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Velvet Shoes Maintenance Tips
Preserving your look
There’s no doubt about it, velvet shoes offer the ultimate air of elegance and sophistication, adding a touch of luxury to any outfit. The plush texture and rich colour of velvet make it a popular choice for formal occasions and a great option to style-up any look. However, velvet requires special care to maintain its look and prevent damage. What are the essential maintenance tips you need to know to keep your velvet shoes looking luxurious and ensure they withstand the test of time?
1. Brushing
Regular brushing of your velvet shoes will keep the velvet fibres looking fresh and vibrant. Velvet fabrics require a soft-bristled brush, or a velvet brush specifically designed for this purpose to avoid catching and damaging the fabrics with strong brush bristles. Gently brush the surface of the shoes in one direction to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. Be cautious not to scrub, as it can damage the delicate velvet pile. Brushing will help restore the plush texture and maintain the shoes' original appeal.
2. Avoid Moisture and Water
Velvet is highly susceptible to water damage, which can cause the fabric to lose its shape and develop water spots. Protect your velvet shoes from moisture by avoiding wearing them in rainy or wet conditions. If they do get damp, allow them to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources such as radiators. It’s easy to panic when on the go but avoid using a hairdryer or exposing them to direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric and make it difficult to repair.To help minimise impact, we’d recommend using a Protector spray designed for velvet (here at Penelope Chilvers we use Woly in our stores.) We’d recommend topping up your treatment every couple of months to maintain a good level of coverage.
3. Plump them up!
Velvet is a delicate fabric so it can easily be flattened. When handling your velvet shoes, be gentle and avoid excessive pressure or squeezing as this could lead to marks or distort the shape of the shoes. If you do find that your velvet shoes become flat or the pile has been rubbed against the grain, we recommend holding the shoe over the steam from a kettle before brushing the shoe. This little trick helps to re-align the fibres in your velvet shoe, leaving them as luxurious as ever!
4. Stain Removal:
Accidents happen! You don’t want to spend your time worrying that you’ll damage your new and loved velvet shoes so knowing how to remove stains will help to maintain your velvet shoes and put your mind at rest if any accidents were to happen. For liquid spills, blot the affected area with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel if this is easiest to hand. As with all materials, avoid rubbing, as this may push the liquid deeper into the velvet fabric.Bad spill? If a stain persists, simply consult a professional cleaner with experience in handling velvet fabrics and they will be able to help you to avoid discolouring the area. Think of your velvet shoes as you would a dry-clean only outfit. Enjoy your shoes and style, and when the time comes to clean them just ensure you’re using the right tools for the job to make sure your velvet shoes maintain their style.
5. Take care to store them carefully.
Velvet shoes like to be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid damp and sun bleaching. If you can, avoid stacking or compressing them with other shoes, as it can flatten the velvet pile. We have found that a helpful time to maintain the shape of your velvet shoes is to stuff the shoes with acid-free tissue paper or shoe trees. This helps to prevent creasing and ensure the shoes retain their shape, giving you the perfect look – time and again!
All good things need a little care! With these few simple tips, your velvet shoes will retain their luxurious quality and remain a standout feature in your wardrobe for years to come. Remember to handle them with care, regularly brush to restore the plush texture, avoid moisture, and water, and store them carefully when not in use. By following these velvet maintenance tips, you can ensure your velvet shoes stay as stunning as the day you got them and are ready when you need them to add a touch of elegance to any ensemble!
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