Trade secrets - Treating stains on velvet

Most drycleaners worry about removing stains from velvet fabrics and many will not attempt to do so. However, removing stains from cotton velvets in particular is relatively straightforward.

The first step should be to identify the fibre content either from the label or by means of a simple burn test, full details of which are available in The Guild’s stain removal manual.

Do not try to remove stains from pile fabrics containing textile fibres other than cotton.

For cotton velvets, work on the pile side. After identifying the stain (wetside/dryside), test for colour fastness, apply the appropriate reagent, and allow sufficient time for it to react with the stain.

Continue to apply reagent as required and gently pad off the stained area using white cotton fabric. This will show how the removal of the stain is progressing.

Terry towel is ideal as it is very absorbent. Do not use a spatula to apply mechanical action, but a soft brush can be used to tamp the stain gently if needed. If you are dealing with heavy stains, you may need to put an absorbent cloth underneath the fabric.

When the stain has been removed, flush out very gently with cold water, (re-clean if you have been working on the dryside using paint removers) pad off the excess moisture and dry off with the air gun.

The pile in the spotted area will show some disturbance, but this can be rectified either by brushing the pile gently while bottom steaming, or moisten the pile lightly with the steam gun, turn the garment inside out and tumble dry for 5–10 minutes.

If you haven’t treated stains on cotton velvet, practice on an old stock item first.