The Velvet Protocol: Bruising and Water Spotting
Cotton velvet requires pile-safe care. This protocol focuses on lifting bruises without creating rings.
Bruising control
Velvet is three-dimensional. Most marks are bruises, not stains. Rubbing or water application can permanently flatten the pile.
This protocol uses blotting, hover steam, and directional grooming to restore the surface.
Asset card
Baseline material data before any intervention.
The forbidden list
These actions create permanent pile damage.
Never rub a spill
Rubbing velvet breaks the fibers and creates a permanent bald spot. You must blot.
Never apply water directly
Water flattens natural velvet instantly, leaving a ring that is often harder to remove than the stain itself.
Never fold velvet covers
Always roll them. Folding creates permanent creases.
The mechanism: "Bruising"
Velvet is three-dimensional. When you sit on it, you compress the fibers.
- A "Bruise" looks like a silvery, shiny patch.
- Resolution: You must lift the fibers back up using steam (heat/moisture) and gentle brushing.
The step-by-step protocol
- The Blot (Spills): If a spill occurs, place a dry, white cloth on top. Do not press. Let the cloth absorb the liquid through capillary action.
- The Hover Steam: To remove creases or bruises, hover a steamer 6 inches away. Let the steam penetrate the fibers.
- The "J" Stroke: Using a soft brush, brush the velvet in a J motion to lift the pile while it is warm.
- Directional Grooming: Finish by brushing the entire cushion in one uniform direction so the light reflects evenly.
Maintenance schedule
Rotate cushions weekly.
Velvet wears quickly at pressure points. Rotating cushions distributes the bruising evenly, extending the life of the sofa by years.