proper storage and maintenance keep them clean. Read further to know more in detail.
How To Care For Velvet Shoes To Prevent Damage?
By now, you might have understood that velvet shoes require a little more care and attention. Here are some ways to protect them from future damage:
Do Regular Brushing
Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can get caught in your shoes, taking away their shine. Regular brushing will help you clean the shoe fibers and keep them new forever. Use a soft brush to clean excessive dust or mud on shoes.
Use Shoe Protecting Spray For Cleaning
Just like your skin needs an SPF, your shoes need a protectant. Shoe manufacturers have designed protectant sprays to prevent stains. You can use it every two to three months to clean them.
Avoid Water and Moisture
Velvet shoes can become weak when they come in contact with water as it absorbs all the natural oil from the material. Water contact can lead to shrinking of shoes and water spots. Hence, try t avoid wearing them in rainy climates. If they unfortunately get wet, let them air dry naturally or use cleaning remedies as discussed above.
Store in a Cool Place
Invest in a good shoe rack with space for air to pass and store your shoes. Make sure to store them in a dry place.
How To Properly Air Dry Velvet Shoes After Cleaning?
While there are many tools to dry a shoe, natural options often work best. Air drying your shoes after cleaning them is an important step that is often overlooked. Here are some tips to air dry your shoes properly:
- Place your shoes in a cool and well-ventilated area.
- Avoid direct heat on damp shoes to dry them. This can cause wrinkles on your shoes and make them dull and shrunken.
- While drying, insert crumpled newspaper into the shoes to help them retain their shape as they dry.
How To Freshen Up And Deodorize Velvet Shoes?
Over time, shoes can start to smell. Here’s how to keep your velvet shoes fresh:
- Apply Baking Soda – Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to absorb odors. Keep it overnight, then shake out the excess.
- Use Vinegar: Wipe the inside of your shoes with vinegar and water solution to kill any lingering bacteria that cause odors.
P.S Stay away from strong sprays that can affect the texture or colour of the velvet.
How To Remove Oil Stains From Velvet Shoes Without Damaging Them?
Oil stains can be tough, but here’s a method that works without damaging your velvet shoes:
- Use a paper towel and blot up as much of the oil as possible without rubbing it in.
- Next, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a few hours.
- Take a soft toothbrush and remove the powder. Repeat if necessary.
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Velvet Shoes?
Mold and fungus usually occur when your shoes are exposed to excessive moisture and a damp environment. Molds can look ugly and spread easily on the other side of your shoes, too.
To get rid of molds, follow these four effective cleaning techniques:
- Use a Microfibre cloth and clean the affected area. Microfibre cloths are great absorbents.
- Apply Vinegar and water solution and gently wipe away the moldy spots using the cloth. If you dont have a microfibre cloth, use any other soft cloth.
- Use a cleaning solution like dishwasher soap and water in a 1:10 ratio. Dip a cloth and make it damp. Now, rub the mixture on the mold using a brush. Allow the shoe to dry, and clean it again with a dry cloth.
- Take some baking soda and lemon water and make a mixture. Now, add it to the cleaning solution. Scrub this solution on the mold and clean the stain with normal water. Now let it air dry till the stain is gone.
Can Baking Soda Be Used On Velvet Shoes?
Yes, baking soda can be very helpful in cleaning your shoes. Baking soda has anti-stain properties. It absorbs all bad odour and keeps your shoes clean and fresh.
Here’s how to clean my velvet shoes with baking soda:
- Take a generous pinch of baking soda and sprinkle it all over your velvet shoes.
- Now, let it sit for a few hours, maybe overnight,
- Then, brush off the excessive soda using a soft brush.
Important Note: Don’t overuse baking soda, as it can sometimes affect the color of darker velvet shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean Velvet Shoes
You can clean velvet shoes at home using a soft brush for dust and a vinegar-water solution for stains. Always air dry them afterward.
To remove oil stains from velvet shoes, try brushing them, use baking soda, rub alcohol or use a foam cleanser.
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