Caring for Velvet Mary Janes: The Hummingbird Guide
By Birdies | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean, protect, and store your Birdies velvet Mary Janes, including the Hummingbird, to keep them looking luxe.
Quick answer
To keep your Birdies velvet Mary Janes like the Hummingbird looking their best, brush gently with a soft velvet brush, spot-clean stains immediately, and store them in a dust bag away from moisture.
Why velvet needs special care
Velvet's plush pile traps dust and shows wear more quickly than smooth leather or suede. The rich Cognac shade of the Hummingbird Mary Jane looks stunning, but the sumptuous velvet surface requires a lighter touch to avoid crushing the fibers.
A common mistake is using a stiff brush or rubbing aggressively, which can mat the nap permanently. Stick to a soft velvet-specific brush and always work in the direction of the pile.
When to skip cleaning and seek a pro
If your velvet Mary Janes get soaked through or develop an oil-based stain (like grease or makeup), home cleaning can spread the damage. In those cases, take them to a professional dry cleaner who handles delicate fabrics. The velvet's contrast coral-pink binding is especially prone to color bleed if treated with the wrong solvent.
Step-by-step care routine
- Brush before wearing: Use a soft velvet brush to lift the nap and remove loose dust. Brush in one direction along the pile, not back and forth. This prevents matting and keeps the velvet looking fresh. Make this a quick pre-wear habit rather than a deep clean.
- Spot-clean dry stains immediately: For dirt or water-based marks, let the stain dry completely, then gently brush with the velvet brush. If a mark remains, dab a barely damp microfiber cloth on the spot—never soak the velvet. Blot, don't rub. Rubbing while wet will crush the pile and set the stain.
- Steam to revive the pile: Hold the shoe 6–8 inches away from a garment steamer (or a kettle spout) for 2–3 seconds. Let the steam lift the fibers, then brush gently with the velvet brush. Allow to air dry completely before wearing. Never let the steam nozzle touch the velvet directly.
- Store in a dust bag in a cool, dry place: Keep your Hummingbird Mary Janes in the original dust bag or a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic bins or humid closets. Stuff the toe with acid-free tissue to help the shoe hold its shape. Do not stack other shoes on top of velvet Mary Janes.
- Rotate wear to let velvet rest: Wearing velvet flats two days in a row compresses the pile and traps moisture. Give them at least 24 hours between wears to allow the fibers to bounce back and air out. A rotation of two pairs extends the life of each.
Product spotlight
- The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Cognac Velvet: Crafted of rich Cognac shade of sumptuous velvet with contrast binding in coral pink, this Mary Jane flat features our Barefoot Ballerina technology with a flexible satin-lined sock and full arch support. The velvet and contrast binding need gentle care to preserve the color and texture, while the flexible sock means you can clean the shoe without damaging the interior structure.
The Hummingbird Mary Jane - Cognac Velvet
