How to Wash Velvet Shoes? (Comprehensive guide)

Velvet shoes tend to attract lint and dirt easily, so it’s important to wash them regularly to keep them looking like new.

But how do you wash them?

With so much information overload, it’s difficult to choose the approach that gets the work done without damaging the shoes.

In this article, you will learn how to wash velvet shoes safely step by step.

Here’s what this article covers.

Are Velvet Shoes Easy to Clean?

Velvet is a delicate fabric, so it’s important to take care when cleaning it.

If your shoes are washable, the best way to clean them is by hand.

With that said, the type of wash that you choose depends completely on the fabric type.

In most cases velvet shoes should not be deep washed in water, however, if it is made up of polyester or crushed velvet then you may consider hand wash OR machine wash.

Likewise, if your velvet shoes are made of Silk and cotton velvet then it’s highly recommended to get them dry cleaned.

So, the approach clearly depends on the types of velvet.

You can easily figure out the best method to wash your velvet shoes by looking at the care label.

Can velvet shoes be washed?

Most velvet shoes can be cleaned with a damp cloth and some mild detergent as they may not be suitable for machine wash.

But, if your shoes are washable, the best way to clean them is by hand.

In order to identify if your shoes are washable or not simply take a look at the care label.

How To Clean Velvet Shoes Correctly?

Cleaning your velvet shoes is not as overwhelming as it sounds.

In fact, they are easy to clean as they don’t require any special preparation.

You can take any one approach out of the four discussed below.

Different Methods to Clean Velvet Shoes

There are 3 ways to clean a pair of velvet shoes.

  • Spot Cleaning
  • Hand Washing
  • Machine Washing

Let’s take a look at each of the methods in detail.

Spot Cleaning using a shoe cleaner

The best way to clean your velvet shoes is to spot-clean them.

In order to clean your velvet shoes correctly, start by gently brushing the surface of the shoes with a soft brush.

If you notice a stain, use a shoe cleaner or cleaning solution specifically designed for suede or velvet fabric.

Apply the solution to a toothbrush and gently scrub the stained area.

Wipe away the solution with a damp cloth and allow the shoes to air dry.

You may also need to apply a waterproofing spray to protect the shoes from future stains.

Lastly, whenever there is a spill or stain, always spot clean them instantly.

By not spot cleaning them instantly, you allow the stain to settle.

To remove the excess moisture and stain, lightly dab the stained areas with a microfiber cloth and if this does not help, you can resort to stain removers and detergents.

Spot Cleaning Using Home-Made Solutions

To clean your velvet shoes using the following methods, brush the shoes with a velvet brush to remove any dust and lint.

If there is a stain on the shoes, mix lemon juice with water and apply it to the stain. Allow the shoes to air dry.

For more thorough cleaning, mix a cleaning solution with water, and using a clean toothbrush, scrub the shoes gently.

Rinse the shoes with clean water and allow them to air dry.

Note: It’s recommended to spot clean or brush your velvet after each time you wear your shoes so they look new.

Hand Wash crushed velvet shoes

Follow the step-by-step guide below to handwash your crushed velvet shoes.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Check the care label on your shoes to see if they are washable.

Do not hand wash or machine wash them if the care label suggests otherwise.

Step 2: Remove Dirt OR Debris

Remove any dirt or debris from the shoes with a soft brush

Step 3: Spot Clean

Next, spot clean them with a mild detergent or shoe cleaner.

To do this, apply the solution to a toothbrush and gently scrub the stained area.

Wipe off the solution with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Fill a Tub OR Basin With cold Water & Add mild Detergent

The next step is to pour enough water inside a tub or basin with lukewarm water and mix mild detergent.

Step 5: Gently scrub

Gently scrub the shoes with a soft brush.

Step 6: Rinse off the Soap

Rinse off the soap with clean water.

Step 7: Allow them to air dry

Finally, let the shoe air dry naturally. Do not put them in the sun or in front of a fan to dry.

This will damage the fabric and cause them to lose its color and softness.

Note: Once the shoes are dry, you can use a lint roller to remove lint from velvet shoes.

Machine Wash crushed velvet shoes

Machine washing is always very convenient as it not only saves your time but also eases your work.

Follow the step-by-step guide below to machine wash your crushed velvet shoes.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

The first step is to check the care label on your shoes.

Do not machine wash them if the recommendation in the care label is not to machine wash them.

Step 2: Pre-Treat the Stains

It’s always a good idea to pre-treat the stains before machine washing them.

To do this, apply a stain remover or any other solution specifically designed for stains on the areas with the stains, and then rub it gently.

Step 3: Add detergent

Now add detergent to the detergents dispenser tray.

Step 4: Put the shoes in a Mesh Bag OR Laundry Bag

Put your shoes in a mesh bag before putting them in the washing machine.

This will protect them from getting damaged by the other clothes in the wash cycle.

Step 5: Set the Machine

Next, set the machine to the delicate cycle and use cold water.

Also, make sure to select the below settings if your washer has these options.

Wash Type: Gentle/Delicate

Soil Level: Low

Spin Speed: Low

Water Temperature: Cold

Pre-Wash: Not needed as you can pre-treat them

Step 6: Run the Wash Cycle

Let the washer complete the wash cycle.

Step 7: Air Dry the Shoes

Once the wash cycle is complete, take out your velvet shoes and let them air dry.

How Often Should You Clean Velvet Shoes?

Velvet is a delicate fabric that can be easily stained.

To keep it looking at its best, you should spot clean velvet regularly.

As a best practice, you should spot clean stains as soon as they happen and brush them after.

If your velvet is starting to look dull, you can give it a deeper cleaning every few weeks.

Additionally, you may need to increase the cleaning frequency if you have pets at home.

How to Protect Velvet Shoes?

In order to make your velvet shoes look like new for a long time, you should take some preventive measures and protect them.

Here are a  few tips to keep your shoes in good condition.

Make use of the Clothing Brush

You can use a soft brush on the velvet material to gently remove the dirt or dust.

If you want to keep your clothes looking their best, it’s important to brush them regularly.

A clothing brush will help remove dirt and debris that gets accumulated from every wear, therefore, keeping your clothes looking fresh and new.

Keep Away from Water

Keep your shoes away from water as much as possible, and only wear them when you’re sure they won’t get wet.

So, avoid wearing your velvet shoes during the rainy seasons and snowy conditions.

Waterproof them

To protect your velvet shoes, you’ll want to waterproof them and keep them away from stains.

The velvet fabric is delicate, so you’ll want to be careful with your footwear. In order to waterproof your velvet shoes, you can use a waterproofing spray.

Use Protective Sprays

You can also use protectant sprays to keep your velvet shoes looking new.

There are many different types of protectant sprays available on the market, so you’ll want to choose one that’s specifically designed for velvet.

Use a Lint Roller

Lint rollers are great for removing any dirt or debris that’s clinging to your clothes.

If you own a pet, you’ll want to use a lint roller to remove any pet hair that’s clinging to your velvet shoes.

Read the Care Label

Before you wash your velvet shoes, be sure to read the care label.

The care label will provide you with specific instructions on how to wash and care for your velvet shoes. Follow the instructions on the care label to avoid damaging your shoes.

Store them in a breathable storage bag

You can protect your shoes from dust by covering them in a washable and breathable cotton storage bag.

Spot Clean shoes after every wear

Spot cleaning will help remove any dirt or stains that are accumulated on the surface.

Final Thoughts

Velvet shoes are expensive and delicate, therefore choosing the wrong washing method may ruin the shoes in long run.

It’s highly recommended to check the care label before deciding on the washing method.

Remember, not all velvet shoes are machine OR hand washable, some brands explicitly recommend dry cleaning.

Lastly, Spot clean after every use to prolong the lifespan of your velvet shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to washing velvet shoes.

Can you put velvet shoes in the washing machine?

It completely depends on the type of velvet. Some brands recommend dry cleaning, while others may be machine washable. Always check the care label before putting your velvet shoes in the wash.

How do you refresh velvet shoes?

Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist it over the velvet shoes after giving it a good shake. After that, let it air dry Naturally.

How to remove odors from velvet shoes?

To remove odors from velvet shoes, sprinkle baking soda over them and let them sit overnight. Next, brush off the baking soda in the morning and air them out.

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