How to Clean Velvet Shoes

There's a timeless, vintage romance to velvet shoes. This soft and delicate fabric can be a stain magnet, though, so treat your velvet footwear carefully and remove spots quickly to prevent them from setting.

Gently wipe your velvet shoes with a dry cloth to remove surface dust and dirt on an as-needed basis. Alternately, use a soft shoe brush, moving it carefully over the shoes in one direction so as not to damage the fabric.

Wash stained velvet shoes with mild dish detergent mixed with water. Using a soft toothbrush, scoop up a small amount of suds and apply them to the stain, keeping the shoes as dry as possible. Gently scrub the mark with the toothbrush and let the mixture sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. If any stain remains, repeat the process.

To protect velvet shoes from stains, Iona Davies, shoe designer for the shoe label Beyond Skin, recommends spraying them with protective upholstery cleaner, which makes spots easier to remove. For truly stubborn marks, take the shoes to a professional cleaner, who may be able to treat them with industrial products.